Abstract: A trailer tow assist system including a camera that captures a rearward image of the trailer and its surroundings, a human machine interface that displays the rearward image, an input device that receives user input, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor receives the rearward image, identifies a target-space within the surroundings, determines a vehicle orientation relative to the target-space, determines a trailer angle relative to the vehicle, determines a trailer trajectory within the surroundings, and displays the trailer trajectory and rearward image on the human machine interface. The electronic processor also controls, in response to the user input, the vehicle to follow the trailer trajectory along a centerline of the trailer trajectory.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a rotatable knob module with adjustable tactile feedback. The rotatable knob module includes a knob configured to continuously rotate about a center axis and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to determine a current trailer angle, define a virtual center position of the knob based on the current trailer angle, and adjust a rotational torque of the knob when the knob is rotated from a first rotational position to a second rotational position based on a relative virtual rotational distance of the second rotational position from the virtual center position.

Abstract: A system and method for programmably operating a DC load connected to a DC outlet. A power line communication (PLC) client at the outlet measures actual and desired DC voltage at the load. A remotely located DC power server is connected between a DC power source and the outlet. The power server has a PLC master in bidirectional feedback communication with the PLC client to determine the actual and desired DC voltage at the load. An adjustable DC voltage module at the power server is controlled by the PLC master to supply an adjustable DC voltage. The power server adjusts the DC voltage supplied by the voltage module to the load based on the bidirectional feedback communication between the PLC master and the PLC client.

Abstract: A system and method for programmably operating a DC load connected to a DC outlet. A power line communication (PLC) client at the outlet measures actual and desired DC voltage at the load. A remotely located DC power server is connected between a DC power source and the outlet. The power server has a PLC master in bidirectional feedback communication with the PLC client to determine the actual and desired DC voltage at the load. An adjustable DC voltage module at the power server is controlled by the PLC master to supply an adjustable DC voltage. The power server adjusts the DC voltage supplied by the voltage module to the load based on the bidirectional feedback communication between the PLC master and the PLC client.

Abstract: An electrical circuit is connected between a power source and a plurality of loads. A plurality of load protection devices is connected in parallel in a plurality of branches of a multi-branch, sub-circuit. Each one of the load protection devices is connected to each load in a respective branch. A single power protection device is connected in series between the power source and the sub-circuit. Each of the load protection devices in a respective branch and the single power protection device enable the circuit to have a Class 2 rating.

Abstract: Electrical power and/or data are distributed to one or more electrical devices, preferably mounted on a structure. A first source module is electrically connected to an electrical power and/or data source. Additional source modules are connected in a daisy chain to the first source module. A plurality of system modules is mounted on the source modules. Each system module is electrically connectable to, and disconnectable from, a module connector of a respective source module. Each system module is removable from the respective source module for replacement without powering down the power and/or data source, and without affecting the data distribution.

Abstract: Electrical power and/or data are distributed to one or more electrical devices, preferably mounted on a structure. A first source module is electrically connected to an electrical power and/or data source. Additional source modules are connected in a daisy chain to the first source module. A plurality of system modules is mounted on the source modules. Each system module is electrically connectable to, and disconnectable from, a module connector of a respective source module. Each system module is removable from the respective source module for replacement without powering down the power and/or data source, and without affecting the data distribtion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a ceramic component, a ceramic component, and a component assembly having a ceramic component and a connection component. The method according to the invention for producing a ceramic component (1) comprises the steps: a) providing a ceramic substrate (2), wherein a conducting path (3) is arranged in the interior and/or on the surface of the ceramic substrate (2), and at least some regions of the ceramic substrate (2) are covered by a glaze (5); b) creating a contacting opening (6) in the glaze (5) in a region of a contact region (15) of the conducting path (3) to be contacted; c) applying a metallic layer (7) in the region of the contacting opening (6) for contacting the conducting path (3) in the contact region (15).

Abstract: A ballast. The ballast includes a lamp driver and a controller. The lamp driver is configured to power a gas discharge lamp, and the controller includes a non-volatile memory configured to save one or more parameters related to operation of the gas discharge lamp in the non-volatile memory. The controller is further configured to control the lamp driver based on the one or more parameters.

Abstract: A ballast. The ballast includes a lamp driver and a controller. The lamp driver is configured to power a gas discharge lamp, and the controller, which includes a non-volatile memory, is configured to control the lamp driver and to save one or more parameters related to operation of the gas discharge lamp in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A ballast. The ballast includes a power converter, a transformer, a heater circuit, and a controller. The power converter is configured to receive an input power and convert the input power to a relatively high direct current (DC) voltage. The transformer has a center-tapped primary winding coupled to the power converter and a secondary winding coupled to a lamp. The heater circuit is separate from the transformer and is configured to provide a current to an electrode of the lamp to heat the electrode. The controller is configured to control the heater circuit for providing the current to the electrode.

Abstract: A universal ballast. The ballast includes a power converter, a transformer, a current sensor, and a controller. The power converter is configured to receive an input signal and convert the input signal to a direct current (DC) voltage having a first magnitude. The transformer has a center-tapped primary winding coupled to the power converter and a secondary winding coupled to a lamp. The current sensor is configured to sense a current in the secondary winding. And the controller is configured to receive an indication of the detected current from the current sensor and to determine correct operating parameters for the lamp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a ceramic component, a ceramic component, and a component assembly having a ceramic component and a connection component. The method according to the invention for producing a ceramic component (1) comprises the steps: a) providing a ceramic substrate (2), wherein a conducting path (3) is arranged in the interior and/or on the surface of the ceramic substrate (2), and at least some regions of the ceramic substrate (2) are covered by a glaze (5); b) creating a contacting opening (6) in the glaze (5) in a region of a contact region (15) of the conducting path (3) to be contacted; c) applying a metallic layer (7) in the region of the contacting opening (6) for contacting the conducting path (3) in the contact region (15).

Abstract: An apparatus includes, in combination, an electrical component and a bracket. The electrical component has a first end configured to electrically connect to a circuit board. The electrical component defines an axis and has a width measured in a direction transverse to the axis. The bracket has a body defining a bore shaped to receive the electrical component. The body further includes a break in communication with the bore to allow expansion of the bore. In an at-rest state of the bracket, the bore has a bore width smaller than the width of the electrical component, and when the electrical component is received in the bore, the bracket is elastically deformed such that the electrical component is clamped in the transverse direction solely by the residual stress within the bracket without any additional clamp or fastener.

Abstract: An electronic control module includes a body portion, a printed circuit board positioned within the body portion, and a cap portion adapted to mate with the body portion. One of the body portion and the cap portion is formed with a groove and the other of the body portion and the cap portion is formed with a projection that is resiliently deformable upon entry into the groove to mechanically and sealingly couple the body portion and the cap portion. In some constructions, the projection is a U-shaped flange. In some constructions, the body portion and the cap portion are formed by molding a metal alloy from a thixotropic state.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hermetically sealed electrical connection is provided. The method includes providing an electrically conductive wire, surrounding the electrically conductive wire with a metal layer, providing an insulating layer between the metal layer and the electrically conductive wire, and applying a magnetically-induced compressive force to the metal layer such that the metal layer is compressed against the insulating layer and the insulating layer is compressed against the electrically conductive wire to form a hermetic seal between the metal layer and the conductive wire while maintaining the insulating layer therebetween.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hermetically sealed electrical connection is provided. The method includes providing an electrically conductive wire, surrounding the electrically conductive wire with a metal layer, providing an insulating layer between the metal layer and the electrically conductive wire, and applying a magnetically-induced compressive force to the metal layer such that the metal layer is compressed against the insulating layer and the insulating layer is compressed against the electrically conductive wire to form a hermetic seal between the metal layer and the conductive wire while maintaining the insulating layer therebetween.

Abstract: An electronic control module includes a body portion, a printed circuit board positioned within the body portion, and a cap portion adapted to mate with the body portion. One of the body portion and the cap portion is formed with a groove and the other of the body portion and the cap portion is formed with a projection that is resiliently deformable upon entry into the groove to mechanically and sealingly couple the body portion and the cap portion. In some constructions, the projection is a U-shaped flange. In some constructions, the body portion and the cap portion are formed by molding a metal alloy from a thixotropic state.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly that includes a housing, a circuit board at least partially retained within the housing, at least one terminal fixed to the circuit board, and a shroud. The housing defines a housing aperture, and the at least one terminal is accessible through the housing aperture. The shroud is coupled to the housing, and the shroud includes an alignment member configured to fix the at least one terminal relative to the shroud.

Abstract: A modularized circuit component. The modularized circuit component includes a device having an identifying feature, an electrical terminal, and at least one of a mechanical plug and a mechanical receptacle. The modularized circuit component further includes a support block having an identifying feature that is substantially the same as the identifying feature of the device, at least one of a mechanical plug and a mechanical receptacle to interface with the at least one of a mechanical plug and a mechanical receptacle of the device, and an electrical terminal configured to interface with a circuit board. The identifying feature of the device and of the support block may comprise a texture, a color, a shape, or the like. In some embodiments, the device included in the modularized circuit component is a circuit protection device such as a fuse or a relay.