Abstract: An electrical connector terminal formed from sheet stock of desired thickness in a "T"-shaped blank. Opposite arms of the "T"-shaped blank are folded on themselves accordion-style to form an integral head portion having a thickness of several multiples of the sheet stock thickness. An electrical contact fulcrum surface is formed on the edges of the folded material of the head portion.

Abstract: A system for controlling vehicle passenger compartment comfort. An electronic controller receives input from: (i) a thermistor array sensing blower plenum discharge temperature, (ii) a user movable Level Select Control (iii) a potentiometer sensing the position of a servo driven heater core water valve, (iv) an engine rpm tachometer generator and (v) a blower speed signal. The controller drives the servomotor for the water valve at a "High" rate until the valve position potentiometer indicates that the valve is within fifteen degrees (15.degree.) of the target, whereupon the controller drives the servomotor at a "Low" speed.

Abstract: A flow noise reduction assembly having a fixed flow limiting orifice or an inlet pressure responsive flow control washer having a flow limiting orifice. A conically faced diverter is disposed closely adjacent the downstream face of the orifice and an expansion chamber is disposed downstream of the flow diverter for noise attenuation.

Abstract: Filamentary material having a core of elemental carbon covered with a coating of silicon carbide material with a thin outer layer of elemental carbon is heated in air to cause the outer layer to oxidize. The filament is then cut to segments of a desired length, bundled and the ends metallized. A tubular metal connector is crimped over each of the metallized ends of the bundle with a conductive lead extending therefrom. The bundle assembly is then mounted onto a refractory holder.

Abstract: An electronic controller receives an evaporator inlet (or outlet) temperature sensor signal and measures the time required for the evaporator to be heated from compressor clutch cut-out to compressor clutch "ON". Depending upon the elapsed time, the controller selects from a predetermined schedule, a new value CLHOFF of the evaporator inlet temperature at which the compressor is next cut-out, raising CLHOFF for lighter thermal loading to prevent evaporator icing and freeze-up and lowering CLHOFF for heavy thermal loading to prevent unwanted compressor cycling.

Abstract: An automotive air conditioning system utilizing an electrically operated refrigerant expansion valve controlled by a micro-computer. The compressor clutch cut-off is controlled by a suction pressure sensor at high thermal load. At partial flow conditions of the expansion valve, representative of moderate evaporator thermal loading, the micro-computer controls compressor clutch "ON" time from an accumulated count incremented by a predetermined amount according to suction pressure change. When the accumulated count over successive signal sampling intervals reaches a predetermined maximum the clutch is cut-out based on the count which is representative of a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A compact low profile relay fabricated upon a base such as a printed circuit board. A pole piece having a ceramic coating with overlain conductive polymer strips serves as bus bar for coil connection. Spaced ferromagnetic core portions are formed integrally with the pole piece for plural coils which each lie flat when received over a core portion. A generally U-shaped armature is received over each core with the open ends of the legs of the U-shape contacting and pivoted against the pole piece for completing a magnetic loop therewith. Upon energization of the coil, the U-shaped armature passes the end of the coil to effect movement of a switch blade arm to effect switching a pair of load current contacts.

Abstract: A self-propelled mobile stacker for an automated storage and retrieval system having a mast assembly of lightweight non-metallic material removably installed on a metal chassis. The mast assembly comprises a mast and base formed of a common "I"-shaped composite with the mast secured in the vertical position exclusively by composite non-metallic material gussets adhesively bonded by epoxy to the mast and base.

Abstract: A vibration transducer for sensing engine knock. On embodiment for resonance upon vibration at frequencies in the range of 5-7 KHz has a centrally stanchion-supported overhanging metal disc with an annular stiffening portion formed with in transverse section with contracurvature and generally rectangular configuration for minimizing ringing. Piezoelectric material is bonded to the disc surface inwardly of the stiffening portion for providing an electrical signal during resonant disc flexure. A second embodiment for resonance upon vibration at frequencies in the range of 9-15 KHz has a centrally stanchion-supported overhanging metal disc with an annular stiffening portion for minimizing ringing formed in transverse section with contracurvature comprising a generally semicircular convolution. Piezoelectric material is bonded to the disc surface and bridges the stiffening portion and provides an electrical signal during resonant disc flexure.

Abstract: A thermally responsive load cycling switch assembly user adjustable for varying the time of cycling current to load connecting terminals and having a contact blade cantilevered from an insulator block pivoted in the switch housing. A bimetal blade actuator means is also cantilevered from the block and includes heater means to cause the bimetal to effect movement of the contact blade. A separate blade spring cantilevered from the block enables the block to be pivotably preloaded. A spring blade is cantilevered from the actuator means to enable separate preloading of the bi-metal for temperature calibration. A flexible jumper blade connects the contact blade to one of two load terminal connectors for series and parallel operation. A manually operated arming switch is series connected between one powerline terminal and one of the load terminals. A stationary contact disposed for closing a circuit with the contact blade is connected to the opposite powerline terminal.

Abstract: A resilient diaphragm operated pressure switch has a Belleville spring washer with a dished spring disc nested in the center and supported on the inner periphery of the washer resisting movement of the diaphragm. An actuator member is spring biased against the disc and has one end of a toggle spring registered thereon with the other end connected to a movable switch contact blade initially in an open-circuit condition. Upon the diaphragm initially experiencing increasing pressure to a first level, the actuator of the dished disc reverses curvature and moves the actuator to effect movement of the contact blade to a closed circuit condition. Upon further pressure increase to a second level, the Belleville washer snaps over-center and causes further movement of the actuator in the same direction and causes the toggle spring to snap over-center and return the contact blade member to the open-circuit condition.

Abstract: A method of controlling a refrigeration system employing an electronic controller for operating an electrically actuated refrigerant expansion valve supplying the evaporator or endothermic heat exchanger. The controller is of the type which modulates the valve for refrigerant flow to maintain a desired target level of superheated vapor discharging from the evaporator. When the compressor return, or evaporator discharge pressure (P.sub.c) is within a preselected range the system employs a strategy to increment or decrement the target level of superheat depending upon whether the rate of change (.DELTA.P.sub.c) of discharge pressure is positive or negative and thereby maximize pulldown by minimizing compressor cycling to achieve the superheat target.

Abstract: A bi-level electrical cable or harness connector for right angle connection through a bulkhead. The individual conductors are disposed in superposed layers or levels in a connector body and terminate at staggered locations along the connector. Access holes are provided for pin insertion at right angles to the conductors. One layer is accessed through holes provided in a well and the other layer accessed through holes in the connector surface.

Abstract: A torque fuse for a vehicle driveline has a sleeve splined at one end to the vehicle power transmission output shaft with the other end clip-splined to the driveshaft yoke. An intermediate pre-weakened frangible area of the sleeve is designed to rupture at a torque level less than the critical torque level of the driveshaft. A washer swaged into the sleeve enables the sleeve to be bolted to the end of the transmission output shaft. An auxiliary tailstick bolted to the transmission case has an auxiliary bearing to support transverse loads on the sleeve at the yoke end thereof.

Abstract: A programmer for controlling the actuation and deactuation of a plurality of load function switches. A motorized cam drum track moves a follower pivoted about a fulcrum pin. A solenoid controlled by a microcomputer slidably moves a bar operable to selectively latch and unlatch the fulcrum pin. When latched, the pin causes the follower to pivot and effect the actuation and deactuation of the associated switch in response to the cam track and the follower, when the fulcrum is unlatched, leaving the switch unmoved. The solenoid controls latching and unlatching independently of the cam drum rotation.

Abstract: A flat strip of conductive material is formed by extrusion with an integrally formed thickened or flanged portion along at least one longitudinal edge of the extrusion. Individual contact/connector terminals are then stamped from the extrusions with the flat portions forming the blade of the connector terminal and the thickened flanged portion forming a head on the blade which provides the integrally formed contact surface.

Abstract: An electrically operated plural inlet-single outlet plastic mixing valve having common dual valve operator assemblies separately supplying valve flow to an outlet manifold to which the operator assemblies are attached by non-metallic weldment. In one embodiment the manifold has plural inlets oppositely connected to a common outlet such that the valve operators are oppositely disposed. The inlets may be rotationally oriented as desired at weldment with respect to each other and the manifold outlet. In a second embodiment the valve operators are disposed in spaced aligned arrangement.

Abstract: A controller and method for controlling EGR in a pressure boosted engine. A valve seat is provided in the EGR passage and a hollow actuator rod is moved by a pressure-responsive diaphragm to control flow. The diaphragm senses boost inlet pressure in a chamber supplied through a port in the rod which extends through the boost air inlet passage. In another embodiment a restrictor valve is provided in the exhaust pipe downstream of the EGR passage. The valve is closed at idle to divert exhaust to the EGR passage. As boost pressure increases, a separate pressure tap supplies a second pressure-responsive diaphragm to open the restrictor valve.

Abstract: A dual mode electrically operated servo-actuator with a motorized speed reducer rotating a pair of spaced discs each having a pair of common spiral cam tracks. A sliding carrier block disposed between the discs has cam followers separately engaging the track. A bell crank is pivoted on the carrier block for attachment to a load function. In the rotary mid-position, the carrier block is centered and the servo motor is not used to enable a fixed position of the bell crank pivot. In a first mode function the motor is driven to rotate the cam for modulation about positions between the mid-position and fully clockwise position. In a second mode function the motor is driven to rotate the cam for modulation about positions between the mid-position and the fully counter-clockwise position. In a throttle actuator application the first mode is cruise control and the second mode is traction control, with the mid-position comprising normal driver operation of the throttle.

Abstract: A switch assembly having a sliding plunger type actuator with the actuator assembled in a separate housing portion and snap-locked to a housing portion having a plurality of switches pre-assembled, with the ends of the switch blade engaging the actuator upon assembly. The plunger is surrounded by a collar having a plurality of fingers. Upon insertion of the plunger and fingers in a mounting structure aperture and upon rotation of the switch assembly, the locking fingers are spread by cam action. The plunger is friction-detentedly telescoped in said actuator for adjustment of the free position thereof after installation.