Abstract: An inverter configured for use within a vehicle to power consumer electronic devices and other types of devices requiring single-phase, AC energy. The inverter may include a network interface or other type of the connection to a vehicle data bus or other message exchange system in order to communicate with an electronic control unit (ECU) or other feature included within the vehicle to monitor and control energy consumption by one or more vehicle subsystems.

Abstract: An inverter configured for use within a vehicle to power consumer electronic devices and other types of devices requiring single-phase, AC energy. The inverter may include a network interface or other type of the connection to a vehicle data bus or other message exchange system in order to communicate with an electronic control unit (ECU) or other feature included within the vehicle to monitor and control energy consumption by one or more vehicle subsystems.

Abstract: A visor vanity including a visor body for a vehicle having an electrical system is provided. The visor body includes a visor mirror, at least one light source, a switch, a regulator circuit and a timer. The switch causes at least one energy source that is independent of the electrical system of the vehicle to generate a first voltage signal. The regulator circuit is operably coupled to the switch and to the energy source for transmitting a second voltage signal in response to the first voltage signal so that the light source receives the second voltage signal. The timer is powered by the energy source for causing the regulator circuit to disable the operation of transmitting the second voltage signal in response to the timer achieving a predetermined count value.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-function control assembly for the lighting in a vehicle. The multi-function control assembly includes a housing, a first light, and a second light. A switch body is movably mounted on the housing, the switch body being movable between first and second positions for regulating power supplied to the first light. A touch sensitive sensor is mounted relative to the switch body. The touch sensor is operable to control a first characteristic of one of the first light and the second light when the switch body is in the first position. The touch sensor is operable to control a second characteristic of one of the first light and the second light when the switch body is in the second position.

Abstract: An automobile interior component having color adjustable illumination has a plurality of light-emitting diodes of varying color spectra, a controller that adjusts the color spectrum of the diodes, and a control switch to set the emitted light to a first predetermined color. An activation switch functions as an on/off switch and/or as a switch that transitions the emitted light from the first predetermined color to a second predetermined color and back again if desired.

Abstract: A vehicular touch switch activated LED illumination circuit includes a LED illumination source for providing vehicle illumination. A touch switch antenna senses a user input for activating and deactivating the LED illumination source. An integrated circuit mounted to a printed circuit board for controlling the current provided to the LED illumination source. The integrated circuit is in communication with the touch switch antenna for detecting the user input. A driver circuit is mounted to the printed circuit board and is electrically coupled to the LED illumination source for driving the LED illumination source. The integrated circuit includes a battery voltage sensed input and a temperature sensed input for receiving sensed input signals to control a signal input to the driver circuit for variably controlling the current provided to the illumination source.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting the broadcasting of a RF message from a remote transmitter to an in-vehicle receiver. The RF message includes an initial preamble having a plurality of pulses. Power is provided to the receiver for a first predetermined period of time. The preamble pulses received are counted. A determination is made whether the number of preamble pulses received is between a first and second predetermined number of preamble pulses. If the number of preamble pulses is greater than the first predetermined number of preamble pulses, then power is provided to the receiver for processing the RF message. If the number of preamble pulses is less than the second predetermined number of preamble pulses, then power is terminated to the receiver. If the number of preamble pulses are between the first and second predetermined number of preamble pulses, then power is extended to the receiver for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting the broadcasting of a RF message from a remote transmitter to an in-vehicle receiver. The RF message includes an initial preamble having a plurality of pulses. Power is provided to the receiver for a first predetermined period of time. The preamble pulses received are counted. A determination is made whether the number of preamble pulses received is between a first and second predetermined number of preamble pulses. If the number of preamble pulses is greater than the first predetermined number of preamble pulses, then power is provided to the receiver for processing the RF message. If the number of preamble pulses is less than the second predetermined number of preamble pulses, then power is terminated to the receiver. If the number of preamble pulses are between the first and second predetermined number of preamble pulses, then power is extended to the receiver for an extended period of time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for forming a window of optimum dimensions in casing wall. A window of maximum width is cut when the center line of the mill tool is located inside of the inner diameter of the casing where a maximum amount of casing is drilled away by the mill tool. A whipstock is described which deviates the mill tool outwardly so that the center line of the mill tool is in approximately this position. The whipstock then maintains the mill tool at this approximate location until a window of desired length is cut having a substantially maximum width. The whipstock then deviates the mill tool such that the centerline is outside of the casing to drill a rathole into the formation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for forming a window of optimum dimensions in casing wall. A window of maximum width is cut when the center line of the mill tool is located inside of the inner diameter of the casing where a maximum amount of casing is drilled away by the mill tool. A whipstock is described which deviates the mill tool outwardly so that the center line of the mill tool is in approximately this position. The whipstock then maintains the mill tool at this approximate location until a window of desired length is cut having a substantially maximum width. The whipstock then deviates the mill tool such that the centerline is outside of the casing to drill a rathole into the formation.

Abstract: An inverter configured for use within a vehicle to power consumer electronic devices and other types of devices requiring single-phase, AC energy. The inverter may include a network interface or other type of the connection to a vehicle data bus or other message exchange system in order to communicate with an electronic control unit (ECU) or other feature included within the vehicle to monitor and control energy consumption by one or more vehicle subsystems.