Abstract: A power distribution module is especially suited to vehicular applications. An input/output module port is adapted for connection to an external multiplexed communication path, with transceiver circuitry being operative to send and receive messages over the communication path in digital form. The module is flexible enough to support a standard or user-defined commination protocol. An input is adapted for connection to a source of power. A plurality of controllable power switches are used to selectively route power from the source to a plurality of power output ports each port being associated with one of the switches. Control circuitry, operatively connected to the transceiver circuitry and to each power switch, facilitates the sending and receiving of messages over the communication path and provides control signals to the switches in accordance with a message received.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a throttle of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle receives a signal related to an actual position of the throttle, and a target throttle position signal produced in response to a condition of the vehicle, such as loss of traction of one or more driving wheels. A polyphase motor is connected to control the position of the throttle. A circuit, such as a programmed digital computer, is also provided that is responsive to the target throttle position signal for simultaneously applying driving signals to at least two windings of the polyphase motor to cause the polyphase motor to move the position of the throttle until the signal related to the actual position of the throttle indicates that the throttle is at a position indicated by the target throttle position signal.

Abstract: A versatile control for a plural-material vacuum hopper loader comprising a blowback timer which generates a blowback enabling signal for a time interval T2, a blowback signal generator which develops a series of blowback pulse signals of adjustable duration, and blowback logic which actuates an air supply to apply pulses of air to the hopper loader during interval T2. A fill timer generates a fill enabling signal over a time interval T3, and a fill signal generator develops a repeating sequence of fill actuating signal pulses of adjustable relative duration; the fill enabling signal energizes an evacuation apparatus to evacuate the hopper continuously during interval T3 whereas fill logic actuates fill control valves (one for each material) in the repeating sequence of the fill actuating signal pulses throughout the same interval.

Abstract: A control system for a water chiller comprising a heat exchanger, a pump for circulating a coolant comprising water or other process fluid through a path including the heat exchanger, a process apparatus, and a reservoir, and a compressor for circulating refrigerant through a path including the heat exchanger and a condenser; the control system includes electronic sensors for sensing the water supply pressure to the process apparatus, the refrigerant pressures at the compressor inlet and outlet, the water level in the reservoir, and the water temperatures at the heat exchanger inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A process liquid circulation and temperature control system including a pump for circulating water or other process liquid through a path including a heating unit, a cooling unit, and a process apparatus that is returned to the pump; the pump and the heating and cooling units are actuated in response to temperature/pressure variations sensed at the return from the process apparatus and at the delivery thereto. One pressure control measures the differential pressure across the pump and inhibits system operation except when the differential exceeds a predetermined magnitude in a given direction; another pressure control inhibits operation if the return pressure falls below a given threshold; a circuit that determines .DELTA.P/T prevents boiling of the process fluid. For both temperature and pressure controls, the delivery and return sensors are calibrated to match each other on system start-up.

Abstract: A regeneration cycle control for a dessicant air dryer of the kind in which regeneration is effected by passing heated air through the bed; a thermal sensor senses the bed outlet temperature and de-energizes the regeneration air heater when a given outlet temperature T1 is reached, after which regeneration air flow is continued to cool the bed to a lower temperature T2, at which point the regeneration cycle is terminated and on-stream operation resumed. In a dual-bed dryer, the beds are maintained alternately in on-stream mode and regeneration mode.