Abstract: A method of measuring current in a pulse count positioning system is provided, wherein various motor conditions such as back up due to cogging and/or gear train affects are taken into account in measuring current pulses that are correlated with the position of an electric device such as an automotive accessory. The method generally includes measuring current flow through an electric motor at regular intervals, summing the current flow at a second interval, storing the summed current flow as a current pulse occurs, starting a new sum of the current flow, and comparing sums for a previous two sums after a maximum timeout. Accordingly, the method according to the present invention takes various motor conditions into account for a more accurate measurement of current pulses, which correspond with the position of the electric device.

Abstract: An electronic shifter assembly is provided. The shifter assembly includes a shift lever, a position sensor and first and second mechanisms. The position sensor is operable for sensing a position of the shift lever and producing a position signal in response thereto. The first mechanism is coupled to one of the position sensor and the shift lever and includes a structure having a plurality of detents. The second mechanism is coupled to the other one of the position sensor and the shift lever and includes an assembly which engages the plurality of detents to resist relative movement between the shift lever and the position sensor.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of moisture on an outside surface of a windshield is disclosed. The device includes am emitter for transmitting energy, a sensor for receiving energy, an energy absorbing member and a controller for monitoring energy.

Abstract: A vehicular anti-lock and traction control braking system includes a master cylinder. A driven wheel brake is connected to the master cylinder via a first brake conduit. A non-driven wheel brake is connected to the master cylinder via a second brake conduit. A fluid supply is connected to an input of a pump. An output of the pump provides pressurized fluid to the driven and non-driven wheel brakes. A pump supply valve is disposed between the pump inlet and the fluid supply. A driven wheel isolation valve is disposed in the first brake conduit between the driven wheel brake and the master cylinder. The driven wheel isolation valve is opened to allow fluid communication between driven wheel brake and the master cylinder and closed to prevent fluid communication therebetween. A non-driven wheel isolation valve is disposed in the second brake conduit between the non-driven wheel brake and the master cylinder.

Abstract: A supply valve for use in a vehicular braking system includes a housing. A sleeve is disposed within a bore in the housing. A piston is slidably disposed within the bore. A valve element is disposed within the sleeve and includes a valve seat and check element for sealing against the valve seat to close the valve element. A lip seal is disposed on the sleeve for allowing fluid to flow from a low pressure accumulator to a pump, but not in the opposite direction. The supply valve is particularly adapted for use in an anti-lock braking system equipped with traction control.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting moisture on an outside surface of a windshield is disclosed. The sensor includes an emitter circuit for emitting light energy, and a detector circuit for receiving light energy. A processor controls the emitter circuit and processes signals received from the detector circuit. A self test circuit is connected between the processor and the emitter circuit, the self test circuit is operably associated with the emitter circuit for generating a test signal for simulating the presence of moisture on the outside surface of the windshield.

Abstract: A brake pressure controller, responsive to a wheel speed sensor and coupled to a brake, performs a cyclic control of pressure applied to the brake. A brake pressure cycle includes a pressure apply stage and a pressure dump stage having activation conditions based upon a slip threshold parameter. A predetermined base threshold quantity is modified in dependence upon a measured time duration of the pressure dump stage and/or a slip depth error quantity so that a greater amount of slip is added to the base slip threshold when braking on a deformable surface than when braking on a non-deformable surface.

Abstract: A control method and system for a vehicle anti-lock brake system to provide for recovery from premature activation of the vehicle anti-lock brake system. The control method includes the steps of determining whether the anti-lock brake system has prematurely activated, and engaging a premature activation recovery control of the anti-lock brake system when the anti-lock brake system has prematurely activated. The control system includes a wheel speed sensor for measuring the speed of at least one vehicle wheel, and a control unit for determining whether the anti-lock brake system has prematurely activated. The control system also includes a signal generator for generating a signal operative to increase brake fluid pressure to a vehicle wheel brake when the anti-lock brake system has prematurely activated, and for generating a signal operative to terminate brake fluid pressure increase when the anti-lock brake system has recovered from premature activation.

Abstract: An electric door lock actuator includes an outer casing which houses a reversible electric motor. The motor is coupled to a inertial clutch assembly and a gear train to reciprocally move a rack which extends outwardly from the casing between an advanced and a retracted position. The clutch assembly includes a drive gear coupled to the electric motor, and driven gear connected to operate the rack through the gear train. The clutch also includes an inertially operated clutch plate eccentrically mounted on the clutch drive gear and having a pair of arcuately spaced driving teeth alternately operably engageable with the driven clutch gear when the motor is driven in either a forward or a reverse direction. The clutch is operative to connect the motor to either advance or retract the rack when the motor shaft is operated in either a forward or a reverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-contained electric brake controller for energizing electrically operated brakes in a towed vehicle in response to a demand by a driver in a towing vehicle. The controller includes a unique deceleration sensing unit for generating a signal proportional to the magnitude of deceleration of the towing vehicle. The deceleration sensing unit includes an outer housing adapted to be secured relative to the towing vehicle, and a pendulum mounted on an axis for pivotal movement relative to the housing. The pendulum is movable in one direction from a resting position to a predetermined extended position when the vehicle is subjected to a predetermined magnitude of deceleration. The pendulum includes a magnet spaced from the pivot axis of the pendulum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying proper operation of a vehicle anti-lock braking system includes pressure measuring devices which are releasably attached to an exterior surface portion of the flexible wheel brake hoses. Each measuring device senses changes in the external diameter of the associated hose, which changes are representative of fluid pressure changes within the hose. The valving in the braking system is tested by applying fluid pressure to the system, operating the associated valves in a predetermined sequence, and monitoring the pressure changes in the associated wheel brake hoses to determine whether the valving is operating properly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved servo brake drum adjustment mechanism which automatically adjusts the brake shoes for wear of the friction pads and drum surface. The mechanism comprises a screw thread adjustment link activated by movement of a pawl finger upon a star wheel. The pawl finger is activated by a wire like push rod. Upon a predetermined circumferential movement of the primary brake shoe the push rod effects rotation of the star wheel and adjustment of the brake shoe assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a position sensor which can be utilized as a height sensor in an automatic vehicle suspension system. The sensor comprises a telescoping assembly including an elongate shaft having one end which is axially slidable within an outer housing. The telescoping assembly is connected between sprung and unsprung vehicle frame members. The outer ends of the shaft and the housing are each provided with a unique bifurcated socket unit and an associated retaining clip for attachment to a ball element connection point on the associated vehicle frame member. A pair of magnets are carried by the shaft and are adapted to generate a first magnetic field having one polarity and extending axially along a first portion of the shaft and a second magnetic field having an opposite polarity and extending axially along a second portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A fiberglass reinforced plastics steering wheel is disclosed and a mold and method for making same. The wheel is made by disposing binder and the fiberglass in an annular cavity and in ramp-like radial cavities of a mold and are pressed into shape by a wedge-shaped member.

Abstract: A leaf spring suspension system for supporting a vehicle is disclosed wherein one end of the spring is longitudinally moveable in load-transferring relationship with the vehicle at varying longitudinal positions along the vehicle frame. Thus, regardless of spring deflection, the axle remains equidistant between the longitudinal positions at which the vehicle's load is transferred to spring, thereby equalizing the load at each end of the spring.