Abstract: A voltage balancing circuit includes a direct-current-to-direct-current (DC-to-DC) voltage converter interconnecting a first battery having a first voltage and a second battery having a second voltage, wherein the DC-to-DC converter transfers electrical power from the first battery to the second battery when the first voltage is greater than the second voltage, and transfers electrical power from the second battery to the first battery when the first voltage is less than the second voltage, and wherein the transfer of electrical power from the first battery to the second battery or from the second battery to the first battery balances the electrical power difference between the first battery and the second battery.

Abstract: A voltage converter includes a converter stage having a direct current to direct current (DC-to-DC) voltage converter, wherein the converter stage receives a first DC voltage and outputs a second DC voltage different than the first DC voltage. The voltage converter also includes a boost pre-stage having a boosting circuit and a capacitor, wherein the boost pre-stage receives a DC voltage from a battery and outputs a boosted DC voltage to the converter stage as the first voltage, wherein the boosted DC voltage is greater than the DC voltage from the battery. The boosted DC voltage of the boost pre-stage output to the converter stage provides fault resistant operation of the converter stage in the event of one or more fluctuations in an operating range of the DC voltage from the battery.

Abstract: A one-piece stud and clip is provided by a process working sheet material into a monolithic stud and U-clip fastener. The process includes forming an elongated stud from the sheet material, and bending the sheet material to form the clip. The stud can be a rolled cylinder of the sheet material, or an uninterrupted stud drawn from the sheet material.

Abstract: A one-piece stud and clip is provided by a process working sheet material into a monolithic stud and U-clip fastener. The process includes forming an elongated stud from the sheet material, and bending the sheet material to form the clip. The stud can be a rolled cylinder of the sheet material, or an uninterrupted stud drawn from the sheet material.

Abstract: A cage-nut assembly is configured to securely clamp to at least one panel. The assembly includes a cage including an annular base integrally connected to beams having flat tabs extending from ends thereof. A nut chamber is defined between the annular base and the beams. A nut is positioned within the nut chamber, wherein at least one of the flat tabs prevents the nut from ejecting from the cage. The panel is configured to be clamped between the flat tabs and a portion of the nut.