Abstract: An electric distribution architecture may comprise a main bus delivering current from a main source to a set of distributed loads at a first voltage wherein a subset of the set requires a second voltage lower than the first voltage. A distribution unit may be connected between the main bus and each load of the subset and may include a voltage converter converting the first voltage to the second voltage. A battery bus may deliver current to the subset at the second voltage from a battery when the main bus is not operating. The battery bus may operate at a third voltage higher than the second voltage on the battery bus. The voltage converter may convert the third voltage to the second voltage for the subset when the main bus is not operating, wherein the battery bus has a weight adequate to accommodate a current at the third voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modular power distribution includes an end module and at least one switching module having a switching module electrical power interface configured to electrically connect to at least one of the end module electrical power interface, to another switching module electrical power interface, or to at least one voltage converter module, and having at least one of a switching element, an input/output connector, a switching module communication interface, or a bus bar connector, wherein the modules are physically secured.

Abstract: A power distribution switch including a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) relay switch matrix disposed between a power source and an electrical load, and a controller module configured to operate the MEMS relay switch between a conducting and a non-conducting state, wherein the conducting state conducts power from the power source to the electrical load and the non-conducting state prevents power conduction from the power sources to the electrical load.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing the detection of faults in a wiring system. The wiring system is made up of supply wires and can include return wires. The supply wire connects a power supply to a load end. The fault detecting apparatus is positioned along the wire between the power supply and the load end and can include a first and second resistor, a voltage monitor, and an indicator.

Abstract: A power distribution node for a power architecture, and method for operating, includes a microgenerator configured to generate a supply of electrical power, and a power distribution unit connected with a power supply bus and the microgenerator and configured to selectively energize at least a subset of electrical loads disposed proximately to the power distribution node. The energizing power is operably supplied by at least one of the power supply bus or the microgenerator.

Abstract: A distributed converter for delivering power to a set of loads is provided. The distributed converter includes a converter battery distribution unit that includes a converter-modular power tile, and the converter-modular power tile includes a battery pack configured to deliver power to a load of the set of loads.

Abstract: This apparatus relates to a portable, fold-up hoist for attachment to a vehicle via a receiver hitch. The hoist has a tongue member for insertion into and securement by the hitch. Pivotally connected to the tongue member is a telescoping vertical support member. On the upper end of the vertical support member is a boom arm, which is both pivotally and swivelably connected to the vertical support member. Thus, the boom arm may be supported perpendicular to the vertical member and swivel around the vertical support member, for example, to move directly above the tongue and to move to be parallel but opposing the tongue. The boom arm may pivot down to be near and generally parallel to the vertical support member for storage. The vertical support member is pivotal on its proximal end from a first (storage) position generally parallel to the tongue member to a second (use) position generally perpendicular to the tongue member.