Abstract: A luminous flux collector comprises a housing, a wide-angle light capturing device and an optical collimating device, arranged around a longitudinal axis. The housing surrounds and protects the wide-angle light capturing device and the optical collimating device. The housing also provides structural support to hold the other elements in position. The wide-angle light capturing device can include a receptacle for receiving a light source, and the wide-angle light capturing device collects light with a spread angle of at least 120 degrees from the light source. The wide-angle light capturing device is disposed within a proximal end of the housing along the longitudinal axis. The optical collimating device extends from the wide-angle light capturing device to a distal end of the housing along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An integrated lighting insert is provided for multi-function automotive vehicle lighting that has minimal space requirements and provides different lighting functions in a single device with an electronic control module that can easily interface with vehicle electronics. The insert is a housing and a plurality of light transmission portions, a plurality of light sources integrated into the housing, each one configured for a different predetermined function associated with a particular use of, a condition of, or a state of the automobile. An electrical circuit is used along with a communications bus and individual controller circuits associated with the light sources for controlling the light functions.

Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) circuit is disclosed haying a plurality of LEDs each having a respective current path. A controller may be included for controlling the LEDs. A first set of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs are connected to respective first set transistors and a first current sink to drive a constant current through each of the first set of LEDs and the first set of LEDs includes one or more LEDs, and the LED circuit may include at least one second set of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs that are connected such that the constant current in the first set of LEDs is duplicated. in the at least one second set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs includes one or more LEDs.

Abstract: A luminous flux collector comprises a housing, a wide-angle light capturing device and an optical collimating device, arranged around a longitudinal axis. The housing surrounds and protects the wide-angle light capturing device and the optical collimating device. The housing also provides structural support to hold the other elements in position. The wide-angle light capturing device can include a receptacle for receiving a light source, and the wide-angle light capturing device collects light with a spread angle of at least 120 degrees from the light source. The wide-angle light capturing device is disposed within a proximal end of the housing along the longitudinal axis. The optical collimating device extends from the wide-angle light capturing device to a distal end of the housing along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention comprises distribution point unit (DPU) including a host for a GPON ONU/ONT module, CPU system-on-chip (SoC) providing a DPU and traffic management, a reverse power harvester and a high speed electrical (HSE) module and the DPU receiving optical signals via the GPON ONU/ONT module and converting to electrical signals and the HSE module transmitting electrical signals via a twisted pair or coaxial cable to a customer premises equipment (CPE) within a home or building and the reverse power harvester receiving power from the HSE module and the GPON ONU/ONT and HSE modules are pluggably mateable to the DPU.

Abstract: An integrated lighting insert is provided for multi-function automotive vehicle lighting that has minimal space requirements and provides different lighting functions in a single device with an electronic control module that can easily interface with vehicle electronics. The insert a housing and a plurality of light transmission portions, a plurality of light sources integrated into the housing, each one configured for a different predetermined function associated with a particular use of a condition of or a state of the automobile. An electrical circuit is used along with a communications bus and individual controller circuits associated with the light sources fix controlling the light functions.

Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.

Abstract: A pluggable module comprising a housing having a first end and second end, an edge connector disposed at the first end, an F-type coaxial connector at the second end and a release lever including a stamped body that is symmetrical about a centerline bisecting the length of the body.

Abstract: A system and method are provided related to replacing components of a fully assembled torque sensor system having been previously calibrated, whereby the new system with its new components, which may be installed in a larger system, can be recalibrated at the location where the component replacement or servicing occurs. Individual components are provided with individual characteristics information, either on or associated with the shipped component, so the end user may retrieve the information and enter it in the software, such as that associated with a control unit, which is used with the fully assembled torque sensor. A database storing information about each manufactured component and their respective characteristics information, and fully assembled systems and their collective characteristics information, may be maintained and accessible by end users.

Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a modular double pin load sensor coupled to a hitch receiver. An example disclosed apparatus to be coupled to a receiver tube includes a crossbar interface to be coupled to a crossbar of a hitch, a pin adapter coupled to the crossbar interface, a first load-sensing pin disposed within the pin adapter, and a second load-sensing pin disposed within the pin adapter.

Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.

Abstract: A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.

Abstract: A locking bracket for a vehicle accessory that has a main portion and a secondary portion, the main portion is configured to position the vehicle accessory in an operating position and includes opposite first and second faces extending between opposite ends, a spring leaf extending from the first face, first and second ribs extending from the second face, the first and second ribs being spaced from one another and having cooperating geometry to provide force to the spring leaf, at least first and second hinges separated by a distance, the first rib being located between the first and second hinges, and a locking mechanism provided on at least one of the ends, the locking mechanism being configured to maintain the vehicle accessory in the operating position.

Abstract: A locking bracket for a vehicle accessory that has a main portion and a secondary portion, the main portion is configured to position the vehicle accessory in an operating position and includes opposite first and second faces extending between opposite ends, a spring leaf extending from the first face, first and second ribs extending from the second face, the first and second ribs being spaced from one another and having cooperating geometry to provide force to the spring leaf, at least first and second hinges separated by a distance, the first rib being located between the first and second hinges, and a locking mechanism provided on at least one of the ends, the locking mechanism being configured to maintain the vehicle accessory in the operating position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetoelastic hitch receiver force detection are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a chassis, a trailer hitch receiver configured to receive a trailer hitch arm along an axis, a first pin having a first magnetic field, the first pin disposed above and perpendicular to the axis, a second pin, the first pin and the second pin coupling the trailer hitch receiver to the chassis and a first sensor configured to detect changes in the first magnetic field.

Abstract: An active three-wire fluid level sensor employed in an application designed for a two-wire switch is disclosed. A fluid level sensor assembly includes a fluid level sensor including first, second, and third wires. The third wire carries an output signal configured to fluctuate between a low output signal level and a high output signal level. The fluid level sensor assembly also includes a supply modulation driver electrically connected to the third wire. The fluid level sensor, via the first, second, and third wires, is configured to serve as an input to a two-wire input electronic control unit (ECU). A method of operating a two-wire circuit function by supply modulation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for magnetizing a ferromagnetic element is disclosed. Electrodes are positioned on opposite surfaces of the ferromagnetic element and a current is applied to the electrodes, resulting in the formation of a magnetically conditioned region on the ferromagnetic element. Magnetic field sensors may be placed proximate the magnetically conditioned region. Output signals from the magnetic field sensors may be indicative of a load or torque applied to the ferromagnetic element.

Abstract: A washing device for a vehicle accessory that includes a washer housing with a ring portion and a fluid source attachment. The ring portion has a main opening for receiving a portion of the vehicle accessory, an attachment side configured for mounting the washer housing, a washing side configured to frame the vehicle accessory, and a transition portion between the ring portion and the fluid source attachment. A nozzle end of the fluid source attachment has at least one fluid channel defined by a nozzle protrusion on the nozzle end. The fluid channel is configured to discharge the fluid to the washing side for cleaning the vehicle accessory by creating a plurality of fluid flow pathways of the fluid between the nozzle end and the transition portion, wherein the plurality fluid flow pathways interact with one another to form at least one vortex in the flow of the fluid.