Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic latching contactor for high current switching applications. A stationary assembly is provided which comprises a first passive biasing member and an active biasing member. A moveable assembly is slidably coupled to the stationary assembly for movement between a first stable position and a second stable position. A second passive biasing member is also provided. The first passive biasing member applies a first passive biasing force to the moveable assembly biasing the moveable assembly toward the first stable position. The second passive biasing member applies a second passive biasing force to the moveable assembly biasing the moveable assembly toward the second stable position. The active biasing member provides an active biasing force to the moveable assembly alternatively biasing the moveable assembly to the first stable position and the second stable position.

Abstract: A distributorless ignition system is shown having a timing controller that is responsive to one cylinder of the engine reaching top dead center for predicting the times at which one or more subsequent cylinders in the firing order should enter dwell and fire based upon the current engine speed, current battery voltage and the time interval between one cylinder reaching top dead center and the preceding cylinder reaching top dead center. At low operating speeds the controller plans for the firing of a cylinder utilizing triple precision calculations. At midrange speeds and high speeds, however, the controller utilizes double precision calculatons. At very high speeds, the controller of the present invention plans the firing of two or more cylinders at the same time forcing the cylinders into overlapping dwell.

Abstract: A capacitor-discharge ignition system discharges a load capacitor to drive an ignition coil for producing an ignition spark. The ignition system includes an oscillator generating complimentary pulse trains that activate a pair of power FETs to drive a transformer. The transformer generates an output voltage that is doubled in magnitude and stored in the load capacitor until the load capacitor is triggered by a trigger circuit to provide an ignition spark. A signal generated by a feedback circuit in response to the occurrence of an ignition spark is employed to inhibit further discharge of the load capacitor as well as to deactivate the transformer. An auxiliary D.C.-to-D.C. converter driven by the oscillator provides a supply voltage for the components of the ignition system.

Abstract: A battery equalization circuit maintains first and second series connected batteries at equal voltages. The circuit includes a capacitor coupled across the first battery by a pair of switches for sampling the voltage across the first battery. An error amplifier compares the first battery's sampled voltage to the second battery's voltage to produce an error signal indicative of the difference between the voltage across the first battery and the voltage across the second battery. A charging and regulating circuit is responsive to the error signal for charging the batteries to reduce the error signal to zero.

Abstract: A magnet shield having a recessed area for receiving a demagnetized permanent magnet. The magnet and shield are axially inserted between the armature and cylindrical frame of a motor. Locating legs formed on the end heads between which the cylindrical frame mounts serve to guide and locate the magnet shield into position. After assembly, the demagnetized magnets are magnetized.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the wear of a motor brush includes a spring that biases the brush towards an extended position. A portion of the spring moves along a path towards the extended position as the brush wears, wherein the spring portion makes mechanical contact with a portion of an electrical signal generating device that is disposed in the path to indicate a given amount of brush wear has occurred.

Abstract: A magnet shield having a recessed area for receiving a demagnetized permanent magnet. The magnet and shield are axially inserted between the armature and cylindrical frame of a motor. Locating legs, formed on the end heads between which the cylindrical frame mounts, serve to guide and locate the magnet shield into position. After assembly, the demagnetized magnets are magnetized.

Abstract: A new and improved integral, flexible insulating member for a motor field assembly. The insulating member includes a curved back section to receive the motor pole piece through a centrally located opening. The insulating member further includes end and side sections extending from the opening to receive the motor winding, such that the end and side sections separate the winding and pole piece. The back section of the insulating member separates the winding and motor frame. The insulator is compressed about the winding to substantially avoid vibration thereof during operation.