Abstract: A medium voltage power converter is provided that has an input transformer adapted to connect to a multi-phase power source, multiple low voltage drives each coupled to a respective set of secondary windings of the input transformer and operatively configured to provide a corresponding set of three-phase power outputs, and an output transformer. The output transformer has multiple input primary winding circuits each operatively coupled to the three-phase power outputs of a respective one of the drives, a plurality of output secondary winding circuits each disposed in relation to a respective input primary winding circuit, and a secondary winding connection arrangement in which each output secondary winding circuit has three secondary windings each of which is connected in series or in parallel with each other secondary winding of each other output secondary winding circuit to form a respective one of three phase-shifted outputs of the secondary winding connection arrangement.

Abstract: A method of clearing an HVAC control fault code memory is disclosed. The method includes assigning a predetermined reset code to an HVAC control system, the predetermined reset code comprising a plurality of control signals receivable by the HVAC control system, detecting control signals at the HVAC control system, determining whether the detected HVAC control input signals match the predetermined reset code and clearing a fault code memory of the HVAC control system in response to control signals matching the predetermined reset code.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the performance of a control system using a computerized device includes calculating a ratio of a first area and a second area associated with a peak value of a signal associated with the control system, comparing the ratio with a predetermined value for the ratio, determining a cause of oscillation in the control system based on the comparison of the ratio with the predetermined value for the ratio, and providing a diagnosis of the cause of oscillation in the control system.

Abstract: A step voltage controlling device and method for High Intensity Discharge (HID) light dimming applications includes an autotransformer, voltage sensing block, current sensing block, pulse forming block, microprocessor control unit (MCU) block and plural three switch blocks which allows an instantaneous variation of the voltage applied to the load which is controlled to be synchronized with the load current zero crossing point.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the performance of a control system using an electronic device having state machine logic. The state machine logic includes determining a first logic state representative of a first condition of the control system based on data received from the control system. The state machine logic also includes executing a first testing function and transitioning to a second logic state representative of a second condition of the control system based on at least one of the received data and output from the first testing function. The state machine logic further includes executing a second testing function and providing a diagnosis of the performance of the control system based on the output of at least one of the first testing function and the second testing function.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a capacitance sensing apparatus equipped with self-calibrating capacity and method of use thereof. The disclosure contemplates the determination using a secondary means of precise fluid levels according to five possible embodiments, and the use of the determined fluid level to recalibrate the capacitance sensing apparatus along its continuous analog level, namely, a variation of the thickness of the insulation of a capacitance sensing apparatus, the variation of the surface geometry of the capacitance sensing apparatus, the use of a dual-probe sensor including a probe with a varied surface geometry, the use of an electromagnetic sensor adjoining the capacitance sensor, and the variation of the electromechanical sensor to serve as a capacitance sensing apparatus. The disclosure also contemplates methods for using the sensing apparatus previously disclosed to measure a fluid level using a self-calibrating capacitance sensing apparatus.

Abstract: A visor (20) has a visor core (30,140) with a channel (36,100) for receiving a polymeric slide (54,130) fixedly coupled to a visor pivot rod (22) via a detent spring (56,120) to allow the visor to be adjustably moved along and rotated around the pivot rod.

Abstract: An assist handle assembly for a vehicle includes a handle member coupled to a structural member of the vehicle, the handle member having a first end and a second end. Connecting structure is provided on at least one of the first end and the second end to receive at least one accessory. The assist handle assembly may also include a connecting member having a contact that is configured to provide a utility interface with the accessory.

Abstract: A point-of-interest display system includes an updateable database which interfaces with a microprocessor which receives data from a GPS receiver providing the system with current vehicle location and direction of travel information. A display provides the operator textural and elemental graphic display information, and easily accessible control switches allow the operator to select upcoming highway exits, categories of points of interest, and points of interest and display directions to a selected entry.

Abstract: A wireless communications system and method adapted for use in automotive applications for enabling automatic, high-speed, wireless voice and/or data communications link to be established between a wide variety of external devices and various electronic subsystems of a vehicle. The apparatus includes first and second RF transceivers which are operated in accordance with a communications specification to enable a seamless, automatic communications link to be created when the two RF transceivers come within a pre-determined proximity of one another, for example, within up to 100 meters of one another. Information from one device is then automatically transmitted over the wireless communications link to the other device.

Abstract: An ultra compact, easy to operate folding vehicle seat includes a seat back, seat base and support leg members and is movable between a stow position and a design position. The folding vehicle seat includes a folding mechanism having an upper member for connection to the seat back and a lower member for supporting the seat base; the upper and lower members of the folding mechanism include integrated teeth aligned in meshing relationship such that movement of the seat back causes the lower member to rotate and lift the seat base to move the folding vehicle seat to a design position. A pair of upper cams are provided for selective engagement with the upper member and a third cam tab of the lower member of the folding mechanism.

Abstract: A tool control system includes actuators to move the tool, a controller to permit either manual or automatic tool operation, and an output configured to display information pertaining to a position of the tool. In addition, the tool can be moved in either an independent or linked mode, the latter such that during tool operation, both sides of the tool can move substantially in unison with one another, or during system setup, detectors used to ensure coordination with of the tool to a known benchmark can move substantially in unison with one another. The controller can display either single or multiple numbers related to the tool position, and can accept either single or multiple user inputs to move the tool by a user-determined or system-determined amount.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for benchmarking energy performance in a building are provided. The method includes receiving utility use data for the building, receiving weather data for the building, and computing a best thermodynamic break-even temperature for the building based on the utility use data and the weather data.

Abstract: An electronic control system (24) for a vehicle seat is provided that includes a seat base (12), a seat back (14), an operator input device (30) and a control circuit (26). The seat base has a seat back motor (34) configured to move a seat base forward and backward. The seat back has a seat back motor (32) configured to adjust an angle of inclination of the seat back. The operator input (30) device is configured to received operator commands for movement of the vehicle seat. The control circuit is configured to receive the operator commands and to control the seat base motor and the seat back motor. The control circuit is also configured to move the seat base and the seat back at a ratio of approximately 1 degree of inclination to between approximately 1 mm to approximately 4 mm of forward or backward movement of the seat base.

Abstract: A head restraint assembly adapted for inwardly rotating between a substantially upright use position and a relatively retracted storage position is disclosed. According to one exemplary embodiment, the head restraint assembly is configured for use with a vehicle seat having a collapsible seat back for providing improved clearance as the seat back moves between a use position and a storage position. The head restraint assembly generally includes a support member having a first portion adapted for pivotally coupling to the seat back and a second portion that outwardly extends through an aperture defined by a top surface of the seat back for supporting a head supporting cushion. The first portion of the support member has a substantially curvilinear profile for allowing the required size of the aperture in the top surface of the seat back to be minimized in a longitudinal direction relative to the seat back.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for use by an occupant in a vehicle, for example an automobile. The vehicle seat comprises a seat base (12) coupled to a support structure (6) of the vehicle. A back frame (40) including side members (41, 43), the back frame further includes a second transverse member (46) coupled to the first and second side members, wherein the side members each have a lower end pivotably coupled to the seat base. A compliant back (60) is operably connected at an upper end to the second transverse member (46) and operably connected at a lower portion proximate the lower ends of the side members, and may include a biasing mechanism. The seat may also include a tuberosity pivot (54) coupled to the back frame (40) and the seat base (12), which pivot may be motorized.

Abstract: A ventilated seat assembly including a trim cover, an enclosed chamber, a spacer, and a cushion is disclosed. The enclosed chamber is formed by a top portion and an air-impermeable bottom portion and includes an opening for receiving air from an air mover. The top portion includes a plurality of holes configured to provide air movement through the chamber. The spacer is located within the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for operation of a multiple fuel engine, which runs on a combination of two or more fuels. An electronic control unit (ECU) may be connected to the existing components of an engine system in order to control operation of the multiple fuel engine. The engine system may be mechanically governed or electronically controlled. The ECU inputs operating characteristics of the engine system, determines governing characteristics for multiple fuel operation based on the operating characteristics, and controls the amounts of fuel delivered to the engine based on the governing characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, a dual fuel engine operates using diesel as a first fuel and natural gas as a second fuel. The operating characteristics may include engine speed, throttle position, engine exhaust temperature, gas pressure of the second fuel, gas temperature of the second fuel, boost pressure of an intake manifold, or engine coolant temperature.