Abstract: A fast charging station, battery system and method for charging battery systems can be applied to most battery types in use for electric vehicles (EVs), electronic devices, and wireless electrical machines. The system provides for two or more charging ports in the electronic device, such as an EV, that may be able to receive and recognize a charging type, such as charging voltage, current and the like, and provide directed charging to multiple battery sub-packs that make up the entire battery. By charging sub-packs in parallel, the charge time can be substantially reduced. The system further provides a charging station with two or more electrical connections provided at each stall, providing for fast charge of an electrical device, such as an EV, positioned at each stall.

Abstract: An energy management system includes a local power grid configured to route electricity, the local power grid configured to receive electricity from a municipal power grid of a utility service provider; an electric appliance electrically coupled to the local power grid, the electric appliance configured to receive electricity from the local power grid for operating according to an energy usage state; an electric vehicle electrically coupleable to the local power grid, the electric vehicle configured to exchange electricity with the local power grid; and a system server communicatively coupled to the electric appliance and the electric vehicle.

Abstract: This display device comprises a display provided in a moving body, a range calculation unit for calculating reachable range that the moving body can reach on the basis of the amount of remaining energy that the moving body has, and a display control unit for displaying the moving body, a prescribed facility (charging station), and the reachable range on a screen of the display such that the same are superimposed on a map and displaying the prescribed facility so as to be fixed at a prescribed position on the screen.

Abstract: A system and method for powering electric vehicles and other equipment is provided. In some aspects, an electric vehicle is powered by a modular set of battery modules which are removeable when depleted and individually replaceable with fresh charged modules on demand. Determination of the overall total battery capacity needed allows for operation of the vehicle or machine using all or a subset of all possible battery modules installed therein. Robotic replacement of the modules and servicing at a battery module service station is also described.

Abstract: An information processing device, an information processing method, and a program are proposed that make it possible to allow an autonomous moving body to make battery replacement more easily. The information processing device includes a controller. The controller couples, in a first region, a connection terminal to the autonomous moving body. The first region is provided for ejection of a first battery included in the autonomous moving body. The connection terminal is provided for power supply and included in a power supply apparatus disposed in the first region. The controller moves the autonomous moving body with the connection terminal coupled, from the first region to a second region in which a charged second battery is disposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for determining an adjusted state-of-charge (SOC) operating window of a battery pack assembly in a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of determining (120) an energy throughput or an electrical current through put of the battery pack assembly; determining (130) a SOC operating window margin based on said determined energy throughput or electrical current through put of the battery pack assembly;adjusting (140) the SOC operating window in response to the determined SOC operating window margin.

Abstract: A cooling device for a vehicle, includes a cooling circuit including a first circuit in which a cooling liquid circulates through a power control unit and a second circuit connected in parallel with the first circuit and in which the cooling liquid circulates through a battery without passing through the power control unit; and a flow-rate control unit that controls a proportion of a flow rate of the cooling liquid between the first circuit and the second circuit, and when the battery is being charged with the electric power of the external power supply, the control unit controls so that the flow rate of the cooling liquid flowing through the second circuit is greater than the flow rate of the cooling liquid flowing through the first circuit on a side of the power control unit.

Abstract: A coolant passage, which is included in a cooling plate thermally coupled to a plurality of battery cells and includes longitudinal coolant passages connected to an inlet side and an outlet side for a coolant and lateral coolant passages connecting the longitudinal coolant passages in parallel with each other, cools the battery cells by allowing the coolant to flow in both the longitudinal coolant passages and the lateral coolant passages via the cooling plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sliding device for a vehicle seat provided with an improved locking arrangement. Said locking arrangement comprises a pair of locking assemblies (101a, 101b; 201a, 201b), one for each track of the sliding device, each including a plurality of locking pins (105a, 105b; 203a, 203b) suitable for locking the upper rails of the tracks to the respective lower rails. Said locking arrangement further includes a releasing assembly for driving said locking pins to an unlocking configuration for adjusting the position of the vehicle seat. According to the invention, for any selected positions of the vehicle seat, all the locking pins (105a, 105b; 203a, 203b) of the locking assemblies simultaneously or quasi-simultaneously penetrate into corresponding apertures of the lower rails. Therefore, the invention advantageously allows to optimize the locking effect of the locking arrangement, as all the locking pins give their contribution to said locking effect.

Abstract: A vehicle seat slide apparatus includes: a lower rail; an upper rail movably mounted on the lower rail and configured to support a seat; an annular-shaped lock spring attached to the upper rail; and an unlocking member attached to the upper rail, wherein: the lock spring has a lock portion configured to engage the lower rail to restrict upper rail movement; the unlocking member is configured to release movement restriction of the upper rail by displacing the lock spring to release an engagement state between the lock spring and the lower rail, is disposed inside the lock spring in both longitudinal and width directions of the upper rail, and includes a rotating portion and a pressing portion; the rotating portion is made of one flat plate material, and is configured to rotate; and the pressing portion is configured to be connected to the rotating portion and press the lock spring.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a mounting plate and a base frame rotatable mounted on the mounting plate by a swivel mechanism for swiveling the seat assembly between forward-facing and rearward-facing configurations. A seat portion is operably coupled to the base frame and includes a front edge. The seat portion can be pivoted between use and upright non-use positions. The seat assembly includes a first rotational footprint when the seat portion is in the use position and a second rotational footprint that is less than the first rotational footprint when the seat portion is in the upright non-use position. The second rotational footprint is intended to accommodate swiveling of the seat assembly between the forward-facing and rearward-facing configurations within a vehicle interior.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a base frame supporting a lift mechanism. A seatback is operably coupled to a seat portion. The seatback and the seat portion are vertically adjustable as powered by the lift mechanism. The seat portion is pivotally coupled to the seatback by a support bracket for rotational movement between first and second positions. A seat frame of the seat portion is vertically juxtaposed over the lift mechanism when the seat portion is in the second position.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a track assembly having a swivel mechanism slideably supported along the track assembly. A base frame is supported on the swivel mechanism between forward-facing and rearward-facing configurations. A seatback is pivotally coupled to the base frame by a recliner mechanism. A seat portion is pivotally coupled to the base frame and includes a front edge. The seat portion is operable between first and second positions, such that the front edge of the seat portion defines a forward-most portion of the seat assembly when the seat portion is in the first position. Further, the front edge of the seat portion is vertically juxtaposed over the base frame when the seat portion is in the second position.

Abstract: A seatback assembly includes a pair of lateral seatback assembly frame members and a moveable thoracic back support defining a support surface operably coupled with an upper thoracic support bracket. An attachment assembly operably couples the thoracic back support to the upper thoracic support bracket, and includes a pair of mounting lugs disposed on either of one of the upper thoracic support bracket or the moveable thoracic back support, and a pair of mounting bosses disposed on the other of the upper thoracic support bracket or the thoracic back support. The seatback assembly is assembled by aligning the pair of mounting lugs with the pair of mounting bosses as the moveable thoracic back support is horizontally positioned above the lower seatback insert, whereby the pair of mounting lugs are received within the pair of mounting bosses, and vertically lowering the moveable thoracic back support relative the lower seatback insert.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seatback mounted pivoting by an articulation mechanism selectively lockable and unlockable, relative to a seatback footing selectively lockable and unlockable on a base, where the seat further comprises a seat cushion, first and second rear connecting rods connecting the seatback to the base, an actuating device being configured, by rotation of the first rear connecting rod, for driving the seatback into a folded down position when the articulation mechanism is unlocked and the seatback footing is locked on the base, and for driving the seat in a forward tilted position when the seatback footing is unlocked and the articulation mechanism is locked.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an infant vehicle seat that is capable of independent movement. The infant vehicle seat may include a base including a shell enclosing a seating area and an infant restraint harness. The infant vehicle seat may include four legs, each pivotably mounted to the base and including a joint between an upper segment and a lower segment. The infant vehicle seat may include a first actuator for each leg coupled with the base and the respective upper segment and configured to pivot the leg with respect to the base. The infant vehicle seat may include a second actuator for each leg coupled with the upper segment and the lower segment and configured to bend and extend the leg. The infant vehicle seat may include a control system configured to translate an input command into a series of control signals for each of the first actuators and second actuators.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is fixed to a B pillar disposed in front of a door provided on a side surface of a vehicle, and constructed to be foldable.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a base frame and first and second guide brackets coupled to opposed sides of the base frame. The first and second guide brackets each include slots disposed therethrough. First and second support brackets are slideably mounted to the slots of the first and second guide brackets, respectively. A seat portion includes a seat frame that is pivotally coupled to the first and second support brackets at opposed first and second ends of the seat frame. The seat frame is configured to pivot with respect to the first and second support brackets between use and upright non-use positions. The base frame is rotatably supported on a swivel mechanism for rotation of the seat assembly between forward-facing and rearward-facing configurations.

Abstract: An auxiliary seat storage apparatus of a seat is disclosed. An auxiliary seat slides in a lower portion of a main seat in a state of being folded to be accommodated in the lower portion of the main seat such that convenience of a user and storability can be improved. Further, when the auxiliary seat is accommodated in the lower portion of the main seat, the auxiliary seat is moved forward so that a foot insertion space is secured to a rear side of the auxiliary seat in a state in which the auxiliary seat is accommodated in the lower portion of the main seat such that ease of access of a passenger sitting on a rear seat can be improved.

Abstract: A seat backrest includes right and left side frame segments, a pressure receiving member disposed between the side frame segments movably in a front-back direction, and a cushion pad covering the front of the side frame segments and pressure receiving member. The pressure receiving member includes a main body part, and extending parts extending laterally from both sides of the main body part. The cushion pad includes a back receiving part covering the front of the main body part, and bank parts disposed on both sides of the back receiving part, protruding forward from both sides, and covering the front of the extending parts and side frame segments. A recess is formed at an area, facing a corresponding extending part of the extending parts, of a rear surface of each bank part.

Abstract: A climate controlled system comprising: a movable member disposed in a recess of a cushion and forming part of an occupant support surface with the cushion; a heater overlaying the cushion and the movable member, the heater including: a flexible substrate, a heating element, and an adhesive layer, wherein the flexible substrate includes adhesive on opposing longitudinal edge regions and the adhesive directly or indirectly connects the heater to the cushion; and wherein the adhesive layer anchors the heater as the flexible substrate stretches or moves with the movable member as the movable member moves.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat bottom, a seatback pivotally attached to the seat bottom, and a trim cover disposed over the seatback. The seatback includes a foam cushion positioned on a seatback frame, the foam cushion having at least one plastic component embedded therein. The seatback further includes a rigid support panel embedded in the foam cushion proximate the at least one plastic component. The rigid support panel is positioned to support the trim cover over a void formed in the foam cushion at the at least one plastic component. A method of manufacturing a seatback with a rigid support block is also provided.

Abstract: A seatback frame for a vehicle is capable of preventing a passenger seated on a seat from being injured by a sharp edge of a side frame in the event of a collision of the vehicle. The seatback frame includes side frames installed to extend longitudinally in a vertical direction at opposite sides of the seatback frame, respectively, an upper frame joined to the side frames, and a lower frame joined to the side frames. Protrusions are formed at a surface of the upper frame while being spaced apart, by a predetermined distance, from edges present at edge portions of the side frames, respectively, to prevent the passenger from being injured by the edges.

Abstract: A vehicle cabin structure includes a vehicle cabin and a handrail having an inverted U-shape and including an upper portion extending in a width direction of a vehicle along a ceiling surface of the vehicle cabin, and right and left vertical portions connected to both ends of the upper portion and extending downward along right and left side surfaces of the vehicle cabin from the respective ends of the upper portion, in which the right and left vertical portions of the handrail are fixed to the right and left side surfaces of the vehicle cabin, respectively.

Abstract: A hanging strap for a vehicle includes: a leather belt having a loop shape, that is hung from a support provided near a ceiling in a vehicle cabin; and a hand grip member that is supported on the leather belt and that has a grip portion gripped by a standing passenger. The hand grip member is placed at an inner circumferential side of the leather belt. An outer surface of the grip portion is fixed to an inner surface of the leather belt.

Abstract: A vehicle cabin structure includes a pillar constituting a framework of a vehicle cabin, and a pillar trim which is an interior member arranged with a clearance from a vehicle cabin inside facing surface of the pillar and covering the vehicle cabin inside facing surface of the pillar. The pillar trim has, in its surface facing toward inside of the vehicle cabin, a slit extending along the pillar.

Abstract: A floor carpet for an automobile comprises a first layer of polyester carpet pile, a second layer including an electromagnetic shield, the electromagnetic shield including a grid of conductive metal fibers molded into a matrix of thermoplastic material, and a third layer including a sound dampening backing made from one of wool and polyurethane, wherein, the first layer, second layer, and third layer are molded together as a unitary piece that is shaped to conform to the contour of a floor panel within an automobile and adapted to be immovably installed within the automobile, the electromagnetic shield extending across substantially all of the floor carpet to provide electromagnetic shielding across substantially the entire floor of the automobile.

Abstract: A trailer includes a metal frame, a first dump bed coupled to the frame substantially near a forward end of the frame, and a second dump bed coupled to the frame substantially near a rearward end of the frame. In an embodiment, the first dump bed is a side-dumping dump bed and the second dump bed is a rear-dumping dump bed.

Abstract: A lift frame assembly for a vehicle having an air suspension system is described herein which includes a lift frame assembly with a top frame body having a locking mechanism, a lift mechanism with an inflatable air bag operable with respect to the frame body and a source of compressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag; and an air suspension system comprising a height adjustment valve for raising and lowering a frame height in communication with the source of compressed air, wherein the height adjustment valve operates in communication with an air suspension height control valve, and the height adjustment valve is operable to raise and lower the height of the frame by inflating or deflating at least a first pair of air springs positioned on a portion of the lift frame opposite the lift mechanism.

Abstract: A lift frame assembly for a vehicle having an air suspension system is described herein which includes a lift frame assembly with a top frame body having a locking mechanism, a lift mechanism with an inflatable air bag operable with respect to the frame body and a source of compressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag; and an air suspension system comprising a height adjustment valve for raising and lowering a frame height in communication with the source of compressed air, wherein the height adjustment valve operates in communication with an air suspension height control valve, and the height adjustment valve is operable to raise and lower the height of the frame by inflating or deflating at least a first pair of air springs positioned on a portion of the lift frame opposite the lift mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling and securing cargo in a vehicle bed. The apparatus is a buggy with an adjustable width platform and an adjustable length handle that is both a locking device and a lifting device. The platform has a pair of frame rails with multiple adjustable length crossmembers spaced therebetween. The platform has wheels that allow the buggy to be moved between a loading position and a transport position. The handle is used to move the platform between the two positions. The handle has an adjustable length to secure the buggy in the transport position. In another embodiment, a tailgate hook with a catch that holds the platform captive in the vehicle. A shield is releasably positioned over a portion of at least two crossmembers of the platform. The shield has a surface that supports small and/or odd shaped cargo to prevent such cargo from falling between crossmembers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (07) for receiving and transporting components, in particular pipes or tubes (15), on a vehicle (01). The vehicle (01) carries a container (03) having a container cover (05) that is tiltable about a cover axis (19). A carrier (12) of the device is mountable on the container cover (05). An adjustment drive (22) that can pivot the carrier (12) about a pivot axis (21) between a transport position and a working position is preferably also present. Also provided are a retaining device (13) for accommodating at least one component (15), and a drive unit for moving the retaining device (13) relative to the carrier (12) between an upper holding position and a lower removal position. The invention further relates to a suction excavator (01) having a material collection container (03) that includes such a device for receiving and transporting pipes.

Abstract: A towable fluid storage tank trailer comprising a cylindrical horizontal storage tank with a cylindrical walled outer structure with ends creating an inner cavity with an external fluid connection and access point to the inner cavity, a tank support structure substantially surrounding and engaging the underside of the tank and the tank disposed within a support structure, tank coupling members engaging the topside and securing the tank in a desired position on the trailer assembly, and towable trailer assembly with skids, longitudinal retention members, lateral retention members, a kingpin for engaging the tow vehicle, and a rear wheel axle assembly whereby the storage tank is horizontally disposed within the tank support structure and is removably coupled to the support structure that is rigidly affixed to the towable trailer assembly where various types of caustic and non-caustic fluids are filled and transported.

Abstract: In one aspect, a sleeper bunk is provided that includes a support for a mattress. The support includes an assembly of support portions each having at least one surface arranged to support an underside of the mattress. The sleeper bunk includes at least one mount connected to the support and configured to facilitate movement of the support and the mattress thereon between a raised orientation and a lowered orientation. The support portions have overlapping portions configured to distribute a load from the mattress between the support portions.

Abstract: A device and method for securing cargo to vertical logistics posts on a side of a transportation vehicle. The device comprises a rail with a plurality of slots, an adjustable slide for adjusting the overall horizontal length of the device to fit between irregularly spaced gaps of parallel vertical logistics posts, and clips that are inserted and removably retained in corresponding receiving spaces of vertical logistics posts. Cargo is secured to the device through the slots on the rail. The device provides ease of relocation and adjustment for irregular gaps between vertical logistics posts.

Abstract: A modular light-signaling device for a vehicle includes a plurality of modules, each module being provided with one or several lighting function(s). The plurality of modules include at least one master module and at least one slave module, the master module having a control unit adapted to pilot the lighting function(s) of the master module and of the slave module.

Abstract: A rear liftgate assembly with at least one rear lamp applique assembly and process for manufacturing same. The lamp applique assembly includes a rear lamp applique housing with at least one attachment surface for attaching to an outer panel of the liftgate assembly. A plurality of integrated snap attachment features are provided to connect the lamp applique assembly to the outer panel, thereby eliminating additional bonding and fasteners. A self-sealing wire harness connected accepts an integrated lamp connector, thereby eliminating the need for access openings, to further minimize water intrusion, and eliminate gaskets.

Abstract: A driver nudge system is operated within a vehicle to indicate a warning to a driver of the vehicle. The system includes a steering wheel, a vehicle sensor monitoring an operating environment of the vehicle, and an electric motor connected to the steering wheel configured to nudge the steering wheel in an opposite direction to a threat diagnosed according to data from the vehicle sensor.

Abstract: A system for determining a lane for a vehicle includes a receiver and an electronic controller. The receiver is configured to receive information related to a remote vehicle, the information including a remote vehicle location, a remote vehicle speed and a remote vehicle travel path. The electronic controller is configured to determine a host vehicle location, a host vehicle speed and a host vehicle travel path, compare the host vehicle location with the remote vehicle location, compare the host vehicle speed with the remote vehicle speed and compare the host vehicle travel path with the remote vehicle travel path, and cause the host vehicle to perform a mitigation operation when the electronic controller determines that the remote vehicle location, the remote vehicle speed and the remote vehicle travel path indicate that the remote vehicle must pass or has passed the host vehicle on a right side.

Abstract: A safety sign device is for a vehicle. The safety sign device includes a first sign having proximal and distal end, a first hinge being coupled to the proximal end of the first sign, the first hinge being coupled to a side of the vehicle, and a second sign being coupled to the side of the vehicle and being substantially parallel to the side of the vehicle. The first hinge is configured to extend and retract the first sign between a retracted position and an extended position. The first and second signs may be transverse to each other in the extended position, and may be flat against the side of the vehicle in the retracted position. The safety sign device includes a first flexible arm coupled to the first hinge and having an elongate housing, and visual indicators carried by the elongate housing.

Abstract: Various implementations of illumination systems are described herein. For example, the illumination system includes a light guide having an outer surface and an inner surface that extend between a first end and a second end of the light guide, and at least one light source disposed adjacent the first end of the light guide. The light source emits infrared or visible light into the first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide. In addition, the system may include a second light source disposed adjacent the second end of the light guide. The second light source emits infrared or visible light into the second end of the light guide.

Abstract: An accessory lighting assembly for vehicles. The accessory lighting assembly includes at least one attachment portion for selectively attaching the assembly to the vehicle wherever lighting is desired. The accessory lighting assembly includes at least one integrated lighting portion for selectively providing lighting to the interior of the vehicle. The accessory lighting assembly incorporates a grab handle for attaching to the at least one attachment portion for allowing a vehicle occupant a grip/handle for grabbing onto inside of the vehicle when desired.

Abstract: A driver-assisting system for an industrial vehicle comprising: a first camera mounted on a vehicle cab for viewing an area in front of the vehicle; an image processing unit operatively connected to said first camera for receiving image data from said first camera; a display unit operatively connected to said image processing unit for displaying image to a user based on said image data; a control unit operatively connected to said first camera for modifying operating parameters of said first camera; wherein the first camera is adapted to provide a wide-angle field of vision, and in that the field of vision of said first camera relative to the vehicle can be adjusted by the control unit.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a housing. The assembly additionally includes a reflective body secured to the housing and having a rigid portion and a flexible portion. The assembly also includes an actuator operably coupled to the flexible portion. The actuator is configured to move the flexible portion between a first curvature relative to the rigid portion and a second curvature relative to the rigid portion. The assembly further includes a controller in communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to, in response to an operating condition being satisfied, control the actuator to move the flexible portion from the first curvature to the second curvature.

Abstract: A vehicle side-view mirror assembly includes an anchor element mountable to a vehicle exterior, and a foldable housing, including a first surface directed in a forward direction when the foldable housing is in an unfolded position, a first capacitive cover and a first electric ground path attached to the first surface, a second surface that is a lateral side surface facing away from the anchor element, a second capacitive cover and a second electric ground path attached to the second surface, a third surface that is a hinged side surface hingedly connected to the anchor element, and a third capacitive cover and a third electric ground path attached to the third surface. Each of the capacitive covers are electrically insulated from one another.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror device includes a housing, an imaging device, a light projection device, and a light shield unit. The housing is attached to a side portion of a vehicle and holds a mirror. The imaging device is attached to the housing and includes an image light acquisition unit disposed in a lower surface of the housing in a vehicle-mounted state. The light projection device is attached to the housing and includes an infrared irradiation unit disposed in the lower surface of the housing and disposed side by side with the image light acquisition unit in a left-and-right direction in the vehicle-mounted state. The light shield unit is provided on the lower surface of the housing and blocks infrared light going from the infrared irradiation unit toward the image light acquisition unit.

Abstract: A half-movable console for a vehicle is provided. The half-movable console includes a base console fixedly mounted to a floor panel, a moving console coupled to a top of the base console such that the moving console is slidable in forward and rearward directions, and a protector disposed at a front side of the moving console while being mounted to the base console such that the protector is movable in the forward and rearward directions while being adjustable in tilting angle. In accordance with this configuration, the half-movable console is usable for various purposes within a limited passenger compartment in the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory has an arm extending from a pocket. The arm preferably has sides which can flex and then push outwardly to assist in mechanical retention between seats of a vehicle to locate the pocket in front of a seat. The pocket may have at least three sides extending upwardly relative to a bottom, if not more, and accessory may be manufactured from a single planar sheet bent to shape.

Abstract: A rack assembly configured to carry a load includes a frame unit, a support unit, and a securing unit. The support unit is coupled to the frame unit and is configured to support the load thereon. The securing unit is coupled to the frame unit, is configured to secure the load thereto, and includes a first base, a second base, a first leg, and a second leg. The second base has a length greater than a distance between first and second ends of the first base. The first leg interconnects the first end of the first base and the second base. The second leg interconnects the second end of the first base and the second base.

Abstract: A simple vehicle rack includes: a fixing rod, a middle part of the fixing rod being an H-shaped reinforcing seat, the H-shaped reinforcing seat forming an upper sliding slot on a top surface of the fixing rod and forming a lower sliding slot on a bottom surface of the fixing rod; two fixing frames, the fixing frames being fixed on the top surface of the fixing rod and connected to the fixing rod, moving back and forth along the upper sliding slot; and two support frames, the support frames being fixed on the bottom surface of the fixing rod and connected to the fixing rod, moving back and forth along the lower sliding slot.