JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160141985 | AUTOMATIC ACTUATOR CALIBRATION USING BACK EMF - A self-calibrating linear actuator is configured to control a spring return valve with variable stroke. The actuator includes a motor, a spindle coupled to an output of the motor, a motor controller coupled to the motor, a microcontroller coupled to the motor controller, and a back electromotive force (BEMF) circuit, coupled to the motor, configured to provide to the microcontroller a BEMF value for each motor step. The microcontroller is configured to determine a difference of a number of motor steps during operation of the actuator and to store the difference as a calibrated touch point for the actuator. | 05-19-2016 |
20160132068 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING AND VERIFYING ENERGY SAVINGS IN BUILDINGS - A computer system for use with a building management system in a building includes a processing circuit configured to use historical data received from the building management system to automatically select a set of variables estimated to be significant to energy usage in the building. The processing circuit is further configured to apply a regression analysis to the selected set of variables to generate a baseline model for predicting energy usage in the building. | 05-12-2016 |
20160132027 | DITHER SWITCHING EXTREMUM SEEKING CONTROL - A dither switching extremum seeking controller includes a communications interface configured to receive an output signal from a plant and provide a plurality of control inputs to the plant. The controller includes a demodulation module configured to extract, from the output signal, a performance gradient for a variable of interest affected by the plant for each of the control inputs. The controller includes a stabilization module configured to stabilize the extracted performance gradients using a history of previous values for the extracted performance gradients and an integration module configured to generate values for the control inputs. The generated values drive the stabilized performance gradients toward zero. The controller includes a dither signal module configured to perturb the control inputs by adding a dither signal to each control input. The perturbed control inputs are provided to the plant via the communications interface. | 05-12-2016 |
20160109866 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING AN APPROPRIATE MODEL PARAMETER ORDER - A building analysis system includes a communications interface that receives energy consumption data for a building site including energy-consuming building equipment. A processing circuit of the building analysis system calculates first and second regression statistics indicating a fit of an energy use model to the energy consumption data under a null hypothesis that the energy use model has a first parameter order and an alternative hypothesis that the energy use model has a second parameter order different from the first parameter order. The processing circuit generates a test statistic indicating an improvement between the first regression statistic and the second regression statistic, compares the test statistic to a threshold value to determine whether the improvement warrants rejecting the null hypothesis, and determines an appropriate parameter order for the energy use model based on a result of the comparison. | 04-21-2016 |
20160102166 | NATURAL OIL POLYOLS DERIVED FROM POST-CONSUMER RECYCLE OILS - Disclosed embodiments include an open cell, molded polyurethane foam comprising the reaction product of a reaction mixture comprising: an isocyanate mixture; and a polyol formulation, comprising a glycerin-initiated, alkylene-oxide capped natural oil polyol having a molecular weight of between 3,000 and 8,000 and a polydispersity index (PDI) of between approximately 1.5 and 2.5, wherein the PDI is defined as the ratio of the weight-average molecular weight, Mw, to the number-average molecular weight, Mn. | 04-14-2016 |
20160098022 | SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION AND MODEL DEVELOPMENT - A controller for a building system receives training data that includes input data and output data. The output data measures a state of the building system affected by both the input data and an extraneous disturbance. The controller performs a two-stage optimization process to identify system parameters and Kalman gain parameters of a dynamic model for the building system. During the first stage, the controller filters the training data to remove an effect of the extraneous disturbance from the output data and uses the filtered training data to identify the system parameters. During the second stage, the controller uses the non-filtered training data to identify the Kalman gain parameters. The controller uses the dynamic model with the identified system parameters and Kalman gain parameters to generate a setpoint for the building system. The building system uses the setpoint to affect the state measured by the output data. | 04-07-2016 |
20160098020 | FEEDBACK CONTROL SYSTEM WITH NORMALIZED PERFORMANCE INDICES FOR SETPOINT ALARMING - A setpoint alarming system includes a feedback controller that monitors a process variable provided as a feedback signal from a plant and uses an error signal representing a difference between the process variable and a setpoint to generate a control signal for the plant. The plant uses the control signal to affect the process variable. The system includes a normalized index generator that uses the error signal to generate a normalized performance index for the plant. The system includes an expected value estimator that estimates a value of the normalized performance index expected to occur when a setpoint error of a predetermined magnitude has persisted for a predetermined duration. The system includes an alarm manager that compares the normalized performance index to the expected value and generates an alarm in response to the normalized performance index dropping below the expected value. | 04-07-2016 |
20160084514 | EXTREMUM-SEEKING CONTROL FOR AIRSIDE ECONOMIZERS - A method for controlling an economizer in a building HVAC system includes providing a manipulated variable as an input to a control process, holding the manipulated variable at a first extremum during a first portion of an evaluation period, and applying a dither signal to the manipulated variable during a second portion of the evaluation period. The dither signal causes the manipulated variable to deviate from the extremum. The method further includes monitoring a variable of interest output by the control process during the first and second portions of the evaluation period and switching the manipulated variable to a second extremum opposite the first extremum in response to the variable of interest moving toward an optimal value during the second portion of the evaluation period. | 03-24-2016 |
20160061693 | NORMALIZED INDICES FOR FEEDBACK CONTROL LOOPS - A feedback controller for generating and using a normalized performance index for a feedback control loop is shown and described. The feedback controller is configured to generate an input for a control process, identify an error signal representing a difference between a setpoint and a feedback signal from the control process, compute a first exponentially-weighted moving average (EWMA) of a first function of the error signal and a second EWMA of a second function of the error signal, and to generate a normalized performance index using the first EWMA and the second EWMA. | 03-03-2016 |
20160061480 | HVAC ACTUATOR WITH LINE VOLTAGE INPUT - An actuator in a HVAC system includes a housing, a mechanical transducer, and an input connection configured to receive a voltage signal having a power supply line voltage. The actuator includes a voltage divider circuit having a capacitor disposed in series between the input connection and the mechanical transducer. The capacitor has a capacitance value based on an electrical impedance of the mechanical transducer. The voltage divider circuit is configured to receive the line voltage from the input connection, to use the capacitor to reduce the line voltage to a reduced voltage, and to provide the reduced voltage to the mechanical transducer. | 03-03-2016 |
20160061468 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURING AND COMMUNICATING WITH HVAC DEVICES - An actuator in a HVAC system includes a mechanical transducer, an input data connection, a feedback data connection, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to use a master-slave detection signal communicated via the feedback data connection to select an operating mode for the actuator from a set of multiple potential operating modes including a master operating mode and a slave operating mode. The processing circuit is configured to operate the mechanical transducer in response to a control signal received via the input data connection according to the selected operating mode. | 03-03-2016 |
20160052430 | SEAT FOR VEHICLE - A holder includes a stay lock member capable of locking a vertical movement of a headrest stay at an appropriate vertical position by engaging with an engagement portion of the headrest stay. The stay lock member includes a flexible holder having a nail portion engageable with the engagement portion along a circumferential direction of the headrest stay as the flexible holder moves in a lower direction and separable from the engagement portion as the flexible holder moves in an upper direction, and an operation member capable of moving the flexible holder in any of the upper and lower directions. | 02-25-2016 |
20160041541 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING CHANGES IN ENERGY USAGE IN A BUILDING - A computer system for use with a building management system for a building includes a processing circuit configured to automatically identify a change in a building's energy usage model based on data received from the building management system. The processing circuit may be configured to communicate the identified change in the static factor to at least one of (a) a module for alerting a user to the identified change and (b) a module for initiating an adjustment to the energy model for a building in response to the identified change. | 02-11-2016 |
20160039365 | Systems and Methods for Sending A Message From Tire Pressure Monitoring System to Body Electronics - A tire pressure monitoring system electronic control unit for hands free operation of a trunk of a vehicle includes a receiver configured to receive pressure data transmitted from a tire pressure monitoring system sensor, and also include a vehicle controller area network interface configured to send a control signal to a body control module using a vehicle network. The tire pressure monitoring system electronic control unit further includes a control circuit configured to send the control signal to the body control module using the vehicle controller area network interface, wherein the control signal causes the body control module to open the trunk of the vehicle, and wherein the control circuit sends the control signal in response to determining, using the pressure data, that the tire of the vehicle has been kicked. | 02-11-2016 |
20160004805 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES IN A BUILDING - A set of energy use model parameters for each of a plurality of buildings is used to determine a typical set of energy use model parameters for the plurality of buildings. A distance between the typical set of energy use model parameters and the set of energy use model parameters for each of the plurality of buildings is determined. Each distance is compared to a critical value. A building is identified as a candidate for energy conservation measures in response to the distance for the building exceeding the critical value. Energy conservation measures are implemented in the identified building. Implementing energy conservation measures may include replacing existing HVAC equipment in the identified building with new energy-efficient HVAC equipment. | 01-07-2016 |
20150379987 | MULTI-PASS VEHICLE VOICE RECOGNITION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A voice recognition system for a vehicle includes a micro-phone for receiving speech from a user. The system further includes a memory having a partial set of commands or names for voice recognition. The memory further includes a larger set of commands or names for voice recognition. The system further includes processing electronics in communication with the microphone and the memory. The processing electronics are configured to process the received speech to obtain speech data. The processing electronics are further configured to use the obtained speech data to conduct at least two voice recognition passes. In a first pass, the speech data is compared to the partial set. In a second pass, the speech data is compared to the larger set. | 12-31-2015 |
20150339031 | CONTEXT-BASED VEHICLE USER INTERFACE RECONFIGURATION - A method for contextually reconfiguring a user interface in a vehicle includes receiving context information for the vehicle, determining a vehicle context including at least one of a location of the vehicle and a condition of the vehicle based on the context information, determining one or more control options based on the vehicle context, and causing the user interface to display one or more selectable icons. The icons are displayed in response to the determined vehicle context and selecting an icon initiates one or more of the context-based control options. | 11-26-2015 |
20150333669 | HVAC ACTUATOR WITH SOFT STALL CONTROL - A actuator in a HVAC system includes a motor and a drive device driven by the motor. The drive device is coupled to a movable HVAC component for driving the movable HVAC component between multiple positions. The actuator further includes a main actuator controller that determines when the drive device is approaching an end stop and a pulse width modulation (PWM) speed controller that generates a PWM speed output for controlling a speed of the motor. The PWM speed controller sets the PWM speed output to zero in response to a determination that the drive device is approaching the end stop. The PWM speed controller then increases the PWM speed output until the end stop is reached, thereby causing the speed of the motor to increase as the drive device approaches the end stop. | 11-19-2015 |
20150329032 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A VEHICLE INTERIOR COMPONENT HAVING AN EMBEDDED RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TAG - A method for manufacturing a vehicle interior component includes securing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag in a desired position and/or orientation within an internal cavity of a mold using magnetic attraction. The internal cavity is shaped to form the vehicle interior component. The method also includes filling the internal cavity with an expanding foam such that the expanding foam bonds to the RFID tag as the expanding foam cures. | 11-19-2015 |
20150327010 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND USING EQUIPMENT LOCATION IN A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Systems and methods for detecting and using equipment location in a building management system are provided. Location information (e.g., GPS coordinates, altitude data, etc.) is measured by one or more measurement devices at a physical location of building equipment. The measured location information is used to automatically determine the physical location of the building equipment in or around a building. The location of the building equipment is integrated with an architectural model of a building served by the building equipment and a graphical visualization of the integrated model is generated. The location of the building equipment can be used to automatically associate the building equipment with other building equipment or with a building zone, to automatically generate control parameters and control algorithms, and/or to generate an augmented reality display of the building equipment in the building. | 11-12-2015 |
20150321584 | INCLINATION ADJUSTING APPARATUS - The present invention relates to an inclination adjusting apparatus for adjusting a backrest ( | 11-12-2015 |
20150318803 | HYBRID PULSE WIDTH MODULATION METHOD FOR VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE - A system or method controlling a variable speed drive based on PWM techniques, wherein a first PWM method is used when the input current is less than a predetermined threshold value, for higher efficiency and lower total harmonic distortion (THD); and a second PWM method comprising a discontinuous modulation signal is used when the input current is greater than the predetermined threshold value for higher efficiency. By doing so, the maximum efficiency of VSD within the whole operation range can be achieved. | 11-05-2015 |
20150318723 | BATTERY SLEEP MODE MANAGEMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method for managing a battery module includes receiving data relating to one or more operational parameters of the battery module. The method also includes determining whether a first operational parameter of the one or more operational parameters violates a first threshold. Additionally, the method includes transitioning the battery module from an operational mode to a sleep mode in response to a determination that the first operational parameter violates the first threshold. | 11-05-2015 |
20150316946 | INCORPORATING A LOAD CHANGE PENALTY IN CENTRAL PLANT OPTIMIZATION - An optimization system for a central plant includes a processing circuit configured to receive load prediction data indicating building energy loads and utility rate data indicating a price of one or more resources consumed by equipment of the central plant to serve the building energy loads. The optimization system includes a high level optimization module configured to generate an objective function that expresses a total monetary cost of operating the central plant over the optimization period as a function of the utility rate data and an amount of the one or more resources consumed by multiple groups of the central plant equipment. The optimization system includes a load change penalty module configured to modify the objective function to account for a load change penalty resulting from a change in an amount of the building energy loads assigned to one or more of the groups of central plant equipment. | 11-05-2015 |
20150316907 | BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR FORECASTING TIME SERIES VALUES OF BUILDING VARIABLES - A building management system (BMS) includes sensors that measure time series values of building variables and a deterministic model generator that uses historical values for the time series of building variables to train a deterministic model that predicts deterministic values for the time series. The BMS includes a stochastic model generator that uses differences between actual values for the time series and the predicted deterministic values to train a stochastic model that predicts a stochastic value for the time series. The BMS includes a forecast adjuster that adjusts the predicted deterministic values using the predicted stochastic value to generate an adjusted forecast for the time series. The BMS includes a demand response optimizer that uses the adjusted forecast to generate an optimal set of control actions for building equipment of the BMS. The building equipment operate to affect the building variables. | 11-05-2015 |
20150316903 | LOW LEVEL CENTRAL PLANT OPTIMIZATION - Systems and methods for low level central plant optimization are provided. A controller for the central plant uses binary optimization to determine one or more feasible on/off configurations for equipment of the central plant that satisfy operating constraints and meet a thermal energy load setpoint. The controller determines optimum operating setpoints for each feasible on/off configuration and generates operating parameters including at least one of the feasible on/off configurations and the optimum operating setpoints. The operating parameters optimize an amount of energy consumed by the central plant equipment. The controller outputs the generated operating parameters via a communications interface for use in controlling the central plant equipment. | 11-05-2015 |
20150316902 | HIGH LEVEL CENTRAL PLANT OPTIMIZATION - An optimization system for a central plant includes a processing circuit configured to receive load prediction data indicating building energy loads and utility rate data indicating a price of one or more resources consumed by equipment of the central plant to serve the building energy loads. The optimization system includes a high level optimization module configured to generate an objective function that expresses a total monetary cost of operating the central plant over an optimization period as a function of the utility rate data and an amount of the one or more resources consumed by the central plant equipment. The high level optimization module is configured to optimize the objective function over the optimization period subject to load equality constraints and capacity constraints on the central plant equipment to determine an optimal distribution of the building energy loads over multiple groups of the central plant equipment. | 11-05-2015 |
20150316901 | INCORPORATING A DEMAND CHARGE IN CENTRAL PLANT OPTIMIZATION - An optimization system for a central plant includes a processing circuit configured to receive load prediction data indicating building energy loads and utility rate data indicating a price of one or more resources consumed by equipment of the central plant to serve the building energy loads. The optimization system includes a high level optimization module configured to generate an objective function that expresses a total monetary cost of operating the central plant over an optimization period as a function of the utility rate data and an amount of the one or more resources consumed by the central plant equipment. The optimization system includes a demand charge module configured to modify the objective function to account for a demand charge indicating a cost associated with maximum power consumption during a demand charge period. The high level optimization module is configured to optimize the objective function over the demand charge period. | 11-05-2015 |
20150312696 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND USING OCCUPANT LOCATION IN A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Systems and methods for using occupant location in a building management system are provided. A plurality of wireless emitters are provided at various locations in a building. Each of the wireless emitters broadcasts a different emitter identifier. Mobile devices in the building run an application which causes the mobile devices to detect and report, to the building management system, an emitter identifier associated with a nearby wireless emitter. The building management system uses the reported emitter identifier to determine a building zone in which the mobile device is located. The building management system provides information to the mobile device based on the location of the mobile device in the building. In some embodiments, the information includes a user interface for monitoring and/or controlling the building zone in which the mobile device is located. | 10-29-2015 |
20150311935 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for communicating information facilitates wireless communication between electronic devices. The system includes a transceiver provided in a vehicle. The transceiver communicates with an electronic device located external to the transceiver using a Bluetooth communications standard. | 10-29-2015 |
20150310865 | VEHICLE VOICE RECOGNITION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A voice recognition system includes a microphone for receiving speech from a user and processing electronics. The processing electronics are in communication with the microphone and are configured to use a plurality of rules to evaluate user interactions with the voice recognition system. The processing electronics automatically determine and set an expertise level in response to and based on the evaluation. The processing electronics are configured to automatically adjust at least one setting of the voice recognition system in response to the set expertise level. | 10-29-2015 |
20150308723 | PRESSURE CONTROL FOR REFRIGERANT SYSTEM - A system includes a condenser and an evaporator. The condenser is configured to condense a working fluid, and the evaporator is configured to evaporate the working fluid. The system also includes piping that is configured to circulate the working fluid between the condenser and the evaporator. In addition, the system includes a low point configured to collect condensed working fluid. A controller is configured to selectively enable heating of the condensed working fluid collected within the low point based on a working fluid pressure of the low point. | 10-29-2015 |
20150301113 | VEHICLE BATTERY MONITORING SYSTEM - A battery monitoring system includes a self-contained measurement device configured to mount to a battery cell. The self-contained measurement device includes a sensor configured to monitor an operational parameter of the battery cell, and a communication module configured to output a signal indicative of the operational parameter. | 10-22-2015 |
20150298616 | VEHICLE DOOR STORAGE COMPARTMENT - A vehicle door assembly having a storage compartment. One vehicle door assembly includes a support structure. The vehicle door assembly also includes an open storage compartment coupled to the support structure. The open storage compartment is positioned in a middle portion of the vehicle door assembly along a vertical axis of the vehicle door assembly. Further, the open storage compartment includes a cavity that is not within an armrest. | 10-22-2015 |
20150298580 | VEHICLE SEAT SLIDE DEVICE - A vehicle seat slide device includes: a moveable rail capable of sliding along the fixed rail; a main roller provided on each of opposite end portions of the moveable rail in a longitudinal direction and capable of rolling on a bottom wall of the fixed rail; a bracket turnably supported on the moveable rail via a pin; a biasing unit attached to the moveable rail and constantly applying a rotational biasing force to the bracket about the pin by pushing one end portion of the bracket; and a sub roller arranged on another end portion of the bracket and capable of rolling with the sub roller constantly in sure contact with the top wall of the fixed rail in response to the rotational biasing force. | 10-22-2015 |
20150293508 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AND USING EQUIPMENT DEFINITIONS - Systems and methods for creating and using equipment definitions are provided. An archetypal device is selected and used to identify one or more data points associated with the archetypal device. A point definition is generated for each identified data point associated with the archetypal device. Each point definition includes an abstraction of the corresponding data point that is applicable to multiple different devices of the same type of building equipment. The generated point definitions are used to create an equipment definition for a type of building equipment. The equipment definition can be used to identify data points associated with other devices of the same type of building equipment and to automatically create equipment objects representing such devices. | 10-15-2015 |
20150287975 | BATTERY TERMINAL COVER - A battery terminal cover is provided. The battery terminal cover has a base arranged to cover a battery terminal root, a tower arranged to cover a battery terminal post, and a projection coupled to the battery terminal cover. The projection has a retention area for temporary storage of a later used fastener for coupling to the battery terminal post. A battery is also provided. | 10-08-2015 |
20150260425 | SPEED ADJUSTMENT OF AN ACTUATOR FOR AN HVAC SYSTEM - An actuator in an HVAC system includes a housing, a motor, a hub configured to receive a shaft, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to operate the actuator in at least a first speed mode and a second speed mode that is faster than the first speed mode. The processing circuit is further configured to perform a calibration process for the actuator. The calibration process includes temporarily shifting the actuator from the first speed mode to the second speed mode and driving the shaft through a predetermined sequence of positions with the actuator in the second speed mode. | 09-17-2015 |
20150258939 | FLEXIBLE INTERIOR TRIM COMPONENT - An interior trim component includes a substrate having a first rib positioned adjacent to an axial end of the interior trim component. The interior trim component also includes multiple second ribs each oriented substantially parallel to the first rib. The first rib and each second rib are configured to engage a track to facilitate movement of the interior trim component along the track. The interior trim component further includes a cushion coupled to the second ribs and to the substrate. The cushion extends along a first surface of the substrate, wraps around the first rib, and engages a second surface of the substrate, opposite the first surface, to form the axial end of the interior trim component. | 09-17-2015 |
20150251569 | VEHICLE SEAT - A vehicle seat in which a forward tilting of a frame causes a turning of a walk-in member, the turning of the walk-in member causes a turning of a disengagement member, the turning of the disengagement member causes a turning of a tip-up locking member thereby disengaged from a stopper member, and then a cushion frame is tipped up by a rotational biasing force applied by a biasing unit. | 09-10-2015 |
20150241856 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTO-COMMISSIONING AND SELF-DIAGNOSTICS - Systems and methods for auto-commissioning and self-diagnostics of equipment in a building management system are provided. A self-testing module is implemented in a control unit of the building management system. The self-testing module exercises equipment of the building management system using a state-based testing procedure that differs from normal operation of the equipment and monitors feedback received from a sensor of the building management system in response to exercising the equipment. The self-testing module uses the feedback from the sensor to evaluate a state transition condition of the state-based testing procedure and to transition between states of the state-based testing procedure using a result of the evaluation. | 08-27-2015 |
20150227870 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONETIZING AND PRIORITIZING BUILDING FAULTS - A fault parameter of an energy consumption model is modulated. The energy consumption model is used to estimate an amount of energy consumption at various values of the fault parameter. A first set of variables is generated including differences between a target value of the fault parameter and the various values of the fault parameter. A second set of variables is generated including differences between an estimated amount of energy consumption with the fault parameter at the target value and the estimated amounts of energy consumption with the fault parameter at the various values. The first set of variables and second set of variables are used to develop a regression model for the fault parameter. The regression model estimates a change in energy consumption based on a change in the fault parameter. Regression models are developed for multiple fault parameters and used to prioritize faults. | 08-13-2015 |
20150226467 | MOTOR COOLING METHOD FOR A COMPRESSOR - A method for cooling a compressor motor ( | 08-13-2015 |
20150226343 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING FLOW WITH A 270 DEGREE ROTATABLE VALVE - Systems and methods for controlling flow with a 270 degree rotatable valve are provided. A described system includes a valve body having a valve chamber and a plurality of ports into the valve chamber. The plurality of ports include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port and the second port are aligned with a common axis and located on opposite sides of the valve chamber. The system further includes a valve member located within the valve chamber. The valve member is controllably rotatable by approximately 270 degrees to modulate fluid flow between the first port and the third port while maintaining the second port completely closed and to modulate fluid flow between the second port and the third port while maintaining the first port completely closed. | 08-13-2015 |
20150211085 | HEAT TREATMENT FOR VEHICLE SEAT STRUCTURES AND COMPONENTS - A method of locally heat treating a structural member for a vehicle component, comprising placing the structural member into a fixture including a first element having a first layer that is electrically conductive and a second element having a first layer that is electrically conductive; moving at least one of the first and second elements into contact with the structural member; imparting a pressure into the structural member by at least one of the first and second elements; passing a current through the electrically conductive first layers of the first and second elements to effect at least one heat treated area in the structural member; and stopping the current and releasing the pressure from the structural member. | 07-30-2015 |
20150202985 | PASSIVE ARCHITECTURES FOR BATTERIES HAVING TWO DIFFERENT CHEMISTRIES - A 12 volt automotive battery system includes a first battery directly coupled to an electrical system, in which the first battery includes a first battery chemistry, and a second battery coupled in parallel with the first battery and directly coupled to the electrical system, in which the second battery includes a second battery chemistry with a higher coulombic efficiency than the first battery chemistry. The first battery and the second battery are non-voltage matched such that a voltage range of the second battery is higher than a voltage range of the first battery. The first battery steers power generated during regenerative braking to the second battery using internal resistance of the first battery to enable the second battery to capture a majority of the power generated during regenerative braking, and the second battery provides power to the electrical system due to the higher voltage range of the second battery when the second battery has a positive state of charge. | 07-23-2015 |
20150202984 | SWITCHED PASSIVE ARCHITECTURES FOR BATTERIES HAVING TWO DIFFERENT CHEMISTRIES - A 12 volt automotive battery system includes a first battery coupled to an electrical system, in which the first battery include a first battery chemistry, and a second battery coupled in parallel with the first battery and selectively coupled to the electrical system via a first switch, in which the second battery includes a second battery chemistry that has a higher coulombic efficiency than the first battery chemistry. The first switch couples the second battery to the electrical system during regenerative braking to enable the second battery to capture a majority of the power generated during regenerative braking. The 12 volt automotive battery system further includes a variable voltage alternator that outputs a first voltage during regenerative braking to charge the second battery and a second voltage otherwise, in which the first voltage is higher than the second voltage. | 07-23-2015 |
20150202983 | SEMI-ACTIVE ARCHITECTURES FOR BATTERIES HAVING TWO DIFFERENT CHEMISTRIES - A 12 volt automotive battery system includes a first battery coupled to an electrical system, in which the first battery includes a first battery chemistry. The first battery is charged with a relatively constant first voltage, in which an alternator outputs the relatively constant first voltage. The 12 volt automotive battery system further includes a second battery coupled in parallel with the first battery and selectively coupled to the electrical system via a DC/DC converter, in which the second battery includes a second battery chemistry that has a higher coulombic efficiency than the first battery chemistry. The DC/DC converter boosts the first voltage to a second voltage to charge the second battery during regenerative braking, in which the second voltage is higher than a maximum charging voltage of the first battery. | 07-23-2015 |
20150192317 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A CENTRAL PLANT FOR A BUILDING - Systems and methods for controlling a central plant for a building are provided. The central plant has a plant load. An optimal combination of plant equipment for meeting the plant load is estimated. Estimating the optimal combination of plant equipment includes using binary optimization to determine at least two potential combinations of plant equipment. Estimating the optimal combination of plant equipment also includes using nonlinear optimization to determine a potential power consumption minimum for each of the at least two potential combinations. The central plant is controlled according to the estimated optimal combination of plant equipment. | 07-09-2015 |
20150183346 | HEAD REST - An opening for a stay to be inserted into a surface skin of a head rest is formed in the surface skin. An end part of the opening arranged around the stay is formed to be raised from a lower surface part of the surface skin and come into contact with the stay. | 07-02-2015 |
20150178633 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE UNCERTAINTY IN PARAMETERS OF AN ENERGY USE MODEL - Systems and methods for determining the uncertainty in parameters of a building energy use model are provided. A disclosed method includes receiving an energy use model for a building site. The energy use model includes one or more predictor variables and one or more model parameters. The method further includes calculating a gradient of an output of the energy use model with respect to the model parameters, determining a covariance matrix using the calculated gradient, and using the covariance matrix to identify an uncertainty of the model parameters. The uncertainty of the model parameters may correspond to entries in the covariance matrix. | 06-25-2015 |
20150175112 | AIRBAG CONTROL ASSEMBLY - An airbag control assembly for an adjustable vehicle seat in a vehicle may include electrical wiring and an airbag mechanism. The electrical wiring may be configured to transmit electricity from a vehicle power supply of the vehicle to an airbag. The airbag mechanism may be configured to cause enabling and disabling of the airbag. The airbag mechanism may be configured to cause enabling of the airbag if the seat is in a usable position and may be configured to cause disabling of the airbag if the seat is in an unusable position. | 06-25-2015 |
20150151657 | VEHICLE SEAT - A vehicle seat includes a seat-cushion frame supported on a vehicle body, a fastener fixed to the seat-cushion frame in a lateral direction, an absorption member supported by the fastener inserted in the absorption member, a seat-back frame supported via the absorption member, and a seat back fixed to the seat-back frame. | 06-04-2015 |
20150116197 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPLAYING THREE-DIMENSIONAL IMAGES ON A VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CONSOLE - A system includes a gaze tracker configured to provide gaze data corresponding to a direction that an operator is looking. One or more processors are configured to analyze the gaze data to determine whether a display is in a central vision of the operator or whether the display is in a peripheral vision of the operator. The processors are further configured to provide a first type of image data to the display if the display is in the central vision and a second type of image data to the display if the display is in the peripheral vision. The first type of image data includes first three-dimensional (3D) image data that produces a first 3D image when the display is within the central vision. The second type of image data includes second 3D image data that produces a second 3D image when the display is within the peripheral vision. | 04-30-2015 |
20150113175 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SYNCHRONIZING AN IN-VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH A REMOTE SOURCE - The present application relates to an in-vehicle control system for synchronizing files with a remote source. The remote source includes a storage device configured to store a first file. The system includes a communications device capable of establishing a wireless communication link with the remote source. The communications device is configured to send, receive, or both send and receive files to and/or from the remote source. The system further includes a memory device configured to store a second file. The system yet further includes a data processing device coupled to the communications device, the data processing device configured to perform a comparison of the first file of the remote source and the second file of the memory device, wherein the data processing device is further configured to synchronize the file of the remote source and the file of the in-vehicle control system based on the comparison. | 04-23-2015 |
20150108933 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR SPEED AND TORQUE CONTROL OF A DC MOTOR - A method for operating a direct current (DC) motor is shown and described. The method includes generating a first pulse width modulated (PWM) signal having a first duty cycle, providing the first PWM signal as a PWM DC output for the DC motor, and adjusting the first duty cycle to control a speed of the DC motor. The method further includes sensing an electric current output to the motor using a current sensor and, when the sensed current exceeds a threshold, holding the PWM DC output off. | 04-23-2015 |
20150096714 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AIR CONDITIONING A BUILDING USING AN ENERGY RECOVERY WHEEL - Systems and methods for air conditioning a building using an energy recovery wheel are provided. An exemplary system includes a rotatable energy recovery wheel configured to rotate successively through a recirculated air stream and a second air stream separate from the recirculated air stream, and a refrigeration circuit configured to circulate a refrigerant through a cooling coil arranged in the recirculated air stream and a condenser arranged in the second air stream. The refrigeration circuit includes a pressure sensor configured to measure a condensing head pressure. The system further includes one or more temperature sensors configured to measure a temperature of the recirculated air stream upstream of the energy recovery wheel and downstream of the energy recovery wheel, and a controller configured to operate the energy recovery wheel and the refrigeration circuit based on the condensing head pressure and the temperatures of the recirculated air stream. | 04-09-2015 |
20150072209 | BUS BAR LINK FOR BATTERY CELL INTERCONNECTIONS IN A BATTERY MODULE - A bus bar including a first end comprising a first material and a second end comprising a second material and a method of manufacture are provided. The first end is designed to be coupled to a terminal of a first battery cell of a battery module and includes a first collar disposed on the first end designed to receive and surround the terminal of the first battery cell of the battery module. The second end is designed to be coupled to a terminal of a second battery cell of the battery module and includes a second collar disposed on the second end designed to receive and surround the terminal of the second battery of the battery module. The first and second batteries of the battery module are adjacent to one another. Moreover, the bus bar includes a joint electrically and mechanically coupling the first end and the second end. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072208 | BATTERY CELL INTERCONNECT WITH STRESS DISTRIBUTION OVER A GEOMETRIC FORM - A battery module including bus bar cell interconnects and a method of manufacture are provided. The battery module may, in certain embodiments, include a housing, a plurality of battery cells disposed in the housing, and a bus bar cell interconnect. The bus bar cell interconnect is designed to electrically couple a first battery cell and a second battery cell. In some embodiments, the bus bar cell interconnect includes a first end electrically coupled with a first terminal of the first battery cell and a second end electrically coupled with a second terminal of the second battery cell. The bus bar cell interconnect also includes a curved portion disposed between the first end and the second end, and the bus bar cell interconnect is designed to distribute stress across the curved portion. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072207 | BATTERY TERMINAL POST SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A terminal for a battery module and a method of manufacture of the terminal are provided. The battery module may include a plurality of battery cells and a bus bar. The bus bar may be electrically coupled to the plurality of battery cells. The battery module also may include a battery terminal that carries a voltage from the bus bar. The battery terminal may include a generally cylindrical terminal portion and a connector. The connector may be coupled to the bus bar cell interconnect. The battery terminal also may include a bent portion. The bent portion is disposed between the terminal portion and the connector. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072206 | BATTERY MODULE HOUSING AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A battery module includes a housing configured to hold prismatic battery cells within a space defined by four interior walls of the housing. The housing includes a first interior wall that includes partitions extending upwards from a bottom of the housing and a second interior wall that includes partitions extending upwards from the bottom of the housing. The first interior wall faces opposite the second interior wall. The partitions disposed on the first interior wall and the partitions disposed on the second interior wall define slots between adjacent partitions, where each of the slots increases in width between the adjacent partitions from the bottom of the housing upwards. Each of the slots is configured to retain one of the prismatic battery cells. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072196 | HIGH CURRENT INTERCONNECT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE IN A BATTERY MODULE - A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly may include a PCB and a high current interconnect mounted on the PCB. The high current interconnect may be configured to electrically couple a first high current bladed component, a second high current bladed component, and a trace disposed on the PCB. The high current interconnect may include feet made of a conductive material that are coupled to the PCB. The trace may be coupled to the feet via a weld. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072195 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS OF BATTERY CELLS TO A PCB WITHIN A BATTERY MODULE - A battery module and a method of manufacture are provided. The battery module may include a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly. The PCB assembly may include a PCB designed to be disposed in a battery module for controlling operations of the battery module. The PCB may also include voltage sensing circuitry. In addition, the PCB assembly may include a bus bar cell interconnect. The bus bar cell interconnect may electrically couple batteries of the battery module. The PCB assembly may also include a voltage sense connection tab. The voltage sense connection tab may carry a voltage between a bus bar cell interconnect of the battery module and the voltage sensing circuitry on the PCB. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072193 | BATTERY MODULE LID SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system includes a lid disposed over battery cells in a battery module. The lid includes flexible fingers, and each of the flexible fingers aligns with a corresponding one of the battery cells. Each of the flexible fingers is configured to exert a downward force against the corresponding one of the battery cells, and the flexible fingers are configured to accommodate varying heights of the battery cells. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072188 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR CONSTANT CURRENT RELAY CONTROL OF A BATTERY MODULE - A battery module may include a housing, a plurality of battery cells disposed in the housing, a battery terminal extending from the battery module for coupling the battery module with electrical components in the vehicle, and a contactor. A voltage supplied to a relay coil in the contactor may generate a magnetic field to actuate a contactor switch. The battery module may also include a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in the housing. The PCB may include a relay control circuit configured to control a current flowing across the relay coil, and the relay control circuit may operate in a pull-in mode to transition the contactor switch into a closed position and in a hold mode to maintain the contactor switch in the closed position. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072187 | BLADED FUSE CONNECTORS FOR USE IN A VEHICLE BATTERY MODULE - A battery system having a bladed fuse connector and a method of operation of the bladed fuse connector are provided. The system may, in certain embodiments, include a printed circuit board (PCB) and a high current interconnect. The high current interconnect may be mounted to and extending upward from the PCB. The battery system may also include a fuse. The fuse may limit an amount of current flowing through the battery system. Additionally, the battery system may include a bladed fuse connector coupled between the high current interconnect and the fuse. The bladed fuse connector may carry a current between the high current interconnect and the fuse. To that end, the bladed fuse connector may include an S-shaped bend between the high current interconnect and the fuse. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072177 | BATTERY MODULE LID ASSEMBLY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A lid assembly for use in a battery module includes a lid with apertures extending through the lid in a vertical direction, where each of the apertures is configured to receive a terminal of a battery cell of the battery module. The lid assembly also includes one or more extensions extending away from the lid in the vertical direction. Each of the one or more extensions is configured to couple the lid to a printed circuit board assembly of the battery module. The lid assembly also includes walls extending away from the lid in the vertical direction. Each of the walls is configured to extend between a first terminal of a first battery cell and a second terminal of a second battery cell. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072176 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING CONNECTIONS OF A BATTERY MODULE - A battery module includes a housing and battery cells disposed in the housing, each of the battery cells including two terminals. The battery module also includes bus bar cell interconnects including a first material, where each bus bar cell interconnect is configured to electrically couple two adjacent battery cells via an electrical coupling with a first terminal of one of the adjacent battery cells and a second terminal of the other adjacent battery cell, where at least one of the first and second terminals includes the first material. The battery module includes welds, each weld being disposed at a corresponding welding point to directly couple one of the bus bar cell interconnects with the corresponding at least one terminal including the first material. Each welding point is accessible for welding from a position above the battery cells when the interconnects are disposed over the battery cells. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072175 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VENTING PRESSURIZED GAS FROM A BATTERY MODULE - Present embodiments are directed to a battery module including a venting assembly and a method of manufacturing the battery module. The venting assembly may, in certain embodiments, be designed to vent gases from a plurality of battery cells disposed in a housing of the battery module. Each of the plurality of battery cells may include a battery cell vent. The venting assembly may include a lid designed to be coupled to the housing and disposed over the battery cells in the housing. In some embodiments, the lid includes a vent chamber formed in the lid and designed to receive and direct gases vented from the plurality of battery cells away from the battery module. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072174 | LAYERED BATTERY MODULE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY - A method of manufacturing a battery module for use in a vehicle is presented. The method may include disposing battery cells into a lower housing and disposing a lid assembly over the battery cells. The lid assembly may include a lid and bus bar interconnects disposed on the lid. The method may also include disposing a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly onto the lid assembly and electrically coupling portions of the lid assembly, portions of the PCB assembly, and the battery cells to each other. | 03-12-2015 |
20150070021 | BATTERY MODULE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD ASSEMBLY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A battery module includes a housing, a plurality of battery cells disposed in the housing, and a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly disposed in the housing. The PCB assembly includes a PCB and a shunt disposed across a first surface of the PCB. A second surface of the shunt directly contacts the first surface of the PCB, and the shunt is electrically coupled between the battery cells and a terminal of the battery module. | 03-12-2015 |
20150069829 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR PRE-CHARGE CONTROL OF A BATTERY MODULE - The present subject matter relates to a battery module for use in a vehicle. The battery module may include a housing, a plurality of battery cells disposed within the housing, and solid state pre-charge control circuitry that pre-charges a direct current (DC) bus that may be coupled between the battery module and an electronic component of the vehicle. Furthermore, the solid state pre-charge control circuitry may include solid state electronic components as well as passive electronic components. | 03-12-2015 |
20150069810 | PRESSURE-DISTRIBUTING FOAM AND VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY HAVING PRESSURE-DISTRIBUTING FOAM - A pressure-distributing foam structure for use in a seat application may he produced from a foam mixture comprising an ethylene oxide capped diol in a range of about 37 to about 96% weight. The foam structure may have a hardness at 25% deflection that varies within +/−150% in a temperature range of −20° C. to 50° C. The foam structure has a hysteresis loss that varies within +/−40% in the temperature range of −20° C. to 50° C. The pressure-distributing foam structure may be used in a seat component, such as a seat back, a seat cushion, and/or a head rest. A method of making the pressure-distributing foam structure may comprise mixing the ethylene oxide capped diol with at least one of a copolymer polyol and a base polyol. | 03-12-2015 |
20150054337 | DC-DC Converter for Vehicle - A method and apparatus for converting dc power from one voltage to another, in a mHEV includes an input filter, a converter circuit, and an output filter. the circuit is implemented with wide band gap devices, and may be a full bridge, half bridge, or push pull circuit. The size is preferably 120 cc, and the output power is preferably at least 500 W, 1 KW or up to 3 KW. The efficiency is preferably at least 80% or 90%, and the converter operates at a frequency of at least between 20 KHz and 2 MHz. | 02-26-2015 |
20150050527 | DUAL STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH LITHIUM ION AND LEAD ACID BATTERY CELLS - A battery system may include a plurality of battery cell assemblies electrically coupled in series. A first battery cell assembly of the plurality of battery cell assemblies includes a first lithium ion battery cell and a first lead acid battery cell electrically coupled in parallel with the first lithium ion battery cell such that the first lead acid battery cell is configured to resist overcharging and overdischarging of the first lithium ion battery cell. | 02-19-2015 |
20150048601 | TEAR PREVENTER ON A SIDE AIR CUSHION OUTLET SEAM OF A VEHICLE SEAT COVERING AND VEHICLE SEAT COVERING WITH A TEAR PREVENTER - A tear preventer ( | 02-19-2015 |
20150047384 | HEAT PUMP SYSTEM WITH A FLOW DIRECTING SYSTEM - A heat pump system is provided that includes a flow directing system that allows an outdoor heat exchanger to be switchable between a single-pass arrangement and a two-pass arrangement. The heat pump system includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, and a flow directing system of check valves and piping segments that enable switching of the outdoor heat exchanger between the single-pass and the two-pass arrangement. The outdoor heat exchanger is operable as a two-pass condenser in the cooling mode and as a single-pass evaporator in the heating mode. | 02-19-2015 |
20150045962 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING ENERGY USE DURING A DEMAND LIMITING PERIOD - Systems and methods for limiting power consumption by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) subsystem of a building are shown and described. A feedback controller is used to generate a manipulated variable based on an energy use setpoint and a measured energy use. The manipulated variable may be used for adjusting the operation of an HVAC device. | 02-12-2015 |
20150045168 | PLANETARY GEAR ARRANGEMENT FOR A SEAT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH A PLANETARY GEAR ARRANGEMENT - A planetary gear arrangement for a seat adjustment mechanism, includes at least one inner, externally toothed fitting part and an outer, internally toothed fitting part, which fitting parts are pivotable in relation to each other about a pivot axis. An external toothing of the inner, externally toothed fitting part rolls along an internal toothing of the outer, internally toothed fitting part. A plurality of electric magnetizing coils are arranged annularly on the outer, internally toothed fitting part, the magnetizing coils being activatable alternately in an encircling manner in the circumferential direction of the outer, internally toothed fitting part such that the magnetic field of each magnetizing coil acts on the inner, externally toothed fitting part and sets the latter into a rotatory movement relative to the outer, internally toothed fitting part. | 02-12-2015 |
20150037662 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEALING A BATTERY CELL - A battery module includes active material disposed in layers to form a generally planar electrochemical cell with an upper surface, a lower surface, and side surfaces. The battery also includes electrodes extending out of the electrochemical cell, and a frame disposed about the active material such that edges of the frame surround the side surfaces of the active material and the electrodes extend beyond the frame. The battery further includes an upper layer of pouch material disposed over the upper surface of the active material and an upper surface of the frame, and a lower layer of pouch material disposed over the lower surface of the active material and a lower surface of the frame. The upper layer of pouch material and the lower layer of pouch material function to provide a seal that seals the active material within the frame. | 02-05-2015 |
20150037649 | REMANUFACTURING METHODS FOR BATTERY MODULE - A remanufactured battery module includes a power assembly having a stack of battery cell assemblies. Each battery cell assembly includes a plurality of layers including a battery cell and a frame supporting the battery cell within the power assembly. The plurality of layers of at least one battery cell assembly includes an internal heat fin having first and second side portions extending beyond respective side edges of the battery cell and the frame. The remanufactured battery module also includes a side assembly in physical contact with the first side portion of the internal heat fin to enable the side assembly to act as a heat sink with respect to the first side portion of the internal heat fin. A layer of the plurality of layers of at least one battery cell assembly is new, and at least a portion of the side assembly is used. | 02-05-2015 |
20150037648 | BATTERY MODULE WITH PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL - In an embodiment, a system includes a battery module, a battery cell assembly that is a component of the battery module, and a battery cell of the battery cell assembly, wherein the battery cell is configured to generate heat during operation. The battery cell assembly also includes a phase change material (PCM) disposed along a thermal pathway within the battery cell assembly that transfers the heat generated by the battery cell away from the battery cell during operation. The PCM is configured to conduct a first portion of the heat generated by the battery cell during operation. Further, the PCM is configured to absorb a second portion of the heat generated by the battery cell to affect a phase change within at least a portion of the PCM. | 02-05-2015 |
20150037647 | BATTERY MODULE WITH COOLING FEATURES - A system includes a battery module having a heat sink outer wall feature and a plurality of battery cells. The battery module also includes a plurality of internal heat fins interleaved with the plurality of battery cells, wherein each of the plurality of internal heat fins is in thermal communication with at least one of the plurality of battery cells and in thermal communication with the heat sink outer wall feature. The battery module further includes a plurality of phase change material (PCM) layers interleaved with the plurality of battery cells, wherein each of the plurality of PCM layers is configured to be in thermal communication with at least one of the plurality of battery cells and in thermal communication with at least one of the plurality of internal heat fins. | 02-05-2015 |
20150037646 | BATTERY CELL WITH INTEGRATED HEAT FIN - A system includes a battery cell having an internal heat fin and a first electrically insulating layer disposed over at least a portion of a single side of the internal heat fin. The battery cell includes an electrochemical stack disposed above the first insulating layer and the internal heat fin in a stack. The battery cell also includes a pouch material film configured to hermetically seal with one side of the internal heat fin or the first insulating layer about the electrochemical stack such that the internal heat fin forms an outer boundary of the battery cell. The pouch material film includes a metallic foil layer disposed between a second electrically insulating layer and a third electrically insulating layer. | 02-05-2015 |
20150037642 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CRIMPING INTERCONNECTION OF BATTERY CELLS - A battery module includes a power assembly including a first battery cell and a second battery cell in a stacked orientation relative to each other. The first battery cell includes a first tab electrode extending therefrom, and the second battery cell includes a second tab electrode extending therefrom. The battery module also includes an interconnect assembly configured to facilitate electrically coupling the first tab electrode with the second tab electrode with the first and second battery cells in the stacked orientation. The interconnect assembly includes a crimping element disposed over the first and second tab electrodes. The crimping element is configured to apply a compressive force to the first and second tab electrodes such that the first and second tab electrodes are secured in electrical communication via direct contact. | 02-05-2015 |
20150037641 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLAMPING INTERCONNECTION OF BATTERY CELLS - A battery module includes a power assembly including a first battery cell and a second battery cell in a stacked orientation relative to each other, wherein the first battery cell comprises a first tab electrode extending therefrom, and wherein the second battery cell comprises a second tab electrode extending therefrom. The battery module also includes an interconnect assembly configured to facilitate electrically coupling the first tab electrode with the second tab electrode with the first and second battery cells in the stacked orientation. The interconnect assembly includes a coupling structure about which the first and second tab electrodes at least partially conform. In addition, the interconnect assembly includes a clamp disposed about the coupling structure and the first and second tab electrodes such that the first and second tab electrodes are secured in electrical communication. | 02-05-2015 |
20150037640 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROLLER INTERCONNECTION OF BATTERY CELLS - A battery module includes a power assembly including a first battery cell and a second battery cell in a stacked orientation relative to each other. The first battery cell includes a first tab electrode extending therefrom, and the second battery cell includes a second tab electrode extending therefrom. The battery module also includes an interconnect assembly configured to facilitate electrically coupling the first tab electrode with the second tab electrode. The interconnect assembly includes a roller housing structure about which the first and second tab electrodes at least partially conform such that the first and second tab electrodes are positioned in an opening defined by the roller housing structure. The interconnect assembly also includes a roller disposed in the opening of the roller housing structure such that the first and second tab electrodes are secured in electrical communication. | 02-05-2015 |
20150037634 | PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD INTERCONNECT FOR CELLS IN A BATTERY SYSTEM - A system includes a cell interconnect board including a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed proximate a power assembly having a plurality of pouch battery cells, including at least a first battery cell and a second battery cell in a stacked orientation relative to each other. The cell interconnect board includes an interconnect spanning a slot in the cell interconnect board and configured to receive a first tab electrode extending from the first battery cell and a second tab electrode extending from the second battery cell, such that the first and second tab electrodes are in contact with each other. The system also includes a sensor configured to measure a parameter associated with the power assembly. | 02-05-2015 |
20150037626 | POUCH FRAME WITH INTEGRAL CIRCUITRY FOR BATTERY MODULE - A battery cell assembly for use in a battery module including a battery cell that includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode and a rigid frame coupled to the battery cell. The rigid frame includes a first frame connector and a second frame connector. The frame is configured to facilitate electrical coupling of the positive electrode of the battery cell with the first frame connector, and to facilitate electrical coupling of the negative electrode of the battery cell with the second frame connector. The first and second frame connectors are configured to interface with frame connectors of other battery cell assemblies to facilitate physical and electrical connection of a plurality of battery cell assemblies disposed in a stacked orientation relative to each other. | 02-05-2015 |
20150037616 | LITHIUM ION BATTERY WITH LEAD ACID FORM FACTOR - A lithium ion battery module includes a housing with dimensions that conform to overall dimensions for a standard lead acid battery. The lithium ion battery module also includes a plurality of lithium ion battery cells arranged in a stack within the housing and a heat sink outer wall feature of the housing. The heat sink outer wall feature substantially extends in at least one direction to an outermost dimension of the standard lead acid battery. | 02-05-2015 |
20150035370 | DC-DC CONVERTOR FOR BATTERIES HAVING MULTIPLE POSITIVE TERMINALS - A battery module including a first positive terminal, a second positive terminal, a ground terminal, a power conversion circuit, and a power assembly. The power assembly includes a plurality of battery cells coupled in series and disposed in a stacked orientation relative to each other and configured to output a first voltage between the first positive terminal and the ground terminal. The power conversion circuit is electrically coupled to the power assembly and configured to receive the first voltage as an input and to output a second voltage different from the first voltage. The second positive terminal is electrically coupled to the power conversion circuit to receive the second voltage from the power conversion circuit. | 02-05-2015 |
20140377498 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING A COMPONENT AND COMPONENT - A component having at least one structural component and one organic sheet, and a method for producing the component, are described. In a first step, a woven-fabric hose is arranged in a contour of a tool and then the tool is closed. In a second step, a plastic, in particular a melt, is injected into the woven-fabric hose arranged in the closed tool. In a third step, a fluid and/or supporting element is introduced into the woven-fabric hose, a cavity thus being formed in the woven-fabric hose. An organic sheet is formed and backmolded with a plastic, and the formed and backmolded organic sheet is bonded to the structural component to produce the component. | 12-25-2014 |
20140349599 | System And Method for Searching Stored Audio Data Based on a Search Pattern - A system for searching stored audio data is described. The system includes a memory configured to store audio data received from a radio receiver and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a search pattern, search the stored audio data for the search pattern, and provide audio data based on the search. | 11-27-2014 |
20140348615 | FASTENING ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING SAME - A fastening element for positive, materially integral and/or non-positive arrangement on or in a fiber composite component includes a sleeve-like portion, on the first end of which there is formed a tapering conical or cone-shaped portion in which a plurality of slots are made which are aligned in the direction of a longitudinal extent of the fastening element and in this way subdivide the conical or cone-shaped portion into individual segments. On the second end of the sleeve-like portion, there is arranged a holding portion which is angled at a right angle from the sleeve-like portion and in this way enlarges an outer diameter of the sleeve-like portion and forms planar bearing surfaces. A method is also described for mounting a fastening element. | 11-27-2014 |
20140333097 | VEHICLE PANEL - A vehicle panel with a folded-over or wrapped edge is disclosed. The vehicle panel comprises a main body portion. The main body portion includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is formed of a substantially rigid material and has a first surface, a second surface and an edge. The second layer is coupled to the second surface of the first layer and formed of a substantially flexible material. The vehicle panel also comprises a flap integrally formed with the main body portion at the edge and comprises at least the second layer. The vehicle panel further comprises a hinge separating the flap from the main body portion, the hinge is defined by at least a portion of the first layer having a reduced thickness. The flap is folded back about the hinge towards the first surface of the first layer to substantially conceal the edge. | 11-13-2014 |
20140329427 | INFRARED WELDING PROCESS FOR BONDING PORTIONS OF A VEHICLE INTERIOR ASSEMBLY - A method of manufacturing a vehicle interior assembly. The method includes attaching a scrim to a polyurethane substrate. The method also includes disposing a polypropylene material directly on the scrim. The method includes applying infrared energy to the polypropylene material to bond the polypropylene material to the scrim. | 11-06-2014 |
20140328614 | HYBRID COMPONENT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A HYBRID COMPONENT - A hybrid component is formed by a profiled component of a first material, which is materially bonded in certain sections to a component made of a second material, and is connected by a form-fit and/or force-fit connection outside the sections with a material bond. This creates sections that relieve the strains resulting from differing thermal expansion. A method is disclosed for producing a hybrid component. | 11-06-2014 |
20140318162 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING NOISE WITHIN A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM - A method is provided including receiving a first input indicative of a desired design capacity of a refrigeration system, and receiving a second input indicative of a desired maximum acoustical noise of the refrigeration system. The method also includes iteratively selecting a candidate compressor system from a set of compressor systems, and iteratively selecting a candidate condenser system from a set of condenser systems. In addition, the method includes simulating operation of the refrigeration system based on the candidate compressor system and the candidate condenser system until a suitable refrigeration system is established having a computed design capacity greater than or equal to the desired design capacity, and a computed maximum acoustical noise less than or equal to the desired maximum acoustical noise. The method further includes providing an output indicative of the candidate compressor system and the candidate condenser system of the suitable refrigeration system. | 10-30-2014 |
20140309911 | LEAD ACID STATE OF CHARGE ESTIMATION FOR AUTO-STOP APPLICATIONS - The present disclosure describes a method that includes predicting terminal voltage of a battery module in a vehicle using a battery control module. Predicting the terminal voltage includes determining a gassing current of the battery module using a gassing current model, in which the gassing current quantifies terminal current that is not used to charge the battery module, and calculating the predicted terminal voltage based at least in part on a measurement model and the determined gassing current. The method also includes measuring terminal voltage of the battery module using a sensor communicatively coupled to the battery control module, and determining a corrected state of the battery module using the battery control module by minimizing a difference between the predicted terminal voltage and the measured terminal voltage. In other words, the corrected state of the battery (e.g., corrected state of charge) may be more accurately determined using the measurement model and the gassing current model. As such, this may provide more efficient use of energy. | 10-16-2014 |
20140292056 | HEAD RESTRAINT FOR A VEHICLE SEAT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAID HEAD RESTRAINT - A head restraint for a vehicle seat has a holding element whih, in the fitted state, is fastenable to a backrest of the vehicle seat. A support element for holding a pad formed from a foamed material is fastened to the holding element. The support element is formed from a repeatedly bent and/or folded material. | 10-02-2014 |
20140284985 | HEIGHT- AND/OR INCLINATION-ADJUSTABLE HEAD RESTRAINT FOR A VEHICLE SEAT - A height- and/or inclination-adjustable head restraint for a vehicle seat includes at least one holding element, a head restraint cushion, a head restraint structure and an inclination-adjustment mechanism that includes at least one latching plate, a toothed profile and an actuating element. The latching plate is arranged on the holding element and, in a locked state of the inclination-adjustment mechanism, engages in a form-fitting and/or frictional manner in the toothed profile, which is arranged on the head restraint structure. The lower end of the head restraint structure is coupled pivotably to the holding element and, upon pivoting of the head restraint about the holding element; in a non-locked state of the inclination-adjustment mechanism, the form-fitting and/or frictional connection between the latching plate and the toothed profile is released and a relative movement is thereby brought about between the latching plate and the toothed profile. | 09-25-2014 |
20140282458 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVISIONING EQUIPMENT - Systems and methods for provisioning building equipment are provided. A disclosed provisioning system includes a main control unit having a processing circuit, a memory device, and a data communications interface. The provisioning system further includes an auxiliary control unit and a portable data storage device. The portable data storage device is physically separate from the main control unit and has an update file stored therein. The update file includes a plurality of partitions, each partition including provisioning data and metadata. The main control unit identifies a first partition of the update file containing first provisioning data for the main control unit and a second partition of the update file containing second provisioning data for the auxiliary control unit. The processing circuit is configured to extract the provisioning data from the identified partitions and to apply the extracted provisioning data to the main control unit and the auxiliary control unit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278165 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYZING ENERGY CONSUMPTION MODEL DATA - A building's energy consumption may be modeled using weather data, utility billing data, or other data regarding the building. The resulting model data may be analyzed to detect a shift in the model data, which may indicate the presence of a fault condition. Changes to the model's coefficients that would result from an upgrade, energy conservation measure, or other action may also be used to predict the resulting Energy Star score for the building. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277773 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DAMPER PERFORMANCE DIAGNOSTICS - A computerized method for diagnosing a damper condition in a flow control unit includes providing a control signal to a damper. The control signal instructs the damper to move into a target position or to achieve a target flow rate through the flow control unit. The method further includes receiving pressure information including one or more pressure measurements from a differential pressure sensor of the flow control unit and using the pressure information and the control signal to conduct a damper performance diagnostic. The damper performance diagnostic includes at least one of: a stuck damper diagnostic, a predictive damper failure diagnostic, an improperly-sized damper diagnostic, and a damper leakage diagnostic. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271232 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COMPRESSOR MOTOR VOLTAGE - A variable speed drive (VSD) can be used to vary the voltage-to-frequency ratio (V/f) supplied to a compressor motor of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system to compensate for varying conditions in the HVAC&R system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265448 | VEHICLE PILLAR CONSTRUCTION AND METHOD - An automotive vehicle including a pillar assembly. The pillar assembly comprises a structural reinforcement member and an associated garnish. The garnish is constructed of an elongated polypropylene inner layer mated to a cooperatively shaped fiber filled outer layer. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260414 | INFINITELY VARIABLE VI IN SCREW COMPRESSORS USING PROPORTIONAL VALVE CONTROL - A variable-efficiency screw compressor for use in a closed-loop system configured to perform refrigeration is provided. The variable-efficiency screw compressor includes an inlet port to draw refrigerant into the variable-efficiency screw compressor, one or more rotating screws in fluid communication with the inlet port to compress the refrigerant, forming a compressed refrigerant, a discharge port in fluid communication with the rotating screws to receive the compressed refrigerant and discharge the refrigerant, wherein the discharge port includes an adjustable piston movable within the discharge port from a first position in which volume is higher to a second position in which volume is lower, the adjustable piston arranged and disposed to adjust volume of the discharge port in response to a change in demand. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260391 | REFRIGERATION SYSTEM WITH FREE-COOLING - A system for cooling air for use with a liquid cooling fluid loop. The system includes a first refrigerant circuit with an air-cooled condenser, a second refrigerant circuit with a liquid-cooled condenser, and a free-cooling loop. A control device is provided for controlling the operation of the system between a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. When operating in the first mode, only the free-cooling loop cooperates directly with liquid cooling fluid in the liquid cooling fluid loop to cool the liquid cooling fluid, when operating in the second mode, the second refrigerant circuit is not engaged, and when operating in the third mode, the free-cooling loop interacts with the second refrigerant circuit to reject heat of the second refrigerant circuit through the free-cooling loop. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260376 | SUBCOOLING SYSTEM WITH THERMAL STORAGE - Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward systems and method for cooling a refrigerant flow of a refrigerant circuit with a cool water flow from a cool water storage to generate a warm water flow and to cool the refrigerant flow by a subcooling temperature difference, flowing the warm water flow to the cool water storage, and thermally isolating the warm water flow from the cool water flow in the cool water storage. | 09-18-2014 |
20140257528 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADAPTIVE SAMPLING RATE ADJUSTMENT - A method for adaptively and automatically adjusting a sampling rate in a feedback control system includes monitoring an error signal for a disturbance event, evaluating the error signal in response to the disturbance event to estimate a time constant of a control process, and determining a sampling rate for use in the feedback control system based on the estimated time constant. The error signal may be based on a difference between a setpoint and a feedback signal and the feedback signal may be received from the control process. | 09-11-2014 |
20140249680 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING ENERGY USE IN A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USING ENERGY BUDGETS - Systems and methods for limiting power consumption by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) subsystem of a building are shown and described. A mathematical linear operator is found that transforms the unused or deferred cooling power usage of the HVAC system based on pre-determined temperature settings to a target cooling power usage. The mathematical operator is applied to the temperature settings to create a temperature setpoint trajectory expected to provide the target cooling power usage. | 09-04-2014 |
20140245071 | AUTOMATED FAULT DETECTION AND DIAGNOSTICS IN A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Systems and methods for building automation system management are shown and described. The systems and methods relate to fault detection via abnormal energy monitoring and detection. The systems and methods also relate to control and fault detection methods for chillers. The systems and methods further relate to graphical user interfaces for use with fault detection features of a building automation system. | 08-28-2014 |
20140234676 | ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL HAVING A FIXED CELL ELEMENT - An electrochemical cell includes a cell element and a current collector disposed in a housing that includes a vent. The current collector includes an outer member and an inner member coupled together by one or more flexible arms. The outer member is coupled to the cell element and the inner member is coupled to the vent, such that the flexible arms allow axial movement of the inner member with respect to the outer member when the vent moves from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The housing may include a shoulder that holds the cell element in the housing. The electrochemical cell may also include a coil plate provided at an end of the cell element. The coil plate is coupled to an edge of at least one electrode of the cell element. The outer member of the current collector may be coupled to the coil plate and the inner member of the current collector may be coupled to the vent, such that when the vent moves from an undeployed position to a deployed position, the cell element remains substantially fixed within the housing. | 08-21-2014 |
20140232164 | TAILOR WELDED SEAT AND COMPONENTS - A tailored vehicle seat component | 08-21-2014 |
20140232158 | SEAT BACK FRAME FOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - A seat hack frame ( | 08-21-2014 |
20140222394 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EVALUATING A FAULT CONDITION IN A BUILDING - Systems and methods for evaluating a fault condition in a building include determining a change to energy use model parameters attributable to the fault condition. The change to the energy use model parameters are used to calculate a corresponding change to the building's energy consumption. | 08-07-2014 |
20140214214 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RAPID DISTURBANCE DETECTION AND RESPONSE - A method for detecting and responding to disturbances in a HVAC system using a noisy measurement signal and a signal filter is provided. The method includes detecting a deviation in the noisy measurement signal, resetting the filter in response to a detected deviation exceeding a noise threshold, filtering the noisy measurement signal using the signal filter to determine an estimated state value, and determining that a disturbance has occurred in response to the estimated state value crossing a disturbance threshold. In some embodiments, the method further includes performing one or more control actions in response to the detection of a disturbance. | 07-31-2014 |
20140207318 | Energy Storage Control System and Method - A system for providing power to a power network includes an energy storage device connected to the power network, a sensor connected with the energy storage device for measuring a state of the energy storage device during a rest period, which corresponds to a time span during which a current through the energy storage device is reduced to a level that enables an estimation of a state of the energy storage device. The system further includes a controller connected to the sensor for measuring a state of the energy storage device. The controller selectively establishes rest periods for the energy storage device. The rest periods are established by optimizing between minimization of disruption to normal operation and a need to update a measurement of the state of the energy storage device. | 07-24-2014 |
20140207290 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH ROOFTOP AIR HANDLING UNITS AND OTHER HVAC COMPONENTS - A device for communicating information from a controller for a rooftop air handling unit to a portable electronic device includes a wire terminal for wiring to the controller and for receiving a signal including information from the controller. The device further includes a transceiver configured to form a direct wireless communications link between the transceiver and portable electronic device. The device yet further includes a circuit coupled to the wire terminal and the transceiver. The circuit is configured to extract the information from the signal. The circuit is further configured to format the information into a format in which the information can be presented to a user by the portable electronic device and to provide the translated information from the transceiver to the portable electronic device. | 07-24-2014 |
20140200763 | Vehicle Accessory Load Controller and Method - A system includes a source of regenerative power that generates power during a regenerative event, an electrical energy storage system connected with the source of regenerative power to receive and store regenerative power during the regenerative event, an accessory load that reduces an amount of energy stored in the energy storage system when being powered, a source of information, and an accessory load controller. The accessory load controller is responsive to the source of information to estimate when a next occurrence of a regeneration event will occur, predict whether the energy storage device will be in a state of charge condition to receive regenerative power at the time of the predicted regeneration event, and control an application of electrical power to the accessory load based on the prediction in order to reduce the amount of energy stored in the energy storage device and minimize any loss of regenerative power during a next regenerative event. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200756 | System and Method For Optimizing The Storing of Vehicular Energy - A system for storing electrically a regenerative energy of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a first energy storage device, a second energy storage device, an energy regulating device coupled to the first and second energy storage devices, a source of regenerative power configured to capture a regenerative energy during a regenerative power event of the vehicle, and a control unit coupled to the energy regulating device. The control unit is configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the second energy storage device based on a prediction of the regenerative power event using the energy regulating device. The transfer of the electrical energy serves to reduce the electrical energy stored in the first energy storage device thereby enabling the first energy storage device to receive from the regenerative power device when the predicted regenerative power event occurs an amount of the electrical regenerative energy. | 07-17-2014 |
20140200755 | System and Method For Controlling Voltage On A Power Network - A power control system for controlling a power network of a hybrid electrical vehicle, is provided. The power control system includes a power generating unit, one or more energy storage units coupled to a power converting unit, an electrical load. The power control system further includes a control logic module for controlling the power generating unit and the power converting unit. The control logic module is configured to identify a power demand from the electrical load and to select the power generating unit or one of the one or more energy storage units to control a voltage level of the power network based on the identified power demand, based on electrical characteristics of the power generating unit, of the power converting unit, and of the electrical load, and based on a current mode of operation of the vehicle. | 07-17-2014 |
20140199569 | Predicted Sensor Information For A Battery - A computer-implemented method for predicting a value of a cell parameter is provided, wherein the cell is one of a plurality of cells of a battery pack. The method includes determining which other different conditions of the cell and which similar and/or different conditions of any other cell of the plurality of cells correlate with the cell condition, determining values of one or more parameters from the same cell or any other cell of the plurality of cells that correspond to the determined conditions that correlate with the cell condition, and predicting the value of the cell parameter based on the determined values. | 07-17-2014 |
20140196829 | JOINING PROCESS FOR THE COHESIVE CONNECTION, IN SECTIONS, OF AT LEAST TWO COMPONENTS - In a joining process for the cohesive connection of at least two components, a profile component is cohesively connected to a component of areal form. Formed into the component of areal form is at least one stamped portion, the height of which is formed so as to correspond to a minimum layer thickness of the cohesive connection. | 07-17-2014 |
20140196490 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE OF A COMPRESSOR MOTOR - A variable speed drive (VSD) can be used to vary the voltage-to-frequency ratio (V/f) supplied to a compressor motor of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning or refrigeration (HVAC&R) system to make the motor stronger or weaker to compensate for varying conditions in the HVAC&R system. The VSD and corresponding control system or algorithm can monitor an operating parameter of the HVAC&R system, such as the kW absorbed by the motor, and then raise or lower the V/f of the VSD to obtain the lowest possible power consumption from the motor. | 07-17-2014 |
20140195251 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CUSTOMIZED PROMPTING - A method for providing an audible prompt to a user within a vehicle. The method includes retrieving one or more data files from a memory device. The data files define certain characteristics of an audio prompt. The method also includes creating the audio prompt from the data files and outputting the audio prompt as an audio signal. | 07-10-2014 |
20140186723 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WIDE TEMPERATURE OPERATION FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERY CELLS - The present disclosure relates generally to the field of batteries and battery modules. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to battery cells that may be used in vehicular contexts, as well as other energy storage/expending applications. An electrolyte solution includes at least one ester solvent and a plurality of additives. In particular, the plurality of additives includes a cyclic carbonate-based additive, a sultone-based additive, and either a borate-based additive or an imide-based additive. The presently disclosed electrolyte solutions enable the manufacture of battery cells having a wide operating temperature range (e.g., between approximately −30° C. and approximately 60° C.). | 07-03-2014 |
20140186694 | CATHODE FORMED USING AQUEOUS SLURRY - In one embodiment, a positive electrode is formed by a process that includes forming a slurry including particles dispersed within a liquid from a electrode formulation and the liquid such that the particles have a particle size distribution D | 07-03-2014 |
20140186693 | POLYMERIZED LITHIUM ION BATTERY CELLS AND MODULES WITH PERMEABILITY MANAGEMENT FEATURES - A lithium ion (Li-ion) battery module includes a container with one or more partitions that define compartments within the container. Each of the compartments is configured to receive and hold a prismatic Li-ion electrochemical cell element and electrolyte. The Li-ion battery module also includes a cover configured to be disposed over the container to close the compartments. The container includes an electrically nonconductive polymeric material (e.g., plastic) with a nanomaterial applied to the polymeric material. The nanomaterial enhances the impermeability of the container to reduce ingress of moisture into the compartments and to reduce egress of the electrolyte from the compartments. | 07-03-2014 |
20140186687 | POLYMERIZED LITHIUM ION BATTERY CELLS AND MODULES WITH THERMAL MANAGEMENT FEATURES - A lithium ion (Li-ion) battery module includes a container with one or more partitions that define compartments within the container. Each of the compartments is configured to receive and hold a prismatic Li-ion electrochemical cell element, and a cover is configured to be disposed over the container to close the compartments. The container includes a polymer blend including a base polymer and one or more additives blended into the base polymer. The base polymer is electrically nonconductive and the one or more additives are configured to increase a thermal conductivity of the container to promote transfer of heat generated from the electrochemical cell elements through the container. | 07-03-2014 |
20140186683 | WELDING TECHNIQUES FOR POLYMERIZED LITHIUM ION BATTERY CELLS AND MODULES - A lithium ion (Li-ion) battery cell includes a housing. The housing includes side walls coupled to and extending from a first portion of the housing to form an opening in the housing opposite the first portion of the housing. The housing includes an electrically nonconductive polymeric (e.g., plastic) material. An electrochemical cell element is disposed in the housing and immersed in electrolyte that is also disposed in the housing. The Li-ion battery cell also includes a cover including an electrically nonconductive polymeric material. The cover is disposed over the opening in the housing and sealed to the housing via a seal. The seal is configured to resist or prevent ingress of moisture into the housing and to resist or prevent egress of the electrolyte from the housing. | 07-03-2014 |
20140186669 | POLYMERIZED LITHIUM ION BATTERY CELLS AND MODULES WITH OVERMOLDED HEAT SINKS - A lithium ion (Li-ion) battery cell includes a prismatic housing that includes four sides formed by side walls coupled to and extending from a bottom portion of the housing. The housing is configured to receive and hold a prismatic Li-ion electrochemical cell element. The housing includes an electrically nonconductive polymeric (e.g., plastic) material. Additionally, a heat sink is overmolded by the polymeric material of the housing, such that the heat sink is retained in an outer portion of the sides of the housing and the heat sink is exposed along the bottom portion of the housing. | 07-03-2014 |
20140184393 | WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A wireless control system for use in a vehicle and for use with a remote electronic system is provided. The wireless control system includes a transceiver for mounting in the vehicle. The transceiver is configured to communicate according to a Bluetooth communications standard. The transceiver is further configured to provide a control signal to the remote electronic system. The transceiver is also trainable to provide a carrier frequency and control information for the control signal. | 07-03-2014 |
20140167435 | MOVABLE INTERIOR TRIM COMPONENT HAVING A RETAINING FEATURE - An interior trim component includes an engagement feature configured to engage a track of a support structure to facilitate movement of the interior trim component in a direction of travel from an exposed position to a concealed position relative to the support structure. The interior trim component also includes a substrate coupled to the engagement feature and having an outer surface configured to face an interior of a vehicle. In addition, the interior trim component includes a retaining feature extending upwardly from the outer surface. The retaining feature is positioned adjacent to a leading edge of the interior trim component relative to the direction of travel, and the retaining feature is configured to engage an object adjacent to the outer surface to block movement of the object relative to the interior trim component. | 06-19-2014 |
20140164579 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING NETWORK-BASED CONTENT TO AN IN-VEHICLE TELEMATICS SYSTEM - A method for providing network-based content to an in-vehicle telematics system is shown and described. The method includes include establishing a communications link between communications electronics of the vehicle telematics system and a remote content management server in communication with a plurality of remote content providers. The method further includes using the communications link to communicate with the remote content management server using an application programming interface. The processing electronics receives content from the plurality of remote content providers via the application programming interface. The communication between the remote content management server and at least one of the plurality of remote content providers is conducted according to a protocol for which the vehicle telematics system does not have an interface. | 06-12-2014 |
20140156097 | SMART BUILDING MANAGER - A building manager includes a communications interface configured to receive information from a smart energy grid. The building manager further includes an integrated control layer configured to receive inputs from and to provide outputs to a plurality of building subsystems. The integrated control layer includes a plurality of control algorithm modules configured to process the inputs and to determine the outputs. The building manager further includes a fault detection and diagnostics layer configured to use statistical analysis on the inputs received from the integrated control layer to detect and diagnose faults. The building manager yet further includes a demand response layer configured to process the information received from the smart energy grid to determine adjustments to the plurality of control algorithms of the integrated control layer. | 06-05-2014 |
20140152178 | LIGHTING DEVICES - Lighting devices for a vehicle arc disclosed that can include a light emitting diode and control circuitry for the light emitting diode. Also disclosed are circuits for a light emitting diode. Additionally, a method of forming a lighting device is disclosed. The lighting device, circuits, and method can be used, for example, to illuminate the interior of a vehicle. | 06-05-2014 |
20140142905 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BUILDING ENERGY USE BENCHMARKING - Systems and methods for using an energy use model of a building for benchmarking is shown and described. An exemplary method includes receiving building data indicative of one or more characteristics of the building. The method further includes generating an energy use model for the building based on the building data and using the energy use model to generate statistics for the building. The method also includes identifying one or more other buildings having the same classification as the building. The method yet further includes comparing the generated statistics for the building to statistics for the identified one or more other buildings and providing an indication of the comparison. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142904 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING AN ENERGY USE MODEL FOR A BUILDING - A system for generating an energy use model of a building includes a processing circuit operable to receive building data indicative of a first type of building variable and to receive additional building data correlated to an energy use of the building. The processing circuit is also operable to determine a portion of the building variable that is uncorrelated with the additional building data. The processing circuit is further operable to use the additional building data and the uncorrelated portion of the building variable to generate the energy use model of the building. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142760 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STATISTICAL CONTROL AND FAULT DETECTION IN A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A building management strategy includes using exponentially weighted moving averages with statistical models to detect changes in the behavior of the building management system. Detected changes in the behavior of the system may indicate a detected fault, a change in a predicted behavior, or a need for the statistical models to be updated. | 05-22-2014 |
20140136005 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING AND VERIFYING ENERGY SAVINGS IN BUILDINGS - A computer system for use with a building management system in a building includes a processing circuit configured to use historical data received from the building management system to automatically select a set of variables estimated to be significant to energy usage in the building. The processing circuit is further configured to apply a regression analysis to the selected set of variables to generate a baseline model for predicting energy usage in the building. | 05-15-2014 |
20140131983 | AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM FOR A FABRIC WRAPPED VEHICLE INTERIOR PANEL - An airbag deployment system is provided that includes a support structure, and a fabric material configured to form a show surface of a vehicle interior panel. A first portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a rigid connection, a second portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a detachable connection, and the detachable connection is configured to release the second portion of the fabric material from the support structure upon contact between an airbag and the fabric material. | 05-15-2014 |
20140129180 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EVALUATING AND REPORTING EVENTS IN A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Systems and methods for evaluating and reporting events in a building management system are provided. An event indication for building equipment of the building management system is received at a processing circuit. The event indication is associated with an event. The processing circuit classifies the event as at least one of a cause event and a symptom event. The processing circuit suppresses the event indication in response to classifying the event as a symptom event and displays the event indication in response to classifying the event as a cause event. | 05-08-2014 |
20140129044 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SENSING DEW POINT IN A BUILDING SPACE - A method of maintaining a temperature of a surface in a building space to be above a dew point of the building space includes calculating a dew point based on a temperature measurement and a relative humidity measurement. The method further includes estimating a safety margin associated with the dew point calculation, determining a minimum temperature of the surface, wherein the minimum temperature is a function of the dew point and the safety margin, and commanding a first component of a building automation system to adjust a current temperature of the surface to be greater than the minimum temperature. | 05-08-2014 |
20140127587 | BATTERY AND BATTERY PLATE ASSEMBLY - A battery plate assembly for a lead-acid battery is disclosed. The assembly includes a plates of opposing polarity each formed by an electrically conductive grid body having opposed top and bottom frame elements and opposed first and second side frame elements, the top frame element having a lug and an opposing enlarged conductive section extending toward the bottom frame element; a plurality of interconnecting electrically conductive grid elements defining a grid pattern defining a plurality of open areas, the grid elements including a plurality of radially extending vertical grid wire elements connected to the top frame element, and a plurality of horizontally extending grid wire elements, the grid body having an active material provided thereon. A highly absorbent separator is wrapped around at least a portion of the plate of a first polarity and extends to opposing plate faces. An electrolye is provided, wherein substantially all of the electrolyte is absorbed by the separator or active material. A method for assembling a battery is also disclosed. | 05-08-2014 |
20140124057 | Methods and Systems for Determining Flow Direction Using a Bidirectional Pressure Sensor - Computerized methods and systems for determining flow direction relative to a bidirectional pressure sensor are provided. The method includes receiving pressure information from the bidirectional pressure sensor. The method includes using the pressure information to evaluate, at a processing circuit, pressure at the bidirectional pressure sensor over time, The method includes assigning a flow direction to a current pressure of the bidirectional pressure sensor by comparing the current pressure to at least one past pressure. | 05-08-2014 |
20140123310 | VEHICLE BATTERY DATA STORAGE AND ACCESS SYSTEM AND METHOD - A storage battery comprises a data storage device that allows for storing and retrieving data that may be useful during the life of the battery. The device may include a radiofrequency tag applied to the surface of the battery. Data stored in the device may be accessed by various devices, such as battery analyzers that perform remaining life other analyses. Some or all of the data may be encrypted to require that approved or licensed devices only access and use the data. Some data may be encrypted in one manner, requiring a first key, and other data in a different manner, requiring a different key. The different data sets may have different purposes, such as for battery analysis (using no encryption or requiring the first key), and for warranty, manufacturing, retail tracking and other purposes (using the second key). | 05-01-2014 |
20140121829 | VEHICLE BATTERY POINT OF SALE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A point of sale battery distribution system includes a cabinet in which batteries may be stored, a user interface for facilitating selection and purchase of batteries, and doors which may be secured and freed to be opened based upon purchase transactions. Batteries stored in the cabinet may be charged by a charging system until purchase. The charging system may provide one or more charging voltages and regimes, and output of the charging system may be disabled by a control system when a door is open or freed to be open. An inventory management system may detect batteries stored in the cabinet and convey inventory information to remote systems for replenishment of the cabinet based upon purchases. | 05-01-2014 |
20140105773 | SCREW COMPRESSOR - A screw compressor includes a housing having an inlet for receiving gas to be compressed by the compressor and an outlet for discharging pressurized compressed gas. A pair of meshing threaded rotors, each rotor having an axis and being rotatably received in the housing, each rotor having a first end near the inlet and a second end near the outlet. A bearing rotatably carrying each rotor about its axis and positioned near the first end and the second end of each rotor. A conduit formed in the housing in selectable fluid communication with at least one bearing and a force generating source from a pressurized fluid source, the force generating source selectably providing a force in a radial direction relative to the axis of the at least one bearing. | 04-17-2014 |
20140105675 | MULTI-PART EQUIPMENT PIECE FOR A VEHICLE AND CONNECTING METHOD - An equipment piece includes first and second components, such as a vehicle door armrest and a vehicle door. The first component is insertable in a recess, such as a slot, in the second component. The second component may be secured in the first by deformation of a projecting portion configured as a tab having a wall thickness smaller than its longitudinal extension. The tab is anchorable non-positively in the second component after inserting into the recess. | 04-17-2014 |
20140100740 | VEHICLE USER INTERFACE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A control system for mounting in a vehicle and for providing information to a portable electronic device for processing by the portable electronic device is shown and described. The control system includes a first interface for communicating with the portable electronic device and a memory device. The control system also includes a processing circuit communicably coupled to the first interface and the memory device, the processing circuit configured to extract information from the memory device and to provide the information to the first interface so that the first interface communicates the information to the portable electronic device. The processing circuit is further configured to determine the capabilities of the portable electronic device based on data received from the portable electronic device via the first interface and to determine whether or not to communicate the information to the portable electronic device based on the determined capabilities. | 04-10-2014 |
20140094228 | VEHICLE HANDS FREE TELEPHONE SYSTEM WITH ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION - A vehicle telephone device for mounting in a vehicle and for use with a vehicle audio system, a microphone mounted in the vehicle, and a mobile phone is disclosed. The vehicle telephone device includes a housing and a telephone module within the housing and configured to use the mobile phone, the microphone, and the vehicle audio system to provide an in-vehicle telephone feature. The vehicle telephone device further includes an active noise cancellation module within the housing and is configured to use the vehicle audio system to cancel noise in the vehicle. | 04-03-2014 |
20140075982 | MEDIUM VOLTAGE POWER CONTROLLER - A medium voltage power controller box is mounted on a chiller unit with the other components of the chiller system. The power controller box can be positioned on the chiller system unit to permit the power controller box to be close coupled to the motor, and specifically to the main motor lead exit hub without the need for any power conduit connections between the power controller box and the motor. In addition, the power controller box also does not require any control interface and receives controls from a control panel. A short conduit connection between the control panel and the power controller box is used to provide the necessary connections between the control panel and the power controller box. | 03-20-2014 |
20140072863 | SECONDARY BATTERY - A battery cover adapted for correct assembly on a battery is disclosed. The battery cover has an outer surface including a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline. A first bushing is provided having an aperture with a first dimension that mates with a corresponding first dimension of a positive cast-on-strap post. A second bushing is also provided having a second dimension that mates with a corresponding second dimension of a negative cast-on-strap post. The first bushing and second bushing are carried by the battery cover and positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal and transverse centerlines. A secondary battery is also provided. | 03-13-2014 |
20140072833 | CAPACITOR ELECTRODES FOR LEAD-ACID BATTERY WITH SURFACE-MODIFIED ADDITIVES - Electrodes, which may be composite capacitor electrodes, include carbon fibers, illustratively chopped carbon fibers having an aspect ratio of from about 100-5000, have been treated with a non-ionic surfactant, specifically the polyoxyethyleneglycol octophenyl ether, Triton X-100, to increase the hydrophilicity of the fibers. The capacitive electrodes prepared with the surface-modified carbon fibers exhibit increased charge acceptance. | 03-13-2014 |
20140070577 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT FEATURE FOR VEHICLE SEATING - A vehicle seating system is provided that includes a first link having a first end rotatably coupled to a base, and a second link having a first end rotatably coupled to the base. The vehicle seating system also includes a main tube extending between a second end of the first link and a second end of the second link. The main tube is configured to transfer torque between the first and second links. The vehicle seating system further includes an energy management feature configured to facilitate rotation of the first link relative to the second link if a torque applied to the main tube exceeds a threshold value. | 03-13-2014 |
20140067183 | Optimized Fuzzy Logic Controller For Energy Management In Micro and Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles - An energy storage system of a vehicle includes an energy storage device, a regulation device coupled to the energy storage device, one or more sensing devices for sensing current levels, voltage levels, temperature levels, and/or pressure levels of the energy storage device and/or on components thereof, and a control unit configured to determine dynamically a power flow in/out of the energy storage device using a fuzzy logic approach. The regulation device is configured to regulate at least one of a voltage level, a current level, and any additional state parameter of the energy storage device. | 03-06-2014 |
20140062161 | SEAT CUSHION HAVING AN ELECTROSPUN NONWOVEN POLYMER LAYER - According to various embodiments, a seat cushion includes an electrospun nonwoven polymer layer. The seat cushion may be prepared by melting a polymer, electrospinning the polymer onto a mold lid to form the nonwoven polymer layer, injecting a foam into the mold, and closing the mold lid such that the foam and the nonwoven polymer layer bond as the foam expands. | 03-06-2014 |
20140062147 | VEHICLE INTERIOR STORAGE POCKET - A vehicle interior storage pocket includes a retaining sheet having a first side piece, a second side piece, and a resilient material extending between the first side piece and the second side piece. The resilient material is configured to bias the first and second side pieces toward one another. The vehicle interior storage pocket also includes a sleeve disposed about the retaining sheet, and configured to conceal the resilient material. | 03-06-2014 |
20140058539 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLASSIFYING DATA IN BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS - A computerized method of assigning a building automation system point type to a plurality of unclassified data points is provided. The method includes receiving unclassified data points and attributes for each data point. The method includes receiving classifications for a first subset of the unclassified data points. Each classification associates a data point with a building automation system point type. The method includes generating a term set containing substrings that appear in the attributes. The method includes generating a first matrix describing a frequency that the substrings appear in the attributes. The method includes calculating an indicator of a probability that the presence of the selected substring results in the data point belonging to the selected point type. The method includes assigning a point type to a second subset by finding the substring and potential point type pair having the greatest indication of probability. | 02-27-2014 |
20140043479 | VEHICLE VISION SYSTEM - The present vehicle vision system enhances visibility internally and externally with respect to the vehicle. A vision system is provided which is configured to switch between a plurality of modes. The system further includes a far-field effect which alters the focal length of the display in the vision system so as to reduce driver eye strain during operation. The vision system may be incorporated into various locations throughout the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle overhead console). | 02-13-2014 |
20140026598 | METHODS AND CONTROLLERS FOR PROVIDING A SURGE MAP FOR THE MONITORING AND CONTROL OF CHILLERS - A controller for a chiller includes processing electronics configured to detect a plurality of surge events. The processing electronics create a surge map by calculating and plotting a point for each detected surge event in an at least two dimensional coordinate system. The surge map is displayed through the use of an electronic display system. The surge map describes at least three conditions of the chiller when the surge event was detected through the use of axis and non-axis representations. The processing electronics are further configured to control at least one setpoint for the chiller using the calculated surge map. | 01-30-2014 |
20140013788 | HEAT-PUMP CHILLER WITH IMPROVED HEAT RECOVERY FEATURES - A heating and cooling system includes an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser. A heat exchanger, which may be an outdoor heat exchanger, is configured to receive the refrigerant from the condenser, to selectively extract heat from or to add heat to the refrigerant, and to transfer the refrigerant to the evaporator. First control valving, disposed between the condenser and the heat exchanger, is configured to regulate flow of the refrigerant from the condenser to the heat exchanger in a first mode of operation. Second control valving, disposed between the condenser and the heat exchanger, is configured to regulate flow of the refrigerant from the heat exchanger to the evaporator in a second mode of operation. The system may be operated in a variety of modes by appropriate control of the valving and other system components. | 01-16-2014 |
20140013782 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ECONOMIZER CIRCUIT - A system and method for controlling an economizer circuit is provided. The economizer circuit includes a valve to regulate refrigerant flow between the economizer and the compressor. The valve can be opened to engage the economizer circuit or closed to disengage the economizer circuit based on the output frequency provided to the compressor motor by a variable speed drive and an operating condition of the economizer. | 01-16-2014 |
20140009263 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN IN-VEHICLE TRANSMITTER HAVING MULTI-COLORED LED - A wireless control system for wireless control of a remote electronic system is configured to provide information to a user using a multi-colored LED. The system includes a transmitter circuit configured to transmit a wireless control signal having control data which will control the remote electronic system, a multi-colored light emitting diode display configured to provide an indication of a state of the wireless control system, and a control circuit coupled to the trainable transmitter circuit configured to transmit the wireless control signal through the trainable transmitter circuit based on the state of the wireless control system. | 01-09-2014 |
20140008510 | SEAT SLIDE POSITION DETECTION DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A seat slide position detection device for a vehicle includes: a fixed rail attached to a vehicle floor; a movable rail supported to the fixed rail slidably in a longitudinal direction of the fixed rail; a detected portion disposed in a predetermined area of the fixed rail extending in the longitudinal direction; and a position sensor attached to the movable rail and having a sensor detector in a position of the position sensor opposed to the detected portion. The position sensor includes a protrusion attached to the movable rail with an extremity portion of the protrusion in contact with the movable rail. | 01-09-2014 |
20140001894 | ACTUATOR HAVING A BRUSHED DC ELECTRIC MOTOR AND AN EMI REDUCTION CIRCUIT | 01-02-2014 |
20130345880 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A CHILLER PLANT FOR A BUILDING - A computerized method for controlling a chiller plant for cooling a building is provided. The chiller plant has a chiller plant load. The method includes estimating an optimal combination of chiller plant equipment for meeting the chiller plant load. Estimating the optimal combination of chiller plant equipment includes using binary optimization to determine at least two potential combinations of chiller plant equipment. Estimating the optimal combination of chiller plant equipment also includes using nonlinear optimization to determine a potential power consumption minimum for each of the at least two potential combinations. The method also includes controlling the chiller plant according to the estimated optimal combination of chiller plant equipment. | 12-26-2013 |
20130339292 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A PLURALITY OF BUILDING AUTOMATION SUBSYSTEMS - A computer-implemented system for facilitating communication between a plurality of building automation subsystems and a plurality of applications includes a first database storing a hierarchical model of a building automation system. The system further includes a messaging engine configured to receive a message from one of the disparate building automation subsystems and for one of the plurality of applications. The messaging engine is configured to use the information in the second database to transform the message into a standard format, to append the projected semantic type string to the transformed message, and to provide the transformed message to one of the plurality of applications. | 12-19-2013 |
20130334862 | ONE-PIECE SEAT BACK FRAME AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING - A one-piece seat back frame for a seat assembly and method of forming includes a first member and an opposed second member spaced a predetermined distance apart. A third member extends between the first and second members. A fourth member is spaced a predetermined distance from the third member and has an initial predetermined dimension that is over-sized a predetermined amount to form an excisable slip plane portion, and a final predetermined dimension after the excisable portion is removed and free ends rejoined, so that the one-piece seat back frame can be adjusted prior to rejoining the free ends. The methodology removes the excisable portion, attaches a component to the frame, aligns the component by manipulating the fourth member free ends in the slip plane and rejoins the fourth member tree ends. | 12-19-2013 |
20130334850 | VEHICLE SEAT POWER TRACK ENHANCEMENTS - A vehicle seat power track for an automobile vehicle seat which includes a sensor arrangement to detect the seat position along the track relative to a front airbag apparatus and generate a signal to control the apparatus of the airbag. The vehicle seat power track also includes brackets configured to reduce horizontal movement of the track components. | 12-19-2013 |
20130325377 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING AND VERIFYING ENERGY USAGE IN A BUILDING - A computerized method of determining the end of a measurement and verification period of a building management system is provided. The method includes calculating, for a plurality of periods, a target amount of energy savings resulting from energy conservation measures in a building. The method further includes calculating, for a plurality of periods, a least amount of energy savings resulting from energy conservation measures in a building. The method further includes comparing the target amount to the least amount. The method further includes ending the measurement and verification period, before the end of a maximum measurement and verification period, when the least amount is greater than the target amount. The method further includes outputting an indication that the measurement and verification period has ended to at least one of a memory device, a user device, or another device on the building management system. | 12-05-2013 |
20130313879 | INTEGRATED CONTINUOUS RECLINER AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY - An integrated continuous recliner and motor assembly for a seat includes a recliner mechanism with inner base plate, disc member, first wedge member and second wedge member disposed about a shaft, a biasing member that operatively engages the wedge members with a cam member, a retainer ring member having outwardly extending tabs, a first recliner gear having gear teeth for rotatably engaging the seat and a second recliner gear engaged with the first recliner gear teeth. A gear motor has an output shaft and a transmission including a gear train, drive shaft and a drive tab that engage the first wedge and second wedge. The motor rotational torque transferred from the output shaft to drive shaft rotate the wedges until either one contacts the cam member to initiate rotational movement of the first recliner gears to adjust the angular position of the seat back with respect to the seat base. | 11-28-2013 |
20130312433 | MAGNETIC ATTENUATOR - An apparatus including a magnetic attenuator substantially surrounding a non-rotatable portion of the apparatus. The magnetic attenuator achieves a reduction of vibration associated with operation of the apparatus during operation of the magnetic attenuator | 11-28-2013 |
20130300115 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING POWER GENERATION IN A WIND FARM TURBINE ARRAY - A method for controlling turbines in a wind farm turbine array is shown and described. The method includes using a cascade of self-optimizing controllers to in an attempt to maximize the power generated by at least a portion of the wind farm turbine array, wherein at least one of the self-optimizing controllers for an upstream turbine is configured to control the upstream turbine in an attempt to maximize the combined total of (a) the power output of the upstream turbine and (b) the power output of at least one downstream turbine. | 11-14-2013 |
20130291358 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING A WIRE HARNESS WITHIN A VEHICLE INTERIOR - A cable tie for mounting a wire harness within a vehicle interior includes a mounting portion having an opening configured to receive a fastener for securing the cable tie to a support structure. The cable tie also includes a tie portion extending from the mounting portion. The tie portion is configured to wrap around the wire harness to secure the wire harness to the cable tie, and the tie portion is laterally offset from the opening along a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tie portion. | 11-07-2013 |
20130285603 | UNIVERSAL WIRELESS CHARGING SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES - A wireless charging system includes a primary inductive coil configured to transfer electromagnetic energy to a secondary inductive coil of a portable electronic device. The wireless charging system also includes a coil driver electrically coupled to the primary inductive coil and configured to adjust an output signal of the primary inductive coil. The wireless charging system further includes a receiver configured to receive an input signal from the portable electronic device, and a controller communicatively coupled to the receiver and to the coil driver. The controller is configured to establish a wireless charging protocol based on the input signal, and to automatically regulate the output signal based on the established wireless charging protocol and the input signal. | 10-31-2013 |
20130285428 | EASY ENTRY MECHANISM FOR VEHICLE SEATING - A vehicle seating system includes a seat bottom chassis, and a seat back chassis coupled to the seat bottom chassis. The vehicle seating system also includes an easy entry mechanism configured to facilitate a rotation of the seat bottom chassis and the seat back chassis about a lateral axis of the vehicle seating system. The easy entry mechanism is also configured to maintain a substantially constant angle between the seat bottom chassis and the seat back chassis during the rotation. | 10-31-2013 |
20130284483 | FLEXIBLE DEVICE FOR ELECTRICALLY CONNECTING AN ELECTRIC COMPONENT AND A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TOGETHER, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING A SYSTEM - A flexible device for electrically connecting an electric component and a printed circuit board together includes a main extension direction, and the flexible electric-connection device includes a first contact region formed at one end of the flexible electric-connection device in the main extension direction, as well as a second contact region formed at the other end of the flexible electric-connection device in the main extension direction. The flexible electric-connection device includes a stiffener, or the flexible electric connection device is combined with a supporting element. The electric component is provided so as to be in direct electric contact with the flexible electric-connection device via the first contact region. | 10-31-2013 |
20130260209 | POLYSULFONE COATING FOR HIGH VOLTAGE LITHIUM-ION CELLS - The performance of a lithium ion-cell where the cathode is a layered-layered lithium rich cathode material xLiMO | 10-03-2013 |
20130255308 | CHILLER OR HEAT PUMP WITH A FALLING FILM EVAPORATOR AND HORIZONTAL OIL SEPARATOR - A refrigerant circuit using a vapor compression cycle, the circuit usable for air conditioning, refrigeration or heat pump purposes. The circuit includes a lubricated compressor connected to an oil separator vessel separate from the compressor, a falling film or hybrid falling film evaporator and a condenser. The oil separator vessel extends substantially horizontally. The oil separator vessel is separated into a primary space and a secondary space by a filter pad configured to substantially remove entrained oil droplets of about 5 μm and larger from the refrigerant entering the oil separator vessel. The primary space is in fluid connection with a discharge of the compressor. The secondary space is in fluid connection with an inlet of the condenser. The circuit has an oil entrainment flow discharge of lubricant from the compressor of at least about two percent by mass relative to refrigerant flow. | 10-03-2013 |
20130241257 | VEHICLE SEAT - One lower end portion of a belt anchor bracket is supported on a lock unit rotatably in a front-rear direction, the other lower end portion of the belt anchor bracket is fixed to a leg, and a seatbelt anchor is supported on an upper end portion of the belt anchor bracket rotatably in the front-rear direction. | 09-19-2013 |
20130238139 | ENTERPRISE ENERGY AUTOMATION - Systems and methods for enterprise energy automation are provided. An enterprise energy automation system determines an energy performance model for each of a plurality of building automation systems using data extracted from the plurality of building automation systems. The performance models for each of the plurality of building automation systems are used in conjunction with pricing information received from an energy supply and delivery system to determine an optimum operating strategy for the plurality of building automation systems. | 09-12-2013 |
20130230382 | MOTOR COOLING SYSTEM - A cooling system provided for a motor powering a compressor in a vapor compression system. The cooling system includes a housing enclosing the motor and a cavity located within the housing. A fluid circuit has a first connection with the housing configured to provide a liquid or two phase cooling fluid to the motor. The two phase cooling fluid is separable into a vapor phase portion and a liquid phase portion. The fluid circuit further has a second connection with the housing to remove cooling fluid in fluid communication with the fluid circuit. The cooling fluid conveyed through the second connection is two phase cooling fluid. The fluid circuit further has a third connection with the housing for receiving and circulating in the cavity the vapor phase portion conveyed through the second connection. | 09-05-2013 |
20130218483 | COOLING TOWER DRAIN MONITOR - An apparatus for detecting an operating fault in a cooling tower system includes a sensor positioned in a drain of the cooling tower system. The sensor is configured to sense a characteristic of water flowing through the drain. The apparatus also includes a processing device electrically coupled to the sensor. The processing device is configured to quantify a drain water value based on the characteristic detected. The processing device is further configured to initiate an alarm if the quantified drain water value exceeds a pre-specified value. | 08-22-2013 |
20130216872 | PRISMATIC ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL - Systems are disclosed for battery modules having a plurality of electrochemical cells and cooling systems. According to one embodiment, a battery system includes a plurality of battery modules. Each battery module includes a plurality of electrochemical cells in thermal contact with a heat sink. The heat sink may utilize a plurality of fins and a fluid (e.g., air) to cool or heat the electrochemical cells. The electrochemical cells each have a positive terminal blade and a negative terminal blade that function as external terminals for the cell. The negative terminal blade is electrically isolated from the cover of the cell and is configured to be coupled to an internal negative terminal of the cell. | 08-22-2013 |
20130216757 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A VEHICLE TRIM COMPONENT VIA CONCURRENT COMPRESSION FORMING AND INJECTION MOLDING - A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component is provided that includes disposing a fiber panel onto a first surface of a mold cavity. The method also includes compressing the fiber panel between the first surface and a second surface of the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. The method further includes injecting resin into the mold cavity to fill at least one void between the first surface and the second surface adjacent to the fiber panel. | 08-22-2013 |
20130216414 | VOLUME RATIO CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for controlling the volume ratio of a compressor is provided. The system can use a port ( | 08-22-2013 |
20130214790 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING BATTERY FAILURE DURING A NON-OPERATING EVENT - A system is provided for monitoring an energy-storing apparatus during a non-operating event of a mechanism that draws energy from the energy-storing apparatus, which includes a plurality of energy-storing cells. The system includes a plurality of sensing units, each of which is coupled to a subset of the plurality of cells and is configured to monitor conditions of the corresponding subset of cells during the non-operating event. The system further includes a wireless communication unit and a power source. The wireless communication unit is coupled to each of the sensing units and configured to communicate a signal indicative of one of the monitored conditions of the corresponding subset of cells to a computing device. The power source provides energy to the sensing units and the wireless communication unit during the non-operating event. | 08-22-2013 |
20130214551 | STRUCTURE FOR VEHICLE SEAT - A seat structure for a vehicle includes: fixation members fixed to a floor at positions away from each other in a front-rear direction; a slide rail having an aluminum stationary rail held by the fixation members and a movable rail movable with respect to the stationary rail in the front rear direction; a seat cushion fixed to the movable rail; a seatback supported by the scat cushion; and an iron reinforcement plate fixed to the stationary rail at a position inside a safety-belt used area and outside regions having the fixation members. | 08-22-2013 |
20130207798 | METHOD FOR EXCHANGING SIGNALS BETWEEN A TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR AND A CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT IN A MOTOR VEHICLE - The invention provides a method of transmitting information in wireless manner by radio signals between a pressure sensor equipping a wheel of a motor vehicle and a central processor unit equipping said vehicle. The sensor transmits, for the attention of the central processor unit, firstly signals representative of digital data to be transferred to the central processor unit, and secondly a location signal used by the central processor unit to identify the vehicle wheel from which the digital data is coming. In accordance with the invention, the emission power of the location signal is lower than the emission power of the data transmission signals, and/or the duration of the location signal is adjusted in such a manner that the higher the speed of the vehicle the shorter the duration of the location signal. The invention is applicable to systems for monitoring the pressures of the tires of a vehicle. | 08-15-2013 |
20130207439 | HEAD RESTRAINT FOR A VEHICLE SEAT - A vehicle head restraint on a seat back is adjustable in height from a non-usage position to a usage position. The head restraint is disposed on a retaining element formed from a U-shaped tubular section and of which a horizontally disposed section forms the axis of rotation of the head restraint. The head restraint and retaining element are coupled by means of a spring element such that a biasing force of the spring element is applied to the head rest, wherein sections of the spring element engage in respective cutouts disposed on both sides in the region of rounded portions of the retaining element, and the biasing force generated rotates a lower end of the head rest automatically in the direction of the retaining element as the head rest is moved from the non-usage position to the usage position. | 08-15-2013 |
20130200668 | ELECTRO-MECHANICAL PUSH BUTTON VEHICLE SEAT ACTUATION MECHANISM - A vehicle seat having a seat back pivotably coupled to a seat base by a seat recliner mechanism such that the seat back can be pivoted in a forward and rearward direction relative the seat base. The seat includes a track assembly coupled to the vehicle and the seat, such that the seat can be moved in the forward and rearward directions relative to the vehicle interior. The seat further includes an actuator mechanism having a first actuator that includes a push button located on the seat and an actuator in electrical communication with the push button, A force transmitting device has one end connected to the actuator and a second end connected to the seat recliner mechanism, such that energizing the actuator actuates the force transmitting device to release the seat recliner mechanism and move the seat between a use and a tipped and forward position. | 08-08-2013 |
20130200651 | PLASTIC VEHICLE-INTERIOR-PART WITH AN IMPACT MODULE - The present invention relates to a plastic vehicle-interior-part with an impact module. | 08-08-2013 |
20130200235 | ADJUSTING MECHANISM, IN PARTICULAR IN THE INTERIOR FITTINGS AREA OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - The invention relates to an adjusting mechanism, in particular in the interior fittings area of a motor vehicle, in which a support structure is movable relative to a base element. | 08-08-2013 |
20130197676 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING A CONTROL LOOP INTERACTION - A system for detecting a control loop interaction between two or more control loops. The system includes a processing circuit configured to store a history of detected loop disturbances for a plurality of control loops. The processing circuit is also configured to compute a measure of interaction between control loops using the history of detected loop disturbances. The processing circuit is further configured to determine whether a loop interaction exists based on the computed measure of interaction. | 08-01-2013 |
20130196201 | COVER FOR BATTERY CELL - A battery includes a cell element that is disposed in a housing, and the housing is sealed with a top cover made primarily of plastic. The top cover may include a layer of metallic foil, which may make the top cover more impermeable to moisture. The top cover may also include a vent, which may or may not utilize the metallic foil to determined the primary opening force of the vent. The top cover may also have one or more stiffening ribs that extend downwardly from a bottom portion of the top cover to contact the cell element, so as to limit movement of the cell element within the housing. In addition, the top cover may have one or more conductive terminals that are at least partially overmolded by the plastic of the top cover. | 08-01-2013 |
20130196197 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING BATTERY CELLS - A system includes a battery cell having a packaging and a coil disposed within the packaging. The battery cell further includes a first terminal electrically coupled to a portion the coil and protruding through an opening in the packaging, wherein the first terminal is hermetically sealed at the opening in the packaging using a compressive force. | 08-01-2013 |
20130193977 | VOLTAGE AND TEMPERATURE SENSING OF BATTERY CELL GROUPS - The embodiments described herein include a system and a method. One embodiment provides a sensing apparatus for a battery system having a plurality of cells. The sensing apparatus includes an elongated substrate configured to extend along one side of the plurality of cells and a plurality of sensors, each corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of cells, and each configured to contact its respective cell. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192807 | METHOD FOR COOLING A LITHIUM-ION BATTERY PACK - Systems are disclosed for battery modules with cooling systems. In accordance with disclosed embodiments, the cooling system may be disposed against an external surface of a housing of the battery module. The cooling system may utilize a coolant to remove heat generated by cells within the battery module, to prevent the cells from aging prematurely. Embodiments of the cooling system may include cold plates, tubes, fins, and plates, or a combination thereof, which may route the coolant along the surface of the battery module housing. Such features may create a large effective cooling surface against the battery module housing to promote a high heat transfer rate from the cells to the coolant. | 08-01-2013 |