Abstract: A powdered metal electromagnetic is provided that has much less variance between units, increased frictional drag, reduced wear of itself and the brake drum disk during use and an increased resistance to moisture due to the use of a donor material that increases performance and reliability. In addition it can withstand much higher surface speeds while producing higher frictional drag.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for automated operation of the brakes on a towed vehicle, in particular the conventional hydraulic brakes on an automotive vehicle, by controlled actuation of its own brake pedal or other such conventional operating component which is normally manipulated by the operator of the vehicle. The preferred embodiment of the system utilizes a power-actuated tension member such as a cable which is attachable to the towed vehicle brake pedal to pull it downward and thus apply the vehicle brakes in controlled response to commands from a controller mountable at a remote location such as on the towing vehicle, and the controller preferably includes, and operates in response to, an inertia sensor and related system which monitors deceleration of the towing vehicle caused by application of its brakes etc., as well as a manual control for selective optional braking of the towed vehicle by the tow vehicle driver at any desired time.

Abstract: An electrical charging circuit for applying a controlled charge to a receiving device, such as a battery, and particularly such as a battery carried on a towed vehicle such as a trailer for actuating the trailer brakes during emergency situations such as unexpected disconnection from the towing vehicle, i.e., break-away. In a basic sense, the charging circuit includes a voltage potential-responsive element or component for sensing the charged level of the receiving device coupled to the circuit and enabling or disabling the circuit charging operation, together with a variable-conductance circuit component for producing a generally constant charging voltage output to the receiving device over a wide range of applied voltages but also operable to provide a first amount of current flow to the receiving device at a given applied voltage and temperature but a second a limited amount of current flow when the voltage across the charging circuit is sufficiently large.

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: An electronic brake controller for controlling the brakes of a towed vehicle in response to commands from the towing vehicle. The controller implements a microcontroller (10) that works in conjunction with analog circuit technology.

Abstract: An environmentally protected, substantially sealed connector for attachment to a cable having a plurality of electrical conductors which are terminated at an end thereof with a contact, including a housing having a floor with a plurality of apertures therethrough arranged in a predetermined pattern and a backshell extending from the floor of the housing and encompassing the extended axes of the apertures, the backshell having at least one bead portion protruding from an outer surface of the outer backshell and extending at least partially around the backshell. A plurality of electrical contacts are disposed within the housing, each of the electrical contacts having a portion extending through one of the apertures and adapted to mate with one of the contact-terminated electrical conductors. Each of the electrical contacts has a locking member for retaining the associated contact in a fixed relationship to the floor.

Abstract: A light fixture with an actuator retained switch particularly adapted for surface mounting to a variety of supporting surfaces, e.g., the interior of a recreational vehicle, includes a housing, lens and mounting structure for suspending the switch within the housing. The mounting structure consists of a pair of mutually spaced internal walls which contain slots adapted to receive the edges of the switch. The switch is positioned between the two internal walls such that the operating member of the switch is in position to readily engage the switch actuator. Engagement of the switch operator and actuator serves to lock them together and retain both upon the housing. To operate the switch, the user manipulates the actuator, which is locked to the operating member of the switch, by sliding the actuator from side-to-side.

Abstract: A surface-mounted light fixture having a housing adapted to receive and retain the main operating components by a snap-in connection, without using mechanical fasteners. In one embodiment, the operating components so mounted include a mounting bracket for a light-emitting element, e.g., a light bulb, a reflective plate for dispersing light generated by the light-emitting element, a switch for activating the light-emitting element and a lens for covering the same. The housing is molded from a polymeric material so that it may be conveniently mounted to a target surface, preferably the interior of a recreational vehicle. Integral with the housing, are a plurality of resilient and rigid tabs which provide the snap-in mounts, for efficient assembly along a high-volume assembly line. Even though separate fasteners are not required, the integrity of the mechanical connections between the components of the light fixture is high, thus minimizing rattling when used in a vibrating environment.

Abstract: A vehicle brake controller includes a variable pulse-width modulator operating at a constant frequency and with a variable pulse width to provide control pulses to a MOSFET element which actuates vehicle braking. The controller further includes a visual indicator which displays different colors to representatively indicate the amount of current applied to the brakes, and also to indicate whether an operable connection exists between the electronic controller and the vehicle brakes.