Abstract: Electrical bus isolation is detected for an electrified vehicle having a DC power source connected to positive and negative buses. The positive bus is connected to chassis ground, and a resulting first current is sensed that flows through a negative bus leakage resistance and a balanced leakage resistance. The negative bus is connected to chassis ground, and a resulting second current is sensed that flows through a negative bus leakage resistance and a balanced leakage resistance. The positive and negative bus leakage resistances are estimated in response to respective ratios of the first and second currents. An isolation value is compared to a threshold, wherein the isolation value is responsive to a voltage of the DC power source and a smaller one of the positive and negative bus leakage resistances. An atypical isolation is signaled when the isolation value is less than the threshold.

Abstract: A charging module for an electric vehicle includes an enclosure having a plurality of sides and an at least partially open top, the enclosure defining a hollow interior; a conductor rail disposed in the at least partially open top of the enclosure, the conductor rail being configured to be placed in electric communication with an electrical power source; and at least one external insulator disposed in the at least partially open top of the enclosure adjacent to the conductor rail. The at least one external insulator is disposed between the conductor rail and at least one of the sides of the enclosure. The conductor rail is configured to transmit electrical energy from the electrical power source to the electric vehicle.

Abstract: A regenerative braking system and method are disclosed. According to certain embodiments, the regenerative braking system is engaged and adjusted when the navigation system recognizes that the vehicle is descending down a long grade. This can be pre-stored information, or information derived from prior experience or from the shared experiences of other drivers. The regenerative braking system does not engage to the full stop of the vehicle, but instead can release at approximately three mph and allows friction braking to handle the rest of the stop. The navigation system in this embodiment recognizes that a stop sign or other full-stop situation is present.

Abstract: A portable power electronic switching apparatus may include an input end high-voltage connector, a DC-DC converter circuit, an input end transfer switch, a first inverter circuit, a direct-current output end high-voltage connector, an alternating-current output end high-voltage connector, and a conversion controller, where the input end high-voltage connector may be connected to an input end of the DC-DC converter circuit, an output end of the DC-DC converter circuit may be separately connected to an input end of the first inverter circuit and the direct-current output end high-voltage connector by using the input end transfer switch. An output end of the first inverter circuit may be connected to the alternating-current output end high-voltage connector.

Abstract: A wireless charging system for use in vehicles includes power transmitting coils which are used for resonant power transfer to power receiving devices in the vehicle. The system includes a detection system for detecting power receiving devices in the vicinity of the transmitting coils so that only the power transmitting coils having objects detected nearby are activated. The system also includes a tuning circuit that enables power transmitting coils to be tuned with respect to each other to increase the power delivery range or detuned with respect to each other to decrease interference between coils.

Abstract: A battery selection device has a preparation amount information acquisition component, a supply amount information acquisition component, a battery candidate extraction component, and a determination processor. The preparation amount information acquisition component acquires preparation amount information indicating the scheduled date and time of a loan and the required charge amount. The supply amount information acquisition component acquires supply amount information indicating the full charge power capacity and the current charge amount of each battery. On the basis of the preparation amount information and the supply amount information, the battery candidate extraction component selects loaner battery candidates, which are batteries that can be charged to the required charge amount by the scheduled date and time of the loan. The determination processor picks out a loaner battery on the basis of the predicted progress of deterioration of batteries.

Abstract: A electricity management device increases a counter value as an electric vehicle is charged from grid power that is supplied from an electrical grid, retains the counter value when the electric vehicle is charged from electricity generated by an electricity generation device, and reduces the counter value as electricity in the electric vehicle is discharged to a distribution board.

Abstract: A method for determining an arrangement of an electric vehicle relative to a charging point is provided. An alternating magnetic field is transmitted by a transmitting device arranged on the electric vehicle. The alternating magnetic field is received at a location of the charging point, and the arrangement is inferred based on the received alternating field. An arrangement determination unit is configured for use in a method of this type to determine the arrangement of the electric vehicle relative to the charging point using the received alternating field.

Abstract: A charging facility includes a primary coil, magnets arranged relative to the primary coil in a pattern such that fields generated by the magnets can be used to position a vehicle relative to the primary coil, and a controller. Some of the magnets have a predefined polarity signature encoding data regarding an identify of the primary coil. The controller is programmed to receive information from or provide information to the vehicle about the predefined polarity signature.

Abstract: A charging system for charging an electric vehicle includes a charging station and a charging network server, with the charging network server in network communication with the charging station and a mobile device application. The charging station and the charging network server include computing devices programmed to: store an authorization code at each of the network server and the charging station for authorizing charging of the electric vehicle when the charging station is off-line from the charging network server, process a charging authorization request at the charging network server sent from the mobile device application, transmit the authorization code from the network server to the mobile device application responsive to the charging authorization request and when the charging station is off-line, and authorize or deny charging of the electric vehicle based on whether an authorization code input to the charging station matches the authorization code stored on the charging station.

Abstract: Provided is an information output method that outputs information when swapping a secondary battery for powering a vehicle. The information output method includes comparing a rank related to the performance of a first battery unit (battery unit A) on board a vehicle to a rank related to the performance of a second battery unit (battery unit B) that is installable in the vehicle in place of the first battery unit, and outputting output information according to a result of the comparison in the comparing step.

Abstract: A converter is to convert at least one of a first voltage output from a first energy storage device and a second voltage output from a second energy storage device. A detector is to detect the first voltage and a current flowing between the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device. Circuitry is configured to control the converter to perform a first constant current control in which a first constant current flows from one of the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device to another of the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device. The circuitry is configured to determine a state of the first energy storage device based on the first voltage and the first constant current while the first constant current control is performed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a battery charger configured to be able to perform external charging that charges a battery using electric power from an external power source; and a warming device configured to warm the battery, the warming device being connected to an electric power line connected to the battery. When temperature of the battery is less than a second prescribed temperature that is lower than a first prescribed temperature during execution of charging control that controls the battery charger to perform the external charging, warming control that controls the warming device to warm the battery is executed, and when the temperature of the battery is equal to or more than the second prescribed temperature, execution of the warming control is suppressed.

Abstract: A fuel cell system for a vehicle for preventing intrusion of water in a relief valve without providing a casing or a waterproof sheet for the relief valve is provided. The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack placed in a front room of a vehicle, a power control unit to perform output control of the fuel cell stack, a hydrogen supply path for supplying hydrogen gas to the fuel cell stack, and the relief valve provided in half way of the hydrogen supply path. The relief valve is placed above the fuel cell stack in the front room and includes an exhaust port. The exhaust port is placed facing an upper surface of a casing of the power control unit with a clearance such that the hydrogen gas is ejected downward through the exhaust port in the direction of gravity.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle including a front motor for driving front wheels, a rear motor for driving rear wheels, a generator for generating power by being driven by an internal combustion engine, and a step-up converter for stepping up the voltage from a battery and supplying power to the front motor, while stepping-down the generated power of the generator and supplying the power to the rear motor, a hybrid control unit decreases the power supplied from the generator to the rear motor, and increases the power supplied from the battery to the rear motor when input power of the step-up converter is limited based on a temperature condition of the step-up converter.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle, an accelerator operation amount is changed among a first region, a second region, and a third region. The motor vehicle is configured to perform a first control that applies a braking force to the vehicle when the accelerator operation amount is at least in the first region or in the second region or to perform a second control that applies a smaller braking force to the vehicle than the braking force applied by the first control when the accelerator operation amount is in the first region or in the second region. The motor vehicle is also configured to continue execution of the first control without changing over control to the second control, when an execution request for the second control is given during execution of the first control in the second region of the accelerator operation amount.

Abstract: An example electric vehicle charging method includes charging a battery of a vehicle using an external power source, and adjusting the charging based on a predicted amount of charging generated when driving the vehicle from the external power source to a destination. The external power source is at a higher elevation than some point along the route to the at least one destination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for minimizing cell aging of a battery (1) and/or a battery (1) comprising an apparatus for minimizing cell aging of the battery (1). For this the following is performed: detection of battery parameters which describe the present state of the battery (1); checking, on the basis of a preset aging model and the battery parameters, whether the state of the battery (1) is an aging state in which the cell aging of the battery (1) is less pronounced in the case of cyclic charging or discharging than in a quiescent state in which there is no charging or discharging of the battery (1); and cyclic partial discharging and partial charging of the battery (1) if the battery (1) is in such an aging state. The method according to the invention and/or the battery (1) according to the invention are characterized by reduced cell aging. This means that such a battery (1) and/or a battery (1) to which the method is applied has an extended life.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure control method for a vehicle seat includes: repeatedly detecting an internal pressure of a bladder provided inside the vehicle seat at intervals; correcting the internal pressure of the bladder based on a differential pressure between a detection value and a target value; and lengthening a detection interval to detect the internal pressure depending on a time elapsing from starting of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle is described, and includes a telematics device, a GPS tracking device, and a multi-position driver's seat including a seat position actuator that is operatively connected to a seat controller and disposed to control a position setting thereof. A control system and method for the vehicle is described and includes receiving an alert of an impending traffic event, and determining a desired activation command for the seat position actuator based upon the impending traffic event. The seat controller controls the seat position actuator responsive to the desired activation command.

Abstract: A seat sliding device for a vehicle includes a sliding load adjusting mechanism. The sliding load adjusting mechanism includes a support member, which is fixed to a first rail that is one of a lower rail and an upper rail, and a pressing member, which is movably supported by the support member. The pressing member changes a frictional force that is generated between the pressing member and a second rail, which is the other one of the lower rail and the upper rail, in accordance with a pressing force applied to the second rail. The pressing force changes in accordance with the position of the pressing member in relation to the support member. As the upper rail moves in a first direction, the pressing member moves toward a side on which the pressing force is reduced.

Abstract: In a slide rail device for use in a vehicle , a lock spring support portion of an upper rail includes an upward-downward movement restriction support portion. The upward-downward movement restriction support portion includes an open holding portion which is open at a top thereof and holds a supported portion of a lock spring and an uplift prevention projection which is formed projecting into the open holding portion so as to overlap the supported portion of the lock spring, which is held by the open holding portion, in the upward and downward directions.

Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a seat cushion; a seat lifter including a link which connects the seat cushion and a base on a vehicle body and is configured to rotate about an axis extending in a seat width direction and configured to adjust a height of the seat cushion with respect to the vehicle body by the rotation of the link; and a fixture for fixing a seat belt which is abutted and attached to a mounting surface portion of the link, the mounting surface portion being formed on an outer surface portion of the link and obliquely facing a front side.

Abstract: A torsion bar configured to assist height adjustment of a seat cushion frame is housed in a hollow coupling pipe positioned between side frames. The inside of the coupling pipe has first and second engagement portions configured to engage and hold one end portion of the torsion bar in an extension direction thereof. The first engagement portion is engaged with a first engaged portion of the one end portion. The second engagement portion is engaged with a second engaged portion of the one end portion in the same position as a position of engagement between the first engagement portion and the first engaged portion in the seat width direction or in a position on the inner side from the position of engagement in the seat width direction, the second engaged portion being positioned closer to one end of a biasing member in the extension direction than the first engaged portion.

Abstract: A reclining mechanism of a seat is provided that includes a fixed flange, a mobile flange, and locking parts being placed on first guide seats of guide seats on a first side of the fixed flange to be slidable inwardly and outwardly between the guide protrusions. Each locking part includes a locking gear on an outer end and is configured to engage with the internal gear of the mobile flange when sliding outwardly, thereby inhibiting relative rotation between the mobile flange and the fixed flange. The reclining mechanism further includes a locking cam rotatably provided at a center of the fixed flange and sub-parts provided on second guide seats of the guide seats on the first side of the fixed flange to be slidable inwardly and outwardly between the guide protrusions, each of the sub-parts being divided into a first part and a second part by a slit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle seat (1) includes a rear foot (2), a backrest (3), pivotable relative to the rear foot (2) about a backrest rotational axis (A), and a longitudinally adjusting seat rail pair (4). A seat rail locking device (6) locks the seat rail pair (4). A lockable fitting allows the backrest (3) to pivot into an easy-entry position for rear access. An annular drive element (18) is rotatably mounted about the backrest rotational axis (A). The drive element has a latch (24) that is caught by a driver (26), arranged on the backrest (3), when the backrest (3) is pivoted into the easy-entry position, whereby the backrest can subsequently be carried along. An actuation lever (22) acts on the latch (24) such that the latch (24) is not caught by the driver (26) when the backrest (3) is pivoted, and the backrest can be pivoted beyond the easy-entry position.

Abstract: A child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a base for supporting the juvenile seat. The base is adapted to be anchored to lie in a stationary position on a passenger seat of a vehicle to support the juvenile seat in the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat for installation in a vehicle. The vehicle seat comprises a side frame, a rod, a first lifter link that comprises an upper end pivotably coupled to the side frame through the rod and a lower end pivotably coupled to the vehicle, a second lifter link that is provided in a position shifted in a seat front-rear direction relative to the first lifter link and comprises an upper end pivotably coupled to the side frame and a lower end pivotably coupled to the vehicle, and a restriction member configured to restrict downward displacement of the rod below a specified position.

Abstract: Vehicle seat comprising a vehicle seat upper part and a vehicle seat lower part, the vehicle seat upper part being movable relative to the vehicle seat lower part, and the vehicle seat upper part being able to be sprung and damped, relative to the vehicle seat lower part, by a suspension and damping element, the suspension and damping element comprising a reversibly deformable plastics element and an adjusting element, the plastics element and the adjusting element being in operative contact, and the spring characteristics of the suspension and damping element being able to be adjusted depending on the position of the adjusting element relative to the plastics element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector, comprising a base including one or more supports extending from the base, a diverter that is offset from the base via the one or more supports, and a passage defined in the base having a size that is substantially the same as a size of the diverter. The diverter is configured to extend through a layer in a climate control device. The diverter restricts the layer from obstructing the passage.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat coupled to a seatback. The seat includes a cushion divided into a first part and a second part. The first part and the second part are arranged to form a platform in an opened state. A liner is stored between the first part and the second part in the unopened state. The liner covers the platform in the opened state.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat, a seat back frame includes a support hole disposed at an upper part thereof and a support portion disposed at a lower part thereof, the support hole extending through the seat back frame in such a direction as to connect an upper side and a lower side thereof. A pressure-receiving member comprises a pressure-receiving member main body, an upper restriction portion, and a lower hook portion. The upper restriction portion is inserted in the support hole, thereby restricting a position of an upper part of the pressure-receiving member in front-rear and lateral directions. The lower hook portion includes a first portion extending from the lower part of the pressure-receiving member main body and protruding rearward over an upper side of the support portion, and a second portion extending from a rear end of the first portion and lying along a rear side of the support portion.

Abstract: An attachment of a surface cover to a seat back in a vehicle seat having through-holes is described. A bucket seat includes a pad provided with through-holes, a surface cover configured to cover a front surface of the pad, and a back frame disposed on a back side of the pad. The back frame includes: a support portion provided with through-holes positioned to face the first through-holes, the support portion being configured to support the pad; and retaining portions provided around the through-holes and configured to retain hooks of the surface cover. The support portion and the retaining portions are integrally molded.

Abstract: Among other things, the invention relates to a straight guide with at least two support rods (12a, 12b), wherein each support rod is movably guided within amount (15a, 15b) and can be secured with a latch (16) with relation to the amount (15a, 15b), wherein the latch (16) comprises at least one elastically deformable strip (17) that is permanently arranged relative to the mount, having at least one freely movable end section (18a, 18b), wherein each end section (18a, 18b) interacts with at least one notch (23). It was the object of the invention to create a straight guide with a latch, where the possibilities of arranging an actuation of the latch are more versatile.

Abstract: A headrest assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a head restraint configured to rotate from a first locked position to a second locked position to incline the head restraint relative to a seat back. Further, the head restraint is configured such that rotation of the head restraint beyond the second locked position causes the head restraint to become urged back to the first locked position. The head restraint includes a ratchet assembly having a pawl and pawl spring, and the pawl spring includes a first section and a second section. The first section of the pawl spring is configured to contact the pawl when the head restraint is rotated from the first locked position to the second locked position, and the second section of the pawl spring is configured to contact the pawl when the head restraint is rotated beyond the second locked position.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided for supporting in an automotive vehicle. The seat assembly comprises a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion for movement between a reclined seating position and a fold flat position. A recliner assembly is coupled between the seat back and the seat cushion to provide pivotal movement of the seat back. A riser assembly is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion and pivotally latched to the floor to allow pivotal movement of the seat cushion between a horizontal seating position and a forwardly upright tumbled position. A release mechanism is coupled between the seat back and the riser assembly for automatically synchronizing actuation of the recliner assembly and the riser assembly to provide movement of the seat assembly to the tumbled position in response to the pivotal movement of the seat back to the fold flat position.

Abstract: A head restraint for a seating assembly of a vehicle comprising: an exterior surface; one or more interior wall surfaces disposed beneath the exterior surface forming an internal receptacle; an opening into the internal receptacle; the internal receptacle comprising a bottom; and the one or more interior wall surfaces are configured to prevent an object resting on the bottom from falling out of the internal receptacle through the opening during normal use of the vehicle.

Abstract: A combination closure and tabletop for a vehicle having a load-carrying bed and method includes a closure body pivotally and removably connected to a bed floor of the vehicle that defines a load bearing surface of a load-carrying bed on the vehicle. The closure body is connected to the bed floor when in a closure state for selectively providing and inhibiting access to a storage compartment disposed below the bed floor. The closure body is removable from the bed floor when in a tabletop state for use in a tabletop configuration. When in the closure state, the closure body is pivotable from the pivot closed position to a pivot open position. The pivot closed position is for inhibiting access into the storage compartment. The pivot open position is for providing access into the storage compartment. When in the tabletop state, the closure body is usable as a tabletop and access is provided into the storage compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided herein. The vehicle seating assembly includes a seat. A seatback is pivotally coupled to the seat. The seatback includes a rear-side. A panel is pivotally coupled to the rear-side of the seatback. The panel is pivotable to extend between a first position that is forward of the seatback and a second position that is rearward of the seatback when the seatback is in a forwardly-folded position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of operating a tipper vehicle, the tipper vehicle comprising a tipper body pivotably moveable with respect to a frame with a hydraulic cylinder disposed therebetween and actuatable to pivot the tipper body. The method comprises monitoring at least one of (i) a pressure parameter relating to the hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic cylinder and (ii) an angular positional parameter relating to the angular position of the tipper body; determining a maximum permissible vehicle speed based on at least one of the monitored (i) pressure parameter and (ii) angular positional parameter; and displaying the maximum permissible vehicle speed.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a plurality of tanks supported on the frame and housing particulate, an unloading system, a lifting mechanism, and a positioning system. The unloading system includes a plurality of individual carriers, each of which corresponds to one or more of the tanks. Each of the carriers defines a discharge opening for dispensing particulate unloaded from one or more of the tanks. The carriers are mounted to the frame such that the carriers are supported independently of the tanks. The lifting mechanism includes a shiftable positioning rail that at least partially supports each of the carriers, with generally vertical shifting of the positioning rail simultaneously raising or lowering each of the discharge openings. The positioning system includes a plurality of positioning devices, with shifting of each of the positioning devices resulting in fore-and-aft shifting of the corresponding one or more of the discharge openings.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method and system for blending multi-component granular compositions such as proppant used in hydraulic fracturing in well drilling. The system includes the control and management of an on-site storage system for each of the components, regulating the delivery of specified quantities of each component to a well site, and coordinating the flow of materials into and out of the blender.

Abstract: Vehicle securing apparatuses may include a main support arm. A base arm may be carried by the main support arm. A retainer assembly arm may be carried by the main support arm in spaced-apart relationship to the base arm. A retainer space may be defined by and between the base arm and the retainer assembly arm. A retainer assembly may include a retainer hasp pivotally carried by the retainer assembly arm. The retainer hasp may be pivotal between a retaining position extending into the retainer space and a release position substantially clearing the retainer space by application of force from outside and toward the retainer space against the retainer hasp. A hasp retaining member may be disposed in mechanical cooperation with the retainer hasp to normally maintain the retainer hasp in the retaining position on the retainer assembly arm.

Abstract: A stake pocket tie-down and a flatbed trailer that uses that stake pocket tie down. The stake pocket tie-down includes post section that fits into a stake opening of the flatbed trailer. The post section includes a pass-through opening and a top stationary platform having a shoulder for resting on a stake opening. A rotating base having a retention collar is located above the stationary platform. A rotating post is fixed to the rotating base and passes through and is rotatingly attached to the stationary platform. A swiveling D-ring is connected to the retention collar. That ring can rotate relative to the stationary platform. A securing device having a handle passes through the pass-through opening. A retention device retains the securing device in the pass-through opening.

Abstract: A strap holding and placement system that propels a rolled up strap over a load such as a truck bed. A handle attaches to a strap part that holds a rolled up strap. The strap part has multiple surfaces for holding the rolled strap. The multiple surfaces include a first rounded portion, which holds only a portion of the rolled strap, and a second curved portion above the rounded portion, which enables the strap to be propelled from the strap part from an area near a distal end of the strap part, when the handle is moved to propel the strap. The strap is held below the level of the front surface, in a rounded surface that is recessed below the front.

Abstract: A device for securing loads on a loading surface of a vehicle, comprising at least one floor plate retained on the loading surface and having recesses arranged to be distributed in a grid-like manner, rods or tubes which are able to be releasably fixed in the recesses and at least one limiting element which at two ends in each case comprises at least one fastener, the ends of the limiting element being able to be releasably fastened thereby to a free end of the rods or tubes. The at least one limiting element is configured as a flexible strap.

Abstract: Provided is a beam-steering mechanism, comprising a lens and a light source positioned in a focal plane of the lens. One of the light source and the lens moves relative to the other of the light source and the lens. The light source outputs a light beam at the lens which forms an illumination spot on a surface from the light beam. The illumination spot moves in a direction in response to a movement of one of the light source and the lens.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system is provided primarily for use with emergency response vehicles. The lighting system includes luminescent alphanumeric characters affixed upon a planar vehicle mounting plate so as to emit light upwardly so as to be seen from the air. The vehicle lighting system also includes a light bar affixed to the planar plate. The light bar is positioned to illuminate light primarily horizontally so as to be seen by those on the ground. Preferably, the luminescent planar sheets are connected by wiring to the light bar so that luminescent planar sheet obtains power from the light bar. In addition, the light bar includes a light sensor electrically connected between the power source and luminescent planar sheets which automatically disables the luminescent panels when ambient light is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A charge port illumination system for an electric vehicle includes a charge port disposed at the electric vehicle and configured for electrically connecting to a charging source to charge a power source of the electric vehicle. The charge port includes an outer portion that is exposed and viewable at the electric vehicle when a person is connecting the charge port to the charging source. The charge port includes at least one illumination source that, responsive to an activating event associated with an electric charging event of the electric vehicle, is activated to provide backlighting at the outer portion. The illumination source may be controlled to indicate a state of charge of the power source. The system may include a cover panel that is opened to expose and access the charge port. The activating event may include plugging in of the charging source to the charge port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method associated with the device. With respect to the device, it is a wearable garment for the hand, wrist, and/or forearm with an embedded array of lights; one or more micro processing units; one or more touch or pressure activated switches, buttons, or toggles; one or more motion sensing mechanisms; and one or more wireless transmission components which is capable of receiving and transmitting information to a mobile computing device. A wireless transmission device is also disclosed which is attached or embedded in a vehicle connected to the turn signaling system. The mobile computing device such as a smartphone or GPS unit tracks the wearer's location and route and transmits a signal to the wearable garment when a turn approaches causing haptic feedback vibration to the wearer and activation of the embedded lights on the appropriate side.