Methods and apparatus for controlling the ramp in of current to an electronic power assisted steering motor associated with an auto stop-start engine are described. A controller is to determine a moving average voltage of a vehicle battery. The controller is also to determine a voltage rate of change based on the moving average voltage. The controller is also to determine a moving average engine speed of an auto stop-start engine of the vehicle. The controller is also to ramp in current to an electronic power assisted steering motor of the vehicle based on the moving average voltage, the voltage rate of change, and the moving average engine speed.

The present invention relates to a control unit (116) for a game or fish feeder (100). The control unit (116) is mounted on the feeder (100) and comprises: means (130) for controlling the powering of a drive unit (110) of said feeder (100) for controlled output of feed from the feeder (100); a wireless transmitter (138) arranged to communicate over a wireless network (146) with a remote unit (140); a sensor (132; 134) for measuring a parameter of the feeder (100); and means (124) for determining whether a measured parameter value provided by said sensor (132; 134) fulfills a predetermined condition in order to detect an action-requiring state of the feeder (100). In response to a detected action-requiring state, the wireless transmitter (138) is triggered to send a notification to said remote unit (140).

The present invention relates to a control unit (116) for a game or fish feeder (100). The control unit (116) is mounted on the feeder (100) and comprises: means (130) for controlling the powering of a drive unit (110) of said feeder (100) for controlled output of feed from the feeder (100); a wireless transmitter (138) arranged to communicate over a wireless network (146) with a remote unit (140); a sensor (132; 134) for measuring a parameter of the feeder (100); and means (124) for determining whether a measured parameter value provided by said sensor (132; 134) fulfills a predetermined condition in order to detect an action-requiring state of the feeder (100). In response to a detected action-requiring state, the wireless transmitter (138) is triggered to send a notification to said remote unit (140).

When a power failure does not occur, power supply to a first terminal of a wiper motor is performed by a first battery, and power supply to a second terminal of the wiper motor is performed by a second battery. When a power failure occurs in one of the first battery or the second battery, power supply to the wiper motor is performed by the other battery that is not in power failure.

When a power failure does not occur, power supply to a first terminal of a wiper motor is performed by a first battery, and power supply to a second terminal of the wiper motor is performed by a second battery. When a power failure occurs in one of the first battery or the second battery, power supply to the wiper motor is performed by the other battery that is not in power failure.

The present invention relates to a control unit (116) for a game or fish feeder (100). The control unit (116) is mounted on the feeder (100) and comprises: means (130) for controlling the powering of a drive unit (110) of said feeder (100) for controlled output of feed from the feeder (100); a wireless transmitter (138) arranged to communicate over a wireless network (146) with a remote unit (140); a sensor (132; 134) for measuring a parameter of the feeder (100); and means (124) for determining whether a measured parameter value provided by said sensor (132; 134) fulfills a predetermined condition in order to detect an action-requiring state of the feeder (100). In response to a detected action-requiring state, the wireless transmitter (138) is triggered to send a notification to said remote unit (140).

The present invention relates to a control unit (116) for a game or fish feeder (100). The control unit (116) is mounted on the feeder (100) and comprises: means (130) for controlling the powering of a drive unit (110) of said feeder (100) for controlled output of feed from the feeder (100); a wireless transmitter (138) arranged to communicate over a wireless network (146) with a remote unit (140); a sensor (132; 134) for measuring a parameter of the feeder (100); and means (124) for determining whether a measured parameter value provided by said sensor (132; 134) fulfills a predetermined condition in order to detect an action-requiring state of the feeder (100). In response to a detected action-requiring state, the wireless transmitter (138) is triggered to send a notification to said remote unit (140).

A method for soft start of a motor in a heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system. The method includes operably connecting a first switching device with the motor; the first switching device operably connected to a power source and configured to direct power from a DC power source to the motor, and operably connecting a second switching device with the motor, the second switching device operably connected to a power source and configured to direct power from the DC power source to the motor. The method also includes receiving, by a controller, a request to engage the motor associated with an operation of the HVAC system, commanding the first switching device with a first pulse width modulation signal for a first selected duration, while ensuring the second switching device is disengaged, and after the first selected duration, enabling the second switching device and disengaging the first switching device.

A method for soft start of a motor in a heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system. The method includes operably connecting a first switching device with the motor; the first switching device operably connected to a power source and configured to direct power from a DC power source to the motor, and operably connecting a second switching device with the motor, the second switching device operably connected to a power source and configured to direct power from the DC power source to the motor. The method also includes receiving, by a controller, a request to engage the motor associated with an operation of the HVAC system, commanding the first switching device with a first pulse width modulation signal for a first selected duration, while ensuring the second switching device is disengaged, and after the first selected duration, enabling the second switching device and disengaging the first switching device.

A starter motor connected to a power supply and operable to start an internal combustion engine includes an outer housing and a solid state switching device associated with the outer housing. The outer housing encloses a commutator and a series of brushes. The solid state switching device is movable between an open position and a closed position. The current flow from the power supply through the commutator is prevented when the solid state switching device is in the open position.