Abstract: A method of estimating an internal temperature of a vehicle battery is based on heat transfer between a heat source and the battery. In addition to the heat source, airflow generated by vehicle movement and radiator fans affects the internal temperature of the battery. The method estimates an initial internal temperature of the battery at engine startup based on how long the engine was off. The temperature of the heat source is determined. A transfer function is determined to represent the effect of the airflow. The method updates a current internal temperature of the battery based on the initial internal temperature and an integration of the transfer function and the heat source temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling low engine idle RPM without discharging a vehicle battery by monitoring the vehicle alternator field modulation. The apparatus includes an engine control module, an alternator, electrical loads and a switch module. The engine control module includes a first input and a first output forming a portion of a first feedback loop. The first input and first output enable the engine control module to sense and control the idle RPM of the engine. The alternator includes an armature and a field coil where rotation of the armature and modulation of the field coil controls the amount of current supplied by the alternator. The switch module modulates the field coil upon receipt of a drive signal from the engine control module.

Abstract: An initially integral terminal useful for terminating to flat conductor cable includes upper and lower plate sections coextending from a hinge to define a cable-receiving region therebetween, with first and second portions of both plate sections defining opposed cooperative arrays of termination means for terminating to said flat cable upon said upper and lower plate sections being pressed toward each other and into the flat cable. Upstanding opposed side wall sections join the first and second portions which are otherwise separated by an aperture proximate the center of the flat cable, enabling easy severing of the side walls at the aperture to define separate electrical terminations after application of the assembly to the flat cable. One or two contact sections can extend from a free edge of one of the upper and lower plate sections for connection to another article, defining a mid-cable tap for either single- or dual-connector cable respectively.

Abstract: A tool (10) and a jig (70) include intermating surfaces to facilitate mounting of the jig in reverse relationship to facilitate wiring of different sizes of connectors (160) having top and bottom rows of terminals (176, 177) with the jig having projections (100-114) precisely positioning terminals and connectors relative to index projections (74) which engage index means (60) on the tool and clamp means to hold cable (140) and wire in appropriate positions for different connectors and a wedge shaped adjustment (42) affixed to the tool to vary inserter movement for different size wires.

Abstract: A battery powered portable crimping apparatus is provided for crimping a terminal onto a wire. The crimping mechanism imposes a substantially constant torque on the electric motor during the crimping cycle thereby conserving battery energy. A pair of anvil-die sets are provided for crimping two different size terminals. The two dies are arranged to reduce the hazard of inadvertently inserting a foreign object into one of the anvil-die set openings while the other anvil-die set is engaged in crimping a terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a two part circular connector and terminating discrete wires to insulation displacement contacts within the connector. A two part die is used to position and secure the connector parts. The cable is inserted through an opening in the bottom of the die and the wires positioned in respective radial slots that correspond with the contacts. A punch is then brought into engagement with the die to sever the wires to length, fold the wires into wire receiving slots, terminate the wires to the contacts, and assemble the two parts of the connector.

Abstract: A multiple stroke hand tool (2) comprises a ram (18) slidably mounted to a housing frame (44). A compact rotatable ratchet member (30) is connected to the ram (18) and pivotally mounted to the housing frame (44) such that as operating means (90) are moved, a drive pawl (32) engages the ratchet member (30) causing the ratchet member (30) to rotate, which in turn causes the ram (18) to move between an open position and a closed position. An automatic fast take-up member (60) is provided which cooperates with the operating means (90). This type of automatic fast take-up allows minimal operator input, enabling the operator to better perform the other operation required. This fast take-up member (60) also insures that terminals are properly positioned with respect to the ram (18), thereby providing a much more reliable operation of the hand tool (2).

Abstract: A multiple stroke hand tool comprises a ram slidably mounted to a support member. A compact rotatable ratchet member is connected to the ram and pivotally mounted to the support member such that as a drive pawl engages the ratchet member, it is rotated causing the ram to move between an open position and a closed position. A resilient member is attached to the ratchet member and exerts a force on the ratchet member opposing rotation thereof. A latching means, pivotally mounted to the support member, cooperates with the ratchet member to prevent unwanted backward rotation of the ratchet member. The latching means disengages from the ratchet member at the end of a cycle which in turn causes the drive pawl to disengage from the ratchet member, allowing automatic return of the ram to the open position. A manual override is also provided such that the latching means may be disengaged as required. A fast take-up is also positioned on the hand tool such that quick, easy, one-handed operation is effected.

Abstract: Apparatus comprises a clamp to fix flat cable against axial movement relative to a strip slide plate which is moved rearward relative to stripping blades by a pneumatic cylinder. This strips insulative jacket from free end of cable engaged by blades to expose foil shield. Another pneumatic cylinder causes blades to retreat from path of cable, and another pneumatic cylinder advances stripped end so that edges thereof closely enter mutually facing arcuate channels in laterally spaced guides. Channels have respective first portions profiled to receive edges of the jacket closely therein, second portions profiled to receive edges of the exposed shield therein, and respective shoulders between each first and second portion. A pair of opposed rotary cutting blades extend through slots in respective channels so that arcs of blades are initially exposed only in second portions of channels.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing shielded flat cable for termination employs blades which penetrate cable jacket and shield on opposed edges.

Abstract: A clamp is disclosed for use during connection of insulated wires into an electrical connector. The wires are collectively provided by an electrical cable which must be orientated by the clamp to project perpendicular to the connector when all the wires are connected.