Abstract: A communication circuit for use in a vehicle including a first electronic module adapted to be coupled to a power supply of the vehicle, a second electronic module, and an electrical conductor coupled between the first and second modules to provide a transmission path through which power may be supplied and through which bidirectional serial communication is enabled. The first module supplies power to the second module through the electrical conductor. The first and second modules transmit serial data to one another through the electrical conductor. The first and second modules may also transmit RF signals over the electrical conductor. The second module may be housed in an outside rearview mirror assembly while the first module may be disposed inside of the vehicle. Such a communication system allows independent control of multiple electrical components in the outside rearview mirror assembly over a single wire.

Abstract: An inventive rearview mirror assembly is disclosed in which a microwave antenna is mounted so as to receive transmissions from one or more satellites through the front windshield of the vehicle. The microwave antenna may be tuned to receive satellite transmissions from a position identification system constellation of satellites, such as GPS or GLONASS. Additionally, the microwave antenna may be tuned to alternatively or additionally receive transmissions from at least one communication satellite, such as a CD radio satellite. In addition to the inventive rearview mirror assembly, an inventive electrical control system is disclosed that may be used as a navigation system, an electrochromic rearview mirror control system, a head lamp control system, a tire pressure monitoring and display system, a temperature sensing and display system, a vehicle compass system, a vehicle data recorder system, and/or a vehicle odometer verification system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a hydraulically operated construction machine, having a plurality of tandem articulated members which are controlled in a manner that movement of one of the members is controlled in response to movement of another of the members, in order to move the members in a predetermined pattern. The members are controlled in response to the anticipated future movement of the another member. Anticipated future movement of the another member may be determined, for example, as a function of the present position and velocity of the another member and system delay in movement of the another member. Where the another member is controlled manually by an operator control lever coupled with a manual hydraulic control valve, anticipated future movement may be determined by monitoring actuation of the control lever.