Abstract: A grill assembly for attachment to a vehicle front end including a base grill portion, having a front surface, a back surface, a perimeter portion, and cross-rail portions. The cross-rail portions define a plurality of grill openings therebetween. A plurality of louvers are configured to communicate with the plurality of grill openings. The assembly is in communication with a controller to effectuate generally linearly reciprocal movement of at least one of the base grill portion or the plurality of louvers in a direction generally defined by a direction of travel of the vehicle to vary an amount of air flow through the plurality of grill openings.

Abstract: A vehicular active air flap assembly capable of being opened or closed during a failure may include an air flap that can be manually opened to allow air required during the operation of the vehicle to be supplied into the engine compartment even when the air flap malfunctions, wherein the vehicular active air flap assembly is configured to operate the air flap mounted on a hole formed in a radiator grill to allow cooling air to be supplied into an engine compartment of a vehicle or block the supply of cooling air and wherein the air flap is rotatably coupled at opposite end portions thereof to the radiator grill, and at least one end portion thereof is mounted to be movable in a front-rear direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: An active grille shutter (AGS) system for a vehicle comprises a housing defining at least one opening, a set of louvers disposed in the at least one opening, wherein a first louver of the set of louvers has a rotational offset with respect to a second louver of the set of louvers, and a louver compensation system connected between an actuator system of the AGS system and at least one of the first and second louvers, the louver compensation system comprising a first rotationally flexible member, wherein the actuator system is configured to rotatably drive the first and second louvers, and wherein the first rotationally flexible member rotatably flexes to compensate for the rotational offset. A grille assembly of the vehicle and/or a side vent assembly of the vehicle could incorporate the AGS system.

Abstract: A fueling device comprises a filler neck that is configured to form a fuel flow path, a cover member, and a restraint portion. An engagement projection provided as an engagement portion of the cover member is engaged with an engaged recess provided as an engaged portion of the filler neck, so that the cover member is mounted to the filler neck on an opening side of the fuel flow path. The restraint portion is configured to restrain the cover member including an engagement extension portion downstream of the engagement projection in the fuel flow path to an outer circumferential wall of the filler neck. This configuration suppresses expansion and deformation of the cover member and avoids separation of the cover member from the filler neck, while maintaining the mounting property of the cover member.

Abstract: A vehicle body rear structure includes a lower cross member joined to the lower surface of a rear floor panel, and an upper cross member joined to the upper surface of the rear floor panel along the lower cross member. The lower cross member forms a closed section together with the rear floor panel, and is connected to front mounting portions on both sides. The upper cross member forms a closed section together with the rear floor panel. A rear flange of the lower cross member and a front flange of the upper cross member are joined to be overlaid via the rear floor panel.

Abstract: A compact planetary wheel drive uses a high speed input planet carrier partially residing with a stationary spindle, and, an input planet gear engaging an internal ring gear within the stationary spindle. Inclusion of the input planet gear within the stationary spindle enables use of an additional stage of the planetary wheel drive while keeping the planetary wheel compact. Two and three stage planetaries may be accommodated with use of the same internal output ring gear of the rotatable output housing.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a transaxle drive system for ride-on equipment. The transaxle drive system can include a frame supporting at least one power source and at least two subframes, the at least one power source including at least one drive pulley. The system can also include transaxle assemblies driven by at least a portion of at least one belt from the at least one drive pulley. The transaxle assemblies can include a first transaxle assembly supported by a subframe, the first transaxle assembly coupled to the at least one drive pulley with at least one belt, and a second transaxle assembly supported by another subframe, the second transaxle assembly coupled by at least one belt to the at least one drive pulley. The transaxle assemblies can be independently pivoted with respect to each other, the frame, and the power source.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a transaxle drive system for ride-on equipment with a plurality of transaxle assemblies supported by a suspended subframe, and a frame supported on a pair of front wheels at one end that is coupled to and pivotably suspends the subframe. Some embodiments include a power source with a drive pulley supported by the frame at an opposite end. Some embodiments include a belt coupling the drive pulley to a driven pulley of the transaxle assemblies. In some embodiments, the plurality of transaxle assemblies can be driven from the drive pulley by at least a portion of the belt. Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of transaxle assemblies include a first and second transaxle assembly each coupled to a separate rear wheel. The first and second transaxle assemblies are suspended from the subframe, and can be pivoted together about the frame, and the at least one drive pulley.

Abstract: A transfer device of a vehicle is provided, which includes an input shaft for receiving an output torque of a drive source at an axial first side, a main-wheel output part provided on a second side and for outputting the output torque to main drive wheels, an auxiliary-wheel output shaft provided in parallel to the input shaft and for outputting the output torque to auxiliary drive wheels, a coupling provided on the input shaft and for extracting a part of the output torque, a drive member having a hollow section and provided on the input shaft, a driven member provided on the auxiliary-wheel output shaft and meshed with the drive member, a universal joint provided on the auxiliary-wheel output shaft, and a damper device provided on the input shaft or the auxiliary-wheel output shaft and for reducing noise that occurs due to a variation of the output torque.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering an occupant of the vehicle to a destination autonomously as well as providing information about the vehicle and the vehicle's environment for display to the occupant.

Abstract: An adaptive instrument cluster for a vehicle actively repositions during driving so that at least one or more depicted instruments remain viewable at most steering wheel angles. The instrument cluster may include an electronic display on which one or more instruments are depicted during vehicle operation. An instrument cluster controller receives data representative of the steering wheel angle, and responsive thereto repositions the represented instruments on the electronic display so that at least one instrument remains viewable within an opening formed within the steering wheel.

Abstract: In order to limit entry of a fuel cell stack into a passenger compartment by a simple structure, the fuel cell stack is accommodated in an accommodating compartment formed at a rear of a passenger compartment. A force receiving member is arranged forward with respect to the fuel cell stack and below the fuel cell stack so that rearward force acts on the force receiving member at the time of vehicle collision. When the rearward force acting on the force receiving member due to vehicle collision is larger than a predetermined upper limit value, the rearward force is converted into upward force, and the upward force is transmitted to a forward bottom surface of the fuel cell stack, whereby a forward end part of the fuel cell stack is lifted up with respect to a rearward end part of the fuel cell stack upon vehicle collision.

Abstract: A vehicle system in a hybrid vehicle comprises a controller configured to generate for output a modulated voltage to a direct current capacitor to prevent voltage spikes on the capacitor in response to receiving a reference current via a direct current voltage clamping control block that outputs a reference current in response to a difference between a feedback voltage and a reference voltage exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for a vehicle battery and a method for operating the same capable of preventing accidents such as fire and battery explosion are provided. The safety apparatus includes a fixed housing that is fixed to a vehicle body and a movable housing that is movably disposed in the fixed housing to move due to external impact. An impact sensor is disposed within the fixed housing configured to be fractured due to the movement of the movable housing and an elastic member is configured to provide a restoring force to the movable housing.

Abstract: An emergency startup device of an electric vehicle has a high-voltage power battery, a motor driver, a high-voltage control box, a vehicle controller, a low-voltage DC battery, and an emergency starter. The vehicle controller turns on or off the high-voltage control box. When the low-voltage DC battery does not have enough electricity to provide electricity to the vehicle controller, the vehicle controller may not turn on the high-voltage control box, the high-voltage power battery may not provide electricity to the motor driver, and the electric vehicle may not be driven. When the emergency starter is operated, the high-voltage power battery charges the low-voltage DC battery through the emergency starter. Then, the low-voltage DC battery provides enough electricity to the vehicle controller, and the electric vehicle is normally driven.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes multiple DC-DC converter circuits, vehicle batteries, and vehicle power distribution buses. Each vehicle battery is electrically connected in parallel to each of the DC-DC converter circuits. Each of the vehicle batteries is also electrically connected in parallel to one another. Further, each of the DC-DC converter circuits and each of the vehicle batteries are electrically connected to multiple vehicle power distribution buses.

Abstract: A power converter may include a smoothing capacitor for a high voltage power source; a discharge circuit for the smoothing capacitor, a controller configured to control the discharge circuit by receiving power via a main power line and a backup power line from a sub-power source; a first switch, arranged on the backup power line, and configured to connect the controller to the sub-power source when a controlling voltage, which is higher than a threshold voltage, is applied to an input terminal of the first switch from the controller, and cut off the controller from the sub-power source when the controlling voltage falls; a voltage retaining capacitor connected between the input terminal and a ground; a second switch controlled by the controller, connected between the input terminal and the ground. An external switch is arranged on the main power line. The external switch may be controlled by another device.

Abstract: Device (100) for achieving a temporary connection between two objects (101,102) which are movable relative to each other, comprising •respective connecting means (114,154), being brought together in order to jointly establish said connection, •a movable robot (110), arranged to continuously displace the first connecting means relative to the first object, •a control means (120), arranged to control the movements of the robot relative to the first object, as well as •a sensor means (130), arranged to continuously read a relative position between the first connecting means and the second connecting means while the said objects move relative to each other. The invention is characterized in that the control means is arranged to, while the objects move relative to each other, continuously control the robot so that the first connecting means is displaced, relative to the first object and up to the second connecting means, and there connects to the second connecting means. The invention also relates to a method.

Abstract: There is provided a voltage-between-terminals measurement unit that measures voltage between the terminals of a charging connector connecting an external charger that charges a battery. A release device of the charging connector determines melt of charging contactors, and disconnects main contactors to immediately reduce the voltage between the terminals of the charging connector if it is determined that the charging contactors melt.

Abstract: A battery management system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The system includes at least one battery having multiple battery cells, an automotive electronic control unit including a device for sensing battery quantities, where the battery quantities are the battery terminal current, the battery terminal voltage and a measured or estimated battery or battery box temperature, the battery terminal current, the battery terminal voltage, the measured or estimated battery or battery box temperature, and an automotive alternator supplying a regulation voltage, where the automotive electronic control unit is adapted to drive the battery through a charging cycle, in which a certain charge voltage and/or a certain charge current is supplied to the battery to charge the battery, and the automotive electronic control unit is adapted to control the regulation voltage based upon the sensed battery quantities to supply the certain charge voltage and/or the certain charge current to the battery.

Abstract: A charging device for a vehicle includes: a charge port connected to a charge cable and accessible from the outside of the vehicle; a locking device locking the charge cable to the charge port; a battery configured to be charged by electric power supplied from the charge cable; a button including an icon that is turned on according to a lock setting state and accessible from the outside of the vehicle; and a processor configured to change a lock setting state of the charge cable and the charge port according to a user input received through the button, turn on or turn off the icon included in the button according to the lock setting state, and control locking of the locking device according to the lock setting state.

Abstract: Provided is a charging system that causes usage conditions of chargers to be more equalized than before. A charging system includes a plurality of chargers. A controller of a first charger requests second chargers to output assistance power to a power sharing cable based on second charger information regarding the second charger when charge request from an electrically-powered vehicle connected to a charging port of the first charger exceeds output power capacity of a charging portion.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically receiving electric vehicle prospective use information associated with aspects indicating one or more future travel plans involving prospective use of an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle including one or more wireless electrical energy transfer receiving devices and one or more electrical energy storage devices; and electronically obtaining electrical energy transfer aspect information regarding wireless electrical energy transfer from one or more wireless electrical energy transfer imparting stations to the one or more wireless electrical energy transfer receiving devices of the electric vehicle for storage by the one or more electrical energy storage devices of the electric vehicle. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A system for vehicle charging comprising: an electrical storage unit disposed on a charge receiving vehicle; at least one integrated charging panel in electrical communication with the electrical storage unit, the at least one integrated charging panel configured to receive a charge at a charging site; a charge receiving vehicle controller configured to communicate with the charging site to determine a compatibility of the at least one integrated charging panel to receive charging from the charging site; wherein the at least one integrated charging panel receives a charge from the charging site wherein the charge receiving vehicle is charged.

Abstract: An electric storage device includes a first electric capacitor, a second electric capacitor, a converter, and a processor. The converter converts electric power transmitted between an external power system external to the electric storage device and at least one of the first electric capacitor and second electric capacitor. The processor is configured to control the converter to operate in at least one of a first mode and a second mode, the first electric capacitor continuously discharging electric power to the external power system in the first mode, the second electric capacitor discharging electric power to the external power system and being charged by the external power system, intermittently, to stabilize frequencies in the external power system in the second mode.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a body controller programmed to limit operation of at least one vehicle feature to reduce battery consumption during transit of the vehicle in response to a vehicle flag indicating a transport status, and to enable operation of the at least one vehicle feature during manufacturing in response to the vehicle flag indicating a factory status.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a lower voltage set-point, an upper voltage set-point, a temperature-dependent upper current set-point, a time limit value, and a lower current hysteresis threshold set-point based on a measured temperature of a battery. A charge current from a battery charging circuit is provided. If a charge voltage is above the lower voltage set-point and below the upper voltage set-point and the charge current exceeds the temperature-dependent upper current set-point, timer is started. If the timer reaches a time limit value while the charge current exceeds the temperature-dependent upper current set-point and the charge voltage is between the lower voltage set-point and the upper voltage set-point, the charge current is reduced.

Abstract: When an absolute value of a rotation speed change rate of a motor is equal to or less than a threshold and an absolute value of a torque command change rate of the motor is equal to or less than a threshold, a switching angle is changed by cyclically changing a pulse type or the number of pulses as change in a pulse pattern. With this, respective order components of harmonics are dispersed, whereby it is possible to reduce the degree of prominence of a specific order component in harmonics relative to other order components.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a lower leg support, a seat, and a seatback. A seat rotational member rotatably couples the lower leg support to the seat. A seatback rotational member rotatably couples the seat to the seatback.

Abstract: A vehicle seat adjuster for adjusting the inclination of a backrest with respect to the seat.

Abstract: A frame serving as a seatback frame for a vehicle seat and simply configured to reduce a load applied to a seated occupant at the time of a vehicle collision is provided. A seatback frame includes a connecting wire which connects side frames. The center of the connecting wire is bent to extend toward a front side of a vehicle seat. When the seated occupant is moved toward a rear side of the vehicle seat at the time of a vehicle rear-end collision, the forward extending portion restrains a portion of the back of the seated occupant in which a thoracic vertebra is located and reduces an amount of a rearward movement of the portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a self adjusting energy attenuating vehicle seating system configured to automatically compensate for variations in the weight of seated occupants. A seat is mounted in a vehicle and configured to stroke in a downward direction, generally toward a floor of the vehicle, with an adjustable energy attenuating device disposed in a load path between the seat and a rigid structural portion of the vehicle. A signal processor removes variations in a seat weight signal attributable to vehicle or occupant motion, and outputs an energy attenuator adjustment signal corresponding to the weight of a seated occupant. The system may further include an actuator configured to receive the energy attenuator adjustment signal and adjust a load setting feature of the energy attenuating device accordingly.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a first seating unit having a backrest, which includes a front side and a back side. An armrest I operably coupled with an intermediate portion of the back side and is configured for use by a passenger seated in a second seating unit disposed behind but laterally offset from the first seating unit. The armrest is moveable between an in-use position, wherein an upper surface of the armrest is generally horizontally positioned and available to support the passenger, and a stowed position, wherein the armrest is generally adjacent to a rear face of the backrest of the first seating unit.

Abstract: A head rest assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. The head rest assembly includes a body having a storage compartment and a cover for mating with the body and enclosing the storage compartment. Further, the head rest assembly includes a travel pillow that is held in the storage compartment where it is made conveniently available for use by a passenger of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A head restraint (14) has a headrest (16) and at least one guide tube (18) that can be latched to a backrest structure of a motor vehicle seat for movable guidance of the headrest (16) in the direction of travel. An actuating rod (30) is mounted rotatably in the guide tube (18) and an unlocking slide (40) can be moved axially by rotating the actuating rod (30). In an actuating position, the unlocking slide (40) moves a latching element (58) into an unlatched position, and, in a rest position, the latching element (58) occupies a latched position. An actuating bar (24) is guided in the headrest (16) for rotating the actuating rod (30). The guide tube (18) is supported axially without tilting, and protectively accommodates a latching mechanism (59) that is easy to actuate from outside so that the head restraint (14) can be adjusted in a simple manner.

Abstract: Embodiments of radiant barriers for vehicles are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a vehicle includes an interior cabin at least partially enclosed by a roof panel, a floor panel, and an engine compartment firewall, and a radiant barrier positioned within the interior cabin. The radiant barrier includes a first thermally reflective surface and a second thermally reflective surface opposite the first thermally reflective surface and separated from the first thermally reflective surface by a thickness t. The thickness t is constant along a length and a width of the radiant barrier. The radiant barrier at least partially thermally isolates the interior cabin from an external environment.

Abstract: A thermally conductive trim cover is provided for use on a seat assembly. The trim cover comprises a layer of leather material having a top surface and a bottom surface and thermally conductive particles embedded in the leather material between the top and bottom surface for dispersing heat therethrough.

Abstract: A side shield is provided for a seat frame. That side shield includes a body having a housing and an integral mounting bridge as well as a seat control switch assembly. The seat control switch assembly is held in an opening defined between the housing and the integral mounting bridge. In addition, a locator feature is carried on the integral mounting bridge. That locator feature receives a locator lug carried on the seat frame. A seat assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An automotive rear seat (1) includes a seat cushion (2) and a seat back (6). The seat back (6) includes a seat back main body portion (10) and a seat back side portion (20) disposed on one side of the seat back main body portion (10). The seat back side portion (20) is fixed to a vehicle body (body frame (FR)) or the seat cushion (2) via a first attachment portion (30) provided on a lower portion of the seat back side portion (20), and the seat back side portion (20) includes, at a position different from a position at which the first attachment portion (30) is provided, a rotation-restricting portion (40) configured to contact the vehicle body or the seat cushion (2) to restrict rotation of the seat back side portion (20).

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat frame; a seat pad; a seat cover; and a support member. An end of the support member is hooked over a receiving portion provided within the seat frame with the support member being disposed within the seat frame. A first portion supported by the support member and a second portion that is not supported by the support member are formed in the seat pad on the seat frame, and a reverse side of the vehicle seat at the second portion is covered with the seat cover extending from a seating side of the seat pad around to the reverse side of the seat pad. A distal portion of the seat cover is retained by a retaining portion provided on a second portion-side end of the support member, the distal portion covering the reverse side of the vehicle seat at the second portion.

Abstract: A vehicle armrest includes an armrest base having a pivot axle that extends along a pivot axis. The armrest base also includes a release mechanism that includes a pair of latch extensions supported on the armrest base for relative movement along a latch axis that is substantially parallel to the pivot axis. A latch spring biases the latch extensions apart from each other. A release handle is mounted on the armrest base for relative movement in a handle release direction. A pinion is mounted on the armrest base for relative rotational movement. Movement of the release handle in the release direction causes rotation of the pinion relative to the armrest base which, in turn, causes the latch extensions to move along the latch axis toward one another.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat frame. A support bracket is rotatably coupled with the seat frame, and is coupled with a front seat cushion tube supporting a forward portion of a seat. A spindle bracket is operably coupled with the frame. A position clamp includes a spring-biased piston rotatably coupled with the spindle bracket. A housing is slidably coupled with the piston, operable between fore and aft positions, and is rotatably coupled with a clamp mounting bracket, which is fixedly coupled with the support bracket. A release bar is operably coupled with the position clamp, is operable between lock and release positions, and is spring-biased to the lock position. A release handle is operably coupled to the release bar and configured to disengage the release bar from the lock position, thereby allowing sliding movement of the housing fore and aft relative to the piston.

Abstract: A vehicle armrest includes an armrest structure with a first shell made of a natural fiber composite material. The armrest structure also includes a second shell made of a natural fiber composite material. The first shell has a first contact portion that extends toward the second shell. The second shell has a second contact portion that extends toward the first shell. The first contact portion of the first shell is connected to the second contact portion of the second shell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the spreading of a material by pushing the material from the back of a vehicle using a material ejector system while the vehicle is moving. The depth of the spread material and how evenly it is spread is dependent on a number of factors that can be difficult and complicated for an operator of the vehicle control. In the present disclosure the speed at which the material is ejected from the vehicle is set on the basis of a measured speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a height-adjustable gantry assembly configured to be securely connected to a gantry load resting on a working surface. The height-adjustable gantry assembly, in use, lifts and supports the gantry load vertically above the working surface. A movable frame assembly is configured to move and support the height-adjustable gantry assembly.

Abstract: A tank support system includes a hollow open-top container having a contiguous sidewall region and a bottom region coupled to the sidewall region. A loop antenna is coupled to a portion of the container's sidewall region. A tuning circuit coupled to the loop antenna provides for adjustment of the loop antenna's electrical impedance. A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader is coupled to the tuning circuit.

Abstract: A slide-out or retractable room for a mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle, is provided with actuating assemblies mounted on opposite side walls of the slide-out room and the adjacent wall of the main living area. The actuating assemblies include a pair of parallel gear racks mounted on the side wall, which are engaged by pinions rotated by torque shafts mounted on the main living quarters. Each torque shaft is rotated by a separate motor. A roller engages a bearing surface on the lower portion of the gear racks. Accordingly, the slide-out room is extended and retracted by rotating the torque shafts to cause the gear racks and the attached slide-out room to extend and retract. The weight of the slide-out room is supported by the rollers, thereby supporting the slide-out room off of the floor of the main living quarters as it extends and retracts. A synchronizing control operates the motors.

Abstract: A tie down cleat assembly includes a cleat body having a mounting lug, a first receiver, a second receiver and a third receiver. The multiple receivers provide versatility, enhancing the functionality of the cleat for tie down purposes.

Abstract: A vehicle headlight assembly includes a plurality of snap wedge assemblies with at least one of the snap wedge assemblies including a ball stud configured for engagement with a light module and an insert coupled with the ball stud, the insert including a plurality of wedges and a plurality of snap fingers. The assembly further includes a plurality of carrier receptacles for matingly receiving and securing the snap wedge assemblies.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp system includes a lamp unit and a lamp control unit. The lamp unit includes a plurality of LEDs and forms a high-beam light-distribution pattern. The lamp control unit controls the on/off of each of the plurality of LEDs. The lamp control unit controls each LED in the following manner. Specifically, the luminance is gradually lowered in a first period when the luminance is lowered to a level at which the LED remains on at reduced luminance. The luminance is gradually lowered in a second period, which is shorter than the first period, when the luminance is lowered to a level at which the LED is off.