Abstract: A structure for opening and closing a fuel door may include the main body e rotatably coupled to the vehicle body, and having a binding portion formed on a surface of the main body, a housing formed in a pipe shape and mounted on the vehicle body, and having a plurality of openings at a side of the housing, a pop-up rod having a fastening portion formed at an upper end of the pop-up rod and engaged with the binding portion, a first spring mounted to allow the pop-up rod to move upward toward the main body, and a locking rod which has a first end inserted into a fixing groove formed at a side of the pop-up rod when the locking rod moves forward, to restrict a sliding movement of the pop-up rod, in which the locking rod may be formed in a dual fork shape.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle is provided comprising a chassis, four wheels and a passenger compartment that includes a passenger seating structure. The vehicle additionally comprises a drivetrain operatively connected to at least one of the wheels comprising at least one drive shaft and at least one torque transfer device. Furthermore the vehicle includes a prime mover that is mounted to the chassis forward of the seating structure and operatively connected to the drivetrain. The prime mover is structured and operable to provide motive force to at least one of the wheels. In various instances the prime mover is mounted to the chassis such that it has a longitudinal orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Additionally, in various instances wherein the torque transfer device is a transmission, the transmission is mounted such that it has a longitudinal orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A differential apparatus includes a differential mechanism, a differential case that accommodates the differential mechanism, and a clutch mechanism that transmits a driving force between the differential case and the differential mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a slide member movable inside the differential case in an axial direction and an actuator. The slide member has a first meshable portion at one end in the axial direction, is allowed move relative to the differential mechanism in the axial direction, and is prevented from rotating relative to the differential mechanism. The differential case includes a first case member and a second case member that are united to form the differential case. The first case member integrally includes a second meshable portion and a flange portion that the ring gear is fastened to.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle drive system for use with a first prime mover and a transmission driven by the first prime mover. The system includes a second prime mover coupled to a rechargeable energy source, a split shaft PTO, and an accessory coupled to the split shaft PTO. The split shaft PTO is configured to couple to the second prime mover, and the accessory is configured to receive power from the second prime mover through the split shaft PTO.

Abstract: A safe driving management system comprises: a sleep data measurement device; a sleep shortage determination device; and a user identification information input device, wherein the sleep shortage determination device has a sleep shortage determination unit configured to compare sleep data of a case where a driver's sleep is sufficient and acquired data within predetermined duration containing identical data to the sleep data measured within the predetermined duration in the past from when the driver boards a vehicle to start driving, and to determine that the driver is in sleep shortage, when a difference between the sleep data and the acquired data within the predetermined duration is equal or greater than a predetermined difference.

Abstract: An information playback system in a vehicle having a processor designed to generate a video or control signal and provide this signal to a display device so that the video or control signal causes a playback of at least two different contents in two adjoining subsurfaces of a display surface in a display device. The processor generates the video or control signal so that a boundary between the two subsurfaces can be shifted based on a selection detected by the display unit, or based on an approach detected by a display unit, or based on a predefined movement detected by an input device, resulting in modification of the ratio of the surface portions of the two subsurfaces on the display surface of the display device.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining, by a system comprising a processor, a driver profile according to a driver identity for a driver of a vehicle, selecting a driver-specific enforcement scenario for the vehicle according to the driver profile and traffic enforcement information that is associated with a vehicle location, and presenting an in-vehicle alert to convey the driver-specific enforcement scenario to the driver. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An OR circuit 61 of a relay drive unit 60 provides an ON output when at least one of a drive signal output from a battery ECU 52 and a latch signal output from an HVECU 70 is ON signal, while providing an OFF output when both the drive signal and the latch signal are OFF signals. The HVECU 70 switches off the latch signal when the engine operates, while switching on the latch signal when the engine is at stop. When no abnormality of communication with the HVECU 70 is detected and a specified time duration has not elapsed since detection of the abnormality of communication with the HVECU 70, the battery ECU 52 switches on the drive signal. When the specified time duration has elapsed since detection of the abnormality of communication with the HVECU 70, the battery ECU 52 switches off the drive signal.

Abstract: A system for improved ABS performance during parallel regenerative braking of a vehicle includes an ABS system adapted to transmit an ABS active signal; a drive shaft position sensor adapted to transmit a drive shaft position sensor signal; and a regenerative braking system adapted to inhibit parallel regenerative braking in a primary mode using the ABS signal and in a default mode using the drive shaft position sensor signal.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus of an eco-friendly vehicle is provided. The power supply apparatus includes a battery that is configured to supply electric power for driving a vehicle and an inverter that is configured to drive a motor of the vehicle. A power converter is configured to correct a power factor of AC power applied from exterior, or to supply power of the battery to the inverter. A DC converter is configured to convert a power output from the power converter to a charging power for charging the battery. A first relay is configured to turn a power transmission between the battery and the power converter on/off and a second relay is configured to turn the power transmission between the battery and the power converter on/off.

Abstract: A battery charging control system for a vehicle includes: a high voltage battery supplying power to a driver of the vehicle; an auxiliary battery supplying power to an electric load of the vehicle; a first voltage converter connecting between the high voltage battery and the auxiliary battery; a second voltage converter connecting between the high voltage battery and the electric load; a switch having one side connected to a circuit line between the first voltage converter and the auxiliary battery and the other side connected to a circuit line between the second voltage converter and the electric load; and a controller controlling a turn on/off of the first voltage converter and the second voltage converter and a turn on/off of the switch depending on whether the first voltage converter and the second voltage converter is broken and the auxiliary battery needs to be charged.

Abstract: Provided is a power converting apparatus of an electric vehicle which reduces the number of power semiconductor components to efficiently perform charging, driving, and V2G (vehicle to grid) modes in accordance with choice by a user. The device includes a charging unit which charges commercial power into a battery; an inverting unit which supplies battery power to drive a motor; a switching unit which is connected to the motor, the charging unit, and the inverting unit to be turned on/off in accordance with a switching control signal in accordance with an operation mode selection; and a controller which provides the switching control signal to the switching unit in accordance with a mode selection signal to perform the selected mode operation.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a high voltage battery, a charger and an ECU. When electric power from an external power supply is equal to or less than first predetermined electric power and first power feeding control to feed electric power to a low voltage system power line is performed, the ECU is configured to control the charger to: continue the drive of the charger when a first predetermined time has not elapsed from a start of the first power feeding control or when charged electric power of the high voltage battery is greater than second predetermined electric power that is smaller than the first predetermined electric power after the first predetermined time has elapsed; and stop the drive of the charger when the charged electric power of the high voltage battery is equal to or less than the second predetermined electric power after the first predetermined time has elapsed.

Abstract: A power control apparatus 10 to supply power, which can be packet transmitted/received, having predetermined identification information in a header part, to a plurality power consumption apparatuses 70 from outside includes (a) an identification information separation apparatus 20 for receiving the identification information and separating it, (b) a power reception propriety determination apparatus 30 for determining whether to receive the power based on the separated identification information, and (c) a power supply control apparatus 40 for controlling the power supply to the power consumption apparatus 70 connected to a power control apparatus based on the separated identification information.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a level of a control pilot signal includes: a switch controller configured to output a switch control signal using a control pilot input signal, which was outputted from an electric vehicle supply equipment; and a sample and hold logic unit configured to sample and hold the control pilot input signal, based on the outputted switch control signal, in order to output a control pilot output signal.

Abstract: A non-contact power supply control unit supplies power in a non-contact manner from a power transmission coil to a power reception coil to charge a battery of a vehicle. A contact power supply unit is electrically connected via a cable to a connection terminal of the vehicle to supply power to its battery. A controller controls the non-contact power supply control unit and the contact power supply unit. When the battery of a first vehicle is being charged by one non-contact power supply system of the non-contact power supply control unit and the contact power supply system of the contact power supply unit, and there is a request from a second vehicle for a power supply by another power supply system, the power supply by one power supply system is continued and the power supply by the other power supply system is put on standby.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station that is installed in a residence is coupled with a main circuit breaker in an electrical service panel. The charging station includes a charging point connection that couples an electric vehicle to a set of service drop power lines that provide electricity from a power grid to the residence; a current control device coupled to control the amount of electric current that can be drawn from the set of service drop power lines by an the electric vehicle through the charging point connection; a receiver to receive energy readings from one or more current monitors that indicate an amount of current is being drawn from the set of service drop power lines; and a set of control modules to cause the current control device to control the amount of current that can be drawn by the electric vehicle through the charging point connection based on the received energy readings to avoid tripping the main circuit breaker.

Abstract: A device for transmitting data between a data transmission device of a vehicle and a data transmission device of a communications network, as part of a charging process of an electrical energy store of the vehicle, is disclosed. The vehicle data transmission device is based on a first communications protocol with a first signal level, while the communications network data transmission device is based on a second communications protocol with a second signal level. The device includes a signal-matching device having at least one first coupling transformer, which couples a data transmission device of a charging station to the data transmission devices of the vehicle and of the communications network via respective coils. The signal-matching device is configured to match the first signal level to the second signal level and vice versa.

Abstract: A system and method for management of an energy storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The energy storage system may comprise a battery system for a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or hybrid-electric vehicle. Vehicles may be in a group of fleet. The management system may be configured to use data and information available from data sources over a network or by instrumentation/sensors for vehicle systems. Data and information could be used in a system to manage the configuration and operation of the energy storage system and components, manage/control inventory and use/life-cycle of components, and/or aggregated/analyzed in analytics function for systems and components. Predictive control of the battery system may be implemented through a management system using data sources external to the vehicle. Inventive concepts and features of the systems and methods are indicated in the specification and FIGURES.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the supply of power from an energy storage system to a DC bus of a vehicle propulsion system is disclosed herein. The control system includes a controller programmed to monitor real-time operating parameters of a plurality of energy storage units of the energy storage system, access degradation models for the plurality of energy storage units, and optimize usage of the plurality of energy storage units during real-time operation of the vehicle propulsion system based on the degradation models.

Abstract: A battery monitoring apparatus that monitors a state of a battery for driving an electric motor includes: a voltage measuring unit configured to measure an analog voltage of each of battery cells; an A/D converter configured to convert the measured analog voltage of each of the battery cells to a digital voltage; a filter configured to perform filtering on the digital voltage converted by the A/D converter; and a control unit configured to receive a cell voltage from the A/D converter or from the filter depending on a change in battery cell voltage and/or a battery use time. The battery monitoring apparatus has advantages in that measurement precision can be increased while data rate is maintained by employing a hybrid filter which is a combination of an average filter and an IIR filter, so that the measurement precision can be increased with minimum additional cost.

Abstract: A power reserve apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power reserve apparatus comprises a first module including a first set of battery cells and a first inter-cell balance adjustment unit configured to use passive balancing to reduce voltage variance among the first set of battery cells. The power reserve apparatus also comprises a second module including a second set of battery cells and a second inter-cell balance adjustment unit configured to use passive balancing to reduce voltage variance among the second set of battery cells. The power reserve apparatus further comprises an inter-module balance adjustment unit configured to use active balancing to reduce voltage variance among the first and second modules.

Abstract: A powertrain system for plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) includes one or a number of Energy Storage Sub-Systems (ESSs), and a plurality of Propulsion Machine-Inverter Groups, operatively coupled to the ESSs for being powered in accordance with power requirements of the Propulsion Machines (PMs). Various interface configurations between the ESS(s) and Propulsion Machines are contemplated for the subject powertrain. Some ESSs are coupled to respective PMs (via a common DC Link or a number of independent DC Links) directly, and some through power converters, which may be DC-to-DC, DC-to-AC, AC-to-DC, bi-directional, single input-single output, multiple input-single output, or multiple input-multiple output converters.

Abstract: A system and method in at least one embodiment provides magnetic levitation to a vehicle above and/or partially about a rail or track using a flux field generator having a plurality of members having mated waveform patterns. In a further embodiment, the magnetic levitation also uses a distribution system. In a further embodiment, the plurality of members forms a disk-pack turbine. In a further embodiment, the flux field generator is not vehicle based.

Abstract: A method of docking an electric vehicle at a charging station may include identifying the vehicle as it approaches the charging station and transmitting a distance parameter from the charging station to the vehicle. The distance parameter may be a measure of distance. The method may also include determining a desired speed of the vehicle based on the distance parameter using an algorithm in the vehicle, and controlling the vehicle to attain the determined desired speed.

Abstract: A method for operating a drive device is disclosed. The drive device has manual transmission has an intermediate shaft operatively connected with an output shaft, and a countershaft. In a first acceleration operating mode of the drive device a first electric motor and a second electric motor of the drive device are operatively connected with the intermediate shaft via the countershaft, and in a second acceleration operating mode the first electric motor is directly connected with the intermediate shaft and the second electric motor is operatively connected with the intermediate shaft via the countershaft. When switching between the first acceleration operating mode and the second acceleration operating mode the operative connection between the first electric motor and the intermediate shaft is interrupted for a defined switching time period. During the switching time period the second electric motor is operated with an overload torque.

Abstract: A seat support for use with a vehicle seat and configured to engage a track on the floor of the vehicle. The track including two inwardly-directed lips on opposed sides of a slot, the lips providing first alternating protrusions, a spacing distance apart, and recesses along the length of the track. The seat support having an elongate main body and including an interface portion having second alternating protrusions and recesses. The second protrusions are spaced apart by the same spacing distance as the first protrusions. The seat support includes first and second bracing members and a locking arrangement. The locking arrangement configured to restrain the longitudinal movement of the seat support when engaged.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a link mechanism for liftably connecting a seat cushion to a support base directly or indirectly mounted to a vehicle body. The seat cushion is composed of a seating frame with side frames arranged at both right and left ends. The link mechanism includes link members connecting the support base and side frames, and a link connecting member connecting the link members together. Flange portions are formed at both end portions of the extending direction of the link connecting member. End surfaces of the extending direction of the flange portions and facing surfaces of the link members facing the end surfaces are abutted, and the end surfaces and the facing surfaces are joined by welding.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a motor vehicle seat allowing angular adjustment of a backrest relative to a seating portion. The hinge mechanism includes first and second hinge plates, a control member moving locking elements and biased to a locking position by first springs, and a drive shaft biased to a first rest position by second springs. The second springs are housed between the first and second hinge plates and are supported on the first plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety belt clip (1) that is adapted to be coupled to a seat base (110) of a child safety seat (100) and to engage with a lap portion (10a) of a safety belt (10). The safety belt clip (1) comprises a guiding element (2) comprising an engaging element (2a) and a positioning component (2b). The positioning component (2b) is adapted to position the engaging element (2a) at a distance from the seat base (110) and the engaging element (2a) is adapted to engage with the lap portion (10a) of the safety belt (10). Furthermore, the guiding element (2) is configured to drive the lap portion (10a) of the safety belt (10) towards the pelvic region (230) of an occupant (200) secured in the child safety seat (100) with the safety belt (10).

Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile vehicle seat and a headrest. The headrest is mounted for up-and-down movement on a seat back included in the juvenile vehicle seat. A releasable lock is provided to retain the headrest in more than one selected position on the seat back.

Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat base, and a seat body assembly that is slidably coupled to the seat base. The seat base includes a bottom. The energy absorber is configured to translate front and rear portions of the seat body assembly substantially linearly towards the bottom and to reduce impact forces imposed on the seat body assembly during a deceleration of the child safety seat.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric-powered headrest comprising: a plate-shaped base which is fixed to the upper portion of a stay rod and has a bent part formed therein, the bent part having opposite ends upwardly bent; a main bracket which has a coupling part formed on the lower end thereof to be coupled to the bent part of the plate-shaped base and pivots back and forth around the coupling part; an operating part arranged in a space part formed in the main bracket; and a lead screw which has one end coupled to the main bracket and the other end coupled to the operating part, and moves back and forth according to an operation of the operating part.

Abstract: A cover for a vehicle may include a lower portion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented top of a bench of a vehicle seat. The cover may also include an upper portion coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion may be sized and configured to extend upwardly over a backrest of the vehicle seat. The upper portion may include a first section, a second section, and a third section. Each of the first section, the second section, and the third section may extend from an upper edge of the upper portion to the lower portion. The cover may include a first coupling mechanism and a second coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism may be configured to couple the first section to the second section. The second coupling mechanism may be configured to couple the second section and the third section.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a bladder as an actuator; a pump that is operated to supply air to the bladder; a switch that is operated to operate the pump; and a switching valve that is disposed in an air supply/discharge passage for the air for the bladder, the switching valve being configured to connect the air supply/discharge passage to a discharge port of the pump when the air is supplied to the bladder, and to connect the air supply/discharge passage to an exhaust port when the air is discharged from the bladder. The switching valve is incorporated in the switch, and is configured to receive an operating force applied to the switch, and to supply and discharge the air to and from the bladder in accordance with an operation of the switch.

Abstract: The sliding table system, apparatus and methods relate to a sliding table assembly for a recreational vehicle. In certain implementations, the table assembly has a supporting cabinet and a table frame which is capable of horizontally sliding relative to the cabinet by way of one or more slots. In certain implementations, the table assembly is equipped with a lock mechanism such that when the lock mechanism is engaged the table is fixed in place, and when the lock mechanism is released, the table can be moved in a direction toward the front or rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: The high density foldaway shelving unit of the present invention includes at least one shelf and at least two spaced posts. The shelf is mounted between the posts. A pair of cantilevered floor mounts is mounted to the floor of a vehicle. Each of the posts is mounted to a respective one of the cantilevered floor mounts to transfer weight to the cantilevered floor mounts. A pre-assembled shelf mounting assembly is provided for mounting the shelves to the posts. The pre-assembled shelf mounting assembly has a bracket mounted to the posts, a pivot pin mounted to the shelf and a guide pin for stopping the shelf in the raised and lowered position.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The frame assembly extends generally along a longitudinal axis of the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle further includes a front seating section coupled to the frame. The front seating section is configured to support an operator and a first passenger. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes a rear seating section coupled to the frame. The rear seating section is configured to support a second passenger and a third passenger. The rear seating section has an angled panel configured as a dead pedal for the second and third passengers, and a portion of the rear seating section extends forwardly into the front seating section.

Abstract: A transportable container apparatus includes an elongate container having a central axis and a base attached to a bottom end of the container. The container and base are substantially symmetrical about the central axis and the container is oriented substantially vertically with the base resting on a ground surface when in a working position. The container having an upper container section with upper walls substantially parallel to the central axis and a lower container section with lower walls substantially parallel to the central axis. The upper container section includes a sloping hopper at a bottom thereof to direct granular material into the lower container section. A floor of the container is sloped toward an outlet port defined in a ported wall of the lower container section such that granular material stored in the container slides down the floor to the outlet port.

Abstract: A cargo bed tailgate may include an extension configurable between a plurality of positions to enable oversized cargo to be securely carried on a cargo bed as well accommodate a deployable set of loading ramps which are storable within the tailgate and deployable to attach to the cargo bed extension after the cargo bed extension is moved and locked for the loading and unloading of a payload into or out of the cargo bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tie down strap system for securing a vehicle to a platform of a transport medium comprises a first strap member, a second strap member, a connecting means having a first slot and a second slot and an attachment means at the second strap member. A front end of the first strap member is connected to a clamp member of the transport medium using a first securing means. A rear end of the first strap member is passed through the first slot to suspend therefrom and a first end of the second strap member is looped through the second slot and a second securing means and sewn thereon and a second end of the second strap member extends and suspends from the second securing means. When the vehicle is loaded on the platform, the first and second strap members secure the vehicle firmly to the platform of the transport medium.

Abstract: A tie down bundle securement device for attaching a looped bundle of tie down strap to a tensioned tie down strap. The device may include a first support member for placement below the tensioned tie down strap extending from a first frame portion in a first direction. The device may include a second support member for placement on the looped bundle extending in the first direction intermediate the ends of the first frame portion. The first and second support members may define an opening to receive the looped bundle and the tensioned tie down strap. The device may include a third support member, for placement below the tensioned tie down strap, adjustably positioned opposite the first support member. The device is rotatable to compress the second support member into the looped bundle and the third support member is adjustable to secure the looped bundle to the tensioned tie down strap.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a first light source that emits light of a first brightness, a second light source that emits light of a second brightness higher than the first brightness, an actuator that changes the direction of light emitted from the first light source and the second light source, and an ADB control device that controls the light output of the second light source and the actuator so as to be associated with each other in accordance with a driving condition of a vehicle.

Abstract: An emergency system for a vehicle integrates many disparate equipment into single housing, including the power supply for the equipment. In one embodiment of the invention, the emergency system is a light bar. The light bar houses a power source comprising solar cell panels, a Lithium-Ion battery pack and a connection to an external supply such as the vehicle's electrical power. Energy for operating the light bar is provided by one or more of the power sources, depending on operating conditions of the light bar and each of the power sources.

Abstract: A system and method are provided and include a light source projector with a positional actuator mounted on a subject vehicle that projects a laser line on a roadway upon which the subject vehicle is traveling. A controller is in communication with a platoon vehicle traveling in front of or behind the subject vehicle in a platoon and controls the positional actuator to project the laser line on the roadway between the subject vehicle and the at least one platoon vehicle.

Abstract: A brake lamp module for a vehicle, wherein the module includes a housing, lamp device, sensor, and electronic control unit (ECU). The lamp device, sensor and ECU are carried by the housing. The ECU is configured based at least in part on data received from the sensor to provide a power signal that causes illumination of the lamp device. In at least some embodiments, this arrangement permits actuation of the brake lamp or other lamp device in response to detection of a hazard event, such as rapid deceleration of the vehicle. And, in at least some embodiments, this may be done independently of actuation of the brake pedal by the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle state indication system includes a detection system and a light indicator. The detection system is configured to sense an external moving object. The light indicator includes a first on mode and second on mode, and being disposed on a vehicle so as to be capable of selectively externally indicating a first state of the vehicle and a second state of the vehicle in a direction of the external moving object detected.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing a restricted individual from operating a motor vehicle. The system monitors a speed of the individual via a smart device associated with the individual. The system activates a monitoring function based on a detected speed of the device, which may evidence the individual riding in a motor vehicle. The system them verifies that the user of the device is the restricted individual through a variety of different identification methods. Once identified, the system accesses various data sources associated with one or more ride applications running on the smart device in order to determine whether the restricted individual has requested a ride from a third party during a relevant time period. After analyzing the data, a determination is made as to whether the individual is driving, or whether more information is needed.

Abstract: A road traffic warning device includes a base, a cover body mounted on the base, and a collapsible warning frame mounted to the cover body. The base includes a controlling module. A folded triangular collapsible warning frame can be unfolded out of the cover body to create the warning device. Two wheels are mounted to two side of the base. The controlling module is configured to control the wheels to move the warning device to an effective warning position.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for smart backlighting. For example, there is provided a system for use with a vehicle. The system includes a primary subsystem configured to perform a first function. Further, the system includes a backlight subsystem configured to perform a second function, the second function being independent of the first function. Moreover, the system can includes a controller configured to generate a single signal including a first instruction for causing the primary subsystem to perform the first function and a second instruction for causing the backlight subsystem to perform the second function.