Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle ensures the best possible utilization of onboard energy resources for different operating conditions of the vehicle. The control system utilizes a strategy modified in real time depending on the input from sensors measuring vehicle speed, the current and voltage levels at different locations in the system. The vehicle has an auxiliary power unit, at least one energy storage device and at least one electric drive motor for traction. The vehicle has a high load driving condition, a low load driving condition and a regenerative braking condition. A voltage control sets system voltage to a charging voltage in the low load condition and regenerative braking condition, and sets system voltage to an output voltage from the energy storage device for the high load condition.

Abstract: A zero insertion force socket for integrated circuits having a contact pattern formed on the upper surface of a resilient circuit on which an integrated circuit is adapted to be placed with its leads in contact with the contact pattern. A plurality of frames having different sized cutouts conforming to the shape of integrated circuit cases of different sizes are used to position integrated circuits having cases of different sizes at predetermined locations on the contact pattern. The positioning frames are pivotally mounted on a common pin, and they nest together so that at least some of the positioning frames fit within the rectangular cutout of the next larger positioning frame. In order to bias the integrated circuit into the resilient circuit, a lid having a plunger is positioned over the integrated circuit. The plunder contacts the upper surface of the integrated circuit case to force it against the resilient circuit either with a constant force or a constant displacement.

Abstract: A circuit for signaling when an electrical component is consuming excessive power and for protecting the electrical component from the excessive power. The electrical component is connected to a circuit which supplies and measures the current through and measures the voltage drop across the component. The circuit produces a comparison voltage that represents the sum of the current through and voltage across the component, as normalized according to the maximum current and voltage that are expected to be used by the component. The sum of the values of the current and voltage is an approximation to the power consumed by the electrical component. The comparison voltage is compared to a threshold voltage that represents an approximate maximum power level to be sustained by the component. If the first voltage exceeds the threshold voltage, the comparator produces an overpower signal that can be used to cause the current supply to the electrical component to be interrupted.