Abstract: A system for a host vehicle and includes a memory and a vehicle control module. The memory stores autonomous status bits for each local vehicle. The autonomous status bits indicate whether the corresponding local vehicle is operating in a non-autonomous, semi-autonomous, or fully autonomous mode. The vehicle control module: generates autonomous status bits indicative of an autonomous status level of the host vehicle and transmits the autonomous status bits in a message to first vehicle communication devices; determines that local vehicles are in a local environment of the host vehicle; receives messages including the autonomous status bits of the local vehicles from second vehicle communication devices; and unless operating in a fully autonomous mode, generates a request for a driver of the host vehicle to take control of the host vehicle based on the autonomous status bits of the host vehicle and the local vehicles.

Abstract: A system for a host vehicle and includes a memory and a vehicle control module. The memory stores autonomous status bits for each local vehicle. The autonomous status bits indicate whether the corresponding local vehicle is operating in a non-autonomous, semi-autonomous, or fully autonomous mode. The vehicle control module: generates autonomous status bits indicative of an autonomous status level of the host vehicle and transmits the autonomous status bits in a message to first vehicle communication devices; determines that local vehicles are in a local environment of the host vehicle; receives messages including the autonomous status bits of the local vehicles from second vehicle communication devices; and unless operating in a fully autonomous mode, generates a request for a driver of the host vehicle to take control of the host vehicle based on the autonomous status bits of the host vehicle and the local vehicles.

Abstract: A search and rescue system including a first control module for a first vehicle. The first control module is configured to identify when the first vehicle is in a distressed situation based on inputs received from a vehicle status sensor, and generate an emergency message including information regarding the distressed situation. A first transmitter for the first vehicle transmits the emergency message by way of a first antenna. A second control module for a second vehicle receives the emergency message by way of a second receiver for the second vehicle. The second control module relays the emergency message to at least one of a third vehicle and road-side equipment. From the at least one of the third vehicle and road-side equipment the emergency message is relayed to an emergency assistance entity.

Abstract: The present teachings provide for a search and rescue system including a first control module for a first vehicle. The first control module is configured to identify when the first vehicle is in a distressed situation based on inputs received from a vehicle status sensor, and generate an emergency message including information regarding the distressed situation. A first transmitter for the first vehicle transmits the emergency message by way of a first antenna. A first receiver for the first vehicle receives a second basic safety message from a second vehicle. A battery powers the first transmitter and the first receiver. A battery management module is configured to measure a charge level of the battery and notify the first control module of the charge level of the battery.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system including a danger zone controller configured to set parameters of a danger zone, the parameters including location and size of the danger zone. A transmitter is configured to transmit the parameters of the danger zone to vehicles. A vehicle receiver of a vehicle is configured to receive the parameters of the danger zone in order to notify a driver of the vehicle of the danger zone.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a trailer articulation calculating system. The system includes a two-dimensional barcode, a camera, and an articulation calculator. The two-dimensional barcode is disposed in a front side of a trailer. The camera is disposed in a rear side of a tractor. The camera captures image data of the two-dimensional barcode. The articulation calculator calculates an articulation angle of the trailer relative to the tractor based on the image data captured by the camera.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system including a danger zone controller configured to set parameters of a danger zone, the parameters including location and size of the danger zone. A transmitter is configured to transmit the parameters of the danger zone to vehicles. A vehicle receiver of a vehicle is configured to receive the parameters of the danger zone in order to notify a driver of the vehicle of the danger zone.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a battery from a power source is provided. The battery charger includes a current sense circuit in series with the power source and the battery. A linear preregulator includes a first controlled switch coupled to the power source to generate a regulated output. The first controlled switch is responsive to a preregulator control signal, varying the first controlled switch impedance so that the regulated output is generated. A control circuit is powered by the preregulator regulated output. The control circuit generates the preregulator control signal and a charger control signal. A second controlled switch is coupled between the regulated output and the battery. The impedance of the second controlled switch is varied in response to the charger control signal so that a regulated flow of charge is supplied to the battery.

Abstract: A method of charging a battery from a power source is provided. The method includes providing a charge circuit in series with the battery and the power source. A charging current flowing to the battery and a voltage across the charge circuit are sensed. The power dissipated in the charge circuit is computed based on the charging current and the voltage across the charge circuit. During a first operating mode, the charging current is controlled so that the power dissipated in the charge circuit is about a predetermined maximum dissipation. During a second operating mode, the charging current is limited to a predetermined current level. During a third operating mode, the charging current is controlled so that the battery voltage is about a predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: A real-time clock circuit for saving real time information during removal of a battery is presented. The battery provides power to the clock circuit during a steady-state mode. The clock circuit includes an oscillator assembly for generating a periodic waveform. A counter accumulates real time information in response to the periodic waveform. An energy storage device is coupled to the counter to supply energy to the counter while the battery is removed. A switch is coupled between the battery and the energy storage device to prevent the energy storage device from supplying energy to components other than the counter during removal of the battery. The switch provides a path for energy to flow from the battery to the energy storage device, thereby charging the energy storage device.

Abstract: A method of charging a battery from a power source is provided. The method includes providing a charge circuit in series with the battery and the power source. A charging current flowing to the battery and a voltage across the charge circuit are sensed. The power dissipated in the charge circuit is computed based on the charging current and the voltage across the charge circuit. During a first operating mode, the charging current is controlled so that the power dissipated in the charge circuit is about a predetermined maximum dissipation. During a second operating mode, the charging current is limited to a predetermined current level. During a third operating mode, the charging current is controlled so that the battery voltage is about a predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: A telephone includes an indicator which alerts a user that the telephone has stopped receiving data and is ready for transmission. Thus, when operating as a speakerphone, the indicator alerts the user that the other party has stopped speaking and the user may begin speaking. The indicator may also indicate that the telephone is receiving data and the telephone is not ready for transmission.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a battery from a power source is provided. The battery charger includes a current sense circuit in series with the power source and the battery. A linear preregulator includes a first controlled switch coupled to the power source to generate a regulated output. The first controlled switch is responsive to a preregulator control signal, varying the first controlled switch impedance so that the regulated output is generated. A control circuit is powered by the preregulator regulated output. The control circuit generates the preregulator control signal and a charger control signal. A second controlled switch is coupled between the regulated output and the battery. The impedance of the second controlled switch is varied in response to the charger control signal so that a regulated flow of charge is supplied to the battery.

Abstract: A telephone switching circuit includes a single bias circuit for a plurality of microphones. A single pole, single throw (SPST) switch selectively connects one of the microphones to the bias circuit. When a headset microphone is not connected to the circuit, the switch connects the handset microphone to the bias circuit. When the headset microphone is connected, the switching circuit detects the bias current flowing to the headset microphone and opens the SPST switch to disconnect the handset microphone from the bias circuit.

Abstract: A cyclic battery charger reduces the formation of the ionic barrier in a battery. The battery charger applies a current to the battery for a first period of time. To reduce the ionic barrier, a discharge current is applied to the battery for a second period of time. The charging current and discharging current are applied cyclically to the battery during the entire charging period. The discharge current may be applied by the battery charger, or may be the result of the current drawn from the powered device. The discharge current may be a fraction of the charging current, and is applied to the battery for only a limited time during the charging cycle as compared to the charging current.

Abstract: An enhanced battery pack monitoring interface combines battery pack model identification and temperature monitoring functions. The enhanced system eliminates the need for some connecting contacts as well as several logic and converter circuits in the portable electronic device and the battery pack.