Abstract: A capacitor-discharge magneto ignition system utilizes an E-shaped core and a time delay circuit to provide a step advance at a predetermined speed, the magnitude of the spark advance being a function of the spacing of the legs of the E-shaped core and the spacing of magnet pole pieces of a magnet-carrying flywheel. The waveform induced in the windings about the center leg of the E-shaped core has a first positive portion, a second negative portion and a third positive portion. The storage capacitor is charged during the second portion, and discharged through a switching means by a trigger signal derived during the third portion below a predetermined engine speed. A trigger signal is also derived from the first portion, and is ineffective at lower engine speeds, because the storage capacitor is not yet charged, but does energize a time delay means including a trigger signal shunting means which remains conductive for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A current sensing device includes an electrically conductive current shunt member (10), and a voltage-responsive member (12). The current shunt member includes a first portion (14) having a free end (20), and a second arcuate portion (16) including an arcuate slot (38) defined by a constant radius (45) centered about the free end (20) of the first section, so that when current is passed through the arcuate section (16), the voltage produced by the shunt (10) may be varied by pivoting the voltage-responsive member (12) retained at the free end (20) of the first member and at the arcuate slot (38), and bridging or spanning between this first free end (20) and the arcuate slot (38). Preferably, the current-sensing member (12) includes electrical or electronic circuitry, for providing an output when sensed voltage, proportional to current through the arcuate portion, exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A connector for a flat multiconductor flexible cable having a support surface for the cable having a nonplanar portion, and a clamping member having a clamping surface nonplanar in part which is complementary to the support surface for restraining longitudinal motion of the cable relative to the connector by forcing the cable into conformity with the contour of the support and clamping surfaces, and for stiffening the cable adjacent an array of electrical contacts to provide the cable with a rigid contact surface irrespective of localized contact between the clamping member and the flat cable. The clamping member is integrally hinged to a base member including the supporting surface, the hinge being interrupted to form an entrance aperture for the cable and guide surfaces for the cable, and a keying means cooperating with a notch in the end of the cable for insuring correct insertion of the cable.

Abstract: A field coil insulation shield for a motor or generator is made of a single sheet of insulating material, and defines portions which substitute for the paper insulator conventionally disposed around a field pole and between a field coil and a motor frame, and portions which substitute for individual wrappings with tape to form the field coil and to protect it from the structure of the field pole which holds it in position. The portions which substitute for a wrapping of tape are provided with elongated projections which are latchingly received around the edge of a central aperture, through which the field pole passes.

Abstract: A jumper cable is formed from conventional ribbon cable having partial conductors embedded in insulating material, either by laminating insulated or uninsulated conductors between plastic films, by extruding a plastic film around insulated or uninsulated conductors, or by bonding insulated conductors together, and subsequently separating the resulting individual insulated conductors at spaced intervals, forming a jumper of increased flexibility and reformability for use in confined spaces, without the need for subsequent removal of any part of the ribbon cable. The ribbon cable is preferably formed in sections, each section containing an oblique section of separated conductors, and separated by an oblique stripped area of uninsulated conductors, adjacent insulated cable sections being offset from each other.

Abstract: A control circuit for a direct current trolling motor powered by a storage battery includes a transistor placed in series between the motor and the battery, a selector switch, and one or more voltage regulating devices such as zener diodes. The selector switch includes a movable or wiper element connected to the battery, and a plurality of contacts, one of which connects the battery directly to the motor, and one of which is unconnected. At least one contact is connected to a zener diode connected to the base terminal of the transistor, to regulate the speed of the motor in a stepwise manner.

Abstract: An improved ferroresonant transformer for a ferroresonant power supply, such as may be used for charging storage batteries, is provided by placing damping means, such as a strip of non-magnetic metallic material in an air gap of such a transformer, thereby eliminating the need for a damping resistor in the circuit of the resonant winding of such a transformer, thereby decreasing the size, weight, and cooling requirements of such a transformer and power supply, and allowing a greater electrical energy efficiency to be obtained.

Abstract: A fuel and ignition control for a pulse combustion furnace includes both analog and digital timing means for fail safe operation, fuel valve control means which depend on proper cyclic operation for proper function, and flame detection means which are fail safe due to the necessity of its components providing a critical phase shift angle. The fuel control valve means includes energy storage means which is stepwise depleted to positively limit the time of valve energization in the absence of detection of flame, and is also disabled after a predetermined time by the digital timing means.

Abstract: A circuit breaker or switch utilizes the Curie point temperature characteristics of an amorphous ferromagnetic metal in cooperation with a magnet to make or interrupt an electrical circuit upon the amorphous material being heated to its Curie point temperature. The circuit breaker has a planar base member with a raised projection which supports a stationary contact member so that the movable contact member overhangs the stationary contact member. The movable contact member is provided with a number of layers of amorphous ferromagnetic material, disposed adjacent the stationary contact, bringing the movable contact member into electrical contact with the stationary contact member. Upon reaching its Curie point temperature, the amorphous ferromagnetic material will become paramagnetic or nonmagnetic material, so that the inherent resiliency of the movable contact material causes the electrical circuit to be made or broken.

Abstract: A reduced maintenance, explosion damage resistant storage battery (10), having internal means for both recombining evolved gases and for protecting the battery against damage due to evolved gas ignition whether from external or internal sources is disclosed. In a first embodiment of the invention, a honeycomb-like member (60) of electrolyte-resistant material substantially fills the space within the battery above the battery electrodes, dividing this volume into a plurality of small volumes (76), surrounded by cooling surfaces, so that ignition of one small volume (76) by an external spark or by failure of an internal battery component will not cause damage. A small space (20) is left above the honeycomb member (60), and a planar catalytic recombination element (78) is provided, substantially filling this space.

Abstract: A glow plug controller for diesel engines includes a two-chamber housing, with a low-level control circuit module in a first chamber and a high-level switching means in the form of a relay or contactor in a second chamber, so that the controller can be repaired or modified by replacement of a single module, and heat generated in one chamber has no effect on the other chamber. The controller is adapted for use with positive-temperature-coefficient glow plugs, and includes at least one temperature-actuated switch means and a second relay means, functioning respectively as timer means and lockout means. An overvoltage switch and a wait-lamp switch may also be provided. The low-level control circuit includes a connector insert portion molded into an insulating block, which is severed through apertures in the insulating block to define appropriate circuit elements for mounting series-connected switch means to the circuit elements.

Abstract: A patchcord connector with contact members mounted within an enclosed housing and driving means operable from outside of the housing for independently terminating conductors to each contact.

Abstract: A multi-socket connection device, forming an electrical connection with flat ribbon cable, contains a series of individual connectors mounted in a multi-socket connector body. The connector body has a recess for accepting individual connector members and for holding the connector in engagement with the body. The connector member is aligned in its socket to resists displacement of the connector from the socket when a second connector is placed in an electrical engagement with the connector. Additionally, the connector has a means for engaging a cap. The cap is placed on top of the wires forcing the wires down into the connector to form an electrical connection and a latch means on the connector engages the cap to hold the cap firmly in place in the assembled position.

Abstract: A termination block for ribbon cable (1) is disclosed, wherein the ends of the conductor wires in the ribbon cable form pin (12) of a connector for attaching the ribbon cable to a printed circuit board or the like. Insulation is removed from the end of the ribbon cable, and the individual conductors are placed in grooves (7a, 7b) in a base member, and retained by a cover member. A forming blade (30) is passed through apertures, aligned with the grooves, in both base and cover members to force a portion of conductor wire through the base member. In a preferred embodiment, the conductor wire is formed into a U-shape protruding from the base, which is then compressed to form a pin (12) to mate with holes in a printed circuit board or the like.

Abstract: A method of preliminarily bending ends of windings in an armature assembly having at least two layers provides an armature assembly for a dynamoelectric machine that does not require a layer of insulation between terminal portions of conductive windings between the armature lamination assembly and the commutator. The preliminary operations may also include trimming of the free ends of the terminal portions of windings, so that a substantially, fully machined commutator assembly may be used, providing improved electrical contact during a resistance welding or brazing step for affixing the ends of the windings to respective commutator segments. The commutator segments may be manufactured without riser portions, resulting in a less costly assembly which is less susceptible to damage during handling during assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for terminating insulated conductors in insulation-piercing contacts mounted in a connector body utilizing independently movable carriage and conductor retention means operating between separated loading and termination stations.

Abstract: An ignition system for a rotating internal combustion engine is provided with a digital timing circuit for determining speed-responsive ignition advance angles, responsive to a rotating armature having teeth which are unequally spaced, the unequal spaces between teeth being used to identify one particular tooth. The time required for the passage of a tooth is a measure of rotational speed, which determines advance angle. The circuit causes a dwell period to start at the leading edge of the identified tooth, computes an advance angle from previously determined rotational speed, and provides an ignition spark at an angle corresponding to the difference between the tooth angle and the actual advance angle, and stores this angle. Upon the passage of the leading edge of the next tooth, the ignition spark will occur at the stored angle.

Abstract: A method for forming battery plates or electrodes produces a substantial reduction in the forming energy per gram of active material, by providing the plates or electrodes being formed with energy in the form of at least three, and preferably eight, constant-current steps, an intermediate step being a higher current level than steps which precede or follow it. A low constant current is provided at the beginning of formation, when plate resistivity appears to be high due to the resistivity of the raw material, a higher constant-current is provided when formation has begun and plate conductivity is high, and a lower constant-current is provided towards the end of formation, as plate or electrode potential builds towards full charge. The method and apparatus disclosed is used in the tank formation of positive and negative battery plates or electrodes for use in dry charged batteries having antimonial and calcium grid positive plates.

Abstract: A method and means for improving the connection between a resistive core ignition wire and a terminal is disclosed. The improvement comprises placing a conductive metallic band around the outer insulation of the wire after exposing the core, and folding the core back over the conductive metallic band before crimping the terminal in place. The invention is best suited for use with ignition wire of the type having a conductive elastomeric or polymeric coating around the central core, and eliminates possible loss of electrical contact between the core and the terminal which may occur due to plastic deformation of the wire at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: An electrical contact is disclosed which is formed from a single, integral piece of sheet metal and includes an active contact element, a terminal element and a hood. The hood covers at least the active contact element to protect the pin-engaging tines formed integrally therewith from inadvertant distortion or breakage.