Abstract: A latch/switch mechanism is attached to and operative for inserting and securing circuit modules into a housing while at the same time creating differing electrical connections during the insertion process. The latch/switch mechanism includes a latch lever with a cam and also included means to engage a support housing such as a notch or clip in the lever. The cam portion sequentially engages a plurality of conductive leaf springs and as the lever is rotated, the cam forces the making and breaking of certain connections of the conductive leaf springs to effect the various desired circuit connections and disconnections.

Abstract: A motor actuator for an air conditioning system comprising a driving motor and an output shaft rotated by a driving force from the driving motor. At least one moveable contact is mounted on a contact mounting member rotatable together with the output shaft. Fixed contacts are mounted on a fixed circuit board. The movable contact is in sliding contact with the fixed contacts. A hysteresis imparting device is provided for imparting a hysteresis to the rotation of the contact mounting member with respect to the rotation of the output shaft. Further, the circuit board is interposed between an output gear on the output shaft and a switch disc rotatable together with the output gear. A switch device comprised of the movable contact and the fixed contacts is mounted between the circuit board and the output gear and/or between the circuit board and the switch disc.

Abstract: A method of determining the cylinder #1 power firing event in a wasted spark ignition system comprises developing a first signal comprising the integration of all power firing event signals, a second signal comprises the integration of all wasted firing event signals and comparing the amplitudes of the two signals to determine which represents the power firing events. The firing event signals are sorted for integration based upon knowledge of the polarity of spark plug firings, the cylinder firing order and the occurrence of a #1 cylinder firing event signal.

Abstract: A fused disconnect switch is contained within a molded plastic cover pivotally attached to a molded plastic case. The switch contact blade is directly attached to the cover whereby movement of the cover in one direction slidingly connects the switch contact blade between the line and load stabs mounted within the case. Movement of the cover in an opposite direction slidingly disconnects the switch contact blade from the line and load stabs. Tabs integrally formed within the cover and slots integrally formed within the case cooperate to prevent access to the switch components when the switch blade is in its "ON" position. An opening is provided for locking the switch in either the "ON" or "OFF" position.

Abstract: A device for the production of a tachometry signal of infinite resolution and without ripple from an inductive position sensor. The sensor is fed by a sinusoidal reference signal and supplies two phase signals. A resistance-capacitance circuit tuned to the frequency of the reference signal is fed by the two phase signals of the sensor and supplies a sinusoidal signal whose phase angle is proportional to the rotation of the sensor. This signal is then digitized and processed by digital phase comparators and low-pass filters before differentiation. This includes the use of particular digital phase comparators, each associated with a particular return to zero detector, to produce by a storage flip-flop and an electronic switch, the outgoing tachometry signal with the aid of a single differentiator with a device for elimination of discontinuities.

Abstract: A work surface structure having a power/communication module integral therewith. This module is hidden beneath a door which is flush with and forms a part of the top of the work surface structure. This module permits numerous power and communication (i.e. data) cables to be fed into the module for connection to apppropriate connectors, and excess lengths of cable can be stored within a compartment of the module. Additional cable storage compartments are hidden below the top of the work surface for storing therein excess lengths of power/communication cables which extend from external locations to the module.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring partial pressures of oxygen with an ion-conducting lid electrolyte of zirconium dioxide as the sensor element, which is arranged between two electrodes for measuring an electrically measurable quantity, is improved so that it is usable at an operating temperature of about 200.degree. C., by providing that the zirconium dioxide as the solid electrolyte is solely in its tetragonal modification and containing an addition of about 2-3 mol % yttrium oxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the operability of an overload protection device for an induction motor, rapidly and without the need to mechanically load the motor output shaft. A rectifier circuit converts a standard AC input power signal to an unfiltered full wave rectified output power signal which is applied to the input terminals of the motor under test to rapidly heat the overload device to its trip temperature. The output power signal is periodically interrupted for brief periods of sufficient duration to extinguish any arcing occasioned by the opening of the overload device contacts. The period between successive interrupt periods is selected to be short enough to extinguish any such arcing before the contacts are damaged. If the contacts of the protection device fail to open within a predetermined time period, a signal is generated to indicate that the overload device has failed to operate properly.

Abstract: A motor assembly having a field plate and a gear train mounted on at least one face of the field plate. The field plate defines an aperture which, in turn, defines a plurality of field poles for a rotor mounted in the aperture. A field coil is wound about a portion of the field plate to provide a motor for the field-plate-mounted gear train.

Abstract: A switch operator has a low friction ratchet wheel driven by a low power time programmed clock to operate the switch in one position or another depending upon the position of the ratchet wheel to operate the ratchet wheel independent of the time programmed clock. A pawl resiliently held and biased away from the ratchet wheel engages the ratchet wheel when moving in a forward direction to move it a predetermined amount. A cam member mounted adjacent the ratch wheel is engaged by the pawl to bias the pawl against a projection on the ratchet wheel when the pawl is moved forward and to bias the pawl away from the ratchet wheel upon its return movement.

Abstract: A control center utilizing individual control units that hang from a unit shelf in a control center section. A tongue on the top of each control unit mates with the groove of the unit shelf to provide quick and easy alignment for electrical connections between the control unit and the vertical bus bar. The unit shelf and door are designed to be secured simultaneously to the cabinet.

Abstract: To provide an unambiguously representative signal responsive to the speed of a vehicle wheel, an inductive pick-up (1a. . . . 1n) is coupled to a suitable star wheel or the like of each one of the wheels, the pick-ups then providing their signals to amplifiers (3a. . . . . 3n) having hysteresis characteristics. At low speeds, an offset signal is superimposed on the voltage from the inductive pick-ups so that the amplifiers respond and provide output signals only at higher amplitudes of the pick-up signals, thereby eliminating inaccuracies or disturbances occurring in the sensor which might simulate changes in speed of the respective wheel.

Abstract: A switch actuation assembly is provided with a support means for supporting the switch in a fixed position relative to orientations of a moveable member. A motion response element is operably connected to the moveable member for being moved in one of two directions in response to movement of the moveable member toward one of the orientations and for being moved in the other of the two directions in response to the movement of the moveable member toward the other of the two orientations. An actuating member is provided for engaging the switch to actuate the switch from a first position to a second position. The actuating member is in frictional contact with the motion response element whereby the actuating member is moved by the response element until any force of resistance to the movement of the actuating member exceeds the static friction force.

Abstract: A compact electric safety switch including a rotatably mounted double contact blade assembly. Heavy duty compression springs are positioned under the blade assembly for rapid make and break connection between opposing line and load contact stabs. A pair of contact springs directs the contact blade during transit between the line and load contact stabs and serves to increase the contact pressure between the contact blade and the contact stabs when the contact blade is inserted therein.

Abstract: A key switch assembly for direct mounting on a PCB or similar substrate. The key switch has a body with depending mounting pin having retainers thereon to secure the key switch at apertures in the substrate. The key switch body includes a snappable dome moveable from a non-actuated position to an actuated position in direct contact with conductive elements in the substrate by manual depression of a key.

Abstract: A plurality of heat pipes extend longitudinally through a unitary or segmented circuit card module, terminating at both ends in cavities formed along lateral edges of the module. In one embodiment, bellows extend outwardly from the cavities in a direction normal to the plane of the module, terminating in interface plates which extends along the respective lateral edges of the module. In another embodiment, upstanding pillars are connected to bellows covering the cavities. Electronic components are mounted on a circuit card applied to a face of the module. The module is loosely received between opposed liquid cooled surfaces of guiderails in a circuit card rack. Heat from the components is communicated through the card to the heat pipes, increasing the pressure within the pipes to urge the interface plates or pillars into variable pressure contact with the guiderails. The pressure is sufficient to snugly hold the module in the rack.

Abstract: Method of and arrangement for measuring low capacitances include generating a periodic frequency signal having time periods of duration dependent on capacitance, and alternately connecting an unknown capacitance to be measured and a known reference capacitance, one after the other, to a frequency generator for an equal number of time periods of the frequency signal. Each time period has a first and a second time interval proportional to the reference capacitance and the unknown capacitance, respectively. A DC voltage output signal proportional to the unknown capacitance being measured is generated in response to the durations of the first and second time intervals. The DC voltage output signal is preferably scaled, linearized and temperature compensated.

Abstract: A combined on/off and reversing switch, particularly for an electric screwdriver having a reversible motor, has a switch plate which can be rotatably mounted on an end of the motor. Terminals of the motor extend through the switch plate and are selectively contacted by ends of two resiliently flexible contact strips carried by the switch plate. An actuating member is moved along a selected path to rotate the switch plate to select "forward" and "reverse", and then depressed inwardly to flex an end of the appropriate contact strip to complete energization of the motor. The contact strips resiliently bias the actuating member outwardly to switch the motor "off" when the actuating member is released. Switching the motor "on" from a neutral "off" position of the switch involves a two part movement of the actuating member. The switch is of simple and compact construction.

Abstract: A recording apparatus comprises a rotatable transfer medium to be heated, a recording system for heating the transfer medium and a press mechanism for effecting transfer of molten transfer medium onto a record medium. A distance between the heat position and the transfer position may be kept constant by a maintaining device. Additional transfer media may be held in the apparatus by a holding member. The plural transfer media may be identical or different in color.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the status of power distribution cables which involves the removal of a plug from the sheath which is tiny relative to the size of the cable to expose an area of resistive material which may be probed to detect the presence or absence of a signal of predetermined frequency. The apparatus is equipped with self-testing circuits as well as circuits for determining resistance between the resistive layer and the sheath, whereby positive identification of the cable to be tested is assured. The apparatus is clamped directly to the cable and is controlled from a remote location, which protects the operator of the equipment. The plug removed from the sheath is cut and extracted by a tool which is also subject to remote control by the operator.