Abstract: An electric power reception device for a vehicle is equipped with an electric power reception unit that is configured to be able to receive electric power from an electric power transmission device in a non-contact manner, a communication portion that transmits information on a position or dimension of the electric power reception unit to the electric power transmission device, and a vehicle ECU that controls the communication portion. Preferably, the vehicle ECU transmits pre-stored information to the electric power transmission device with the aid of the communication portion, before allowing a vehicle to be parked at an electric power reception position of the electric power transmission device. The information includes at least one of a size of the electric power reception unit, a size of the vehicle in which the electric power reception unit is mounted, and a mounting position of the electric power reception unit in the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle charging apparatus includes: an AC/DC converter configured to variably output a DC link voltage; and a DC/DC converter electrically connected to the AC/DC converter and configured to acquire an output voltage by conversion of the DC link voltage outputted by the AC/DC converter and transmit the acquired output voltage to a battery. The AC/DC converter includes: a first switch element configured to adjust a power factor of the AC/DC converter according to an operation of the first switch element, and a second switch element configured to increase the DC link voltage outputted by the AC/DC converter according to the operation of the first switch element.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of electric vehicles (EV) that run, at least in part, on an electric motor. Included on the EV is an on board charger (OBC) responsible for charging a battery supply based on electronic power received from a source. The OBC is configured to detect certain voltage or current characteristics during a charging operation of the battery supply, and adjust allowed operational limits for the OBC accordingly.

Abstract: A driving device includes a motor; a power storage device; a first boost converter configured to exchange power by voltage conversion between a power storage device side and a motor side; a second boost converter connected to the first boost converter in parallel and configured to exchange power by voltage conversion between the power storage device side and the motor side; and an electronic control unit configured to control the first boost converter and the second boost converter. The electronic control unit controls the first boost converter and the second boost converter such that the loss of each of the first boost converter and the second boost converter is not minimized during an excessive power input in which power to be input to the power storage device from the motor side is greater than an input limit of the power storage device.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging assembly includes a cord reel, a cord reel locking mechanism, and a master control unit for selectively unlocking the cord reel in response to an authorization signal. The electric vehicle charging assembly monitors the rotational position of the cord reel to prevent unauthorized use, and to record or relay information related to the improper use or malfunction of the electric vehicle charging assembly.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to determining rendezvous locations and autonomously swapping a resupply carriage with a vehicle along a route. In one embodiment, a method includes in response to a request for resupplying the vehicle with energy, determine a rendezvous point for meeting the vehicle with a resupply carriage. The method includes dispatching the resupply carriage to meet the vehicle at the rendezvous point by providing an electronic signal to the resupply carriage to cause the resupply carriage to autonomously travel to the rendezvous point. The method includes controlling the vehicle to swap a current carriage for the resupply carriage to supply energy to the vehicle. The vehicle is comprised of a passenger compartment that is removably attached to the current carriage. The current carriage and the resupply carriage are interchangeable propulsion sources for the vehicle.

Abstract: A dual charging system is disclosed. The system may comprise a receiver configured to receive power, an electrical charger port coupled to the receiver for charging a vehicle, a rechargeable battery coupled to the receiver and the electrical charger port, a fuel generator coupled to the receiver, and a switch coupled to the receiver, the electrical charger port, rechargeable battery, and fuel generator. The switch may be configured to switch the received power from the receiver to at least one of the rechargeable battery, the fuel generator, or the electrical charger port.

Abstract: A delayed charging system for a vehicle implements an energy transfer efficiency check prior to the scheduled charge time to confirm sufficient grid power quality and wireless power quality. In addition to this, a foreign object check is performed prior to the scheduled charge. These checks are performed immediately after the customer sets up the delayed session as well as at specified intervals after that. If a power quality issue is detected, the customer will be alerted so they can remedy the situation.

Abstract: A charging station, such as, in particular, a charging column, includes an electrical connection for supplying current/voltage to the charging station, a charging connection for connecting at least one electrical energy store that is to be charged, and a thermal connection to a geothermal temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the charging station by geothermal energy.

Abstract: A driving method of an unmanned aerial vehicle according to an embodiment may include moving, by the unmanned aerial vehicle, based on GPS information, receiving a wireless signal including position information about a charging apparatus from the charging apparatus, determining whether the GPS information matches the position information included in the wireless signal and landing based on the GPS information and the wireless signal, transferring a reception packet including power information about the unmanned aerial vehicle to the charging apparatus, and receiving precise position information including position coordinates of the charging apparatus generated based on the reception packet.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a system. The system can comprise an energy source supply hub and an energy source supply appliance. The energy source supply hub can comprise a hub energy source supply system and a hub vehicle configured to transport the hub energy source supply system. Further, the hub energy source supply system can comprise a hub energy source supply subsystem configured to receive an energy source. Meanwhile, the energy source supply appliance can comprise an appliance energy source supply system and an appliance vehicle configured to transport the appliance energy source supply system. Further, the appliance energy source supply system can comprise an appliance energy source supply subsystem configured to receive the energy source from the hub energy source supply subsystem and to make available the energy source received to a receiver vehicle. Other embodiments of related systems, devices, and methods also are provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments include an energy source supply appliance. The energy source supply appliance can comprise an appliance energy source supply system, which in turn can comprise a first appliance energy source supply subsystem and a second appliance energy source supply subsystem. The first appliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured to receive a first energy source. Meanwhile, the second appliance energy source supply subsystem can be configured to make available a second energy source to a first receiver vehicle, and the second energy source can be different from the first energy source. Further, the first receiver vehicle can comprise a first drive system, and the first drive system can be configured to use the second energy source received by the first receiver vehicle to motively power the first receiver vehicle. Other embodiments of related systems, devices, and methods also are provided.

Abstract: A battery charging device (30) is a battery charging device that charges a battery (10) used in vehicle (20), and comprises a battery pairing component (32), a usage battery state acquisition component (33), and a charging current determination component (37). The battery pairing component (32) is configured to set a charging objective battery (10) to be paired with a usage battery (10). The usage battery state acquisition component (33) is configured to acquire information about the state of the usage battery (10). The charging current determination component (37) is configured to determine the charging current of the charging objective battery (10) on the basis of information about the state acquired by the usage battery state acquisition component (33).

Abstract: An automotive battery system that includes a lead-acid battery electrically coupled to a first bus, in which the lead-acid battery supplies electrical power to a starter via the first bus to cold crank an internal combustion engine of a vehicle; a lithium-ion battery electrically coupled to a second bus, in which the lithium-ion battery captures and stores electrical energy generated by a regenerative braking system when the vehicle brakes and supplies electrical power to the second bus using the electrical energy captured from the regenerative braking system such that a first portion of the second electrical power is supplied to an electrical system; and a DC/DC converter electrically coupled between the first bus and the second bus, in which the DC/DC converter controls supply of a second portion of the second electrical power to charge the lead-acid battery.

Abstract: A power storage system that includes a first power storage pack and a second power storage pack. The second power storage pack is connected in parallel to the first power storage pack. The charge/discharge curve for the second power storage pack has a step passing through the open-circuit voltage of the first power storage pack at a SOC of 50%. The average discharge voltage on the lower SOC side of the start point of the step of the charge/discharge curve for the second power storage pack is ?25% or more of the open-circuit voltage of the first power storage pack at a SOC of 50%. The average charge voltage on the higher SOC side of the end point of the step of the charge/discharge curve for the second power storage pack is +25% or less of the open-circuit voltage of the first power storage pack at a SOC of 50%.

Abstract: A fuel cell-equipped vehicle includes a fuel cell stack disposed in a front space of a vehicle body by a partition member, and an air conditioner disposed in a rear space of the vehicle body separated by the partition member, wherein external air is introduced into the air conditioner through an external air intake port formed at a portion of the partition member located on a first side with respect to a center in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle body, downstream end of the exhaust duct configured to discharge a reaction gas in the casing communicates with an outside of the vehicle body at a portion located on a second side with respect to the center in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle comprising: a hydrogen tank which is mounted on the vehicle so as to have a center axis generally parallel to a front/rear direction of the vehicle; a high-voltage electric component which is positioned either forward or rearward of the hydrogen tank and which operates on high voltage; an aftercooler placed between the hydrogen tank and the high-voltage electric component to cool compressed air; and a fuel cell stack which is supplied with the cooled compressed air.

Abstract: The high voltage component assembly includes a first high voltage component and a second high voltage component for operating respectively upon reception of high voltage supply from a supply source, a case body for containing the first high voltage component therein, a lid to be attached to the case body to prevent access to an inside of the case body in a state of the lid being attached to the case body, a fastening member to be fastened in a fastening state to fix the lid so as not to be detached from the case body, a receptacle to which the second high voltage component is attached, the receptacle being provided at a position precluding release of the fastening member from the fastening state in a state of the receptacle receiving the second high voltage component attached, and a cutoff device for cutting off the supply of the high voltage from the supply source upon detachment of the second high voltage component from the receptacle.

Abstract: In a permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system, phase currents can be used to calculate a current that produces no shaft torque and only motor losses and a current that only produces shaft torque. These currents can be controlled to be resupplied into the motor drive system to a desired amount on a continuous basis to maintain a DC energy storage device voltage at a desired safe level. The calculated currents are resupplied to the motor drive system such that voltage levels within the DC energy storage device that approach a voltage maximum limit are transferred to the motor in the form of current that is dissipated by the motor without losing efficiency and control of driving a load with the motor.

Abstract: An auto-balancing transportation device having first and second wheels that are independently drivable. The device includes foot platforms, a control circuit and sensors. Device control is preferably achieved through the position or weight distribution of a rider's feet. The wheels may be arranged in parallel or non-parallel and the foot platforms may be located on the interior are exterior side of the wheels. The wheels may be coupled to one another in a manner that affords tilting, thereby increasing stability when executing a turn, among other benefits. Various embodiments and features are disclosed.

Abstract: A seat occupancy sensor includes: a first sensor group having a plurality of first sensor cells that are arrayed in a front-rear direction of a seat and become conductive as a load is applied thereto; a second sensor group having a plurality of second sensor cells that are arrayed in the front-rear direction, farther on a front side of the seat and closer to an end of the seat in a width direction than the first sensor group, and that become conductive as a load is applied thereto; and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit determines that someone is sitting on the seat when both of at least one of the first sensor cells and at least one of the second sensor cells become conductive.

Abstract: Provided is a sliding device for a vehicle seat. The device includes a fixed rail, a movable rail, a lock portion, an operating lever, a first locking protrusion, and a lock lever. When a first contact surface among side faces of the first locking protrusion and a second contact surface among side faces of a second locking protrusion of the lock lever are in contact with each other, the operating lever is retained in one of a first position or a second position, and when a protruding-direction end of the first locking protrusion and a protruding-direction end of the second locking protrusion are in contact with each other, the operating lever is retained in the other of the first position or the second position.

Abstract: Provided is a seat sliding device that includes a fixed rail, a movable rail, a first latch, a second latch, and a third latch. The first latch serves as a main lock. The second latch is positioned a distance from the first latch along a longitudinal axis of the fixed rail, and the third latch is positioned a distance from the first latch along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A seat adjustment mechanism of a seat for facilitating entry and exit of a person into/out of an interior of a motor vehicle, wherein a backrest part is forcibly coupled to a seat part via a rocker arm such that an adjusting movement of the backrest part is transmitted to the seat part. The backrest part and the seat part of the seat are moved from a starting position to an intermediate position by a first predetermined horizontal length by means of a sliding device which is connected to an upper rail of a seat rail, wherein the backrest part is rigidly connected to a backrest release unit of the backrest part via a coupling element, which is pivotable about a first coupling element pivot axis with respect to the sliding device.

Abstract: A conveyance seat that can increase an engagement force in a walk-in mechanism is provided. One mode of the present disclosure is a conveyance seat comprising a back frame; a tilting member; an engagement member; and a locking member. The tilting member transmits a pivoting force to the back frame and is pivotable relative to the back frame. The engagement member is displaceable between an engaged position and a non-engaged position relative to the tilting member. The locking member is displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the engagement member. The engagement member comprises a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion that are offset from each other along the pivot axis of the back frame. The tilting member comprises a first receiving member engageable with the first engagement portion, and a second receiving member engageable with the second engagement portion.

Abstract: A conveyance seat that can increase an engagement force between components in a walk-in mechanism is provided. The conveyance seat -comprises a plate-like tilting member that transmits a pivoting force to a back frame and is pivotable relative to the back frame; a plate-like engagement member displaceable between an engaged position and a non-engaged position with the tilting member; and a plate-like locking member displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the engagement member. The engagement member comprises projections including a slanted-projection having a first side wall in a frontward pivoting direction of the back frame. The tilting member comprises depressions engageable with the projections including a slanted-depression having a second side wall facing the first side wall. The first and second side walls are separated and each slant such that a lower end is situated more frontward in the pivoting direction than an upper end.

Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness coupled to the juvenile seat. A harness mover is coupled to the seat and harness.

Abstract: A lock release lever attachment structure includes: a case that includes a case body, an upper portion of which opens as a first opening, and a first flange, a slit being formed to penetrate through at least a portion of the first flange in a seat up-down direction along a peripheral edge of the first opening; an operation lever that releases a locked state of a seatback; and a cover that includes a cover body, an upper portion of which opens as a second opening, and a second flange, the first and second openings being placed in communication by inserting the cover body into the case body through the first opening and fixing the cover body inside the case body, and an edge of a covering material that covers a surface of the seatback being inserted into the slit and gripped by the first and the second flanges.

Abstract: The armrest of an operator's chair in a cab of an agricultural machine is configured to include a support attachment for enabling multiple touchscreens to be supported by and oriented with the chair. The support attachment allows multiple arms supporting the touchscreens to be joined below the armrest. The multiple arms can advantageously rotate around an axis defined by the support attachment, and the touchscreens can advantageously move to face multiple directions and lock in a desired position. As a result, when an operator adjusts the seat in the cab for optimum driving conditions, the touchscreens can better adjust with the operator accordingly.

Abstract: A vibration reduction device for a vehicle seat that can reduce forward/backward vibration when the vehicle is stopped with the engine idling. The vibration reduction device includes a weight mounted through an elastic body in the seat back or the headrest of the seat.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a motor vehicle seat comprising a plurality of individualised surface areas of the seat, air-conditioning means, and at least one temperature and/or humidity level sensor. The air-conditioning means and the temperature and/or humidity level sensor are disposed in the individualised surface areas of the seat and the air-conditioning means of each area are controlled to adapt the strength of the heating, cooling and ventilation independently in each area, depending on a local temperature and humidity state determined in each area from the measurements made by the sensors.

Abstract: One embodiment of a heating device for a seat heater of a motor vehicle includes a heating device adapted to be placeable between a base body of foam and a seat cover of a vehicle seat. The heating device includes a heating mat having a carrier layer which includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface carries a heating conductor for generating heat, and the heating conductor extends over a heating area. The heating device further includes a seat cover upholstery, which can be a foam layer. The second surface of the carrier layer faces the seat cover upholstery, and the first surface of the carrier layer is adapted to face the seat cover and be in direct contact with the seat cover. The heating mat is adapted to be sewable by stitches going through the seat cover, the heating mat, and the seat cover upholstery to form seams extending through the heating area.

Abstract: An assembly and method for steaming and/or heating a trim cover of an upholstered article is disclosed. The assembly includes a stand having a bottom end and a top end, an open frame attached to the top end of the stand and adapted to receive at least a portion of the trim cover, and a steam supply system. At least a portion of the steam supply system is adapted to fit within the frame and the steam supply system applies steam towards at least one interior steam zone of the trim cover.

Abstract: A seat pad (10) having a loading surface (11). In the seat pad (10), a lateral slit portion (15), extending from the outside towards the inside of the seat pad (10) in a first lateral direction (B1) that is parallel to the loading surface (11), is formed. A longitudinal slit portion (15) is provided at an end portion of the lateral slit portion (15), in a second lateral direction (B2) that is orthogonal to the first lateral direction (B1) and that is parallel to the loading surface (11). The longitudinal slit portion (21) extends from the lateral slit portion (15) towards the loading surface (11) in a thickness direction (H) that is orthogonal to the loading surface (11).

Abstract: An articulating locking mechanism includes a support bracket having a receiving slot and a retaining flange. A pivot member is received in the receiving slot. A retainer member includes a hook portion that is coupled to the pivot member at a first end of the retainer member along an outer surface of the support bracket. The retainer member is operable between at-rest and flexed positions. A second end of the retainer member retains the retainer member in the flexed position by engaging a retaining flange extending outwardly from an inner surface of the support bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a seat cushion including: a seating part formed of an elastic body; a side part formed of an elastic body harder than the elastic body forming the seating part; and a rear part; and a seat back including: a backrest part formed of an elastic body; a side part formed of an elastic body harder than the elastic body forming the backrest part; and a rotation-center-side end part; wherein the rear part and the rotation-center-side end part are in contact with each other, and wherein at least one of (i) at least one side portion of the rear part and (ii) at least one side portion of the rotation-center-side end part is formed of an elastic body softer than the elastic body forming the side part of the seat cushion and the elastic body forming the side part of the seat back.

Abstract: A rear-side end of a protrusion configured to prevent an armrest stored in a storage space from pivoting to a usage position is formed at a side of a seat back, the side defining at the storage space. The armrest has a pad and a cover covering the pad. The pad has a back-side end engageable with the rear-side end. The rear-side end of the protrusion is arranged on a path of the back-side end of a recess, the path created when the armrest pivots from the usage position to the storage position. The back-side end of the recess is arranged rearward of the rear-side end of the protrusion when the armrest is at the storage position.

Abstract: A headrest support structure includes: a headrest body; a bushing; and a headrest stay, the bushing comprises a support section that supports the headrest stay in the bushing, and the support section includes: a fixed portion that is abutted against an outer peripheral face of the headrest stay, and a flexing portion that is provided on an opposite side of the headrest stay from the fixed portion, and that is capable of flexing so as to be abutted against the outer peripheral face of the headrest stay when the bushing has been inserted into the retention section and the headrest stay has been inserted into the bushing.

Abstract: An adjusting apparatus for adjusting a vehicle seat component of a vehicle seat comprises an adjustment arrangement for adjusting the vehicle seat component and a locking device. The locking device is coupled to the adjustment arrangement to block movement of the vehicle seat component in a locking position.

Abstract: A seat headrest assembly (16) includes a core (54) that includes a core bottom (56). A thermal conditioning device (22) includes a housing (26) that provides a fluid passage (28) that extends to a vent (62). A heating module (36) and a blower (38) are arranged in the fluid passage. The thermal conditioning device is arranged beneath the core bottom.

Abstract: A vehicle headrest including: a main portion including a central part of a front surface of the headrest; a side portion including a side part of the front surface of the headrest, the side portion including a lower side portion and an upper side portion which are divided from each other in a height direction; a first hinge shaft coupling the side portion to the main portion in a state where the side portion is capable of protruding forward to a side support position by being rotated around an axis which extends in the height direction and is inclined downward and inward in a width direction; and a second hinge shaft coupling the lower side portion to the upper side portion in a state where the lower side portion is capable of being raised forward around an axis extending in the width direction.

Abstract: Provided is a conveyance seat including a pelvis support member of which a state or the like is adjusted. The conveyance seat includes the pelvis support member configured to support a portion of an occupant's body where a pelvis is positioned and lumbar supports configured to move the pelvis support member. The pelvis support member includes a seat back side support portion positioned behind a back portion of the occupant, a seat cushion side support portion positioned below buttocks of the occupant, and a connection portion that connects the seat back side support portion and the seat cushion side support portion. The lumbar supports are configured to move the pelvis support member so that a position of at least one of the seat back side support portion, the seat cushion side support portion, and the connection portion is changed with respect to the portion where the pelvis is positioned.

Abstract: A vehicle cup holder assembly is provided herein. A receptacle is assembled to a vehicle console and a light source is coupled to the receptacle. An accessory is coupled to the receptacle and is deployable therefrom to increase the number of available cup holders in which to receive a beverage container. The accessory is configured to luminesce in response to light excitation by the light source.

Abstract: A vehicle for receiving and delivering granular material, such as agricultural seeds, includes a frame supporting a container defining an open top chamber having a bottom outlet. An elongated conveyor is supported by a system which includes a first support arm having one end pivotally connected to a side wall of the container for multiple directional movement and a second support arm pivotably connected to the opposite end of the first support arm. The opposite end of the second support arm supports an intermediate portion of the conveyor near its center of gravity and in suspended relation for tilting and rotating the conveyor. Power actuators are connected to rotate and pivot the first support arm to position the conveyor in many selected positions including the conveyor inlet under the outlet of the chamber, a storage position and a position between horizontal and substantially inclined for filling other containers.

Abstract: A tailgate system for a vehicle having a body defining a rear cargo area and an opening, the tailgate system comprising: (a) a tailgate door adapted to pivotally engage the rear cargo area in a first direction between a closed position and an open position; (b) a bed extension pivotally engaged to the tailgate door; and (c) one or more ramps, wherein the bed extension is pivotally engaged to the tailgate door and adapted to pivot from a closed position to one or more open positions; and wherein the one or more ramps removably attach to the bed extension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cash security system for a retail store that includes a cash cart, a base station, a key, and a cart detector. The cash cart includes a wheeled cart body, a cash box, and a cart security module. The cash cart is used to carry cash within the retail store. The cart security module includes a number of security devices and modules that track where the cash cart is in the retail store, and activates alarms if a problem is detected. The base station includes a base station security module with a number of security devices and modules that concurrently track the movement and location of the cash cart. The cart detector, the cart security module, and the base station security module each activate a security alarm if a security issue with the cash cart is detected.

Abstract: A vehicle operation device includes an operation portion mounted on a predetermined portion of a steering wheel, the operation portion allowing a switching operation to be performed by a tilt operation. When the operation portion is in an on state of the switching operation, a portion of the operation portion projects from a front surface and a back surface of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A headlight optical axis control apparatus calculates an inclination angle of a vehicle with respect to a road surface from a ratio of a difference between acceleration signals in the front-and-rear direction measured at two time points (kn, kn+1) to a difference between acceleration signals in the up-and-down direction measured at the two time points (kn, kn+1), the two time points being in the vicinity of a time when the attitude of a vehicle body becomes equivalent to a stationary state, in a period from a time when the travelling vehicle stops to a time when the vehicle body comes to a halt.

Abstract: An auxiliary spare tire brake light is provided for a vehicle having a spare tire with a rim that has spokes and openings and that is secured on lugs at the back of the vehicle. The auxiliary spare tire brake light includes a support disc having a central portion and a peripheral portion. An array of openings is formed in the central portion of the support disc and the openings are positioned to fit over the lugs at the back of the vehicle for positioning the support on the lugs behind the rim of the spare tire. An annular race extends around the peripheral portion of the support and a plurality of lights in the form of LEDs is disposed in the race. The LEDs are arrayed in a closely spaced substantially continuous array around the support to form a ring of LEDs. A wire and electrical connector electrically connect the plurality of LEDs to the brake circuitry of the vehicle so that the LEDs are illuminated when the vehicle's brake pedal is depressed.

Abstract: A supplemental lighting element (10) for a vehicle includes a circuit board (27) including at least one illuminator thereon, a housing having an optical element (12) in register with the at least one illuminator on the circuit board (27) and a heat sink (22) positioned between the circuit board (27) and the heat sink (22).