Abstract: A charging system for a battery of a vehicle comprises an electrical interface module that includes first and second electrical interfaces. An inverter module communicates with the electrical interface module and the battery and has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the inverter module allows the battery to be charged through the first electrical interface when a voltage source is connected to the first electrical interface, the vehicle is off, and a charge level of the battery is less than a threshold. In the second state, the inverter module allows the battery to provide power to the second electrical interface when a voltage source is not connected to the first electrical interface, the vehicle is on, and/or the charge level of the battery is greater than or equal to the threshold.

Abstract: An automotive power control center that includes a housing, a first conductor coupled to the housing, a second conductor, a control circuit, which is coupled to the housing, and a semiconductor. The second conductor is coupled to the housing and insulated from the first conductor. The solid-state device includes a first terminal, which is electrically coupled to the first conductor, a second terminal, which is electrically coupled to the second conductor, and a third terminal, which is electrically coupled to the control circuit. The solid-state device is configured to selectively control transmission of electricity between the first and second terminals in response to a signal transmitted from the control circuit through the third terminal. In some embodiments the solid-state device may be removably coupled to the housing. In other embodiments, the solid-state device may be fixedly coupled to the various conductors and terminals.

Abstract: An automotive power control center that includes a housing, a first conductor coupled to the housing, a second conductor, a control circuit, which is coupled to the housing, and a semiconductor. The second conductor is coupled to the housing and insulated from the first conductor. The solid-state device includes a first terminal, which is electrically coupled to the first conductor, a second terminal, which is electrically coupled to the second conductor, and a third terminal, which is electrically coupled to the control circuit. The solid-state device is configured to selectively control transmission of electricity between the first and second terminals in response to a signal transmitted from the control circuit through the third terminal. In some embodiments the solid-state device may be removably coupled to the housing. In other embodiments, the solid-state device may be fixedly coupled to the various conductors and terminals.

Abstract: A system and method for providing power redundancy to certain devices of a vehicle that are typically controlled by means of a power distribution and control node. Power is delivered to the node by both a primary power feed as well as a secondary power feed. Provided in each node is a first set of power relays for selectively providing power to at least one device of a first class, as well as a second set of power relays for selectively providing power to at least one device of a second class. Under a normal operating state of the node, the one or more first class devices, as well as the one or more second class devices, selectively receive power from the primary power feed. Upon the occurrence of a disruption in the primary power feed, the one or more second class devices will continue to operate by being selectively powered through the second set of power relays by the second power feed.

Abstract: A device for detecting photonuclear-induced neutrons is described herein. One embodiment of the device may comprise a neutron detector and a detection circuit. The neutron detector may comprise a detector output. The detection circuit may be operatively connected to the detector output and may comprise an amplifier, a low-pass filter, and a high pass filter. The amplifier may comprise an amplifier input and an amplifier output. The amplifier input may be being operatively connected to the detector output. The low-pass filter may comprise a low-pass filter input and a low-pass filter output. The low-pass filter input may be operatively connected to the amplifier output. The high-pass filter may comprise a high-pass filter input and a high-pass filter output. The high-pass filter input may be operatively connected to the amplifier output.

Abstract: In a smart or intelligent electrical connector assembly, a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted in a first connector has circuit traces that extend from various locations on the PCB to a single, particular area between edges of the PCB. Components such as switches and microcontrollers for controlling the connector assembly circuits are electrically connected to the traces at the various locations. A terminal block is mounted at the single, particular area. The terminal block has terminals with ends electrically connected with the traces. The other ends of the terminals extend outward from surfaces of the block towards the edges of the PCB. Wire harness terminals within the first connector and within a second, mating connector of the assembly electrically connect with the terminal block terminals.

Abstract: A smart connector for automotive accessories comprising injection molded plastic first and second components, the first component being adapted to receive a printed circuit board with edge contacts therein. Multiple position assurance features are provided so that the PCB can only be fully inserted in the proper orientation and can only be latched in place if fully inserted. Spring terminals are crimped to the wires leading to and from the connector assembly and contactingly engage the edge contacts on the surfaces of the PCB adjacent the leading and trailing edges thereof. The first and second connector components are releasably latched together by means of an exterior detent and spring arm combination.

Abstract: A circuitboard assembly in which power carrying circuitboard traces between MOSFETs or the like and edge terminals are replaced with metal leadframe structures which also serve to perform a heat dissipation function. Each of the leadframes comprises a first planar portion which is bonded by a thermally conductive epoxy to the top surface of a MOSFET and a second elevated planar portion which extends parallel to but above the circuitboard surface into contact with an edge-mounted terminal header. The leadframes may be provided with support legs as well as additional heat dissipating fins.

Abstract: The architecture of an automotive wiring, power distribution and accessory control system is described. The system comprises semi-custom two-tier nodes which are distributed in locations around the vehicle to service load devices associated with or found in different regions of the automobile topology. A multiplexed control network interconnects the nodes along with a two-wire bus. Each node consists of a first common board carrying a microcontroller and a basic number of FET driver switches associated with a basic level of accessorization for that region of the vehicle. Each node further comprises a second larger pass through board which supports the first common board in spaced parallel relationship therewith and which carries terminal connectors. The larger pass through board has vacant locations for the addition of FET drivers needed for higher levels of accessorization. These locations are preconnected to the microcontroller but are unused in vehicles with lower levels of accessorization.

Abstract: A circuit and method are disclosed for detecting an imminent arc prior to the ignition of the arc in a system having a DC power supply that provides power to a load through a conductor. The inventive circuit includes a current-change detector that detects a sudden drop in current through the conductor that is indicative of an imminent arc. Upon detection of a sudden drop in current through the conductor, a multivibrator generates a pulsed signal, wherein the width of the pulse is indicative of a determined period of time for which the power supply should be disconnected to prevent ignition of an arc. The pulsed signal controls a transistor, which selectively disconnects the power supply from the load for a determined period of time in response to the pulsed signal.

Abstract: A serviceable fused battery terminal comprising a disposable fused battery end containing a fuse link, the disposable fused battery end being initially integrated with a cable-connecting portion of the terminal which is secured to an electrical cable, for example by crimping in known manner. When the fuse blows, the battery end is removed from the cable-connecting end by breaking or separating it, while the cable-connecting end remains secured to the cable in its original fashion. A portion of the cable-connecting end is formed as a reattachment point for a replacement fused battery end 22, which is then secured to the remaining original cable-connecting end to create a new fused terminal. The inventive terminal allows for the easy replacement of blown fuses in the field without having to cut or otherwise remove the cable-connecting portion of the terminal from the cable.

Abstract: An electrical control circuit for an automotive lamp module having an integrated ON/OFF switch to activate and deactivate the driver circuit associated with the lamp such that the driver circuit is only turned on when either the primary ON/OFF switch or a remote, door-ajar switch is closed. A microprocessor is used to respond to low-level current conditions indicative of a closed switch. A timer turns the driver OFF after a predetermined duration of continuous operation.

Abstract: A serviceable fused battery terminal comprising a disposable fused battery end containing a fuse link, the disposable fused battery end being initially integrated with a cable-connecting portion of the terminal which is secured to an electrical cable, for example by crimping in known manner. When the fuse blows, the battery end is removed from the cable-connecting end by breaking or separating it, while the cable-connecting end remains secured to the cable in its original fashion. A portion of the cable-connecting end is formed as a reattachment point for a replacement fused battery end 22, which is then secured to the remaining original cable-connecting end to create a new fused terminal. The inventive terminal allows for the easy replacement of blown fuses in the field without having to cut or otherwise remove the cable-connecting portion of the terminal from the cable.

Abstract: An adjustable power point for use in a vehicle, movable from at least one home position to other locations in the vehicle that are suited for connecting various electrical devices. In one form, the power point is connected to a retractable power cord, and is normally retained in a home socket, for example in the dashboard near the driver console. In another form, the power point is slide-mounted in a track structure formed in a portion of the vehicle, for example the instrument panel, capable of being longitudinally adjusted between various home positions along the length of the track.

Abstract: A source for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) comprises a body of photoneutron emitter that includes heavy water and is closely surrounded in heat-imparting relationship by target material; one or more electron linear accelerators for supplying electron radiation having energy of substantially 2 to 10 MeV and for impinging such radiation on the target material, whereby photoneutrons are produced and heat is absorbed from the target material by the body of photoneutron emitter. The heavy water is circulated through a cooling arrangement to remove heat. A tank, desirably cylindrical or spherical, contains the heavy water, and a desired number of the electron accelerators circumferentially surround the tank and the target material as preferably made up of thin plates of metallic tungsten.

Abstract: A maintenance scheduling device having a face plate with a front surface providing a plurality of aligned maintenance item description labels, a plurality of recommended interval description labels, a plurality of aligned numeral wheel assemblies for displaying last service maintenance and a plurality of aligned numeral wheel assemblies for displaying next service maintenance. The device may also include a programmable electrical signal processor interconnected with a power source, an odometer of the vehicle, and a memory device containing recommended maintenance mileage information for each maintenance item, the processor serving to signal a user when a recommended service interval has elapsed on the actual mileage recorded on the odometer. The device opens to reveal a set of maintenance guide charts for the vehicle of choice.

Abstract: An improved characterizing linkage assembly of the type utilized to proportion the flow of fluids in response to motor controls, such as in the control of fuel and air mixtures in industrial combustion systems. The linkage system comprises a cam assembly having an adjustable curvilinear cam band, which is rotatable by a drive shaft. A biased follower rod, bearingly supported for reciprocal movement, is urged against the cam band. Movement of the follower rod pivots a linkage actuator arm which is bearingly supported on the drive shaft. Rotation of the drive shaft in response to a change in a selected process parameter imparts movement to the cam band, the follower rod and thus the linkage actuator arm being the proportional travel.

Abstract: An improved characterizing linkage assembly of the type utilized to proportion the flow of fluids in response to motor controls, such as in the control of fuel and air mixtures in industrial combustion systems. The linkage system comprises a cam assembly having an adjustable curvilinear cam band, which is rotatable by a drive shaft. A biased follower rod is urged against the cam band, and upon movement thereby, pivots a linkage actuator arm which is bearingly supported on the drive shaft. Rotation of the drive shaft in response to a change in a selected process parameter imparts movement to the cam band, the follower rod and thus the linkage actuator arm in proportional travel.

Abstract: A viable fungal culture of the genus Arthrobotrys is combined with substantially dormant Rhizobia bacteria and a carbohydrate nutrient to provide a legume-inoculating composition which may be packaged, transported and stored for a reasonable time prior to its usage.