Abstract: Gas sensors are disclosed having an on-board, low-power data processor that uses multivariable gas classification and/or gas quantitation models to perform on-board data processing to resolve two or more gases in a fluid sample. To reduce computational complexity, the gas sensor utilizes low-power-consumption multivariable data analysis algorithms, inputs from available on-board sensors of ambient conditions, inputs representing contextual data, and/or excitation responses of a gas sensing material to select suitable gas classification and/or gas quantitation models. The data processor can then utilize these gas classification and quantitation models, in combination with measured dielectric responses of a gas sensing material of the gas sensor, to determine classifications and/or concentrations of two or more gases in a fluid sample, while consuming substantially less power than would be consumed if a global comprehensive model were used instead.

Abstract: A personal watercraft, driving control system, and method for controlling the watercraft. The watercraft includes a jet powered propulsion system; a steering system including a handle; and the driving control system including an electrically actuated device coupled to the steering system for applying torque to the steering system; at least one sensor positioned adjacent the steering system; and a controller. The controller is configured to: determine whether user torque is being applied to the steering system; and responsive to determining that the user torque is not being applied: determine a steering angle; determine a target angle for returning the steering system to a center position; compare the steering angle to the target angle; determine a centering torque; and operate the electrically actuated device to apply the centering torque to the steering, with the centering torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for enhancing steering control of a personal watercraft. An electrically actuated device is coupled to the steering system of the personal watercraft and applies torque to the steering system. At least one sensor is positioned adjacent the steering system and generates operational data of the personal watercraft. At least one controller is coupled to the electrically actuated device and the at least one sensor, and is configured to determine a first torque to apply to the steering system based on the operational data responsive to a second torque being applied to the steering system. The at least one controller is further configured to operate the electrically actuated device to apply the first torque to the steering system for providing enhanced steering control of the personal watercraft, with the first torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.

Abstract: A snowmobile having enhanced steering control has driving control system including an electrically actuated device coupled to a steering system having a user operated steering element with the device applying torque to the steering system, a throttle, a plurality of sensors including a torque sensor and at least one additional sensor to generate terrain condition data and operational data, and at least one controller coupled to the device and the sensors. The at least one controller selects a terrain condition mode using the generated terrain condition and generated operational data, determines the torque to apply responsive to the angle and speed of rotation of user operated steering element, and operates the electrically actuated device to apply the torque to the steering system, with the torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.

Abstract: A snowmobile having enhanced steering control has driving control system including an electrically actuated device coupled to a steering system having a user operated steering element with the device applying torque to the steering system, a throttle, a plurality of sensors including a torque sensor and at least one additional sensor to generate terrain condition data and operational data, and at least one controller coupled to the device and the sensors. The at least one controller selects a terrain condition mode using the generated terrain condition and generated operational data, determines the torque to apply responsive to the angle and speed of rotation of user operated steering element, and operates the electrically actuated device to apply the torque to the steering system, with the torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for enhancing steering control of a personal watercraft. An electrically actuated device is coupled to the steering system of the personal watercraft and applies torque to the steering system. At least one sensor is positioned adjacent the steering system and generates operational data of the personal watercraft. At least one controller is coupled to the electrically actuated device and the at least one sensor, and is configured to determine a first torque to apply to the steering system based on the operational data responsive to a second torque being applied to the steering system. The at least one controller is further configured to operate the electrically actuated device to apply the first torque to the steering system for providing enhanced steering control of the personal watercraft, with the first torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.

Abstract: A snowmobile having enhanced steering control has driving control system including an electrically actuated device coupled to a steering system having a user operated steering element with the device applying torque to the steering system, a throttle, a plurality of sensors including a torque sensor and at least one additional sensor to generate terrain condition data and operational data, and at least one controller coupled to the device and the sensors. The at least one controller selects a terrain condition mode using the generated terrain condition and generated operational data, determines the torque to apply responsive to the angle and speed of rotation of user operated steering element, and operates the electrically actuated device to apply the torque to the steering system, with the torque being applied only by the electrically actuated device.

Abstract: An automatic trim system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. Control electronics are in communication with a steering angle sensor to monitor the steering angle of the watercraft, and evaluate a target setting for the trim taking the steering angle into consideration. Control signals are sent to an appropriate actuating device for adjusting the trim angle accordingly.

Abstract: A method of filtering streaming digital data in real time. The method including: (a) initializing and storing a set of m data elements and an associated set of m pointer data from 1 to m in sequence, m an integer greater than 2; (b) receiving in real time a first or next data element of a digital data stream of sequential data elements; (c) simultaneously with (b), replacing a stored data element associated with the pointer datum m with the received data element, changing the pointer datum of m to 1, and incrementing the value of all other pointer data by 1; (d) simultaneously with (b) sorting in order from a low to high all stored data elements; (e) simultaneously with (b), maintaining the association of pointer datum and data elements; (f) simultaneously with (b), filtering all stored data elements; and (g) repeating (b) through (f) multiple times.

Abstract: An automatic trim system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. Control electronics are in communication with a steering angle sensor to monitor the steering angle of the watercraft, and evaluate a target setting for the trim taking the steering angle into consideration. Control signals are sent to an appropriate actuating device for adjusting the trim angle accordingly.

Abstract: A circuit and design structure for a streaming digital data filter embodied in a machine readable medium, the design structure including: a data processing unit and a pointer processing unit, the data processing unit and the pointer unit connected to a control logic; the pointer processing unit consisting of n serially connected pointer processing stages from a first to a last pointer processing stage, each pointer processing stage except for the first and last processing stages of the pointer processing unit including a pointer register and a multiplexer, wherein n is a positive integer greater than 2; the data processing unit consisting of n serially connected data processing stages from a first data processing stage to a last data processing stage, each data processing stage including a multiplexer, a data register and a comparator; and one or more filter output stages connected to the data processing unit.

Abstract: An automatic trim system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. Control electronics are in communication with a steering angle sensor to monitor the steering angle of the watercraft, and evaluate a target setting for the trim taking the steering angle into consideration. Control signals are sent to an appropriate actuating device for adjusting the trim angle accordingly.

Abstract: A commonly actuated trim and reverse system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. The system includes a movable actuator connected to a movement transfer mechanism. The movement transfer mechanism is operable to adjust both the trim angle of the steering nozzle of the watercraft and the orientation of the reverse gate, as a function of the movement of the actuator. Control electronics evaluate the target steering for the trim angle and gate orientation and control the movement of the actuator accordingly.

Abstract: An electronically assisted reverse gate system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. Control electronics are in communication with the operator interface of the watercraft to obtain commands from the operator, such as a selection between a forward, reverse or neutral mode, a braking command or a slow mode. The control electronics evaluates the target setting for these commands. This evaluation is made taking into consideration the operating conditions of the watercraft. Control signals are sent to an appropriate actuating device to adjust the gate orientation accordingly.

Abstract: A circuit and design structure for a streaming digital data filter embodied in a machine readable medium, the design structure including: a data processing unit and a pointer processing unit, the data processing unit and the pointer unit connected to a control logic; the pointer processing unit consisting of n serially connected pointer processing stages from a first to a last pointer processing stage, each pointer processing stage except for the first and last processing stages of the pointer processing unit including a pointer register and a multiplexer, wherein n is a positive integer greater than 2; the data processing unit consisting of n serially connected data processing stages from a first data processing stage to a last data processing stage, each data processing stage including a multiplexer, a data register and a comparator; and one or more filter output stages connected to the data processing unit.

Abstract: A method of filtering streaming digital data in real time. The method including: (a) initializing and storing a set of m data elements and an associated set of m pointer data from 1 to m in sequence, m an integer greater than 2; (b) receiving in real time a first or next data element of a digital data stream of sequential data elements; (c) simultaneously with (b), replacing a stored data element associated with the pointer datum m with the received data element, changing the pointer datum of m to 1, and incrementing the value of all other pointer data by 1; (d) simultaneously with (b) sorting in order from a low to high all stored data elements; (e) simultaneously with (b), maintaining the association of pointer datum and data elements; (f) simultaneously with (b), filtering all stored data elements; and (g) repeating (b) through (f) multiple times.

Abstract: A fall detection system informs a driver of a water vehicle of a fallen rider being towed by the vehicle. The system includes a detection device coupled to a handle for detecting contact between the rider and the handle. The device generates a contact signal that automatically stops or changes if contact is broken. The system further includes a transmitter coupled to the detection device that transmits a contact signal therefrom and a receiver that receives the contact signal. A display presents a warning message upon an interruption in the reception of the contact signal. Alternatively, the transmitter may be coupled to a speed control unit of the vehicle to stop or reduce the speed of the vehicle if a fall is detected. A communication system may also be provided.

Abstract: An electronically assisted reverse gate system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. Control electronics are in communication with the operator interface of the watercraft to obtain commands from the operator, such as a selection between a forward, reverse or neutral mode, a braking command or a slow mode. The control electronics evaluates the target setting for these commands. This evaluation is made taking into consideration the operating conditions of the watercraft. Control signals are sent to an appropriate actuating device to adjust the gate orientation accordingly.

Abstract: A commonly actuated trim and reverse system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. The system includes a movable actuator connected to a movement transfer mechanism. The movement transfer mechanism is operable to adjust both the trim angle of the steering nozzle of the watercraft and the orientation of the reverse gate, as a function of the movement of the actuator. Control electronics evaluate the target steering for the trim angle and gate orientation and control the movement of the actuator accordingly.

Abstract: A configurable keypad assembly adapted for vehicular controls. A kit for assembling such a configurable keypad is also disclosed. The overlay is provided with identification markings. The keypad assembly includes a configurable keypad circuit provided with a plurality of switches responsive to pressure thereon. The keypad circuit is encased in a flexible sleeve that is shaped to fit over the circuit. The top surface of the sleeve has a number of independently pressable button areas in alignment with the switches, such that any pressure exerted on a given button area activates the switch under it. The assembly also includes means for securing the rigid fascia overlay over the button areas. The identification markings on the overlay, once installed, are in alignment with the button areas. The configurable keypad assembly has the flexibility of being distributed with or without the fascia overlay and can be made waterproof for marine applications.