Abstract: In order to prevent discharge of the battery (3) of a motor vehicle during operation of heavy current consumption devices, a circuit configuration is to be prepared which comprises essentially a rotary current generator (1), a vehicle battery (3), one or more current consuming devices (4), and a controllable voltage converter (2). The voltage converter (2) supplies an output voltage which varies as a function of the control signal of a control unit (10) of the current generator (1) and which supplies the current consuming device (4). In the event of overloading of the rotary current generator (1) the output voltage of the voltage converter (2) is lowered in order to reduce the current consumption of the device (4) and prevent overloading of the rotary current generator (1) and discharge of the vehicle battery (3).

Abstract: A power and data distribution system for use in combination with a beam-mounted seating structure that includes a series of seat assemblies each mounted to a common support beam. The power and data distribution system includes a wireway that is mounted to the support beam and extends along the entire row of seats. The wireway includes a concealed main electrical conduit that extends along the length of the power and data distribution system. The power and data distribution system includes a series of access housings that extend from the wireway, and each access housing includes a pair of electrical outlets and a pair of data outlets. Each of the electrical outlets is coupled to the main electrical conduit contained in the wireway, while each of the data outlets is connected to a data line also passing through the wireway.

Abstract: Fieldbus is a digital, two-way communication link for remotely located sensors, controllers and actuators used in industrial applications. The fieldbus simultaneously carries a digital signal for communication with devices attached to the bus and DC power to operate those devices. Unless isolated from the fieldbus, the constant voltage DC power supply would prevent the propagation of the varying voltage of the digital communication signals on the fieldbus. An adaptive current source is provided between the output the constant voltage power supply and the fieldbus wiring to isolate the power supply. The adaptive current source can also be used to isolate the input of DC/DC voltage converters providing power to devices attached to the fieldbus.

Abstract: Power flow management is achieved in an electrical power transmission network using serial impedance modulation distributed throughout the transmission lines of the network. Switching units are mounted to insulated portions of transmission line towers in proximity to phase lines for modulating power flowing in at least one phase line conductor of at least one bundle conductor phase line in an electric power transmission line at a plurality of segments in the network. Power flow is managed in at the segments by changing the series impedance of the line by controlling the switching units. Enhanced insulation between phase line conductors is added. The power flow in a plurality of electric power lines of the network is analyzed, a desired change in impedance for the electric power lines is determined, and at least some of the switching units are controlled to implement the desired change in impedance.

Abstract: An economical protective shield assembly of a dielectric substrate and an EMI shield, substantially free of the effects of board coupling and air coupling which requires less hardware for securing an EMI shield than present devices and methods, is provided for. The inventions use of simply finished shield edges with an unimproved substrate having a conductive intermediary interconnected with a grounding path and simply finished or unfinished shield edges with an improved substrate having a mating groove cooperatively adapted to fit the shield edge, interacts to exclude EMI signals and requires less precision in positioning the shield onto the substrate. The invention also provides a simplified method to exclude EMI effects for an assembly by a process of fabrication requiring less finishing steps than present processes.

Abstract: A crash detection apparatus of a vehicle includes acceleration sensors mounted on different positions of a vehicle, each for detecting an acceleration at its position. A crash mode identifying section identifies a crash mode of the vehicle in accordance with a time difference between timings at which integral values obtained by integrating the individual acceleration signals supplied from the acceleration detectors exceed a threshold value. In accordance with the crash mode, a reference threshold value of a comparator for making a crash decision is determined. This makes it possible to implement a crash detection apparatus of a vehicle capable of making a responsive crash decision even in an asymmetric crash in which only one side of the vehicle is deformed and the occurrence of a large acceleration signal is delayed.

Abstract: A device that is easy to assemble and not subject to wear has an induction coil in the seat back of the motor vehicle seat. This induction coil is inductively coupled to the guide rod of the head restraint that is movably supported in the seat back.

Abstract: An electrochromic mirror includes a housing, a rearview mirror subassembly including a reflector in the housing, and an electrical circuit with switches adapted to interact with electrical systems in the vehicle. An elongated display area is formed in a face of the housing assembly, either under, aside or above the face. Switch buttons are positioned in the display area for operating switches in the electrical circuit. A compact display is incorporated into a face of the buttons. Specifically, a center region forms a symbol. A border is formed around the center region, and a third region is formed around the border. One of the center region, the border, and the outer region is light-transmissive, and the other two regions contrast in color. A light source is positioned to direct light toward the button face.

Abstract: A device for setting the length of a top rink (7) of an attaching device of a tractor (1) has a piston/cylinder unit (14) for length setting purposes. The piston/cylinder (14) has a displacement sensor (20) which records the respective actual length setting of the top link (7). The displacement sensor (20) generates an actual proportional length signal. A lift position sensor (13) is provided which generates an electric signal representing the respective actual lift position of the lower steering arms (4). A nominal length setting of the top link (7), which refers to the respective actual lift position, can be stored in a storage unit (33). When a new actual lift position is reached during the automatic mode of operation, it is possible to generate an electric control signal which corresponds to the nominal length setting of the top link (7). The signal is transmitted to the comparator of a control unit (34). The comparator compares the control signal with the actual length signal.

Abstract: An electrical power supply system for a vehicle is provided, which can eliminate proliferation of adverse effect on other control modules caused within one of a plurality of control modules. This is accomplished by provision of the power supply system comprising: battery 10 for supplying power; power line PL in a loop lay-out; a plurality of control modules BCM 100, VCM 110, FIM 120, DDM 130, RIM 140, CCM 150 and PDM 160 for a plurality of accessory systems, which are connected via said power line PL in loop lay-out, wherein a power control module (PCM) 20 for controlling the engine is connected to the power supply source via another power line 22 different from the power line PL.

Abstract: A starter circuit for a motor vehicle includes a circuit breaker responsive to a crash senor for disconnecting the starter circuit. A bypass switch is provided, which responds to a control circuit to provide power to the starter circuit following activation of the breaker, if the starter circuit is free of short circuits.

Abstract: A power supply booster module for a programmable logic controller system replaces the primary power supply for a number of modules within the system. The power supply booster module allows high power consuming or highly complex modules to be used within a programmable logic controller system. The power supply booster module eliminates the problems present in prior programmable logic controller systems where the primary power supply could not output enough current to adequately power all of the system modules or modules that have a high power requirement.

Abstract: A protection system employing high voltage input diodes and low voltage supply clamp to prevent input diode leakage increasing due to reverse stress during electrostatic discharge events.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a safety-critical control system, such as ABS, TCS, ASMS, brake-by-wire, etc., has a dual-circuit or multiple-circuit design, and each circuit includes a complete microprocessor system that processes the input data redundantly and delivers an error identification signal (FAIL) when an error or a discrepancy between the redundantly produced data processing results occurs. Upon error detection, there is a transition to an emergency operation mode where either a circuit is disconnected or the actuator activation of both circuits is assumed by the intact microprocessor system. Each of the two systems is equipped with peripherals of its own, comprised of signal detection, actuator activation, and energy supply.

Abstract: A surge protector is for electrical connection between one or more power lines and one or more loads. The surge protector includes an input for electrical connection to the power line and an output for electrical connection to the load. A circuit electrically interconnects the output with the input for passing power therebetween. A metal oxide varistor protects the load from surges or transients on the power line. A voltage monitoring circuit detects an occurrence of an overvoltage event on the power line. A charged capacitor is shorted by the series combination of a fuse and a MOSFET switch to open the fuse and, thereby, permanently record the occurrence of the overvoltage event.

Abstract: An electrochromic mirror includes housing, a rearview mirror subassembly including a reflector in the housing, and an electrical circuit with switches adapted to interact with electrical systems in the vehicle. An elongated display area is formed in a face of the housing assembly, either under, aside or above the face. Switch buttons are positioned in the display area for operating switches in the electrical circuit. Where compact display is needed along with the button, the buttons each have a visible portion with a front symbol-forming window that is light-transmissive, and further with a perimeter made of a visible material that outlines and creates a border around the symbol-forming window, and still further with an opaque outer region that contrasts to the visible material. A light source is positioned to direct light toward each window.

Abstract: An apparatus (110) (FIG. 1) for differentially sensing a ground fault in a power distribution circuit is configured to route a plurality of power signals, the power signals when summed resulting in a zero sum signal. The apparatus (110) includes a circuit element (e.g., a resistor) (128), first and second current transformers (CTs) (112, 114, 116), and a routing circuit (118). The first and second current transformers (112, 114, 116) are configured to sense first and second power signals and to generate first and second sense signals representative of the first and second power signals, respectively. The routing circuit (118) is configured to receive the first and second sense signals to provide a residual signal across the circuit element (128).

Abstract: A control system for a pool and spa. Main line voltage is provided through a single line voltage service and a single ground fault circuit interrupter circuit, facilitating a ground fault test and simplifying installation. The control system controls the pool and spa equipment, with a circuit board assembly including individual fuse protection devices and switching circuits. A test algorithm is included, wherein the control system is disabled from normal operation if the GFCI test fails. The pool operator manually enters a water fill command, and the controller system automatically opens the fill valve for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically closes the valve. An emergency disconnect switch is mounted near the bathing area, connected by low voltage wiring to the controller system cabinet. The controller system senses the emergency switch closure and disconnects line voltage to the line voltage loads. The emergency switch closure also remotely induces a ground fault, tripping the GFCI.

Abstract: A circuit placed between an alternating current actuated device and a digital logic controller to isolate the digital logic controller from the AC line power and to provide a signal indicative of actuation of the alternating current device.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically selecting one of two or more available power supply voltages for use as a main power supply of a PCI adapter is described. In one embodiment, a power supply selector is designed such that the presence of a positive voltage at a Vaux input thereof prevents power at a Vcc input thereof from driving a main power supply input to a PCI adapter. Conversely, the absence of a positive voltage at the Vaux results in the main power supply input to the PCI adapter being derived from the Vcc input. In an alternative embodiment, jumpers are provided for enabling a user to select which power supply will be used as the “default” power supply for the adapter.