Abstract: An LED lighting device comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED) and a power supply that receives alternating-current (AC) power from an input node and provides rectified direct-current (DC) power to the LEDs. The LED lighting device further comprises a capacitive power-factor compensation means and a bridge rectifier, wherein the capacitive power-factor compensation means is electrically downstream from the input node and electrically upstream from the bridge rectifier, and wherein the bridge rectifier is electrically downstream from the capacitive power-factor compensator means and electrically upstream from the LEDs; and a heat sink that contains said power supply, wherein said heat sink comprises a plurality of carriers, on which the LEDs are mounted. The LED lighting device does not include an electronic module that performs digital computation of software.

Abstract: An active front steering system includes a motor controller configured to compute a position error from a commanded position value and an actual position value, and then enter one of two modes—a commutation enable mode and a commutation freeze mode—depending upon the value of this position error. The commutation freeze mode applies when the absolute value of the position error is less than a predetermined threshold, and involves sending a set of signals to the motor's phase inputs such that commutation of the motor is prevented and a substantially constant motor hold torque is produced. The commutation enable mode applies when the absolute value of the position error is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, and corresponds to normal commutating operating mode.

Abstract: An active front steering system includes a motor controller configured to compute a position error from a commanded position value and an actual position value, and then enter one of two modes—a commutation enable mode and a commutation freeze mode—depending upon the value of this position error. The commutation freeze mode applies when the absolute value of the position error is less than a predetermined threshold, and involves sending a set of signals to the motor's phase inputs such that commutation of the motor is prevented and a substantially constant motor hold torque is produced. The commutation enable mode applies when the absolute value of the position error is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, and corresponds to normal commutating operating mode.

Abstract: The invention describes a sensor mechanism for measuring hitch articulation angle. A configuration of the contact face between hitch ball and receiver eliminates the effect of the unwanted trailer motions, such as roll and pitch while accurately registering trailer yaw motion. Also, there is no yaw slippage at the contact that was a major problem during the successive acceleration and brake maneuvers. With the freely rotating ball and shaft, the angle is measured using an angle sensor, such as an optical encoder, potentiometer, or other means. For the case of a relative angle sensor, automatic zero angle calibration can be used to allow an absolute angle measurement.

Abstract: A protector for a remote keyless entry device includes a hollow enclosure constructed with a flexible, resilient but pliable material such as rubber allowing the device to tightly encapsulate varying size keyless entry devices. The enclosure includes four edges, a top surface and a bottom surface. An opening is disposed on one of the edges and is in communication with an interior chamber that receives the keyless entry device. The opening may include an elastomeric continuous band allowing the opening to expand and contract. Alternatively, the size of the opening may be fixed and can be covered with a tab that attaches to the enclosure with hook and loop fasteners, snaps and similar means. The enclosure may include a peripheral zipper in lieu of the expandable opening allowing the enclosure to open and close in a clamshell type fashion.

Abstract: The invention describes a sensor mechanism for measuring hitch articulation angle. A configuration of the contact face between hitch ball and receiver eliminates the effect of the unwanted trailer motions, such as roll and pitch while accurately registering trailer yaw motion. Also, there is no yaw slippage at the contact that was a major problem during the successive acceleration and brake maneuvers. With the freely rotating ball and shaft, the angle is measured using an angle sensor, such as an optical encoder, potentiometer, or other means. For the case of a relative angle sensor, automatic zero angle calibration can be used to allow an absolute angle measurement.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system sequentially monitors a plurality of conditions of vehicle sensors for oil, water, air pressures, temperatures and the like. The system includes sequencing means for sequentially sampling data from each of the plurality of sensors and comparing the sensed data with programmed stored parameter limits representative of fault conditions for each parameter sensed. The system includes means for selecting an individual parameter for continuous display and an override circuit for displaying a nonselected parameter if it reaches a programmed limit. Also, a plurality of operator display select switches are provided and are illuminated such that in the event a detected parameter reaches a stored limit, the select switch associated with that parameter flashes in different colors indicating a warning or an alarm fault condition.