Abstract: A system for partially pre-charging an electrical power system having a high voltage power source, a DC link device with a DC Link capacitor, a low voltage power source and a DC/DC converter. In one embodiment a partial pre-charge of the DC Link capacitor can be achieved in three ways: first, through a DC/DC converter boosting from the low voltage power source, second, through a first circuit provided to charge the DC link capacitor to a partial pre-charge state using the voltage directly from the low voltage power source, and third, through a second circuit provided to limit current flowing to the DC link capacitor from the high voltage power source to charge the DC Link capacitor only to a partial pre-charge level.

Abstract: Methods and systems for arc detection are described. A controller can receive a bus voltage of a direct current (DC) bus connected to an energy source. The controller can determine whether the received bus voltage is less than a bus voltage threshold. The controller can, in response to determining the received bus voltage being less than the bus voltage threshold, determine an occurrence of an arc event in an apparatus that includes the DC bus and the energy source.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for torsional damping of electric traction drives comprises dual Kalman filters to correct for oscillations based on measured traction motor speed and commanded traction motor torque. A first Kalman filter can perform a state space estimate of the shaft torque providing negative feedback to the final torque command in order to eliminate resonant components from the commanded torque and quickly damp external disturbances. A second Kalman filter provides a state space estimation of the load torque or, equivalently, load acceleration. This second Kalman filter can ignore commanded torque and can provide a damping feedback when the wheel speed deviates from the vehicle speed.

Abstract: An inventive system and method for managing vehicle power is presented. The novel technology provides a means to automatically shutdown a vehicle's engine when conditions are such that engine power is not needed, reducing fuel consumption as well as lowering noise and emissions. A series of conditions are examined to determine whether engine power is needed and hence whether shutdown can be safely performed. The inventive system and method can also determine when power is again needed by the engine and can re-start the engine automatically at such times.

Abstract: An inventive system and method for managing vehicle power is presented. The novel technology provides a means to automatically shutdown a vehicle's engine when conditions are such that engine power is not needed, reducing fuel consumption as well as lowering noise and emissions. A series of conditions are examined to determine whether engine power is needed and hence whether shutdown can be safely performed. The inventive system and method can also determine when power is again needed by the engine and can re-start the engine automatically at such times.

Abstract: An inventive system and method for managing vehicle power is presented. The novel technology provides a means to automatically shutdown a vehicle's engine when conditions are such that engine power is not needed, reducing fuel consumption as well as lowering noise and emissions. A series of conditions are examined to determine whether engine power is needed and hence whether shutdown can be safely performed. The inventive system and method can also determine when power is again needed by the engine and can re-start the engine automatically at such times.

Abstract: An inventive system and method for managing vehicle power is presented. The novel technology provides a means to automatically shutdown a vehicle's engine when conditions are such that engine power is not needed, reducing fuel consumption as well as lowering noise and emissions. A series of conditions are examined to determine whether engine power is needed and hence whether shutdown can be safely performed. The inventive system and method can also determine when power is again needed by the engine and can re-start the engine automatically at such times.

Abstract: A secure safety anchor that is easy to utilize is provided for attachment to structural angle irons in marine installations and the like. The anchor includes a vise grips with movable and stationary jaws, and a head welded to the stationary jaw. A flange surface portion of the head extends substantially perpendicular to an imaginary line between the vise grips jaws when in the clamping position, and a number of force concentrating set screws pass through the flange surface at an angle of about 15 degrees with respect to the imaginary line. A through-extending opening in the head provides for attachment of a safety belt clasp.

Abstract: A cable dead end, and method of dead end formation, that can be readily utilized in the field with a minimum of equipment and components, yet providing a durable, tight, dead end. The cable end is cut off and a ferrule is slipped over the cable end onto the cable. The strands at the end of the cable are unwound and separated, an insert is disposed over the core strand and is disposed within a general bird-cage configuration of the cable strands at the cable end. The ferrule is then moved over the bird-cage configuration and to the end of the cable, and the void space inside the ferrule between the strands, ferrule, and insert is packed with steel wool. Then an anerobic, structural, single component adhesive (e.g. an oxygenated methacrylic) is poured into the ferrule interior volume, and quickly cures. Preferably the insert is barbed, and the interior cross-section of the ferrule is elliptical.

Abstract: Apparatus which renders a self-elevating drilling platform self-mobile on land and a method of moving the drilling platform employing the apparatus. The self-elevating platform includes a body, forward and rear legs, and means for adjusting the legs by moving the legs with respect to the body and moving the body with respect to the legs. The apparatus includes a launch pad which will be pivotally mounted to the platform beneath the body. In operation, the legs of platform are adjusted so that, alternatively, the launch pad swings forward beneath the body when the pad is elevated off the ground and the body pivots forward around the pad when the pad is on the ground.