Abstract: A measurement circuit utilizing a thick film sense resistor containing palladium and silver in a weight ratio of about 56/44 to about 60/40 and a specific glass frit composition so that the sense resistor achieves low resistivity and controlled TCR.

Abstract: A synchronous AM detector and processor requiring a reduced number of external components and fewer integrated circuit pins comprises an audio processor having a first filter operation controlled by a control voltage and an AM stereo decoder including a lock detector and a phase locked loop having a second filter operation controlled by the control voltage. A single control node is coupled to the audio processor and the phase locked loop, the control node providing the control voltage for the audio processor and the phase locked loop. The voltage at the control node is biased normally high, capable of being pulled low by the audio processing circuit and capable of being pulled low by the lock detector. An RC circuit decays the rise time of the control voltage at the control node after the control voltage has been pulled low. Circuitry is added to control the first filter operation of the audio processing circuitry responsive to the control voltage at the control node.

Abstract: An interface circuit is described for interfacing a peripheral device and a microprocessor to enable data transference between a memory location within the peripheral device and a data bus of the microprocessor. In accordance with the type of bus control used by the microprocessor, the interface circuit is operated in either a synchronous mode or an asynchronous mode. The interface includes a state machine that responds to the mode of interface operation, a clock signal provided by the microprocessor, requests from the microprocessor to access an addressed peripheral memory location, and a busy signal from the peripheral device indicating when the peripheral is engaged in transferring data between the interface circuit and an addressed peripheral memory location. Preferably, the interface also operates to detect error conditions based on changes in the access request during data transference between the microprocessor and the peripheral device.

Abstract: A vehicle engine utilizes adaptive knock retard in which non-volatile memory cells store slowly changed values based on sensed knock to retard ignition timing. Upon engine start, the values in one or more of the memory cells may be reduced in a proportional manner to provide a more advanced engine ignition timing more appropriate to engine warmup. The proportional reduction is based on the sensed engine coolant temperature at the initiation of engine operation, either by itself or through the difference between it and the stored engine coolant temperature from just before the cessation of the last period of engine operation.

Abstract: A road vehicle radar system for discriminating between hazard and non-hazard targets within a predetermined zone uses a pair of frequency modulated continuous wave radar cycles (FM-CW) and a single continuous wave cycle (CW) in the generation of radar quantities for measuring target range and apparent target velocity. Measured quantities from the FM-CW and CW cycles are compared with predetermined quantities for discriminating between hazard and non-hazard targets.

Abstract: A digital timer apparatus incorporates a free running counter, an interval timer, a capture register, a pulse accumulator; holding logic and mode selection logic. In one mode of operation, a rising or falling edge of an external signal causes the current contents of the free running counter to be loaded into the capture register, causes the previous value of the capture register to be transferred to a holding register and causes the pulse accumulator to be incremented. A read of the capture holding register causes the pulse accumulator value to be transferred to a holding register and causes the pulse accumulator to be reset. The output of the interval timer can cause an interrupt signal to be generated to request service from a central processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a curve transfer function to an input signal comprises a first set of memory for storing values representing boundary points or distance differences along a curve of the transfer function, a second set of memory for storing slope values of lines connecting adjacent boundary points along the curve, a counter unit for maintaining a position count indicating position along the curve of the transfer function with respect to the stored boundary point values, an addressing unit, responsive to the position count, for selecting, from the second set of memory memory, the slope value corresponding to the position count, an accumulator for adding the selected slope value to an accumulator output value; and a comparator and data latch for determining when the accumulator output value corresponds to the input signal, and for selecting the corresponding accumulator output value as an output signal representing the application of the curve transfer function to the input signal.

Abstract: The invention includes a flat, planar, single piece copper footprint including a first portion for mounting an aluminum bond pad, and a third portion for mounting a semi-conductor device, and a second portion, interposed between the first and third portions, which is recessed and includes arcuate-shaped sides. The recessed arcuate-shaped sides of the second portion of the copper footprint act as a solder stop preventing solder from flowing from the first portion to the third portion or vice versa.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for enabling automated printing of through holes extending between top and bottom surfaces of a ceramic substrate or the like. The perimeter of the substrate is placed on a support that locates the bottom surface of the substrate spaced from a member that interacts with the interior portion of the substrate. The interacting member has holes that correspond to the through holes in the substrate, and it is moved generally perpendicular to the substrate to a position where it is in juxtaposition with the bottom surface of the substrate and its holes are in registration with the holes in the substrate. Conductive material is applied to the top surface of the substrate and a vacuum is applied to the holes in the interacting member to pull the conductive material through the through holes in the substrate. The vacuum is then discontinued and the interacting member is moved back to a position where it is spaced from the bottom surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A self-retaining, self-sealing manifold pressure sensor includes a sensor body with depending stem and an enlarged lower foot on the stem. The stem is tightly surrounded by a sealing and retention boot, which has a lower flange located just above the stem foot, which is larger than the stem foot. The stem foot is smaller than the installation hole in the manifold wall, while the boot flange is larger, but flexible. The sensor is installed by inserting the probe and surrounding boot together through the hole, with the flange flexing as it passes through. After installation, the flange is trapped between the stem foot and the wall, which prevents expulsion due to positive pressure spikes.

Abstract: An illuminated apparatus comprises a fixedly mounted air core gage having a spindle which rotates in response to signals provided to the air core gage, a first coil fixably mounted with respect to the air core gage having a first axis coaxial with the spindle, a power source coupled to the first coil, providing power to the first coil, which responsively generates a magnetic flux, a pointer body mounted to the spindle and rotating in response to rotation of the gage spindle, a second coil mounted to the pointer body adjacent to the primary coil, a light source mounted on the pointer body, coupled to and receiving the electric current from the second coil, the electric current illuminating the light source, and a light pipe pointer arm receiving light from the light source and emitting light out of an exit surface to appear as an illuminated pointer to an observer.

Abstract: A display apparatus for blindzone signal indication comprises an exterior rear view mirror housing and an exterior rear view mirror disposed in the exterior rear view mirror housing. The exterior rear view mirror defines a portion from which light is reflected and a portion through which light may be transmitted from inside the rear view mirror housing. A light source mounted within the housing is located at the light transmissive portion of the mirror and a directional filter located at the light transmitting portion of the mirror filters light emitted by the light source so that a signal from the light source may be seen from the interior of the vehicle, but may not be seen by drivers of other vehicles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of through hole substrate printing wherein the apparatus includes a nest plate having a plurality of vacuum source holes formed therein of a size substantially greater than the through holes in the substrate, and a plurality of removable pointed pins supporting the substrate in a substantially flat and horizontal position during the printing operation. The removably pointed pins allow for the flexibility of printing a variety of conductive patterns for different substrates and without the risk of breaking the substrate or smearing the conductive pattern on the bottom surface of the substrate or the subsequent substrate to be printed.

Abstract: A method for removing flux residue from an electronic component using a solution having tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) and an activator. As activators, compounds of the formula ##STR1## are used, wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, furanyl which can be substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 alkyl, tetrahydrofuranyl which can be substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 alkyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, benzyl which can be substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 alkyl, phenyl which can be substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 alkenyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 alkenyl, furfuryl which can be substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 alkyl, or tetrahydrofurfuryl which can be substituted by C.sub.1 -C.sub.7 alkyl, wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 can be hydroxy groups, where R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are not simultaneously hydrogen, R.sub.4 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, furanyl which can be substituted by C.sub.

Abstract: A supplemental inflatable restraint system with a controllable current source comprises a sense element, a switch device coupled to the sense element, and a squib coupled to the switch device, wherein the sense element, switch device and squib are coupled in a series circuit between a power source and a ground. A deploy control circuit is coupled to the switch device, and, in response to a deploy command, forward biases the switch device allowing electric current to flow through the sense element, switch device and squib to deploy a supplemental inflatable restraint. A current control circuit is coupled to the sense element and switch device and responds to the current flow through the sense element and regulates the switch device, effectively limiting current through the series circuit to a predetermined value.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle power train including a fuel injected internal combustion engine and a hydraulic automatic transmission, an improved engine fueling control strategy for maintaining proper engine RPM in the presence of an automatic transmission Park or Neutral (P/N) to Drive or Reverse (D/R) range shifting. Communication between the Engine and Transmission Control Modules enables precise anticipation of rapid engine intake manifold absolute pressure (MAP) increases associated with P/N to D/R range shifting. Additional fuel is injected immediately preceding the MAP increase in order to maintain the proper engine air/fuel ratio necessary to prevent RPM sags and engine stalls during the clutch engagement. Once the clutch engagement is complete, the additional fuel is progressively eliminated.

Abstract: A gear range indicator for use with automatic transmissions which is remote from the shift mechanism yet requires minimal adjustment to be made to the mechanical linkage to compensate for variations in the position of the display relative to the shift mechanism. This gear range indicator used has magnetic biasing means to position a pointer to the appropriate transmission gear range symbol on the display.

Abstract: A current limit circuit for limiting current flow through a load circuit. The amount of current flowing in the circuit is sensed by a current sensing resistor. The circuit includes a P-channel field effect transistor and an NPN bipolar transistor. When current sensed by the resistor attains a current limit value, the field effect transistor is turned on and its output current is amplified by the NPN transistor. The emitter of the NPN transistor is connected to the gate of another P-channel field effect transistor which is connected to the load circuit.

Abstract: A low part count momentary push-button assembly having an integral indicator lamp for indicating activation of a controlled circuit or device. The push-button assembly comprises a switch unit and indicator lamp mounted side-by-side on a central region of a printed circuit board, a push-button having a contact area disposed in axial alignment with the switch unit, and a light transmissive passage disposed in axial alignment with the indicator lamp, and a unitary interface element disposed intermediate the circuit board and the push-button. The interface element includes an integral sleeve for locating the indicator lamp in relation to the light transmissive passage of the push-button, and a cantilevered structure which is maintained in resilient engagement with the contact area of the push-button. The interface element snaps onto the circuit board, and the circuit board is snapped into a housing cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a support bar for mounting a circuit board to a housing or case. The support bar includes top and bottom, spaced apart, parallel, substantially straight legs. A base connects the legs so that the legs and the base form a U-shaped groove for receiving a portion of a side of a circuit board. A tab extends outwardly from each end of the top leg of the support bar at an acute angle from the longitudinal axis of the top leg. The tabs have a hole formed therein receiving a releasable connection pin. A hole is formed in the circuit board corresponding to the location of the hole in each of the tabs. The case include platform shoulders for supporting the support bar. The platform shoulders have holes formed therein corresponding to the location of the hole formed in the tab. Releasable connection pins are inserted through the holes in the tab of the circuit board and the housing platform to securely hold the support bar and circuit board in place with reference to the housing.