Abstract: A load contact module for a charging plug-in connection includes: a load contact, which is designed to electromechanically contact a load contact to be inserted and/or slid on; a mounting portion, which is designed to connect the load contact module to a support of a charging plug and/or of a charging socket; and a temperature sensor for the temperature monitoring of a charging process, wherein the temperature sensor has a distance from the mounting portion.

Abstract: A charging apparatus includes a heat exchange pipeline, and a refrigerant liquid output pipe and a refrigerant liquid input pipe, which are connected to the heat exchange pipe. The charging apparatus can ensure a vehicle battery can be charged at an optimal temperature range, thereby reducing a charging time of the charging apparatus.

Abstract: An intelligent current control apparatus provides a current control for a power supply branch and a load. The intelligent current control apparatus includes at least one power conversion unit and a control unit. The control unit controls a total phase current, which is composed of a single-phase current and a household phase current in the same phase, to be less than or equal to a rated phase current of the power supply branch.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for energy management including an input for a first sensor, which is designed to detect a first measurement variable as information about a current to a home energy management system. A device is designed to determine a second measurement variable depending on the first measurement variable. An output designed to output the second measurement variable, instead of the first measurement variable, as information about a current to the home energy management system for the home energy management system.

Abstract: A method for determining a maximum storage capacity of an energy store, in particular as a drive battery of a vehicle with an electrical drive, including the steps of determining a state of charge of the energy store of the vehicle, charging the energy store until it reaches its maximum amount of charge, completely discharging the energy store using a separate energy storage unit for receiving the charge of the energy store, wherein an amount of charge transferred from the energy store to the energy storage unit is captured, and outputting the transferred amount of charge upon complete discharging of the energy store as the maximum capacity of the energy store.

Abstract: An electric power management device that manages electric power in a building configured to be electrically connectable to a vehicle including a battery, the device comprising a command issuing unit configured to issue a command to perform charging and discharging of the battery, a specifying unit configured to specify a target range for a charging rate of the battery in performing charging and discharging, and a storage unit configured to store the charging rate in performing charging and discharging, wherein the command issuing unit restrains an issuance of a command to start discharging when the stored charging rate is not more than a lower-limit value of the target range, and restrains an issuance of a command to start charging when the stored charging rate is not less than an upper-limit value of the target range.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging system includes a power distributing system configured to receive power from a power control system and selectively direct the power to one of a plurality of power dispensers coupled to the power distribution system.

Abstract: A power control device that can charge a battery by controlling output of a conversion unit configured to convert supplied grid electric power into electric power for charging, the power control device includes: a sensing unit configured to sense voltage and current of the grid electric power; a determination unit configured to determine whether a sensed voltage sensed by the sensing unit is in an unstable state in which the sensed voltage drops relative to a rated voltage of the grid electric power; a calculation unit configured to calculate an allowable power value based on the sensed voltage and a rated current of the grid electric power in a case where the determination unit determines that the sensed voltage is in the unstable state; and a control unit configured to control the output of the conversion unit based on the allowable power value.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery of a vehicle using a charging station, wherein the charging station includes an electric power source and a data source, wherein an output device which is configured for issuing acoustic signals is arranged in an interior of the vehicle, wherein a first connection for transferring electric power is provided between the power source of the charging station and the battery of the vehicle, wherein a second connection for transferring data is provided between the data source of the charging station and the output device in the vehicle, wherein the electric power is transferred via the first connection from the power source to the battery, and wherein data for acoustic signals is transferred via the second connection from the data source to the output device, wherein the output device issues acoustic signals based on the data received.

Abstract: A battery lease system lends a battery to a user. The battery lease system includes a vehicle configured to be equipped with the battery for traveling, and a server that manages a lease fee to be paid by the user for lease of the battery. The vehicle permits traveling of the vehicle only for a period in which a capacity retention ratio changes by a specified amount, when the user pays the lease fee, the capacity retention ratio indicating a degree of progress of deterioration of the battery.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply apparatus includes a battery, a power supply line, a power control unit coupled to the battery via the power supply line, a first main switch provided on a positive power supply line, a second main switch provided on a negative power supply line, a precharge resistor and a resistor switch coupled together in series on a bypass line that bypasses the positive power supply line and the negative power supply line, and a service plug to be brought into either one of a power supply state in which electric power is supplied from the battery to the power control unit and an interrupted state in which the supply of the electric power is interrupted. When the service plug is brought into the interrupted state, the resistor switch is brought into conduction to cause a current to flow from the battery to the precharge resistor.

Abstract: There is provided a direct current power supply circuit mounted in a working vehicle with increased safety as compared with related art by a configuration where a main power source is used after a battery management system (BMS) determines that the main power source can be used. A direct current power supply circuit includes a first power source, a switch, a second power source and a first relay, in which the first power source is connected to a battery management system through the first relay so as to supply direct current power, the battery management system is activated by supply of direct current power from the second power source when the switch is turned on, and the first relay is on-controlled when determined that the first power source can be used.

Abstract: In a vehicle power supply device, a switch unit switches mutual connection among first to fourth batteries. When supplying electric power from the first to fourth batteries to a motor, a switch controller controls the switch unit and forms a backup battery corresponding to at least one of the first to fourth batteries that does not supply electric power to the motor and a serial battery group for supplying electric power that has the remaining batteries, except for the backup battery, connected in series. The switch controller supplies electric power from the serial battery group for supplying electric power to the motor, and, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, sequentially switches between a battery included in the serial battery group for supplying electric power and the backup battery.

Abstract: Electric railway systems are disclosed. In an embodiment, the electric railway system includes a continuous conductor, access points, connections, and a microwave link. The continuous conductor runs along the railway track for supplying high-voltage power to trains travelling on the railway system, and supplies high-voltage power to trains travelling on the electric railway systems. The continuous conductor is arranged as an overhead line suspended from poles or towers distributed along the railway track. The access points provide data communication with trains travelling on the railway system, and are arranged on the poles or towers above the railway track. The connections connect the electric railway system to an electric low-voltage power cable. The microwave link connects the access points.

Abstract: Electrified roadway systems include a roadway, and vehicles configured to operate on the roadway. The roadway has a base, and two electrically-conductive rails mounted on the base. One of the rails is electrically connected to a source of electric power, and the other rail is electrically connected to an electrical ground. The vehicles include non-electrically-conductive tires, and an electric motor mechanically connected to, and configured to rotate at least one of the tires to propel the vehicle along the roadway. The vehicles draw electric power from the roadway via two electrical pickups that contact the respective rails, and a retracted position at which the pickups are out of contact with the rails. A wear-resistant cover can be positioned on each of the rails. The wear resist covers can have features that maximize the contact area and the contact force between the covers and the rails.

Abstract: A load detection sensor unit 1A includes: a load detection sensor 5 that has a sensor sheet 50 having a pair of resinous insulating sheets 56s and 57s, a first electrode 56e provided on a surface of one insulating sheet 56s, and a second electrode 57e forming a pair with the first electrode 56e, and a metal plate 60 provided in at least a portion overlapping with the first electrode 56e and the second electrode 57e on one surface of the sensor sheet 50; and a pressing member 4 that has a pressing portion 46 disposed on the side of the metal plate 60 opposite to the side of the sensor sheet 50 and pressing the metal plate 60. The pressing portion 46 is harder than the seat cushion SC and the sensor sheet 50 and the metal plate 60 are bonded by an adhesive layer 70.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a platform. The platform includes a frame having an attachment feature. A seat base is coupled with the attachment feature. A cross-member is coupled to the frame and movable between extended and retracted positions. The seating assembly also includes a track assembly including a plurality of tracks received by guides. The platform extends between each of the plurality of tracks.

Abstract: A seat base assembly includes a coupling member, a plurality of adjustment tracks coupled to the coupling member, and a plurality of seat legs, the plurality of seat legs includes at least one inner seat leg, and at least one outer seat leg, wherein the at least one inner seat leg and the at least one outer seat leg each comprise upturned bottom edges, and a lock assembly coupled to at least one of the plurality of seat legs.

Abstract: A recliner shaft includes first parts which are spaced apart from each other and form portions of a cylindrical shape, and second parts connecting the first parts and formed so as to form protrusions by protruding outward from the cylindrical shape. The second parts include a first spline protrusion and a second spline protrusion which have the same shape, and are disposed to be symmetrical with respect to a virtual straight line passing through a center of the cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A motor home seat lift apparatus is provided which is located within the vehicle at the front passenger door, which is foldable to a storage location adjacent to the dashboard and forward of the front passenger seat, and which unfolds for usage to place a lift seat adjacent to the level of the front passenger seat, from which a user can slide onto (or off of) the lift seat. The lift seat is then movable from the that level, downward and outward through the opened front passenger door, to a level comfortably adjacent the ground level, for the user to then stand upon when exiting the lift seat. In general, the apparatus includes a lift seat which moves laterally within the vehicle into and out of the door, and rotates up and down between the exterior ground level and the passenger seat level, above the passenger compartment floor.

Abstract: The vehicle with right and left front seats, a cargo bed located behind the right and left front seats, a guide rail located on the cargo bed, and a rear seat with a seat frame connected to the guide rail and slidable in the front-rear direction along the guide rail. This structure enables the cargo bed to have a sufficient capacity while preventing the vehicle body from increasing in size, and secures freedom in the shape of the rear seat.

Abstract: A child safety seat is provided. The child safety seat includes a seat shell configured to receive and secure a child therein. The seat shell includes a top portion, a base portion, and side portions operably coupling the top portion to the base portion, and the side portions are fabric or mesh. The child safety seat further includes a support frame configured to absorb energy and that defines a seat portion and backrest portion of the child safety seat to enable the child to be secured therein.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a cushion with a seating surface. An elongated trench extends into the seating surface. A primary fastener part is disposed in the elongated trench, and a secondary fastener part is disposed around a cushion perimeter. A cover includes first and second fastener parts, wherein the primary fastener part and the first fastener part are selectively attachable to form a first disengageable seal. The secondary fastener part and the second fastener part are selectively attachable to form a second disengageable seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle seat protective film designated for being imposed on a motor vehicle seat. The motor vehicle seat protective film is manufactured from a rectangular plastic film. The motor vehicle seat protective film comprises a folding in the upper end region separating a front sheet from a rear sheet. The front sheet and the rear sheet are welded to each other by weldings. The lateral distance of the weldings corresponds to the dimension of a headrest of the motor vehicle seat.

Abstract: A headrest apparatus in accordance with this disclosure supports the head and cervical spine during driving and driving events. The headrest apparatus including a headrest, one or more rods extending from the headrest, and a rotation mechanism located in the headrest coupled between the headrest and the plurality of rods. The headrest may include at least a front face, a rear face opposite the front face, a bottom face located between a lower portion of the front face and a lower portion of the rear face, and two side faces located opposite each other between the front face and the rear face. In a first position a profile of the front face may conform to a normal cervical spine curvature of an occupant in a seated position.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to supports and in particular to collapsible portable travel supports for use in conjunction with a seat during travel. The support device has a main body of flexible material and a self-deploying support structure has a plurality of hollow sections having a slip joint connection and a chord secured to opposing ends of the structure and passing longitudinally through all sections. The self-deploying support structure is transformable between storage and deployed configurations where the slip joint connections of each section are mated to form a unitary structure. An attachment mechanism associated with the body attaches the body to the self-deploying support structure. The main body and self-deploying support structure are configured to form a self-supporting structure spaced apart from the seat in use and from a structure in front of the seat supporting the user.

Abstract: A portable and articulating conveyor belt device for use with a vehicle having a power supply, wherein the vehicle's power supply powers the conveyor belt device. The conveyor belt device is removably attachable to a trailer hitch assembly on a vehicle, and enables a user to quickly and safely load articles onto/off of the vehicle via a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt device is preferably controlled via a remote control and controls the position of the device, as well as the direction and speed of the conveyor belt. The support frame of the conveyor belt device is comprised of a plurality of repositionable, interlocking and pivoting support frame members that enable the device to be arranged in a variety of configurations to suit user need and/or preference.

Abstract: The disclosed devices, systems and methods relate to a split-tilt deck trailer. A tilting deck and stationary deck are disposed in parallel on the trailer to provide a tilting deck for the loading of various equipment and providing an elongate stationary platform simultaneously.

Abstract: A truck-mountable detection system for detection of a first coupling device of a container, in which the first coupling device is configured for coupling with a second coupling device of a truck-mounted loading equipment, in particular a hook of a hookloader. The detection system includes a data processor and an data capturing device, the data of which can be sent to the data processor. The data capturing device is a stereographic sensor system, and the data processor is configured to automatically recognize the shape of the first coupling device of the container based on the data provided by the stereographic sensor system.

Abstract: A dynamic vending system includes a vending manager and a delivery vehicle. The vending manager is configured to receive and evaluate a plurality of dynamic conditions from the delivery vehicle and to provide instructions including a planned route to the delivery vehicle based on the dynamic conditions. The delivery vehicle includes a plurality of products available for sale, and is configured to execute the instructions including the planned route. The delivery vehicle is further configured to receive requests from consumers to stop along the planned route and to execute a transaction with the consumer for one of the products available for sale. The transaction includes the selection of one of the products available for sale, receipt of payment for the product, and dispensing the selected product to the consumer.

Abstract: A vehicle retrofit system comprising a storage receptacle, a collapsible privacy/shower curtain receptacle, a folding counter assembly, and a seat/bed conversion assembly each of which is configured to be contained and deployed within an interior of a vehicle

Abstract: A method for securing cargo that can form a unit load when the cargo is immobilized on a load carrier or on a vehicle by means of a securing device, and a measuring device for measuring a tensile stress acting on the securing device being disposed on the securing device, the measuring device being equipped with a data processing system having a device for signal transfer to a central data processing system.

Abstract: A cover for covering a car or luggage on top of a car is described. The cover is made of a stretchy material such that it can expand to tightly fit the size and shape of a large variety of items or vehicles. Thus, the material composition as well as cover layers are crucial in obtaining the optimal balance of flexibility and protection. In many embodiments securing mechanisms are provided around the base of the cover as well as over the top of the cover to aid in securing the cover over the items or vehicle. In some embodiments a lower cover is provided which sits under items on top of a vehicle and protects the roof of the vehicle from the items.

Abstract: A compact payload stopper includes: an interface assembly that serves as a main structural member of the payload stopper, the payload stopper configured to stop the payload from moving off a mobile robot; a stopper blade assembly connected to the interface assembly so as to allow the stopper blade assembly to pivot about an axis of the interface assembly, the stopper blade assembly configured to have a disengaged position that allows for a payload to be moved onto or off the robot, the stopper blade assembly further configured to have an engaged position that stops the payload from moving off the robot; and a motor assembly comprising a motor, the motor assembly connected to the interface assembly, the motor assembly configured to apply a force to the stopper blade assembly, causing the stopper blade assembly to rotate into a desired position of the engaged position and the disengaged position.

Abstract: A heater system for an LED light assembly having a lens includes a flexible composite positioned around an outer surface of the lens. The flexible composite includes a polymer base layer, a plurality of conductive buses provided on the base layer, and a resistive layer electrically connecting the plurality of buses to form a circuit. The resistive layer includes conductor particles dispersed in a polymer matrix. The resistive layer has a crystalline first condition prior to applying electricity to one of the buses and an amorphous second condition in response to applying electricity to one of the buses.

Abstract: A transmittance estimation unit estimates a transmittance for each of regions from a captured image. The transmittance estimation unit estimates the transmittance for each pixel, using, for example, dark channel processing. A transmittance detection unit detects a transmittance of haze at the time of imaging of the captured image, using the transmittance estimated for each pixel by the transmittance estimation unit and depth information for each pixel. The transmittance detection unit detects the transmittance of the haze on the basis of, for example, a logarithm average value of the transmittances in the whole or a predetermined portion of the captured image, and an average value of depths indicated by the depth information.

Abstract: A method for controlling and switching operational modes of an additional lamp for a vehicle includes confirming a pre-set operating mode of the additional lamp. The additional lamp is switched from the pre-set operating mode to another operating mode only when a continuous first signal and intermittent plural second signals come from the vehicle. When the brake is operating and the additional lamp is in a non-flickering mode, the additional lamp generates non-flickering light. When the brake is operating and the additional lamp is in the flickering mode, the additional lamp generates flickering light. The additional lamp is turned off when the braking operation stops. When the braking operation continues and the additional lamp is in the flickering mode, the additional lamp keeps outputting flickering light. When the braking operation continues and the additional lamp is in the non-flickering mode, the additional lamp keeps outputting non-flickering light.

Abstract: An illumination and image acquisition unit for movable mounting on a vehicle body includes a movable section having an image acquisition section with at least one camera, a lighting member having at least one light source and an end section, the at least one light source being a component of a side boundary light, an ambient lighting, a signal or warning light, a flasher, a camper light, a laser display, a logo lamp, a floor light, or a projector. A motor vehicle includes such a lighting and imaging unit.

Abstract: A lighting element includes a circuit board including at least one illuminator, a housing having an optical element in register with the at least one illuminator on the circuit board and the housing including a peripheral wall enveloping a periphery of the circuit board, a heat sink in alignment with the housing.

Abstract: A system prevents activation of strobe lights on a vehicle in response to events calculated to indicate a nuisance activation. Directional strobing may be activated based on input from vehicles systems.

Abstract: A light-emitting component is disclosed. In an embodiment a light-emitting component includes at least four light sources configured to emit light of different wavelength ranges in pairs and a control device configured to operate the light sources independently of one another in such a way that light from at least two of the light sources is mixed to form a mixed light and adjust an mv,mel,D65 value of the mixed light, wherein the at least four light sources include a first light source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation with a dominant wavelength of at most 450 nm, a second light source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation with a dominant wavelength of at least 480 nm and at most 520 nm or a dominant wavelength of at least 455 nm and at most 470 nm, a third light source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range of green light, and a fourth light source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range of yellow and/or amber light.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method of facilitating communications from an autonomous vehicle to a user. For instance, a method may include, while attempting to pick up the user and prior to the user entering an vehicle, inputting a current location of the vehicle and map information into a model in order to identify a type of communication action for communicating a location of the vehicle to the user; enabling a first communication based on the type of the communication action; determining whether the user has responded to the first communication from received sensor data; and enabling a second communication based on the determination of whether the user has responded to the communication.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes: a vehicle control device that is mounted on a vehicle a portable device that is carried by a user and performs wireless communication with the vehicle control device; and a living body sensor that detects presence of a living body in a vehicle interior of the vehicle. The vehicle control device includes: an in-vehicle transmission unit that transmits a response request signal to the portable device; an in-vehicle reception unit that receives a response signal returned from the portable device in response to the response request signal; and a notification control unit that does not perform notification to the vehicle interior or an outside of the vehicle when the living body sensor detects that the living body is present in the vehicle interior and the in-vehicle reception unit receives the response signal.

Abstract: A vehicle control device is configured to determine whether or not a living body is left behind in a vehicle. The vehicle control device includes an operation information acquisition unit that acquires first operation information indicating whether a first type of opening/closing unit related to getting-on/off of an occupant is operated and second operation information indicating whether a second type of opening/closing unit other than the first opening/closing unit is operated; a leaving determination unit that determines whether the living body is left behind with reference to the first operation information, and determines execution of a leaving alarm in a case where it is determined that the living body is left behind; and an execution holding unit which holds the execution of the leaving alarm in a case where the second operation information indicates that the second type of opening/closing unit is operated.

Abstract: An ECU of a vehicle monitors a charging state when charging is started. When a charging power supplied from a multi-outlet charger has changed without detecting and receiving an abnormality, the ECU causes a notification device to notify the changed charging power and a charging time based on the changed charging power. The ECU notifies a communication terminal which is owned by a user of the changed charging power and the charging time based on the changed charging power.

Abstract: A light field (LF) display system for augmentation of a vehicle. The LF display system includes LF display modules that form a surface (e.g., interior and/or exterior) of a vehicle. The LF display modules each have a display area and are tiled together to form a seamless display surface that has an effective display area that is larger than the display area. The LF display modules present holographic content from the effective display area.

Abstract: A driving assistance device includes a first periphery image provision unit and a second periphery image provision units. Each unit provides an image of a periphery of a vehicle to a vehicle occupant. Each unit includes a photographing unit, a display unit, and a control unit configured to control the display unit. The first control unit monitors a state of the second periphery image provision unit and performs processing that notifies information relating to a deterioration in performance of the second periphery image provision unit to a vehicle occupant. The second control unit monitors a state of the first periphery image provision unit and performs processing that notifies information relating to a deterioration in performance of the first periphery image provision unit to a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle vision system including an isolation block configured to compress under pressure, a rigid block on an interface surface of the isolation block configured to distribute pressure across the interface surface of the isolation block, the rigid block including a first protrusion extending away from the interface surface and having a cavity, and a camera embedded within the cavity and configured to capture video images.

Abstract: A combined approach lamp and logo lamp apparatus for use in an external rear view assembly comprising at least one aperture, the apparatus including a housing including a rear view face and a front face with the at least one aperture; a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted adjacent the rear face, the printed circuit board further including a power connector, an electronic circuit, a first light source mounted in a first location on the printed circuit board, and a second light source mounted in a second location on the printed circuit board, and a transparent lens component comprising a first lens portion and a second lens portion.

Abstract: Storage compartments for use in or on vehicles are provided. A storage compartment, according to one implementation, may include a container body having a cavity adapted to store items or cargo. The container body may be adapted to be secured to a vehicle. The storage compartment may further include a fabric cover attached to a top edge of the container body.