Abstract: During charging, a quick charging device forms a battery module series circuit by connecting a third contact of a first switch to a second contact of the first switch, and connecting a fifth contact of a second switch to a twelfth contact of the second switch, so as to enable a charger to be connected to the battery module series circuit. During discharging, the quick charging device forms a battery module parallel circuit by connecting the third contact of the first switch to a first contact of the first switch, and connecting the fifth contact of the second switch to a fourth contact of the second switch, so as to enable a load unit to be connected to the battery module parallel circuit.

Abstract: A conductive charging system for use with an offboard AC or DC power supply and a plug-in vehicle includes a conductive armature, an electromagnetic relay, and a switch. The armature is connected directly to the power supply and deploys into electrical contact with the vehicle in response to the vehicle weight. The switch closes in response to the vehicle weight to connect an auxiliary power device to an inductive coil. The relay moves to a first position connecting the charge coupler to an AC-DC converter or the battery pack when the switch is open, and to a second position bypassing the charge coupler when the switch is closed. A vehicle includes the system, charge coupler, HV battery pack, auxiliary power device, and armature.

Abstract: The disclosure features systems and methods that include generating a set of Nm voltage values using one or more magnetic field detectors, where each voltage value is related in magnitude to an amplitude of a magnetic field between a wireless power source and a wireless power receiver mounted to a vehicle, classifying the set of Nm voltage values into one of two classes, where each of the two classes represents a different spatial region defining a range of positions of the wireless power receiver relative to a position of the wireless power source, and transmitting a signal including output information to a processor or display interface, the output information featuring information about the one class into which the set of voltage values was classified.

Abstract: A system and method for robotic charger alignment comprises receiving at a robotic charger, a device identification of a receiving device; retrieving a reference object (RO) of the receiving device from a database indexed by the device identification; imaging the receiving device to form at least two images having an angle therebetween with respect to a common location on the receiving device; calculating, by an alignment processing device, a stereo disparity depth map from the at least two images; acquiring an acquired point cloud (APC) from the stereo disparity depth map; generating, by the alignment processing device, rotation and translation data by aligning the RO to the APC; inferring an inlet port location from the RO; and moving the robotic charger proximal to the inlet port using the RO, Rot and T data.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relates to charging an electrically operated vehicle with the aid of a charging cable which is formed with a residual current arrangement for detecting a direct current. According to an embodiment of the invention, a charging process to be performed once again is identified by the charging cable, and a calibration of the residual current arrangement is performed before the charging process. According to another embodiment, a temperature monitoring operation is carried out during the charging process, a value for the change in temperature is ascertained, and, when a threshold value for the change in temperature is exceeded, the charging process is interrupted and a calibration of the residual current arrangement is performed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for monitoring a charging process at a charging station are provided herein. In the method, the end of a charging process with an electric vehicle at the charging station is determined. In order to determine whether a vehicle is permanently connected to a charging station, without charging, it is proposed to carry out a charging readiness test with the electric vehicle at the charging station after the end of the charging process with this electric vehicle has been determined and to produce a signal at the charging station when charging readiness has been determined.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a charge, control apparatus for an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle including: a traction motor; a traction battery to which charging current is supplied from an external power source and that supplies current to the traction motor; and an electric device actuated by part of the charging current during charging of the traction battery. The charge control apparatus includes: an instruction unit to instruct decrease of load of the electric device in case that the electric device is actuated during charging of the traction battery; a restriction unit to restrict the charging current after instruction of the decrease of load; and a load decreasing unit for decreasing load of the electric device after restricting the charging current.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of energizing electric vehicle (EV) power train with multiple and independently controlled battery packs. In this method, an EV can have one or more battery packs installed, only limited by the EV's physical spaces of the battery pack connector. All battery packs are interchangeable. Each battery pack has its battery management system (BMS) software and can either provide energy to the EV concurrently or individually. A typical embodiment of the invention comprises of a battery pack controller, a battery pack connector, a battery pack acting as the master (master battery pack), and optional slave battery pack(s). The battery pack controller connects electronically with the battery pack connector. The master battery pack, and optional slave battery pack(s) are mounted in the modular battery pack connector.

Abstract: Present embodiments include a control system for one or more battery cells. The control system includes a bi-stable relay configured to switch a state of the bi-stable relay upon receiving a control signal to electrically connect or electrically disconnect the one or more battery cells to a bus and to remain in the state after receiving the control signal. The control system includes a controller configured to be operatively coupled to the bi-stable relay and configured to send the control signal indicative of instructions to control operation of the bi-stable relay based on the state.

Abstract: A method for controlling an output of an LDC in an environmentally friendly vehicle is provided. The method includes determining whether the vehicle travels in the regenerative braking mode and when the vehicle does, transmitting a first slope signal to the LDC to increase an output voltage of the LDC that charges or discharges an auxiliary battery supplying power to an electric load using a high voltage battery. The first slope signal determines an upward slope of the output voltage of the LDC according to time as a first slope. When the vehicle does not travel in the regenerative braking mode and uses a high power electric load a second slope signal is transmitted to the LDC to increase the output voltage of the LDC. The second slope signal determines the upward slope as the second slope having a slope less than the first slope.

Abstract: A battery management system including sheets, a buffer circuit, and a master management system. The sheets each include energy storage devices and an active balancing circuit configured to use power received from a portion of the devices to charge a lowest voltage one of the devices. The master management system uses information received from the active balancing circuit of each of the sheets to identify a second portion of the sheets and instructs the buffer circuit to receive first power from a first portion of the sheets, and send at least a portion of the first power to the second portion of the sheets. The battery management system may be included in an electric vehicle. Each of the sheets may include a communication hardware module that sends a parameter to the master management system, which the master management system may send in a data package to an external computing system.

Abstract: A controller performs first control to fourth control whenever the voltage of a cell reaches a specified voltage during discharging. The first control is to stop the discharging. The second control is to close a relay connected, in parallel, to a cell having a voltage having reached the specified voltage. The third control is to measure AC impedance in a state in which relays connected, in parallel, to respective corresponding cells having voltages having reached the specified voltage are all closed. The fourth control is to resume discharging cells having voltages higher than the specified voltage. The controller diagnoses whether the cell having the voltage having reached the specified voltage is abnormal, by comparing (i) AC impedance when the cell having the voltage having reached the specified voltage is included with (ii) AC impedance when the cell having the voltage having reached the specified voltage is excluded.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a guide rails extending parallel with each other, a vehicle configured to be movable along the guide rails, and a contactless driving module mounted to the vehicle. The contactless driving module includes a pair of running rails extending parallel with the guide rails and comprising a plurality of first permanent magnets and a plurality of second permanent magnets arranged in a extending direction, respectively, a driving wheel disposed between the running rails to be spaced apart from the running rails and comprising a plurality of third permanent magnets arranged in a circumferential direction, and a driving unit for rotating the driving wheel. Particularly, at least one of the third permanent magnets is disposed between the first permanent magnets and the second permanent magnets.

Abstract: A drive power control device includes: a modeling error reduction unit configured to calculate a correction torque by performing high-pass filter processing on a correction amount calculated by a correction amount calculation unit; a control motor torque command value calculation unit configured to calculate a control motor torque command value by adding the correction torque to a motor torque command value; and a slip reduction control unit configured to perform, when the vehicle starts traveling or slip is detected, control to reduce slip by switching the cutoff frequency of a high-pass filter HPF to be low as compared with normal traveling.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an electric motor in a motor-assisted, pedaled or hand-cranked vehicle includes a processor adapted to calculate a value for the net opposing force acting on the vehicle; a vehicle speed sensor, an accelerometer to measure a component of vehicle acceleration in a direction of travel of the vehicle, an air pressure sensor measuring air pressure in the direction of travel, a sensor that measures the power output of the electric motor, and a power assist processor that calculates an amount of power to be supplied by an electric motor according to measured values for speed, acceleration, air pressure, and power provided by a person riding the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a magnetic field communication ground power system of an electric vehicle, the system includes a reflux rail and multi-segment conductive rail mounted on a ground. The electric vehicle runs through the reflux rail, and receives electric power from the conductive rail through conductive boots so as to drive the electric vehicle to move. The system further includes: a plurality of driving positive electrodes configured to connected to the conductive rail; at least one electromagnetic controlling system configured to turn on or turn off the driving positive electrodes; a plurality of magnetic controlling systems configured to collect a position of the electric vehicle on the reflux rail, wherein the magnetic controlling systems transmit the sampled position of the electric vehicle to the electromagnetic controlling system, and the electromagnetic controlling system turns on or turns off voltage of the driving positive electrodes.

Abstract: A car seat pressure sensor device with wireless communication includes a wireless transmitter and a pressure sensor assembly. The wireless transmitter is configured for wirelessly communicating with a portable electronic device via a wireless signal. The pressure sensor assembly includes at least one pressure sensor and is interconnected with the wireless transmitter. The pressure sensor assembly is operable to turn on or off the wireless signal from the wireless transmitter. The pressure sensor device is configured to turn on the wireless signal from the wireless transmitter for communication with the portable electronic device when the pressure sensor assembly senses a certain weight, and turn off the wireless signal from the wireless transmitter for communication with the portable electronic device when the pressure sensor assembly does not sense the certain weight.

Abstract: An improved seating system is provided for vehicles, including military vehicles. Center-facing seats are staggered to provide for a narrow vehicle profile, improved ingress and egress, and increased blast survivability. Seats may be reclined or reclinable, and seats may have seat pans upwardly movable away from a center aisle between rows of seats to increase an effective width of the aisle for improved ingress and egress.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic seat switch for a power seat of an autonomous vehicle and a method of operating the power seat by using the electronic seat switch, wherein the power seat is configured to be operated by using the electronic seat switch that is compact and slim.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a seat adjuster serving as an angle adjustment mechanism of a seat component; a seat frame integrally coupled to the seat adjuster and having a through-hole through which an outer surface portion of the seat adjuster is exposed; and a holding member which holds the seat adjuster in a state of being coupled to the seat frame by being coupled with the outer surface portion of the seat adjuster exposed through the through-hole and protruding outward than the through-hole in a hole diameter direction of the through-hole such that the seat frame is sandwiched between the seat adjuster and the holding member.

Abstract: A recline assembly used in a vehicle seat is provided. The recline mechanism comprises a recline mechanism and a guide bracket disposed on a vehicle body; a latch mechanism disposed on a seatback of the vehicle seat; and a striker coupled to the recline mechanism. One end of the strike is connected to the recline mechanism and another end of the strike passes through a guide slot of the guide bracket and is selectively locked to the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A seat recliner assembly for a vehicle may include first and second recliner hearts, a hand lever, and a cross member. The first recliner heart may be mounted to a bracket. The second recliner heart may be mounted to another bracket. The hand lever may be mounted to the first recliner heart and may be rotatable relative to the brackets to move the first recliner heart between a locked state and an unlocked state. The cross member may be connected to the first and second recliner hearts and may transmit torque from the hand lever to the second recliner mechanism to move the second recliner heart with the first recliner heart between the locked and unlocked states. The cross member may include an aperture extending through an entire longitudinal length of the cross member.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a seat portion, a tether wire and a tether cover assembly. The seat portion has a passenger receiving surface with at least a portion of the passenger receiving surface coinciding with a first plane. A resilient cushioning material of the seat portion defines a recessed area open to the passenger receiving surface. The tether wire for securing child seat is located within the recess. The tether cover assembly has a housing defining a door opening, a first door and a second door installed within the recessed area. The first and second doors are pivotal about respective first and second pivot axes for movement between respective closed positions concealing the tether wire, and open positions exposing the tether wire. In their respective closed positions the first and second doors coincide with or are parallel to the first plane.

Abstract: A seat portion has a passenger receiving surface coinciding with a first plane. The seat portion has a resilient cushioning material with a recessed area defined therein. A tether wire for securing child seat is located within the recessed area. A tether cover assembly has a housing defining a door opening and at least one door configured to move from a closed position concealing the tether wire and the door opening, and an open position exposing the tether wire and the door opening. The housing is installed within the recessed area such that with the door in the closed position the door coincides with or is parallel to the first plane. Movement of the door from the closed position to the open position includes the door moving along a path that coincides with or is parallel to the first plane.

Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a base for supporting the juvenile seat. The base is adapted to be anchored to lie in a stationary position on a passenger seat of a vehicle to support the juvenile seat in the vehicle.

Abstract: A child restraint includes an infant carrier and a handle coupled to the infant carrier. The handle is mounted for movement relative to the infant carrier.

Abstract: A child restraint includes an infant carrier and a handle coupled to the infant carrier. The handle is mounted for movement relative to the infant carrier.

Abstract: An adapter arrangement (100) for a vehicle seat (1) connects a locking unit (20) to a structural component (10) of the vehicle seat (1). The locking unit (20) includes a housing (22) and the adapter arrangement (100) supports the housing (22) in two opposite directions. The vehicle seat (1) has a structural component (10) and a locking unit (20) for locking the structural component (10) with a further component (30). The locking unit (20) is connected to the structural component (10) by the adapter arrangement (100).

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat having a seat frame. The seat generally defines a seating surface. A seatback is pivotally coupled with the seat. A carrier is disposed on the seat frame and supports a multi-contour seating component that is adjustable to change a contour of the seating surface. A cushion assembly is disposed over the multi-contour seating component of the seat and is in communication with a climate control system. A spreader plate is disposed below the cushion assembly. The spreader plate is configured to balance load distribution across the seating surface when the multi-contour seating component is activated. The spreader plate includes flex recesses defined in forward and rearward walls of the spreader plate. Lateral flex breaks allow limited flexure of the spreader plate. An inner opening is in communication with the climate control system.

Abstract: A bladder unit includes upper and lower sheets defining opposed portions of a first bladder. The bladder unit further includes a first extruded element having upper and lower faces respectively coupled with the upper sheet and the lower sheet at a portion of a first boundary of the first bladder. A first capillary extends through the element and across the portion of the first boundary.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a side cover; a first operation lever placed on a lateral side of the side cover; and a second operation lever placed closer to the side cover than the first operation lever is placed. The side cover includes: a first abut boss; and a second abut boss placed closer to a rotation center of the second operation lever than the first abut boss is placed. The second operation lever includes: a first abut rib; a second abut rib placed closer to a rotation center of the second operation lever than the first abut rib is placed; and a third abut rib placed closer to the rotation center of the second operation lever than the first abut rib is placed.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom and a seat back extending upright from the seat bottom. At least two side bolster seating surfaces are spaced apart laterally on at least one of the seat bottom and the seat back. A bolster support assembly is provided adjacent each of the two side bolster seating surfaces. Each bolster support assembly has an air bladder and a rigid support mounted to the air bladder and positioned between the side bolster seating surface and the air bladder. When the air bladder is in an inflated position, a contact width of the rigid support along the bolster seating surface is greater than a bladder width.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved mechanical linear locking device, with a single locking coiled spring. When firmly coiled, the single locking coil spring is able to grip a smooth rod and prevent axial motion. When the single locking coil spring is uncoiled, slightly, it releases its grip on the smooth rod, allowing axial motion. The single spring linear adjusting lock device is used in an armrest with memory. The present invention uses a rod, a return spring, an annular bearing, a sleeve, a two-piece housing, a coil spring, a bushing, and a cylinder with protruding trunnions.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a rear vehicle cabin is provided including a seat base configured to receive and support a car seat in a rear-facing configuration; a backrest; and a movable headrest component. The movable headrest component includes first and second opposing major surfaces. At least a portion of the second major surface is configured to provide a reflective surface, for example, using a mirror. A movable cover may be provided, configured to selectively conceal the reflective surface. The movable headrest component has a first orientation with the first major surface facing a forward direction with respect to the vehicle, and a second orientation with the second major surface facing a forward direction with respect to the vehicle. In the second orientation, the reflective surface provides a forward facing driver with a view of the car seat, when viewed from a center mounted rear-view mirror coupled to a vehicle windshield.

Abstract: The technology described in this document can be embodied in a system that includes a seat headrest enclosing at least one first acoustic transducer that generates audio output in a first frequency range. The system also includes an adjustable headrest wing disposed in front of the seat headrest, the headrest wing being pivotally coupled to the seat headrest and adjustable to one of multiple positions. The headrest wing includes at least one second acoustic transducer that generates audio output in a second frequency range that includes frequencies higher than the upper end of the first frequency range. The system further includes a controller configured to adjust, for a given position of the headrest wing, one or more parameters of at least one of: (i) the first acoustic transducer and (ii) the second acoustic transducer in accordance with a target acoustic distribution.

Abstract: A passenger seat headrest (100) includes a body (102) and a side wing (120A, 120B). The body includes a forward (104), an aft side (106) distal from the forward side, a first side (108) extending between the forward side (104) and the aft side (106), and a second side (110) distal from the first side (108) and extending between the forward side (104) and the aft side (106). The side wing (120A) is pivotably connected to the first side (108) of the body (102) and is pivotable between a stowed position, at which the side wing (120A) is positioned against the forward side (104) of the body (102), and a deployed position, at which the side wing (120A) is spaced apart from the forward side (104) of the body (102).

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seat assembly having a seat carrier. A ventilation control bag is disposed on the seat carrier and includes independent forward thigh support regions. A spacer fabric is disposed over the bag and includes independent forward thigh support regions. A permeable foam heater mat is disposed over the spacer fabric and includes independent forward thigh support regions. A permeable seat trim cover is disposed over the mat. A seatback assembly includes a seatback carrier having upper and lower regions. The upper region is pivotable relative to the lower region. A vent fan assembly is operably coupled with the seatback carrier. A ventilation control bag is in communication with the fan assembly. A spacer fabric is disposed over the bag. A permeable foam heater mat is disposed over the spacer fabric. A permeable seatback trim cover is disposed over the mat.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device has a foam substrate, thermoelectric elements and metallic foil strip assemblies. The foam substrate has apertures therein. The thermoelectric elements are inserted into the apertures. The metallic foil strip assemblies include upper and lower foil strips. A first end of a first upper foil strip is inserted into a first aperture contacting an upper heat transferring surface of the first thermoelectric element. A second end is inserted into a second aperture contacting an upper heat transferring surface of a second thermoelectric element with an elongated portion of the metallic foil strip assembly extending between the first aperture and the second aperture along the upper surface. A first end of a second upper foil strip is inserted into the second aperture contacting the upper heat transferring surface of the second thermoelectric element and a second end is similarly inserted into a third aperture.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat, a base frame is provided at a back side of a cushion pad to support the cushion pad, and an outer covering is configured to cover a front side of the cushion pad and fixed to the base frame. The outer covering includes a first portion. A receptacle hole is provided at the front side of a cushion pad. An actuator is configured to move the first portion to a first position in which part of the first portion is located inside the receptacle hole, and to a second position farther away from the base frame than the first position. An elastic member is provided in the receptacle hole, connected to the part of the first portion, and configured to bias the first portion toward the base frame.

Abstract: A structure of a seatback handle mounted at a seatback of a seat for the vehicle may include a module unit fixedly mounted at the seatback, the module unit exposing a charger terminal at a first side thereof, and a cover unit spaced from the module unit to be fixed at the seatback, wherein the charger terminal is electrically connected to an electrical device of the vehicle to supply power when the charger terminal is connected to a charging cable, and the cover unit may have a slidable part to cover or expose the charger terminal.

Abstract: Hub and suspension assembly for tow dolly and car hauler trailer with drop-down capability comprises: a suspension tower, a screw, a chuck, a lug member, an upper threaded block, a spring, a lower non-threaded block, an axle, and a hub. Tow dolly comprises: a plurality of frame members, a first and second hub and suspension assembly for tow dolly and car hauler trailer with drop-down capability, and a first and second wheel and tire assembly. Car hauler trailer comprises: a plurality of frame members; a first, second, third, and fourth hub and suspension assembly for tow dolly and car hauler trailer with drop-down capability; and a first, second, third, and fourth wheel and tire assembly.

Abstract: A machine having a work implement includes a sensor connected to the work implement, the sensor providing a signal indicative of a change in acceleration of the work implement. A cycle controller associated with the sensor, the cycle controller disposed to receive the signal and operating to monitor the signal. The cycle controller is programmed and operates to analyze the signal to determine at least a presence and a duration of a change in acceleration of the work implement of the machine with respect to time, compile an actual time trace of the change in acceleration of the work implement, compare the actual time trace with a predefined time trace that represents a work cycle segment, and catalog presence and duration of a work cycle segment when the actual time trace is consistent with the predefined time trace.

Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes an extendable and retractable actuator disposed at each side of a frame of the vehicle and pivotally attached at one end to a vehicle bracket and at the other end to a suspension bracket. The suspension bracket includes an actuator portion, an axle portion and a suspension arm, with the actuator portion and the suspension arm pivotable relative to an axis of the axle portion. When the actuator is extended or retracted, the actuator portion pivots about the axis of the axle portion and imparts pivotal movement of a suspension arm about the axis to adjust a height of the frame of the vehicle. The actuator includes an elastomeric element disposed between an outer end of a slide rod and an outer end of a ram rod, with the slide rod movable to absorb sudden movements of the frame or wheel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of determining the mass of a load in a tipper body of a tipper, the tipper comprising a tipper body pivotably moveable with respect to a frame with a hydraulic cylinder disposed therebetween and actuatable to pivot the tipper body.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a tailgate body and a ramp. The tailgate body has an internal cavity and the ramp is displaceable between a stowed position in the internal cavity and a deployed position extending laterally from the tailgate body. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A motorized vending cart includes a drive base, one or more drive motors mounted to the drive base and configured to rotate a plurality of wheels, a thermally insulated container mounted to the drive base, a power inverter mounted to the drive base, and a battery bank mounted to the drive base. The battery bank includes one or more batteries and is in electrical connection with the one or more drive motors and the power inverter. A vending cart body is mounted to the drive base and at least partially surrounds the thermally insulated container and the one or more drive motors. A control panel is electrically connected to and configured to control the one or more drive motors. An appliance is mounted to the vending section of the vending cart body and electrically connected to the power inverter.

Abstract: A ground-level access operating system for a tank trailer. The ground-level system includes a cleaning/washing device, a venting device, an inspection access port, and device for loading/unloading the compartments. All devices in this system are located on the side of the semi-trailer, within an operator's reach on the ground. The devices locations are meant to be reachable to ensure operator safety. The operator of the trailer can execute all work without having to reach the top of the tank. Both of venting and cleaning/washing devices have their access port on top of the tank but are hooked up at a position proximate ground level, for an easy-to-reach operation and inspection by on operator on the ground.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a ramp door that may be pivoted between a closed position and an open position. A rail system is pivotally mounted to the door. A mechanism transitions the rail system from a first position when the door is closed to a second position when the door is opened.

Abstract: A passenger compartment for commercial passenger transportation vehicles is provided. The passenger compartment includes multiple twin cabins, each twin cabin including two passenger cabins. The two passenger cabins including a first cabin and a second cabin identical to the first cabin. The second cabin is installed on top of the first cabin such that the second cabin is shifted towards front of the first cabin as much as half the length of the first cabin. Each of the first and the second cabin includes at least one passenger seat, and the passenger seat converts to a bed.

Abstract: A device is provided for fastening a catch net (9) to secure a load in a vehicle in a motor vehicle with a loading region (3) that is substantially open to a passenger region (4). Fastening eyes (10, 11, 12, 13) for the secured fastening of the catch net (9) are integrated in the supporting structure in the upper region of the seat backrest (5) and/or of a neck rest (6, 7).