Abstract: An apparatus comprising an interface, a memory and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive sensor data samples during operation of a vehicle. The memory may be configured to store the sensor data samples over a number of points in time. The processor may be configured to analyze the sensor data samples stored in the memory to detect a pattern. The processor may be configured to manage an application of brakes of the vehicle in response to the pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an interface, a memory and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive sensor data samples during operation of a vehicle. The memory may be configured to store the sensor data samples over a number of points in time. The processor may be configured to analyze the sensor data samples stored in the memory to detect a pattern. The processor may be configured to manage an application of brakes of the vehicle in response to the pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an interface, a memory and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive sensor data samples during operation of a vehicle. The memory may be configured to store the sensor data samples over a number of points in time. The processor may be configured to analyze the sensor data samples stored in the memory to detect a pattern. The processor may be configured to manage an application of brakes of the vehicle in response to the pattern.

Abstract: The present invention enhances instant readability by causing a driver to visually recognize, without a feeling of stranger an image obtained by photographing an area around a vehicle. A display section (11, 12, 13) is provided ahead of a driver, and the display section displays an image, obtained by photographing an area around an automobile (1), so that the image is recognized to be located on a deeper side away from the driver, an amount, by which a visible object is recognized to be located on a deeper side than a display screen, corresponding to a distance which causes the driver to recognize the visible object reflected by a mirror.

Abstract: To provide a vehicle in which an increase or fluctuations in engine vibration or noise during external electric power supply can be suppressed. A vehicle includes an electric power generation device, a battery connected to the electric power generation device via a power line, an external electric power supply device that interconnects the power line and external equipment, and an ECU that controls charging and discharging of the electric power generation device and the battery. The ECU starts an engine and supplies electric power generated by a generator to the battery and the external equipment in a case where a SOC is equal to or less than a use lower limit SOC and supplies the external equipment with electric power from the battery in a case where the SOC exceeds a use upper limit SOC. In addition, the ECU executes fixed point control for controlling the engine and the generator.

Abstract: An electrical power system for a vehicle includes an interface electrically connected to a node and a battery electrically connected to the interface. The interface includes circuit elements that permit current flow between the battery and the node when and only when the voltage of the node is below a threshold.

Abstract: An exemplary charging system includes, among other things, a charger that conveys energy wirelessly to an electrified vehicle when the charger is disposed against a surface of the electrified vehicle. The energy is used to charge a traction battery of the electrified vehicle. An exemplary charging method includes, among other things, conveying energy wirelessly from a charger to an electrified vehicle to charge a traction battery of the electrified vehicle. The charger is disposed against a surface of the electrified vehicle during the conveying.

Abstract: A modular battery pack system includes a battery pack and controller. The battery pack has first and second battery modules interconnected via electrical cables, with each module having a battery cell string. The pack has first, second, and third electrical connectors and four switches that selectively connect the strings to one or more of the electrical connectors. A DC charging connector is electrically connected to one of the cables between the first electrical connectors of the battery modules, and electrically connects the pack to an off-board DC fast-charging station. In response to input signals corresponding to a requested mode, the controller commands an open/closed state of each of the switches, via switching control signals, to establish a series charge mode, a parallel charge mode, and one or more of a series and/or parallel drive mode of the battery pack. A motor vehicle includes the system.

Abstract: An electric vehicle drive device includes: a first motor; a second motor; a transmission mechanism coupled to the first motor and the second motor; and a control unit configured to control operation of the first motor and the second motor based on a drive signal. The transmission mechanism includes: a sun gear shaft coupled to the first motor; a first planetary gear mechanism; a second planetary gear mechanism; and a one-way clutch configured to restrict a rotation direction of a first carrier to a predetermined positive rotation direction. The drive signal includes gear change information indicating a first state in which the second motor is controlled based on torque or a second state in which the second motor is controlled based on rotation speed, and throttle information indicating an acceleration of rotation speed of a wheel.

Abstract: A power generation amount of a power generator disposed on a vehicle is appropriately controlled by ordering the power generator a required power generation amount so as to control the power generator, driving a drive motor configured to drive a driving wheel of the vehicle using at least part of electric power generated by the power generator according to the required power generation amount, storing at least part of surplus power left in the electric power generated by the power generator in a storage device, detecting a slip of the driving wheel, and, executing reduction processing of a power generation amount for further reducing a required power generation amount that reflects a reduction amount of the electric power for driving the drive motor due to the slip of the driving wheel, if the detected extent of the slip is larger than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A battery includes an output terminal, an electric storage device, a relay connected to the output terminal and the electric storage device, and a monitoring apparatus including a detector and a controller, the detector being configured to detect a variation value corresponding to an amount of charge of the electric storage device, the controller receiving an engine activation signal and switching a state of the relay to a closed state. If an engine is not started, the controller switches the state. of the relay to an open state.

Abstract: A wireless power reception apparatus including a bridgeless rectifier in a wireless power transfer (WPT) system for an electric vehicle (EV) may include: a bridgeless rectifier configured to rectify power transferred from a reception coil and to supply a direct current to a battery mounted in the EV; and a controller configured to control operation of the bridgeless rectifier. The bridgeless rectifier may include at least one switch and at least one diode connected to the at least one switch.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for communication between a wireless charging station and an electric vehicle to facilitate wireless power transfer from the charging station to the vehicle. The vehicle comprises a near-field proximity transmitter circuit for transmitting a proximity signal to a near-field proximity receiver circuit on the charging station. While the received proximity signal is indicative of the vehicle being insufficiently proximate to the charging station for efficient power transfer, the charging station outputs instructions to move the vehicle towards the charging station. When the received proximity signal at the charging station is indicative of the vehicle being sufficiently proximate to the charging station, the charging station may transmit wireless power to a wireless power receiver on vehicle.

Abstract: A controller for use in a battery charging system includes processing circuitry configured to perform certain tasks during battery charging operations, and other tasks during operational use of the battery. During a charging operation, the controller receives a measured DC impedance of a propulsion battery measured by a battery data acquisition and monitoring subsystem, obtains a reference DC impedance of a hypothetical battery, and determines an impedance degradation factor of the propulsion battery using the measured DC impedance and the reference DC impedance. During operational use of the propulsion battery, the controller obtains an operational reference impedance of the propulsion battery, determines a real-time effective impedance for the propulsion battery based on the impedance degradation factor and the operational reference impedance, and generates a feed-forward parameter based on the real-time effective impedance.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicle power exchange includes both a system for exchanging a container having a power cell associated with the vehicle and an appropriate vehicle which has been adapted for vehicle power exchange. Advantageously, the system includes at least one power exchange power strip, at least one container with charged power cell associated with the power strip and wireless communication associated with the power exchange strip for communicating with a vehicle to effect power exchange. An advantageous vehicle for power exchange has a removable container with power cell, a computer processor for controlling requisite functions of the vehicle during power exchange (i.e. container exchange) and a mechanism which allows for the depositing of a container with depleted power cell and insertion of a replacement container with charged power cell into the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for charging an energy storage element of a vehicle using a charging apparatus which provides a charging current (IL) and a charging voltage (U) at an operating point. The charging apparatus has a plurality of energy supply modules connected in parallel, having the following method steps: in an optimization step, a distribution of the charging current (IL) to the energy supply modules connected in parallel, in the case of which the charging apparatus has a maximum overall efficiency, is respectively determined for a plurality of predefined operating points; in a charging step which follows the optimization step, a distribution of the charging current (IL) to the individual energy supply modules of the charging apparatus, in the case of which the charging apparatus has a maximum overall efficiency, is selected on the basis of a predefined charging current (IL) and a predefined charging voltage (U).

Abstract: A method for charging electric consumers at an electricity grid with multiple phases may include measuring a phase current of each of the multiple phases of the electricity grid at a balance point. The method may also include determining to which of the multiple phases each electric consumer of the electric consumers is connected for charging via the balance point. Additionally, the method may include holding an unbalanced load of the multiple phases below an unbalanced load threshold value via communicating a power specification to each electric consumer connected for charging.

Abstract: A system for battery binding includes a service end electronic device, at least one battery device and at least one carrier device. The service end electronic device is configured to send a carrier identifier corresponding to a carrier device to a battery device for storage therein in order to bind the battery device to the carrier device.

Abstract: An obtaining unit obtains a next use plan of a vehicle, which is made by a user of the vehicle. A notification unit, if it is determined based on the next use plan obtained by the obtaining unit that it is necessary to replenish driving energy of the vehicle, performs notification about replenishment of the driving energy of the vehicle during current use of the vehicle.

Abstract: An obtaining unit obtains attribute information of an occupant of a vehicle, and an extraction unit extracts related facilities having predetermined relations to replenishing places for replenishing driving energy of the vehicle. A notification unit notifies the occupant of a replenishing place corresponding to a predetermined related facility among the related facilities extracted by the extraction unit, which is associated with the attribute information of the occupant obtained by the obtaining unit.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a motor generator, a battery, and an ECU. The ECU is configured to calculate an evaluation value indicating a degree of progress of deterioration of the battery, the deterioration being caused by an imbalance in a salt concentration in the battery, and is configured to execute high-rate deterioration suppressing control that raises a target SOC of the battery when the battery is evaluated to be deteriorated in accordance with the evaluation value. The ECU is configured to also raise the target SOC when an actual SOC is increased due to the electric power generation by the motor generator during the execution of the high-rate deterioration suppressing control. The raised target SOC is lower than the increased actual SOC.

Abstract: A high voltage electrical system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a high voltage battery unit having a first high voltage battery connected in series with a second high voltage battery such that a nominal operating voltage of the battery unit is the sum of a voltage of the first high voltage battery and a voltage of the second high voltage battery; a bi-directional high voltage DC/DC-converter connected in parallel with the first high voltage battery and with the second high voltage battery, the DC/DC-converter being arranged to receive a charging voltage from a high voltage inlet or from a propulsion converter connected to an electrical machine; wherein the DC/DC converter is configured to control charging of the first and second high voltage battery to balance a state of charge of the first and second high voltage battery.

Abstract: An HV energy storage device for a motor vehicle as well as a method for operating the HV energy storage device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for producing a battery carrier for an electric battery module of a vehicle configured to electrically operate, the method may include: providing a material blank with a blank region; providing a heat exchanger structure in the blank region, that comprises hollow channels that are inseparably connected to the material blank, wherein the hollow channels are provided to regulate a temperature of the electric battery module using a fluid; and forming the material blank into a support tray with a tray base configured to support the electric battery module and with sidewalls that delimit the tray base at the sides of the tray base, wherein the tray base is developed from the blank region.

Abstract: The invention is motor vehicle cushioning having a cushion and a flexible layer for detecting the presence of an occupant in the seat. The cushioning includes a cap covering the cushion, the cap is mounted on the cushion, covering the layer. The layer is made from an elastically stretchable sheet on which an electric circuit made from conductive ink is printed, the layer being separate from the cap and glued, at least partially, by the underside of the sheet, to the cushion, so as to stretch when the cushion is deformed upon receiving an occupant, and to consequently stretch the circuit in such a way as to increase the electrical resistance of same.

Abstract: A first seat device includes a first pressure sensor attached to a seatback to detect pressure, a second pressure sensor attached to the seatback at a position below the first pressure sensor to detect pressure, and a control unit configured to control the angle of the seatback based on a value of the first pressure sensor and a value of the second pressure sensor.

Abstract: A release lever includes: a release pressing portion pressing a portion around a lock portion of a plate spring to release an engagement of the lock portion with a locked portion; an operation portion located in a front side of the release lever and operated by a lock release operation of an operation handle; and a swing fulcrum portion provided between the release pressing portion and the operation portion. The plate spring integrally includes: a base including the swing fulcrum portion and fixed to an upper rail; a rear biasing portion located behind the base in a vehicle front-rear direction and biasing the lock portion in a lock direction; and a front biasing portion located in front of the base in the vehicle front-rear direction and biasing the operation handle upward. The front biasing portion has a biasing force smaller than that of the rear biasing portion.

Abstract: A seat lifter structure which can maintain the engagement of the gear of the sector and the pinion of the brake unit and prevent a fall down of the seat back to a front side, even when a large force to a front side is exerted with respect to the seat back is provided. It raises or lowers a cushion seat (ST1) by raising or lowering a side frame (2) built into the cushion seat (ST1) with respect to a fixing member (61).

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for a transit seating system including multiple seat frames, each seat frame including, at least one forward support and at least one rearward support. The at least one forward support and the at least one rearward support are capable of being detachably secured to a transit vehicle floor. A seat back height track system is vertically and slideably coupled to the seat frame. A seat back subframe is coupled to the seat back height track system. A seat base frame is coupled to the seat back height track system through a seat hinge. The at least one forward support is capable of overlapping the at least one rearward support when at least two of the seat frames are in a nested or fully compressed or stowed configuration.

Abstract: A latching device for automotive applications, in particular a backrest latch for the bolting and unbolting of seat backrests in motor vehicles. The latching device in its basic construction is equipped with a locking mechanism consisting predominantly of a catch and predominantly a pawl. Furthermore, an element which can be mechanically impinged by a drive unit, in particular an unbolting element is provided for the locking mechanism. In accordance with the invention, the drive unit for the element and in particular the unbolting element is equipped with at least an end stop demonstrating a cantilever arm.

Abstract: A seat system for a vehicle includes a seat having a seat bottom on which a person can sit. An intermediate support structure is secured to the seat and the vehicle which allows the seat to rotate relative to the vehicle. An actuator can interact with the seat to cause the seat to rotate relative to the vehicle. The combined motion of the vehicle relative to the earth and the seat relative to the vehicle results in motion of the seat moving about a virtual pivot point. A user control is provided for adjustment of the location of the virtual pivot point.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom pivotally mounted to an actuator and a vehicle floor. A controller is in electrical communication with the actuator and programmed to receive input indicative of a seating position angle, and input indicative of a potential vehicle impact. A signal is output to the actuator to pivot the seat to a nearest one of the plurality of predefined seat orientations if the seating position is not one of the plurality of predefined seat orientations when the input indicative of the potential vehicle impact is received. The signal is not output to the actuator if the seating position is one of the plurality of predefined seat orientations when the input indicative of the potential vehicle impact is received. The plurality of predefined seat orientations is offset radially at sequential increments.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system includes: a vehicle seat provided with a seat cushion having a side surface that is curved inward with respect to a widthwise direction as the side surface extends upward; an air conditioning unit configured to adjust a temperature of air and discharge temperature-adjusted air; and a blowing opening provided to open upward at a position along the side surface of the seat cushion and blowing the air discharged from the air conditioning unit.

Abstract: A seat cover comprises a seat bottom overlay configured to cover a seat bottom of a seat; a seat back overlay configured to cover a seat back of the seat; and an anchor system the keeps the seat bottom and back overlays in position on the seat. The anchor system comprises a rigid anchor; a drawstring sleeve on the seat bottom overlay or the seat back overlay; and a drawstring connected to the anchor and passing through the drawstring sleeve. When tightened, the drawstring urges the anchor against a rear of the seat to help hold the seat bottom overlay and seat back overlay in place on the seat.

Abstract: A seat having a base support extending under a base of the seat and a squab support extending behind a squab of the seat, the squab support being integral with the base support, the seat presenting a base seating surface upward of the base support and a squab seating surface forward of the squab support, and the seat comprising a first inflatable bladder disposed between the squab support and the squab seating surface for permitting adjustment of the inclination of the squab seating surface relative to the base seating surface.

Abstract: Provided is to stabilize a fixed state of each bag body provided at a vehicle seat and configured to expand to push a corresponding one of the shoulders of a seated passenger. Of a seat back provided at the vehicle seat, each shoulder support configured to support a corresponding one of the shoulders of the seated passenger includes an air cell configured to expand by injection of air. The air cell includes protrusions extending in a predetermined direction and provided at respective end portions of the air bag in the extending direction thereof. The air cell is attached to the inside of the seat back in such a manner that each of the protrusions provided at respective end portions in the extending direction is fixed to a corresponding one of fixing positions separated from each other in the width direction of the vehicle seat.

Abstract: An improved armrest is provided for a reversible seat that is movable between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. The armrest is rotatably mounted to the seat assembly so as to be rotatable downwardly to a fully deployed position or upwardly to a neutral, stowed position. The armrest may project forwardly in a first deployed position or rearwardly in a second deployed position depending upon whether the seat is in the forward-facing or rearward-facing positions. The seat is reversible from the forward-facing position to the rearward-facing position, or vice versa, wherein the armrest automatically returns to the neutral, stowed position as the seat is moved between these positions.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve (6, 60) for fixing in a securing support (5, 50). The sliding sleeve (6, 60) includes a sleeve body (6.2, 60.2) with a coupling section (6.3, 60.3) with at least one flexible coupling face (6.4, 60.4) for bearing against the securing body (5, 50).

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: An operator control unit controls an electrically adjustable lumbar support of a motor vehicle seat, where the lumbar support is provided for performing a massage function. A four-way button for setting an inoperative position of the lumbar support and a three-way switching element for selecting a predetermined value for a massage parameter of the lumbar support are provided in the operator control unit.

Abstract: An amenities panel for a passenger seat includes a body and at least one convenience feature. The body includes an aft-facing side and is configured to connect to a backrest of the passenger seat. The amenities panel is configured to be positioned between a forward-facing side of the backrest and a stowed tray table.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base, an inductive charger, concealed under the base for charging an electronic device wirelessly, and a retractable cup holder. The retractable cup holder is displaceable between a home position recessed and nested within the base and a deployed position overlying the base for stably supporting the side of a tall drink cup, drink bottle, can or other item.

Abstract: A condiment holder for supporting a condiment container, said condiment holder including a body having a top surface and a bottom surface. An aperture is defined by an interior peripheral wall of the body. The aperture extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the body. The peripheral wall includes a plurality of sets of opposed wall sections and each set of opposed wall sections is configured to engage one of a plurality of differently shaped condiment containers. The peripheral wall includes at least three sets of opposed wall sections and the body is thereby able to selectively engage at least three differently shaped condiment containers. A clip extends outwardly from the body and is utilized to engage a fin of a vehicle air vent to secure the condiment holder thereto.

Abstract: A lift cart assembly for loading an off road vehicle into the bed of a pickup includes a lift that is positionable in a first position having the lift angling downwardly from a tailgate of a pickup. Thus, an off road vehicle may be driven onto the lift. The lift is positionable in a second position having the lift being horizontally oriented on the tailgate to lift the off-road vehicle upwardly from the ground. The lift is urged above into a third position having the being positioned in a bed of the pickup. In this way the lift positions the off-road vehicle in the bed of the pickup. A plurality of rollers is provided and each of the rollers is rotatably coupled to the lift. Each of the rollers rolls along the bed of the pickup for positioning the lift between the first position, the second position and the third position.

Abstract: A modular auxiliary power module is described for a modular autonomous bot apparatus that transports an item being shipped. The modular auxiliary power module includes a base adapter platform, a cargo door, an auxiliary power source, and an output power outlet disposed on the base adapter platform as part of a modular component electronics interface. A top side of the base adapter platform has a cargo support area configured to support the item being shipped. Interlocking alignment interfaces (such as channels or latches) are on the top and bottom of the platform. The cargo door is movably attached to and extending from an edge of the base adapter platform, and the output power outlet is coupled to the auxiliary power source and provides access to power for other components of the modular autonomous bot apparatus from the auxiliary power source.

Abstract: A pickup truck loading device. The pickup truck loading device includes an elongated rod having a first end, a second end, and a central portion. A winch mount is disposed at the central portion of the elongated rod. A first end bracket and a second end bracket each include a channel and are each configured to mount to an upper rim of opposing sides of a truck bed. The first end of the elongated rod is slidably engaged within the channel of the first end bracket and the second end of the elongated rod is slidably engaged within the channel of the second end bracket.

Abstract: A method of detecting airflow blockage of a transport refrigeration system including the steps of: activating a heater powered by an electric generation device; measuring an output voltage of the electric generation device; determining a predicted heat output of the heater in response to the output voltage; determining a predicted temperature rise across the heater in response to the predicted heat output; detecting a measured temperature rise across the heater; and determining an airflow reduction percentage in response to the predicted temperature rise across the heater and the measured temperature rise across the heater.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a multi-featured trailer designed with transporting hazardous material in mind. The trailer design allows a driver without a hazardous materials transport license or commercial driver's license to legally transport the trailer when it contains hazardous material. It includes a unique hand-rail and bracket system designed to allow the trailer to employ standard sized rails which provides structural support and economic advantage. Further, the inventive trailer features means to accommodate several different tanks together or alone, comprising different capacities and sloped bottoms, in addition to tools and/or machines while employing the same frame, axles and wheels. Employing the inventive design further allows each tank trailer to be “assembled to order” providing a significant manufacturing advantage.

Abstract: The present invention is a securement apparatus and method of use. The securement apparatus comprises a spring E-fitting device connected to a strap device. The securement apparatus is preferably releasably attached to a section of E-track that is preferably fastened to a head wall of a pickup truck bed or a trailer and is useful in quickly and easily securing objects thereto.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing a motorcycle to a base surface for transport. In some embodiments, a tie down bracket has a central bar configured for attachment to a frame of the motorcycle at a medial location thereof, such as behind a gas tank and forward of a seat supporting area of the motorcycle. First and second attachment plates are attached to opposing proximal and distal ends of the central bar. Each of the first and second attachment plates is configured to receivingly engage at least a first strap for securement to the base surface and at least a second strap for securement to a handle bar portion of the motorcycle. In this way, the motorcycle is secured to the base surface near a center of gravity of the motorcycle and little or no compressive strain is placed on a front fork suspension of the motorcycle.