Abstract: An improved exhaust gas sensor of the type having first and second titania ceramic elements which have electrical resistances varying as a function of both the temperature and the composition of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines to which the elements are exposed. The first and second titania elements are connected in series circuit in the utilization of the sensor and the resistance of the second element over the operating temperature range of the exhaust gas sensor compensates the signal of the first titania element in a manner that produces a desired signal. The desired signal is a result of variation of the second titania element resistance values when exhaust gases cycle between lean-mixture and rich-mixture compositions. The resistance values of the second titania element are intermediate the corresponding resistances of the first titania element over the temperature range.The second titania element is more dense than the first titania element. It has a density in the range from 3.2 g/cm.

Abstract: An exhaust gas oxygen sensor and electrical connector arrangement for use in connecting the sensor to an electronic device capable of utilizing an electrical signal produced by the sensor. The electrical connector arrangement eliminates both male and female electrical connectors required in prior sensor electrical connector arrangements. The new electrical connector arrangement provides a leak-proof connection between a cylindrically-shaped sensor member and a connector assembly including an elastomeric grommet, a plastic sleeve and a plastic spacer used to retain connector terminals within the sleeve for receipt of cooperating terminals on the exhaust gas sensor. The connector-assembly sleeve and the cylindrically-shaped member of the oxygen sensor cooperate to produce a positive latching action of the connector assembly to the exhaust gas sensor.

Abstract: A high temperature thermistor and its method of fabrication are disclosed. The thermistor is fabricated from titanium dioxide ceramic forming material and is fabricated to achieve a high degree of densification approaching 100% of theoretical density. At elevated temperatures in the range of from about 700.degree. F. to about 1500.degree. F. densified titania ceramic material behaves as a semiconductor having a resistance which is responsive principally to the temperature of the thermistor element. The thermistor is fabricated by processing titania powder which includes a substantial majority of rutile phase material. The titania powder is processed to achieve a thermistor chip or member which demonstrates a high degree of density.

Abstract: A high temperature thermistor and its method of fabrication are disclosed. The thermistor is fabricated from titanium dioxide ceramic forming material and is fabricated to achieve a high degree of densification approaching 100% of theoretical density. At elevated temperatures in the range of from about 700.degree. F. to about 1500.degree. F. densified titania ceramic material behaves as a semiconductor having a resistance which is responsive principally to the temperature of the thermistor element. The thermistor is fabricated by processing titania powder which includes a substantial majority of rutile phase material. The titania powder is processed to achieve a thermistor chip or member which demonstrates a high degree of density.

Abstract: A voltage distributor for a spark ignition internal combustion engine. The distributor supplies voltage to spark plugs in a sequence corresponding to the firing order of the engine. The distributor is not driven by the camshaft of the engine in the conventional manner, but rather uses steering logic and a decoder in conjunction with a multiple position switch and trigger pulses to produce the voltage distribution. The steering logic and decoder may comprise a stepper motor and stepper motor decoder circuit operated by trigger pulses to produce rotation of a rotary switch or, alternatively, may comprise a binary counter and associated decoder for controlling relay switches.

Abstract: An improved exhaust gas oxygen sensor of the type adapted for installation in an exhaust conduit of an internal combustion engine. The improved sensor is of the type employing a titania oxygen sensing element responsive to the partial pressure of oxygen in the exhaust gas. A ceramic insulator supports the titania oxygen sensing element and is of improved design. Prior designs have contributed to cold-working of the electrode lead wires connected to the titania oxygen sensing element. The improved insulator design has a pedestal located adjacent the passages in the insulator through which the lead wires pass for the purpose of minimizing cold-working of the lead wires. This aids in preventing fracture of the wires during their use in a feedback fuel control system employing the oxygen sensor.

Abstract: An improved electrical system particularly suitable for use in a motor vehicle. The improvement provides compensation of a signal used in association with an electronic circuit. Such compensation is made necessary because of variation in the potential that occurs at a source of electrical energy in the system relative to the sensor reference potential. The variation in potential results from currents flowing through a conductor interconnecting the sensor and the energy source, which current many be of varying character due to the operation of other devices associated with the system. Compensation is achieved with a differential amplifier coupled both to the energy source and to the sensor.

Abstract: A sample and hold frequency to voltage converter circuit particularly suitable for use in automotive applications as a tachometer or other speed indicating device. The converter uses circuit means, responsive to a periodically varying input signal, to generate first and second pulse trains. The pulses in the pulse trains have a repetition frequency and duty cycle that varies as a function of the frequency of the input signal. An integrator is provided for generating a voltage proportional to the duty cycle of the second pulse train. A transmission gate is controlled by the first pulse train and couples the integrator to a capacitor. The capacitor is charged or discharged, almost instantaneously, each time the transmission gate is rendered conductive by a pulse from the first pulse train. The capacitor then develops a voltage which is proportional to the frequency of the input signal.

Abstract: The rectifier assembly of an alternator is provided with improved cooling by improved air flow directed over the semiconductor elements of the rectifier assembly. Improved flow of air is provided by an auxiliary fan blade that is attached to a rotating member in the alternator structure. The fan blade is in proximity to the semiconductor rectifier elements of the rectifier assembly. Air ports are provided in the alternator housing to accommodate this air flow and to improve the distribution of cooling air.

Abstract: A digital speedometer for indicating angular or linear velocity has an index counter to control update of the displayed velocity. The purpose of the index counter is to prevent undesirable fluctuation of the displayed velocity where minor variations in velocity being measured have occurred. The digital speedometer uses a pulsating input signal having a frequency proportional to the velocity to be indicated. An oscillator circuit provides a clock frequency that is utilized in generating a counting period electrical signal. During the counting period, the input pulses proportional to velocity are gated into a counter. After each counting period, a comparison is made between the count currently being displayed and the count stored in the counter. If a difference occurs, the index counter is incremented. Only after the index counter has been incremented a plurality of consecutive times is the display permitted to be updated.

Abstract: A unipolar dynamoelectric machine with variable resistance control of machine current. The machine includes a stator, a rotor rotating within an opening in the stator, and a control member. The rotor also rotates about a portion of the control member. A first annular space exists between the control member and the rotor, and a second annular space exists between the rotor and stator. A field coil within the stator provides a magnetic field that may be used in machine control. A liquid metal is used to control the current level in the machine. A forcing device is used to control the amount of liquid metal contained within the first and second annular spaces. This controls machine resistance and current flow. Preferably, the amount of liquid metal in the first annular space is inversely proportional to rotor speed and that in the second annular space is directly proportional thereto.

Abstract: A pair of ceramic chips, formed of similar metal oxide ceramic materials which are semiconductors at elevated temperature, are connected electrically in series and are arranged for exposure to the hot gaseous combustion by-products produced by an internal combustion engine. The chips are positioned in the exhaust gas conduit by a ceramic insulator having a plurality of longitudinal passages extending therethrough. A plurality of electrical terminal members are received within the rear of the longitudinal passages. Electrical leads extend from the chips to the terminal members through the plurality of passages and support the chips while providing electrical communication between the chips and the electrical terminals. The electrical terminals are adapted for communication to electronic and/or electrical utilization means. One of the pair of chips is processed to exhibit a rapid change in an electrical property responsive to differences in the exhaust gas chemistry and differences in exhaust gas temperature.

Abstract: A digital speedometer for indicating angular or linear velocity has an index counter to control update of the displayed velocity. The purpose of the index counter is to prevent undesirable fluctuation of the displayed velocity where minor variations in velocity being measured have occurred. The digital speedometer uses a pulsating input signal having a frequency proportional to the velocity to be indicated. An oscillator circuit provides a clock frequency that is utilized in generating a counting period electrical signal. During the counting period, the input pulses proportional to velocity are gated into a counter. After each counting period, a comparison is made between the count currently being displayed and the count stored in the counter. If a difference occurs, the index counter is incremented. Only after the index counter has been incremented a plurality of consecutive times is the display permitted to be updated.

Abstract: A unipolar dynamoelectric machine has a divided housing and uses a liquid metal to effect variable resistance control of the machine current. The machine includes a stator comprising a housing having first and second portions and a field coil. The housing portions are electrically insulated from one another and together define a chamber having an axis that is coincident with the axis of the annular field coil. A rotor is journalled in the housing and a control member extends into a recess in the rotor. The rotor rotates about the control member and is spaced from the stator and from the control member. The spacing produces annular spaces into which a liquid metal may be forced by an expandable bellows arrangement. Current flow in the machine is through the control member, the space between the control member and the rotor, the rotor, the space between the rotor and the stator, and the stator.

Abstract: Circuit for controlling the operability of one or more cylinders of a multicylinder internal combustion engine having electrically controllable means associated with it for preventing combustion from occurring in at least one cylinder of the engine. Preferably, the electrically controllable means for preventing combustion in a cylinder comprises a solenoid and associated mechanical means for preventing opening of the intake and exhaust valves for such cylinder to be thus disabled. Maintaining the intake and exhaust valves in a closed condition prevents the intake of an air-fuel mixture and permits compression and expansion, in a spring-like manner, of gases trapped within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A tamper-proof electrical circuit for a motor vehicle seatbelt system may be used with a seatbelt system requiring the driver and passenger of the motor vehicle to fasten their respective seatbelts if the vehicle engine is to be started. The tamper-proof circuit provides a warning and/or disables a portion of the vehicle electrical circuitry, such as the ignition start circuit or the vehicle's fuel gauge, if the ignition interlock device or a warning device or one of the seatbelt sensing devices has been removed from the electrical circuit. Also, a warning device or a device for disabling a vehicle circuit may be actuated if a seatbelt has been held in an extended position in the absence of an occupant in the seating position corresponding to that seatbelt location. This inconveniences the vehicle driver who fastens or who allows another to fasten a seatbelt in an extended position other than around his body.

Abstract: A balanced phase septum polarizer for converting a linearly polarized microwave signal to a circularly polarized microwave signal and vice versa. The septum polarizer includes a first waveguide, capable of propagating a circularly polarized microwave signal, and a septum that divides this waveguide into second and third waveguides each of which is capable of propagating a linearly polarized electric field microwave signal. The septum extends between opposite sides of the first waveguide and has an edge that is shaped to produce an inflection point in the phase angle vs. frequency function for the orthogonal electrical field components of the circularly polarized microwave signal. This results in a "balanced phase angle" relationship that permits reduction of the septum polarizer VSWR and improves significantly the axial ratio of the circularly polarized microwave signal.

Abstract: An electric vehicle drive train having a unipolar motor connected between a DC source of electrical energy and a differential or other mechanism for turning the wheels of an electric vehicle. The DC source consists of a low-voltage battery or thermoelectric generator which has first and second electrodes. One of the electrodes is the container of the DC source and the other source electrode is connected to a control member forming a part of the unipolar motor.The unipolar motor is positioned within a recess of the DC source container and is in electrical contact therewith so that current flows from the control member of the motor, through the motor's internal structure, and into the motor housing portion attached to the container. This provides a very compact electric vehicle drive train with the DC source located as close as possible to the unipolar motor. Preferably the motor is vertically positioned between the DC source located above it and the vehicle differential located beneath it.

Abstract: An antenna for use in propagating or receiving microwave radiation having both left-hand and right-hand circular polarization. The left-hand and right-hand circularly polarized radiation may be transmitted or received simultaneously without interference with one another, that is, they are isolated from one another by 27 dB or more. The preferred antenna comprises an array of closely clustered waveguide elements each of which converts respective linearly polarized signals to left-hand and right-hand circularly polarized signals and vice versa. Isolation means also are provided in each of the waveguide elements for preventing radiation either propagated or received by a waveguide element from being coupled into the radiation being propagated or received by other waveguide elements in the array. Preferably, square waveguide is utilized for the array elements and the isolation is provided by a plurality of conductive elements mounted on each of the open ends of the waveguide elements.

Abstract: Circuit for controlling the operability of one or more cylinders of a multicylinder internal combustion engine having electrically controllable means associated with it for preventing combustion from occurring in at least one cylinder of the engine. Preferably, the electrically controllable means for preventing combustion in a cylinder comprises a solenoid and associated mechanical means for preventing opening of the intake and exhaust valves for such cylinder to be thus disabled. Maintaining the intake and exhaust valves in a closed condition prevents the intake of an air-fuel mixture and permits compression and expansion, in a spring-like manner, of gases trapped within the combustion chamber.