Abstract: An ignition timing control method for a vehicle which provides an engine torque output waveform for canceling vibrational disturbances caused by sudden throttle plate movement resulting in engine accelerations and decelerations. The ignition timing is variably advanced and retarded in accordance with a phase-shifted derivative of engine speed to produce an appropriate engine torque output waveform for optimally canceling the vehicle vibrational disturbances. The phase shift is accomplished by applying a time delay to the engine speed derivative. A negative bias is added to the ignition timing for retarding ignition timing by a predetermined amount to permit a full sinusoidal canceling waveform. A blend multiplier is utilized to gradually remove the effects of the canceling waveform and bias, thereby gradually returning the ignition timing to its original setting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an engine crankshaft angular position which provides for fast starting of the engine. A target wheel and sensor combination generate an analog signal which is convened into a 24 bit digital output which repeats every 360.degree. rotation of the crankshaft. Each bit represents a particular angular position of the crankshaft. Any 6 sequential bits in the repeating 24 bit digital output sequence form a unique pattern. By monitoring the first six bits generated (90.degree. of crankshaft rotation) during startup, a crankshaft angular position can be determined, thereby enabling fast starting of the engine.

Abstract: A method for rapidly distinguishing between severe and minor crash events by utilizing both vehicle deceleration data and vehicle impact velocity. Crash severity parameter values are initially calculated in accordance with vehicle deceleration data obtained from an on-board accelerometer. These values are then modified as a function of the vehicle impact velocity in accordance with a shaping function. Vehicle impact velocity can be obtained from existing vehicle tachometers and speed sensors. The modified crash severity parameter values, when plotted versus time, result in signal traces which form two clearly distinguishable sets--one set being signal traces of severe crash events and the other set being signal traces of minor crash incidents. The two sets of modified crash severity parameter signal traces are distinguishable from one another much earlier than signal traces of unmodified crash severity parameter values.

Abstract: A plastic ignition high voltage switch housing comprising two separately molded components formed of a high temperature, high strength insulating thermoplastic material, each component containing one bushing. The two components are spun welded together while maintaining axial alignment of the bushings. The two components can be designed to permit the placement of a gasket between them prior to spin welding, thereby capturing the gasket within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filtering technique for improving the capability of crash sensing systems in distinguishing between severe and minor crash events. The onset of a crash event is detected when a sensed vehicle deceleration exceeds a deceleration threshold value. Following the onset of the crash event, a crash severity parameter is calculated at predetermined intervals as a function of vehicle deceleration. At the conclusion of a predetermined time period, a value of the crash severity parameter less than or equal to a parameter threshold value corresponds to a minor crash incident. A value greater than the parameter threshold value corresponds to a potential severe crash event requiring airbag deployment, thereby necessitating further crash severity discrimination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single solid state thermal diffusion sensor capable of measuring both the composition and flow of gaseous vapors traveling through a duct. The sensor comprises two orthogonal sensing patterns, each having a heating element positioned equidistant between two thermistor elements. The heaters and thermistors are made from thin film platinum deposited on a thermally insulating polyimide layer having low thermal diffusivity. A sinusoidal voltage is applied to each heating element for generating oscillating thermal waves which propagate through the gaseous vapor to their respective thermistors. The thermistors of a first, transversely positioned sensing pattern are responsive to both the composition and flow of the gaseous vapor, while the thermistors of a second, longitudinally positioned sensing pattern are responsive only to the composition of the gaseous vapor.

Abstract: A variable reluctance rotation sensor comprising a flux member having a ferromagnetic pole piece formed of a cylindrical center portion interposed between a first and second end portion. Each of the end portions have a respective surface which contains elongated teeth, similarly separated by slots as teeth on the periphery of a toothed wheel. The cylindrical center portion is positioned with respect to the toothed wheel such that the toothed surfaces of the first and second end portions are positioned adjacent the periphery of the toothed wheel comprising the teeth and slots, the magnetic flux member and toothed wheel defining an air gap. The sensor further comprises permanent magnets which establish main flux loops traversing the air gap, and leakage flux loops linking an electrical coil wound about the cylindrical center portion. As the toothed wheel is rotated, the magnitude of the main flux loops vary in relation to the varying air gap.

Abstract: A rotary encoder capable of detecting angular rotation of a rotating shaft, and identifying its neutral position without the need for multiple encoder wheels. A magnetoresistive sensor is positioned adjacent the periphery of a single multipole magnet ring attached to a steering wheel shaft. The magnet ring comprises alternating N-pole and S-pole magnetic regions along its periphery, the surface of one of the regions containing a demagnetized portion. The sensor produces a sinusoidal signal as the shaft is rotated, responsive to the passage of the magnetic regions, with a period equal to the passage of two successive magnetic regions adjacent the sensor. The angular position of the shaft which aligns the demagnetized portion adjacent the sensor corresponds to the shaft's neutral position. Aligning of the demagnetized portion adjacent the sensor causes a voltage irregularity within the sensor's otherwise sinusoidal output signal, which is detected by a signal processing circuit.

Abstract: A method for determining the center position of a steering wheel for a vehicle equipped with electric power steering having a brushless motor. Vehicle operating conditions corresponding to a straight direction of vehicle travel are detected. An estimated center position of the brushless motor is determined while the vehicle operating conditions are detected. A range of angular positions about the estimated center position is established in which the actual center position of the steering wheel is determined to be the position of the brushless motor equal to a midpoint of the range of angular positions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for estimating incline and bank angles of a road surface upon which a front wheel drive vehicle is travelling. Each nondriven rear wheel is equipped with a rotational speed sensor. The vehicle is further equipped with longitudinal and lateral accelerometers mounted to the vehicle chassis above the centerline of the rear axle. Outputs from the speed sensors and accelerometers are fed into a vehicle on-board controller and utilized in computing the incline and bank angles of the road surface. Updated incline and bank angles are maintained in the controller's memory for access by various control systems to alter vehicle attributes for improved handling and operation.