Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, across an electrical load to prevent over dissipation semiconductor switch in the event of a short circuit. The system includes a microprocessor with a terminal which is alternatively configurable as an input and as an output. When the terminal is configured as an output, the microprocessor can turn the electrical load ON and OFF via a transistor, under software control. Once the microprocessor turns the load ON, the microprocessor reconfigures its terminal to be an input. The system automatically latches the electrical load ON until a short circuit occurs or until the microprocessor turns the load OFF. When a short circuit occurs, the system automatically turns the load OFF. With the microprocessor terminal configured as an input, the microprocessor can detect when the system has automatically turned the load OFF due to a short circuit, thus being able to set a diagnostic code or take other appropriate action.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a "returnless" fuel system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A "series-pass" fuel pressure regulator in the system provides fuel of a regulated pressure to a fuel rail comprising at least one fuel injector. A "bypass" fuel pressure regulator provides fuel with a regulated pressure to the series pass regulator. An in-line fuel filter is located downstream from the bypass regulator, such that only the fuel which reaches the series-pass regulator is filtered. A check valve is located downstream from the bypass regulator as well, to prevent fuel pressure bleed-down through the fuel pump and the bypass regulator. A pressure relief valve is coupled to allow fuel with a pressure above a predetermined value to flow around the check valve.

Abstract: In several embodiments of the present invention, an alternator is disclosed. The alternator includes a rotor having both wound-field and permanent magnet poles. The wound-field and permanent magnet poles are disposed about the circumference of the rotor.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a daytime running lamp (DRL) system for a motor vehicle includes a switchable connection from the headlamps of the vehicle to the neutral connection of the vehicle's alternator. Compared with the full system voltage of the vehicle, the neutral connection of the alternator is a lower-voltage source which can drive the headlamps at reduced brightness. Such reduced brightness is a typical characteristic of DRL systems. The system disclosed herein can be more cost-effective and provide greater energy efficiency than alternative DRL systems.

Abstract: A conventional full wave diode bridge of an alternator is replaced with a full wave controlled rectifier bridge having controlled switches in place of diodes. Phase control is performed by the switches of the controlled rectifier bridge to preempt natural commutation and shift the phase of the alternator phase voltages relative to the phase currents. The phase angle control disrupts the normal unity power factor operation of the alternator and causes additional reactive current flow in a three phase stator winding of the alternator to source the controlled rectifier bridge. The result is that for the same operating conditions the controlled switches of the controlled rectifier bridge boost output from the alternator by from 40% to 60%.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical generation system for a motor vehicle provides voltage regulation in a normal mode to maintain a sensed battery voltage at a target value. Also, the system maintains effective fault mode voltage regulation at a target value in the event that the signal representing sensed battery voltage becomes corrupted. The system allows the normal mode target value and the fault mode target value to be chosen as closely together as desired. The system further allows, if desired, temporary voltage regulation at a higher voltage for higher-voltage electrical loads.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a first diode is connected between two elements of a seven-segment display character. A second diode is also connected between two elements of the seven-segment display character. With the diodes so connected, the seven-segment display character can display the characters "1" through "9", and can do so with only six of the seven segments coupled to display driver circuitry. Electronic resources are thus saved in the control of the seven-segment display character.

Abstract: A method and system for maximizing the output of an alternator in an automotive vehicle. An alternator is provided having a first rectifier connectable to a first output of the alternator to form a first winding configuration and a second rectifier connectable to a second output of the alternator to form a second winding configuration. Based on the speed of the alternator, a controller operatively couples one of the first and second rectifiers to the first and second outputs, respectively, so as to maximize output current of the alternator. If the speed of the alternator is below a predetermined speed range, the controller couples the first output of the alternator to the first rectifier. Alternatively, if the speed of the alternator is above the predetermined speed range, the controller couples the second output of the alternator to the second rectifier.

Abstract: An alternator and method of forming an alternator with a rectifier internal to the alternator housing are disclosed in which a plurality of positive diodes and negative diodes each has a anode electrode and a cathode electrode. The stator of the alternator has a plurality of stator windings, each winding having a first end and a second end. The rectifier bridge member has electrically conductive circuit traces each having a plurality of substantially coplanar solder pads adapted to receive either an anode electrode of a respective positive diode, a cathode electrode of a respective negative diode or a first or second end of a respective stator winding. The rectifier bridge member also has an electrically conductive plate for electrically interconnecting the cathodes of the positive diodes. A housing for enclosing one end of the alternator has an interior and exterior portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a fault detection system for a dynamometer includes circuitry for measuring the armature voltage of the dynamometer. The voltage can used as an indicator of dynamometer speed to prevent reverse rotation of the dynamometer and to prevent overspeed operation of the dynamometer.

Abstract: A windshield heating system includes a heating element installed in the defroster ductwork of a motor vehicle. An electrical driver provides electrical power to heat the heating element, thereby immediately providing heated air to the windshield of the vehicle when the vehicle is started in cold weather. The electrical power provided to the heating element can be modulated based on (1) temperature of the air before the heating element, (2) temperature of the heating element, and (3) system voltage of the vehicle.

Abstract: A direct current (DC) electric motor is shifted between higher and lower operating speeds in response to motor operating conditions to prevent motor stalling, overheating and burnout. Switches are performed between two or among more than two operating curves defined for the DC motor with switches preferably taking place approximately at points of intersection of the operating curves. The high or higher speed curve typically results from inducing inefficiency into the motor such that continued operation along the high or higher speed curve can lead to motor stalling and even burnout. At or near the intersection points of motor operating curves, operation is switched from the high or higher speed operating curve to a lower speed, higher efficiency operating curve such that motor current is immediately reduced for the same motor speed and torque. If the motor is able to once again operate along the high or higher speed curve, a switch-back is made at or near the point of intersection.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a control method for an induction motor includes calculating a desired quadrature-axis voltage and a desired direct-axis voltage according to both current control and voltage control. Below a predetermined motor speed, the motor is controlled in accordance with current control only. Above that predetermined speed, the two desired quadrature-axis voltages are combined in relative proportions, with the influence of voltage control being greater with higher motor speed. The two desired direct-axis voltages are likewise combined. The influence of voltage control thus increases with increasing motor speed. Above a second motor speed threshold, the motor is controlled in accordance with voltage control only.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a cranking system for a motor vehicle engine includes a starter motor assembly having a cranking motor and a starter solenoid. An electronic controller independently controls actuation of the starter solenoid and a contactor which provides current to the cranking motor. In this embodiment of the invention, the starter solenoid has a single electrical coil. Further, the contactor is relocated from its typical location within the starter solenoid to within the electronic controller, located remotely from the starter motor assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for simulating the behavior and operation of a three-phase induction machine. The present invention provides for a digital simulating device for simulating the behavior and operation of three-phase induction machines in accordance with selected parameters. There is further provided a computer modeling method for behavioral and operational analysis which utilizes blocks and super-blocks connected with signals as in physical systems. The modeling method incorporates an algebraicly simplified set of equations in stationary 2-axes reference frame.

Abstract: An automotive locking system for an automotive vehicle has a latch with a locked and unlocked position, a switch having a first state and a second state and a timer. A controller is connected to the switch, the latch and the timer. The controller positions the latch of a door in the unlocked position if the duration the switch is in the first and second states corresponds to a valid switch signal rather than electrical noise or a shorted switch. The system may also control unlatching all the doors if the switch changes between the first and second states for predetermined durations of each state.

Abstract: The present invention is a slip ring assembly for an automotive alternator, or other appropriate rotary electric machine, which includes at least one slip ring, a plastic body mounting the slip ring, at least one electrical terminal connected to the slip ring and supported by the body and at least one reinforcement ring. The reinforcement ring is operatively disposed on the plastic body and operatively adapted so as to strengthen the slip ring assembly against catastrophic failure resulting from loads applied to the slip ring assembly while it is under severe operating conditions. By employing such a reinforcement ring, the present slip ring assembly can be produced inexpensively with plastic bodies made from polyester and like plastics and yet still be able to withstand operating loads applied under high rotational speeds, elevated temperatures and other adverse conditions.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an ignition coil assembly includes a primary coil and a secondary coil. A primary connector assembly of the ignition coil assembly includes a conductor which is adapted to electrically connect one terminal of the primary coil with one terminal of the secondary coil. The conductor includes indentations which delimit a portion of the conductor and facilitate the removal of that portion of the conductor. The conductor further includes provisions for electrically connecting an electrical component such as diode in place of the removed portion of the conductor. The present invention thus facilitates inclusion of an electrical component such as a diode in applications which will benefit from the inclusion of the electrical component in place of the conductor.

Abstract: A three-phase electrical system includes an interrupt controller. The interrupt controller protects against inadvertent current flow between a phase conductor and ground and between phase conductors. The interrupt controller measures the voltage across a series connection of current transformers disposed about various phase conductors. If an inadvertent current path exists between one of the phase conductors and ground or between two of the phase conductors, the interrupt controller interrupts the current flow in the phase conductors. Additionally, a single-phase electrical system with a hot conductor and a neutral conductor includes an interrupt controller. The interrupt controller protects against inadvertent current flow between the hat conductor and ground and between the hot conductor and the neutral conductor. The interrupt controller measures the voltage across a series connection of current transformers disposed about the hot and neutral conductors.

Abstract: A power window system equipped with a "one-touch-down" feature for a motor vehicle includes provisions for programming the system to enable and/or disable the one-touch-down feature. The programming is done via a sequence of commands provided to the controller of the one-touch-down feature from various switches on the motor vehicle. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, all such commands are issued from devices already on the vehicle to perform functions other than programming of the "one-touch-down" feature.