Abstract: A modular vehicle management system is described, comprising a controller module configured to control different types of carrier modules. The controller module includes a computer system and optionally one or more sensors. The computer system is configured to perform operations comprising detecting whether a carrier module is connected to the controller module. If the carrier module is connected to the controller module, the carrier module is authenticated. If the authentication fails, operation of the vehicle is inhibited. The control module is configured to determine carrier module capabilities including information regarding a navigation processing device, and/or a radio modem. The controller adapts to the capabilities of the controller module. Using information from the sensors and the navigation processing device, the vehicle management system navigates the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular vehicle management system is described, comprising a controller module configured to control different types of carrier modules. The controller module includes a computer system and optionally one or more sensors. The computer system is configured to perform operations comprising detecting whether a carrier module is connected to the controller module. If the carrier module is connected to the controller module, the carrier module is authenticated. If the authentication fails, operation of the vehicle is inhibited. The control module is configured to determine carrier module capabilities including information regarding a navigation processing device, and/or a radio modem. The controller adapts to the capabilities of the controller module. Using information from the sensors and the navigation processing device, the vehicle management system navigates the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular vehicle management system is described, comprising a controller module configured to control different types of carrier modules. The controller module includes a computer system and optionally one or more sensors. The computer system is configured to perform operations comprising detecting whether a carrier module is connected to the controller module. If the carrier module is connected to the controller module, the carrier module is authenticated. If the authentication fails, operation of the vehicle is inhibited. The control module is configured to determine carrier module capabilities including information regarding a navigation processing device, and/or a radio modem. The controller adapts to the capabilities of the controller module. Using information from the sensors and the navigation processing device, the vehicle management system navigates the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrically powered resistance heating handgrip includes a control circuit located within a hollow core that fits coaxially within the open end of a handlebar of a motorcycle or snowmobile. The control circuit is mounted on a thin, narrow, elongated printed circuit board and includes a microprocessor that is programmed to contain a lookup table of temperatures. A thermistor provides feedback signals to the microprocessor which compares temperature sensor feedback signals to a target temperature. The target temperature is established by a dial. The dial operates the wiper of a variable potentiometer to establish the target temperature. Heat is uniformly distributed by wrapping the heating element wire thereof about a thermally conductive sheet of aluminum, and encasing the wire within a temperature resistant dielectric sheathing.

Abstract: An electrically powered resistance heating handgrip is provided for a vehicle that employs an electrical storage battery. A control circuit to regulate the amount of power provided to the resistance elements in the grip is provided and preferably located within a hollow core that fits coaxially within the open end of a handlebar of a motorcycle or snowmobile, for example. The control circuit is mounted on a thin, narrow, elongated printed circuit board and includes a microprocessor that is programmed to contain a lookup table of temperatures. A thermistor is embedded in the casing of the handgrip proximate the heating element thereof. The thermistor provides feedback signals to the microprocessor which compares the temperature sensor feedback signals to a target temperature and provides or interrupts electrical power to the electrical heating element depending upon whether the temperature indicated by the thermistor is lower than the target temperature.