Abstract: A control unit for triggering a plurality of electric loads with a plurality of input signals, wherein the electric loads are triggered by pulse width modulated signals, and the input signals are PWM signals. A method is described with which the control unit triggers a plurality of electric loads with a plurality of input signals. The control unit includes controllable switching provisions, wherein these switching provisions connect at least one load respectively with one of at least two different PWM inputs. A method is described for triggering a plurality of electric loads with the aid of the control unit.

Abstract: A system for reducing steering nibble and other vibrations in a power-assisted steering system increases the amount of damping force when a power steering boost system is applying little or no steering force to the steering actuator, and reduces the amount of damping force when the power boost system is applying significant steering force to the steering actuator. A damping member is formed of a polymer material and is urged into contact with the steering actuator by a spring-biased clamping member. A shuttle valve regulates pressure from the hydraulic steering boost system to overcome the spring biasing force whenever hydraulic pressure is applied to the steering actuator. The preload of the spring biasing mechanism is varied by an electronic control unit that receives inputs from a driver-activated switch, and from vehicle condition sensors to allow automatic, adaptive adjustment of the damping to optimize driving comfort and safety.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention determine an amount of energy required to bring a quartz workpiece to a fusion weldable condition. The fusion weldable condition is a state at which the quartz workpiece is in thermal balance while being substantially near but below a quartz sublimation point. Parameters of the quartz workpiece, such as thermal properties and dimensional data, are identified. Quantifiable parameters of a heat source (such as a laser's beam energy attributes and beam geometry) are also identified. Using these parameters, a relationship is generated representing a modeled state of thermal equilibrium for the weldable surface of the quartz workpiece. This relationship is used to determine the appropriate amount of energy to be applied to the quartz workpiece and associates a desired temperature of the workpiece with a transit time for applying the energy. Heat loss can be accounted for and adjusted as part of the determined amount of energy.

Abstract: A system for reducing steering nibble and other vibrations in a power-assisted steering system increases the amount of damping force when a power steering boost system is applying little or no steering force to the steering actuator, and reduces the amount of damping force when the power boost system is applying significant steering force to the steering actuator. A damping member is formed of a polymer material and is urged into contact with the steering actuator by a spring-biased clamping member. A shuttle valve regulates pressure from the hydraulic steering boost system to overcome the spring biasing force whenever hydraulic pressure is applied to the steering actuator. The preload of the spring biasing mechanism is varied by an electronic control unit that receives inputs from a driver-activated switch, and from vehicle condition sensors to allow automatic, adaptive adjustment of the damping to optimize driving comfort and safety.