Abstract: A master lighting fixture and a satellite lighting fixture can each include an LED board including multiple LEDs that can emit visible light. A power supply and a LED regulator can be connected to the LED board in the master lighting fixture to provide power to operate the LED board. The LED board in the master lighting fixture can be connected to the LED board in the satellite lighting fixture to form a circuit to allow the power provided by the LED driver to be transmitted to the LED board in the satellite lighting fixture. A defect in the LED board in the master lighting fixture or the satellite lighting fixture can open the circuit, which can prevent power from being transmitted through the LED boards to enhance the performance of LEDs in the LED boards or reduce a risk of damage that can be caused by the LED boards.

Abstract: The described invention provides a method of and circuitry for driving three or more groups of light emitting diodes (LEDs) using time division multiplexing, whereby a periodic signal is divided among groups of LEDs, each with a different color or color temperature. The LEDs may be driven to produce colors along a desired path of values. Other qualities of light besides color or color temperature may be similarly controlled along a path of values. In some implementations, the system may receive an oscillating signal, which may be used as a periodic signal for comparison with the control signal, and one or more offset voltages, each of which may be combined with the oscillating signal to provide a second oscillating signal. The control signal may be compared to both of the oscillating signals to determine if a particular LED group may be powered.

Abstract: An arrangement for the air distribution of an air conditioning system (1) of a motor vehicle. The air conditioning system (1) is configured with a housing (2) with at least two flow paths (6, 7), which empty into a mixing chamber (8), and at least one air outlet (3a, 3b, 3c) as well as an air flap (10, 11, 12) which can open and close the at least one air outlet (3a, 3b, 3c). The arrangement has a device (18) for air mixing with at least one air resistance element (21), which is supported so that it can turn about an axis of rotation (20) and which extends in the direction of the axis of rotation (20).The air resistance element (21) is configured with at least one flow through opening, so that depending on the position of the device (18) a cross section of at least one flow path (6, 7) of the housing (2) can be changed.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the operation of a cooling system and AC system for an engine, without sacrificing engine performance is disclosed. The system includes a cooling module positioned within an engine compartment of the vehicle, a cooling fan mounted in front of the cooling module, and a control strategy for controlling operation of the cooling fan based on engine conditions. The system includes incorporating at least one sensor, include a pressure sensor installed within the high pressure side of the AC system. The method includes providing an AC system having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, providing at least one sensor on the high pressure side for producing an electrical signal in response to an operating condition, determining which sensor has a highest electrical signal value for controlling the speed of the fan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle air conditioning system having a plurality of control dampers, the control dampers being designed as at least one cold air damper and at least one warm air damper for controlling a cold air path and a warm air path, which system is characterized in that a passage for a partial air flow can be formed between the control dampers depending on the damper position, and in that the passage forms additional air flow resistance for the cold air flow, thereby increasing the linearity of flow control of the cold air flow and the warm air flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air deflector device for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle. The air deflector device has at least one closure element and at least one air mixing element. The closure element and the air mixing element have a common rotational axis in the air deflector device. The closure element extends in the direction of the rotational axis across the entire depth of a cross-section of a flow passage to be closed off in the air conditioning system, and comprises retaining elements. The air mixing element, which extends in the direction of the rotational axis, is embodied according to the invention with cross-flow openings, so that a cross-section of at least one flow passage of the air conditioning system can be adjusted based on the position of the air deflector device.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the engine braking capacity for a vehicle is disclosed. The system and method include providing a compression release braking system, providing an energy drawing component for increasing power draw on the vehicle engine, and, increasing the engine braking capability by synchronizing operation of the energy drawing component with operation of the compression release braking system. The energy drawing component includes a hydraulic fan, which is part of the cooling system of the vehicle. Increasing the speed of the fan draws energy from the engine, which in turn, increases the braking capability of the engine.

Abstract: An auxiliary electrical power system for a motor vehicle is described. Generally speaking, the system includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor and an auxiliary alternator. The pump is coupled to and driven by the vehicle engine mounted within the engine compartment of the vehicle, and the pump operates to pump fluid at a pressure. The hydraulic motor is operatively coupled to the hydraulic pump and turns a gear coupled to the motor. The alternator has a gear coupled by a belt to the gear of the hydraulic motor. the auxiliary alternator is positioned outside the vehicle engine compartment to conserve space for other critical engine components. Further, the hydraulic pump may be coupled to the engine power-take-off shaft. The motor gear to alternator gear ratio is about 1:4 to allow charging even at low engine idle.

Abstract: Board level conditions associated with the operation of multiple LEDs are sensed and used to control a driver that powers the LEDs. The driver is controlled via a 0-10V control interface. The board-level conditions include, but are not limited to, temperature, ambient light, light intensity, operating time, time of day, current, and voltage. An on-board intelligent (OBI) controller processes the 0-10V control signal before it is provided to the driver to better control the LEDs. In some systems the OBI controller works in conjunction with a separate 0-10V controller that controls one or more luminaires.

Abstract: Board level conditions associated with the operation of multiple LEDs are sensed and used to control a driver that powers the LEDs. The driver is controlled via a 0-10V control interface. The board-level conditions include, but are not limited to, temperature, ambient light, light intensity, operating time, time of day, current, and voltage. An on-board intelligent (OBI) controller processes the 0-10V control signal before it is provided to the driver to better control the LEDs. In some systems the OBI controller works in conjunction with a separate 0-10V controller that controls one or more luminaires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emergency lighting system comprising one or more first lighting elements and a power supply/charging unit that is incorporated in a host lighting fixture having one or more second lighting elements such as an HID, incandescent or fluorescent lamp. Optionally, a heating element can be provided that allows operation of the system in temperatures too low for operation of conventional emergency lighting systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emergency lighting system comprising one or more first lighting elements and a power supply/charging unit that is incorporated in a host lighting fixture having one or more second lighting elements such as an HID, incandescent or fluorescent lamp. Optionally, a heating element can be provided that allows operation of the system in temperatures too low for operation of conventional emergency lighting systems.

Abstract: Emergency ballasts for powering fluorescent lights during power outages that have a reduced profile and do not require a bulky wiring tail. The emergency ballasts may include an external header that is associated with the internal circuitry of the ballast. A connector associated with the wiring of the other lighting fixture components may be inserted into or otherwise connected to the emergency ballast's header.

Abstract: A PUR circuit for generating a reset signal includes a first node for receiving a reference voltage and a second node for receiving a supply voltage that is referenced with respect to the reference voltage. The circuit further includes a voltage level detector coupled between the first node and a third node, the voltage level detector being configured to generate a first control signal at the third node. The voltage level detector includes a first transistor having a first threshold voltage associated therewith. A resistance element is coupled between the second node and the third node, the resistance element having a first resistance value associated therewith. The circuit also includes an inverter having an input coupled to the third node and having an output for generating a second control signal in response to the first control signal. The inverter includes a second transistor having a second threshold voltage associated therewith which is lower than the first threshold voltage.

Abstract: A voltage level translator circuit for translating an input signal referenced to a first voltage level to an output signal referenced to a second voltage level includes an input stage for receiving the input signal. The input stage includes at least one transistor device having a first threshold voltage associated therewith. The voltage level translator circuit further includes a latch circuit operative to store a signal representative of a logical state of the input signal. The latch circuit includes at least one transistor device having a second threshold voltage associated therewith, the second threshold voltage being greater than the first threshold voltage. A voltage clamp is operatively connected between the input stage and the latch circuit, the voltage clamp being configured to limit a voltage across the input stage based, at least in part, on a control signal presented thereto.

Abstract: A modular self-diagnostic assembly for controlling diagnostic, charge and transfer functions necessary to operation of fluorescent emergency lighting packs also referred to as inverters or fluorescent battery packs used particularly in emergency lighting systems such as are configured for operation with fluorescent lighting fixtures and the like. Self-test/self-diagnostic circuitry contained within a module separate from an emergency lighting pack functions as an add-on accessory to existing emergency lighting packs without need for modification of structure or circuitry of the lighting pack. The self-diagnostic module of the invention connects electrically and mechanically to the lighting pack through appropriate leads terminated by an appropriate header and further connects mechanically and electrically to a test switch module through appropriate leads terminated by an appropriate header.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and circuit for controlling the flow of current through a load. In a preferred embodiment, an oscillator generates a pulse signal of constant frequency. A pulse width modulator adjusts the duty cycle of the pulse signal in response to a dimming level signal input indicative of the desired level of current flow through the load. A converter receives the pulse signal as an input and converts it into an AC signal, the frequency of which follows the frequency of the pulse signal and the symmetry of which varies with the duty cycle of the pulse signal. The load is connected into a resonant circuit tuned such that a change in the symmetry of the AC signal changes the level of current flowing through the load.

Abstract: A start-up delay circuit for an electronic ballast for "instant-start" type fluorescent lamps of the type having an electronic converter powered by an active electronic preregulator. The converter is an inductive-capacitive parallel-resonant push-pull circuit or other type of current-fed power-resonant circuit. The preregulator may be a boost-type. The start-up circuit may be either a resistor and zener diode or resistor, capacitor and diac network or programmable unijunction transistor circuit connected between the preregulator output and an oscillation-enabling input of the converter.