Abstract: A talking electronic scale for encouraging the use of and adherence to a preset diet program is disclosed. A user on the scale actuates a mechanism whose movement is transformed to electrical pulses to provide a digital readout of his present weight on a display. A microprocessor provides an electronic memory for storing a goal weight for the person and his weight each time he weighs, along with the date of each stored weight as well as a series of comments to be voiced. The microprocessor also compares the goal weight with the present weight to actuate a voice synthesis device connected to the microprocessor to provide preselected comments appropriate to the comparison. Audio means connected to the voice synthesis device provides for such comments to be audibly spoken to the user.

Abstract: A device for automatically disengaging an automotive cruise control system whenever one or more failures or malfunctions occur in the vehicle brake system and also if such a malfunction should occur when the vehicle is in the "resume speed" mode of the cruise control system. The device comprises an exclusive NOR circuit whose two symmetrical input terminals are connected to opposite sides of the brake switch in series with the vehicle power source. The output from the exclusive NOR circuit is connected to a logic control circuit and through a control resistor to a vehicle power lead. Any malfunction of the brake circuit when the cruise control is in operation will cause the exclusive NOR output to go from a relatively low to a relatively high potential thereby causing a logic control circuit to provide a disconnect signal to a throttle actuator. An additional safety factor is attained by connecting the control resistor to the base of a transistor in a power lead to the throttle actuator.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of a liquid stream, such as fuel, to an internal combustion engine. A pair of preformed body members are held together by external fasteners and provide internal cavities including a continuous oval shaped raceway containing a freely moveable ball. An inlet cavity connected to the raceway communicates with an inlet conduit through one body member and connectable to the liquid supply. An outlet conduit extends from the raceway through the other body member and is connectable to the liquid user or engine. Within the inlet cavity is a nozzle assembly that provides a first relatively small passage for liquid when it flows through the inlet conduit at a relatively slow rate and a second relatively large passage for liquid when it flows at a relatively high rate, so that even at low liquid flow rates, a sufficient force is produced at the nozzle exit to keep the race ball moving smoothly in the raceway.

Abstract: For use on an automotive vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine and an automatic speed control system, a device for detecting accidental engine load removal and for providing disengagement of the speed control system to prevent an engine runaway condition. The device comprises a circuit that compares present engine speed with a previous engine speed furnished after a time delay to produce an output signal when a preselected engine speed differential occurs during the delay period. The output signal is utilized to disengage the speed control system directly or alternatively, to turn off the engine ignition system.

Abstract: A compact fluid flow sensor of the variable area type is disclosed which can accurately measure a broad range of flow rates and can be installed in any position relative to the horizontal plane and which is therefore particularly adaptable for use with vehicular fuel systems. The sensor comprises connected input and output housing members that retain between them a flexible diaphragm having an annular central orifice member. An adjustable needle valve is positioned within the orifice member to form a small, variable opening for fluid. The orifice member is connected to a core member of a differential transformer whose windings are connected to a circuit producing output signal responsive to the linear position of the core member. The varying pressure differential due to fluid flow rate created on opposite sides of the diaphragm causes the orifice member, and its attached core member, to move relative to the windings and produce an output from the differential transformer proportional to the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for automatically controlling the shutdown and restarting of a vehicle engine in order to conserve fuel at times when the vehicle would be otherwise stopped, with the engine running at idle speed and including in combination, an accumulator for computing and displaying the amount of fuel saved during shutdown. A central control comprised of an auto shutdown logic section and an auto start time delay logic section is connected to signal producing components on the vehicle and its engine and provides outputs to control engine shutdown and restart. The accumulating device utilizes an idle fuel flow reference with a clock input to compute the amount of fuel saved, which is indicated on the attached display. The logic functions of the accumulator are accomplished by a programmed microprocessor.