Abstract: The present invention encompasses an ignition system with an ignition dwell signal (207) having charge and discharge states for driving at least one energy storage device (105) and at least one spark plug (103). This system applies an essentially periodic switching device (107, 209, 211, 215) for discharging excess energy in the energy storage device (105).

Abstract: Load driver system (10) preferably uses a microprocessor controller (20) to generate write/read signals and command signals received by a circuit at write/read and command/status input terminals (16, 17). The circuit (15) responds to the input signals and controls a semiconductor switch (11) that controls the operative state of a load (14). The circuit (15) includes a load shorted high detector (28), a load shorted low detector (29) and a load open detector (30) which are used to detect various faults and provide a predetermined sequence of logic states at the command/status input terminal (17) during read cycles implemented by the controller (20). Thus one input line (terminal 17) is used to both send commands to the semiconductor switch (11) and receive a sequence of logic states indicative of various fault modes. This permits the controller to determine which of several types of faults, if any, has occurred, while minimizing the number of controller-circuit interconnections.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for providing energy to a spark plug (601) is described including electromagnetic means (121, 103, 133, 119) having a north pole (137) and an opposing south pole (139). A piezoelectric crystal (129) is located between the north pole (137) and the opposing south pole (139). The electromagnetic means (121, 103, 133, 119) compresses the piezoelectric crystal (129), thereby causing an ignition energy to be provided from the piezoelectric crystal (129) for igniting the spark plug (601).

Abstract: An electronic compass (10) having at least two sense windings (11, 12) is mounted in a vehicle. The outputs (x(h), y(h)) of the windings are measured for a number of compass directions (headings). From this data an error difference angle (.phi.), from a nominal angle, which actually exists between the output windings is calculated. Preferably a look-up table (21, 39) is created relating actual compass heading (h) to measured sense winding outputs by utilizing the calculated error difference angle (.phi.). This table is then utilized for calculating actual compass heading based on actual measured sense winding outputs. The calculated error angle (.phi.) can also be used to calibrate the compass without creating a look-up table. The calibrated compass compensates for misalignment of the sense windings and provides a more accurate electronic compass without requiring creating a calibration table by orienting the compass in a very large number of exactly known directions.

Abstract: An apparatus, and corresponding method, for directly measuring air-fuel ratio of a combustion process, in an internal combustion engine is described. The apparatus includes a first electromagnetic wave sensor (105) that provides a first signal (107), representative of light intensity emitted at a first wavelength, and a second electromagnetic wave sensor (115) that provides a second signal (117), representative of light intensity emitted at a second wavelength. A ratio circuit (111, 121, 125) combines an integral of the first signal (107), and an integral of the second signal (117), and provides an air-fuel ratio signal, (127) indicative of the air-fuel ratio during the combustion process.

Abstract: A power supply with a battery disconnect has battery power terminals (105, 109), and a charging terminal (121). The battery power terminals are for receiving battery power from a to be provided battery (111, 119). External power terminals (103, 107) are also provided for receiving external power from a to be provided external power source (115). A charging circuit (137) provides a charge path between the external power terminal (103) to the charging terminal (121). A gate (113), has an input (123) coupled to the external power terminal (103), an output (125) coupled to the battery power terminal (109), and a control input (127) coupled to the external power terminal (107). The output (125) of the gate (113) is decoupled from the input (123), responsive to the connection of the external power source (115).

Abstract: A route planning system (10) uses a computer (11) and stored road data to calculate a desired route to a destination. Road data is stored in a multiple layer road map data memory (13) in hierarchical multiple layers (17, 18, 19), each layer defining roadways by stored road segments (1S1-3S7) which extend between nodes (135-365)that correspond to roadway intersections. A first or lower layer (17) of road data designates a large number of first layer vehicle roadways while a second or higher level layer (18 or 19) of road data designates only some of the large number of first layer roadways as second layer roadways. Preferably, stored second layer road segments (2S1-2S17 or 3S1-3S7) extend between intersections of the roadways designated in the second layer rather than between intersections of roadways in the second layer with roadways or road segments not designated in the second layer but designated in the first layer.

Abstract: A unitary flexible substrate has three planar areas with components and conductors carried thereon. The substrate is folded to provide a subassembly with a compact packaging factor such that each planar area is in a different parallel plane. Two conductor-carrying projections of the substrate extend from different end portions of the substrate to free distal ends of the projections which are positioned adjacent to each other. The projection conductors, at the projection distal ends, are soldered to each other to provide a more direct, low resistance electrical connection between conductors on the substrate end portions. Heat sink rigidizer plates are attached to each of the three planar substrate portions. One rigidizer plate is thermally and planarly coupled to a metal heat sink cover of a protective housing for the folded subassembly. The other rigidizer plates are planarly bonded to each other to form a unitary support structure for two of the planar substrate portions.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation/position system (10) investigates road segments having start and end coordinates stored in a road map data memory (13). The system determines what road segments have at least a portion inside a rectangle of interest (ROI-100) about an estimated vehicle position (101). Map matching then corrects vehicle position by locating vehicle position on one of the road segments inside the rectangle of interest. Vehicle location/navigation information is then provided. A computer (11) identifies road segments as inside the rectangle of interest (100) by creating electrical signals associated with each road segment start/end coordinate as compared to boundary coordinates of the rectangle. These electrical signals identify the road segment coordinates with respect to areas (B-I) surrounding the rectangle of interest (A).

Abstract: A one-piece electronic module assembly is formed from a substantially rectangular baseplate on which an insulating film is mounted to carry circuit components. An enclosed assembly is completed by initially providing a pair of major bend axes across the baseplate, and forming inwardly extending notches at selected locations along lengthwise edges of the baseplate. The baseplate is bent at the notches to form a front wall, a pair of sidewalls and tabs that overlap the sidewalls. The baseplate is then bent over on itself along the major bend axes and sealed, if necessary, to form a completed assembly.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device encapsulation assembly (50; 60), a semiconductor device (21), preferably a pressure transducer, is mounted on a base (11) in a cavity (20) formed by the base and surrounding walls (15). Electrical connections, preferably wire bonds (27), connect the semiconductor device to conductor paths (28) on the base within the cavity. An encapsulation material comprising a thixotropic fluorosiloxane material (51; 61) is applied in the cavity and completely covers the semiconductor device and the electrical connections. This structure enables the semiconductor device to withstand typical automotive contaminants, such as mild acids and gasoline, while also preventing erratic semiconductor device operation due to bubbles which may be drawn into the encapsulation material.

Abstract: The present invention provides for automatic control of the performance of a transportation vehicle based on the vehicle's geographic location. This is accomplished by determining the geographic location of the vehicle by employing a navigation system (107) and comparing its location output to a predetermined performance control requirement then modifying the control of the vehicle as a result. Such control modification includes control of a vehicle's lights by a vehicle lights controller (109).

Abstract: Land vehicle navigation apparatus (10) with a visual display (16, 20) is provided. The apparatus provides a visual display of a calculated navigation route (22) with a visual indication (23) of the direction of desired travel along the navigation route. An off route map display portion (28) is provided which has the visual navigation route display (22) in one color and, in a second contrasting color, a visual display (24, 26) of actual vehicle travel. A separate additional feature is that an off route display (20) provides a visual display portion (29) of a plurality of operator selectable off route recovery options (1-6). Off route recovery means (12, 49-63) are provided such that the vehicle operator can implement the visually displayed recovery options.

Abstract: A thermally dependent self-modifying voltage source (115) is constructed with a first reference circuit (301) having a control input (311), a primary output (117) dependent on the control input, and a thermally dependent secondary output (303). The thermally dependent self-modifying voltage source also includes a thermally dependent reference (309) with an output (307). The thermally dependent secondary output (303) of the first reference circuit (301) and output (307) of the thermally dependent reference (309) are coupled to inputs of an amplifier (305). The amplifier (305) has an output (313) coupled to the control input (311) of the first reference circuit (301), wherein the primary output (117) of the first reference circuit is dependent on the amplified difference between the thermally dependent secondary output (303) of the first reference circuit and the output (307) of the thermally dependent reference (309).

Abstract: Engine performance is optimized by storing a plurality of engine strategy maps (A, B, etc.), each such map containing desired engine performance characteristics, and selecting one such map by using fuzzy logic techniques to evaluate selected engine sensor output signals. Preferably, a new engine strategy map is not selected unless (1) additional fuel has been added to the vehicle's fuel tank; and (2) selected sensor output signals have experienced at least a minimum deviation from their nominal values, thus indicating that a different blend of fuel is being supplied to the engine.

Abstract: Load driver circuit (10) has first and second comparators (Cphd 1, C.sub.2) which receive a load current signal (V.sub.s) indicative of current flowing through a load (11). The comparators provide, as output signals, set on and set off signals (at 21, 23) in response to comparing the load current signal (V.sub.s) with first and second thresholds (T.sub.1, T.sub.2). Driver circuitry (27, 43, 12) receives the set on and set off signals and provides a current control signal (at 18) for controlling load current. Preferably, disabling circuitry (30-34) disables the comparators (C.sub.1, C.sub.2) after and in response to the comparators providing their respective output signals (at 21, 23). Also, preferably enabling circuitry (40-42) enables the comparators (C.sub.1, C.sub.2) in response to comparing a sensed voltage (at 17), indicative of voltage at an output terminal of a switching device (12) that controls load current, with respect to a predetermined voltage (2.5 volts).

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptable key holder for a remote control transmitter. This includes a remote control transmitter (101) with buttons (102) for activating functions typically located on one surface, and a detachable ring (200) encompassing the remote control transmitter (101) and having a feature to captivate keys (105). This captivating feature (105) feature can be oriented either adjacent or opposite the most used transmitter button.

Abstract: Land vehicle multiple navigation route apparatus (10) includes a computer (11) for calculating at least first and second navigation routes (1, 2, or 3) between start (72) and destination (73) locations. Both routes are preferably visible to the vehicle operator at the same time along with route criteria such as route travel mileage and/or route estimated travel time. The vehicle operator then selects which of the displayed routes is to be used for providing him with route guidance information to the desired destination. The route display format may be a graphic map display (70) with routes displayed in different colors on a color CRT display (18). The second navigation route is calculated after calculating the first route, preferably by excluding some road path segments (1D) which were included in the first calculated route. Preferably the criterion to be used for alternate route calculation is determined prior to calculation of the first route.

Abstract: A one-piece electronic module assembly is formed from a substantially rectangular baseplate on which an insulating film is mounted to carry circuit components. An enclosed assembly is completed by initially providing a pair of major bend axes across the baseplate, and forming inwardly extending notches at selected locations along lengthwise edges of the baseplate. The baseplate is bent at the notches to form a front wall, a pair of sidewalls and tabs that overlap the sidewalls. The baseplate is then bent over on itself along the major bend axes and sealed, if necessary, to form a completed assembly.