Abstract: A device for lifting oversized pieces of material. The device includes a spreader bar capable of attaching to a lifting vehicle. At least two cross members are attached to the spreader bar along with at least one cross-member power source. The at least one cross-member power source is connected to at least one drive mechanism which in turn is connected to at least one of the at least two cross members. A load-pick power source is attached to each of the at least two cross members and well as to at least one load-pick drive mechanism. The at least one load-pick drive mechanism is connected to each of the at least two load pick points, and the cross-member and the load-pick power sources are each electrically connected to an operating or control panel in a cab of the lifting vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile stabilizing seat is composed of a seat body, a driving stabilizing set, and a cover. The seat body is provided with a block partitioned into containing slots at a periphery of the block, and a periphery of the seat body is formed with a plurality of opening slots. The driving stabilizing set is mobile assembled with a gear on the seat body, and the gear is gnawed with a plurality of stabilizing members below each of which is provided with a pillar. Each pillar is sheathed with an elastic member which is one end transfixed into the containing slot partitioned at the periphery of block, for enabling each stabilizing member to be mobile stabilized. The cover is assembled on the seat body. Accordingly, the mobile stabilizing seat proves a design of perfect driving and robust stabilizing, which is easily and quickly assembled, firmly stabilized, and used conveniently.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of utility trailers and more specifically, to a covered utility trailer and a kit for assembling same. The covered utility trailer includes a trailer bed for supporting cargo. The trailer bed has a leading edge, an opposed trailing edge spaced apart from the leading edge and a pair of first and second, spaced apart, side edges joining the leading edge to the trailing edge. A pair of first and second, spaced apart, sidewalls and a leading wall are also provided. Each sidewall extends upright from a respective side edge of the trailer bed. The leading wall is mounted between the first and second sidewalls and extends upright from the leading edge of the trailer bed. A rear cargo access door assembly is disposed opposite the leading wall and between the first and second sidewalls. The rear cargo access door assembly extends upright from the trailing edge of the trailer bed.

Abstract: A tailgate barrier system is provided having telescoping supports, which stores entirely within a storage compartment in the tailgate, and which extends directly perpendicular from the tailgate surface for use. The telescoping supports are hingedly connected to the tailgate within the storage compartment and are slidingly connected to the top rail of the tailgate extender. Groups of accessories mountable to the tailgate barrier system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein an automotive vehicle anti-theft system for guarding against unauthorized opening of a door of the vehicle is provided, including means for selectively biasing the door of the vehicle toward a closed position, a sensor for detecting operation of the door, and a control module operably connected to the biasing means and the sensor. The control module is configured to cause the biasing means to exert a biasing force for urging the door of the vehicle toward the closed position upon receiving a signal from the sensor indicating an attempt to move the door away from the closed position toward the open position while the anti-theft system is activated.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a base frame (14) attached to a vehicle body, a plate-like movable plate (13) mounted to the base frame by a front mounting shaft (16), and a cushioning mechanism (18) disposed between the base frame and the movable plate. The cushioning mechanism includes an upper connector (21) connected to the movable plate and a lower connector (24) connected to the base frame such that the upper connector and the lower connector are coupled to each other by a viscous material damper (32) and a spring (33). The viscous material damper is adapted to apply resistance to relative movement of the upper connector and lower connector and the spring is adapted to receive and support a load acting on the lower connector from the upper connector.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a roof, a roof part kinematic system (RPKS), and a transmission kinematic system (TKS). The roof includes roof parts movably connected together to be movable between a closed position in which the parts cover the vehicle interior and a stored position in which the roof parts expose the vehicle interior. The RPKS includes a guide rod pivotably supported at one end about a vehicle body-side rotary joint and pivotably supported at another end to one of the parts to movably connect the part to the vehicle such that upon RPKS actuation the RPKS moves the roof part between the positions. The TKS has a spring connected at one end to the guide rod. The spring acts on the guide rod with a swivel torque about the first rotary joint during the part transfer. The spring orientation traverses the first rotary joint during the part transfer.

Abstract: A window shade is stored on a storage roller mounted beneath a vehicle window opening. A trim panel has a slot through which the window shade may be unwound and raised to a use position shading the window. One or more hooks are attached to the window shade to engage with mating hook retainers at the top of the window opening to retain the window shade in its raised position. The lowered position of the window shade is established by the hook being engaged with a corresponding hook retainer on the trim panel. A finger grip is pivotally mounted on the upper end of the window shade so that the finger grip can have a predetermined pivotal position corresponding to the lowered position of the window shade and a different pivotal position when the window shade is in the raised position.

Abstract: There is provided a method of assembling door parts on an automobile door, said door parts including: a glass run mounted on a roof side and a pillar side, which has a ditch part formed therein for guiding lifting or lowering of a door glass and provided with lips slidably brought into contact with the door glass; a roof molding; a pillar molding; and a belt line molding to be mounted along a belt line, comprising the steps of: connecting an upper end part of said pillar molding having said glass run mounted therein to a rear end part of said roof molding having said glass run mounted therein and connecting said belt line molding both to a front end part of said roof molding and a lower end part of said pillar molding, thereby assembling a modularized product in advance; and assembling said modularized product on the front door in a vehicle assembly line.

Abstract: There is provided a mounting structure of a glass run having a ditch part formed therein for guiding a door glass of an automobile and including: a cross-section roughly U-shaped installation base member consisting of an outer-cabin side wall, a bottom wall and an inner-cabin side wall; and an outer lip and an inner lip, which are respectively formed inward from the outer-cabin side wall and outward from the inner-cabin side wall of the installation base member and slidably brought into contact with the door glass, that a molding member covering the outer-cabin side wall from the outer-cabin side mounts said glass run to a door sash, wherein the molding member is integrally molded with a cross-section roughly U-shaped channel part having the installation base member of the glass run fitted therein.

Abstract: A system for operating an automotive liftgate includes a motor drive adapted for positioning the liftgate, and at least one telescopic strut positioned between the liftgate and an adjacent body structure. A controller operates the motor drive so as to place the liftgate in a predetermined position, such as a fully closed or fully opened position, in the event that a sensor detects unintended movement of the liftgate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motorvehicle (1) having a hatchback (h1) that is movable in at least one position of a rear window (H4), wherein the rear window (H4) can be separately moved from its closed position in the areas (H2, H3) surrounding the hatchback (H1) and opposite thereto into a release position, wherein the rear window (H4) can be stored in an area in the vehicle body (6) that is spaced from the hatchback (H1).

Abstract: A camper trailer or caravan (10) includes a chassis (12) adapted to be attached to, and towed behind a motor vehicle (11). A housing (21) is mounted on the chassis (12) and defines a main chamber including a peripheral wall. The chassis (12) is short in length and about the same width as the towing vehicle (11) with the wheels (19) located adjacent the rear end of the chassis (12), and the housing (21) is adapted be opened such that panels (41) folded inside the housing when in the closed configuration are adapted to form annex chambers (42, 43) when in the open configuration when the camper trailer (10) is being used for camping and the like. A sleeping chamber (23) associated with the main chamber extends outside the peripheral walls of said camper trailer when required. Preferably there is a kitchen chamber and a bedding chamber within the housing of the camper trailer.

Abstract: An energy absorbing countermeasure for motor vehicle doors comprises a body having at least a first zone and a second zone. Each zone has at least one surface with recesses in the surface and portions between recesses. The portions are broken upon impact and enter into the recess to exhibit energy absorbing efficiency. The recesses in the first zone are arranged or configured to absorb a first desired peak load during impact and the recesses in the second zone are arranged or configured to absorb a second desired peak load during impact. The first desired peak load is different from the second desired peak load.

Abstract: A cross-member configuration for a motor vehicle has a basic member for receiving functional elements, and a body cross-member. The basic member is fastened to the body cross-member via holding elements. The holding elements have, on the body cross-member side, a stepped connecting region which is connected to a connecting region which is configured in a complementary manner thereto on the body cross-member. In addition, it is provided that the connecting regions each have at least two stepped surfaces which bear against one another when holding elements are connected to the body cross-member.

Abstract: In a vehicle front structure (10), a cross member (52) which is disposed above paired side members (12) includes vehicle width-direction both end portions extending toward a rear side of the vehicle. The cross member (52) is connected with vehicle front-side portions of the paired suspension towers (42) at edges of the extending portions. Therefore, when a vehicle has a frontal collision at high speed, a collision load applied to the cross member (52) can be effectively received by the paired suspension towers (42), and can be transmitted to the paired suspensions. Thus, the cross member (52) can effectively receive the collision load, and can efficiently transmit the collision load to the rear side of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle body structure which has a sub-window plate and a front fender each disposed at the rear of a headlamp lens on a sidewall of a vehicle body. In the vehicle body structure, a longitudinally-extending concave portion 60 is defined between the front fender 4 and a combination of a front pillar 52 and a hood 2. The concave portion 60 has at least a frontward region partly receiving therein a headlamp lens 10 and a rearward region receiving therein the sub-window plate 30 at the rear of the headlamp lens 10, whereby a plurality of components including at least the headlamp lens 10 and the sub-window plate 30 are received in the concave portion 60 to form a belt-line surface module F which continuously covers the concave portion 60 to define a transparent or semi-transparent exterior surface on the sidewall of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An interlock for a skid steer vehicle with a rear engine compartment and a rear door to that compartment includes a beam that is mounted transversely to the bottom of the door and has an upward facing surface that, like the beam, extends across the entire rear engine compartment opening. An interlocking second member is fixed to the chassis and extends across the rear engine compartment opening. When the door is impacted and forced upward, the first beam engages the second interlocking member over its width and transfers the force from the door (and beam) to the chassis. When the door is impacted with a forward-directed force, the first beam also contacts the second member and transfers the forward forces through the second member to the chassis. Injury to the door is reduced or eliminated by transferring door impact forces to the chassis since the first beam extends substantially the entire distance across the door and is fixed to an inner surface of the door's frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite part, especially a cross member between the A columns of a motor vehicle. Said composite part comprises an open metal profile (2) and a channel (3) disposed therein, at least partially constituted of a plastic material and extending along the metal profile (2). An insert part (4, 22) produced from a plastic material is fastened on the wall of the metal profile (2) in such a manner that a retaining contour (10) configured on an opening (11) in the wall of the metal profile (2) and shaped from said profile undercuts the plastic material of the insert part (4, 22) pressed into the contour, thereby providing the channel (3) with a wall and/or mechanically stabilizing it.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a concealment device for vehicle roofs with a transparent element comprising a group of technical solutions in the blocking means which enable unblocking and smooth opening and closing movements without losing efficiency in respect of retention. It is characterised by the use in the rail of an elastomeric body with a distortion capacity such that when the braking brake shoe attempts to advance a front of elastomeric material forms in front and a traction zone forms behind, checking the advance. The device also incorporates blocking means which make use of an appropriately configured lever which multiplies the release force of the retention brake shoes applied by means of a wire or similar, by power obtained from the handle device.

Abstract: An ergonomic worker support stand with convenience features for reducing stress and supporting either the upper or lower portion of a person's body is disclosed. The stand is designed for safety, convenience and comfort in performing worker tasks. My patent includes features that reduce stress, conserve energy, and facilitate increased work productivity are important to physically challenged persons as well an able bodied worker. The stand is separable, adjustable and foldable to make it compact for storage purposes. The ergonomic stand, in the operational position, provides a sturdy, balanced, adjustable, and ergonomic platform for the support of the worker, appliances and tools. The stand has features for lighting of the workspace, holding work related accessories, powering electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically operated tools. The stand has ports for connecting personal data assistants, wireless communications, and computers used in accessing worker instructions and information.

Abstract: The invention concerns a seat articulating device comprising a seat and a back capable of pivoting relative to the back seat about a pivot pin (A1) into a plurality of positions, in particular a nominal position wherein the back is substantially vertical and a shelf position wherein the back is folded down on the seat, said device comprising: a flange (3) designed to support the back pivoting relative to the pivot pin (A1) including arc-shaped teeth having a radius R centered on the pivot pin (A1); a concave toothed segment (12) capable of being linked to the seat, oscillating relative to a pivot pin (A2) between a locking position wherein it co-operates with the teeth of the flange (3) and an unlocking position wherein it is spaced apart from the flange teeth and allows the flange (3) to rotate.

Abstract: A seat assembly comprises a seat cushion having an outer surface comprising a front side for supporting an occupant in a sitting position and a rear side. A base member is positioned on the rear side of the seat cushion. A first passage extends through the seat cushion. A ventilation system is provided for distributing air from the first passage along the support surface of the seat cushion. A climate control apparatus is provided for providing climate conditioned air to the ventilation system. A conduit connects the climate control apparatus to the ventilation system.

Abstract: A combination step stool and mechanic's seat in the form of a molded plastic, generally parallelepiped configuration includes a seat on one side supported on casters on the opposite side with a step stool surface adjacent the backside of the seat and spaced from a front side surface of the seat which includes a recess tray for tools and other items.

Abstract: A swivel and tilt bicycle seat assembly designed to eliminate pressure on a rider's scrotum by using a rectangular seat section that freely swivels side-to-side and freely tilts in a fore and aft direction as the rider pedals. The assembly includes a seat post attachment mechanism that attaches to a seat post. The assembly includes a rectangular seat section with two opposite upward curved side wings. Attached to the bottom surface of the seat is a rotating bracket that rotates freely in 360 degrees. The upper ends of the rotating bracket is attached to a bolt located on the bottom surface of the seat section that allows the seat section to tilt in a fore and aft direction support base that can be selectively adjusted and fixed in a desired fore and aft position for different riders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unitary seat cover for accommodating a child safety seat upon a vehicle seat having an adjustable upper protective panel and a lower protective panel which are integrally attached by a fold line forming a unitary elongated cover.

Abstract: A seating unit (1) comprises a fixed housing (10) containing a primary seat with a reclinable back arranged to recline in such a manner that it remains within the housing. The seating unit is suitable for a aircraft cabin and may further comprise a leg-rest arranged to cooperate with the seating portion to form part of a substantially flat surface when the back is reclined in a substantially horizontal position. The seating unit may further comprise a secondary seat (3) positioned to face the primary seat, the secondary seat having a seating portion positioned to cooperate with the leg-rest of the primary seat to form a portion of the substantially flat surface when the back of the primary seat is reclined in the substantially horizontal position. Privacy between seats and use of available space within an aircraft cabin may be optimised by arranging at least some of the seats in an echelon.

Abstract: A support and gliding mechanism for a chair or sofa includes a base; an elongated, generally U-shaped support arm on the base; a three-sided end housing pivotally mounted on each free end of the support arm, the housing having inverted triangular sides and a rectangular end extending between outer edges of the sides; and a generally rectangular chair support frame defined by side walls, the bottom corners of which are pivotally connected to the bottom corners of the housing sides, the result being a closed structure covering most of the base even during gliding.

Abstract: A child motion device has a frame assembly configured to rest on a floor surface. A support arm assembly is coupled to and cantilevered from part of the frame assembly above the floor surface. A child supporting device is supported by the support arm assembly. A bounce mechanism of the device is employed to reciprocally bounce the child supporting device above the floor surface.

Abstract: A chair suitable for use with a video game, the chair having a seat portion and a back portion, the back portion having a pair of deformation devices, said deformation devices being designed to cause increased pressure on a portion of an occupant's back. Preferably, the deformation devices are linked to the accelerator and steering wheel to simulate turning and acceleration.

Abstract: A positioning and control system to selectively position and to monitor and record the position of the seat frame, back rest frame and leg rest supports of a powered wheelchair wherein the positioning and control system comprises a seat positioning mechanism including a seat tilt positioning assembly and a back rest recline positioning assembly to position the tilt of the seat frame and the recline of the back rest frame respectively, and a leg rest positioning mechanism including leg rest positioning assemblies to position the leg rest supports, and a system control including an operator input control and a microprocessor to control, monitor and record the position of the seat frame, back rest frame and the leg rest supports.

Abstract: A seat frame structure includes a seat cushion frame, a seat back frame, and a connecting bracket connecting the seat cushion frame to the seat back frame. The seat cushion frame includes a first beam portion having an internal space in at least one of a left/right side edge portion. The seat back frame includes a second beam portion having an internal space in at least one of a left/right side edge portion. The connecting bracket includes a first arm portion inserted into the internal space of the first beam portion and connected to the first beam portion and a second arm portion inserted into the internal space of the second beam portion and connected to the second beam portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuating means with which the position of a component can be changed directly or indirectly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slidable armrest that may be used in combination with a console within a transportation vehicle. The armrest may be slidably mounted to a mounting bracket and overlie a console lid/compartment and be moveable forward to provide arm support for vehicle occupants or rearward to allow access to an underlying storage compartment. Two exemplary embodiments of actuating mechanisms for controlling fore/aft positioning of the armrest are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chair accessory comprising one or more board-like items, including planks, of various thicknesses having on or in each item at least one restraining device having one or more chair-leg contacting surfaces that will prevent a child, while sitting in the chair, from moving the board-like item out of its functional place with his feet. The chair accessory is used with a chair including a child's chair to provide a foot rest when the chair occupant's legs are too short to allow the occupant's feet to reach the floor to provide stability necessary to permit more advanced fine motor development.

Abstract: A suspended pixelated seating structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The suspended pixelated seating structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each use independent elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The suspended pixelated seating structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable suspended seating structure. Accordingly, the suspended pixelated seating structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A passenger seat with increased knee space for an aft-seated passenger, including a seat base for being attached to a supporting deck and at least one seat frame including a seat back and seat bottom carried by the seat base. At least one arm rest assembly is carried by the seat frame and including an arm rest mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot member between a use position with an upper support surface in a horizontal position for supporting a forearm of a passenger seated in the seat, and a stowed position wherein the upper support surface of the arm rest is perpendicular to the use position. The arm rest pivot member is mounted on the seat frame at a point forward of a plane defined by the seat back carried by the seat and above a point defined by the seat bottom for allowing the knee of an aft-seated passenger to occupy space behind the pivot member of the arm rest.

Abstract: A device for attaching a child safety seat has a frame defining a slot engageable by a fixed catch; and a lever which rotates, about an axis of rotation, from a release position to a lock position to retain the catch inside the slot. The frame guides a control member, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the lever, between a forward position and a withdrawn position with respect to the slot; a spring pushes the control member into the withdrawn position, and a cam transmission rotates the lever into the release position as the control member is pushed into the forward position in opposition to the spring; and the lever is fixed radially with respect to its axis of rotation, and is retained in the release position by a pin, carried by the control member, engaging a seat on the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle air brake system is presented with an improved service work brake arrangement. The arrangement may provide a service work brake function or both a service work brake function and a parking brake function for the vehicle. The arrangement may provide an improved service work brake arrangement disposed within a housing for reducing the number of components and plumbing required to achieve this functionality versus prior known systems. The arrangement may utilizes a pneumatic latching valve to deliver pressurized air for applying a vehicle's service brakes. The pneumatic latching valve opens upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from an electronically controlled valve and closes upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from another source. In addition, a controller and control logic may be provided for controlling the arrangement.

Abstract: In the reverse braking control of the vehicle, a master cylinder pressure Pmc generated according to the driver's pressing force of a brake pedal is pressurized by pumps and is supplied as a wheel cylinder pressure of rear wheels. The pressurized master cylinder pressure Pmc is reduced by the on-off control of pressure reducing solenoid valves and is supplied as a wheel cylinder pressure of front wheels. This ensures application of the braking force to the front wheels and the rear wheels at a front-rear ratio having a greater rear wheel fraction than the front-rear ratio during the forward braking control. A greater braking force is thus applied to the rear wheels, which are located at the front in the moving direction of the reverse braking control. This ensures generation of a sufficient braking force and effectively prevents the lock of the front wheels.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit includes a spring applied-pressure released brake, a hydraulic motor, and a control in fluid communication with the brake and the motor. The control is operative between a first position and a second position. When in the first position the brake receives pressure from a first brake pressure source. When in the second position the brake receives pressure from a second pressure source and the motor is short circuited in relation to a motor pressure source. The control can be automatically reset upon pressurization of the hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system is responsive to vehicle conditions to alter the response of the braking system for a given driver input. In one mode, the vehicle conditions are conditions that are indicated by sensor in real time. In another mode, the vehicle conditions are historical conditions, such as trends, patterns, etc. The braking system provides braking responses that are appropriate for vehicle conditions and enables personalization of the braking system to accommodate individual driver characteristics.

Abstract: A power supply system suitable for use in a mobile cart for providing power to peripheral devices. The power supply system includes a combination inverter and transformer connected between an AC input and a battery terminal for providing electrical current to peripheral devices. A charger is connected between the AC input and the battery terminal for charging a battery and a cooling device is located for removing heat from both the combination inverter and transformer and the charger.

Abstract: A system and method for bypassing the ignition switch and controlling operation of an engine and an accessory drive of a vehicle, the system comprising an ignition switch, a user-activated secondary switch, a control logic circuit, and a third switch. The ignition switch controls operation of the engine that enables the engine to operate when the ignition switch is in an ON state. The user-activated secondary switch makes a connection in a parallel electrical power supply circuit to the engine and vehicle accessory drive, when the secondary switch is in the CLOSED state. The control logic circuit is responsive to the ignition switch, the secondary switch, and a user-activated vehicle control device. The third switch is associated with a user-activated vehicle control device wherein the third switch causes the logic circuit to interrupt the parallel electrical power supply circuit, when the user-activated vehicle control device is activated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical power distribution architecture specially adapted for actuating in sequence aircraft moving elements such as doors, undercarriages, or high-lift elements, said moving elements being actuated by electromechanical actuators powered in sequence from electrical power delivered by at least one electrical power bus of the aircraft. According to the invention, the architecture comprises at least one power distribution member comprising: calibrator means for calibrating the electrical power coming from the power supply bus of the aircraft; and switch means for selectively directing the calibrated electrical power to one or the other of the electromechanical actuators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power supply system for several user systems onboard an aircraft. This system comprises at least two power supply electronics (10, 11) and means of connecting these at least two power supply electronics to at least two user systems (12, 13, 14, 15), characterised in that these connecting means comprise a network of connecting contactors (16, 17; 32, 33) from each power supply electronics with at least two user systems not performing similar functions but technologically compatible such that these power supply electronics supply these user systems at different times.

Abstract: For one disclosed embodiment, modulation circuitry may control power conversion circuitry to supply power for one or more load circuits. Voltage regulation control circuitry may control the modulation circuitry to regulate voltage supply from the power conversion circuitry. Current surge balance control circuitry may separately control the modulation circuitry to provide supply current steps by the power conversion circuitry to help cancel load current surges. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multifunctional multi-tap (concent) of intercepting a stand-by electric power and a control method employing the same which prevent big fire generated by leakage current by performing an interlocking control and a single-acting control (separate control) in accordance with subordination of respective appliances using a illumination sensor or a body-detecting sensor. The multifunctional multi-tap (concent) detects a signal according, to an illuminance and a motion of body around respective lead-in holes activated as an interlocking control and a single-acting control using an illumination sensor or a body-detecting sensor, discriminates the detected signal by a controller, and controls the respective appliances as a stand-by state or a power-saving state in accordance with the interlocking control or the single-acting control.

Abstract: A system and method for adaptively providing a power supply voltage. The system includes an input/output subsystem configured to receive a first voltage, an analog subsystem configured to receive a second voltage and coupled to the input/output subsystem, a first digital subsystem configured to receive a third voltage and coupled to the input/output subsystem, and a second digital subsystem configured to receive a fourth voltage and coupled to the input/output subsystem, the first digital subsystem, and the analog subsystem. Additionally, the system includes a first adaptive power supply configured to receive an input voltage and generate the third voltage, and a second adaptive power supply configured to receive the input voltage and generate the fourth voltage.

Abstract: A system, method and device for power switching and power control, particularly for switching the source of power between two or more power sources are provided. Power control elements testing the availability and stability of alternate power sources and switch loads between these power sources in short periods of time and with advantageous switching characteristics. In a fuel-cell system, the embodiments of the invention may be advantageously deployed to power up balance of plant loads using opto-electronic couplers and electronic relays.