Abstract: A utility panel system is provided for open office spaces, and the like. Each utility panel has a relatively thick, skeleton-like frame, with a foot and opposite sides shaped for interconnection with like panel frames to create a substantially freestanding utility panel system. Cover panels are detachably connected to the opposite faces of each panel frame to enclose the same, and provide ready access to the panel interior. Horizontal utility troughs extend continuously between the opposite sides of each panel frame in a vertically stacked relationship. The utility troughs have open ends located at the opposite panel sides, and are positioned such that when adjacent utility panels are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship, the utility troughs are aligned to form multiple raceways. Panel connectors are provided to connect the utility panels with one or more of a variety of existing partition panels, such that the utility panels act as a spine which supplies utilities to the existing partition panels.

Abstract: A pedestal seat assembly for supporting a boat seat thereon includes first and second self-biasing locking mechanisms for restricting rotational and longitudinal movement of the boat seat. A base is configured for mounting to a supporting surface and includes a mounting socket therein. A pedestal or extension has its lower end mounted within the socket of the base. The first self-biasing locking mechanism is mounted within the extension and releasably interconnects the extension and the base, such that the extension is restricted from rotational and longitudinal movement within the base. A seat mount has an upper portion configured to fixedly attach a seat thereto, and a lower portion configured to rotatably mount within the upper end of the extension. The lower end of the seat mount can alternatively be mounted within the socket of the base.

Abstract: A trailer hitch cover system for use with vehicle-mounted trailer towing hitches having a crossbar includes at least one cover segment adapted to at least partially cover the trailer hitch crossbar and includes an accessory mount. The system further includes means for securing the cover segment to the trailer hitch crossbar, and at least one accessory mountable on the accessory mount.

Abstract: A drive circuit for the interior, and one or more of the exterior, mirrors in a vehicle mirror system provides a drive signal to each of the mirrors to establish the reflectance level of that mirror. Circuit protection is provided to sense a fault condition on one of the electrical conductors extending to the exterior mirrors and to take corrective action in response to a fault condition. The circuit protection may also respond to a fault condition in the electrical supply of the drive circuit and take suitable corrective action. In certain embodiments, each mirror in the mirror system is responsive to one of a plurality of output amplifiers, which is responsive to a distinct desired reflectance signal level in order to color that mirror to a reflectance level that is distinct from that of the other mirrors.

Abstract: A dimming control circuit for use in an illuminated vanity mirror includes a surface formed variable resistor on a circuit board and wiper contacts engaging the resistor. One of the resistor or wiper contacts is movably mounted to a mirror frame with the other of the resistor or wiper contacts being stationary such that the resistance can be varied to control the light intensity.