Abstract: A method of controlling a surge brake mechanism and all lights on a trailer connected to a vehicle that can submerse the trailer to deploy a boat into water. The method generally includes monitoring the vehicle for vehicle conditions that include at least a speed of the vehicle and a direction in which the vehicle is moving. The method waits for user input from within a passenger compartment of the vehicle that is indicative of a desire to disable all of the lights and the surge brake mechanism on the trailer. The method determines a boat launch condition exists when at least one enabling input is detected and determines the boat launch condition does not exist when any disabling input is detected. The method disables the surge brake mechanism and all of the lights on the trailer, when the boat launch condition exists and enables the surge brake mechanism and all of the lights on the trailer, when the boat launch condition does not exist.

Abstract: A current control system for an electrical connection device generally includes a first output having a first current rating and a second output having a second current rating. A transistor provides current to the first output and the second output. A sensor is electrically disposed between the transistor and the second output and generates a sensor signal based on a flow of current to the second output. A current control module receives the sensor signal and controls the transistor to provide current based on one of the first and the second current rating.

Abstract: A lever is attached to a power distribution module by a bracket. The lever has cam elements positioned over a conductor connected to the power distribution system within the module. The cam elements each have a rounded surface and an adjacent flat surface. The conductor is bowed away from a nonconductive supporting surface of the module. A locating pin extends from the nonconductive surface near the conductor. An eyelet terminal on the end of a power supply cable from a battery or alternator is placed over the locating pin to properly position the terminal between the cam elements and the bowed conductor. The lever is operated to rotate the cam elements. The rounded surfaces press the terminal down upon the bowed conductor, deflecting the conductor until the flat surfaces of the cam elements move into contact with the terminal and hold the lever in position. A secondary, releasable latch on the module secures the lever in a position fully connecting the terminal to the conductor.

Abstract: A circuit for actuating an ABS solenoid valve coil with a pulse width modulated voltage having a constant frequency and variable duty cycle. The coil current is a function of the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated voltage. By controlling the duty cycle, current saturation of the coil can be avoided to provide for a faster response upon deactuation of the coil. Feedback is included in the circuit to verify correct functioning of electrical components.

Abstract: A driver circuit for supplying an electric current to a device having a pair of power FET's connected in series between the device and a power supply.

Abstract: A fully automatic personal security system which combines the advantages of worldwide LORAN-C or GPS navigation with the substantially worldwide communication capabilities of a cellular telephone or communication satellite. The security system comprises a mobile unit which communicates emergency data including position coordinates, and a central dispatch station which receives the emergency data and accurately displays all necessary emergency information superposed on a digitized map at a position corresponding to the location of the mobile unit.