Abstract: A rotary valve has a stator with ports for connection to a vacuum source and to a plurality of vacuum actuators, and a housing having a central hub. A selector residing between the stator and the housing comprises a resilient body insert molded to a steel drive plate having a central drive opening for receiving a drive shaft and an array of holes around the central opening. On one side of the plate the body comprises a valve member in contact with the stator and defines passages to selectively interconnect the ports, and on the other side of the plate the body comprises a resilient tubular spring surrounding the hub and pressing against the housing to bias the valve member against the stator.

Abstract: A pressure port has a diaphragm at one end for exposure to combustion pressure, an electrical connector attached to the other end, terminal blades and a lead frame molded in the connector and carrying an optoelectronic circuit, and a fiber optic assembly between the circuit and the diaphragm. The fiber optic assembly illuminates the diaphragm which reflects light according to its deflection to two fiber elements that carry reflected light to the circuit. The assembly includes a high temperature plastic body and a ceramic tip for temperature isolation to protect the plastic body and the optoelectronic circuit.

Abstract: A transient suppressor comprises a self-triggered silicon control rectifier (SCR) that forms a drive circuit for an NPN power transistor. The SCR and the NPN power transistor are combined, along with other elements, into an integrated circuit (IC) by a junction isolated BiCMOS process. The SCR self-triggers upon being subjected to an inductive flyback condition created by an inductive load and renders the NPN transistor conductive, thereby allowing the NPN power transistor, having a relatively large semiconductor region, to effectively snub the current created by the negative feedback condition. The transient suppressor may be used in either a high-side or low-side driver arrangement and the SCR/NPN power transistor combination may further be combined with load driving and other circuitry on a single integrated circuit.

Abstract: A graphic display is provided which is suitable for use in an instrument panel of an automobile. The graphic display includes a display lens and a number of backlit buttons which are formed by a unitary optically-conductive member, wherein both the display lens and the backlit buttons are illuminated by a single illuminated display located behind the unitary member. As such, the unitary member eliminates the requirement for a separately formed lens and buttons. Furthermore, the illuminated display generates graphics for both the display lens and the buttons, eliminating the requirement for insignia formed in the surface of the buttons and lights or light pipes behind the buttons for backlighting the buttons.

Abstract: A circuit board has a socket opening for a twist-in lamp bordered by a pair of arcuate conductors. The circuit board is configured to define a socket for a bi-pin lamp located concentrically within the opening and supported by bridges across the opening. The bridges carry conductors for the bi-pin lamp. The bridges are frangible to allow the socket for the bi-pin lamp to be removed. When a bi-pin lamp fails in service it is removed along with its socket and a twist-in lamp is installed in the remaining socket.

Abstract: A die cast housing having an open side receives a circuit which seats on a housing ledge near the open side. An accelerometer and other components carried by the board are enclosed by the housing and board. The outer side of the circuit board is covered with an adhesive sealant compound which secures and seals the circuit board to the housing without fasteners for efficient structural transmissibility, and also structurally dampens the circuit board. A sheet metal cover over the open side inhibits electromagnetic interference. Lateral ports on the housing are aligned with connectors on the circuit board and permit coupling to the circuit board by mating connectors which seal the ports. The connectors have an interference fit with webs on the housing to permit thrust testing before the adhesive sealant is cured.

Abstract: Each signal channel has a 12 bit A/D converter which begins conversion after each read cycle. A 24 bit digital signal processor is connected by a 24 bit data bus to the converters such that one converter supplies data to the upper data lines and the other supplies data to the lower data lines of the bus. Both converters are simultaneously read into the processor, the data being combined into one word. The processor then splits the word into separate data for each channel by multiply and move operations.

Abstract: A multipath interference reduction system and method for smoothly reducing noise associated with FM stereo signal reception with an adjustable blend. The system includes a peak detector for detecting noise present in the received signal. When the detected noise exceeds a first threshold limit, stereo separation reduction is provided. The amount of stereo separation reduction may be adjusted so as to provide a greater reduction at higher noise frequencies than at lower noise frequencies to enhance the audio sound. When the determined noise exceeds a second higher threshold limit, stereo separation is further reduced to provide primarily monoaural reception.

Abstract: Two or more communication modules are coupled by a one wire transmission line. A feed module impresses dc power and a sine wave carrier signal on the line. Each module generates a square wave signal synchronous with the carrier, each period of the signal representing one data bit. Data is written onto the line by a module by attenuating the carrier wave for selected bits and read by another module by sampling the bits and detecting those which are attenuated. Address and message data is transmitted in packets of n bits, the first bit always being an attenuated bit. Addressing is accomplished by generating a sequence of n unattenuated bits and then writing packets of address data. An address is valid when it matches a stored address in a module and that module is then activated to read or write.

Abstract: An input circuit for an automotive gauge driver receives a pulse width modulated or pulse frequency signal having a duty cycle representing a parameter to be displayed. A switching transistor controls an RC filter to develop an analog voltage proportional to the parameter. The input circuit biases the transistor to correctly respond to the input signal over a large range of supply voltage and where the ground potential differs from that of the source of the input signal. An output transistor means (or two) in series with a gauge coil (or two) is controlled by the analog voltage to provide coil current to effect linear gauge operation. Diodes in the input circuit limit the analog voltage range to end values which match the turn-on characteristics of the transistor means.

Abstract: An accurate integrated oscillator circuit includes a first circuit generating a substantially temperature independent, or a linearly temperature dependent, reference current and a second circuit which is programmable to incrementally increase the reference current to a desired current level. A third circuit includes first and second capacitors and an oscillator output switchable between first and second output levels. The third circuit is responsive to a first charge value on the first capacitor, due to the reference current flowing therethrough, to switch the oscillator output to the first level while resetting the second capacitor to its uncharged state, and to a second charge value on the second capacitor, due to the reference current flowing therethrough, to switch the oscillator output to the second level while resetting the first capacitor to its uncharged state. The oscillator circuit is preferably formed of a single integrated circuit and has an adjustable center frequency.

Abstract: A motion sensor for sensing motion or acceleration of a body, such as the type used in onboard automotive and aerospace safety control system, navigational system or active suspension control system. The motion sensor includes a support frame, a bridge projecting from the support frame, and a proof mass suspended from the support frame by the bridge so as to enable the proof mass to respond to an input force imposed on the motion sensor. The bridge is provided with a strain sensing element that generates an acceleration signal in response to a deflection of the proof mass. The motion sensor further includes a structural feature capable of compensating for mechanically and thermally induced strains imposed on the motion sensor by generating a compensation signal in response to such strains.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a light mask for balancing light across a display area of a vehicle instrument cluster comprises a camera, a digitiser and a computer. An image of the display area is obtained and digitized to produce data relating to the illumination levels of the image at a plurality of pixels. The illumination levels are used to calculate an appropriate light mask for the display area on the basis of the transmissive density of the masking ink used and or a reference illumination value relating to the least lit part of the display area which it is desired to illuminate. The light mask comprises an array of dots having a diameter related to the amount of attenuation required in the area in which the dot is located. Up to three masking layers may be provided if a single layer is insufficient to produce the required attenuation with the chosen masking ink. Balanced coverlays can readily be produced, and the number of masking layers required can also be reduced.

Abstract: An LCD display is backlit by a main light pipe with LEDs of a first color along one edge or opposed edges which uniformly flood the display with the first color, and with an LED of a second color coupled by a second light pipe to another edge to introduce light to local areas of the main light pipe. Filters of the second color over the local areas are illuminated by the second color LED. Prismatic sheets between the main light pipe and the LCD aid in the uniform distribution of the first color and improve display brightness by directing light toward the operator's eyebox.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor having a vent to atmosphere and mounted where it is subject to water spray has a vent cap which protects against spray entering the vent and prohibits water residing along the cap edges from being drawn into the vent. The vent is surrounded by an upstanding collar and the vent cap snaps onto the collar. A shroud extends laterally from one side of the cap to a point beyond the sensor package and further extends down below the upper surface of the package. The shroud is open at the bottom to afford an air passage to the vent as well as a baffle against spray.

Abstract: A clip rigidly joins two parts, one part abutting the other. A first part has a hole spaced from the surface of the second part. The clip has two spaced plates connected by a spine. One plate has a hooked or notched tongue which engages the hole. The other plate seats on the second part and both plates have edges abutting the first part. Apertures in the plates accept a screw, rivet or other fastener which holds the clip to the second part and pulls the two parts together.

Abstract: An integrated pulse-width modulation circuit with conditional temperature protection circuitry includes logic circuitry, a power output device, thermal shutdown circuitry to disable the power output device when the die temperature exceeds a predetermined limit, and a masking circuit that disables the thermal shutdown circuit during short term thermal increases such as those that occur when an inductive load turn off event takes place.

Abstract: A vertical wafer compact flip chip feeder device includes a loading station for providing a loading location where a flip chip wafer having first and second planar surfaces is received such that the first and second planar surfaces are substantially perpendicular to a first plane. The flip chip feeder device further includes a pick-up station for providing a pick-up location where individual flip chips are retrieved from the flip chip wafer. A wafer translating assembly translates the flip chip wafer between the loading and pick-up stations with the first and second planar surfaces of the flip chip wafer remaining substantially perpendicular to the first plane. A chip pick-up assembly retrieves the individual flip chips from the flip chip wafer at the pick-up station and flips the individual flip chips to a flipped position such that first and second planar surfaces of the individual flip chips are substantially parallel with the first plane.

Abstract: An analog voltage address decoder circuit and stackable voltage comparator circuit are provided. The address decoder circuit has a column decode comparator network made up of a first plurality of interconnected comparator circuits and a row decode comparator network made up of a second plurality of interconnected comparator circuits. The column decode comparator network compares a plurality of reference voltages with an analog input voltage so as to detect if the analog input voltage is within a bounded window. Likewise, the row decode comparator network compares an analog input voltage with a plurality of reference voltages to detect if the analog input voltage is within a bounded window. Detection within the proper bounded windows for the rows and columns produces a corresponding "high" binary output to a particular memory location for access thereto. The decode comparator networks use stackable voltage comparator circuits to perform the voltage window comparisons.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming multilayer laminated circuit boards characterized by high circuit component density. The process generally employs a pair of plies, each of which is formed to include a dielectric prepreg bonded to a conductive foil. Vias are formed through the dielectric prepregs and conductive foils, and then filled with a conductive material, such as a conductive adhesive or conductive ink, such that the conductive material electrically contacts the conductive foils. Finally, the plies are laminated to opposing surfaces of a clad core laminate composed of a dielectric core between a pair of conductive claddings. The plies are laminated to the core laminate such that the prepregs overlay the conductive claddings of the core laminate. In so doing, the conductive material within the vias electrically contacts the pair of conductive claddings of the core laminate, thereby electrically interconnecting the conductive claddings of the core laminate with the conductive foils.