Abstract: An antenna structure includes a substrate, a plurality of reflective plates, a grounding plate, a radiating member and a plurality of conductive vias. The substrate contains liquid crystal polymer and has opposite first and second surfaces. The reflective plates are arranged in an array on the first surface of the substrate. The grounding plate is arranged on the second surface of the substrate and overlaps with the reflective plates in a normal direction of the substrate. The radiating member is on the second surface of the substrate and does not overlap with the reflective plates in the normal direction of the substrate. The radiating member has an open slot which is defined by a first radiating branch and a second radiating branch that generate at least two different operating frequency bands. The conductive vias respectively penetrate the substrate and connect with the reflective plates and the grounding plate.

Abstract: A power system for a vehicle comprises a first power supply network configured to operate at a first voltage. The first power supply network comprises a first alternator, a starter motor, and a battery conductively connected to the first alternator and the starter motor. The system further comprises a second power supply network configured to operate at a second voltage. The second power supply network comprises a second alternator, a power supply receptacle configured to output power to an external accessory, and a capacitive energy storage device conductively connected to the second alternator and the power supply receptacle. A directional conduction device interconnects the first power supply network and the second power supply network.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method of controlling the vehicle are provided. The vehicle may include: a speaker configured to output a sound into the vehicle; a detector configured to measure internal environment information representing an environment inside the vehicle and a noise factor determining a noise generated in the vehicle; and a controller configured to determine a tuning value based on a type of sound, to adjust the tuning value to correspond to at least one of the internal environment information or the noise factor, to adjust the sound by adjusting at least one of a size or a phase based on the adjusted tuning value, and to control the speaker to output the adjusted sound.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a circuit board, radiators disposed on the circuit board, and provided with a first feeding signal to transmit or receive a wireless signal in a first frequency band; and a ground disposed on the circuit board to provide a reference potential for the radiators. The radiators and a whole or a portion of the ground may be provided with an additional feeding signal to transmit or receive a wireless signal in various frequency bands that are lower than the first frequency band.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing demagnetization of a motor of a vehicle can accurately diagnose an irreversible demagnetization state of a permanent magnet of a traction motor or a hybrid starter-generator (HSG) without additional hardware, while minimizing influence of irreversible demagnetization of the permanent magnet of the traction motor or the HSG on vehicle performance. The method includes acquiring operating state information of the motor, determining whether a diagnosis entrance condition including a state in which the motor performs an electricity generating operation is satisfied based on the acquired operating state information of the motor, acquiring a direct current (DC) value in diagnosis, and determining whether irreversible demagnetization occurs by comparing the acquired DC value in diagnosis with a pre-stored DC current value in a normal state of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: It is disclosed a technique to reduce significantly the arc flash incident energy in commercial and industrial electrical installations connected to typical electric distribution networks, by limiting transformer inrush current and allowing more sensitive protection settings. It also disclosed a technique to increase the energy capacity of these installations. Inrush current reduction is achieved through the use of a Controlled Switching Device (CSD). It is disclosed a method for lowering an arc flash inside an electrical circuit comprising a breaker and being electrically fed with an electrical current, the method comprising the step of providing the electrical circuit with a CSD adapted to send an open or close command to the breaker in order to synchronize an open and close mechanical operation, preferably at an optimal electrical angle. It is also disclosed an electric circuit comprising a CSD for lowering an arc flash inside the circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the measurement of power consumption at points of interest, such as circuit breakers, machines, and the like. Accordingly, means are provided for measurement of power consumption for each electrical sub-network that is controlled by a circuit breaker. Each apparatus is enabled to communicate its respective data, in an environment of a plurality of such apparatuses, to a management unit which is enabled to provide finer granularity power consumption profiles. Challenges of measuring relatively low supply currents, wireless operation in an environment of a large number of apparatuses, and self-powering are addressed.

Abstract: An unlocking method and an electronic apparatus are described. The unlocking method is applied in an electronic apparatus that includes a first body, a second body, and a capacitance detecting unit wherein the first body and the second body are locked by a locking mechanism. The method includes detecting whether there is an unlocking operation from a first user based on the capacitance detecting unit; generating an unlocking instruction in response to the unlocking operation when the unlocking operation is detected; and executing the unlocking instruction to control the locking mechanism to release lock, so as to make the first body able to be separated from the second body.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus includes a dielectric substrate, a ground plate, a patch antenna provided with a patch radiating element, and a plurality of EBGs (Electromagnetic Band Gaps). The EBGs are composed of patch-shaped patterns formed on a surface of the substrate and connecting conductors electrically connecting the patch-shaped patterns and the ground plate. Each EBG is arranged to provide an EBG absent region having no EBG on the surface of the substrate. The patch radiating element is arranged within the EBG absent region. The EBG absent region is formed such that distances (absent distances) in a dominant polarized wave direction changes into a plurality of types depending on the position on a vertical patch line, where the distances range, to the boundary of the region, from an arbitrary position on the virtual patch line which is perpendicular to the dominant polarized wave direction of the patch antenna.

Abstract: A structure includes a first conductor pattern, a second conductor pattern, and a plurality of first openings and a plurality of lines. The first conductor pattern has a sheet shape. The second conductor pattern has a sheet shape and is opposite to the first conductor pattern, at least in part. The plurality of first openings are provided in the first conductor pattern. The lines are provided in the first openings, respectively, and one end thereof is connected to the first conductor pattern. Unit cells each containing the first opening and the line are repeatedly arranged.

Abstract: A system for reducing inrush current in a three phase utility transformer upon energization of the transformer by an applied three phase voltage utilizes a pre-flux circuit for establishing residual flux levels in the core segments of the primary windings of the transformer which are near the prospective flux levels established in the core segments by the applied voltage. The pre-flux circuit includes a pre-fluxing capacitor which, after being charged to a predetermined voltage level, is discharged serially through two of the primary windings to establish the predetermined flux levels in the core segments of the two windings, and a reduced flux level in the core segment of the remaining primary winding. The transformer is energized at the instant of positively-referenced peak phase voltage to the third primary winding such that prospective and residual flux approach a near-equal level in all three core segments and inrush current is reduced.

Abstract: A medical device-powering wireless receiver for use with a first electromagnetic resonator coupled to a power supply. The wireless receiver includes a load configured to power an implantable medical device using electrical power, and a second electromagnetic resonator adapted to be housed within the medical device and configured to be coupled to the load, wherein the second electromagnetic resonator is configured to be wirelessly coupled to the first electromagnetic resonator to provide resonant, non-radiative wireless power to the second electromagnetic resonator from the first electromagnetic resonator, the area circumscribed by the inductive element of at least one of the electromagnetic resonators can be varied to improve performance.

Abstract: A system for reducing inrush current in a three phase utility transformer upon energization of the transformer by an applied three phase voltage utilizes a pre-flux circuit for establishing residual flux levels in the core segments of the primary windings of the transformer which are near the prospective flux levels established in the core segments by the applied voltage. The pre-flux circuit includes a pre-fluxing capacitor which, after being charged to a predetermined voltage level, is discharged serially through two of the primary windings to establish the predetermined flux levels in the core segments of the two windings, and a reduced flux level in the core segment of the remaining primary winding. The transformer is energized at the instant of positively-referenced peak phase voltage to the third primary winding such that prospective and residual flux approach a near-equal level in all three core segments and inrush current is reduced.

Abstract: A demagnetizing device includes, in one embodiment, a demagnetizer. The demagnetizer is operable to generate a corrective magnetic field. The corrective magnetic field is operable to act upon a ferrite-based core to maintain suitable performance of a network-connected device which includes such core.

Abstract: A method for operating an electrical network, in particular of a hybrid motor vehicle, the network having at least one electrical accumulator, in particular a high-voltage accumulator, at least one electric machine, and at least one inverter controlling the electric machine, the electrical accumulator being electrically disconnected from the network when a malfunction is detected and the inverter being switched to a short-circuit operating mode when a specifiable voltage limit of a network voltage of the network is subsequently exceeded. There is a provision for switching power semiconductors of the inverter in such a way that the driven electric machine induces a voltage and provides it via free-wheeling diodes on the electrical network and the induced voltage is used for operating the electric machine as a generator such that a specifiable network voltage is set by the electric machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that minimizes saturation caused by power transfer in a communication system transformer, such as a transformer found in a Power-over-Ethernet system. A magnetic flux imbalance causing saturation in the transformer is detected. A compensation current is injected into a winding to minimize the magnetic flux imbalance and saturation.

Abstract: To suppress the magnetizing inrush current occurring when supplying power of three phases of the transformer are performed simultaneously using three single-phase circuit breakers or a non-phase segregated operation-type circuit breaker, without providing a circuit breaker with a resistor or other equipment. A magnetizing inrush current suppression method for transformer suppresses a magnetizing inrush current occurring at the start of energizing of a three-phase transformer 300, when a three-phase power supply 100 is input to a terminal of each phase by means of a three-phase circuit breaker 200.

Abstract: A residual-magnetic-flux calculating unit includes a voltage-change-rate detecting unit that detects a transformer-voltage change rate from a phase voltage between a breaker and a transformer, a residual-magnetic-flux detecting unit that detects a residual magnetic flux remaining on the transformer based on the phase voltage, and a breaker-switching-state identifying unit that detects a switching state of the breaker. The residual-magnetic-flux calculating unit recalculates the residual magnetic flux based on the transformer-voltage change rate and a predetermined threshold while the breaker is in an open state.

Abstract: In order to provide a pulse power supply device using regenerating magnetic energy stored in a discharge circuit to a capacitor so as to use it as next discharge energy and supplying a bipolar pulse current with high repetition, a bridge circuit is composed of four inverse-conductive semiconductor switches, a charged energy source capacitor is connected to a DC terminal of the bridge circuit, and an inductive load is connected to its AC terminal. A control signal is supplied to gates of the inverse-conductive semiconductor switches, and a control is made so that when a discharge current rises, is maintained, or is reduced, all the gates are turned off, and the magnetic energy of the electric current can be automatically regenerated to the energy source capacitor by a diode function of the switches. Further, a large current power supply is inserted into a discharge circuit so as to replenish energy loss due to discharge, thereby enabling high-repetition discharge.

Abstract: In order to provide a pulse power supply device using regenerating magnetic energy stored in a discharge circuit to a capacitor so as to use it as next discharge energy and supplying a bipolar pulse current with high repetition, a bridge circuit is composed of four inverse-conductive semiconductor switches, a charged energy source capacitor is connected to a DC terminal of the bridge circuit, and an inductive load is connected to its AC terminal. A control signal is supplied to gates of the inverse-conductive semiconductor switches, and a control is made so that when a discharge current rises, is maintained or is reduced, all the gates are turned off, and the magnetic energy of the electric current can be automatically regenerated to the energy source capacitor by a diode function of the switches. Further, a large-current power supply is inserted into a discharge circuit so as to replenish energy loss due to discharge, thereby enabling high-repetition discharge.

Abstract: In a power generating system the remanent voltage of an induction machine is measured. The frequency of the remanent voltage is compared to a predetermined threshold. When the frequency of the remanent voltage is greater than the predetermined threshold the induction machine is connected to the power grid. Induction machine is disconnected from power grid once generated power drops below a predetermined threshold. Once the induction machine is disconnected, it is prevented from being reconnected to the power grid until a predetermined time period elapses.

Abstract: A magnetizing coil generates a magnetic field to magnetize a magnet in a magnetizing area, in which a direction of the magnetic field is generally parallel to a magnetization direction of the magnet. A magnetizing yoke holds the magnet and is made of a magnetic material, which exhibits a magnetic potential that is generally equal to a magnetic potential of the magnet in the magnetic field at time of magnetizing the magnet. The magnetizing yoke and the magnet substantially fill a projected area of the magnet in the magnetizing area on each of first and second sides of the magnet that are opposite from each other in the magnetization direction of the magnet in the magnetizing area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The surgical apparatus includes an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube defines a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion forms an orifice for distributing a conductive solution from the inner tube and further forms an electrode. The outer tube coaxially receives the inner tube such that the outer tube is slidable relative to the inner tube. With this configuration, the outer tube selectively blocks flow of conductive solution from the orifice. During use, conductive solution distributed from the orifice is subjected to a current from the electrode, thereby creating a virtual electrode.

Abstract: A two dimensional periodic pattern of capacitive and inductive elements defined in the surface of a metal sheet are provided by a plurality of conductive patches each connected to a conductive back plane sheet between which an insulating dielectric is disposed. The elements acts to suppress surface currents in the surface defined by them. In particular, the array forms a ground plane mesh for use in combination with an antenna. The performance of a ground plane mesh is characterized by a frequency band within which no substantial surface currents are able to propagate along the ground plane mesh. Use of such a ground plane in aircraft or other metallic vehicles thereby prevents radiation from the antenna from propagating along the metallic skin of the aircraft or vehicle. This eliminates surface currents between the antenna and the ground plane thereby reducing power loss and unwanted coupling between neighboring antennae.

Abstract: A distributed airbag firing system (10) includes a controller (12) receiving sensor signals from a sensor (20) over a two-wire bus (18). The controller provides a firing command over to the two-wire bus to a squib driver circuit (26), which provides the firing current necessary to detonate a squib device (32) and inflate the airbag. The squib driver circuit includes a rectifier (42) with its first and second inputs interchangeably connected to the two-wire bus. The rectifier circuit converts the voltage orientation on the first and second conductors to a positive potential on a first output conductor and a negative or ground potential on a second output conductor. The interchangeability of the first and second inputs of the rectifier to the two-wire bus makes the connection arbitrary and fail-safe.

Abstract: A control assembly for an automotive vehicle having an audio system and a climate control system, the control assembly having improved design characteristics, a reduced number of parts, and providing a reduced number of installation steps. The control assembly includes a control casing having a casing cover surface adapted to face an interior compartment of a vehicle and defining a plurality of openings therein, control elements adapted to produce operation signals for controlling the audio system and the climate control system, and an input-output section for receiving the operation signals and transmitting control signals for controlling the audio system and the climate control system. The input-output section is secured to the control casing so that the control elements are operably disposed on the cover surface through the openings. The casing cover, control elements and input-output section comprise an integral assembly that is easily installed in a production line of motor vehicles.

Abstract: An igniter for igniting a reactive material has a conductor for conducting power and communication signals to and from the igniter. A controller is located within the igniter. The controller is preferably an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The controller has communication means for communicating with a master controller located remote from the igniter. The controller also has diagnostic means for comparing established parameters for components of the igniter to predetermined limits and sending fault warning messages and integrity status messages to the master control unit. The controller also further has means for receiving a unique igniter activation command from the master control unit and sending an activation signal to an igniter activation means that couples the energy stored in an energy storage capacitor to a heating member that ignites a reactive material.

Abstract: A battery disconnection system (10) for a motor vehicle comprising a rod (12) having a longitudinal axis (A), an external threaded surface (14) extending from one end and a cylindrical member (16) extending coaxially with the rod (12), from the other end. Reversible drive means (20,22,24) engage the threaded surface (14). A first annular member (30) coaxial and in sliding contact with the cylindrical member (16). A second annular member (32) coaxial and in sliding contact with the cylidrical member (16). Either annular member being connectable with a motor vehicle battery. The other annular member being connectable with a starter motor and/or a generator (38) of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving electrical loads provided at a vehicle by feeding power to the electrical loads, includes a power source for feeding power to a plurality of the electrical loads provided at a vehicle. The plurality of electrical loads are divided into more than one group. Each of the groups is driven by each of a plurality of load drive circuits by feeding power to each of the load drive circuits from the power source, provided at the vicinity of each of set places in the vehicle at which a group of the electrical loads are concentratedly arranged. A power line is connected to the battery, wherein each of the load drive circuits has a pair of power input terminals, and the power line connected to the battery is branched into two branch power wires. Each of the branch power wires is connected to a power input terminal of each of a first two load drive circuits of the load drive circuits.

Abstract: A simple device for reliably detecting at least one type of occupancy of the passenger's seat of a motor vehicle in which the passenger-side air bag must absolutely not be activated. A manually operated switch is provided, having at least one switch position assigned to a type of occupancy for which the passenger-side air bag must not be activated; a control unit is provided which deactivates the passenger-side air bag when the switch is not in this switch position; and an arrangement is provided to prevent the vehicle from driving away after the engine has been started unless the switch has first been operated.

Abstract: A system which takes direct action to reverse the rotation of the window driving motor includes an optical fiber conductor arranged inside a substantially prismatic profile forming loops at the points where said conductor enters and exits from a series of incisions formed at regular intervals in the lateral areas of said profile. The profile is fitted inside a covering in the frame of a door. The incisions comprise a mouth for insertion of the conductor through a passageway which ends in the cavity wherein the conductor is retained by an adhesive or the like. The optical fiber conductor may be arranged continuously over the entire length of the perimeter of the frame or over parts thereof.

Abstract: The invention proposed an arrangement of the type comprising a unit into which the medium is introduced manually, and the type in which a device comprises means for longitudinally holding the data medium in an active position and means providing assistance with introducing and extracting the data medium, wherein the data medium has a window, and where the unit comprises a lever for immobilizing the medium which is mounted so that it can pivot, between a stable immobilizing position towards which the immobilizing lever is elastically returned and in which an immobilizing finger of the immobilizing lever extends vertically into the window, and a stable retracted position, to allow the data medium to be extended from the unit.

Abstract: The invention enables an electronic system, which is conveniently operated by a user, to be easily installed in a vehicle, such as an automobile, etc. A structure of electric equipment for a vehicle is provided, wherein vehicle-side connectors are disposed in a plurality of places in the vehicle. Constituent elements of an electronic system used in the vehicle are partly combined with a detachable connector capable of being connected to any one of the vehicle-side connectors to thereby form a detachable unit. Electronic system constituent elements in the detachable unit and electronic system constituent elements provided in the vehicle body are connected to each other to construct a new electronic system when the detachable connection is connected to any one of the vehicle-side connectors. As a result, a user's favorite detachable unit can be used in a user's favorite position.

Abstract: A vehicle memory mirror system includes a vehicle mirror assembly and a control module. The vehicle mirror assembly includes a reflective element, a motor for positioning the reflective element about an axis, a monitor for monitoring the position of the reflective element with respect to the axis, and a mirror-based control including a position control which is operatively connected with the motor and the monitor in order to position the reflective element at a particular position. The control module is interconnected with the mirror-based control by an analog interface and includes a processor for providing analog signals on the analog interface indicative of a desired position of the reflective element with respect to the axis. The mirror-based control preferably includes a servo-amplifier circuit. The control module can control the speed of movement by formatting a series of sequential signals on the interface, each representing an incremental movement of the reflective element.

Abstract: The electric power breaker for breaking the electric power is placed on the midpoint of the electric power line from the battery power supply, and the electric power line is extracted from the electric power breaker. In addition, the electric power supply terminal is placed on the midpoint on the electric power line, from which the electric power is supplied to the individual electric loads. The electric power distribution and the electric power supply operation to the electric loads are controlled by the multiplex communication. A semiconductor device having a self protection function is used as the switching device for supplying the electric power. The electric power line covered by the electric conductive material is arranged in a loop topology so as to start from the connection point to the battery and pass through the designated positions in the vehicle and return to the battery.

Abstract: The electric power breaker for breaking the electric power is placed on the midpoint of the electric power line from the battery power supply, and the electric power line is extracted from the electric power breaker. In addition, the electric power supply terminal is placed on the midpoint on the electric power line, from which the electric power is supplied to the individual electric loads. The electric power distribution and the electric power supply operation to the electric loads are controlled by the multiplex communication. A semiconductor device having a self protection function is used as the switching device for supplying the electric power. The electric power line covered by the electric conductive material is arranged in a loop topology so as to start from the connection point to the battery and pass through the designated positions in the vehicle and return to the battery.

Abstract: An improved deployment method for a vehicular supplemental restraint system, wherein the timing of restraint deployment in response to a detected a rear impact of sufficient severity is based on the attainment of a predefined characteristic by a signal representative of the slope of a filtered acceleration signal. As a result, the deployment of the restraints is accurately timed for any given crash event, and provides consistent performance regardless of the nature of the impact. The deployment is conditioned upon (1) detection of a predefined level of severity, and (2) a subsequent reduction in the slope of a filtered acceleration signal to a predefined level. Preferably, the predefined level of severity--i.

Abstract: A switching configuration for electrical control devices, in particular for use in control devices of an electrical system of power-driven vehicles is disclosed. The switching configuration includes a busline with a defined thermal conductivity and a defined heat capacity, which is connected with a first predefined power supply potential. The switching configuration has a plurality of switching devices for switching on and off at least one associated load of a respective switching device, for each of which a first current-conducting connection of the switching device is connected with the busline with a defined thermal conductivity and a heat capacity. Whereby each load of a respective switching device is connected between a second current-conducting connection of the switching devices and a second predefined power supply potential.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for detecting an obstacle present ahead on the road in the course of travel of a vehicle, comprising a first laser radar mounted on the vehicle which emits an electromagnetic beam to detect the obstacle present ahead on the road, and second and third laser radars which measures distances between the first laser radar and the road surface at different angles. The system determines whether the first laser radar is mounted on the vehicle such that the laser beam central axis is horizontal or inclines upward or downward relative to the road surface or vehicle body, based on the distances, a height of the first laser radar from the road surface, the angles at which the distances are measured and reference values. The system may correct the inclination if determined. With the arrangement, the system ensures detection of an obstacle on the road without fail and conduction of a desired obstacle avoidance control.

Abstract: An electronic child safety lock system in which an electronic switch in the front seat area of the vehicle provides input signal to a body control module. The body control module determines whether the lockout switch is in a locked or an unlocked position. The body control module generates control signals to operate electronic actuators to lock and unlock the child door lockout device, thereby enabling and disabling the rear doors from being opened from the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A water drop detection sensor for detecting water drops W adhering to or present upon a windshield by detecting changes in an amount of reflection light and also for detecting the ambient brightness outside of a car or other vehicle, comprising: a windshield 2; a light emitting means 5 for introducing detection light into the windshield 2; and a light receiving means 6 for detecting reflected detection light. The reflected detection light is reflected by total internal reflection within the windshield 2, and the light emitting means 5 and said light receiving means 6 are provided on the windshield 2.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle light harness which includes a headlight connector to connect to a headlight, a power connector to connect to a headlight plug, an auxiliary light connector to connect to an auxiliary light, a switch to control power to the headlight and/or the auxiliary light, a daylight signal receiver to receive a signal generated by a light sensor, and a switch mechanism to control power from the power source to said auxiliary light when receiving a signal from said daylight signal receiver. The switch mechanism is designed to direct power from the power source to the auxiliary light or diverts power from the power source away from the auxiliary light. The light harness includes a power modifier to reduce the power from the power source to the auxiliary light.

Abstract: The generator regulator includes a transistor power end stage (14) connected to the excitation winding (12) of the generator to provide a pulsed excitation current that passes through the excitation winding during operation and a device for activating and deactivating the transistor power end stage to turn on and off the excitation current in order to provide a predetermined pulse width for the pulsed excitation current passing through the excitation winding so as to maintain a constant output voltage. The device for activating and deactivating the transistor power end stage includes a comparator (16) for comparing a saturation voltage (U.sub.SAT) of the transistor power end stage (14) picked up between the transistor power end stage and the excitation winding with a reference voltage (U.sub.

Abstract: An adjustment arrangement for at least two rear view mirrors of a vehicle has servo motors for positioning rear view mirrors by a pivoting and/or tilting mechanism, an actuating device for generating control signals for the common activation of the servo motors and a signal transmission device for transmitting signals between the actuating device and the servo motors. To carry out common adjustment of at least two mirrors with a mechanically simple system, the adjusting arrangement is configured so that the same control signal can be fed to the appropriate servo motors for the mirrors by the signal transmission device. During the adjustment action, the movements of the mirrors are in a predetermined relationship with one another.

Abstract: A vehicle communication multiplex system comprises: a bus; and a plurality of nodes connected to the bus, wherein transmission right circulates to the nodes in a predetermined order and send a predetermined number of data to the bus from the node which gets the transmission right. Each of the nodes includes, a block division section for dividing the data into blocks to prepare data blocks, a change-block-determination section for determining whether or not each of the data blocks prepared by the block division section changes as an event occurs, and a data transmission section, if the change-block-determination section determines that a data block changes, for extracting the data block from the block division section and sending the extracted data block to the bus.

Abstract: An electromotive operating arrangement for a motor vehicle sliding door without manual exertion of force includes an electric motor for operating a sliding door, an actuating circuit for the electric motor, and at least one sensor for detecting changes in the position of the door handles caused by manual door movement commands.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for influencing an impression which is subjectively perceived by an occupant of a vehicle, in particular of a passenger car, when the vehicle is being operated. The primary oscillations which are produced when the vehicle is being operated are determined. Data for secondary oscillations are acquired from the primary oscillations and are converted at least in part into vibration oscillations which can be perceived through the human body. At least one of the components of the vehicle body is excited using the vibration oscillations, the vibration oscillations being placed in an interference relationship with the primary oscillations. In particular, the steering wheel is also excited so as to undergo mechanical vibration oscillations.

Abstract: An electrical distribution system that provides a modular arrangement for power and signal distribution in a motor vehicle includes a power distribution circuit board connected to a power supply and to at least one electrical load, switch and control circuit boards electrically connected with the power distribution board via fuses or circuit breakers, and signal distribution devices mounted on the switch and control boards for transmitting control signals between the switch and control boards. The power distribution board includes switching devices for electrically coupling the power supply to the electrical load, the control board has a processor for controlling the operation of the switching devices based on signals received via an external connector.

Abstract: A wireless switching system includes a central transmitter unit which generates a plurality of electromagnetic frequencies. A plurality of switches within the electromagnetic field each selectively open and close a resonant circuit having a unique resonant frequency. When the user activated switch closes its associated resonant circuit, the resonant circuit consumes energy from the electromagnetic field at its resonant frequency. The central transmitter unit detects this energy consumption and the frequency at which the energy consumption occured and consequently activates a vehicle function associated with the closed user activated switch.

Abstract: An actuator for inflating a vehicle air bag includes an acceleration sensor, a computer for judging a vehicle collision according to a signal of the acceleration sensor, a plurality of squibs for inflating the air bag, an electronic switch unit connected in series to a power source and the squibs, a drive circuit for driving the electronic switch unit to connect the power source and the squibs when the computer judges a vehicle collision. The drive circuit has a serial signal generator, a serial-parallel converter and a forbidding circuit. The serial signal generator generates a serial signal composed of a prescribed number of serial bit signals in a prescribed order, and the serial-parallel converter the serial signal to the prescribed number of parallel bit signals. The forbidding circuit forbids the electronic switch unit connecting the power source and the squibs except the parallel bit signals coincide with the prescribed order of the serial signal.