Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a transfer case clutch in a motor vehicle driveline controlled by an engine throttle having a variable position. The transfer case transmits rotating power to a primary power path and to a secondary power path in response to an electric current duty cycle applied to a coil that actuates the clutch. The method includes the steps of determining that a current vehicle speed is less than a reference vehicle speed; determining that the engine throttle position is in a reference throttle position range; determining that a change in vehicle speed is greater than a reference change in vehicle speed; using a current magnitude of torque in the driveline to determine a desired duty cycle for the coil; and applying a duty cycle of the desired magnitude to the coil.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a transfer case clutch in a motor vehicle driveline controlled by an engine throttle having a variable position. The transfer case transmits rotating power to a primary power path and to a secondary power path in response to an electric current duty cycle applied to a coil that actuates the clutch. The method includes the steps of determining that a current vehicle speed is less than a reference vehicle speed; determining that the engine throttle position is in a reference throttle position range; determining that a change in vehicle speed is greater than a reference change in vehicle speed; using a current magnitude of torque in the driveline to determine a desired duty cycle for the coil; and applying a duty cycle of the desired magnitude to the coil.

Abstract: A circuit for correcting a fault in an automotive system having at least two operating states includes an actuator mechanism for placing the system into one of at least two operating states and a switching mechanism, such as a relay, operatively connected with the actuator mechanism for driving the actuator mechanism upon passing a current through the switching mechanism. The circuit further includes a fault warning mechanism for detecting an inability of the actuator to place the system into a desired operating state and for generating a fault warning signal in response to the detection as well as a control unit for activating the switching mechanism according to a predetermined sequence upon generation of the fault warning signal to correct the inability of the actuator mechanism to place the system into a desired operating state.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the operational position of an automotive suspension including two members relatively movable with respect to one another includes an assembly with the first component movable with respect to a second component, with the first and second components being relatively movable with respect to each other as a result of the movement of the vehicle suspension. A sensor according to this invention will further include, without limitation, a signal generation device associated with said first and second sensor components for generating a plurality of position signals including both unique and non-unique signals.

Abstract: A system for measuring ride height and relative vertical velocity of a motor vehicle suspension includes a sensor for detecting vertical motion of a wheel and tire assembly which is relatively movable with respect to the chassis of the motor vehicle and a processor operatively connected with the sensor for calculating the relative velocity of the suspension with respect to the chassis. The processor includes a mechanism for comparing the magnitude of the calculated velocity of the road wheel with a set of threshold velocity values and output circuits for producing a control signal in the event that the calculated velocity lies between two of the threshold values. The system also includes an adjustment mechanism operatively connected with the processor and responsive to control signals therefrom for adjusting an adjustable suspension unit.