Abstract: A power and control architecture employing circuitry that sequentially regulate power flows from independent solar-array sources or a mixture of power sources providing power to a common load. The device may be used on a satellite with solar-array sources; however it may also be used on ground based systems. Stiff bus voltage regulation is obtained by tightly controlling the most recently activated power-processing channel while keeping the previously activated power-processing channels in the Maximum Power Tracking mode to supply maximum power to a common load. The remaining power-processing channels are turned off or operated in stand-by mode. In an alternative system, with primary design goal of uniform power sharing among solar-array sources, all solar array sources are activated with uniform power sharing at light load and, as load demand increases, sequentially controlled to operate in the Maximum Power Tracking mode one solar array source at a time as necessary.

Abstract: A power take off unit for a motor vehicle equipped with a standard transmission is clutched using compressed air available on the vehicle. Available air pressure is monitored and a clutch interlock implemented through the vehicle electrical control system is made responsive thereto to prevent engagement of the clutch if the load is too heavy for the available air pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides an animated display in which an illumination source projects light through a platen and a transparency that contains alternative translucent images. The invention involves using an electronic processor to drive two highly controllable motors. Light sensors are used to determine the alignment of a mask over said transparency relative to the light source. The sensors provide input to the processor to allow the two motors to align the mask horizontally. The motors are used to drive the mask vertically in order to change the projected image. In a second embodiment, the lens is a lenticular lens behind the translucent raster multiple image film. A motor acts to drive the mask to align the opaque or image portions of the raster to the focusing portion of the lenticular lens. A lenticular lens may focus on the image line for one of the images on the film.

Abstract: A tubing coupler for mechanically and fluidly connecting two pieces of tubing. The tubing coupler has a first body portion with a pilot and a second body portion with a cavity in which the pilot is disposed when the tubing coupler is assembled. A fluid passageway through the first body portion and the pilot of the first body portion is in fluid communication with a fluid passageway through the second body portion and the cavity of the second body portion. Thus fluid flow is allowed through the coupler. A primary sealing device circumscribes the pilot of the first body portion and seals the space between the pilot of the first body portion and the cavity of the second body portion. A plate is disposed between the first body portion and the second body portion and defines an opening through itself through which the pilot of the first body portion protrudes. A secondary sealing device is disposed inside the periphery of the opening in the plate and surrounds a portion of the pilot.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting compromised vehicle wheel and tire operating characteristics includes detection for out of round new tires, under pressure tires, poor front wheel alignment and off center line loads. The instantaneous rotational velocity signal generated for each wheel by an existing antilock braking system (ABS) provides data for the basic comparison of wheel speed is against an instantaneous indication of vehicle speed. Once calibrated, the system provides operational monitoring of the wheels includes initializing the trip odometer, collecting wheel speeds, and sampling vehicle speed. Tire radius and tolerance data as a function of estimated wear and tire temperature. Tire temperature is in turn a function of ambient temperature and trip distance. The rotational velocities for the wheels are estimated as functions of vehicle speed and the updated tire radius data.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a transmission through which an engine can deliver torque to an axle to propel the vehicle and a transfer case associated with the transmission for operating auxiliary equipment. A system for engaging and disengaging the axle from the transmission and for engaging and disengaging the auxiliary equipment contains a first solenoid (20) that operates to a first state when the vehicle is to be propelled and to a second state when the auxiliary equipment is to be operated and a second solenoid (22) that is selectively operable to a first state that causes the auxiliary equipment to be disengaged from the transmission and to a second state that causes the auxiliary equipment to be engaged with the transmission through the transfer case.

Abstract: A support system for the interior of a mobile vehicle such as a tractor-traileror over the road heavy truck. The support system provides vertical support poles for use with various features of the truck vehicle. The poles are integrated into the structure of the sleeper. They provide additional structural rigidity and limit the roof crush in the event of vehicle roll-over. The poles are equipped with various external accessories. They may have a swivel seat attached for additional seating within the sleeper. Sound system speakers may be hung from the poles and aimed where desired. A television or computer monitor may also be hung off the poles enabling adjustment for numerous viewing angles within the cab and the sleeper. The poles may also serve as a conduit for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for the sleeper environment. The poles can serve as the air ducts or a separate duct could be installed within each pole to channel air to multiple air outlets.