Abstract: A switch (10, 200) is provided for installation in the air conditioning (A/C) system (12) in a vehicle (16) for intermittently operating the clutch (20) in the A/C system (12) each time the control (44) in the A/C system (12) provides power to operate the clutch (20) to prevent slugging. This turns the compressor (14) a few turns each time the clutch (20) is energized during intermittent operation to purge liquid refrigerant and lubricant from the compressor (14) to prevent slugging. The switch (10, 200) can be installed in existing vehicles by connecting the switch (10, 200) in the wiring harness (18) of the A/C system (12) to the power lead (38) from the control (44) to the clutch (20) and between the ground lead (40) from the clutch (20) and a ground. The switch (10, 200) can include a microcontroller (52) for controlling the operation of a power transistor (70) to intermittently ground the clutch to provide the intermittent operation.

Abstract: A side window assembly for a vehicle comprising a cabin, a chassis window frame rail, and a body with a door integral therewith and aligned with the chassis rail axis, comprising a window frame fitted within an opening between a front post of the door and an internal edge of the cabin independently of an internal fender panel and of a fender of the cabin, and a glazing, secured to the window frame to fill the opening.

Abstract: A window regulator comprises a carrier plate, a drive unit, a raising cable, a lowering cable, and a guide rail. The carrier plate is attached to a lower part on a first edge part side of the windowglass. The drive unit is capable of raising and lowering the windowglass via the carrier plate. The drive unit and the carrier plate are coupled by the raising cable and the lowering cable. The guide rail mates with the carrier plate so as to guide the carrier plate and constrain the operation of the windowglass to directions that intersect movement directions of the carrier plate.

Abstract: An accessory is provided that attaches to an existing zippered golf cart. The accessory includes strips that zip-attach to the mating components of an existing zipper. The strips of the accessory include mating magnets that release upon outward pressure so that a door panel can be easily opened, yet the magnets magnetically automatically reattach when the door panel is released. This makes it exceptionally easy to ingress and egress the golf cart.

Abstract: A restricting device includes: a movable member that is capable of changing a posture with respect to a support member; and a buffer member that is fixed to the movable member, comes into contact with the support member in accordance with a posture change of the movable member, and restricts the posture of the movable member, wherein in the movable member, a mounting recess portion, an outlet port, a slip-off preventing piece, and a fitting piece are formed, and the buffer member has a fixing portion, an elastic portion, and a connecting portion, and in the elastic portion, a fitting recess portion is fitted is formed.

Abstract: A deflector device includes: a deflector (20) that includes a deflector body (21) extending in a width direction of a vehicle and arm portions (22) respectively connected to both end portions of the deflector body, and protrudes upward from a roof (10) as the deflector is turned in one direction, and is stored below the roof as the deflector is turned in the other direction; a biasing member (40) biasing the deflector in a turning direction where the deflector protrudes upward; and a stopper member (30) which is connected to the deflector such that the stopper member can be turned around the axial line extending in the width direction of a vehicle, and which maintains the position of the deflector, and whose fallen position is maintained by a housing (14) provided in a front edge portion of opening (11) in a state where the deflector is stored below the roof.

Abstract: A sealing member 30 includes a hollow seal portion 32. The hollow seal portion 32 has a slit 34. The hollow seal portion 32 has an engagement protrusion 44 engaged with an engagement hole 23 of a retainer 20, and a contact portion 45 coming in contact with the retainer 20 from outside in a lateral direction of a vehicle.

Abstract: A first ring section and a second ring section made of resin are integrally formed in both ends in the direction of a center axis of a rod section. A plurality of first ribs, intermediate ribs, and second ribs are provided in an outer circumferential surface of the second ring section so as to project in the direction intersecting at right angles to a center axis of the second ring section. The first ribs and the intermediate ribs, and the second ribs each are integrally connected on either side in the left and right direction to vertical ribs that are formed long in the direction of the center axis. Projecting heights of the vertical ribs and the second ribs are varied along inclined straight lines.

Abstract: Controllable hydraulic vibration-damping support comprising a rigid block, a bell-shaped elastomer body becoming wider from the block to an annular strength member, a working chamber, a compensation chamber, a constricted passageway connecting the working chamber to the compensation chamber, and an auxiliary chamber separated from the working chamber by a decoupling valve controlled by a control device. The auxiliary chamber, the decoupling valve and the control device are in the block.

Abstract: A powertrain may include a plurality of shafts disposed in parallel with a transmission input shaft of a first shifting mechanism which receives power from an engine, and transmitting power from a motor to a driving shaft while a vehicle is driven; and a second shifting mechanism including a plurality of gears fitted on the shafts, in which one of the gears remains engaged and rotated as a driven gear by a constant synchronizer while the vehicle is driven.

Abstract: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles where a multiport power-packet-switching converter provides fully bidirectional power transfer among any of an engine motor, a drive motor, a vehicle battery and/or supercapacitor, and a connection to grid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing and sealing a fuel pump in a fuel tank are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for installing and sealing a fuel pump in a fuel tank may include (1) a fuel tank with an opening in a surface thereof; and (2) a fuel pump hanger assembly, the fuel pump hanger assembly comprising; (a) a plurality of assembly screws; (b) a plurality of clamping lugs configured to thread onto the plurality of assembly screws and engage an inside surface of the fuel tank; (c) a top plate further comprising; (i) a bearing surface configured to engage an external fuel tank surface; (ii) a plurality of through holes proximate the perimeter of the top plate and perpendicular to the bearing surface; (iii) a plurality of bosses, each of the plurality of bosses adjacent to each through hole, configured to guide and position the each clamping lug; and (d) a gasket positioned between the top plate and the fuel tank.

Abstract: A fuel tank according to technology disclosed herein includes: a fuel tank main body that is made from resin, that stores fuel internally, and that is formed with a protruding attachment pin at a tank inner side; an in-built component installed inside the fuel tank main body; a fixed attachment portion that is provided at the in-built component, and that is fixed to the fuel tank main body; and a movable attachment portion that is provided at the in-built component, that is formed with a connecting portion formed with an attachment hole into which the attachment pin is inserted and anchored, and that is formed with a deformable portion having an end portion in the attachment hole abutting or facing the attachment pin, wherein the deformable portion is capable of expanding and contracting along an expansion and contraction direction of the fuel tank main body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid/vapor separator (1) for a fuel tank for motor vehicles, comprising a housing (2) having a droplet collecting space (9) for fuel in vapor form. The housing (2) is provided with a connection cross section (4) which, in the installed position, opens into a space surrounded by a filler pipe of the motor vehicle. The liquid/vapor separator (1) comprises at least one first connection (6) for a refueling vent line of the fuel tank, said connection opening into the droplet collecting space (9), a second connection for a service vent line of the fuel tank, and a third connection (8) for a vent line leading to a fuel vapor filter.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a tank of a vehicle and a method of creating a vacuum are disclosed. A valve body defines a cavity and an outlet in fluid communication with the cavity for venting the tank. The assembly includes a seat disposed in the cavity of the valve body. The seat separates the cavity into first and second cavity portions. The seat defines an aperture to provide fluid communication between the first and second cavity portions. The assembly includes a cover device disposed between the seat and the outlet. The cover device defines at least one hole therethrough. The cover device is movable between a rest position engaging the seat to minimize fluid communication between the aperture and the hole and an actuated position spaced from the seat to increase fluid communication between the aperture and the hole when a vacuum is created in the first cavity portion.

Abstract: A fuel tank includes a plurality of extending members that extend from an inside surface of a fuel tank main body, a connecting member that is arranged between the plurality of extending members and connects each of these extending members together, and a flexible portion formed on the connecting member.

Abstract: A turbojet engine including an intermediate casing including radial arms and a driveshaft for a gearbox for auxiliary machines of the turbojet engine, the driveshaft mounted in a radial arm, the radial arm including an intermediate bearing supporting the driveshaft, the intermediate bearing including plural rolling bearings supporting the driveshaft, the driveshaft including a first shaft element connected at one end to a mechanism providing mechanical transmission to an engine shaft of the turbojet engine, and a second shaft element connected at one end to a mechanism providing mechanical transmission to the box. The first shaft element and the second shaft element are linked by a connection including plural splines. A single plane transversely passes through the plural splines and the plural rolling bearings.

Abstract: A support member includes a base projection. A cover includes a press-fitting portion and a cover projection. The press-fitting portion is press-fitted to a press-fitting hole of the support member. The cover projection is placed at a location, which is spaced from the base projection in a state where the press-fitting portion is press-fitted. At time of disassembling between the support member and the cover by sliding the cover in a releasing direction, the base projection and the cover projection contact with each other to form a disassembly indication mark, which indicates the disassembling between the cover and the support member, on at least one of the base projection and the cover projection.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel pump configured to deliver fuel to an internal combustion engine. The vehicle also includes an accelerometer configured to detect acceleration of a vehicle component. A plurality of sensors are provided about the vehicle for detecting conditions that would indicate aggressive driving. At least one controller is provided and is in communication with the fuel pump, the accelerometer, and the sensors. The at least one controller is programmed to adjust a fuel pump shutoff threshold to an adjusted shutoff threshold in response to one or more conditions indicating aggressive driving. The at least one controller then shuts off the fuel pump in response to the acceleration exceeding the adjusted shutoff threshold.

Abstract: A system may comprise a load sensor; a camera; and an electronic control module. The load sensor may configured to detect a load placed on a vehicle that is to travel along a path. The camera may be associated with the vehicle and may be configured to capture an image of the load placed on the vehicle. The electronic control module may configured to receive, from the load sensor, information indicating that the load has been placed on the vehicle, cause the camera to capture the image of the load based on receiving the information indicating that the load has been placed on the vehicle, determine whether the height of the load exceeds a height of a trolley line included in the path, and provide, for display by a display of the vehicle, information indicating whether the height of the load exceeds the height of the trolley line.

Abstract: A rotary actuator with an operating knob which is rotatable about a rotational axis is included in an operating device of a motor vehicle. The rotary actuator generates an actuating signal during rotation of the operating knob, and the operating knob is translationally deflectable transversely with respect to the rotational axis to alternately operate two control modules using the same operating device. A coupling device couples the operating device to a first control module and to a second control module. The coupling device is configured to output the actuating signal exclusively to the first control module in a first switching position and to output the actuating signal exclusively to the second control module in a second switching position and to switch from the first switching position to the second switching position during translational deflection of the operating knob in a predetermined deflection direction.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a fuel cell, a power storage device, a first voltage adjusting device, a second voltage adjusting device, and a controller. The controller is to control the first voltage adjusting device and the second voltage adjusting device. The controller is to switch the second voltage adjusting device from a direct coupling state to a voltage adjusting state in a case where a first absolute value of a first difference between a secondary voltage of the second voltage adjusting device applied across a load and a fuel cell voltage is less than a predetermined allowable voltage value or in a case where a second absolute value of a second difference between a fuel cell current being to flow from the fuel cell into the first voltage adjusting device and a target current value of the fuel cell current exceeds a predetermined allowable current value.

Abstract: There is provided an air-conditioning apparatus including an auxiliary power supply that, when a voltage from an overhead line extending over sections powered by different power sources is stepped down with a transformer, converts the voltage into a low-voltage DC voltage and that, when a voltage from the overhead line is a DC voltage, is directly fed with the voltage and converts it into the low-voltage DC voltage that is the same as the converted DC voltage, and further including an inverter device that converts the DC voltage from the auxiliary power supply into an AC voltage and that supplies the AC voltage to a drive unit of a refrigeration cycle apparatus.

Abstract: A road bearing for inductive coupling to an electrical connection device of an electric vehicle includes a series of primary induction coils, a bearing surface element, and a plurality of deformation features in the bearing surface element. The series of primary induction coils are interconnected to a source of electrical power and disposed in a substantially linear array below a roadway surface and within a roadway structure, and are aligned generally parallel to an alignment of the roadway. The bearing surface element is disposed above the primary induction coils, and has an upper surface that is substantially flush with the roadway surface, has a surface flatness in the range of ±1 ?m per 30 mm, and a magnetic permeability in the range of 0.9 to 2. The plurality of deformation features include depressions in the upper surface of the bearing surface element, and are configured to provide friction to vehicle wheels.

Abstract: Feed system provided with feed means located inside a lyophilization chamber and able at least to supply electric energy to a slider, autonomously mobile at least inside the lyophilization chamber, and to the possible other internal components which need the energy present in or associated to the slider. The feed means are positioned along the travel of the slider and cooperate with energy receiver means associated to the slider, being static at least during the loading and unloading steps of at least a loading plane.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a chassis configured to move back and forth along multiple rails. The apparatus also includes electrical contacts configured to form electrical connections to the rails. The apparatus further includes a power converter/conditioner configured to receive power from the rails via the electrical contacts and to convert the power into a different form and/or condition the power. In addition, the apparatus includes one or more sensors configured to measure at least one characteristic of a material, where the one or more sensors are configured to operate using the power from the power converter/conditioner. The electrical contacts could touch the rails and receive the power directly from the rails. The electrical contacts could also touch rail contacts and receive the power indirectly from the rails via the rail contacts.

Abstract: A vehicular electronic control device activated according to an on-state signal from a main switch and a wake-up signal from an external device includes: a microcomputer; a voltage generating circuit for the microcomputer; a start circuit that generates the operation voltage with the voltage generating circuit when the on-state signal or the wake-up signal input; a printed wiring board; and a transmission wiring pattern that transmits the on-state signal. A first region of the board mounts the microcomputer and the voltage generating circuit, which activate the vehicular electronic control device when the main switch turns on. A second region of the board mounts the start circuit, which activates the vehicular electronic control device according to the wake-up signal. The transmission wiring pattern extends from the first region to reach the second region.

Abstract: An inverter control method for a hybrid vehicle includes: monitoring a torque command and a motor speed of the vehicle in real-time; determining whether the motor speed is less than a first speed; determining whether an absolute value of the torque command is less than a first torque when the motor speed is less than the first speed; changing a switching frequency to a predetermined frequency when the absolute value of the torque command is less than the first torque; and controlling an inverter operation by generating a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal with the switching frequency changed to the predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising: an extended range battery system for an electric bicycle comprising a first battery system and a second battery system, and wherein direct current biasing is utilized between the first battery system and the second battery system to extend the range of the extended range battery system.

Abstract: A method for operating a charging device of an electrical energy store for a motor vehicle, wherein a dedicated rectifier device for generating a charging voltage for the electrical energy store is associated with each phase of an AC power supply, includes determining for each rectifier device a usage variable descriptive of its prior usage for charging the electrical energy store; when performing a multi-phase charging operation with the charging device, using for each phase a corresponding rectifier device for generating the charging voltage for the electrical energy store; and when performing a single-phase charging operation with the charging device, using the hitherto most underused rectifier device for generating the charging voltage for the electrical energy store based on the usage variable.

Abstract: A charge and discharge system for a vehicle includes an electric vehicle having a battery and an inverter, a charge and discharge device having a first relay and a second relay, and a commercial power source. An interlock mechanism is applied to the first relay and the second relay, and the interlock mechanism prevents one of the first relay or the second relay being closed when a remaining one of the first relay or the second relay is in a closed state. The first relay includes two first electric contacts that are normally open and are connected between a branch point and the commercial power source, and the second relay includes two second electric contacts that are normally closed and are connected to the branch point.

Abstract: Provided are a wireless charging system and methodology including a charging station, an application, and a server configured and operating to facilitate wireless vehicle charging. The charging station includes a charging unit for transferring power, a control unit, and a communication unit. The application is accessible through a mobile device and capable of communicating with the charging station. The server is capable of communicating with the charging station and the mobile device.

Abstract: A wireless power transmission apparatus includes a plurality of transmission (TX) resonators configured to resonate with at least one reception (RX) resonator, and wirelessly transmit power to the at least one RX resonator; and a frequency controller configured to control the input frequency so that power is stably supplied to the at least one RX resonator.

Abstract: An apparatus for pre-conditioning a vehicle comprises a battery in the vehicle configured to store and supply electric power; a wireless power receiver configured to wirelessly receive electric power from an external power supply device; a power controller configured to transfer the electric power received at the wireless power receiver to the battery and to control charging and discharging of the battery; and a pre-conditioner connected to the battery and configured to pre-condition a device which needs to be operated before the vehicle is operated by using off-board energy of the battery.

Abstract: A wireless power supply system includes a power transmission device having a power transmission coil and a power receiving device having a power receiving coil. The power transmission coil transmits electric power to the power receiving coil via a wireless connection, so as to supply the electric power to a battery installed in the power receiving device. The power transmission device controls electric power supplied to the power transmission coil according to a transmission power command value. The power receiving device calculates a power transmission efficiency based on the electric power supplied to the electrical load and the transmission power command value and stops supplying the electric power when the power transmission efficiency falls to a threshold efficiency or less. The power transmission device regulates the output power when a current flowing through the power transmission coil exceeds a threshold current.

Abstract: An on-board charger for an eco-friendly vehicle includes a timer-type control pilot (CP) detection circuit, which is connected to electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) using a connector, that: i) detects a CP signal transmitted from the EVSE as an input signal via the connector, ii) outputs the CP signal as a direct current (DC) signal recognized as DC, and iii) allows an on-board charger (OBC) control circuit to control a charge to be maintained in a turned-on state by the DC signal.

Abstract: A network includes vehicle(s) having a battery pack and vehicle telematics unit (VTU), and a server. A server in communication with the VTUs and remote client device(s) is programmed to receive vehicle information from the VTU, including an energy throughput value defined by charging power delivered to the battery pack during an active charging event. The server receives utility information and a load adjustment request from the remote client device, including a power interrupt permission status describing whether interruption of power by a host of the client device is permitted. Charging control signals are transmitted in response to the load adjustment request to enable or postpone the charging event. Energy throughput is recorded over multiple active charging events, which are then combined or aggregated. Output data, e.g., a bill or report describing the aggregated energy throughput values, may be generated by the server. A method and server are also disclosed.

Abstract: A discharging apparatus for an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle are provided. The discharging apparatus comprises: an AC charging interface; a charging connection device, configured to transmit an AC output from the AC charging interface to another electric vehicle; an instrument, configured to send a discharging preparation instruction; a controller, configured to detect whether the charging connection device is connected with the AC charging interface, and if yes, to emit a PWM wave and to switch to an external discharging mode; a battery manager, configured to control an external discharging circuit in a high-voltage distribution box of the electric vehicle to be connected after the controller switches to the external discharging mode; a power battery, configured to provide a DC via the external discharging circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine, a traction battery to power the electric machine, and a starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery. The vehicle also includes a galvanically isolated DC-DC converter connecting the batteries and having a bus capacitance in parallel therewith. The vehicle further includes a contactor to electrically connect the traction battery in parallel with the bus capacitance, and a controller. The controller, in response to a command to close the contactor, activates switches of the DC-DC converter to drive energy from the SLI battery to the bus capacitance before closing the contactor.

Abstract: An electric vehicle comprises an electric motor for driving a wheel; a main battery for activating the electric motor; a case to which a sub-battery for activating the electric motor is detachably mounted; a connection terminal to which a terminal of the sub-battery is connected; a mounting detecting sensor for detecting that the connection terminal is connected to the terminal of the sub-battery; and a controller which detects the SOCs of the batteries and is configured such that electric power is supplied preferentially from the mounted sub-battery to the electric motor, when the SOC of the sub-battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and electric power is supplied from the main battery to the electric motor, when the SOC of the sub-battery is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for controlling an output voltage of a direct current (DC) converter for a vehicle including a driving motor. The apparatus of controlling an output voltage of a DC converter for a vehicle including a driving motor includes a data detector that is configured to detect data for adjusting the output voltage of the DC converter and a controller that is configured to adjust the output voltage of the DC converter based on the detected data.

Abstract: A controller may include input channels configured to receive charge acceptance values of an auxiliary battery and an SOC of a traction battery. The controller may also include output channels configured to provide threshold signals to set a voltage threshold of an auxiliary bus coupled with the auxiliary battery and deriving power from the traction battery. The controller may include control logic configured to generate the threshold signals such that during a next charging event, a voltage of the auxiliary battery achieves a desulfation value. The controller logic may generate the threshold signals in response to the acceptance falling below a predetermined sulfation value and the SOC being above an SOC threshold.

Abstract: A system for cooling a vehicle including a power conversion component, a motor, a radiator, an electronic water pump, and a cooling unit cooling the power conversion component includes: an air conditioning unit configured to interlock with the cooling unit to perform air conditioning of the vehicle; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of air in the air conditioning unit; a cooling water temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of cooling water flowing in the cooling unit; and a cooling control controller configured to calculate a targeted air flow rate and a targeted cooling water flow rate to control the cooling of the cooling unit.

Abstract: A vehicle power device includes a front battery module, a rear battery module, a battery case, and a cooling circuit. The cooling circuit includes a cooling pump, a front battery module cooler, a rear battery module cooler, and cooling internal piping. The battery case houses the front and rear battery modules and the cooling internal piping. Coolant from the cooling pump flows to outside of the battery case via the cooling internal piping. The cooling internal piping includes a branched section and a flow path. The branched section is provided between the front battery module and the rear battery module to branch the flow of the coolant to the front battery module cooler and to the rear battery module cooler. The flow path has one end connected to the branched section and another end passing through to outside of the battery case.

Abstract: A vehicle driven by an electric motor, includes: an accelerator operation amount detection unit that detects an accelerator operation amount; a speed detection unit that detects a vehicle speed; and a control unit configured to calculate a required torque of the electric motor on a basis of the accelerator operation amount and the vehicle speed, calculate a torque increase rate, which is a required rate at which an effective torque for driving the electric motor is increased, on a basis of the required torque, and control the electric motor on a basis of the calculated torque increase rate. The control unit is configured to control the electric motor to operate at a predetermined torque increase rate until the effective torque reaches a predetermined threshold torque, and to reduce the torque increase rate below the predetermined torque increase rate after the effective torque reaches the predetermined threshold torque.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a conductor bar operable to form a portion of a track. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of carriers. Each of the plurality of carriers comprises a collector shoe operable to engage the conductor bar to enable each of the plurality of carriers to advance along the track. The apparatus further comprises a motor power control device configured to deliver power to the collector shoes associated with each of the plurality of carriers to drive the plurality of carriers along the track.

Abstract: Described are base frame assemblies (10) for a passenger seat including a main frame (12) with a seat support structure (16) and a lateral support structure (18), wherein the lateral support structure (18) includes two seat fittings (28), and the seat support structure includes one seat fitting (30), and a secondary frame (14) pivotally coupled to the main frame (16), wherein the secondary frame (14) includes one seat fitting (50). A passenger seat (20) and a surrounding monument (26) are mounted to the base frame assembly (10).

Abstract: A system for reclining a vehicle seat is provided. The system comprises a plurality of seat bracket spacers adapted to be secured between a seat mounting bracket and a vehicle floor. A plurality of leg spacers is adapted to be secured between a seat leg and the vehicle floor. The seat bracket spacers create a fixed seat recline while the leg spacers accommodate a gap between respective seat legs and the vehicle floor caused by the fixed seat recline. Each of the seat bracket spacers has a thickness which allows for the maximum amount of seat recline without any modification to factory brackets, legs, or mounting bolts. Additionally, the fixed seat recline does not impact operation of factory safety restraining devices; nor does it impact the ability of the vehicle seat to fold forward.

Abstract: A wedge clutch comprising an axis of rotation, a hub having a first radially outwardly facing surface sloping radially inward in a first axial direction, an outer race located radially outward of the hub and including, a first radially inwardly facing surface, and, a circumferential groove in the first radially inwardly facing surface, and, a first plurality of wedge plates radially disposed between the hub and outer race, each wedge plate in the first plurality of wedge plates including, a respective second radially inwardly facing surface directly engaged with the first radially outwardly facing surface, and, a respective second radially outwardly facing surface, wherein said each wedge plate has a different respective first radial dimension between the respective second radially inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided including at least first and second movable seat elements relatively to each other and at least one actuator ensuring a relative movement between both elements. The actuator includes a sensor for measuring a piece of representative information of the position of a first seat element relatively to a second seat element. The sensor includes an inclinometer secured to the first seat element. The piece of representative information of the position of the first seat element is an inclination of the first seat element.