Abstract: An improved cruise control which produces a desired throttle position that is based in part on a selectively updated integral term. The integral term is only updated when the magnitude of the speed error exceeds a predefined value, thereby eliminating changes in the integral term when the speed error is smaller than the predefined threshold. In other words, the integral term is dynamic and responsive to a current error condition when the speed error magnitude exceeds the threshold, and static when the speed error is within the threshold. In this way, the operational advantages of the integral term are retained while avoiding its disadvantages, and the transition between the static and dynamic states of the integral term are smooth and seamless.

Abstract: A wrap spring clutch (10) including an input side rotating member (12), an output side rotating member (14), a pole piece (16) containing a cylindrical center bore (18), a coil spring (20) having a first end (22), a second end (24), an outer diameter (24A) and an inner diameter (24B), an end frame (26) and a switch element (28). The cylindrical center bore (18) maintains the outer diameter (24A) of the coil spring (20) thereby minimizing variations in the performance of the wrap spring clutch (10) and reducing the cost and difficulties associated with the manufacture and assembly of known designs.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control system provides adaptive compensation for compliance in a linking mechanism between a throttle control member and a throttle which creates hysteresis in throttle movement. The system has a vehicle speed sensor, an actuator having an output linked to the throttle control member, an actuator position signal generator and a control responsive to the vehicle speed sensor and the actuator position signal generator for positioning the actuator in closed loop control with a major loop in response to vehicle speed and a minor loop in response to actuator position.