Abstract: A sensor tester for testing multiple vehicle sensors is provided comprising: a circuit for testing a vehicle piezoelectric knock sensor; a circuit for testing a vehicle speed sensor; and a circuit for testing ignition coils. The circuit for testing piezoelectric knock sensors comprises: an integrated circuit electrically connectable to a power source, the integrated circuit having a multiple step voltage divider, a connector for connecting the integrated circuit to the knock sensor; and a plurality of light emitting diodes electrically connected to the voltage divider of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A quick-connect assembly that includes a hollow tubular fitting having axially spaced ends and an outer surface with at least one circumferential groove or channel. A tubular conduit of plastic-coated electrically conductive composition is received over one end of the fitting and is magnetically deformed so as to extend into the channel on the fitting adjacent to the one fitting end for fastening the conduit to the fitting. A coupling is rotatably mounted on the opposing end of the fitting for fastening the fitting to a mating coupling, and carries an elastomeric seal in sliding engagement with the conduit or the fitting for preventing leakage of fluid through the assembly.

Abstract: A submersible rotary switch protects against moisture contamination and includes a housing containing an actuating mechanism and an oppositely disposed contact device confined in a contact compartment statically sealed by a flexible boot. A driver disposed between the compartments connects the actuating mechanism to the contact device to effect rotational translation therebetween.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of engine fuel injectors that includes a feed-forward control unit responsive to signals from sensors on the engine for supplying a basic electronic control signal for the injectors. A neural network is connected in parallel with the feed-forward control unit for receiving the sensor signals and multiplying the sensor signals by associated weighting factors. The sensor signals multiplied by the weighting factors are combined to produce a network output signal, which in turn is combined with the basic control signal from the feed-forward control unit to control operation of the fuel injectors. The weighting factors in the neural network are modified as a function of inputs from the engine sensors so as to reduce any errors in the sensor output signals as compared with desired values.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle supplemental restraint system that includes an air bag positioned within the vehicle opposite the passenger side of the front seat, and electronics coupled to one or more impact sensors for activating the air bag in the event of a vehicle impact. Occupancy sensors are provided at the passenger seat for sensing seat occupancy and inhibiting activation of the air bag when the seat is either unoccupied or occupied by a rear-facing infant seat. System status is displayed to a vehicle operator, and the operator is provided with an opportunity to override the occupancy sensors and enable activation of the air bag.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle supplemental restraint system that includes an air bag positioned within the vehicle opposite the passenger side of the front seat, and electronics coupled to one or more impact sensors for activating the air bag in the event of a vehicle impact. Occupancy sensors are provided at the passenger seat for sensing seat occupancy and inhibiting activation of the air bag when the seat is either unoccupied or occupied by a rear-facing infant seat. System status is displayed to a vehicle operator, and the operator is provided with an opportunity to override the occupancy sensors and enable activation of the air bag.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor is provided having a pole piece, a housing for receiving and containing the pole piece, a sensing magnet and a cap for mounting the sensing magnet within the housing while retaining cracked magnet portions and either absorbing forces applied by the housing or distributing them over an entire surface of said magnet. In another aspect the invention provides a cap for mounting a sensing magnet in a magnetic sensor housing.

Abstract: A vehicle restraint system that includes an impact sensor coupled by fiber optics to an igniter for inflating an air bag. The impact sensor includes a permanent magnet disposed within a cavity and biased by magnetic force toward one end of the cavity, motion of the magnet in the cavity being sensed by a weigand wire or Hall sensor for igniting the air bag. Facility is disposed externally of the cavity for selectively adjusting the bias of the sensor and/or moving the magnet into proximity with the Hall effect or weigand wire sensor to test operative condition of the sensor.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for internal combustion engines that includes a source of fuel under pressure, fuel lines for feeding fuel to the individual cylinders of the engine, and a distributor for metering fuel under pressure from the source to the individual fuel lines. The fuel metering distributor includes a fuel cavity coupled to the fuel source for receiving fuel under pressure, apertures in the sidewall of the cavity coupled to associated individual fuel lines, and a piston slidably disposed in the cavity for opening the individual apertures to the cavity as a function of position of the piston within the cavity. A linear electromagnetic actuator is coupled to the piston for controlling position of the piston within the cavity as a function of engine operating conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for operating exterior lights on an automotive vehicle under inclement weather conditions that includes an electronic switch responsive to a vehicle operator for selectively activating the vehicle windshield wipers under inclement weather conditions, and electronic circuitry responsive to the windshield wiper switch for automatically applying electrical power to the vehicle exterior lights. The electronic circuitry preferably comprises a latch circuit that is set by operator activation of the vehicle windshield wipers for maintaining illumination of the vehicle exterior lights even if the windshield wipers are later deactivated by the operator. The latch circuit is reset by operation of the vehicle ignition switch to disenable ignition at the vehicle engine. Thus, the vehicle exterior lights are activated and remain activated under inclement weather conditions that require operation of the windshield wipers.

Abstract: A system for managing operation of a V-twin motorcycle engine that includes a throttle body having an air intake manifold adapted to be mounted to the engine over the cylinder intake ports, and a throttle for control by an operator to admit combustion air into the manifold. A pair of fuel injectors are mounted on the throttle body, and are responsive to electronic injector control signals for injecting fuel into the air intake manifold adjacent to the intake ports. A fuel pump delivers fuel under pressure from a fuel supply, and a pressure regulator is coupled to the pump for supplying fuel at regulated pressure to the injectors. An engine speed sensor is operatively coupled to the engine for supplying an electrical signal as a function of engine speed. A second sensor such as a pressure sensor is operatively coupled to the engine air intake manifold for supplying an electrical signal as a function of combustion air available in the manifold.

Abstract: A system for managing operation of a V-twin motorcycle engine that includes a throttle body having an air intake manifold adapted to be mounted to the engine over the cylinder intake ports, and a throttle for control by an operator to admit combustion air into the manifold. A pair of fuel injectors are mounted on the throttle body, and are responsive to electronic injector control signals for injecting fuel into the air intake manifold adjacent to the intake ports. A fuel pump delivers fuel under pressure from a fuel supply, and a pressure regulator is coupled to the pump for supplying fuel at regulated pressure to the injectors. An engine speed sensor is operatively coupled to the engine for supplying an electrical signal as a function of engine speed, and a pressure sensor is operatively coupled to the engine air intake manifold for supplying an electrical signal as a function of manifold air pressure.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine exhaust gas catalytic converter has coaxial inner and outer louvered tubes which define an annular catalyst bed. An outer shell coaxial with the inner and outer louvered tubes define a portion of a gas flow path downstream from the catalytic bed. The downstream flow portion has an annular outlet of smaller cross sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the inlet end of an upstream portion of the flow path. Heat expandable means maintain a constant density of catalyst beads within the catalytic bed. These heat expandable means preferably comprise a composition of ceramic fibers, vermiculite and a binder.

Abstract: A motorcycle two cylinder asymmetric ignition timing system includes an electronic ignition advance circuit. A spark advance control signal is derived from a base signal which in turn has a magnitude that is representative of the time duration between spark ignition signals and thus is representative of engine speed. The spark is not advanced at engine speeds up to 300 RPM, is advanced 9.degree. between 300 RPM and 800 RPM and is advanced 16.degree. above 800 RPM. Intersection between a ramp signal which has a duration that is an inverse function of engine speed and a base signal that has an amplitude which is an inverse function of engine speed determines the time at which the ignition signal is generated. The lower the base signal, the sooner the intersection of the ramp with the base signal and thus the earlier the ignition signal. In this fashion the desired advance is attained.