Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling charge levels of vehicle batteries. An example vehicle includes a battery, a battery sensor for detecting a current of the battery, a power connector for connecting to an external electrical device, a relay electrically connected between the power connection and the battery, and a body control module to position the relay in a closed state in response to determining that the current is greater than zero and the battery is not in an overcharge state.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling charge levels of vehicle batteries. An example vehicle includes a battery, a battery sensor for detecting a current of the battery, a power connector for connecting to an external electrical device, a relay electrically connected between the power connection and the battery, and a body control module to position the relay in a closed state in response to determining that the current is greater than zero and the battery is not in an overcharge state.

Abstract: An electronic control unit used in, e.g., a towing vehicle includes a processing device configured to determine an initial electrical load of a trailer system, detect changes in the electrical load, and generate an alarm signal if the electrical load is substantially different from the initial electrical load. A method includes determining an electrical load of a trailer system prior to arming a vehicle alarm system, detecting changes in the electrical load after arming the vehicle alarm system, and triggering the alarm system if the electrical load is substantially different from the electrical load determined prior to arming the vehicle alarm system.

Abstract: An electronic control unit used in, e.g., a towing vehicle includes a processing device configured to determine an initial electrical load of a trailer system, detect changes in the electrical load, and generate an alarm signal if the electrical load is substantially different from the initial electrical load. A method includes determining an electrical load of a trailer system prior to arming a vehicle alarm system, detecting changes in the electrical load after arming the vehicle alarm system, and triggering the alarm system if the electrical load is substantially different from the electrical load determined prior to arming the vehicle alarm system.

Abstract: A vehicle controller may be configured to detect a headlight condition wherein a headlight is off and an ambient light level is less than a predetermined threshold, and to reduce electrical power supplied to an electrically powered vehicle interior accessory device in response to detecting the headlight condition to inform a driver that the headlight is off.

Abstract: A rear combination lamp y for a vehicle includes a rear combination lamp housing with an inboard cavity, an intermediate cavity, and an outboard cavity. First, second, and third light-emitting diodes extend into the inboard cavity, intermediate cavity, and outboard cavity, respectively. A turn signal member is operably connected to the first, second, and third light-emitting diodes and engagement of the turn signal activates the first, second, and third light-emitting diodes sequentially.

Abstract: A rear combination lamp y for a vehicle includes a rear combination lamp housing with an inboard cavity, an intermediate cavity, and an outboard cavity. First, second, and third light-emitting diodes extend into the inboard cavity, intermediate cavity, and outboard cavity, respectively. A turn signal member is operably connected to the first, second, and third light-emitting diodes and engagement of the turn signal activates the first, second, and third light-emitting diodes sequentially.

Abstract: In an automotive ignition system having ignition coil banks with at least one ignition coil for energizing a corresponding spark plug, input/output (I/O) devices are provided in electrical communication with the ignition coil banks for relaying ignition coil signals, each ignition coil bank having at least one set of corresponding I/O devices relaying similar signals. The similar signals relayed by sets of corresponding I/O devices are stored in memory at addresses having a constant offset from each other. Program routines are also stored in memory for processing and generating the similar signals relayed by sets of corresponding I/O devices. The similar signals are accessed by the program routines using an indexed addressing mode and the constant address offset such that a single program routine controls one set of corresponding I/O devices independent of the ignition coil bank involved.

Abstract: The invention is low-noise, low-pressure torpedo launching system having cially designed ports connecting a water cylinder to an impulse tank and to a method for designing such ports. The invention uses specially designed C-shaped water cylinder discharge ports to provide a continuous and minimized pressure gradient as the ports are closed by the water piston. The resulting controlled deceleration of the water piston reduces operational noise, reduces mechanical stresses and eliminates the need for auxiliary dashpot components.

Abstract: A device for applying a film of liquid adhesive to the inside lip surface a cylindrical cap includes a vessel containing a body of liquid adhesive, a means, e.g., a drive plate, for rotating the cylindrical cap and one or more rotatable knurled wheels or discs which touch the liquid adhesive and resiliently contact the inside cap surface, whereby the wheel is rotated by rotation of the cap and applies the adhesive to the cap.Magnets in the drive plate attract magnets in the knurled wheels sufficient to constantly turn the wheels when they are not being resiliently pressed against the inner surface of the cap.