Abstract: A trailer brake controller comprising a brake control signal generator, a microprocessor connected to the brake control signal generator, at least one pushbutton connected to the microprocessor, and a programmable current sensing power switch with temperature protection which is operative to change to a non-conducting state upon a current feed back signal exceeding a predetermined current shut down threshold and also upon the temperature of the switch exceeding a temperature shut down threshold.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fire hydrant locating system which includes a hydrant locator that facilitates the location of a hydrant by firefighters, particularly in an emergency vehicle such as a fire engine. The hydrant locator as secured to the hydrant cylinder has a low profile. The hydrant locating system includes a transmitter adapted to be located in the emergency vehicle. Upon actuation of a switch in the transmitter in the emergency vehicle a receiver-signal generator in the hydrant locator will be activated to set off strobe lights to alert firefighters of the hydrant location. The receiver-signal generator in the hydrant locator includes a strobe light structure. The transmitter can be set such that when actuated it will activate only those hydrant locators within a preselected range such as approximately 1500 feet.

Abstract: A means for readily changing the ignition system of an existing internal combustion engine to a solid state capacitive discharge ignition system which comprises an auxiliary coil, a primarty ignition coil and a secondary ignition coil wound on a single leg of a stator. The stator is designed with one or more additional legs which complete a conductive path for the time varying flux, and adapt the stator for mounting on the existing structure of the engine. In addition, two legs of the stator which define a flux path may each be divided into two segments at their outer extremity, one of each pair being slightly longer than the other so as to create two different size air gaps for each leg. A washer-like element may be used in cooperation with the above structure to change the position of the rotor relative to the crankshaft so as to alter the timing of the ignition system.

Abstract: A signalling wheel cover, including inner and outer housings, is provided with lights around the circumference of the outer housing which sequentially illuminate as the two housings rotate with respect to one another. The outer housing is secured to a vehicle wheel. Coils, to which the lights are connected, are mounted to the outer housing. The inner housing, to which magnets are mounted, is rotatably secured relative to the outer housing to allow independent rotation of the two housings. As the wheel carrying the outer housing begins to rotate, the inner housing tends to resist the rotation due to its inertia. This resistance to rotation can be enhancedd by adding a counterweight to the inner housing so the inner housing is mounted pendulously. As the coils rotate through the magnetic fields of the magnets, current flow is induced in the coils which causes illumination of the lights in a sequential pattern.

Abstract: Alternators are disclosed having plural sets of windings connected in parallel to reduce the cross section of the winding wire for a given output current level. The reduction in the cross section of the wire facilitates winding of the wire, and is believed to provide a more efficient alternator structure. Various shunt-type regulators are disclosed in combination with alternators having plural sets of windings which incorporate means for reducing the current through the shunt regulating circuit to reduce the current rating requirements of the regulating circuit switching elements.

Abstract: A means for readily converting the ignition system of an existing internal combustion engine to a solid state capacitive discharge ignition system which comprises an auxiliary coil, a primary ignition coil and a secondary ignition coil wound on a single leg of a stator. The stator is designed with two additional mounting legs which adapt the stator for mounting on the existing structure of the engine and another leg adapted to cooperate with one of the mounting legs and the coil containing leg to complete a conductive path for a time varying magnetic flux.

Abstract: A capacitive discharge ignition system having a charge coil and an ignition coil including primary and secondary windings wound on a common stator structure. The charge coil is coupled to the primary winding of the ignition coil by an SCR and a main capacitor such that the capacitor is first charged by the charge coil and then discharged through the SCR into the primary winding of the ignition coil when the SCR fires. During discharge of the capacitor, the charge coil also supplies current to the primary winding of the ignition coil. A shorted turn is located on one leg of the stator structure and a diode is connected in parallel with the charge coil to reduce the maximum peak potential supplied by the charge coil to reduce the maximum potential rating requirements of the ignition circuit components.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a capacitive discharge ignition system has a charge coil and an ignition coil including primary and secondary windings wound on a common stator structure. The charge coil is coupled to the primary winding of the ignition coil by an SCR and a main capacitor such that the capacitor is first charged by the charge coil and then discharged through the SCR into the primary winding of the ignition coil when the SCR fires. During discharge of the capacitor, the charge coil also supplies current to the primary winding of the ignition coil. The SCR may be fired by a triggering circuit which includes a capacitor network connecting the gate of the SCR to the charge winding and main capacitor or through a breakdown effect of the SCR absent the provision of a triggering circuit. The circuit arrangement obviates the need for the usual charging diode between the charging coil and the main capacitor. Several embodiments of triggering circuit for the SCR are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical ignition system for adapting a conventional, such as a breaker point type, ignition system of an engine to a capacitor discharge ignition system. A single adapter is compatible with both positive and negative polarity existing ignition systems.