Abstract: A method and system to provide a distributed local energy production system with high-voltage DC bus is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system comprises a management unit to be interconnected via a network bus to a set of link modules, each link module coupled to a separate local energy production unit, each link module to include a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) step-up converter and a parameter monitoring unit to produce parameter data for the respective local energy production unit, and the local energy production units to be coupled to a high voltage power line to deliver produced electrical energy to a consumer of the energy; and the management unit to receive measured parameters from the link modules, and to send control signals to link modules to provide individual operational control of the local energy production units, the management unit to be coupled to one or more separate computers to provide the computers with access to the parameter data and control of the local energy production units.

Abstract: A method and system to provide a distributed local energy production system with high-voltage DC bus is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system comprises a management unit to be interconnected via a network bus to a set of link modules, each link module coupled to a separate local energy production unit, each link module to include a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) step-up converter and a parameter monitoring unit to produce parameter data for the respective local energy production unit, and the local energy production units to be coupled to a high voltage power line to deliver produced electrical energy to a consumer of the energy; and the management unit to receive measured parameters from the link modules, and to send control signals to link modules to provide individual operational control of the local energy production units, the management unit to be coupled to one or more separate computers to provide the computers with access to the parameter data and control of the local energy production units.

Abstract: Door check device for a vehicle door, movable from a closed position in a door frame to a plurality of different open positions and held in the open positions, includes a strip connected to the door or door frame and a braking mechanism connected to the other of the door or door frame to provide relative movement between the strip and braking mechanism when the door is moved relative to the door frame. The braking mechanism engages with the strip at several locations and prevents movement of the strip when the braking mechanism engages therewith. The braking mechanism is preferably biased against the strip. The vehicle also includes an electrical system, e.g., a motor or solenoid, coupled to the braking mechanism to disengage it from the strip to permit relative movement between the strip and braking mechanism and thus movement of the door relative to the door frame.

Abstract: Method for controlling a motorized door of a vehicle to allow for non-motorized operation in including monitoring the torque on the motor or force or torque exerted on the door and disengaging the motor from the door when the torque or force is above a threshold. Optionally, the velocity of the door can be monitored and the motor re-engaged with the door when the velocity of the door is zero. An apparatus for controlling a motorized door of a vehicle to allow for non-motorized operation includes a motor releasably coupled to the door for opening and closing the door, a torque sensor for measuring the torque on the motor, torque or force on the door, and a processor coupled to the torque sensor and the motor for analyzing the measured torque or force on the motor or door relative to a threshold and disengaging the motor from the door when the torque or force is above the threshold.

Abstract: Door check mechanism including a rack adapted to be coupled to and extend outward from the frame, a gear adapted to be arranged on the door, the gear having teeth and being arranged in engagement with the rack and a detent mechanism arranged in engagement with the rack and the gear for enabling the door to be positioned in a plurality of fixed positions and for preventing movement of the door to a different fixed position when a force exerted upon the door is below a threshold. The detent mechanism may include a cam having a pawl in engagement with the rack and a detent and a spring for biasing the detent against the gear to press the gear against the rack. The gear is rotatable along the rack which each position in which the pawl engages one of the teeth being a possible position of the door.

Abstract: Door check device for a vehicle door, movable from a closed position in a door frame to a plurality of different open positions and held in the open positions, includes a strip connected to the door or door frame and a braking mechanism connected to the other of the door or door frame to provide relative movement between the strip and braking mechanism when the door is moved relative to the door frame. The braking mechanism engages with the strip at several locations and prevents movement of the strip when the braking mechanism engages therewith. The braking mechanism is preferably biased against the strip. The vehicle also includes an electrical system, e.g., a motor or solenoid, coupled to the braking mechanism to disengage it from the strip to permit relative movement between the strip and braking mechanism and thus movement of the door relative to the door frame.

Abstract: Door check mechanism including a rack adapted to be coupled to and extend outward from the frame, a gear adapted to be arranged on the door, the gear having teeth and being arranged in engagement with the rack and a detent mechanism arranged in engagement with the rack and the gear for enabling the door to be positioned in a plurality of fixed positions and for preventing movement of the door to a different fixed position when a force exerted upon the door is below a threshold. The detent mechanism may include a cam having a pawl in engagement with the rack and a detent and a spring for biasing the detent against the gear to press the gear against the rack. The gear is rotatable along the rack which each position in which the pawl engages one of the teeth being a possible position of the door.

Abstract: A modular robot body assembly includes a generally rhombicuboctahedron geometric shape segmented into five modules symmetrically located around a horizontal center shaft system which allows the robot body, front legs, and back legs to rotate about a horizontal center axis with respect to one another. Four quarter-shell modules are arranged at 90 degree angles from each other about the common horizontal center axis and joined at edges to each other and at their inner facing edges to a core module containing a shaft rotatably mounted along the horizontal center axis. Each module may contain functionally different parts that can be mixed and matched with other modules to suit particular applications. A flexible coil conduit is connected between the shaft and the core module providing an electrical linkage form the robot body to the legs while maintaining rotational capability of the legs with respect to the body.