Abstract: An apparatus comprises a power electronic energy conversion system comprising a first energy storage device configured to store DC energy and a first voltage converter configured to convert a second voltage from a remote power supply into a first charging voltage configured to charge the first energy storage device. The apparatus also includes a first controller configured to control the first voltage converter to convert the second voltage into the first charging voltage and to provide the first charging voltage to the first energy storage device during a charging mode of operation and communicate with a second controller located remotely from the power electronic energy conversion system to cause a second charging voltage to be provided to the first energy storage device during the charging mode of operation to rapidly charge the first energy storage device.

Abstract: Vehicle control systems can include one or more location sensors, an energy storage device, one or more charge sensors and one or more vehicle computing devices. The location sensor(s) can determine a current location of a vehicle, while the charge sensor(s) can determine a current state of charge of an energy storage device that can be located onboard the vehicle to provide operating power for one or more vehicle systems. The vehicle computing device(s) can communicate the current location of the vehicle and current state of charge of the energy storage device to a remote computing device, receive from the remote computing device a charging control signal determined, at least in part, from the current location of the vehicle and the current state of charge of the energy storage device, and control charging of the energy storage device in accordance with the charging control signal.

Abstract: A device/method for the control of a charge operation and the State Of Charge (SOC) of an electrical Energy Storage System (ESS), e.g. a battery, that includes a multitude of cells is provided. The ESS is electrically connected to a propulsion system of a vehicle in order to power an Electric Motor. The method includes charging the ESS from an electrical power source, e.g., the grid, when the vehicle is at standstill, stopping the charging when the SOC level of the ESS is above a maintenance limit for the SOC level of the ESS, monitoring the battery and/or performing a service operation of the ESS after the ESS has been charged to a SOC level above the maintenance limit for the SOC level of the ESS, deliberately discharging the ESS to lower the SOC level.

Abstract: Electric vehicle range extending apparatus includes a step-down voltage provision unit, cell voltage sensing unit, cell switching unit, and control unit. The step-down voltage provision unit has an input port to be coupled to the main battery pack or an auxiliary battery pack, and an output port to output a power balancing signal. The cell voltage sensing unit is for being coupled to the battery cells and sensing individual voltages of the battery cells. The cell switching unit, including a plurality of switches, is coupled to the battery cells respectively, and coupled to the output port. The control unit, coupled to the cell voltage sensing unit, step-down voltage provision unit, and cell switching unit, is for controlling the cell switching unit based on the individual voltages of the battery cells so as to apply the power balancing signal to at least one of the battery cells selectively.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is a shifter for a vehicle driven by an electric motor powered by a battery. The shifter includes a lever with one end adapted to accommodate the hand of a user and another end moveably attached to a base mounted on the vehicle. The base includes a mechanism biasing the lever into an equilibrium position and providing haptic feedback when moved in one direction out of the equilibrium position. The shifter also includes at least one sensor adapted to detect when the lever is moved in the one direction and to send a downshift signal to a processor. The processor is adapted to switch the motor to a power generation mode in response to the signal, thereby charging the battery and slowing the vehicle. The net effect is to simulate downshifting a manual transmission in a gas-powered vehicle. In another aspect, the base includes a mechanism providing haptic feedback when moved to one of a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A vehicle conductive charge port is configured to conductively transfer charging current from an external source to the vehicle for charging a traction battery of the vehicle. A cooling system is configured to cool the charge port depending on a temperature of the charge port. The cooling system may use coolant and/or air to cool the charge port.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for smart electric vehicle charging and a mediator device for the same. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a signal, at a first connector, indicative of a charging capacity of a charging station, from the charging station, and providing a signal indicative of a second charging capacity at a second connector to an electrical vehicle, wherein the second charging capacity is determined based on optimization data received from an optimization service.

Abstract: A vehicle seat occupant classification system for use in a vehicle seat includes a weight-responsive sensor, at least one bracket member serving as a holder for the weight-responsive sensor, and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a status of the at least one weight-responsive sensor. The bracket member is fixedly attached to the seat base. If a mechanical load at least corresponding to a first pre-determined threshold value is applied by a seat occupant, a portion of the vehicle seat comes into mechanical interaction with the at least one weight-responsive sensor, and is configured to change a status of the at least one weight-responsive sensor if a mechanical load at least corresponding to a second pre-determined threshold value is applied. Relative movement between the seat base and the at least one weight-responsive sensor is at least excluded for applied mechanical loads that are smaller than the first pre-determined threshold value.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of support portions that connect a frame portion and a roll-over protection cage to each other; a cross member that extends in a width direction of the vehicle and connects the pair of support portions to each other at positions higher than centers of the pair of support portions in an up-down direction of the vehicle; a first seat portion, a second seat portion, and a third seat portion in a front row; and a seat belt unit corresponding to the second seat portion. The seat belt unit includes a winding device located at a position lower than a shoulder anchor. The cross member is located between an upper end of the shoulder anchor and a lower end of the winding device in a front view of the vehicle, and supports the shoulder anchor and the winding device.

Abstract: A motor vehicle interior arrangement, in particular a motor vehicle seat, having a decorative element, in particular piping or a decorative strip, which is arranged at least with an outer side visible on a part of the motor vehicle interior arrangement, in particular on a seat cover or an inner wall of the motor vehicle interior arrangement, characterized in that the decorative element has an electrically conductive element which generates an electrical field, to control or actuate certain functions in the motor vehicle interior.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a front seating assembly and a rear seating assembly. An occupant sensor senses occupancy of the front seating assembly. A proximity sensor senses an object in a footwell behind the front seating assembly. A rear door sensor senses the opening of a rear door. A controller activates an actuator to move the front seating assembly forward based on the sensed occupancy, a sensed object, and sensed door opening. A method of controlling a vehicle seating assembly includes the steps of: sensing the front seating assembly is unoccupied with the occupant sensor; detecting in the footwell behind the front seating assembly with the proximity sensor; sensing a rear door position with the door sensor; and moving the front seating assembly forward when the front seating assembly is unoccupied, an object is in the footwell, and the rear door is in an open position.

Abstract: A seat position adjustment apparatus for a vehicle may include fixed rails fixed on a bottom plane; first sliding rails configured to slide in forward and backward directions on the fixed rails respectively, and provided with cushion links rotatably coupled to the cushion frame; second sliding rails configured to move with the first sliding rails and slide on and protrude from the first sliding rails, and formed to support the cushion frame with the cushion links; a driving device mounted to the first sliding rails or the second sliding rails and configured to transmit power to the first sliding rails and the second sliding rails; and a seat back link rotatably mounted on the bottom plane or the fixed rails and rotatably coupled to and supporting a seat back frame.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a latch for securing a seatback to an elevated rear wall of a vehicle passenger compartment, and in which a striker having a crosswise engaging portion extends rearwardly from the seatback. The latch includes a fixed sector adapted to being mounted to the rear wall. A hook is pivotally supported to the sector, with a slide plate sandwiching the hook between the slide plate and the fixed sector such that upward displacement of the slide plate causes forward pivoting of the hook. Rearward pressing of the seatback and striker causes rearward rotation of the hook to receive the striker, the slide plate being upwardly displaced to cause forward rotation of the hook to disengage the striker.

Abstract: In order to suppress a claustrophobic feeling that a person sitting on a rear seat receives due to a front seat, and to make the front seat easy to use as an ottoman by the person, a movement adjustment system is used for a passenger seat and a rear seat, and includes a slide rail for moving the rear seat in the front to back direction, and a control part for changing the movement region of the rear seat by the slide rail. The passenger seat has a seat cushion, and a seat back mounted to be changeable between an upright state and a lowered state with respect to the seat cushion. The control part changes the movement region so that the passenger seat and the rear seat can come closer when the seat back of the passenger seat is in the lowered state than in the upright state.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion; a seat back; a frame; a headrest which is provided on an upper end portion of the frame; and a reclining portion wherein: the reclining portion includes: a link supporting the seat back at a swing end section; a sector gear rotated integrally with the link; a lock unit configured to move between an engaging position and a disengaging position for releasing from the engagement with the sector gear and configured to unrotatably hold the sector gear at the engaging position; and a biasing section biasing the lock unit toward the engaging position; and the lock unit includes: a pinion gear meshing with the sector gear at the engaging position and allowing rotation of the sector gear by rotating in a state of meshing with the sector gear; and a gear holding part configured to unrotatably hold the pinion gear.

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

Abstract: An occupant support adapted for use in a vehicle includes a seat frame, a seat pad, and a suspension system. The seat frame is adapted to couple with the vehicle for movement with the vehicle. The seat pad is adapted to provide a comfortable support interface. The suspension system provides relative movement between the seat pad and the seat frame.

Abstract: A seat conditioning module for a seat conditioning assembly including an air mover, an intake port, outtake port, wherein at least one of the intake port, the outtake port, or both are in fluid communication with a seat surface. A valve assembly with at least two apertures movably disposed between the air mover and the at least one intake and at least one outtake ports. An actuation device for moving the valve assembly to control the passage of the fluid through the at least two apertures. An optional conditioning device in fluid communication with the air mover and the seat surface. A control device for at least controlling the position of the at least two apertures of the valve assembly, the activation of the optional conditioning device, the operation of the air mover, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle seat with little fine creases on a concave portion of a seat surface even the use of natural leather such as a cowhide as a skin material for the vehicle seat. A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion making a seated portion of the seat; a seat back disposed at a back side of the seat cushion and making a backrest portion of the seat; and a cover formed of a cloth including a skin material, an adhesive material, and a cushion material at a concave portion on at least one surface among the seat cushion and the seat back. The cover is formed into a concave shape by heat presswork with a mold having a curved surface.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is coupled to the seat bottom to move relative to the vehicle seat. The vehicle further includes a support mechanism coupled to the vehicle and configured to vary support provided to an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seatback having a frame and a cushion assembly. A cushion carrier includes a lower member defining a frame receiving cavity. A first set of ribs extend across the frame receiving cavity in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the lower member. The first set of ribs extend between the lower member and a lower brace of the frame. A second set of ribs are parallel with the first set of ribs. The second set of ribs are longer than the first set of ribs.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat frame that is provided as a strength member and extends in a specific direction, the seat frame including: a closed section frame having a closed sectional shape and extending in the specific direction, an opened section frame having an opened sectional shape and extending in the specific direction in parallel with the closed section frame, wherein the opened section frame is coupled with the closed section in a state to have a closure forming part and a gradually changing structure, wherein the closure forming part forms a closed sectional shape between the opened section frame and the closed section frame, and wherein the gradually changing structure changes the closed sectional shape formed between the opened section frame and the closed section frame at the closure forming part.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a motor vehicle includes a side member, a front link, a rear link and a rail. The side member, the front link, the rear link and the rail form a four-bar linkage with four way movement. The seat assembly further includes a transformation bracket that is attached to the first side member and connected to the rear link to convert the seat assembly with four way movement to two way movement.

Abstract: A method of method of manufacturing an upholstered chair for a mass transit vehicle includes forming a seat insert and a backrest insert, injection molding a layer of upholstery having enveloping flanges and beads at a periphery thereof, placing the upholstery onto the seat and backrest inserts such that the flanges and beads engage with an underside of the inserts, and attaching the seat insert and the backrest insert onto a chair frame. The flanges and beads secure the upholstery to the seat and backrest insert.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a slim foam pad for vehicle seats, may include injecting a first foam solution into a first mold to manufacture an upper pad; inserting the manufactured upper pad into a second mold; and injecting a second foam solution to a first surface of the upper pad inserted into the second mold to manufacture a lower pad integrally coupled to the upper pad, wherein the second foam solution is foamed in a state of being in direct contact with the first surface of the upper pad, wherein no additional border separation member is provided at a border between the upper pad and the lower pad.

Abstract: A holder assembly includes a connector positioned at a first end of the holder assembly. An accessory-engagement portion is positioned at a second end of the holder assembly. The accessory-engagement portion is configured to removably couple with an accessory. An arm is positioned between the first end and the second end. An attachment elbow is positioned between the arm and the connector. The attachment elbow is pivotable about a hinge.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for a vehicle seat includes two pins each extending along an adjustment direction between a lower end and an upper end, each of the two pins having a mounting portion comprising the lower end and adapted to be fixed to a backrest of a seat, an adjustment portion comprising the upper end, and an intermediate portion between the mounting portion and the adjustment portion. The seat further includes a support structure adapted to support the head of a user, and an interface made of overmolded plastic and interconnecting the intermediate portions of the two pins.

Abstract: A mechanism for folding a head restraint for a backrest of a seat, including a head restraint and a cross portion, where the cross portion is fixed relative to the backrest. The cross portion defines a first pivot axis, which the head restraint is pivoted about. The cross portion includes a locking disc. The head restraint comprises a cam that pivots about a second pivot axis. The head restraint is configured to be positioned in a usage-position relative to the cross portion and a storage-position relative to the cross portion. The position of the head restraint is changeable between the usage-position and the storage-position by pivoting about the first pivot axis. The cam is configured to be positioned in a locking-position and a releasing-position relative to the head restraint.

Abstract: A headrest (1) for a vehicle has a headrest body (1.1). The headrest body (1.1) has a substantially C-shaped cross section. A holder (5), for holding at least one object (3), is arranged inside a hollow space (H) enclosed by the C-shaped cross section. The holder (5) is integral with the headrest body (1.1) and is formed by a molded portion, or several molded portions, of the headrest body (1.1), and/or by at least one mechanically flexible portion of the headrest body (1.1). The headrest body (1.1) is thereby configured such that the object (3) can be retained by a clamping between the limbs of the C-shaped cross section.

Abstract: A universal aircraft mule having a rollable and steerable frame and an interchangeable, load-carrying cradle configured for removably supporting and carrying an auxiliary. The frame tiltably and liftably supports the cradle with a lift assembly. The lift assembly raises and lowers the cradle in relation to the frame and tilts the cradle in relation to the frame. The cradle also allows an auxiliary to be skewed within the cradle to facilitate loading and unloading of the auxiliary.

Abstract: A 240 degrees radially rotatable deck assembly rotatable in either direction without requiring resetting in a park position and requiring only a rotatable outer ring of a slew gear connected to a rotatable sub-frame attached to the deck, a fixed inner ring of the slew gear affixed to a fixed sub-frame fixed to a frame of the assembly and only a single hydraulic motor requiring no cylinders and only one main valve body with incorporated electric solenoids reducing the complexity of the plumbing and the weight of the assembly resulting in lower construction and maintenance costs, improved fuel economy and allowing an increased load weight. The assembly includes a positive holding brake that eliminates blow-by of the rotating section and is rotatable in either direction without requiring being reset in a park position. Such a deck is especially useful on a tow truck.

Abstract: A grain cart is provided that automatically rotates a spout of an auger assembly out of the way of a storage hopper when the auger assembly is folded into a transport position. The grain cart can include a storage hopper and an auger assembly to discharge particulate material from the storage hopper out of the grain cart. The auger assembly has a lower auger section and an upper auger section. A discharge assembly is pivotally attached to a discharge end of the upper auger section. To put the auger assembly in the transport assembly, the upper auger section is pivoted adjacent to the lower auger section. A cross-over electrical connection electrically connects a fold electrical connection and a pivot electrical connection, to cause the discharge assembly and spout to be pivoted towards a front of a grain cart when the auger assembly is folded into the transport position.

Abstract: A carrier system and method for assisting in handling cargo of a vehicle. A carrier container includes an interior storage space surrounded by a front side facing the rear of the vehicle, rear, left, right, and bottom sides, and an open top that allows access to the interior storage space with a lid that closes and opens the top. A carrier support structure mounted to the carrier container is inserted into the hitch of the vehicle and holds the top surface of the container flush with the cargo bed of the vehicle. The lid is opened to deploy a ramp stored inside which is anchored to the container so that it is flush with the top surface of the container and reaches the ground. The lid is closed and a bridge plate commonly hinged with the lid is deployed over any gap between the cargo bed and the container top, providing a continuous surface between the cargo bed and the ground for use by pets for ingress and egress of the vehicle and for handling cargo.

Abstract: A hoist mechanism having an improved locking assembly. A hoist mechanism includes a frame including a first end and a second end, and the frame is pivotably coupled with a mounting structure at the frame first end. The hoist mechanism also includes a hoist arm assembly pivotably coupled with the frame second end, and the hoist arm assembly includes a jib operative to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The locking assembly includes a lug disposed on the jib and a link arm coupled with the frame. The link arm defines a slot dimensioned to selectively engage with the lug when the jib is moved from the retracted position. The hoist arm assembly is pivotable with respect to the frame when the jib is in the retracted position, and the frame and the hoist arm assembly are pivotable together when the jib is in the extended position.

Abstract: A container covering deployment system includes a covering deployment device and a pair of worm drive mechanisms. The covering deployment device has a pair of ends pivotally mounted adjacent to opposite sides of a load bed so as to undergo pivotal movement about a transverse axis extending between the opposite sides. Each worm drive mechanism is mounted adjacent to and drivingly coupled with one of the pivotally mounted ends of the covering deployment device so that the worm drive mechanisms are operable to translate rotational drive input motion about respective longitudinal axes extending along the opposite sides and between opposite ends of the load bed into rotational driven output motion about the transverse axis to thereby pivotally actuate the covering deployment device to either draw or withdraw the covering over or from an open-top container on the load bed.

Abstract: A stake pocket protection device for providing protection to a stake pocket of the type commonly installed on trailer beds. The device having a planar base plate with an opening of dimensions approximate of the stake pocket, a retention portion and a securing portion in a J-shaped configuration. The device lies flat over the stake pocket with the opening lined up over the pocket such that a pin can slide into the stake pocket. Thereby the device holds the pin and adds more holding strength to the stake pocket.

Abstract: A cargo restraining system has a frame and a cargo net carried on the frame. The frame and the cargo net are displaceable between a first position partitioning a cargo area from a passenger area of a motor vehicle and a second position overlying cargo supported on a cargo area floor of the motor vehicle. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An illuminated trim fitting for a motor vehicle, in particular a trim fitting as a cover fitting of a sealing strip for the window channel of a vehicle door, is intended to provide a high-quality illuminating effect accompanied at the same time by a simple structural design, low manufacturing costs and space-saving attachment. In addition, the trim fitting is to differ as little as possible externally from non-illuminated trim fittings. For this purpose there is provision that a light gap is formed between a profiled strip of the trim fitting and the adjacent vehicle outer skin, through which light gap the light emitted by a lighting structure provided on the rear of the trim fitting can exit to the outside.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lamp switch for a parking brake and a structure of a lamp switch is configured to be changed, which indicates that a parking brake is pulled as lighting a lamp on a instrument panel of a vehicle by pulling a lever for the parking brake to prevent malfunction due to poor contact of the lamp switch when an external shock occurs, enhance fuel efficiency and reduce manufacturing cost due to weight reduction, and reduce the number of assembled fixtures.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system is provided herein. A spotlight is coupled to a vehicle and is configured to project light in a target direction. A controller is configured to wirelessly send command signals to the spotlight. A user-input device is in communication with the controller and is provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle. The command signals are based on user-input and control at least one of an aim direction and a light activation of the spotlight.

Abstract: A running board assembly of a vehicle is provided herein and includes a running board having two ends, each covered by an end cap having an optic. Two light sources are disposed inside the running board and are each located proximate a corresponding end cap. Each light source is operable to emit light toward the optic of the corresponding end cap based on a signal indicating a selected mode of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lamp light control technical solution includes obtaining current location information of a vehicle, obtaining a control instruction determined based on predetermined information and a predetermined control rule, where the predetermined information at least including information determined according to the current location information, and the predetermined control rule including a correspondence between the predetermined information and the control instruction. The lamp light control technical solution further includes executing the control instruction, to control lamp light of the vehicle. A computer storage medium and an in-vehicle device for implementing the lamp light control are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising an optically transmissive roof window, an overhead console arranged in an overhead position with respect to a driver position in the vehicle, an optical element attached to a rear portion of the overhead console, the optical element facing the roof window, a light source for emitting light receivable by the optical element, the light source is configure to emit the light when an electric system of the vehicle is powered on. The optical element is arranged to receive at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source such that an image representative of the optical signal and the shape of the optical element is visible through the roof window from the interior of the vehicle. The invention further relates to a method for providing an image indicative of a state of a vehicle.

Abstract: A least restrictive allowable driving state of a semi-autonomous driving system is determined based on one or more threats and sensor performance. A current driving state and a future driving state are determined based on an attention state and a steering state of a driver. Warnings are provided to the driver in order to match the current driving state to the future driving state. Driver interaction and attention are enforced when the driver does not respond to the warnings.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems, and computer program products for remediating a color vision deficiency. Aspects include receiving a user profile. Aspects also include identifying an object type for each of the plurality of objects. Aspects also include generating an image overlay for the location based at least in part upon the user profile and the object type.

Abstract: A command mechanism for vehicle includes: a support having a contact surface; a detection mechanism configured to detect a finger of a user in command position pressing on the contact surface; and a vibration mechanism that is configured to generate a distant-approach vibration when the detection mechanism detects the presence of the element at the first distance from the contact surface and a more intense, close-approach vibration when the detection mechanism detects the presence of the element at a second distance from the contact surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing engine harmonic enhancement receive a first signal representative of a load on an engine and generate a control parameter based on the first signal. One or more harmonic scaling elements generate a scaled version of an engine harmonic signal based on the control parameter. Each harmonic scaling element includes a harmonic specific mapping element for mapping the control parameter to a scaling factor, wherein at least some of the scaling factor values of the harmonic specific mapping element are mapped to control parameter values associated with a negative load on the engine.

Abstract: A computing device for a vehicle proximity condition detection and haptic notification system is provided. The device includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing device, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to enable a user to specify operation of an active suspension system of an ego-vehicle so as to generate at least one pulse at at least one wheel of the vehicle, responsive to a vehicle proximity condition, and operate the active suspension system in accordance with the user's specification.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a frame mounted on wheels having a front and rear parts, handlebar located at the front part motorcycle speed and roll angle detector, the front and rear parts join on a frame longitudinal median plane (W). A device for detecting a vehicle moving towards the rear part when the motorcycle is moving, the device including a radar detector or television camera rigidly of one piece with the motorcycle, the radar detector rigidly associated with the rear part and following its movement. The radar detector connected to a presence and movement evaluator of the vehicle moving towards the rear part capable of determining a variable hazard indication which identifies a time to collision between the vehicle and the motorcycle. The evaluator activating warning means on the basis of such hazard indication which generate a warning for the rider's attention when the hazard indication reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: Disclosed are a driver assistance apparatus and a control method for the same. The driver assistance apparatus includes at least one camera configured to generate a main image by capturing an image of a periphery of a vehicle, a communication unit configured to receive a plurality of sub images generated by at least one other vehicle, and a processor configured to: select at least one of the sub images based on a predetermined condition or user input; and to generate an expanded image using the main image and the selected sub image.