Abstract: A method of transmitting data over a power line of a switch mode power supply system includes encoding a switch frequency of the switch mode power supply with the data. A ripple voltage is generated at the encoded switch frequency relative to a voltage generated by the switch mode power supply. The ripple voltage is conducted over the power line of the system. The ripple voltage is de-coupled from the power line and the data is decoded from the encoded switch frequency of the coupled ripple voltage.

Abstract: A precharge circuit (20, 20?, 20?) charges at least one capacitor (22, 22?, 22?) associated with an electrical device with high capacitance, such as a motor (14) which drives a compressor (16) of the pneumatic system. One end of the at least one capacitor is connected with a high voltage bus (10). The other end of the at least one capacitor is connected by at least one charge limiting resistor (24, 24?, 24?) with a low reference node. When the at least one capacitor is charged at least to a preselected level, a control circuit (28, 28?, 28?) controls a switch (26, 26?, 26?) to bypass the current limiting resistor. In this manner, the current limiting resistors limit the surge current to charge the capacitors. Once the capacitors are charged, the resistors and their associated heat dissipation are removed from the circuit and only ripple current from across the capacitors flows through the switch reducing a required current carrying capacity and needed heat sinking for the switch.

Abstract: A precharge circuit (20, 20?, 20?) charges at least one capacitor (22, 22?, 22?) associated with an electrical device with high capacitance, such as a motor (14) which drives a compressor (16) of the pneumatic system. One end of the at least one capacitor is connected with a high voltage bus (10). The other end of the at least one capacitor is connected by at least one charge limiting resistor (24, 24?, 24?) with a low reference node. When the at least one capacitor is charged at least to a preselected level, a control circuit (28, 28?, 28?) controls a switch (26, 26?, 26?) to bypass the current limiting resistor. In this manner, the current limiting resistors limit the surge current to charge the capacitors. Once the capacitors are charged, the resistors and their associated heat dissipation are removed from the circuit and only ripple current from across the capacitors flows through the switch reducing a required current carrying capacity and needed heat sinking for the switch.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data over a power line of a switch mode power supply system comprises the steps of: encoding a switch frequency of the switch mode power supply with the data; generating a ripple voltage at the encoded switch frequency by the switch mode power supply; conducting the generated ripple voltage over the power line of the system; coupling the ripple voltage from the power line; and decoding the data from the encoded switch frequency of the coupled ripple voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed are various systems and methods for processing and displaying video in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a vehicle video system is provided that comprises a plurality of cameras mounted in a vehicle, each of the cameras generating a video image, and the cameras including a plurality of visible light cameras and a plurality of night vision cameras. The vehicle video system also includes a video processing unit, where each of the cameras and each of the monitors are electrically coupled to the video processing unit. The video processing unit being configured to select at least two subsets of the cameras from which output video images are obtained for display on monitors.

Abstract: Disclosed are various systems and methods for processing and displaying video in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a vehicle video system is provided that comprises a plurality of cameras mounted in a vehicle, each of the cameras generating a video image, and the cameras including a plurality of visible light cameras and a plurality of night vision cameras. The vehicle video system also includes a video processing unit, where each of the cameras and each of the monitors are electrically coupled to the video processing unit. The video processing unit being configured to select at least two subsets of the cameras from which output video images are obtained for display on monitors.

Abstract: An electrical transient protection circuit in a vehicle includes an input connector, which receives an input voltage, a means for absorbing, which is electrically connected to the input connector, and a means for blocking, which is electrically connected to the input connector. At least one of the means for absorbing and the means for blocking conditions the input voltage by suppressing a voltage transient and producing a corresponding output voltage. The voltage transient is up to i) about 8 times the input voltage through a source impedance of about 0.4&OHgr; for about 0.5 seconds, ii) about 50 times the input voltage through a source impedance of about 20.0&OHgr; for about 1.0 millisecond, and iii) about 50 times a negative of the input voltage through a source impedance of about 20.0&OHgr; for about 1.0 millisecond. An output connector delivers the output voltage, which is about 110% of the input voltage, to an electrical component on the vehicle.

Abstract: An adaptable string detector for currency validators has an infrared emitting diode on one side of the note path and an infrared phototransistor on the other. The phototransistor is connected to a window comparator and to an EEPOT. The EEPOT establishes a quiescent value for the output of the phototransistor to lie within the window of the window comparator. If a string or other retrieving implement is attached to a piece of currency traveling along the note path, the output of the phototransistor falls outside of the window, signaling that the note is to be rejected and no goods, services, or change is exchanged therefor.

Abstract: A note acceptor security system includes a currency validator secured to a housing and a note stacker removably received thereby. The currency validator has an identification chip maintained in association therewith and having a fixed serial number. The currency validator also includes a microprocessor which controls the operation of the currency validator and maintains operational data respecting the same. The stacker has a memory chip which is urged into a grounded position which is removed when the stacker is placed into the note acceptor. A fixed probe within the note acceptor lifts the memory chip from ground and allows communication from the microprocessor and identification chip to the memory chip. When the stacker is full, it is removed from the note acceptor and, with the memory chip grounded, it is transported to a docking station where the memory chip is again probed and the data maintained therein is transferred to a personal computer for later use.

Abstract: A current boosted positive feedback logarithmic transresistance amplifier is provided for currency validators. The amplifier has a photo-diode capable of producing a current in response to light, connected to an operational amplifier having both a positive and a negative feedback branch. A logarithmic density amplifier having a feedback resistor and a log diode connected in shunt with the resistor as a dynamic feedback to the amplifier is connected to the positive feedback branch of the current boosting amplifier by way of the log diode. The summing action at the inputs of the current boosting amplifier result in a current at the log diode that is a direct multiple of the current in the photo-diode.