Abstract: Intelligent servomotor controller, including integrated servomotor controller having motor with rotor in first housing; rotor position encoder producing measured position of rotor; microprocessor within second housing mating to first housing, electrically connected to rotor position encoder, serial communications port connecting to another integrated servomotor controller communicating desired rotor position command using serial digital data, microprocessor having software receiving desired position commands through communications port, computing error between desired position command and encoder-transmitted measured rotor reducing error signals to zero. Microprocessor is a position based servo system within second housing and rotor within first housing to desired position defined by communication with another integrated servo element. Microprocessor produces actuation signal to direct PID filter connected to microprocessor, PID filter providing drive amplifier servo control of supplying current to the motor.

Abstract: A heat sink apparatus dissipates heat from an integrated circuit which is connected to a printed circuit board. A support member is connected to the circuit board for supporting the integrated circuit with respect to the circuit board. A metal tab in thermal communication with the integrated circuit extends from the support member in a plane substantially parallel to the circuit board. An electrically insulating thermally conductive compressible pad is positioned in contact with the metal tab for receiving heat from the tab when compressed. A thermally conductive housing is positioned adjacent the pad for compressing the pad against the tab and for receiving heat from the pad when compressed. The housing includes a plurality of fins extending therefrom for heat dissipation. A method for dissipating heat from an integrated circuit which is connected to a printed circuit board is also provided.

Abstract: A pressure sensing oscillator (12) and temperature sensing oscillator (14) each produce digital, oscillating signals having frequencies varying with respect to the pressure and temperature, respectively, sensed by each. The signals are input into a temperature compensation circuit (16) which effects a temperature compensation of the pressure signal in accordance with the digital temperature signal. The temperature compensated signal is then input into a microprocessor (18) which filters the signal and generates an output signal based on calibration values stored in an EEPROM. The resulting output signal represents a compensated, calibrated pressure signal. The format for the output signal is a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal having a percent modulation indicative of the temperature compensated, calibrated pressure.

Abstract: An electronic sensor (20) for measuring methanol content in gasoline fuels for automotive engines including a sensing coil (108/108') and a paired capacitance element (42,44/42', 44') that cooperates with the coil to define an oscillating circuit wherein the gasoline methanol fuel mixture is used as a dielectric for the capacitor elements of the sensor, a change in the methanol concentration in the fuel resulting in a change in the dielectric constant of the sensor (20) which results in a change in the resonant frequency of the capacitor elements (108/108', 42/44/42', 44'), and a microprocessor circuit (160) which responds to a change in the oscillating frequency to establish a control signal that may be used by an automotive powertrain controller (24) to effect appropriate adjustments in the air/fuel ratio and ignition timing for the engine (10) to compensate for variations in the methanol content of the fuel.

Abstract: An electronic sensor (20) for measuring methanol content in gasoline fuels for automotive engines including a sensing coil (108/108') and a paired capacitance element (42,44/42',44') that cooperates with the coil to define an oscillating circuit wherein the gasoline methanol fuel mixture is used as a dielectric for the capacitor elements of the sensor, a change in the methanol concentration in the fuel resulting in a change in the dielectric constant of the sensor (20) which results in a change in the resonant frequency of the capacitor elements (108/108',42,44/42',44'), and a microprocessor circuit (160) which responds to a change in the oscillating frequency to establish a control signal that may be used by an automotive powertrain controller (24) to effect appropriate adjustments in the air/fuel ratio and ignition timing for the engine (10) to compensate for variations in the methanol content of the fuel.