Abstract: An integrated active headrest/lumbar seating system 22 includes an active headrest system 10 supported within a seat frame 12 of a vehicle. The active headrest system 10 includes an energy transfer mechanism 14 that connects the headrest 16 to the lumbar support 18. The lumbar support 18 is operated by an actuator 20. The energy transfer mechanism 14 includes a pair of linkages 26, a pair of side bars 30 and a cross bar 34. The linkages 25 connect to the headrest 16 and the pair of side bars 30 extend from the pair of linkages 26 along the side rails 32 of the seat frame 12 to the crossbar 34. The crossbar 34 connects the pair of side bars 30 and is situated at the middle section 40 of the lumbar support 18. The lumbar support 18 can fit between the side bars 30.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed an electrochemical energy storage device, such as a cell or a battery, that includes segmented stackable bus bars for stacking electrodes, the bus bar segments extending a substantial length of an edge of the electrodes to provide proper inter-electrode spacing, substantially uniform electrochemical potential and current density between electrodes, efficient internal heat dissipation and desired electrode structural rigidity, and, optionally, a compression member, separate from the case, to compress the stacked electrodes.

Abstract: A configurable vehicle seat having at least two configurations is disclosed. The configurable vehicle seat has a seat base, a seat bottom supported by the seat base, and a seat back coupled to the seat base. The seat back or seat bottom has one or more adjustable profile members, wherein the adjustable profile members may be adjusted such that the seat is adjusted from at least a first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for providing a riser tube and a riser cap, which when operatively coupled, involve all fasteners providing the coupling to be only visible from an underside of the riser tube.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems for prolonging battery life, such as maintaining battery cell temperatures in battery packs within specified limits, providing vibration and shock resistance, and/or electrically isolating groups of batteries from nearby conductive surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the termination of the occurrence of wheel slip/skid and prediction and prevention of the onset of wheel slip/skid in a locomotive. In one configuration, a lookup table of adhesion factors is used to predict the occurrence of wheel slip/skid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a locomotive comprising energy storage units, such as batteries, a prime energy source, such as a diesel engine, and an energy conversion device, such as a generator. The locomotive comprises one or more of the following features: a separate chopper circuit for each traction motor; energy storage units that can be switched from parallel to series electrical connections, an fluid-activated anti-lock brake system, a controller operable to control separately and independently each axle/traction motor, and a controller operable to control automatically a speed of the locomotive. The present invention includes an integrated system for monitoring, controlling and optimizing an electrically powered locomotive using a combination of sensors and software to provide feedback that optimizes power train efficiency and individual drive axle performance for a locomotive that utilizes one of several possible electrical energy storage systems to provide the tractive power.

Abstract: A plumbing system operable to automatically introduce antifreeze into the hot and cold water systems responsive to a signal from a controller. The controller activates the system automatically at a predetermined ambient temperature. The system can also be reconfigured manually.

Abstract: An enclosure (10) includes a door (12) having a window panel (20) extending from a top edge to a bottom edge. The door (12) includes venting members (26) having vents formed therein extending substantially along either lateral edge of the window panel (20). A spaced apart inner portion (60) provides a vertical conduit for improved circulation. The window panel (20) attaches with adhesive (50) on engagement surfaces (32, 34 and 36) as well as a mechanical connection through threaded members (44).

Abstract: The present invention is a mounting clip system that is operable to mount two foreign surfaces to one another. The mounting clip system includes a cylindrical member with a first and second end with the first end adapted for mounting the cylindrical member to a foreign surface and the second end adapted for engaging the housing; this housing has a mounting surface, a slot formed therethrough and an aperture located in opposing arrangement to the mounting surface; and a retaining pin adapted to attach to the housing through the slot formed therein and releasably attached to the cylindrical member when the cylindrical member is inserted into the aperture of the housing.

Abstract: A hinge includes a first leaf member with a pair of knuckles receiving a hinge pin therethrough. The knuckles include a retainer member which extends into the path of the pin. Annular grooves formed in the pin receive the retainer member to keep the pin from easily sliding in and out of the hinge. One of the grooves includes a straight side and a tapered side while the second groove includes a pair of tapered sides for allowing the retainer member to slide over the second groove but not over the first groove. In this manner, the pin may not be forced beyond the retainer member and is held in place even when pulled out of the first knuckle for removing secondly.

Abstract: A locking handle for an access door includes a housing with a cam rotatably mounted within the housing. The cam is connected to a locking pin for the pin to move transversely in response to rotational movement of the cam. A locking bar is slidably received on the housing and moved to a locked position to prevent rotation of the cam.

Abstract: A latch system which includes a latch bar slidable up and down on an interior of an enclosure door. The latch system has a rack member mounted on the latch bar extending through an orifice in the door to engage an actuator on the exterior of the door. The latch bar has glides and retainer clips mounted to the latch bar for positioning the bar relative to the door. The door may include a gasket for sealing an enclosure, with the latch bar mounting outside of the sealed area. Retainer fingers include a roller which engage a latch catch mounted to the enclosure frame. The finger members and the rack members are reversible for mounting in either direction so that the door may be reversed at any time. The latch catches are configured for receiving a finger member at either end for engagement of the door.

Abstract: A quarter turn latch (10) includes a latching member (12) connecting to an actuating member (14). The latching member (12) and actuating member (14) snap together from opposite sides of a mounting surface member (100). The latching member (12) includes a cam member (20) for engaging the complimentary latch member (102) to retain it against the mounting surface member (100). The mounting surface has a depressed portion (16) with an orifice (18) formed therein. The orifice has opposed straight sides (70) and rounded end portions (72). The actuating member includes a barrel shaped body (24) having opposed rounded larger radius corner portions (32) and opposed squared corner portions (34). The actuating member provides for rotation along the rounded portions (32) against the end portion (72) and straight side (70) while the squared portions (34) engage the straight side portion (70) to limit rotation to one quarter turn.

Abstract: A latch for securing a cover or door to an enclosure provides a dust and water tight seal. The latch has a housing in which an activator is rotatably mounted. The latch housing has a depression formed in one of its surfaces. A gasket is designed to fin in the depression providing a seal between the activator and the housing. In the preferred embodiment the latch is a quarter-turn latch. The rotation of the latch is limited between a locked and unlocked position substantially 90.degree. apart.