Abstract: A thermal management device for dissipating heat from an electrical component includes a volume of working fluid configured to change from a liquid state to a vapor state in response to being heated by the electrical component. The thermal management device also includes a working fluid chamber configured to move the working fluid. The working fluid chamber includes an impermeable outer portion and a porous inner portion integrally formed with and connected to the impermeable outer portion. The inner portion is configured to move the working fluid when in the liquid state toward the electrical component. The impermeable outer portion is made of a first material and the porous inner portion is made of a second material. The first material is different from the second material.

Abstract: A thermal management device for dissipating heat from an electrical component includes a volume of working fluid configured to change from a liquid state to a vapor state in response to being heated by the electrical component. The thermal management device also includes a working fluid chamber configured to move the working fluid. The working fluid chamber includes an impermeable outer portion and a porous inner portion integrally formed with and connected to the impermeable outer portion. The inner portion is configured to move the working fluid when in the liquid state toward the electrical component. The impermeable outer portion is made of a first material and the porous inner portion is made of a second material. The first material is different from the second material.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating a characteristic of a surface of a road on which a vehicle is travelling is provided. The system comprises a sensor and a processor. The sensor is configured to measure information pertaining to a wheel slip for one or more wheels of the vehicle after a torque is applied. The processor is coupled to the sensor, and is configured to at least facilitate applying the torque for the one or more wheels of the vehicle, and estimating the characteristic of the surface of the road based at least in part on the wheel slip after the torque is applied and the torque.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating a characteristic of a surface of a road on which a vehicle is travelling is provided. The system comprises a sensor and a processor. The sensor is configured to measure information pertaining to a wheel slip for one or more wheels of the vehicle after a torque is applied. The processor is coupled to the sensor, and is configured to at least facilitate applying the torque for the one or more wheels of the vehicle, and estimating the characteristic of the surface of the road based at least in part on the on the wheel slip after the torque is applied and the torque.

Abstract: A universal control unit for driving a brushed or a brushless DC motor, such as the type commonly employed in a vehicle fuel pump or other vehicle application. According to exemplary embodiments, a universal control unit includes a processing device and an output stage, and is connected to either a brushed or a brushless DC motor in a manner that accommodates the two different motor types so that a common or universal controller can be used.

Abstract: A universal control unit for driving a brushed or a brushless DC motor, such as the type commonly employed in a vehicle fuel pump or other vehicle application. According to exemplary embodiments, a universal control unit includes a processing device and an output stage, and is connected to either a brushed or a brushless DC motor in a manner that accommodates the two different motor types so that a common or universal controller can be used.

Abstract: A sequential seal for use with a roll-up door positioned in a truck or van body and which indicates the number of times that the door has been moved from its closed position towards its open position. A sequential counter is mounted in the door and is actuated each time the door is moved from its closed position towards its open position.