Abstract: A method and controller for controlling electric vehicles wherein an output level to an output device is determined on the basis of timing information of input timing data. In one embodiment the timing data is provided on the basis of the duration of one or more user input device, such as one or more buttons. Different algorithms may be applied depending upon the duration of activation of the input device. An electric vehicle including the controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: To effect failure detection and communication between the modules in a modular control system for an electrically driven vehicle in which modules are interconnected by a serial data bus, one line of the serial bus may be biased high or low by modules of the system when a fault is detected. This is detected by a kill system of the modules to which disable safety related functions of each module are applicable. Modules other than the remote control module can include wake up circuitry which supplies power to the modules at start up, or deactivated modules, when the data line is biased high. The modules preferably operate as finite state machines with each module storing in its memory network variables required for the operation of that module. The network variables include the state of other modules, external demand signals, and measured variables of the system.

Abstract: A rotary actuator for a valve is associated with an indicator mechanism provided entirely exteriorily to the housing of the valve and out of axial alignment with the valve spindle. The indicator rotates with an actuating member of the valve and is movable relative to a surface of the actuating member to provide a visual and tactile indication of the operative position of the valve.