Abstract: Method and system for controlling the start of a permanent magnet machine are provided. The method allows to assign a parameter value indicative of an estimated initial rotor position of the machine. The method further allows to energize the machine with a level of current being sufficiently high to start rotor motion in a desired direction in the event the initial rotor position estimate is sufficiently close to the actual rotor position of the machine. A sensing action allows to sense whether any incremental changes in rotor position occur in response to the energizing action. In the event no changes in rotor position are sensed, the method allows to incrementally adjust the estimated rotor position by a first set of angular values until changes in rotor position are sensed. In the event changes in rotor position are sensed, the method allows to provide a rotor alignment signal as rotor motion continues. The alignment signal allows to align the estimated rotor position relative to the actual rotor position.

Abstract: A method for and apparatus for preventing oscillations of a vehicle. The engine speed is monitored and filtered, the filtered engine speed being compared to a natural frequency of the vehicle. The natural frequency corresponds to a gear ratio of the vehicle. A torque command is provided to an electric machine coupled to a driveline of the vehicle, the electric machine provides a counteracting torque to the driveline in order to eliminate oscillations in the vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor and method for measuring the volatility of liquid gasoline by estimating its driveability index includes a sensing element having an interdigitated array of electrically conducting capacitor plates arranged to retain a predetermined volume of gasoline, the volatility of which is to be measured. The sensing element is mounted in a vehicle to be in contact with the flow of gasoline while the engine is running so that a volume certain of gasoline is drawn between and remains within the electrically conducting plates when the engine is turned off. The sensing element is connected to circuitry used to measure the change in capacitance of the sensing element as a function of time while simultaneously measuring the temperature change of the sensing element as the volume of gasoline retained by the sensing element is evaporated over time. The measurements obtained by the circuitry are used in estimating the drivability index of the gasoline.

Abstract: A system for automatically resetting an oil condition alarm light after an oil change includes an in-vehicle digital processing apparatus electrically coupled to a warning lamp and to an oil sensor installed in an engine oil pan. The digital processing apparatus further includes a warning lamp reset module to automatically reset the oil sensor following an oil change, based on an oil parameter difference value.

Abstract: In an electronic sensor having a spool with a bore therein for receiving a pole and a magnet adjacent to the pole and a magnet wire wound around the spool forming a coil and the ends of the magnet wire are each coiled around respective electrically conductive legs of a terminal for electrical output from the coil to an external circuit, the legs of the terminal are provided with bumps or protuberances stamped thereon. The bumps have a height greater than the thickness of the magnet wire to protect the magnet wire during installation of a housing covering.

Abstract: An electrical generator has a rotor and a stator core wound with two three-phase delta-connected stator windings. In a 12 rotor pole, 72 tooth/slot stator core, the first, second and third phase coils corresponding to the first stator winding are wound such that respective starting leads of the coils are progressively offset by two slots. The fourth, fifth and sixth phase coils of the second stator winding are also wound, with respect to each other, such that their starting leads are progressively offset by two slots. The starting lead of the first to be inserted phase coil of the second stator winding is offset 65 degrees mechanical from the starting lead of the last to be inserted phase coil of the first stator winding. Airflow noise is reduced, particularly in the 18th order harmonic.

Abstract: A flexible circuit film oil sensor includes a flexible circuit film surrounded by a flexible border. A core support flap and a weld flap are attached to opposite ends of the flexible border. The flexible circuit film includes an oil level sensing electrode surface, an oil condition sensing electrode surface, a resistive temperature device, and a common electrode surface. The flexible circuit film engine oil sensor is wrapped around a core structure so that a spiral oil chamber is formed. Accordingly, the spiral oil chamber is at least partially filled with oil and electrical signals are provided across the electrode surfaces in order to monitor the level and condition of oil within the sensor. Additionally, the resistive temperature device provides a signal representative of the temperature of the oil within the sensor.

Abstract: An ignition coil assembly includes a core formed of magnetically-permeable material extending along a main axis, a primary winding disposed about the core, a secondary winding disposed on a secondary winding spool wherein at least one of the secondary winding leads is connected to a high-voltage connector terminal portion of the ignition coil assembly configured for connection to a remotely disposed spark plug, a case formed of electrical insulating material, and a magnetically-permeable shield disposed outwardly of the case. The secondary winding is progressively wound on the secondary winding spool, thereby eliminating failure modes associated with the segment-wound secondary windings, and, eliminating the need for pole pieces in the magnetic circuit, thereby reducing components, cost, weight, and size of the ignition coil assembly.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting or eliminating case erosion in a pencil ignition coil having an internal primary winding and an external secondary winding and shield. Three alternative means for resisting damage due to the partial discharge phenomenon arising from a high electric field in such coil configurations are provided: (i) applying an ozone resistant coating on the case; (ii) applying a coating on the case for eliminating partial discharge under the shield; and (iii) applying a polyimide tape covering to the case for resisting partial discharge under the shield.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for sensing the angular position of a rotatable body such as a motor vehicle steering column. The sensor assembly includes a ring gear which is zero calibrated upon assembly of the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly further includes a ring member which functions to lock the ring gear to the sensor housing to maintain the zero calibration between the time of calibration and the subsequent mounting of the sensor assembly on the steering column and further functions to release the ring member for free rotation with the steering column in response to mounting of the sensor assembly on the steering column.

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes an outlet tube and a plunger stop. A plunger is slidably disposed within the solenoid valve between the outlet tube and the plunger stop. The plunger is movable between a closed position wherein the plunger engages the outlet tube to block fluid flow through an outlet passage formed in the outlet tube and an open position wherein the plunger is distanced from the outlet tube to permit fluid flow through the outlet passage. The solenoid valve also includes a coil that is energizable to bias the plunger between the closed position and the open position. The plunger stop is configured so that the magnitude of the force of attraction between the plunger and the plunger stop is linearly proportional to the magnitude of the current applied to the coil. Moreover, the magnitude of the force of attraction between the plunger and the plunger stop is independent of the position of the plunger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing at least one ignition coil to an ignition coil cassette, the ignition coil cassette having a main body portion being adapted to receive and engage a plurality of coils for generating a high voltage signal to be received by a spark plug of an internal combustion engine. The coils being ultrasonically welded to the main body portion of the ignition coil cassette. The coils being secured in a manner which correctly positions the coils in an appropriate location as well as providing a rigid securement of the coil to the main body portion.

Abstract: A hybrid electrical machine generator having a permanent magnetic rotor field in addition to an electrically excited rotor field is disclosed. The generator rotor (120) has a wound field coil (124) mounted on the rotor shaft (122) between two opposing claw segments (126, 128). One or more permanent magnets (130) maybe provided about the periphery of the first and/or second claw segments.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing solenoid valve includes a plunger tube that forms an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice. A plunger that forms a fluid chamber is slidably disposed within the plunger tube. The plunger is movable between a fluid fill configuration, wherein the fluid chamber communicates with the inlet orifice to allow the fluid chamber to be filled and a fluid dump configuration, wherein the fluid chamber communicates with the outlet orifice to allow the fluid chamber to be emptied. The fluid dispensing solenoid valve is used to dispense a very accurate quantity of fluid in very controllable manner.

Abstract: An angular position sensor assembly for a vehicle generator shaft includes one magnet and three magnetic field sensors placed within a housing. The sensors are disposed on a circuit board that is parallel to the end of a generator shaft. The sensors are configured so that signals from the sensors are out-of-phase by predetermined angles. The generator shaft alternatingly forms plural slots and plural teeth. As the shaft rotates, the slots and teeth cause a change in a magnetic field around each sensor. By sensing the changes in the magnetic field, the position of the shaft can be determined from the out of phase signals received from the sensors.

Abstract: A generator wake-up system that transitions the voltage regulator from a low power, sleep mode to full voltage regulation mode when the wake-up system detects and confirms a valid frequency of rotation of the generator. The wake-up system includes a control circuit to filter, amplify, and detect the proper threshold of an input waveform; and an assessing device that implements a control algorithm to measure and validate the input waveform.

Abstract: A method for altering engine ignition timing includes removing a centered gear tooth sensor from an engine. The centered gear tooth sensor is replaced with an offset gear tooth sensor. The offset gear tooth sensor includes a sensing element that forms a sensing angle, &agr;, with respect to a center diametric axis defined by a target wheel. The engine ignition timing is altered by an angular amount equal to the sensing angle, &agr;, of the sensing element.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for control of a vehicle generator. The voltage regulator is selectably responsive to a voltage representing the generator output voltage at the alternator output terminal, or to an external voltage sensed at a load or source point on the vehicle. The voltage regulator determines the relationship between these two sensed voltages and in response thereto chooses one of the sensed voltages for use in controlling the generator output by controlling the field excitation current input thereto. Certain conditions also cause the voltage regulator to latch in a mode where it is controlled only by one of the alternator output terminal voltage or the external voltage. Manual resetting may be required to discontinue the latched operational mode.

Abstract: A device for sensing oil condition includes an oil condition sensor that includes a first sensing plate separated from a second sensing plate by a spacer. Affixed to the first sensing plate and the second sensing plate is a platinum sensing electrode and a resistance temperature device. The sensing electrodes are separated by a gap that is filled with engine oil when the sensor is installed in an oil pan. A processor connected to the sensor can be used to determine when the engine is experiencing a first stage of oil degradation, a second stage of oil degradation, and a third stage of oil degradation. Each stage of degradation is characterized by a first sensor output signal trend, a second sensor output signal trend, and a third output signal trend, respectively.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus includes a high voltage (HV) terminal formed of stamped sheet metal attached to a secondary winding spool, and to which a high voltage end of the secondary winding is soldered. The ignition apparatus further includes an electrically conductive cup formed of stamped aluminum or brass that is disposed in a case and is configured to receive the high voltage terminal when the secondary winding spool is inserted in the case. The high voltage terminal has a spring tab or the like that is biased radially outwardly into engagement with an inner annular surface of the cup. A bottom outer surface of the cup is arranged to be engaged by a high voltage spring or the like for making the connection to the spark plug. The cup is substantially free of burrs, sharp edges, and the like, and therefore reduces localized occurrences of high electric field concentrations, which could otherwise lead to insulating material, and thus ignition coil, failure.