Abstract: A method and system for determining the performance characteristics of at least one selected vehicle component utilizes a plurality of variables and takes into account the interrelationship of those vehicles. Specifically, a detected temperature, load and road grade condition are utilized to determine a rate of change in a performance characteristic of a selected component relative to time. The rate of change information is provided to a vehicle operator on a real-time basis and stored in memory for later use by a service technician. Determining a performance characteristic based on a plurality of variables and storing information regarding that characteristic over time provides additional useful information to a service technician enabling the technician to more quickly and effectively diagnose potential problems with the vehicle components.

Abstract: A method and system for providing enhanced diagnostic ability for monitoring vehicle performance characteristics includes utilizing a combination of temperature and lubrication level information. A first sensor monitors the temperature of a selected component, such as an axle, while a second sensor detects an amount of lubrication associated with that component. An electronic controller utilizes the temperature and lubrication level information to determine a performance characteristic and determines whether the selected component is operating within an acceptable range. The electronic controller preferably provides information to a vehicle operator through an on-board display indicating the monitored and determined characteristics on a real-time basis. Additionally, the electronic controller includes a memory module that stores performance characteristics information over time so that information can be provided to a service technician utilizing an external diagnostic computer.

Abstract: A window sliding mechanism such as that which is used in passenger car doors incorporates a system to reduce friction between a window and its respective seal. A channel provided with air holes is fitted along the window edges that ride within a conventional seal. Alternatively, the air holes could be provided in the seal itself. Air is supplied to the air holes by way of a reservoir or small pump attached to the window sliding mechanism. Controlled air flow reduces the friction generated during window travel. In another embodiment, the system to reduce friction is an oscillating device provided to a conventional window sliding mechanism. The oscillating device is powered by a low cost piezo device. The oscillating device would cause the window to vibrate, thereby reducing the friction generated during window travel.

Abstract: A system for monitoring spinout conditions in a heavy vehicle driveline provides the ability to monitor the manner in which a driver operates a vehicle. For example, spin out conditions that occur with greater frequency than is normally expected indicates an inappropriate manner of operating the vehicle. Similarly, spinouts that have relatively excessive duration indicate inappropriate vehicle operation. The system includes a sensor device for detecting a spinout condition and a detector for detecting whether a differential lock has been engaged by the vehicle operator. An electronic controller gathers information from the sensor device and the detector and records information regarding each spinout including the frequency and duration. This information is then later provided to a service technician to determine whether the vehicle warranty provisions have been violated.

Abstract: An oil contamination detection assembly includes a housing adapted for installation into a vehicular pneumatic brake system having a supply of air contaminated with oil. A surface is disposed within the housing for communicating with the air of the brake system and accumulating a film of the oil contaminating the air. A sensor directs a wave, such as an electromagnetic wave, having a predetermined characteristic at the surface, receives a wave reflected from the surface having a characteristic altered by the film of oil accumulated on the surface, and produces an oil contamination warning signal based upon the altered characteristic of the reflected wave.

Abstract: An oil contamination detection assembly includes a resistor having a known resistance which is exposed to the air of a vehicle brake system to accumulate a layer of oil contaminating the air. A heater boils non-carbon elements off the resistor, leaving a carbon residue which decreases the resistance of the resistor. A threshold detector circuit produces an oil contamination warning signal when the decreased resistance of the resistor is less than a predetermined value. The oil contamination detection assembly may be installed in an air line within the pneumatic brake system or integrated into an air dryer within the pneumatic brake system.

Abstract: A two buss system to accomplish; 1) communication from contact pairs located at vehicle access points such as a vehicle door or trunk to a central controller; and 2) transmitting current for energization of actuators to implement respective commands such as normal lock or super lock. The contact pairs function to provide entry ports for commands as well as providing status signals of various points of interest. The contact pairs are connected to individual output ports of a counter. Each contact pair is sequentially pulsed by a single pulse of a pulse train provided by the central controller. If a contact pair is engaged or closed when pulsed, the pulse will cause a coincident buss loading to occur. The central controller monitors buss loading and is appraised of the contact status by the coincidence (or lack thereof) of a pulse and a respectively loaded buss.

Abstract: A light curtain system having a series of light emitting diodes is arranged to produce a beam of light which is modulated at about 40 KHz. The light is broadcast across a physical space in which intrusion detection is desired and received by respectively arranged photo diodes. Each of the light emitting diodes is connected in parallel to a single modulated power supply. Each photo diode produces an electrical signal having a magnitude which is proportional to the amount of light incident thereon. The signal produced by each photo diode is sequentially sampled and then compared to a reference value. If an intrusion in the respective region of the light curtain has occurred, the magnitude of the sampled signal will be less than the reference value providing indicia of an intrusion. Upon such a detection, the light curtain system provides indicia of the intrusion such that consequential remedial action in response thereto may be performed.

Abstract: A safety edge switch which may be utilized to sense an obstruction present in a window opening upon closure of the respective window of an automotive vehicle. The switch may be secured to a window opening by adhesive attachment. The switch includes an outer peripheral portion preferably shaped as an oval and constructed of a resilient material which defines a central aperture. A second smaller structure constructed of conductive elastomer is located in the central aperture and secured to an internal wall thereof. A portion of the outer peripheral member opposite the second smaller oval shaped structure features a conductive elastomeric portion extending parallel thereto and maintained separate therefrom by the resilient physical properties of the outer peripheral portion.

Abstract: A pressure detector including a fiber optical cable woven through a ladder-like structure which is then encapsulated and surrounded by a cover. Light transmitted through the fiber optic cable is diminished to a value less than a threshold value upon the occurrence of microbending caused by pressure applied at any location along the length thereof. The rungs of the ladder-like structure are sized and spaced to provide a proper locus about which microbending may be produced. In addition, the rungs may be round in cross-section and/or otherwise shaped to enhance the sensitivity of the system.

Abstract: Speed sensor utilizing a stator which includes two circumferentially spaced elements which are interconnected by a low magnetic permeability member. The elements have alternating regions which provide a variation in magnetic permeability. A rotor which is arranged for rotation about a rotational axes includes alternating regions of magnetic permeability which interact with the stator. A magnet is located between the elements of the stator and the structural interconnection therebetween. A coil of wire is placed around the structural interconnecting member to sense variations in magnetic field which are caused by the change in reluctance as the respective regions of magnetic permeability of the elements and rotor pass one another.

Abstract: Four embodiments of a reluctance type rotational speed sensor are disclosed. In the first embodiment, an annular magnet circumscribes a sensing coil having a unitary rotor nested within it, and is disposed between two elements which comprise the stator. In a second embodiment, a magnet is disposed between two halves which comprise a rotor, the entire assembly nesting within a sensing coil and being disposed between the two stator elements. In the third embodiment, the rotor carries multiple magnets in an axially opposed position with respect to teeth formed on the stator. The magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit increases and decreases as the rotor magnets alternate between aligned and non-aligned positions enabling measurement of angular speed in accordance with the increase and decrease of magnetic flux. Any of the first three embodiments may be used, with minor modifications, in environments where a rotating shaft turns within a stationary bore, or where a rotting bore turns about a stationary shaft.

Abstract: A technique for acoustically communicating through existing air brake lines between a tractor and a trailer. The diagnostic status of the trailer antilock system is communicated via acoustic signals from the trailer antilock system through the air brake lines of the trailer and into the tractor air brake line. A piezo crystal located in the tractor air brake line converts the acoustic signal into an electrical signal which may be used to illuminate a lamp providing a display on the tractor dashboard.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-lock brake system having a main microprocessor and fail-safe microprocessor of a different type from the main microprocessor, and a device interconnecting the main and fail-safe microprocessors and the remainder of the vehicle braking system so that the fail-safe microprocessor can disable the brake release system independently of the main microprocessor.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-lock brake system having a main microprocessor and a fail-safe microprocessor of a different type from the main microprocessor, and a device interconnecting the main and fail-safe microprocessors and the remainder of the vehicle braking system so that the fail-safe microprocessor can disable the brake release system independently of the main microprocessor.

Abstract: A antilock brake system utilizes a microprocessor controller to monitor the rate of speed decay of a braked wheel of a vehicle and to cause release of braking force under incipient wheel lock-up conditions. The microprocessor receives a single digital wheel speed input signal and processes the latter in accordance with a program whereby a reference signal is generated and is periodically compared with the wheel speed signal to determine if a lock-up condition is in progress. The microprocessor compares the speed signal with the reference signal at frequent sampling intervals and when the wheel speed decreases at a rate exceeding a desired value, the reference signal is varied by the microprocessor to decrease at a predetermined first rate of decrement until the wheel speed signal and the reference signal correspond to each other, indicating that the wheel speed is dropping at a rate in excess of a desired rate of speed decay.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a preferred position for mounting an antilock control system that uses a single wheel speed sensor. The wheel speed sensor is mounted to sense speed of rotation of the main differential gear in a differential gear assembly and generates a wheel speed signal indicative of the average rate of rotation of at least two wheels of the vehicle. The sensing point is beyond the final reduction in gear ratios so as to eliminate any need to accommodate different axle ratios. The preferred mounting position also reduces velocity fluctuations caused by oscillations of the truck driveline. A microprocessor controller is mounted in close proximity to the wheel speed sensor so as to minimize the length of sensor leads and, hence, the susceptibility of the antilock controller to electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: Apparatus for use on a vehicle having a main drive shaft and first and second output shafts operable for providing driving torque to the wheels of the vehicle. The apparatus comprises electromagnetic sensors for determining excessive difference in output speeds of the first and second output shafts to detect a slip condition and a control circuit operable to actuate another mechanism for eliminating the slip condition in response to the sensing means. The other mechanism is operable for a predetermined time after actuation thereof.

Abstract: A device mounted on a power transmission device of a vehicle is utilized for transmitting an RF signal when a predetermined parameter exists in the power transmission device wherein the RF signal is capable of being received at a remote location. An electromagnetic transducer provides alternating voltage as power which is applied to an oscillator including a crystal filter, a junction field effect transistor and a resistor. The alternating voltage is applied across a drain and a source of the junction field effect transistor. The crystal filter is connected between the drain and the gate of the junction field effect transistor while the resistor is connected between the gate and the source of the junction field effect transistor. A wire antenna has a first end which is connected to the drain of the junction field effect transistor and a second end which is connected to the source of the junction field effect transistor to prevent transmission of any RF signal until the predetermined parameter is exceeded.

Abstract: A simple recyclable key and locking system for enabling a pay TV converter is disclosed. The key is a small tag such as might be attached to the room key of a hotel room and is to be turned in with the room key. The TV viewing key is inserted into a locking-unlocking unit which determines its validity, makes the appropriate connection in a pay TV converter to enable viewing, then cancels the validity of the key. When turned in, the key is easily examined as to whether or not it has been used, and, if so, it can be quickly revalidated for reuse. The key user is billed only if his viewing key has been used, or is not returned. In a residential situation, the viewing key would be purchased, then discarded after one use.