Abstract: An intermittent windshield wiper system achieves a substantial wipe event at the end of a wash cycle during intermittent operation. The innovative wiper system includes gear reducing box for reducing the oscillation rate of the wipers below the rotation rate of the wiper motor; a selector switch that functions in conjunction with a first rely for controlling the supply of power to the wiper motor to operate it at a higher speed during the initial phase of intermittent operation and during the wash cycle and with a second relay for controlling the supply of power to the wiper motor to operate it at a lower speed during the remainder of the intermittent cycle and to brake the wiper motor during the final phase of intermittent cycle. The innovative wiper system advantageously utilizes the same mechanism to achieve the normal intermittent dwell, instant on, and wipe after wash timing.

Abstract: A method for collecting pressure data from a fuel tank in a motor vehicle is achieved by providing an analog pressure transducer in communication with a capacitor, at least one resistor in communication with the capacitor, and a gate to control the communication between the resistor and the capacitor. Software in a microprocessor controller compares the voltage across the resistor to a reference voltage as the capacitor discharges, determines the number of clock counts for which a predetermined relationship exists between the voltage across the resistor and the reference voltage, then consults a table to determine an absolute pressure based on the clock count. The microprocessor transmits the absolute pressure to the central vehicle computer via a multiplex data bus system.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting data related to the internal pressure of a fuel tank in a motor vehicle includes an analog pressure transducer that outputs a signal to charge a capacitor to a level proportional to the pressure in the fuel tank of the vehicle. A programmable microprocessor signals a gate to open a communication path between the capacitor and a discharge resistor, then monitors the number of clock counts that occur before the voltage across the discharge resistor drops below a reference voltage. The microprocessor uses the clock count to determine the absolute pressure within the fuel tank and transmits it to a central vehicle computer via a multiplexed data bus system.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a fuel level detector includes the steps of providing a first capacitor and second capacitor in electrically operable relation to a resistive member; charging the capacitors in free air; recording the discharge cycle of each of the capacitors through the resistive member as free-air clock counts; determining a free-air ratio of the two capacitors by comparing their free-air clock counts; then calibrating the fuel level detector by adjusting one of the capacitive values by a factor of said free-air ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for detecting the level, composition, and temperature of a liquid fuel stored in a tank on a vehicle, as well as the tank pressure, and for transmitting this data via a multiplex bus to a central vehicle computer. The apparatus for collecting liquid fuel level data comprises first capacitive sensing means located within the fuel tank for storing a charge proportional to a full liquid level, second capacitive sensing means located within the tank for storing an instant liquid level charge proportional to the instant liquid level in the tank, and first processing means in communication with the multiplex bus and first and second capacitive sensing means for comparing the full liquid level charge to the instant liquid level charge to determine an absolute liquid level value and for outputting a corresponding fuel level data signal to the multiplex bus.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting liquid level data for any composition of fuel contained in a vehicle fuel tank and for transmitting this data via a multiplex bus to a central vehicle computer. A first capacitor stores a charge proportional to the level of a full fuel tank. A second capacitor stores a charge proportional to the instant level of the fuel in the tank. A micro-controller in communication with the first and second capacitors and with the multiplex bus for controlling the discharge of the capacitors, The micro-controller determines the absolute level of the fuel and transmits the data to the multiplex bus.

Abstract: A method for collecting liquid temperature data from a fuel tank id achieved by providing a thermal sensitive resistive element that produces a value proportional to the liquid's temperature, a capacitor for storing a charge representative of this value, and a resistor through which the capacitor is discharged. Circuitry and software is provided that compares the voltage across the resistor to a reference as the capacitor discharges, determines the number of clock counts for which a predetermined relationship exists between the voltage across the resistor and the reference, then consults a table to determine an absolute temperature based on this clock count.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the temperature of a liquid fuel stored in a tank of a vehicle includes a thermal sensitive resistor immersed in the fuel. The resistor charges a capacitor to a level indicative of the temperature of the fuel. A programmable microprocessor signals a gate to open a communication path between the capacitor and a discharge resistor, then monitors the number of clock counts that occur before the voltage across the discharge resistor drops below a reference voltage. The microprocessor uses the clock count to determine the absolute fuel temperature, which it transmits to a central vehicle computer via a multiplexed data bus system.

Abstract: A novel and improved carpet yarn for cut-pile carpets is produced by twisting a strand of yarn having pre-existing latent filament crimp characteristics to a predetermined twist level in a given direction and then plying it with a similar strand or strands having the same amount of twist inserted therein in the same direction. The yarns are plied together, receiving a ply twist essentially equal in amount to the twist in the single strands, but in the opposite direction. The plied yarn is then wound on a rotating mandrel which is also adapted to advance the yarn along the length of the mandrel and through a treatment zone wherein predetermined conditions of heat and moisture are applied to fully develop the latent crimp characteristics of the yarn filaments.