Abstract: A power transmitter provided according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a high-frequency power source device, a power transmitting unit, and a transmitter-side controller. The high-frequency power source device generates high-frequency power. The power transmitting unit includes a power-transmitting coil. The power transmitting unit wirelessly transmits the high-frequency power received from the high-frequency power source device to a power receiver mounted on an electric vehicle. The transmitter-side controller calculates a transmitter usage rate. The transmitter-side controller causes the power transmitting unit to stop power transmission in response to the transmitter usage rate exceeding a predetermined threshold. The transmitter usage rate indicates a rate of time during which the power transmitting unit transmits power to the power receiver per unit time.

Abstract: A charge cable lock device is for use with an inlet that includes an inlet housing. A charge cable including a rocking arm with a hooking portion is connected in a removable manner to the inlet. The charge cable lock device includes a lock member, a lock housing, and a fixing pin. The lock member is movable to a lock position and an unlock position and configured to contact the rocking arm to restrict disengagement of the hooking portion of the rocking arm from the inlet when the lock member is located at the lock position. The lock housing supports the lock member. The fixing pin is configured to be inserted into the lock housing and the inlet housing and fix the lock housing to the inlet traversing the lock housing and the inlet housing.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for at least one induction coil for inductively charging an energy accumulator on an underbody of a motor vehicle. The induction coil is covered in the vertical direction of the vehicle, towards the base, at least partially by at least one cover element.

Abstract: A wireless power supply system includes a power transmitter and a power receiver. The power transmitter includes a power-transmitting coil to which AC power of a frequency is input from a power source. The power receiver includes a power-receiving coil magnetically coupled to the power-transmitting coil at a coupling coefficient, and a first power-receiving-side series element coupled in series to the power-receiving coil and having imaginary impedance jZS2i. In this wireless power supply system, the frequency and the imaginary impedance are determined so that impedance of a power-receiving side seen from the power source is independent of the coupling coefficient when the coupling coefficient changes.

Abstract: A contactless power transmission system is provided for supplying power contactlessly from a power transmission apparatus to a power reception apparatus. The power transmission apparatus includes a high-frequency power source device for outputting a constant high-frequency current, and power transmission units having serial resonance circuits. The power reception apparatus includes power reception units having parallel resonance circuits. A power transmission coil of the power transmission unit and a power reception coil of the power reception unit are magnetically coupled. The power transmission units are connected in series, while the power reception units are connected in parallel. Power is transmitted from the power transmission unit to the power reception unit by magnetic field resonance.

Abstract: A drone receiving apparatus is provided including a landing area including a platform, a lighting system, and/or a surface on which a drone is receivable, a charging plate for providing electrical power to charge the drone received by the landing area, and a communication system by which a signal is communicable to exchange data with the drone that is within a communicable proximity to the communication system. A method to receive a drone is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charging/discharging station (2) for charging or discharging an at least partly battery-operated vehicle (14) via an inductively coupled pair of coils. The charging/discharging station (2) comprises in particular a computer device (12), in which spatial coordinates of parking areas (4) are stored and which has means to navigate a vehicle (14) to the parking area (4) by means of communication units (8, 16) by using image data of the vehicle (14) recorded by means of a camera device (10) and by using physical coordinates of the parking areas (4). The invention further relates to a method for operating such a loading/discharging station (2).

Abstract: A method includes: calculating a wireless power transfer efficiency during a wireless charging session involving a wireless charging assembly having a transmitting coil and an electronic device having a receiving coil mounted to a linear actuator mechanism; and controlling the linear actuator mechanism to move the receiving coil in a lateral direction such that the wireless power transfer efficiency increases.

Abstract: A system for charging a vehicle, includes a processing device which is communicatively coupled to a plurality of vehicles and maintains a forward model for modeling vehicle charging data for the plurality of vehicles, and a computing device which, based on the forward model, maintains a charge exchange market which directs a formation of a flash charge mob of vehicles from the plurality of vehicles at an optimal location to exchange charge.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with identifying a user of a charging station. According to one embodiment, a system includes a communication logic and an authorization logic. The communication logic aggregates transaction data to an authorizing entity. The transaction data is associated with a user and a chargeable vehicle. The authorization logic receives an authorization request to authorize a transaction between the chargeable vehicle and the charging station. The authorization logic sends a response to the authorization request. The communication also enables the chargeable vehicle to receive a charge from the charging station based on the response to the authorization request.

Abstract: A system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an electrified vehicle including a battery pack, a human-machine interface configured to receive inputs setting a charging profile, and a controller. The system further includes a battery system configured to selectively charge the battery pack in response to an instruction from the controller. Further, the controller is configured to instruct the battery system to charge the battery pack consistent with the charging profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating the state of charge of a battery. An exemplary electrical system includes a fuel cell coupled to a bus and a battery coupled to the bus via a switching arrangement coupled to a capacitor. An exemplary method for operating the electrical system involves operating the switching arrangement such that a voltage of the battery is substantially equal to a voltage of the fuel cell when a state of charge of the battery is greater than a lower threshold value and less than an upper threshold value, and operating the switching arrangement to couple the capacitor electrically in series between the battery and the bus when the state of charge of the battery is not between the lower threshold value and the upper threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for operating a battery, in particular a lithium ion battery, in a load. For this purpose, a determination (S10) is carried out of at least one operating parameter which describes the state of the battery or the load, a comparison (S20) of the at least one determined operating parameter with one reference value in each case in order to recognize whether a predefined state exists, and a discharge (S32) of the battery until the charge state of the battery lies below a specified critical charge state of the battery if it has been identified that the predefined state exists, wherein by discharging the battery, an energy store is charged by a discharge flow from the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and method of selecting range for an electric device having a rechargeable energy storage unit. The system includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions. A charging unit is configured to charge the rechargeable energy storage unit when plugged to the charging unit. An operator is requested to enter a selected range for the electric device. The controller is configured to determine if the selected range is less than a predetermined maximum range. If the selected range is less than the predetermined maximum range, the selected range is converted to a selected energy consumption based on a driving model of the operator. A target voltage is determined based on the selected energy consumption and predetermined parameters of the charging unit. The rechargeable energy storage unit is charged to the target voltage, via the charging unit.

Abstract: A battery pack includes: an upper case having an upper-case side flange and a lower case having a lower-case side flange opposing the upper case-side flange, wherein the battery pack is provided with an upper case-side depending wall that depends from an outer edge of the upper case-side flange beyond the lower case-side flange, with the upper case-side depending wall being spaced from an outer edge of the lower case-side flange, and a lower case-side depending wall that depends from the outer edge of the lower case-side flange.

Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a vehicle using an estimated torque of an electric machine, the estimated torque based on one or more parameters associated with the electric machine that are independent from measured current feedback.

Abstract: A method for operating an electrically operated or also electrically operable motor vehicle provided with a rechargeable electric energy storage device associated with the drive motor of the motor vehicle. A target charging state is determined for the energy storage device and an operating strategy is determined for a route that is calculated, entered or predicted for the next trip, by which recuperative deceleration is enabled with a specifiable minimum amount for deceleration processes occurring along the route.

Abstract: A charge transfer system includes an on-board vehicle motor system and a plug in supply. The on-board vehicle motor system includes a first motor including a plurality of stator windings, a second motor including a plurality of stator windings, a first inverter having a plurality of switch legs, a second inverter having a plurality of switch legs, a controller, and an on-board power supply. The plug-in supply is connected between at least one switch leg of the first inverter and at least one switch leg of the second inverter. The controller modulates the switch legs of the first and second inverters such that electric current flows through at least one stator winding of the first or second motor to charge the on-board power supply. The current flow can also alternate in phase with plug-in supply polarity to produce a stable stator flux vector angle preventing motor rotation during charge transfer.

Abstract: A seat includes a seat bottom, a seat back, a seat mounting structure configured to support the seat bottom and the seat back, the seat mounting structure configured to slidably couple to the rail assembly, and an occupant restraint system including a seat belt coupled to a retractor assembly. The retractor assembly is configured to slidably couple to the rail assembly such that the retractor assembly moves along the rail assembly as the seat mounting structure is moved along the rail assembly, the occupant restraint system configured to transfer load to the rail assembly disposed in the vehicle floor.

Abstract: Vehicle access seating supports a user seat unit using a mounting assembly, a fore-aft slide assembly, a swivel assembly and an extension/retraction assembly. The seat unit moves from a secured drive position on either side of the motor vehicle to an access position wherein at least part of the seat is outside the vehicle, facilitating user vehicle access. Moving from the drive position to the access position, the seat moves linearly along two axes—one (static) defined by the mounting assembly, and a second axis (pivotable) defined by the seat itself—increasing the seat occupant's legroom by reducing the clearances between the seat and the vehicle B-pillar and between the seat and the vehicle transmission tunnel. A vertical mounting recline angle improves the occupant headroom inside the vehicle. Moving between the drive and access positions, the seat can move through a narrow transition corridor in the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A seat lifter includes: a connecting member that connects a base member and a seat frame that form a seat and swings in response to external rotating force to raise or lower the seat frame; a first gear provided in the connecting member; a second gear that is provided such that an axial direction thereof is parallel to an axial direction of the first gear and meshes with the first gear; and an operating lever that applies rotating force to the second gear. The teeth of at least one of the first and second gears have such a shape that a tooth thickness of the teeth gradually decreases from one end toward the other end in the axial direction, and the first and second gears mesh with each other by approaching each other in the axial direction.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism (100) is provided for a vehicle seat (1), in particular for a utility vehicle seat, including a scissors-type frame (3). The height adjusting mechanism (100) includes a gas spring (12) that cooperates with the scissors-type frame (3) as well as a valve device (40) for ventilating and/or evacuating the gas spring (12). The valve device (40) is located on a control unit (110). The control unit (110) includes a control element (82) for actuating the height adjusting mechanism (100). A vehicle seat (1) is also provided including a height adjusting mechanism (100).

Abstract: A support base for a child safety seat includes a shell body for supporting a child seat, a foot and a recline actuator. The shell body has a first and a second end opposite to each other, an upper surface facing upward, and an end surface extending generally vertical at the first end. The foot is disposed at a bottom of the shell body adjacent to the first end, and is movable to adjust an inclination of the support base. The recline actuator is connected with the shell body, and can engage with the foot to lock the foot in position. The recline actuator has at least an actuating portion exposed on the upper surface, the actuating portion being operable to cause an unlocking movement of the recline actuator for disengaging the recline actuator from the foot.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle seat including: a seat cushion that serves as a seating portion which receives a load of an occupant; an ottoman that is connected to a front portion of the seat cushion; a base that supports the seat cushion from a vehicle floor in a seating position at which the seat cushion receives the occupant and in a tip-up position at which the seat cushion is tipped up rearward from the seating position; and a folding mechanism that moves the ottoman between an initial position at which the ottoman is positioned at the front portion of the seat cushion and a folding position at which the ottoman is retracted beneath the seat cushion in accordance with a movement of the seat cushion from the seating position and the tip-up position.

Abstract: A stowable seat for an aircraft may comprise a housing and a backrest support configured to rotate relative to the housing. A locking mechanism comprising a first latch may be coupled to the backrest support. A releasing member may be in operable communication with the first latch. The releasing member may be configured to rotate the first latch relative to the backrest support. The releasing member may be located behind a cushion coupled to the backrest support.

Abstract: A seat is provided in which a seat cushion is pivotally coupled to a seat back by a recliner assembly. The recliner assembly is selectively operable between a locked condition preventing pivotal movement of the seat back and an unlocked condition allowing pivotal movement of the seat back. A riser assembly supports the seat assembly above a floor, such as the floor of a vehicle, and is configured for actuation and movement of the seat assembly between a generally upright seating position, a pitched easy entry position tilted forwardly and downwardly towards the floor to allow easier ingress and egress behind the seat, and a stowed position recessed within a compartment below the floor.

Abstract: A ventilation seat for a vehicle is provided. The ventilation seat is configured such that a through channel to directly discharge air is formed in a seat pad so that air supplied from an air supply unit is discharged over the seat pad through the through channel, whereby the through channel or the like can be prevented from becoming narrow or being blocked due to the weight of an occupant, resulting in increased or maximize air discharge rate.

Abstract: A device for ventilating a vehicle seat having a cushion (12) which is resilient with respect to user contact and which is constructed to form a seat and/or back contact face (24) and which has an air flow channel (16, 17) which forms an air outlet (15) in the direction toward the seat or back contact face, an air-permeable covering unit (18) which is formed in order to at least partially cover the air outlet and which is preferably constructed so as to be rigid and/or grid-like, and a ventilator rotor (30) which is associated with the air flow channel and which is driven in an electro-motive manner and a ventilator unit (14) which has a ventilator housing (32) which at least partially radially surrounds the ventilator rotor, characterized in that the covering unit and the ventilator unit are fixed on or in the cushion with spacing from each other along the air flow channel and without direct connection of portions of the covering unit and the ventilator unit, and the ventilator housing has at the peripheral

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion and a seatback. The seat cushion includes a pad having a groove, a plurality of seat covers for covering the pad surface, and a suspending member for connecting two of the plurality of seat covers, and fixing the two seat covers to the pad inside the groove formed in the pad. A plurality of minute holes are formed in the suspending member between a part connected to one of the two seat covers and a part connected to the other seat cover for ventilation between an inside and an outside of the groove formed in the pad with respect to the suspending member. This secures ventilation performance of the seat cover surface even when the occupant is seated on the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A listing bead fastening tool has a body that defines a guiding recess shaped to receive a listing bead, and a guide rib extending from the body. The guide rib has a neck and a head that is connected to the body of the tool by the neck. The head has a width to allow it to pass through a retention channel defined by opposing rows of fastener elements extending from a base of a fastener strip to which the listing bead is to be fastened. The guiding recess of the body of the tool defines a listing bead insertion path that is angled with respect to the retention channel. Moving the tool along the retention channel causes the listing bead, which is retained within the guiding recess, to be progressively inserted into the retention channel and retained between the rows of fastener elements.

Abstract: A seat protector for a typical vehicle seat that has a base and a back and the shape of a trough where the seat base meets the seat back, any liquid on the seat therefore tending to pool in the trough. The seat protector has a fixing attachment for fixing the seat protector in a predetermined orientation with respect to the seat; and a liquid absorption insert aligned across the seat protector to extend at least partly along the trough when the seat protector is correctly orientated on the seat, to absorb the liquid as it pools.

Abstract: An armrest assembly includes a support substrate, a fabric layer stretching across a receiver of the support substrate and a matrix interface connecting the fabric layer to the support substrate. A cushion overlies the fabric layer and the receiver and a coverstock conceals the cushion and the fabric layer while closing the receiver. A method of producing the armrest assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a back portion that is mounted for rotational movement about a seat back axis between a first seat position and a second seat position. The seat assembly also includes an armrest mounted for rotational movement about an armrest axis relative to the back portion between a stowed position and a use position. The seat back axis is coaxial with the armrest axis.

Abstract: An adjustable headrest 300 includes a guide 360 configured to be coupled to a seat, a head support 302 coupled to the guide and configured to be movable along an adjustment path relative to the seat, and a slider 370 having a surface defining a recess 373 receiving the guide such that the surface of the slider contacts a surface of the guide. The adjustment headrest further includes a retainer 390 positioned to urge the surface of the slider against the surface of the guide, thereby maintaining friction between the surface of the slider and the surface of the guide and resisting unintended movement of the slider with respect to the guide along the adjustment path. Also, a friction module and a friction hinge are provided, which can be incorporated into an adjustable headrest or other assemblies in which sliding and/or hinged components are desired.

Abstract: A head rest assembly for a vehicle seat, the head rest assembly comprising a head support portion, a neck support portion and a pair of connection members adapted to connect the head rest assembly to the vehicle seat, wherein at least one of the pair of connection members is adapted for movement relative to the other of the pair of connection members so as to adjust a distance between the pair of connection members.

Abstract: A track adjuster includes a first track, a second track movably connected to the first track, a lockset connected to at least one of the first track and the second track, and an easy adjusting assembly. A lockset may be configured to selectively lock the first track and the second track together. An easy entry assembly may include an actuating lever, a locking lever engaged with the actuating lever, and a lock stop connected to the first track. A lock stop may be configured to engage the locking lever. An easy adjusting assembly may be configured to restrict locking of the first track and the second track by the lockset.

Abstract: A floor mat includes a first section, a second section, an interlocking feature and a snap fit feature. The first section includes a flap. The interlocking feature and the snap fit feature connect the flap of the first section with the second section.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a boat support frame loading and unloading apparatus configured to draw a boat on to and off a boat support frame. This boat support frame has a loading end and a terminal end opposite to the loading end. The apparatus provided includes at least one roller assembly mounted to the support frame adjacent to the loading end of the support frame, said at least one roller assembly incorporating at least one roller element. The apparatus also includes at least one drive mechanism configured to rotate one or more roller elements to draw a boat onto and off the support frame through the loading end of the support frame. The roller assembly also includes a hull contact surface formed by a flexible belt which has a circumference greater than the circumference of the said at least one roller element incorporated into the roller assembly.

Abstract: A trailer designed to be lowered and raised in shallow water to launch a boat or any other type of watercraft. The lowering and raising of the entire trailer is accomplished by (1) the front end of the trailer transforming the tongue and extension of tongue from a substantially straight alignment to a bent alignment by hingedly rotating the extension of tongue in relation to the tongue as facilitated through the use of a first elongated lever or rod and gravity, (2) the rear or back end of the trailer providing a rotation of an extension about the wheel hub to the wheel using a tube surrounding a rear axle that is actuated through the use of a second elongated lever or rod, and (3) all of this being accomplished at the same time from the interaction of the first elongated lever or rod and the second elongated lever or rod through a second arm located at a transitioning hub.

Abstract: According to the embodiments described herein, a bottom loading valve can include a drive member, a valve body, and a piston. The drive member can be operably coupled to a motor. The valve body can define a fluid passageway and one or more lateral openings. The drive member can be positioned within the fluid passageway. The one or more lateral openings can be offset laterally from the drive member. The piston can be engaged with the drive member. The piston can move throughout an open position and a closed position, as the drive member communicates force from the motor. When the piston is in the closed position, the piston can fully obstruct the one or more lateral openings from the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A remote controlled cart includes a body, an electric battery coupled to the body and a pair of track assemblies coupled to the body. The remote controlled cart includes an electric motor operatively coupled to the battery. The electric motor is configured to supply propulsion power to the pair of track assemblies. The remote controlled cart includes a body cover coupled to a top surface of the body. A top surface of the body cover includes at least one pair of rails. The pair of rails removably couples a task module with the body cover.

Abstract: A load securement apparatus for a vehicle incorporating a cargo bed and a tailgate movable between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration to open and close the cargo bed. The load securement apparatus includes at least one tie-down engagement structure connected to another portion of the vehicle in a position located such that a tie-down member is engaged with the tie-down engagement structure by extending a portion of the tie-down member into a gap formed between an end of the cargo bed and the tailgate when the tailgate is in the lowered configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp comprises a first light source group for forward illumination comprising at least one light emitting element, a second light source group for road surface drawing comprising at least one light emitting element provided separately from the at least one light emitting element, a first projection lens through which light emitted from the first light source group is to pass, a second projection lens through which light emitted from the second light source group is to pass, and a light shade arranged between the first and second light source groups and the first and second projection lenses so that the lights from the first and second light source groups do not intersect with each other before entering the first and second projection lenses, respectively. Light distribution control functions of the first and second projection lenses are different from each other.

Abstract: A headlight unit includes: a light source that emits a light beam for irradiating a forward area in a traveling direction; a light guide portion that receives the light beam and forms planar light having a divergence angle; a projection lens portion that projects the planar light forward; and a drive unit that changes a position of the projection lens portion. The drive unit is disposed in a region overlapping with the projection lens portion, as optically viewed from an optical axis direction of the light guide portion or the projection lens portion.

Abstract: A screw-driving bidirectional adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative position of the high and low beam shapes of an automobile lamp, comprising an open box-shaped sliding groove fixedly connected with a low beam assembly unit and a high beam assembly unit which is rotationally fitted with the low beam assembly unit, has one end capable of being moved through a shift lever, and is connected to a sliding block assembly.

Abstract: A lighting device of a vehicle includes at least one lighting device for a road scene in front of the vehicle arranged to form a first light beam defined by a first lighting. A device for generating a second light beam defined by a second lighting is configured to superimpose the second beam on the first light beam. A sum of the first lighting and of the second lighting is greater than the first lighting, the second light beam forms driving assistance information.

Abstract: A camera controller for selectively controlling illumination around a vehicle comprises an image capture portion having a viewing area; an output for transmitting lighting control messages; and control logic. The control logic determines that a change in illumination is necessary in the viewing area and transmits a lighting control message at the output in response to the determination that illumination change is necessary. The lighting control message directs at least one lighting source associated with the vehicle in the viewing area of the camera controller to be adjusted.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing a glare-free high-beam for vehicles is disclosed with headlights, which have a plurality of LEDs controllable by an ADB control and regulating unit and that a front camera is provided which is connected with the ADB control and regulating unit and which is designed to transmit information about oncoming and/or preceding vehicles to the ADB control unit, the arrangement being characterized in that the headlights are designed to generate an ADB illumination area asymmetrically only for an area of the own lane and that the headlights are designed to generate for an area of the oncoming lane only a low-beam area and a high-beam area. A method for producing an asymmetrical, glare-free high-beam is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating externally visible lighting of a motorized transportation vehicle and a motorized transportation vehicle configured to operate externally visible lighting, wherein a number of luminous regions are varied sequentially producing a light effect image varying continuously relative to the motorized transportation vehicle in a longitudinal direction, the sequential variation of the luminous regions generated when the motorized transportation vehicle is driving off so that the light effect image moves with at least one change boundary region relative to the motorized transportation vehicle in the opposite direction to the current direction of travel.

Abstract: A tow bar assembly for towing a load with a vehicle providing a lighted region to warn other motorists on the road that the load is being towed and provide indications of the mode of operation of the towing vehicle. The integrated lights may be connected to the towing vehicle control signals indicating a turn signal, braking, or reverse. The tow lights also clearly display the tow bar that may otherwise be difficult to see at night and that the tow bar is towing a load.