Abstract: A Wiegand wire module is excited by a non-uniform field, which may vary in time either symmetrically or asymmetrically, to provide a switch in state of the Wiegand wire thereby inducing a pulse in the pickup coil of the module. The non-uniform field has a maximum value in an axial direction at a center portion of the wire and a minimum value in an axial direction at end portions of the wire. As the amplitude of the field is varied to switch the wire, the end portions of the wire remain in a field having a low axial magnitude. The result is an output pulse substantially greater than obtained through symmetric exitation using a uniform field.

Abstract: A pulser unit is composed of two high strength magnets spaced apart from one another and establishing an intense magnetic field therebetween. Forward faces of the two magnets establish a working surface for the pulser unit. A Wiegand wire module consisting of a Wiegand wire segment around which a pickup coil is wound is mounted in the pulser unit immediately behind the working surface of the pulser unit and adjacent the sides of the two spaced apart magnets. The magnetic field is sufficiently strong to determine the state of the Wiegand wire. When a low reluctance element is brought adjacent to the front of the working surface, the field is substantially distorted and the field to which the Wiegand wire is subjected changes materially. The result is that the Wiegand wire switches state and the substantial rate of change of the flux in that switching of state is sensed by the pickup coil to provide an output pulse.

Abstract: A pressure actuated switch is provided in which one face of a diaphragm engages a metal contact plate which has a pair of integral contact areas thereon or a pair of contacts fused thereto for engagement with contacts on the ends of a pair of terminal posts molded in a plastic housing part. The contact plate also has a central deformation disposed between the contacts thereon and engaged with a spring metal strip of arcuate cross-sectional configuration, one or more additional strips being optionally provided.

Abstract: To remove a field structure from within a casing, the casing is positioned with one end thereof against an annular shoulder within an opening of a support fixture engaged with a press element. A removal fixture is inserted into the opposite end of the casing and is engaged by a second press element which is moved toward the first to eject the field structure from within the casing. The removal fixture includes a pair of diametrically opposed wall portions which have side edges spaced to provide slots for clearance of brush rack assemblies and the terminal end portions of the wall portions are of reduced thickness for clearance of field windings and associated components. The support fixture may be in the form of a plate or may be in the form of a tubular member which receives the field structure and which may be positionable above the casing.

Abstract: A read head for a Wiegand type wire establishes an asymmetric field to which the wire is subjected. A setting magnet at a first position establishes a sufficiently strong positive field to set the core and shell of the Wiegand wire in a first confluent state. At a second position, the field is sufficiently negative so as to assure that the core switches state thereby establishing a reverse state for the wire. The field does not go strongly negative and thus the state of the shell is not reversed. At a third position, the field becomes sufficiently positive so as to cause the core to reverse its state again thereby switching the wire from its reverse state to its confluent state. This particular switching occurs in close proximity to the pickup coil thereby providing an output pulse in response to the switch of state of the wire from reverse state to confluent state.

Abstract: A switch is provided including an actuating member having a piston portion at one end responsive to applied fluid pressure, a guide portion at its opposite end encompassed by a coiled compression spring, and having an intermediate annular rib engageable with inwardly projecting tabs of actuately extending contact plates. Each of two of the contact plates has a contact selectively engageable with a corresponding contact on the third contact plate in response to movement of said actuating member.

Abstract: The magnetic switching device which employs what has come to be known as the Wiegand Effect is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,820,090. What is disclosed herein is an improved switching device made from an alloy of iron, cobalt and vanadium that provides a greater switching effect. An improved or optimized torsional strain routine for fabricating the wire switching device is also disclosed. The improved switching device provides its maximum output pulse when the wire is switched in an asymmetric fashion.

Abstract: In order to provide a tachometer which is accurate and easy to read, a number of light-emitting diodes is arranged in a row, each diode representing a predetermined increment of speed, rotational speed is measured and used to generate pulses, at a proportional rate, which are then decoded and used to drive the light emitting diodes over a predetermined time span, the diodes being lighted repeatedly in sequence at a rate exceeding the response time of the eye so as to present a flicker-free bar graph type display showing rotational speed.

Abstract: Movable support post devices are provided in which portions of flexible hose or cable members are supported from the upper end of a post structure including an elongated sleeve and a foot member which has a smaller diameter portion crimped on the lower end of the sleeve and a larger diameter portion defining a fulcrum edge which is engaged with a base member. In one embodiment a coiled tension spring is disposed within the sleeve with its upper end being connected to the sleeve and with its lower end being connected through a link to a base member, the link serving to minimize binding actions and stresses. In another embodiment, a coiled compression spring is disposed within the sleeve, the lower end of the spring being retained by a washer at the crimped end of the sleeve and the upper end of the spring being coupled to a retainer key and to the upper end of a tension rod, the lower end of which is hooked to the base member.

Abstract: A switch mechanism for use with a printed circuit board and for cooperatively operating with an advantageously formed housing to protect such printed circuit board from external forces.

Abstract: Brake actuators are provided which use pistons for both auxiliary and service functions, the auxiliary piston being operative to compress a spring in response to fluid source pressure and the service piston being operative to develop throughout its movement a brake operating force which is uniformly proportionate to service fluid pressure. Two cup-shaped housing members have rim portions secured together. One of such cup-shaped members and a metal sleeve define cylindrical surfaces for co-action with the pistons, the metal sleeve being disposed within a resilient sleeve which is disposed at least partly within the other of the cup-shaped members. The service piston is located in front of the auxiliary piston and coacts with the cylindrical surface of the metal sleeve. A resilient boot is disposed between the service piston and a forward end wall, around an actuating rod having a rearward end in engagement with the service piston.

Abstract: A coded, magnetic module has a plurality of Wiegand effect exhibiting wires deployed parallel to one another and extending substantially across the module. These wires are supported in a laminated arrangement between two thin plastic support plies. Coding is impressed on the module by punching out an intermediate portion of each wire including the adjacent zone of the support plies. This produces a relatively physically stable coded module for subsequent use as part of a coded magnetic pulse generator.

Abstract: An improved spark advance circuit for use in an electronic ignition system for an internal combustion engine in which pulses generated in a pickup synchronized with the engine crankshaft are fed to a circuit for generating a voltage proportional to the desired advance and to a phase locked loop which is adapted to generate, at its output, a ramp synchronized with the input pulses, with the ramp output and proportional voltage supplied to a comparator, the output of which generates firing pulses which are advanced as a function of engine operation for use in the electronic ignition system.

Abstract: A clamp is provided for securing a plurality of elongated articles in a spaced relationship; the clamp includes a base provided with posts, each including a securing element, which mutually define a recess therebetween to accept articles of a plurality of sizes. In addition, the clamp includes a pair of straps, one end of each being connected to the base and including a securing element on the opposite end; securing elements on each strap and post are each provided with an opening therethrough, which openings are aligned and adapted to accommodate a bolt or the like. The bolt and securing elements cooperate to provide structural support to the clamp.

Abstract: A vehicle pneumatic brake system is disclosed wherein a transfer valve of advantageous design responsive to supply pressure is employed to provide service pressure to an anti-lock, pressure modulating valve for so long as supply pressure is greater than a preset minimum and to provide pressure from a protected reservoir (tank) to the anti-lock, pressure modulating valve when supply pressure is below such minimum value.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the operation of spring brake chambers in spring brake actuators used in tractor-trailer combinations. The valve is adapted for use with two spring brake actuators and two sources of supply pressure and includes an integral check valve for permitting fluid to flow from either source into the valve but from neither source into the other source. The valve further includes apparatus for alternately providing communication between output port(s) to the spring brake actuators and the check valve or an exhaust port.

Abstract: A low pressure selector for communicating therethrough fluid from the lower pressure source of a pair of pressure sources includes a housing with input ports for connection to the pressure sources and an output port. A piston member is mounted within a cavity, advantageously formed by walls of the housing, for reciprocating movement therein in response to pressure supplied from the pair of pressure sources to the input ports. Sealing members provided on the piston member cooperatively operate with the walls of the housing cavity and the piston member, to effectuate communication of fluid from the lower pressure source to the output port. The low pressure selector is advantageously employed in a vehicle pneumatic brake system to communicate the fluid from the lower pressure source of first and second sources of supply pressure of the system to a low pressure responsive monitor which warns the operator of the vehicle of a drop in supply pressure from either source below a preset minimum.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer electrical receptacle is disclosed wherein a housing contains a cavity having a plurality of male contact members mounted therein; the cavity is adapted for receiving a mating electrical plug. A mounting member connected to the housing is adapted for mounting the housing at an angle inclined to the horizontal to promote drainage of any moisture in the cavity away from the contact members. A support member extends forwardly from the housing to provide such support for an electrical plug mated with the receptacle as minimizes the effects of vehicle vibration upon such plug. A cover is connected to said housing and urged by a spring to close the cavity when a plug is not inserted in the receptacle.

Abstract: A clamp is provided for securing a plurality of elongated articles in a spaced relationship; the clamp includes a base provided with standards which have recesses or wells therein and which mutually define a recess therebetween to accept such articles of a plurality of sizes. In addition the clamp includes a pair of straps, one of which is connected to the base at one end thereof and includes a tongue and fastening sections; the other strap is connected to the other end of the base and includes complementary channel and fastening sections for mating with the tongue and fastening section of the former strap.

Abstract: This invention provides a differential pressure-activated control system having non-mechanical, remotely controllable, biasing means. The system comprises a differential pressure sensing means, having opposing first and second pressure sensing portions, a conduit between one portion of the sensing means and a system to be monitored and a second conduit means between a second portion of the pressure sensing means and the system to be monitored; the second conduit comprising in intermediate fluid flow pressure connection, a pressure regulator which limits the maximum pressure, in accordance with a desired predetermined pressure, conducted to the second portion of the pressure sensing means. Such pressure regulator can be remote from the system and from the pressure sensing means and is connected thereto only by non-moving, pressure-connecting means.