Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the speed of response and display accuracy of a periodic input signal, of the type having a widely variable frequency, on an analog gauge have a meter deflection representative of the frequency of the input signal. Frequency scaling means are provided for multiplying the frequency of the input signal by a first constant to generate an intermediate signal. Counting means are coupled to the frequency scaling means for counting the frequency of the intermediate signal for a time period which is directly proportional to the maximum sweep deflection arc of the gauge times a second constant, and is inversely proportional to the maximum expected frequency of the input signal. Meter driver means coupled to the counting means are provided for deflecting the meter proportional to the counted intermediate signal frequency.

Abstract: A bobbin assembly is provided for sealing with the end section of a coil of wire as it exits the housing of an automotive electrical component. The assembly includes a bobbin for receiving and carrying the coil of wire. A cap couples with the housing so as to restrain the coiled wire therein. The cap includes an aperture adapted to receive the end section of the wire therethrough. A bobbin tower distends from the bobbin and includes therein a slot for receiving, coupling and sealing with the end section of the wire, and for coupling with and sealing against the cap adjacent the aperture therein. The bobbin tower is compressed between the housing and the cap for compressing a crown section of the bobbin tower into the aperture in the cap. A method for using the bobbin assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A method for mapping the serial 0 and 1 pulses received at a known clock rate from a delta sigma modulator All 0's are generated at the output when no 11 pairs are present in the input signal during the sampled clock periods. A 1 is generated at the output responsive to the input signal and the input signal delayed by one clock period both being 1's when no 00 pairs are present in the input signal during the sampled clock periods. A 1 is generated at the output for each 11 pair not balanced by a 00 pair when 11 and 00 pairs are serially alternating in the input signal during the sampled clock periods. According to this mapping method, the pulse density of 1's in the output signal increases only responsive to an increase in the net number of 11 pairs in the input signal during the sampled clock periods. A circuit for implementing this pulse mapping method is also described.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an impact sensor enables calibration to take place after sensor manufacture is completed. During calibration, the sensor undergoes an acceleration while vehicle specific calibration values are programmed into sensor memory for different incremental rates of acceleration. Calibration verification checks to verify that the relationship between acceleration and sensor output is linear. The calibration also includes a hysteresis test by comparing output values when incrementally increasing the acceleration to corresponding acceleration values while incrementally decreasing acceleration. The calibration method may also include calculating a response time for a self-test circuit that can be stored in memory and later used during self-tests of the sensor.

Abstract: An ignition coil having primary and secondary coils, the primary coil wound around a central core member and including a permanent magnet made of a magnetic material that is less than fully dense, and is interposed between one end of the central core member and one end of an outer core surrounding the primary and secondary coil assembly and assuring the elimination of any air gap between the iron core and the central core member. The ignition coil further having a common modular design for a slip-in fit into differing modular housing designs depending upon the number of cylinders in the engine.

Abstract: An energy-on-demand vehicular ignition system, particularly a coil-per-plug system ("CPP") with a programmable re-striking and minimum single-strike energy output whereby at idle engine speed and lowest load, each coil will be re-struck or discharged the maximum number of times permitted by the coil design within a limited time interval representing the beginning of the combustion event and occurring within 0-2% MFB, and preferably within 0.5% MFB, of the ignitable air fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. The CPP system also includes programmable re-striking whereby the system will default to a single-strike at conditions above a predetermined range of operating conditions, in particular, at a particular engine speed condition and a particular engine partial load condition. In between the conditions at (i) idle engine speed and lowest load on the one hand and, (ii) a predetermined engine speed and partial load condition.

Abstract: A surface layer and a sacrificial layer are deposited on a substrate. A conductive structural layer bridges over the sacrificial layer and is anchored to the surface layer for creating paired conductive areas. A backside opening is etched in the substrate for defining a flexible diaphragm layer of reduced thickness. The sacrificial layer is removed so that pressures exerted on the backside opening will cause a change in capacitance between the paired conductive areas. Temporary posts support the conductive structural layer as the sacrificial layer is removed.

Abstract: Reference or analytic features such as intake and exhaust valves and valve guides are located in an area of a workpiece or part such as a cylinder head, the surface of which is laser scanned to obtain laser scan data. The scan data provides a fine grid of height (Z) values of the part. The part is scanned along lines with constant x or constant y. The method uses a graphical interface and least squares techniques to determine a reference plane for the desired analytic feature. Image processing techniques are then used to extract the desired feature and its boundary. Finally, techniques are used to calculate the precise dimensions of the analytic feature.

Abstract: A polysilicon diaphragm is formed on top of a sacrificial layer deposited upon a semiconductor substrate, where the thickness of the layer is controllable. The sacrificial layer is removed to define a diaphragm cavity, which is sealed with a plug. Electrodes within the surfaces defining the cavity deflect in response to variations in pressure, while providing a very small and minimum parasitic capacitance.

Abstract: A bus driver circuit for a multiplex communications system is configured from a limited number of components to withstand short circuiting of a connected bus circuit to voltage levels from ground potential to double conventional voltage levels encountered within a motor vehicle, i.e. twenty four (24) volts. The bus driver circuit does not interfere with bus operation if local power or ground is lost by one or more system node including the circuit, and can operate at relatively high frequencies, for example of approximately 83.3 to 166.7 kilobits per second (KBPS). Each line of a two-line bus is driven by a transistor whose current flow is limited by emitter degeneration and, in the case of the transistor which sinks current from the bus, a separate current control transistor which monitors current flow through its associated bus driver transistor and reduces its base drive at high temperatures to limit current flow therethrough and compensate the circuit for temperature variations.

Abstract: A system for calculating the distance to empty available from the remaining fuel in a motor vehicle, wherein an average value of the distance traveled per unit of fuel consumed is multiplied by the quantity of fuel remaining, thereby producing an intermediate distance-to-empty value. Responsive to a first type signal being in a first state, a displayed value of DTE is allowed only to decrement. When the first type signal is in a second state, the displayed value of DTE is allowed to both increment and decrement. When the first type signal is in the first state, the updating of the calculation of the DTE value is recalculated as a function of the distance traveled by the vehicle and as a function of the fuel consumed by the vehicle. If the first type signal is in a second state, then the recalculation is controlled as a function of time.

Abstract: A sensor is coupled to a reservoir for generating a first signal responsive to the liquid level therein falling below a first level spaced above an output port and indicative of a reserve level of liquid remaining. A pump is coupled to the reservoir for pumping the liquid therefrom in metered volumes and responsive thereto transmitting a volume pumping signal. An integrator receives and integrates the volume pumping signal, and then generates, after receiving the first signal, an output signal indicative of the volume of the liquid remaining in the reservoir. An indicator is coupled to the integrator for displaying the output signal.

Abstract: An electrical connector, suitable for use in coupling an engine ignition coil encased by potting material within an electrically insulated housing, includes a distended section for extending into the potting material adjacent to the coil, and an external coupler for engaging with an electrical connector from the vehicle ignition system. A central mounting section between these two end sections of the connector includes a U-shaped section defining a slot therein which couples with and communicates over a lip of the housing at a level above the potting material in order to reduce leakage of the potting material during the high temperature curing process. The central mounting section and the housing also include cooperating channels and ridges for guiding electrical conductors that couple with and then restrict the movement of the ignition coil within the housing.

Abstract: An ignition coil having annular primary and secondary coils, the primary coil wound around a central core member and including a permanent magnet made of a magnetic material that is less than fully dense, and is interposed between one end of the central core member and one end of a C-shaped iron core surrounding the primary and secondary coil assembly and assuring the elimination of any air gap between the C-shaped iron core and the central core member. Alternatively, the permanent magnet may be replaced with an electrically non-conductive shim of substantially equal dimension such that the energy output is substantially reduced and the charge/discharge interval substantially increased to thereby allow use of the same basic modularly constructed coil assembly for totally different ignition strategies.

Abstract: A climate control system for an electric vehicle includes a programmed microcomputer for controlling the pre-conditioning of the vehicle prior to usage as well as heating, ventilating and air conditioning of the vehicle under normal operating conditions. The microcomputer responds to a plurality of vehicle operator inputs and sensor inputs and provides outputs to control the speed of the compressor, condenser fan and blower fan, and the position of a temperature blend door and a Fresh Air/Recirculating Air door to optimize the use of electrical energy.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided for determining the level of liquid, such as fuel, in a tank such as a motor vehicle fuel tank. A mounting bracket has a support end adapted to be supported from the tank and also has a distal connection end. A liquid level sensor has lower and upper ends and a resistor element extending therebetween, and is connected to the connection end of the mounting bracket by a shaft. A torsional spring is disposed around the shaft, and biases the liquid level sensor from a retracted position and toward a deployed position. In the retracted position, the sensor assembly is insertable through an access hole in the tank. In the deployed position, the upper end of the liquid level sensor is disposed generally above the shaft and the resistor element is disposed generally vertically to provide the greatest resolution possible with both linear and angular sweep floats.

Abstract: A method for specifying characteristics of an integrated circuit wherein complementary output signals of the integrated circuit are required to cross or equal one another within a signal transition box during transitions of the complementary output signals. The signal transition box is defined by a maximum output signal level as a high side, a minimum output signal level as a low side, a minimum delay time as a leading side and a maximum delay time as a trailing side. A maximum allowable slew rate preferably is also defined.

Abstract: A dry-release method for sacrificial layer microstructure fabrication is provided in which a structural layer is anchored to a substrate and deposited on a sacrificial layer located therebetween. Thereafter, holes are etched through the structural layer. Some of the holes are covered with a polymer layer, and portions of the sacrificial layer are then etched through the uncovered holes in the structural layer, creating void areas extending to the substrate. Preferably, the void areas also include undercut areas. The void areas are then filled with a protective polymer layer, creating temporary posts that extend from the surface of the substrate to the structural layer. The sacrificial layer is then removed by means of wet etching. The temporary posts provide support for the structural layer against capillary forces which are created by the evaporation of liquids used in the wet etching process. After wet etching of the sacrificial layer is completed, the temporary posts are removed by a dry etching technique.

Abstract: An ignition coil assembly for an internal combustion engine including an ignition coil housing having integrally molded mounting members arranged on the outer perimeter of the housing in non-interfering relationship with the internal coil/core assembly components. C-Shaped laminated cores are encased entirely within the ignition assembly housing material or encased in an elastomer such as a rubber modified polypropylene and inserted into the housing assembly. The ignition coil assembly provides for use either in a internal combustion engine with a distributor-based or distributor-less ignition system.

Abstract: An ignition coil having annular primary and secondary coils, the primary coil wound around a central core member and including a permanent magnet made of a magnetic material that is less than fully dense, and is interposed between one end of the central core member and one end of a C-shaped iron core surrounding the primary and secondary coil assembly and assuring the elimination of any air gap between the C-shaped iron core and the central core member.