Abstract: A measuring instrument for a vehicle selectively illuminates one of a plurality of scales based on a location of the instrument or includes an indicator that is selectively positioned based on the location of the instrument. The location is determined by a device, such as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver (1) or similar receiver of location information, and a location indication is provided to a suitable controller that illuminates or otherwise activates the appropriate scale or that causes an actuator to position the indicator. Such a display has the advantages of eliminating the need for vehicle manufacturers to stock different instruments having different overlays, of lowering the cost of instrumentation by avoiding digital reconfigurable displays, and of overcoming the deficiencies inherent in digital reconfigurable displays. Such a display also improves vehicle safety by making instruments easier to read and reducing the operational burden on the vehicle driver.

Abstract: System and methods provide information to an operator of an engine such that the engine operates with optimal performance, such as maximal fuel efficiency. Such a system may include a plurality of sensors adapted to measure operating parameters of the engine; an engine management system adapted to receive measured operating parameters from the sensors and to generate signals indicative of a current operating performance of the engine and signals indicative of performance-increasing adjustments to current operating parameters; and a display adapted to present symbols in response to signals from the engine management system. The symbols guide the operator to increase or maintain engine performance.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for a vehicle selectively illuminates one of a plurality of scales based on a location of the instrument or includes an indicator that is selectively positioned based on the location of the instrument. The location is determined by a device, such as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver (1) or similar receiver of location information, and a location indication is provided to a suitable controller that illuminates or otherwise activates the appropriate scale or that causes an actuator to position the indicator. Such a display has the advantages of eliminating the need for vehicle manufacturers to stock different instruments having different overlays, of lowering the cost of instrumentation by avoiding digital reconfigurable displays, and of overcoming the deficiencies inherent in digital reconfigurable displays. Such a display also improves vehicle safety by making instruments easier to read and reducing the operational burden on the vehicle driver.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for interfacing steering wheel inputs on a steering wheel assembly with electronically-controlled devices in a vehicle. A steering wheel interface module in the steering wheel assembly is connected between the steering wheel inputs and a data communication bus in the steering wheel assembly. The steering wheel inputs provide control information to the steering wheel interface module, which in turn formulates data messages based on the control information and transmits the data messages on the data communication bus in the steering wheel assembly. Preferably, the steering wheel interface module includes a processing unit and a memory in communication with the processing unit. The data messages are formulated by the processing unit in accordance with programmed instructions stored in the memory. The programmed instructions and/or data messages stored in the memory may be modified or supplemented at a later time.

Abstract: An electrical interface for connecting a truck electrical system to a trailer electrical system. The electrical interface includes a solid-state switching device for selectively connecting a power source in the truck electrical system to a circuit in the trailer electrical system. If a fault is detected in the provision of power to the circuit in the trailer electrical system, the solid-state switching device reduces the flow of power or disconnects the power source from the circuit in the trailer electrical system. A microcontroller system connected to the truck electrical system transmits control signals to the solid-state switching device to control the flow of power from the power source to the circuit in the trailer electrical system in accordance with instruction signals received from the truck electrical system.