Abstract: A high-amperage current sensor is disclosed which is suitable for use in an automotive electrical system and which is operatively unaffected by changes in ambient temperature. The current sensor utilizes a shunt assembly having at least one low-resistance shunt element connectable in line between a source of electrical energy and a load. Circuitry preferably configured on an application specific integrated circuit measures voltage drop across the shunt element due to current flow. As a result, an output signal is produced which may be fed to external circuitry for further processing. In presently preferred embodiments, the sensor may comprise analog circuitry producing an analog output signal and/or digital circuitry producing a digital output signal.

Abstract: A conductive element (22) is preheated by a preheat power supply (34) to an initial temperature which is a function of line speed. The preheated conductive element (22) is advanced through an extruder (32) whereat a cellular insulation layer (24) and a solid plastic insulation layer (26) are extruded thereabout to form an insulated conductor (20). The insulated conductor (20) is advanced through an air gap (38) whereat the cellular insulation layer 24 expands about the conductive element (22). The insulated conductor (20) is then quenched at a point to stop the expansion of the cellular insulation layer by passing the insulated conductor into a cooling bath (40).A capacitance monitor (50) measures the coaxial capacitance of the insulated conductor (20) and develops an error signal.

Abstract: An electronic control system (9) controls the movement of a distributer (19) as the distributor guides strand (11) alternately onto reels (12 and 13). Digital signals are generated representing the instantaneous position of the distributor (19) and end-points of travel of the distributor. A controller (38) generates a signal when a coincidence of the instantaneous position of the distributor (19) and alternate ones of the end-points of travel of the distributor occur. The signal is used to reverse the direction of travel of the distributor (19) thus resulting in a uniform distribution of the strand (11) onto the reels (12 and 13). As each of the reels (12 and 13) become full, a signal is generated which causes the distributor (19) to proceed at a high rate of speed toward the back flange of the reel regardless of the direction of travel at that time. This facilitates the cutover of the strand (11) from a full reel to an empty reel.