Abstract: A rotatable LIDAR device including contactless electrical couplings is disclosed. An example rotatable LIDAR device includes a vehicle electrical coupling including (i) a first conductive ring, (ii) a second conductive ring, and (iii) a first coil. The example rotatable LIDAR device further includes a LIDAR electrical coupling including (i) a third conductive ring, (ii) a fourth conductive ring, and (iii) a second coil. The example rotatable LIDAR device still further includes a rotatable LIDAR electrically coupled to the LIDAR electrical coupling. The first conductive ring and the third conductive ring form a first capacitor configured to transmit communications to the rotatable LIDAR, the second conductive ring and the fourth conductive ring form a second capacitor configured to transmit communications from the rotatable LIDAR, and the first coil and the second coil form a transformer configured to provide power to the rotatable LIDAR.

Abstract: Electric vehicle supply equipment includes a contactor having a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts, an amplifier circuit electrically connected to the load side output of the first set of contacts via a first connection and to the load side output of the second set of contacts via a second connection, the amplifier circuit being structured to amplify a voltage difference between a first voltage at the first connection and a second voltage at the second connection, and control electronics structured to compare the amplified voltage difference to a threshold voltage and to determine whether the first and second sets of contacts are closed based on the comparison between the amplified voltage difference and the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A mechanized parking structure includes a plurality of vehicle carrying pallets, a plurality of parking stalls in which the vehicle carrying pallets are stored and a plurality of electric charging devices. The electric charging device includes a pallet-side electric contact device and a stall-side electric contact device, which engages with the pallet-side electric contact device when the vehicle carrying pallet is stored in the parking stall whereby electric circuit is established. Multiple physical contacts are established between the pallet-side electric contact device and the stall-side electric contact device when the electric circuit is established. The electric contact device includes multiple contact segments and springs that are compressed by the contact segments. The physical contacts are established by the movement of the vehicle carrying pallet in to the parking stall and broken by the movement of the vehicle carrying pallet out of the parking stall.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicle power exchange includes both a system for exchanging a container having a power cell associated with the vehicle and an appropriate vehicle which has been adapted for vehicle power exchange. Advantageously, the system includes at least one power exchange power strip, at least one container with charged power cell associated with the power strip and wireless communication associated with the power exchange strip for communicating with a vehicle to effect power exchange. An advantageous vehicle for power exchange has a removable container with power cell, a computer processor for controlling requisite functions of the vehicle during power exchange (i.e. container exchange) and a mechanism which allows for the depositing of a container with depleted power cell and insertion of a replacement container with charged power cell into the vehicle.

Abstract: A computing device can receive first information indicative of an availability of multiple chargers and can receive a request for a list of available chargers from a vehicle operator. A hierarchical list of available chargers is created based on the first information and at least one operator preference, and information indicative of an operator selection of at least one charger from the hierarchical list is received by the computing device.

Abstract: An EVSE is equipped with voltage and current monitors to monitor V and I values over the time of charging. Normal V & I charging values for EV charging have been previously established and plotted as a threshold curve. During present charging, the V and Z values are plotted and compared to the threshold values and the slope of the V/I curve. If present value of V is less than the threshold value, or drops over time, or the Z value increases over time; current (I) to the EV is reduced and a new V/I curve is plotted. Slope of the new V/I curve is compared to the threshold and also checked for change of slope over time. If the new V/I curve slope is greater than the threshold slope, or is changing over time, corrective action is taken.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for electric vehicle charging analysis and feedback includes transmitting charge parameters from an electric vehicle to a remote server, wherein the charge parameters include at least an ignition status, position information, temporal charging information, and a charging energy source type. The method includes receiving feedback from the remote server after the remote server analyzes the charge parameters and generates the feedback based on time of use rates and the charging energy source type, wherein the time of use rates are determined based on the position information and the temporal charging information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supplying electrical power to two electrical buses that operate at different voltages are disclosed. In one example, two or more switches are selectively opened and closed to electrically couple and decouple a first alternator and a second alternator from the respective buses. The switches may be operated in response to state of battery charge or electrical load demand on the two electrical buses.

Abstract: A method of controlling charging of a battery connected to a wheel driving motor for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises detecting battery charging information when a battery is charged; learning a state of health (SOH) of the battery by using the battery charging information; calculating a battery charging current by using the learned SOH; and controlling charging of the battery using the battery charging current.

Abstract: A method for remote start control of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle includes receiving a remote start command via a wireless communication network, transmitting a start signal corresponding to the remote start command through an in-vehicle network, transmitting a start mode in response to the start signal, determining a response waiting time corresponding to the start mode, receiving an operation result of the start signal through the in-vehicle network during the response waiting time, and transmitting the operation result over the wireless communication network.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing drive motor speed ripple of an electric vehicle are provided. The system includes an inverter that converts DC power supplied from a battery to AC power and supplies the AC power to the drive motor by inverter switching. A resolver is configured to detect a speed of the drive motor and a position of a rotor, a signal generator includes a microcontroller that is configured to generate a square wave signal. An integrator is configured to convert the square wave to a sine wave, and apply a sine-wave excitation input signal to the resolver. Furthermore, a motor controller is configured to operate the inverter through a PWM signal, adjust the frequency of the excitation input signal to prevent the inverter switching frequency of the inverter and the peaks of an output voltage signal sampled for speed calculation from overlapping.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to vehicles capable of autonomous driving. These vehicles may include seats for accommodating different numbers of passengers. In some cases, the seats may be reconfigurable. For instance, a vehicle may include a first row of seating having a first, passenger use configuration. The first row may allow a passenger to sit in a seat of the first row of seating and access user input controls for the vehicle. The first row of seating may also have a second, folded configuration where the first row is in a folded configuration and no longer usable for passenger seating. The vehicle may also have a second row of seating. When the first row of seating is in the second, folded configuration, the second row of seating may still be usable for seating and may include additional legroom for the passenger as compared to when the first row of seating is in the first passenger use configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to trail compliant side-by-side all terrain vehicles.

Abstract: A seat system including a plurality of pressure sensors at a base portion and a backrest of a seat to sense pressure applied to the base portion and the backrest by an occupant. A plurality of actuators are at the base portion and the backrest of the seat. Each one of the plurality of actuators is configured to move an area of the seat to shape the seat to conform to an occupant thereof. A control module is configured to identify areas of high relative pressure applied to at least one of the base portion and the backrest by the occupant based on inputs from the plurality of sensors, and actuate one or more of the plurality of actuators at one or more of the areas of high relative pressure to provide pressure relief to the occupant.

Abstract: A decentralized seat control system for seats, each seat having several linearly or angularly movable seat elements. The control system includes a serial data bus; a power supply; smart devices with drives connected to the serial data bus and the power supply, each smart device having a basic function and selectably functioning as an active system master; non-smart devices; devices without a control function; a smart control device for controlling the non-smart devices and/or the devices without a control function; and a smart control unit, wherein the active system master provides control commands to the other smart devices.

Abstract: A seat rail adapter for flexibly mounting an object onto a seat rail, a seat arrangement and a cabin arrangement with same are described. The seat rail has a U-shaped profile with a lower flange, two web portions, two upper flanges, a gap between the upper flanges, and a cavity inside the seat rail. The seat rail adapter includes two mounting parts capable of being inserted through the gap into the cavity inside the seat rail, such that, when inserted, a hook portion of each of the mounting parts is engaged with the cavity, and a shaft portion of each of the two mounting parts extends through the gap to outside the seat rail. Further, the shaft portions include a rounding so as to allow insertion of one mounting part into the cavity by a swivel movement, when the other mounting part is already inserted therein.

Abstract: A vehicle seat recliner for reclining a seat back with respect to a seat base, includes an internal gear member, an external gear member, a drive member, a lock member, a biasing member, and a cover. The drive member causes relative rotation between the internal gear member and the external gear member. The lock member and the biasing member operate for selectively locking and unlocking relative rotation between the internal gear member and the external gear member. The cover covers an outside of the external gear member. The outside of the external gear member includes fitting projections, wherein the fitting projections project toward the cover, and are arranged concentrically. Each of the fitting projections includes a radial inside fixed to the cover by press-fitting and recess-projection fitting, and includes a radial outside configured to be fitted to a mounting hole of the second frame.

Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a seat-support base having a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat-support base is adapted to be anchored on a passenger seat of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion; a seatback configured to be tiltable in a front-rear direction; a deck board positioned behind the seatback; a covering having flexibility and provided to extend from the seatback to the deck board; and an object drop preventing material that covers, from a back side, a gap between the seatback and the seat cushion. The object drop preventing material is provided to extend from the seat cushion to an intermediate part of the covering in a length direction of the extending covering such that the object drop preventing material restricts an amount of upward bending of the covering.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat back, and with an actuator that is oriented in a region of the seat back to adjust a seating surface of the seat back. A controller is in electrical communication with the actuator. The controller is programmed to operate the actuator to partially adjust the seating surface toward a target position. Subsequently, the controller operates the actuator to further actuate the actuator after a predetermined delay to further adjust the seating surface toward the target position. The controller is programmed to receive input indicative of a selection of a mode of seat adjustment. The actuator is operated to gradually adjust the seating surface to a target position after a quantity of events associated with the selected mode of seat adjustment.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seatbelt buckle coupled to the seat base. An armrest is coupled to the seat base. The armrest includes a retractable arm support portion movable to positions between, and including, a retracted position and a fully extended position. The armrest is structured and coupled to the seat base such that, when the buckle is at a maximum forward position of the buckle and the retractable arm support portion is in the retracted position, a first plane extending perpendicular to a fore-aft axis of the seat and through a forward-most portion of the buckle is rearwardly spaced apart from a second plane extending parallel to the first plane and through a rear-most portion of the retractable arm support portion.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for a vehicle seat. The headrest assembly includes a support bracket having a first engagement section and a moveable bracket movable between first and second positions. The headrest assembly further includes a pawl defining a cam surface. The pawl has a second engagement section and is pivotable between an engaged position, with the second engagement section engaging the first engagement section, and a disengaged position, with the second engagement section spaced from the first engagement section. The headrest assembly further includes a first tab selectively engaging and guiding the pawl into the engaged position, and a second tab selectively engaging and guiding the pawl into the disengaged position as the moveable bracket moves between the first and second positions. The headrest assembly further includes a biasing member engaging the cam surface to continuously bias the pawl into both of the engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: The technology described in this document can be embodied in a vehicle seat that includes a seat headrest portion for supporting the head of an occupant, and a seat backrest portion for supporting the back of the occupant in a seated position. The backrest portion includes an enclosure for receiving at least a portion of an acoustic transducer. The vehicle seat also includes an acoustic channel having a first end that is configured to be fitted around a driver of the acoustic transducer in an acoustically sealed configuration, and a second end. The second end is opposite the first end and disposed at a location closer to the seat headrest portion than the seat backrest portion. The acoustic channel is configured to radiate acoustic energy from the acoustic transducer through the second end.

Abstract: A car seat includes a first heater, a second heater, and a control unit which controls an output to the first heater and an output to the second heater. The control unit executes a temperature-difference adjustment control, in which the output of the second heater is controlled such that the temperature of the bulging portion heated by the second heater with respect to the temperature of the seating surface portion heated by the first heater is made lower when an ambient temperature is a first temperature than when the ambient temperature is a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a cover member that covers an ISOFIX anchor for fixing a child seat; an intermediate portion that is exposed at a position between the cover member and the ISOFIX anchor in a state where the cover member is opened; and a stopper that retains the cover member in a state where the cover member is opened, wherein the stopper has an engagement part and an abutting part, wherein the engagement part of the stopper is detachably engaged with at least one of the rear surface and the intermediate portion in a state where the cover member is opened, and wherein the abutting part of the stopper abuts on the other of the rear surface and the intermediate portion so as to prevent the cover member from being moved in a closing direction.

Abstract: A seat hooking structure (10) which supports by hooking a changeable cover (7) so as to be detachably attached to a seat member provided with a base trim cover (6), the seat hooking structure (10) comprising: an open-type fastening member (5) which is not sewn to the base trim cover (6), the fastening member (5) including a fastener part constituted by one fastener half (511) and another fastener half (512), and a slider part that slides along the fastener part so as to open and close the one fastener half (511) and the other fastener half (512); and an anchoring member (18) which anchors the one fastener half (511) to the seat member in a groove for hooking (11). The other fastener half (512) and the changeable cover (7) are secured to each other by a securing part (74).

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly for a motor vehicle has a lower seat and a seat back extending upwardly from the lower seat, and includes a cushion frame assembly having a lower seat cushion frame and a seat back cushion frame. A lower seat cushion module is mounted to the lower seat cushion frame of the cushion frame assembly, the lower seat cushion module comprising an EPP-based lower seat foam core and a lower seat trim cover fitted about an external surface of at least a portion of the foam core. A seat back cushion module is mounted to the seat back cushion frame of the cushion frame assembly, the seat back cushion module comprising an EPP-based seat back foam core and a seat back trim cover fitted about an external surface of at least a portion of the foam core.

Abstract: Provided is a conveyance seat configured for adjustment of a deflection amount of a seat forming the conveyance seat, i.e., cushion properties of the seat. The conveyance seat includes a seat frame and a buffering body bridged over the seat frame configured to elastically support a seated occupant. The buffering body has a wire having both end portions attached to the seat frame, and a back restriction member configured to support at least a portion of the wire to restrict deflection of the portion of the wire. The wire includes a first right-to-left extending portion and a second right-to-left extending portion that extend in a seat right-to-left direction, and a coupling portion coupling the first right-to-left extending portion and the second right-to-left extending portion. The back restriction member is made of a resin material, and supports the first right-to-left extending portion and the second right-to-left extending portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, in an armrest capable of being displaced between a stored position and a deployed position, a vehicular seat capable of preventing foreign matter from entering the interior thereof through a gap formed between the armrest (in particular, the vicinity of the center of displacement thereof) and a mounted portion. The present disclosure relates to a vehicular seat provided with an armrest. Both ends of a first shaft are pivotably supported by first holes formed in a plurality of guide members, and both ends of a second shaft are inserted into second holes to be movable along the holes. Between a side surface side of the armrest and the guide members, a plate member which covers at least a part of the second holes is provided.

Abstract: A head restraint for a motor vehicle has devices such as a fan and a heating element such that heated air can flow out of a front side of the head restraint if necessary. The head restraint enables heating of a head by way of outflowing heated air. A passage opening is formed in the cushion body of the head restraint, which passage opening extends from a back side of the cushion body to a front side of the cushion body. A cavity is formed in the passage opening at a distance from the back side and at a distance from the front side of the cushion body, in which cavity at least one fan is arranged. An air-permeable, electrically operated heating mat is provided on the back side of the cushion body in order to heat the suctioned air, and the pre-heated air is additionally heated by an air-permeable, electrically operated heating mat located on the front side of the cushion body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a chair in which attachment strength of a holding member and the chair is enhanced and an attachment state can be stably maintained. A legged chair includes a leg member, a support post connected to the leg member, a metal frame integrated with the support post, the metal frame forming a seated portion, an awakening device configured to awaken a seated person, a battery configured to supply electric power to the awakening device, an ECU that controls the awakening device, and a holding cover configured to hold the battery and the ECU. The holding cover is attached to the highly rigid metal frame.

Abstract: A grab handle assembly for use in a vehicle includes a bracket for mounting on a vehicle frame, a speaker assembly mounted on the bracket and a grab handle mounted on the bracket. The speaker assembly is located between the bracket and the grab handle.

Abstract: A removable and machine-washable automobile mat assembly, wherein the assembly having an upper mat and a lower mat and an interlocking means of attachment configured to removably attach the upper and lower mats.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a footrest for a car seat, and more particularly, relates to a position adjusting device applied to a footrest for a car seat, including an adhering member adhered to an outer circumferential surface of the guide bar and a pressing member pressing the adhering member. The adhering member includes a first adhering plate adhered to the outer circumferential surface of the guide bar, a second adhering plate coupled to the first adhering plate, an elastic member disposed between the first adhering plate and the second adhering plate, and a contact member disposed between the first adhering plate and the second adhering plate to accommodate the elastic member. The contact member makes contact with the outer circumferential surface of the guide bar through a contact hole defined through the first adhering plate.

Abstract: A cup holder adapter for a beverage container comprising a container holder formed from a sturdy, resistant material, wherein cylindrical adapters can be attached to fit in a vehicle cup holder of various sizes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adaptive beacon cigarette lighter plug device.

Abstract: Improvements to U.S. Pat. No. 9,346,389, Cargo Handling System, are desirable in order to tilt either the lower or upper extendable assembly independently or together to facilitate proper cleaning and to increase options for tilting, hauling, loading, and unloading purposes. The Extendable Tilt Assembly System is created by adding a tailgate guide assembly and modifying the guide assembly, the lower extendable assembly and the upper extendable assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 9,346,389.

Abstract: A self-driving mobile store that contains an automated storage and retrieval system and operating model capable of dispensing products on the move for on-demand electronic commerce to enable increased operational capacity and speed of delivery to customer orders with minimum manpower requirement

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a debris shield adaptable for use with a boat and a trailer. The debris shield includes a frame assembly, and a canvas. The frame assembly includes a frame and at least one adjustable arm with one end suitable to be connected to either the side portion of the boat that sits above the trailer or the base of the trailer, and another end suitable to be connected to the frame. The adjustable arm is adjustable in length to adapt the frame to at least one of the height of the boat and the width of the trailer base. The canvas includes a substantially rectangular part. The rectangular part has a trailer side, a stern side, a boat side and a bow side. The trailer side is fastenable to the frame. The debris shield is adjustable to at least one of the height of the boat and the width of the trailer.

Abstract: Apparatuses, watercraft supports comprising the apparatuses, and methods of loading watercraft on the watercraft supports for promoting centering of a watercraft while loading the watercraft onto a watercraft support. The apparatuses include at least two units each having a rigid arm having first and second ends and a barrier component configured to float on water. The first end of the rigid arm is configured to be secured to a watercraft support such that the rigid arm pivots relative to the watercraft support. The second end of the rigid arm is configured to be secured to the barrier component such that the rigid arm pivots relative to the barrier component. The units may be located adjacent to oppositely-disposed longitudinal sides of the watercraft support and used to directing the watercraft to be centered over the watercraft support during loading from a body of water.

Abstract: A directional vehicle recovery unit configured for recovery of a distressed vehicle spaced apart from a recovery vehicle is provided. The directional vehicle recovery unit includes a support framework attached to the recovery vehicle and a swing arm assembly attached to the support framework. The swing arm assembly is configured to support a winch cable. The swing arm assembly is rotatable such that with a winch cable attached to the distressed vehicle, a longitudinal axis of the swing arm assembly is substantially parallel with an axis formed by the winch cable.

Abstract: A system for agricultural operations is provided in which an applicator may be attached to chassis using a ball and socket configuration. The ball and socket configuration allows for a faster and more convenient way to change between applicators than previously known for such applications. Also, the ball and socket configuration provides a semi-rigid mount which may allow for improved handling of forces between the chassis and the applicator as the chassis traverses through rough agricultural terrain.

Abstract: A vehicle gutter spout cover comprising: a receptacle with a generally smooth outside surface; an orifice located on the receptacle and configured to allow the receptacle to slide over and enclose at least a portion of a gutter spout; and an adjustable length connecting means attached to the receptacle. A vehicle gutter spout cover system comprising: a vehicle; at least one gutter located on the vehicle; at least one gutter spout in fluid communication with the gutter; a receptacle with a generally smooth outside surface; an orifice located on the receptacle and configured to allow the receptacle to slide over and enclose at least a portion of the gutter spout; an adjustable length connecting means attached to the receptacle; and a vehicle cover configured to cover a vehicle and the gutter spout, with the receptacle generally enclosing at least a portion of the gutter spout.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade has a disassembled condition defined by separated blade sections. Each blade section has a residual leading edge remaining from an original leading edge of the blade, a residual trailing edge remaining from an original trailing edge of the blade, and a residual length delimited by a severed edge of the blade. Blade support fixtures are configured for mounting on a transportation platform at spaced-apart locations. Each fixture has a plurality of blade-receiving seats, and each seat is configured with reference to a residual edge portion of a respective one of the separated blade sections.

Abstract: A pick-up truck bed having controllably magnetized areas for retaining cargo or attachment devices. A first permanent magnet may be attached below the lower surface of the truck bed with a second permanent being rotatable relative to the first permanent magnet to control the magnetic flux provided to retain objects in the truck bed. Alternatively, one or more electromagnets may be provided that may be turned on to retain objects in the truck bed and turned off to allow removal of objects.

Abstract: A vehicle roof structure including a plurality of roof support pillars that include a plurality of receptacles on an outer surface of the pillars. The receptacles are adapted to receive a connector for securing an article to a vehicle either directly or by means of a tie down strap. A spider roof structure or conventional roof structure are disclosed that may include either X-shaped receptacle openings or a T-track slot. Articles may be directly secured to the receptacles or slots on the outer surface of the pillars or may be connected to the roof or side outer walls of the pillar by tie down straps.

Abstract: A tie-down assembly for a pick-up truck bed that includes a cleat including a base having first and second feet defining first and second fastener receiving holes, a body portion extending from an outer side of the feet, and first and second arms extending from the body portion that are spaced from the feet and define tie-down holes. Fasteners inserted into the first and second fastener holes secure the cleat to the pick-up truck bed. A method of making a tie-down cleat for a pick-up truck bed by extruding an elongated bar having a pair of feet portions connected by a body portion to a pair of arm portions. The elongated bar is cut into a plurality of planar cleat blanks and the cleat blanks are drilled to form fastener holes in the feet portions and tie-down holes in the arm portions.

Abstract: A retractor may include various features that reduce the amount of space necessary to secure an object, for example, a wheelchair in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the webbing is designed to come off of the top of the retractor spool, which shifts the webbing take-off point from the spool rearward, as compared to prior art retractors. In another embodiment, the retractor is provided with a webbing guide that rotates around at least a portion of the circumference of the retractor spool. The rotatable guide also shifts the take-off point from the webbing guide rearward, as compared to prior art retractors. In yet another embodiment, the retractor is provided with both a rotatable webbing guide and webbing that comes off of the top of the spool.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element.

Abstract: A light guide unit configured to guide light incident from a light source which emits the light. The light guide unit includes: a light receiving portion configured to refract incident light from the light source; a guide portion which extends from the light receiving portion and guides incident light through the light receiving portion; and a light emitting portion formed in an opposite direction of the light receiving portion with respect to the guide portion, wherein the light guided by the guide portion is emitted toward the aspheric lens.