Abstract: A connector configured with a mechanism for rapid engagement with another electrical connector is provided. In one general embodiment, the electrical connector comprises a connector body, first and second engagement posts, and an engagement mechanism coupled to the engagement posts. Actuation of the engagement mechanism simultaneously actuates the first and second engagement posts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a conventional electrical outlet to provide safety and security for emission of electric current from the outlet. The modified outlet include one or more localized elements for authenticating receipt of two or more valid connectors, and for limiting delivery of power to the connectors in response to the authentication.

Abstract: A signal processing circuit includes a comparator having a fixed and a variable reference input for detection of a positive quasi-sinusoidal waveform pulse. A signal detection circuit includes a low pass input filter, a voltage input clamp, a variable detection threshold, and a zero crossing detector. The circuit produces an approximately square wave output substantially coinciding with the positive pulse of the quasi-sinusoidal waveform received, from a variable reluctance sensor. The circuit has a positive to negative zero crossing detector armed by a variable threshold of the positive quasi-sinusoidal pulse, thus providing variable noise immunity and a fixed phase relationship between the input and output signal for an input signal having a variable amplitude.

Abstract: An automotive ignition system includes a control circuit (52) operable to drive a coil current switching device (24) connected to an ignition coil (30) referenced at battery voltage. The control circuit (52) includes a drive circuit (20) and ring damping circuit (58) producing an inhibit signal (INH) to which the drive circuit (20) is responsive to control the state of the coil drive signal (GD). In a single pulse ignition system; i.e., an ignition system employing a single coil charging event per combustion cycle, the ring damping circuit (58) is responsive to a spark control signal (ESTBF) to control charging and discharging of a single capacitor (C1) to define the inhibit signal (INH). In a multiple pulse ignition system; i.e.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil coupled to a spark plug in a combustion chamber of the engine, and a switch responsive to an ignition control signal for causing a primary current to flow through a primary winding (16) of the ignition coil. A control circuit is configured to generate the ignition control signal so as to produce a plurality of sparks at the spark plug during a combustion event in the cylinder. A secondary current trip circuit in sensing relation to the secondary winding is configured to generate secondary current trip signal when the secondary current decays down past a secondary current trip threshold. The control circuit is further configured to trigger a recharge event of the multicharge operation in response to the secondary current trip signal, thereby minimizing variability in terms of the amount of energy delivered to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil coupled to a spark plug in a combustion chamber of the engine, and a switch responsive to an ignition control signal for causing a primary current to flow through a primary winding of the ignition coil. A control circuit is configured to generate the ignition control signal so as to produce a plurality of sparks at the spark plug during a combustion event in the cylinder. A combustion detection circuit in sensing relation with the combustion cylinder is configured to generate a combustion detect signal when combustion occurs. The control circuit is further configured to terminate the generation of the ignition control signal during the combustion event in response to the combustion detect signal, thereby terminating multicharge operation when the need for further sparks is no longer present. Unnecessary spark plug wear is avoided.