Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that serves as an attachment for a forklift truck or the like for handling multiple drums simultaneously. The drums to be transported are arranged symmetrically in a cluster about a central vertical axis. The apparatus includes a slidable suspension plate that connects to a latching device adapted to clamp onto the rim of each drum in the cluster. The sliding movement of the suspension plate is confined to a linear path of travel by guide rails. The limited forward/rearward linear movement aids in locating the clamping device accurately relative to the central vertical axis of the cluster.

Abstract: A console box is made of resin, is elongate in the vehicle front-rear direction, and can be installed on a floor panel. An upper component forms a top face and a front wall on the vehicle front side, and has, in the top face near the front wall, a drink holder that is recessed downward. A lower component forms side walls and on both sides in the vehicle width direction and a rear wall on the vehicle rear side. The lower component has a link portion that extends between and links the inner faces of the side walls and below the drink holder. The link portion is fixed with bolts and to the floor panel, and a lower face at a bottom of the drink holder has a clip that connects the drink holder to the link portion.

Abstract: A knock-down cart has a generally square box-like structure having four side panels and at four columns of vertically ledges, with two or four functional or nonfunctional wheels. It serves as elevation base for food machines like popcorn machine and cotton candy floss machine and alike. The knock-down version has a detachable bottom plate of the box-like body which offers easy assembly work for end consumers to put together as well as saves packing cubic the results in cost reduction in shipping and storage.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a luggage compartment that houses an additional support unit having a loading floor, height-adjustable between a lowered position and at least one raised position; when in the raised position, the loading floor is supported, but can rotate upwards about a horizontal axis of rotation; the unit has two levers, which are hinged to a fixed structure about a first horizontal axis and to the loading floor about a second horizontal axis, which is set apart from the first horizontal axis by a variable distance.

Abstract: The sliding device (1), in particular for vehicle sun visor (2), arranged so as to pivot about a rod (3) intended to be connected to a stationary element such as, in particular, the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The sliding device (1) comprises a sliding carriage (4) slidably mounted inside a tubular profile member (6). The sliding carriage (4) and the tubular profile member (6) comprise respectively complementary male and female fitting members with a substantially triangular cross-section that define at least two bearing surfaces of the sliding carriage (4) on the tubular profile member (6) in the direction of the return force of the return member (7). The bearing surfaces are symmetrical and inclined by an angle (?) with respect to the longitudinal plane of symmetry (P) of the sliding device (1).

Abstract: A door assembly (40) for a vehicle, including a vehicle door (12) for opening and closing a door opening in the vehicle body. The door comprises a door body (15), an outer cover member (27) which covers at least a part of the outer surface (53) of the door outer panel (21) of the door body, and a seal member (28). The outer cover member comprises an outer cover body (165) which covers the outer surface of the door outer panel, an extension section (164) which is extended further toward the outside than an edge (163) of the door body, and a closed cross-section section (166) which is formed in a closed cross-sectional shape on the rear surface (177) of the extension section. The seal member is attached to the closed cross-section section.

Abstract: A dash assembly for the occupant area of a vehicle including a stationary section, a moveable section, first interface and a second interface is provided. The moveable section includes at least one contact zone configured to be engaged by a driver's knee in the event of an accident to absorb forces from the driver's knee. The first interface is between the stationary section and the moveable section and secures the moveable section to the stationary section at a first location. The second interface is between the stationary section and the moveable section and secures the moveable section to the stationary section at a second location spaced away from the first location. The second interface is configured to release prior to the first interface upon sufficient forces being applied to the at least one contact zone during an accident.

Abstract: A reinforcing unit for the vehicle body may include an insert member coupled to a front side member while being inserted in the front side member, and a fender apron lower reinforce member mounted in a fender apron to be coupled to the insert member, so that crash energy transmitted to the fender apron in a front offset crash of the vehicle may be transmitted to the front side member through the reinforcing unit of the vehicle body to be effectively distributed.

Abstract: An impact protection structure for a vehicle impacting a blunt-object barrier includes a support structure of the vehicle, an energy absorbing rail coupled to the support structure, and a localized energy dissipation structure. The energy absorbing rail extends an energy absorbing rail length and includes a plurality of lumens. The localized energy dissipation structure extends a localized energy dissipation structure length less than the energy absorbing rail length.

Abstract: A sound insulation structure for vehicles, machines and equipment powered by internal combustion engines equipped with emission control systems designed to meet the T4i and T4 emission standards is disclosed. The disclosed sound insulation structure includes a barrier core layer disposed between two insulation layers. Each insulation layer is disposed between the barrier core layer and either a facing layer or a backing layer. The insulation layers may be fabricated from fiberglass while the barrier core layer may be fabricated from a polymer or a rubberized polymer such as rubberized polyethylene. The backing and facing layers may be fabricated from non-woven materials such as non-woven cellulose fibers. The sound insulation structure may also be fire resistant.

Abstract: A shock absorber housing supporting apparatus for a vehicle installed in a front body including a shock absorber housing disposed between a fender apron upper member provided in an upper portion of a fender apron and a front side member provided in a length direction of a vehicle body and having a beam shape, and a cowl connected to a front side of a front glass and having a panel shape, may include a first supporting device connecting the front side member and the fender apron upper member and covering the shock absorber housing in between them, and a second supporting device connecting the front side member and the cowl and covering the shock absorber housing in therebetween.

Abstract: A front vehicle body structure for a vehicle body (1) having a vehicle interior compartment (2) and a front compartment (3) which is provided in front of the vehicle interior compartment (2). The front vehicle body structure is provided with: strut towers (16) to which the upper edges of struts for the front wheels are mounted; front pillars (20) extending, at positions at the front of the vehicle interior compartment and on both sides in the width direction, from the roof of the vehicle interior compartment toward the upper edge of the rear of the front compartment; and reinforcement members (25, 70) each having one end joined to the strut tower and the other end joined to the front pillar. Each of the reinforcement members is joined to the strut tower on both the inner side and outer side of a plane (S) with respect to the vehicle body, the plane (S) passing through the axis of the strut and extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body.

Abstract: A front vehicle body reinforcing structure includes: an upper reinforcing member and a lower reinforcing member attached to an upper portion and a lower portion of the shock absorber housing panel; and a front reinforcing rail and a rear reinforcing rail attached to a front side and a rear side of the shock absorber housing panel in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, respectively, thereby enhancing strength of a front vehicle body.

Abstract: A connection arrangement for connecting two tube pieces of a crossmember for a vehicle has a first attachment element made of a first material, wherein the first attachment element is provided for a solid material-bonded connection to at least a first tube piece which comprises the first material. Furthermore, the first attachment element has a second attachment element which is fastened to the first attachment element, wherein the second attachment element consists essentially of a second material differing from the first material, wherein the second attachment element is provided for a solid material-bonded connection to a second tube piece which comprises the second material. Furthermore, a crossmember has such a connection arrangement.

Abstract: A method of attaching functional components to a roof element of a vehicle, including applying a curable material in a low-viscosity state which is molded in sections by means of a first mold surface, wherein a second mold surface is used which serves for shaping further sections of the curable material, an opening remaining accessible towards the environment through which the curable material can be introduced.

Abstract: A folding chair includes a front leg frame, a rear leg frame and a backrest frame pivotally coupled to a seat. Support braces are pivotally coupled to the backrest frame on one end and pivotally coupled to the front leg frame on an opposing end by sliding members that are slidably coupled to a corresponding slot formed on each side of the seat. In an open configuration the backrest frame is substantially upright and positioned substantially perpendicular to the seat, and each sliding member engages a rear end of a corresponding slot such that the front leg frame forms an X-shape with respect to the rear leg frame. The components are folded in one motion into a folded configuration in which each sliding member engages a front end of a corresponding slot while the backrest frame, seat, and front and rear leg frames are positioned co-planar to each other.

Abstract: Fitting for an item of seating furniture and item of seating furniture. A fitting is proposed which comprises a pivotable leg support segment, wherein said fitting comprises a separate spring which serves to secure the leg support segment in a storage position while not being used.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to adjust between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a back-mounting link and a rear bellcrank both rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, an activator bar that controls a footrest drive link, and a linear actuator for carrying out automated adjustment of the linkage assembly. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a torque on the activator bar. The footrest drive link converts the torque into a laterally-directed force that pushes the footrest assembly into the extended position. A stroke in the second phase acts to push the activator bar forward and translate the seat-mounting plate forward at a consistent inclination angle. The forward translation causes the rear bellcrank to rotate, thereby biasing the back-mounting link rearward into the reclined position.

Abstract: Sport Hugger or Seat Hugger product is made of nonslip material and designed to help keep the elderly and/or those with physical disabilities and those involved in sports from slipping, sliding and slouching into uncomfortable back positions while in there wheelchairs. Sport Hugger or Seat Hugger nonslip material can be placed between any existing seat cushion or chair pad on the wheelchair or the user can sit directly on the nonslip material for a more secure maximum grip support.

Abstract: A juvenile product adjustment mechanism which allows for easy, secure adjustment by a caregiver is comprised of a rotatable key received within a sliding channel operated by a resiliently biased push button.

Abstract: A modular chair mechanism for limiting travel and adjusting tension in a chair is provided. The chair mechanism generally includes a shuttle that travels inside a housing, with a biasing member that applies tension during travel of the shuttle. An interface is coupled to the shuttle that alters the amount of force required to cause the shuttle to travel. In embodiments, the chair mechanism limits travel of a chair back support assembly to a number of positions based on travel of a shuttle inside the mechanism housing. For example, a feature on an end of the shuttle may selectively abut one of a plurality of retention means on the housing, which determines how far the shuttle may travel in that position. The amount of tension in the biasing member may also be affected by a self-weighing mechanism that applies an initial amount of force against a biasing member.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat flip-up mechanism that may be stably fixed to a vehicle body floor and may stably support an occupant load. In a vehicle seat flip-up mechanism that is provided to switch a posture of a seat cushion between a normal sitting posture and a stowed posture where the seat cushion is stowed while being inclined forward, the vehicle seat flip-up mechanism includes: links that extend in the front to back direction while being separated from each other in the seat width direction; a mounting bracket that is attached to the ends of the links and supports a seat cushion; a connection member that is installed in the mounting bracket; a support mechanism that rotatably supports the links; and mounting plates that are disposed below the support mechanism and are locked to the vehicle body floor, in which the mounting plate extends rearward relative to the link.

Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to adjust between closed, extended, and reclined positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a back-mounting link and a rear bellcrank both rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, an activator bar that controls a footrest drive link, and a linear actuator for carrying out automated adjustment of the linkage assembly. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a torque on the activator bar. The footrest drive link converts the torque into a laterally-directed force that pushes the footrest assembly into the extended position. A stroke in the second phase acts to push the activator bar forward and translate the seat-mounting plate forward at a consistent inclination angle. The forward translation causes the rear bellcrank to rotate, thereby biasing the back-mounting link rearward into the reclined position.

Abstract: A contoured collapsible seat assembly providing a compact size in the stadium position and also having the ability of the seat back to fold forward. More specifically, a collapsible seat having reduced overall height and depth in the stadium position and reduced height in the stowed position.

Abstract: A gliding mechanism for a gliding recliner seating assembly comprises a floor-standing base having a longitudinal cross member parallel to a width of the seating assembly. Two front connecting links and two back connecting links respectively connect, pivotally, front and back portions of the seating assembly to the floor-standing base. The longitudinal cross member supports a weight transferred by the seating assembly to the floor-standing base and is positioned closer to the back portion of the seating assembly than to the front portion of the seating assembly. The gliding mechanism can be made part of a gliding recliner chair, for example an armchair, having vertical side frames pivotally connected to the floor-standing base. A footrest can be added to the seating assembly and be operated in extended position without preventing gliding movement of the chair. The floor-standing base may comprise a pivoting portion allowing rotation of the chair.

Abstract: A portable chair for outdoor activities that includes a blade that is inserted in the ground on one end of a main support and a seat on the other end of the main support. The blade and a mud stop bar resist displacement of the portable chair. A back rest support bar is attached to the seat and the main support. A back rest is attached to the back rest support bar. The back rest support bar may be completely disconnected or partially disconnected from the portable chair for transportation or storage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding portable footstool that is lightweight, portable, and easy to handle. The folding portable footstool includes a base, a first leg member, a second leg member, and a platform which, when engaged by one or both of the leg members, is adjustable to one of a plurality of possible angles and one of a plurality of possible heights. The folding portable footstool may also comprise a platform with a plurality of slits, stability members extending on both sides from a bottom surface of the second leg member, extension members on each top surface of both leg members to engage slits in the platform, a structural member connecting both leg members, a lock house assembly housed within the structural member, a pull strap mechanism attached to the first leg member, and a backstop mechanism attached to the bottom surface of the platform.

Abstract: A vehicle seat cushion assembly includes a first material defining an outer seating surface. A second material sewn to the first material using first and second sewing lines disposed generally parallel to each other is disposed on an underside of the first material. A wadding material is disposed between the first and second materials and between the first and second sewing lines, and additional wadding material is disposed between the first and second materials adjacent to and not between the first and second sewing lines. The first and second materials are further sewn together using two additional sewing lines respectively disposed adjacent edges of the additional wadding material opposite the first and second sewing lines.

Abstract: A vehicle seat and a seat back board are obtained in which a seat cover can easily be anchored to a resin spring. In a seat back board, clips attached on a cover side are engaged with vertical clip engagement portions of the seat back board, thereby enabling the cover to be anchored to a back spring section of the seat back board. An anchoring operation of the cover to the back spring section can accordingly be made easier than in conventional anchoring structures employing for example hog rings. Moreover, since only pairs of openings are formed to the back spring section of the seat back board in order to provide the vertical clip engagement portions, any detriment to the moldability of the back spring section can be avoided.

Abstract: A strap-tightening structure for a furniture item having a frame that supports an elongate strap. The elongate strap includes a rearward section that overlies the back rest of the furniture and a forward section that overlies the seat section. A rearward end of the elongate strap overlies a transversely disposed rearward end of the frame and is secured against longitudinal displacement when the forward end of the elongate strap is pulled taut at the forward end of the furniture. A pair of tensioning belts are secured to a forward end of the elongate strap. Each of the tensioning belts is disposed in overlying relation to a transversely disposed forward end of the frame. A pair of releasable buckles is secured to a bottom side of the elongate strap and adjustably engages the tensioning belts so that the elongate strap can be pulled taut whenever it develops a sag.

Abstract: A seat lock device and method for preventing the unauthorized removal and theft of seats are provided. The seat lock device can include a lock body configured to straddle a seat bracket of at least one of a left-hand third row seat and a right-hand third row seat which can be clamped to a floorboard of a vehicle. The lock body can include a series of coaxial bores. A pin assembly can include a pin configured to be inserted through the series of coaxial bores of the lock body. The pin can also be extendable through a pre-existing hole formed in the at least one seat bracket thereby preventing the at least one seat bracket from releasing from the floorboard of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-propelled building machine, especially a road cutting machine or a surface miner, has a machine frame and a chassis, comprising running gears resting on the ground. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for operating such a building machine. In an operating mode for adjusting the working depth of the working device the imposed weight applied by the building machine on the running gear is measured, whereby depending on the imposed weight either a controlled or an uncontrolled lowering of the building machine is indicated. A measuring device comprises a sensor for measuring the weight imposed by the building machine on at least one of the running gears.

Abstract: An in-wheel assembly includes an in-wheel actuator and a wheel. The in-wheel actuator includes a driving motor; a hollow shaft which is disposed inside of the driving motor and driven by a rotational speed of the driving motor to rotate; a decelerator which is arranged in an inner space of the hollow shaft and configured to reduce a rotational speed of the hollow shaft and output the reduced rotational speed to an output shaft; and a shaft support which is configured to support the hollow shaft to rotate with respect to the driving motor and the decelerator. The wheel accommodates the in-wheel actuator and is driven by a rotational speed decreased by the decelerator to rotate.

Abstract: A wheel-rim protector comprises a flexible elongate body having first and second ends, wherein a lateral extent of the elongate body defines a rim-protection portion seatable on a rim edge of a wheel and a tail portion which extends away from the rim-protection portion seatable on a circumferential outer surface of the wheel rim. A connector which positively engages the first and second ends of the elongate body is also provided, and includes a toothed tongue element and a toothed-engagement element on a radially outer surface of the tail portion at or adjacent to at least one of the first and second ends. Teeth of the tongue element and the toothed-engagement element are interengagable to prevent or limit unintentional longitudinal separation of the first and second ends. The connector further includes an anti-lift element on or adjacent to the toothed-engagement element.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle wheel, comprising a rim (1) of a plastics material and at least one adapter (5) for fastening the rim (1) to a wheel mounting (3), the at least one adapter (5) having at least one protuberance (9) which engages in a recess (11) in the rim (1), or the adapter being received in a receptacle of the rim, or, if multiple adapters (5) are used, at least one adapter (5) engaging in a recess (11) of the rim or being enclosed by the material of the rim (1), the adapter (5) being arranged in such a way that, after assembly of the rim (1), the adapter (5) lies with a surface area against the wheel mounting, or the adapter (5) being arranged in such a way that the rim (1) is positioned between the wheel mounting (3) and the adapter (5), so that the adapter (5) lies on the outside of the rim (1) after assembly, wherein the adapter (5) is designed in such a way that fastening means for assembling the rim (1) on the wheel mounting are passed through a lead-through in the adapter and the rim

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bicycle wheel rim includes: (a) providing a first mold assembly which includes an inner mold and an outer mold, the outer mold having an annular first forming face to surround an annular second forming face of the inner mold; (b) disposing annularly a first prepreg preform that overlie annularly and respectively the annular first and second forming faces; (c) causing the first and second forming faces to press the concaved faces and thermoforming the first prepreg preform to obtain an annular outer rim part; (d) forming a second prepreg preform into an annular inner rim part; and (e) combining the annular outer rim part with the annular inner rim part to form a wheel rim.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is provided with improved traction and mobility via a specially designed wheel apparatus including a relatively rigid wheel structure formed from two circular, coaxial sprocketed wheel plates separated by a central hub. The sprockets on the wheel plates are circumferentially aligned with one another, with axially facing sprocket pairs being received in areas defined between circumferentially adjacent pairs of tread links in a series of tread links, equal in number to the number of sprocket pairs, arranged in a circular array around the periphery of the wheel structure. The sprocket pairs are sized and configured in a manner such that substantial relative axial and circumferential movement between the wheel structure and the tread link array are blocked, with the axially facing sprockets in each sprocket pair being axially and resiliently deflected toward one another by surface portions of their associated tread link area.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in exchanging information between aircraft at an airport are provided. The system includes a power system capable of providing power to each of the plurality of vehicles via an electric cable, at least one off-board broadband over power lines (BPL) module coupled to the power system. The at least one off-board BPL module is capable of communicating via the electric cable with an onboard BPL module on each of the plurality of vehicles. The system also includes a network coupled to each of the at least one off-board BPL modules for communicatively coupling each of the at least one off-board BPL modules such that the plurality of vehicles can exchange information via the network.

Abstract: Provided is an electric connection structure for a sunroof device including a slidable sunroof panel having a first electric device mounted thereto, the electric connection structure comprising: vehicle body-side lead wires each having one end connected to a second electric device mounted to a vehicle body; panel-side lead wires each having one end connected to the first electric device; vehicle body-side electrodes provided to a part of the vehicle body and connected to the other ends of the vehicle body-side lead wires, respectively; and panel-side electrodes provided to a part of the sunroof panel and connected to the other ends of the panel-side lead wires, respectively, wherein the vehicle body-side and panel-side electrodes are arranged such that the panel-side electrodes contact the vehicle body-side electrodes, respectively, when the sunroof panel is at a closed position.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material molded to provide details to accept audio devices and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips.

Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU) assembly is provided, which includes a covering part, one or more metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) (1), a substrate and an ECU main body. The covering part includes a lid element (3) having latch parts (6); the lid element (3) is secured onto the ECU main body via the latch parts (6); and the MOSFETs (1) are arranged between the lid element (3) and the substrate (9). The covering part further includes a middle element, which is in tight contact with and is elastically pressed against the MOSFETs (1), such that the MOSFETs (1) are brought into tight contact with the substrate. Thereby, the MOSFETs (1) are reliably fixed in the ECU assembly. A vehicle including the ECU assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for transferring batteries to a discharged state, a battery system, an inverter, a system for generating an AC voltage, a charging current source and a motor vehicle. The battery system includes a controllable inverter having parallel current branches and having series-connected power switches that are switchable by external control of the controllable inverter. The battery system further includes a controllable charging and disconnecting device having an interrupted current path and having a charging current source between the battery and the controllable inverter.

Abstract: A second DC power-supply voltage that is obtained by outputting a first DC power-supply voltage obtained by converting an AC power supply into a direct current in an AC-DC converter circuit, through a first switch for PWM switching is smoothed and fed to a load as an output DC power-supply voltage. The first DC power-supply voltage is also supplied to a battery through a third switch for PWM switching and the battery is thereby charged. Further, a third power-supply voltage output from the battery is output to the output side of the first switch through a fourth switch for PWM switching.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a solar power system including an array of photovoltaic panels. The photovoltaic array may include a first module electrically coupled to an AC load and a second module electrically coupled to a DC load. The array may be reconfigured such that individual panels may be transferred from the first module to the second module, and vice versa. The arrays may generate power that is selectively distributed to direct current and alternating current power loads. The system further includes a power management device effective to maximize the power generation of the second module.

Abstract: An energy efficient apparatus includes a switching device, a frequency dependent reactive device, and a control element is provided. The switching device is coupled to a source of electrical power and includes a pair of transistors and is adapted to receive a control signal and to produce an alternating current power signal. The frequency of the alternating current power signal is responsive to the control signal. The frequency dependent reactive device is electrically coupled to the pair of transistors for receiving the alternating current power signal and producing an output power signal. The frequency dependent reactive device is chosen to achieve a desired voltage of the output power signal relative to the frequency of the alternating current power signal. The control element senses an actual voltage of the direct current power signal and modifies the control signal delivered to achieve the desired voltage of the direct current power signal.

Abstract: An intelligent electrical system is provided, including one or more of an intelligent controller, and intelligent electrical fixture and an intelligent port. Each component may have one or more continuously powered electrical devices and one or more switched electrical devices. Control signals may be delivered from the controller to the fixtures and ports, as well as to other controllers, in order to control power supplied to the components, and to control operation of the components and the devices within the components. Physical switching, and control, of power to fixtures and ports occurs locally at the components rather than at a remote power switch.

Abstract: A power system with a combination of active current sharing and droop current sharing is disclosed. The power system includes a system load and plural power supplies connected with each other and connected to the system load. The power supplies are configured to respectively output a load current to the system load, and each power supply includes an active current sharing circuit and a droop current sharing circuit. The active current sharing circuit is configured to enter an operation or shutdown mode depending on whether the load current is higher than a first current set point. The droop current sharing circuit is configured to enter an operation or shutdown mode depending on whether the load current is higher than a second current set point. Hence, each power supply can respectively output an equal share of the load current by an active current sharing technique and/or a droop current sharing technique.

Abstract: A control system for an energy storage system located behind a utility meter uses a unique, feedback-based, communication and control method to reliably and efficiently maximize economic return of the energy storage system. Operating parameters for the energy storage system are calculated at an external, centralized data center, and are selected to prevent electrical power demand of an electric load location from exceeding a specified set-point by discharging energy storage devices, such as DC batteries, through a bidirectional energy converter during peak demand events. The control system can operate autonomously in the case of a communications failure.

Abstract: A matrix inverter is connected to a first and a second multi-phase A.C. voltage network. First inductive elements are connected to the first A.C. voltage network and second inductive elements are connected to the second A.C. voltage network. A switch matrix connects the ends of the first inductive elements, to the ends of the second inductive elements. The switch matrix has inverter units. A regulation arrangement is connected to control inputs of the inverter units. The matrix inverter has a first inverter unit, which is arranged between the ends of the first inductive circuit elements and earth potential. The matrix inverter has a second inverter unit, connected between the ends of the first inductive circuit elements and the ends of the second inductive circuit elements. The regulation arrangement insures that the electrical power flowing to the matrix inverter is equal to the electrical power flowing out of the matrix inverter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed which include a string of units including at least two electrical energy producing units connected in series and providing string current. Each of the units is adapted to provide the electrical energy via output terminals. The apparatus further comprising a current equalization unit. The current equalization unit is adapted to individually control the magnitude and direction of current via that current equalization unit so that the algebraic sum of the current produced by its respective electrical energy producing unit when operated at a defined operational point and the current flowing via said current equalization unit equals to said string current. The operation of the apparatus enables transfer of energy from units with high production capacity to units with low production capacity without having to use a dedicated bus for that. The energy is transferred via the cabling of the string.