Abstract: A battery charging system for a dual-voltage motor vehicle electrical system that has a pair of series-connected batteries that can energize an electric cranking motor. One of the batteries is charged from a diode-rectified alternating current generator. A voltage regulator regulates the output voltage of the generator and includes a switching means connected in series with the field winding of the generator to control field current. The other battery is charged by field discharge current that is produced by the voltage induced in the generator field winding when the switching means is switched to a nonconductive state.

Abstract: A power supply system for feeding low cold resistance incandescent lamps from a diode-rectified alternating current generator where the system does not have a battery or other voltage source for energizing the lamps. A control circuit is connected between the generator and lamps that includes a resistor that can be bypassed by the closure of relay contacts. The control circuit energizes the lamps such that generator voltage does not collapse when the relay contacts close. The resistor can have a negative temperature coefficient of resistance.

Abstract: A dual voltage motor vehicle electrical system comprising series connected cranking and accessory batteries that are used to energize an electric vehicle engine cranking motor. The accessory battery is charged by a vehicle engine driven generator and the cranking battery is charged by a battery charging circuit having an input connected to the accessory battery and an output connected to the cranking battery. The battery charging circuit is maintained in operation for a period of time after shut down of the engine to charge the cranking battery from the accessory battery. The battery charging circuit includes an inductance coil for transferring energy between the accessory and cranking batteries which may take the form of an actuating coil of a magnetic switch the contacts of which disconnect the accessory battery from an electrical load when the actuating coil is deenergized.

Abstract: A multivoltage electrical system for a motor vehicle that has a pair of storage batteries which, in a first charging mode are charged in series from the direct voltage output terminals of a bridge rectifier connected to an alternating current generator. In a second charging mode, only one of the batteries is charged and this takes place when a plurality of controlled rectifiers connecting the generator and a common junction of the batteries are gated conductive. The switching between modes is a function of the voltage of one of the batteries and the voltage of a triangular voltage waveform generator operating at a fixed frequency. The system is maintained in the second mode when generator speed is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: An ignition distributor for an internal combustion engine including a magnetic pick-up for generating a timing control voltage. The distributor has a rotor comprised of a plurality of radially extending circumferentially spaced permanent magnets that define rotor pole teeth. The permanent magnets are radially magnetized such that the outer tips all have the same magnetic polarity. As the rotor rotates, a voltage is induced in the pick-up coil by flux linking the coil that is provided by the permanent magnets. A combined electrostatic shield and flux shunt is provided that takes the form of a metallic plate of magnetic material that is located between one end of the pick-up coil and one end of the rotor.

Abstract: A plurality of electrical load switches of the type operable to at least two operating conditions by the actuation of an operating member are connected in respective motor vehicle load circuits and are mounted in a switching unit having an actuating mechanism for actuating the switch operating members that is selectively locatable in each of a plurality of switch operating positions in each of which it is in register with an operating member. The switching unit is controlled by a microprocessor that effects the locating of the actuating mechanism in the switch operating position in which it may actuate the operating member of a load switch selected to be operated and the operating of the actuating mechanism when so located in response to function select electrical signals that indicate the load switches selected for operation.

Abstract: An actuator for selectively actuating a circular array of electric switches. The actuator includes a molded plastic rotor part that contains particles of magnetic material. One portion of the rotor is magnetized to provide a permanent magnet that is effective to attract a switch actuating arm that is pivoted to the rotor. Another tubular portion of the rotor is magnetized to provide the rotor of an electric stepper motor. The stepper motor rotates the rotor to various positions. The arm can be attracted by an electromagnet and pivoted to a position in which it operates one of the circular array of switches.

Abstract: An ignition distributor for an internal combustion engine in which the rotor is locked in a predetermined position by a locking pin fixed to the base of the distributor and having a portion thereof positioned in a slot formed in a plate that rotates with the distributor shaft and rotor. The rotor is locked in a position in which the electrode or segment thereof faces or is aligned with one of the output terminals of the distributor cap and when the distributor shaft is driven by the engine the locking pin breaks or fractures to permit free rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A shaft coupler for connecting a distributor shaft of an ignition distributor to the camshaft of an internal combustion engine. The coupler comprises a plastic member having a pair of drive lugs located in a groove formed in the end of the camshaft. The plastic member has another pair of lugs located in a groove formed in a driven metallic member that is connected to the distributor shaft. Rubber sleeves are disposed about these lugs and torque is transmitted from the plastic member to the metallic member through the sleeves. The two members are secured together by arms that extend from the plastic member through slots formed in the metallic member. The arms have teeth engaging a face of the metallic member.

Abstract: A transient over-voltage suppressor circuit for a motor vehicle power supply system that includes a diode-rectified alternating current generator. The suppressor circuit comprises a dual coil relay, a Zener diode and a small resistor having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. The Zener diode and relay coils are connected across the output terminals of a bridge rectifier connected to the generator and when a transient over-voltage occurs the contacts of the relay are closed. When the relay contacts close they connect the resistor and one of the relay coils across the output terminals of the bridge rectifier. The relay contacts open when the resistance of the resistor increases to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A voltage regulating system for a generator that supplies the battery and electrical loads on a motor vehicle. The system includes a load response control for detecting whenever a substantial electrical load is applied to the generator tending to cause a drop in generator output voltage and when such a condition is detected field current is controlled to gradually increase field current from some value. The load response control includes means for storing an electrical signal that corresponds to generator field current and for utilizing this stored value to set generator field current at a value corresponding to a field current that occurred just prior to the detected drop in voltage and then increasing field current slowly from this value.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine ignition system comprising the combination of an electronic data processor unit that is adapted to calculate an ignition spark event engine crankshaft angle, an associated electronic control unit, and a source of alternating current timing signals. The electronic control unit is responsive to the alternating current timing signals to produce an engine crankshaft position reference signal that is supplied as an input engine crankshaft position reference signal to the data processor unit and also is capable of effecting ignition spark in response to the alternating current timing signals during periods of engine crank and during periods of data processor unit malfunction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining diesel engine fuel injection timing. While a diesel engine is running a microwave signal is supplied to the combustion chamber thereof and the reflected signal is detected. The combustion chamber is supplied with fuel by an outwardly opening poppet type injector. The reflected microwave signal has an asymmetric portion which is produced when the injector poppet opens to inject fuel. The method and system of this invention detects the occurrence of the asymmetric waveform and relates it to the top dead center position of the engine.

Abstract: A power control system for an electric motor driven cooling fan that directs air over the radiator and air conditioning condenser of a motor vehicle. The system includes a pulse width modulated voltage control device for controlling the voltage applied to the cooling fan motor from the vehicle engine driven generator. The voltage applied to the cooling fan motor can be controlled in response to engine coolant temperature, vehicle road speed, engine speed and the "on"/"off" state of the vehicle air conditioning system. A digital system that determines voltage pulse width in accordance with the above-mentioned variables is disclosed.

Abstract: An end cap assembly for a direct current motor. The assembly includes a brush retainer supported by the end cap that engages spring biased brushes to maintain the brushes in a retracted position. When an armature shaft is assembled to the end cap a portion thereof engages the retainer to move it relative to the end cap to a position where the brushes now engage the commutator of the armature. The retainer becomes a part of the motor. The end cap is formed as a one-piece plastic part that carries metallic brush holders and a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is connected to one of the brush holders and to a terminal by C-shaped clips.

Abstract: An electric starting system for cranking an internal combustion engine by an electric cranking motor. The system prevents energization of the cranking motor following initial energization and subsequent deenergization by sensing the voltage generated by the cranking motor when it is deenergized and preventing reenergization of the cranking motor until this voltage drops to some value indicative of a low cranking motor speed.

Abstract: A microwave transmission device for transmitting microwave signals into and out of the combustion chamber of a spark ignited internal combustion engine. The device comprises a circular metallic waveguide that is adapted to encompass a resistor-type spark plug of the engine. An antenna element is disposed in the waveguide which excites it in the TE.sub.11 mode whereby the internal resistor does not substantially attenuate microwave transmission. The waveguide has means for securely attaching it to the exterior of the spark plug such that the waveguide and spark plug have a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A projection having contoured sides that is carried by a member drivably engaging an internal combustion engine ignition distributor shaft is forced, upon assembly of the distributor to the engine, into an accommodating notch on the end of the engine camshaft adjacent the distributor shaft. The notch in the camshaft has substantially plane sidewalls that taper substantially equally inwardly at such an angle that each may tangentially engage a respective contoured side of the projection.

Abstract: A plurality of individual electrical load switches each having an operating tab are so mounted and oriented that the operating tabs extend toward a central axis to define a circle substantially normal to the central axis and operate substantially in the direction of the central axis. An operating arm having ends thereof arranged to be brought into register with each operating tab at mutually exclusive angular positions is normally tilt mounted in a first direction upon a rotor that may be positioned in selected ones of a plurality of angular positions by a step motor. Upon one end of the arm being brought into register with a switch operating tab, the arm is tilted in the opposite direction to effect the operation of the operating tab with which the one end thereof is in register to place the corresponding individual electrical load switch in a selected circuit condition.

Abstract: An elongated unitary arm of a rigid material is tiltably mounted upon a rotor supported for rotation about a central axis and is spring force tilted in a first direction. This assembly is located in such a manner that the arm may be placed in register with any one of the operating tabs of a plurality of electrical load switches so mounted and oriented that the operating tabs extend toward the central axis to define a circle. Upon being placed in register with a switch operating tab, the arm is tilted in the opposite direction by the action of a solenoid actuated plunger.