US6885920B2 — Control system and method for electric vehicle

Claim 1

Independent Claim 97 words

An electric traction vehicle comprising: a vehicle platform; a communication network; a power source mounted on the vehicle platform; a plurality of drive wheels rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform; a plurality of electric motors coupled to respective ones of the plurality of drive wheels; a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules coupled to each other by way of the communication network, the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules also being coupled to the plurality of electric motors and being configured to process input information received by way of the communication network to control the plurality of electric motors.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 97 words

An electric traction vehicle comprising: a vehicle platform; a communication network; a power source mounted on the vehicle platform; a plurality of drive wheels rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform; a plurality of electric motors coupled to respective ones of the plurality of drive wheels; a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules coupled to each other by way of the communication network, the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules also being coupled to the plurality of electric motors and being configured to process input information received by way of the communication network to control the plurality of electric motors.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 70 words

The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of drive wheels is a first plurality of drive wheels, wherein the vehicle comprises a second plurality of drive wheels, each of the second plurality of drive wheels being paired with respective ones of the first plurality of drive wheels such that each pair of drive wheels is driven in tandem by a respective one of the plurality of electric motors.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 33 words

The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electric motors includes at least four electric motors, and wherein the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules includes at least four microprocessor-based interface modules.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 33 words

The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of electric motors includes at least eight electric motors, and wherein the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules includes at least four microprocessor-based interface modules.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 29 words

The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the power source provides AC power and is connected to the plurality of interface modules by way of an AC bus assembly.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 40 words

The vehicle of claim 5 , wherein the AC bus assembly is configured to provide three phase power having a frequency of either about 50 Hz or about 60 Hz and a voltage in a range of about 460-480 VAC.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 57 words

The vehicle of claim 6 , wherein the vehicle further comprises an electrical connector to allow a power-consuming system off-board the vehicle to be connected to the vehicle and draw power from the AC bus assembly, and wherein the AC bus assembly is capable of providing at least 250 kilowatts of power to the off-board power-consuming system.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 14 words

The vehicle of claim 7 , wherein the vehicle is a tactical military vehicle.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 30 words

The vehicle of claim 7 , wherein the vehicle is a firefighting vehicle, and wherein the AC bus assembly provides power to scene lighting at the scene of a fire.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 27 words

The vehicle of claim 5 , wherein the vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle with the power source comprising a diesel engine coupled to an electric generator.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 35 words

The vehicle of claim 5 , wherein the power source comprises a fuel cell coupled to an inverter, the inverter converting DC power from the fuel cell to AC power for the AC bus assembly.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 91 words

The vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of auxiliary drive modules, and wherein the vehicle has a reconfigurable drive capacity, the reconfigurable drive capacity being achieved by way of the auxiliary drive modules, each of the plurality of auxiliary drive modules comprising an additional microprocessor-based interface module, an additional electric motor, and an additional drive wheel, the auxiliary drive modules being capable of being added to and removed from the vehicle as a unit to achieve a corresponding increase or decrease in the drive capacity of the vehicle.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 109 words

The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of interface modules include a compensation program with two modes of operation, wherein, in the first mode of operation, the plurality of interface modules control the electric motors such that all of the plurality of drive wheels are driven, wherein, in the second mode of operation, the plurality of interface modules control the electric motors such that less than all of the plurality of drive wheels are driven, the compensation program compensating for less than all drive wheels being driven by causing the remaining electric motors to be controlled to provide additional horsepower to compensate for the undriven drive wheel.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 37 words

The vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules and the plurality of additional microprocessor-based interface modules cooperate to reconfigure the vehicle upon the addition and removal of the plurality of auxiliary modules.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 26 words

The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of interface modules is configured to control the respective electric motor to brake the vehicle.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 38 words

The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of interface modules is configured to control the respective electric motor to regenerate power back to one of the principal power unit and the power storage unit.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 39 words

The vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of drive controllers, the plurality of drive controllers being coupled between respective ones of the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules and respective ones of the plurality of electric motors.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 43 words

The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of interface modules include a program that causes the plurality of electric motors to simulate a mechanical differential assembly, such that the plurality of drive wheels rotate at different speeds during vehicle turning maneuvers.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 181 words

A method of operating an electric traction vehicle, comprising: providing the electric traction vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising a vehicle platform, a communication network, a power source mounted on the vehicle platform and connected to an AC bus assembly, a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform, an electric motor coupled to the drive wheel, a first microprocessor-based interface module coupled to the electric motor, and a plurality of additional microprocessor-based interface modules including a second microprocessor-based interface module, the second interface module being coupled to a throttle input device, and the first and second interface modules being coupled to each other by way of the communication network; receiving a throttle input from the throttle input device, the throttle input being received at the second interface module; transmitting the throttle input from the second interface module to the first interface module by way of the communication network; and controlling the electric motor using the first interface module, the first interface module controlling a speed of the electric motor in accordance with the throttle input received from the throttle input device.

Claim 21

Independent Claim 181 words

A method of operating an electric traction vehicle, comprising: providing the electric traction vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising a vehicle platform, a communication network, a power source mounted on the vehicle platform and connected to an AC bus assembly, a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform, an electric motor coupled to the drive wheel, a first microprocessor-based interface module coupled to the electric motor, and a plurality of additional microprocessor-based interface modules including a second microprocessor-based interface module, the second interface module being coupled to a throttle input device, and the first and second interface modules being coupled to each other by way of the communication network; receiving a throttle input from the throttle input device, the throttle input being received at the second interface module; transmitting the throttle input from the second interface module to the first interface module by way of the communication network; and controlling the electric motor using the first interface module, the first interface module controlling a speed of the electric motor in accordance with the throttle input received from the throttle input device.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 102 words

A method according to claim 19 , further comprising receiving a brake input from a brake input device at one of the plurality of additional interface modules; transmitting the brake input from the additional interface module to the first interface module by way of the communication network; and wherein the first interface module controls the electric motor so as to operate in a regenerative braking mode in response to the brake input being active, the regenerative braking mode causing electric power to be drawn from the first and second electric motors and provided to a power storage unit on board the vehicle.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 74 words

A method according to claim 19 , further comprising receiving a transmission input from a shift input device at one of the plurality of additional interface modules; transmitting the transmission input from the additional interface module to the first interface module by way of the communication network; and wherein the first interface module controls the electric motor so as to operate at different operating points depending on a status of the shift input device.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 121 words

A method according to claim 19 , further comprising receiving a steering angle input from a steering input device at a first one of the plurality of additional interface modules; transmitting the steering angle input from the first additional interface module to a second one of plurality of additional interface modules by way of the communication network; controlling a steering mechanism of the vehicle using the second one of the plurality of additional interface modules, the steering mechanism being controlled in accordance with the steering angle input to control a direction of travel of the vehicle; and wherein the first interface module controls the electric motor in accordance with the steering angle input to operate at different speeds during turning maneuvers.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 55 words

The method of claim 19 , wherein the vehicle further comprises second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth electric motors; and wherein the plurality of additional interface modules control speeds of the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth electric motors in accordance with the throttle input received from the throttle input device.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 19 , wherein the AC bus assembly is configured to provide three phase power having a frequency of either about 50 Hz or about 60 Hz and a voltage in a range of about 460-480 VAC.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 57 words

The method of claim 24 , wherein the vehicle further comprises an electrical connector to allow a power-consuming system off-board the vehicle to be connected to the vehicle and draw power from the AC bus assembly, and wherein the AC bus assembly is capable of providing at least 50 kilowatts of power to the off-board power-consuming system.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 25 , wherein vehicle is a tactical military vehicle.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method of claim 25 , wherein vehicle is a fire fighting vehicle, and further comprising the step of providing power from the AC bus assembly provides to scene lighting at the scene of a fire.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 58 words

The method of claim 23 , wherein the vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle with the power source comprising a diesel engine coupled to an electric generator, and wherein the method further comprises using the diesel engine to mechanically drive the electric generator and using the generate to convert mechanical power from the diesel engine to electric power.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 43 words

The method of claim 23 , wherein the power source comprises a fuel cell coupled to an inverter, and wherein the method further comprises using the inverter to convert DC power from the fuel cell to AC power for the AC bus assembly.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 75 words

The method of claim 19 , further comprising detecting that an auxiliary drive module has been added to the vehicle, the auxiliary drive module comprising an additional microprocessor-based interface module, an additional electric motor, and an additional drive wheel; and reconfiguring the vehicle to accommodate the added auxiliary drive module, including updating control algorithms in the first interface module to decrease the horsepower produced by the electric motor in response to a particular throttle input.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 109 words

The method of claim 19 , wherein the plurality of interface modules include a compensation program with two modes of operation, wherein in the first mode of operation, the plurality of interface modules control the electric motors such that all of the plurality of drive wheels are driven, wherein in the second mode of operation, the plurality of interface modules control the electric motors such that less than all of the plurality of drive wheels are driven, the compensation program compensating for less than all drive wheels being driven by causing the remaining electric motors to be controlled to provide additional horsepower to compensate for the undriven drive wheel.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 57 words

The method of claim 19 , wherein the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules and the plurality of additional microprocessor-based interface cooperate to reconfigure the vehicle upon the addition and removal of a plurality of auxiliary modules, the plurality of auxiliary modules each including an additional microprocessor-based interface module, an additional electric motor, and an additional drive wheel.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 53 words

The method of claim 19 , wherein each of the auxiliary modules is removable and replaceable with a different auxiliary unit having different characteristics, the different characteristics being programmed into the interface module, and wherein the system is capable of reconfiguring itself automatically when a new auxiliary system is mounted on the vehicle.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 213 words

A method of generating electric power comprising: providing an electric traction vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising a vehicle platform, a communication network, a power source mounted on the vehicle platform and connected to an AC bus assembly, a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform, an electric motor respectively coupled to the drive wheel, a first microprocessor-based interface module coupled to the electric motor, and a plurality of additional microprocessor-based interface modules including a second microprocessor-based interface module, the second interface module being coupled to a throttle input device, and the first and second interface modules being coupled to each other by way of the communication network; producing electric power using the power source and providing the electric power to the AC bus assembly; providing power to off-board, electric power-consuming devices using the AC bus assembly, the AC bus assembly providing the power to the off-board devices when the vehicle is stationary and the electric motor is consuming substantially no power from the AC bus assembly, and wherein the AC bus assembly provides three phase power having a frequency of either about 50 Hz or about 60 Hz and a voltage in a range of about 460-480 VAC, and wherein the AC bus assembly provides in excess of 250 kilowatts of power.

Claim 37

Independent Claim 213 words

A method of generating electric power comprising: providing an electric traction vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising a vehicle platform, a communication network, a power source mounted on the vehicle platform and connected to an AC bus assembly, a drive wheel rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform, an electric motor respectively coupled to the drive wheel, a first microprocessor-based interface module coupled to the electric motor, and a plurality of additional microprocessor-based interface modules including a second microprocessor-based interface module, the second interface module being coupled to a throttle input device, and the first and second interface modules being coupled to each other by way of the communication network; producing electric power using the power source and providing the electric power to the AC bus assembly; providing power to off-board, electric power-consuming devices using the AC bus assembly, the AC bus assembly providing the power to the off-board devices when the vehicle is stationary and the electric motor is consuming substantially no power from the AC bus assembly, and wherein the AC bus assembly provides three phase power having a frequency of either about 50 Hz or about 60 Hz and a voltage in a range of about 460-480 VAC, and wherein the AC bus assembly provides in excess of 250 kilowatts of power.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 37 words

A method according to claim 34 , wherein the power source comprises a generator, and wherein the method further comprises using a power storage unit mounted on the vehicle to supplement the power provided by the generator.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 19 words

A method according to claim 34 , wherein AC bus assembly provides in excess of 750 kilowatts of power.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 218 words

A vehicle comprising: (A) first and second drive wheels; (B) a power source; (C) a power transmission link; (D) a plurality of input devices; (E) a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including first and second motor drive systems, the first and second motor drive systems including first and second electric motors, the first and second electric motors being respectively coupled to the first and second drive wheels and being capable of applying torque to the first and second drive wheels to drive motion of the vehicle; (F) a communication network; (G) a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being coupled to the power source by way of the power transmission link, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, each of the plurality of interface modules being coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective communication links, the plurality of interface modules cooperating to control the plurality of output devices based on input status information from the plurality of input devices; and wherein at least one of the plurality of interface modules controls power distribution to the first and second motor drive systems to control a speed of the vehicle.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 218 words

A vehicle comprising: (A) first and second drive wheels; (B) a power source; (C) a power transmission link; (D) a plurality of input devices; (E) a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including first and second motor drive systems, the first and second motor drive systems including first and second electric motors, the first and second electric motors being respectively coupled to the first and second drive wheels and being capable of applying torque to the first and second drive wheels to drive motion of the vehicle; (F) a communication network; (G) a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being coupled to the power source by way of the power transmission link, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, each of the plurality of interface modules being coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective communication links, the plurality of interface modules cooperating to control the plurality of output devices based on input status information from the plurality of input devices; and wherein at least one of the plurality of interface modules controls power distribution to the first and second motor drive systems to control a speed of the vehicle.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 294 words

A vehicle comprising: (A) a first drive wheel, the first drive wheel being capable of contacting land and driving motion of the vehicle; (B) a second drive wheel, the second drive wheel being capable of contacting land and driving motion of the vehicle in cooperation with the first drive wheel; (C) a fuel cell, the fuel cell being capable of providing electric energy; (D) a power transmission link; (E) a plurality of input devices; (F) a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including (1) a first motor drive system, the first motor drive system including a first servo drive and a first electric motor, the first electric motor being coupled to the first drive wheel and being capable of applying torque to the first drive wheel to drive motion of the vehicle, (2) a second motor drive system, the second motor drive system including a second servo drive and a second electric motor; (G) a communication network; (H) a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being coupled to the fuel cell by way of the power transmission link, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, each of the plurality of interface modules being coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective communication links, the plurality of interface modules cooperating to control the plurality of output devices based on input status information from the plurality of input devices, the plurality of interface modules being distributed throughout the vehicle; and wherein at least one of the plurality of interface modules controls power distribution to the first and second motor drive systems to control a speed of the vehicle.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 294 words

A vehicle comprising: (A) a first drive wheel, the first drive wheel being capable of contacting land and driving motion of the vehicle; (B) a second drive wheel, the second drive wheel being capable of contacting land and driving motion of the vehicle in cooperation with the first drive wheel; (C) a fuel cell, the fuel cell being capable of providing electric energy; (D) a power transmission link; (E) a plurality of input devices; (F) a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including (1) a first motor drive system, the first motor drive system including a first servo drive and a first electric motor, the first electric motor being coupled to the first drive wheel and being capable of applying torque to the first drive wheel to drive motion of the vehicle, (2) a second motor drive system, the second motor drive system including a second servo drive and a second electric motor; (G) a communication network; (H) a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being coupled to the fuel cell by way of the power transmission link, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, each of the plurality of interface modules being coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective communication links, the plurality of interface modules cooperating to control the plurality of output devices based on input status information from the plurality of input devices, the plurality of interface modules being distributed throughout the vehicle; and wherein at least one of the plurality of interface modules controls power distribution to the first and second motor drive systems to control a speed of the vehicle.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 354 words

A control method for a military vehicle having a plurality of input devices and a plurality of output devices, comprising: (A) determining desired output states of a first subset of the plurality of output devices based on I/O status information stored in an I/O status table, the determining step being performed by an interface module that comprises the I/O status table, the interface module being coupled to a first subset of the plurality of input devices and the first subset of the plurality of output devices, the first subset of the plurality of output devices including an electric motor that drives forward motion of the military vehicle, the interface module being further coupled to a plurality of additional interface modules by way of a communication network, the plurality of additional interface modules being coupled to a second subset of the plurality of input devices and a second subset of the plurality of output devices, the I/O status information stored in the I/O status table including input status information pertaining to input states of the first subset of the plurality of input devices and input status information pertaining to input states of the second subset of the plurality of input devices; (B) controlling the first subset of the plurality of output devices including the electric motor in accordance with the desired output states, the controlling step being performed by the interface module; and (C) maintaining the I/O status table, the maintaining step being performed by the interface module, the maintaining step including (1) acquiring the input status information pertaining to the input states of the first subset of the plurality of input devices, (2) storing the input status information pertaining to the input states of the first subset of the plurality of input devices in the I/O status table, (3) acquiring, from the plurality of additional interface modules by way of the communication network, the input status information pertaining to the input states of the second subset of the plurality of input devices, and (4) storing the input status information pertaining to the input states of the second subset of the plurality of input devices.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 354 words

A control method for a military vehicle having a plurality of input devices and a plurality of output devices, comprising: (A) determining desired output states of a first subset of the plurality of output devices based on I/O status information stored in an I/O status table, the determining step being performed by an interface module that comprises the I/O status table, the interface module being coupled to a first subset of the plurality of input devices and the first subset of the plurality of output devices, the first subset of the plurality of output devices including an electric motor that drives forward motion of the military vehicle, the interface module being further coupled to a plurality of additional interface modules by way of a communication network, the plurality of additional interface modules being coupled to a second subset of the plurality of input devices and a second subset of the plurality of output devices, the I/O status information stored in the I/O status table including input status information pertaining to input states of the first subset of the plurality of input devices and input status information pertaining to input states of the second subset of the plurality of input devices; (B) controlling the first subset of the plurality of output devices including the electric motor in accordance with the desired output states, the controlling step being performed by the interface module; and (C) maintaining the I/O status table, the maintaining step being performed by the interface module, the maintaining step including (1) acquiring the input status information pertaining to the input states of the first subset of the plurality of input devices, (2) storing the input status information pertaining to the input states of the first subset of the plurality of input devices in the I/O status table, (3) acquiring, from the plurality of additional interface modules by way of the communication network, the input status information pertaining to the input states of the second subset of the plurality of input devices, and (4) storing the input status information pertaining to the input states of the second subset of the plurality of input devices.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 30 words

A method according to claim 39 , wherein each of the plurality of additional interface modules broadcasts I/O status information, and wherein the acquiring step (C)(3) comprises receiving the broadcasts.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 12 words

A method according to claim 40 , wherein the broadcasts occur asynchronously.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 52 words

A method according to claim 40 , wherein each of the plurality of additional interface modules maintains respective additional I/O status tables, and wherein each of the plurality of additional interface modules receives the broadcasts and stores I/O status information received in the broadcasts to maintain the respective additional I/O status tables.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 26 words

A method according to claim 42 , wherein the I/O status table and the respective additional I/O status tables store substantially the same I/O status information.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 181 words

A vehicle comprising: (A) first and second drive wheels; (B) a plurality of input devices; (C) a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including first and second motor drive systems, the first and second motor drive systems including first and second electric motors, the first and second electric motors being respectively coupled to the first and second drive wheels and being capable of applying torque to the first and second drive wheels to drive motion of the vehicle; (D) a communication network; (E) a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, each of the plurality of interface modules being coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective communication links, the plurality of interface modules cooperating to control the respective ones of the plurality of output devices by processing the input status information from the plurality of input devices to determine output states of the respective ones of the plurality of output devices.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 181 words

A vehicle comprising: (A) first and second drive wheels; (B) a plurality of input devices; (C) a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including first and second motor drive systems, the first and second motor drive systems including first and second electric motors, the first and second electric motors being respectively coupled to the first and second drive wheels and being capable of applying torque to the first and second drive wheels to drive motion of the vehicle; (D) a communication network; (E) a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, each of the plurality of interface modules being coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective communication links, the plurality of interface modules cooperating to control the respective ones of the plurality of output devices by processing the input status information from the plurality of input devices to determine output states of the respective ones of the plurality of output devices.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 205 words

A vehicle comprising: (A) first and second drive wheels; (B) a plurality of input devices; (C) a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including first and second motor drive systems, the first and second motor drive systems including first and second electric motors, the first and second electric motors being respectively coupled to the first and second drive wheels and being capable of applying torque to the first and second drive wheels to drive motion of the vehicle; (D) a communication network; (E) a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, each of the plurality of interface modules being coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective communication links; wherein each of the plurality of interface modules collects input status information from the respective ones of the plurality of input devices and broadcasts the input status information over the communication network to each of the remaining ones of the plurality of interface modules, each of the remaining ones of the plurality of interface modules receiving the input status information and locally storing the input status information.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 205 words

A vehicle comprising: (A) first and second drive wheels; (B) a plurality of input devices; (C) a plurality of output devices, the plurality of output devices including first and second motor drive systems, the first and second motor drive systems including first and second electric motors, the first and second electric motors being respectively coupled to the first and second drive wheels and being capable of applying torque to the first and second drive wheels to drive motion of the vehicle; (D) a communication network; (E) a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules, the plurality of interface modules being interconnected to each other by way of the communication network, each of the plurality of interface modules being coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective communication links; wherein each of the plurality of interface modules collects input status information from the respective ones of the plurality of input devices and broadcasts the input status information over the communication network to each of the remaining ones of the plurality of interface modules, each of the remaining ones of the plurality of interface modules receiving the input status information and locally storing the input status information.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 32 words

The vehicle of claim 45 , wherein each of the plurality of interface modules control the respective ones of the plurality of output devices based on the locally stored input status information.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 33 words

The vehicle of claim 45 , wherein each of the plurality of interface modules process the input status information to determine output states of the respective ones of the plurality of output devices.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 112 words

An electric traction vehicle comprising: a vehicle platform; a communication network; a power source mounted on the vehicle platform; a plurality of drive wheels rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform; a plurality of electric motors coupled to respective ones of the plurality of drive wheels; a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules coupled to each other by way of the communication network, the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules also being coupled to the plurality of electric motors and being configured to control the plurality of electric motors; and an electrical connector to allow an electrical power-consuming device off-board the vehicle to be connected to the vehicle and draw AC power from the vehicle.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 112 words

An electric traction vehicle comprising: a vehicle platform; a communication network; a power source mounted on the vehicle platform; a plurality of drive wheels rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform; a plurality of electric motors coupled to respective ones of the plurality of drive wheels; a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules coupled to each other by way of the communication network, the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules also being coupled to the plurality of electric motors and being configured to control the plurality of electric motors; and an electrical connector to allow an electrical power-consuming device off-board the vehicle to be connected to the vehicle and draw AC power from the vehicle.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 26 words

The electric vehicle of claim 48 , wherein the vehicle is capable of providing at least 50 kilowatts of AC power to the off-board power-consuming device.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 26 words

The electric vehicle of claim 48 , wherein the vehicle is capable of providing at least 200 kilowatts of AC power to the off-board power-consuming device.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 102 words

An electric traction vehicle comprising: a vehicle platform; a communication network; a power source mounted on the vehicle platform; a plurality of auxiliary drive modules, each of the plurality of auxiliary drive modules comprising a microprocessor-based interface module, an electric motor, and a drive wheel, the auxiliary drive modules being capable of being added to and removed from the vehicle as a unit to achieve a corresponding increase or decrease in the drive capacity of the vehicle; wherein the microprocessor-based interface modules are communicatively coupled together by way of the communication network when the auxiliary drive modules are coupled to the vehicle.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 102 words

An electric traction vehicle comprising: a vehicle platform; a communication network; a power source mounted on the vehicle platform; a plurality of auxiliary drive modules, each of the plurality of auxiliary drive modules comprising a microprocessor-based interface module, an electric motor, and a drive wheel, the auxiliary drive modules being capable of being added to and removed from the vehicle as a unit to achieve a corresponding increase or decrease in the drive capacity of the vehicle; wherein the microprocessor-based interface modules are communicatively coupled together by way of the communication network when the auxiliary drive modules are coupled to the vehicle.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 119 words

An electric traction vehicle comprising: a vehicle platform; a communication network; an electrical power storage device; a plurality of drive wheels rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform; a plurality of electric motors coupled to respective ones of the plurality of drive wheels, power being provided to the electric motors from the electrical power storage device; and a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules coupled to each other by way of the communication network, the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules also being coupled to the plurality of electric motors and being configured to control the plurality of electric motors; wherein one of the interface modules is used to selectively discharge the electrical power storage device in response to an operator input.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 119 words

An electric traction vehicle comprising: a vehicle platform; a communication network; an electrical power storage device; a plurality of drive wheels rotatably mounted on the vehicle platform; a plurality of electric motors coupled to respective ones of the plurality of drive wheels, power being provided to the electric motors from the electrical power storage device; and a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules coupled to each other by way of the communication network, the plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules also being coupled to the plurality of electric motors and being configured to control the plurality of electric motors; wherein one of the interface modules is used to selectively discharge the electrical power storage device in response to an operator input.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 17 words

The electricvehicle of claim 52 , wherein the electrical energy storage device comprises a plurality of capacitors.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 26 words

The electric vehicle of claim 52 , wherein the electrical energy storage device provides power to the electric motors by way of an AC bus assembly.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2008-04-25	2008-10-25	2009-04-26	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2012-04-25	2012-10-25	2013-04-26	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2016-04-25	2016-10-25	2017-04-26	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Control system and method for electric vehicle

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