Abstract: An RF shielded electronic module is formed of stamped sheet metal in the form of a wrap having four side walls. A sheet metal cross-member extends between opposed walls and is welded thereto. A printed circuit board is soldered to the cross-member and to the wrap such that the cross-member provides an RF shield between separate areas of components on the printed circuit board. A pair of sheet metal covers are joined to the wrap substantially enclosing the circuit board. The wrap and covers provide an externally shielded enclosure. The wrap, covers, and cross-member provide internal shielded compartments.

Abstract: Digital signal processing (DSP) employing a differential mean calculation automatically distinguishes sections of blank tape from program material (such as music or voice) on cassette tapes. Blank tape produces a negligible differential mean value while program material produces substantial differential mean values. Thus, each differential mean is compared to a threshold so that a cassette player can be commanded to fast forward through a blank section of tape. A music envelope detector insures that low amplitude music signals are not detected as blank.

Abstract: The time needed to verify proper operation of a fault detection system or to verify the impact of the replacement of a component in the system being monitored is reduced without substantial increase in the possibility of false indication of failure or false indication of proper operation by employing a geometric moving average with a variable time constant reset to a minimum value upon initialization and gradually increasing to a maximum value. Motor vehicle systems and components are monitored and a diagnostic indicator annunciates faults to alert the vehicle operator to malfunctions.

Abstract: A console assembly for use in an automotive vehicle body passenger compartment is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing member interposed between a pair of seats in the vehicle, an armrest member and a bottom member pivotally secured to the housing member. The armrest member and bottom member pivot from a first position defining an auxiliary seat to a second position defining a console assembly in the vehicle.

Abstract: A storage and activation system for a remote control transmitter in a motor vehicle includes a recessed compartment for receiving the remote control transmitter and a cover for enclosing the recessed compartment. The transmitter is retained against the inside face of the cover for engaging a movable pushbutton extending through the cover. The cover is removable for ease of installation of the transmitter.

Abstract: A system and method compensates for systematic irregularities in measured engine velocities caused by torsional flexing in the crankshaft during rotation to improve the accuracy of misfire detection. The present invention compensates for irregularities in "Profile-Ignition-Pick-Up interval" (PIP interval) timing. These irregularities are systematic with respect to different engine cylinders. The present invention is configured to function with a processor unit. Correction factors for each of the n PIP intervals of an engine cycle are generated for each of a multitude of engine operating conditions, where n is the number of cylinders in the engine. Each set of n generated correction factor is stored in a table (a "look-up table" located in a memory unit) having a corresponding unique address location. This table is typically determined empirically in the calibration of the engine type by a test engine.

Abstract: An automotive radio system employs a plurality of corrective actions in response to the detection of multipath interference to reduce distortion audible to a listener. The speed of the vehicle is determined since the number of multipath events per unit time and the expected duration of each multipath event vary according to vehicle speed. The corrective action taken in response to detection of multipath interference depends upon the vehicle speed. In a diversity antenna system, antenna switching is suspended at high vehicle speed while filtering of the audio output to reduce noise is suspended at lower vehicle speeds.

Abstract: Incorrect classifications of misfires (potential false alarms) are reduced by comparing the power loss value for a particular cylinder event with the power loss values for neighboring cylinder events. A set of rules for the comparisons permits identifications of potential misfires that are, in reality, a normally firing cylinder event having a measurement that is altered by a neighboring misfire event, referred to as the pulling effect. The invention improves misfire detection accuracy, especially in internal combustion engines with 8 or more cylinders, which have substantially overlapping power strokes.

Abstract: A digital radio receiver generates coherent signals for synchronous detection without use of a phase-locked loop by employing an adaptive notch filter to cancel the desired signal. The cancelling signal is employed as the coherent signal for synchronous detection. The invention obtains faster locking to the desired signal, a wider capture range, and more efficient software coding in a digital signal processing receiver.

Abstract: A radio receiver simultaneously achieves maximum sensitivity and minimum susceptibility to intermodulation distortion by employing wideband and narrowband automatic gain control which further selects the automatic gain control response in dependence on the detection of intermodulation distortion. An AGC signal is modified to improve sensitivity in the event of a low narrowband signal level except when intermodulation distortion is detected above a predetermined distortion level.

Abstract: A float rod and float body are fastened together by means of a two-point attachment in which a substantially straight remote end of the float rod is inserted into a rod receiving passage simultaneously with a grasping point on the float rod being received by a snap-in retainer on a portion of the float rod separated from the remote end by a bend in the float rod. Fastening of the parts is thus achieved in a single linear motion for ease of assembly. The snap-in retainer preferably is comprised of a fork whereby the float body is retained on the float rod against forces in any direction after being assembled. The float body can be filled with an appropriate filling material to provide the desired buoyancy in the liquid to be measured. An embodiment particularly adapted to fuel level measurement in vehicle fuel tanks is described.

Abstract: A frequency-shift keying (FSK) signal detector splits an FSK signal into two paths. In one path, a phase-altering circuit having a variable frequency characteristic between the two encoding frequencies of the FSK signal provides either a phase lead or a phase lag depending upon the instantaneous frequency of the FSK signal. The phase-altered signal is sampled in response to the signal in the second path to decode a digital signal.

Abstract: A distortion limiter for limiting the amount of distortion of an inverting amplifier is disclosed. A comparator produces a pulse when a signal level at an inverting input of the inverting amplifier exceeds a reference voltage level. The pulse charges a capacitor. When the charge on the capacitor is sufficient to raise the gate voltage of a junction field-effect transistor (FET) above cutoff, the FET shunts the input signal to reduce its level. The distortion characteristics can be controlled by using a voltage divider to adjust the voltage across the FET. A bias voltage at the gate of the FET, keeps the FET turned off when the inverting amplifier is not clipping.

Abstract: A digital signal processing automotive audio system uses an analog audio source providing stereo output signals. One of the stereo signals is mixed to a distinct frequency band and summed with the other stereo signal to form a composite signal which can be digitized in a single analog-to-digital converter. Separate digital stereo signals are recovered using digital signal processing.