Abstract: An engine transfers torque through a transmission to a load, and the torque transfer through the system is measured. From the torque measurement maximum and minimum amplitude torque signals are taken, to provide an indication of torque non-uniformity. These signals are then used to control engine operation to avoid a rough-running condition.

Abstract: An information display is provided to denote both (1) specific events, such as alarm of a smoke detector or unauthorized entry into a building, and (2) the time elapsed between successive events. The event identification data are stored in conjunction with data representing the time elaspsed since the occurrence of the previous event. The display can be cleared, and reconstituted at a rate related to the original rate at which the events occurred, selected by the viewer. The information regarding events and time differences can be stored and saved in a memory external to the timed-replay portion of the system.

Abstract: A capacity control system for a refrigeration system including a compressor, a condensor, and an evaporator, all connected in a closed refrigeration circuit is provided. The compressor includes a plurality of adjustable inlet guide vanes, a motor connected to regulate the inlet guide vanes position, and an electrical speed motor connected to drive the compressor. The capacity control system includes a microprocessor responsive to continual measurements of a PRV signal, a compressor head signal and a suction flow signal for calculating a current operating point. The microprocessor determines whether the operating point is sufficiently away from a surge surface. The microprocessor will cause the operating point to move to a new operating point of a lower compressor speed and a more open PRV position if the operating point is sufficiently away from surge.

Abstract: The disclosed control system for a CVT controls the line pressure which is applied to the secondary pulley to maintain adequate belt tension, at a level significantly lower than previously was produced. An improved throttle valve is provided, and used in this throttle-sensitive regulation of line pressure. An improved ratio valve is provided, which combines spring and fluid forces in a manner to produce the ratio-indicating fluid signal, with negligible loading on the movable sheave where the ratio change is sensed. In the ratio-changing portion of the system, the combination of a timing valve and accumulator valve cooperate in demand type downshifts to provide adequate time for oil flow into the secondary pulley chamber as the primary pulley chamber is exhausted, to keep adequate belt tension during such a downshift.

Abstract: A Communication System useful for fire detection which transfers data/commands bidirectionally between a controller and connected transponders on a real time, interactive basis. This system makes possible accurate data recovery, whether a transponder has its output shorted, or although multiple transponders are replying and makes possible the remote determination and constant monitoring of transducer sensitivity, at the controller. The sensitivity can be adjusted remotely at the controller, and different transducers can have different thresholds simultaneously, which can be changed collectively or individually to different settings manually or automatically at the controller. The system transmits reference data for supervision of system accuracy. Compensation for long-term changes is provided for both transponders and transducers in this system.

Abstract: An electronic control system for a lockup clutch includes a control system for receiving a vehicle speed signal and, as a function of adjustable engagement and release threshold signals, controlling a solenoid valve to engage and release a lockup clutch. The point of lockup is set by a potentiometer to represent a first vehicle speed, and the point of release is set by a variable resistor at a second speed, lower than the first. The variable resistor is switched into the circuit only after the first threshold level is passed and the clutch is locked up. A signal from the brake pedal overrides the threshold established in the control system to provide clutch disengagement as soon as the brake pedal is depressed. Various circuit components protect the control system from inadvertent damage by the driver and/or vehicle maintenance personnel.

Abstract: A control system for a power shifted transmission includes an electrical signal processing system, incorporating a digital processor, which provides output signals to regulate operation of the directional clutch and the range clutches through a plurality of spool valves. A hydraulic stabilizer is connected to a common line supplying the directional clutch, to provide a predetermined amount of fluid with each change in direction, with the remainder of the fluid being provided through a forward-reverse modulating valve. A neutral bleed valve is connected to reduce the measured amount of fluid in the stabilizer when the clutch is being shifted from the neutral position, instead of a full directional change. To improve range shifts, the directional clutch is slipped while the range change is made, and the directional clutch is then re-applied. A horsepower indicator provides the vehicle operator with an instantaneous indication of the vehicle operating efficiency.

Abstract: A communication system useful for fire detection which transfers data/commands bidirectionally between a controller and connected transponders on a real time, interactive basis. This system makes possible accurate data recovery, whether a transponder has its output shorted, or although multiple transponders are replying and makes possible the remote determination and constant monitoring of transducer sensitivity, at the controller. The sensitivity can be adjusted remotely at the controller, and different transducers can have different thresholds simultaneously, which can be changed collectively or individually to different settings manually or automatically at the controller. The system transmits reference data for supervision of system accuracy. Compensation for long-term changes is provided for both transponders and reducers in this system.

Abstract: The signalling system disclosed herein transmits groups of pulses to a plurality of transponders, and each transponder recognizes its address in a particular group of pulses. The group of pulses can reset the system, command a transponder to accomplish a specific function, or command the transponder to do nothing. Information returned from the transponder includes a reference voltage, which can be compared in the controller to continuously determine the margin from alarm of an associated transducer. The transponder further provides a signal identifying itself, and pulse duration signals representing analog signals received from one or more transducers associated with the transponders. No end-of-line termination is required, and branching is possible at any point along the loop.

Abstract: Corrugated panels are intercoupled by a male and a female connector, each having a part received in its respective panel. The female connector has a U-shaped receiving volume, with a receiving slot in the front portion. The male connector has a pair of flanges connected by a rib. When assembled one flange is inserted in the receiving volume, and the rib is in the receiving slot. Two female connectors can be mated, by inverting one and inserting a part of its front portion into the receiving volume of the other female connector.

Abstract: The disclosed control system regulates changes of gear ratio in an automatic transmission for a vehicle. A supervisory control arrangement monitors operator input commands through the shift range selector lever, and receives a desired-ratio command either from a shift point computer or from a manual gear shift selector. When the supervisory control arrangement determines that the desired-ratio signal differs from the actual ratio, the monitoring function is interrupted and a shift-initiate command is provided. This command is utilized to assign certain components for use in a shift quality control arrangement, for effecting the controlled ratio change. A torque output signal from the vehicle drive line is used in conjunction with the shift quality control arrangement. After the shift is completed, the previously assigned components are released and the supervisory control arrangement resumes the monitoring of the desired ratio as contrasted to the actual gear ratio.

Abstract: A seismic sensor for intrusion detection includes a base, a cantilever member of piezoelectric construction extending from the base, and a mass loading the end of the cantilever member remote from the base. The base defines a slot for receiving the end of the cantilever member, and holes, perpendicular to the slot, for receiving electrical conductors. These conductors are configured to orient the cantilever member at 45.degree. relative to the horizontal, providing a sensitivity in both the X direction and the Y direction. A housing encloses the sensor, and another leg extends from the housing at the end remote from the base, enhancing the mechanical coupling between the sensor and the surface on which it is supported.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system includes a vibration sensor, and a gate circuit operable to provide an output signal only after the vibration sensor produces a first signal, and thereafter a second, separate signal within a preassigned "sensing window" period. To accomplish this, a timer circuit initiated by the sensor determines a timing interval, and a delay circuit coupled to the timing circuit prevents switching of the gate circuit until preset delay time has elapsed. After the delayed time, if a second sensor output signal is received before expiration of the timing interval, the gate circuit switches and passes a signal through an integrated circuit amplifier stage, and a driver circuit to energize an output unit. The sensitivity of the vibration sensor can be adjusted. The integrated circuit stage includes circuitry for maintaining the alarm signal even if the system is switched to off after it goes into alarm.

Abstract: An inverter-motor combination is regulated in accordance with this invention to minimize deterioration of the power factor as the inverter is reduced from 100% load. This is accomplished by sensing the motor current and providing a control signal to regulate the inverter output frequency in accordance with a first function, representing virtually linear decrease in frequency as the load is reduced from 100% to substantially 70% of full load. A constant voltage stage is connected to regulate the d-c bus controller to provide a modified control signal for regulating the d-c bus level according to a second function, maintaining the d-c bus voltage at virtually 100% while the load is reduced to 70%. Thus the d-c bridge is not phased back and the power factor of the complete system is not degraded over this described operating range.

Abstract: A fire detection system includes a single conductor pair for both supplying the energizing voltage to all of the fire detectors in the protected area and receiving back status information regarding the individual detector operation. The system provides individual, successive alarm outputs to regulate successive functions such as "evacuate the area", "dump the fire extinguishing material", and "call in the local fire department", as successive ones of the detectors are alarmed. The system includes a voltage regulator for supplying a well regulated voltage to the detectors, which regulator is switched into a current limiting mode to prevent an inaccurate first alarm signal if the conductor pair is short circuited. This system also provides a trouble-indicating output signal if the system loses supply voltage or experiences a ripple voltage beyond a preset amplitude.

Abstract: The control system disclosed herein regulates a centrifugal compressor which has inlet guide vanes adjustable to vary the compressor capacity. A variable speed motor is connected to drive the compressor, and variation of this motor speed provides another input for regulating the compressor capacity. A control system achieves optimum energy efficiency, while avoiding surge, by the manner in which the motor speed and the inlet guide vane positions are regulated. To do this, a control signal must be derived to indicate the compressor head value. This signal is achieved by providing two signals, one related to the absolute condenser pressure, and the second related to the absolute evaporator pressure. The control system operates on these two signals to provide a third signal which is a function of a ratio, in which the numerator is the difference between the condenser and evaporator pressures, and the denominator is the evaporator pressure. Alternative measurement and processing techniques are described.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly useful with an optical smoke detector system of the Tyndall type. The system includes a chamber, an emitter for periodic energization to provide radiation within the chamber, and a sensor for providing an electrical information signal related to the amplitude of radiation passing from the emitter. In the absence of particles of combustion, radiation impinges on the sensor at a reference level. When particles enter the chamber they are struck and diffuse the radiation from the emitter, raising the level of the signal produced by the sensor. The invention includes a supervisory arrangement for checking the normal pulse received by the sensor when no particles are in the chamber, thus checking the efficacy of the emitter and sensor as well as the chamber operation.