Abstract: An air intake manifold assembly for use with an internal combustion engine includes a plenum portion and a runner assembly mounted to the plenum portion. The runner assembly has a flange disposed between an air intake portion and an air outlet portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coolant crossover member and intake manifold assembly adapted for use in a vehicle engine and method for producing the same. The crossover and manifold assembly includes crossover and a manifold. The crossover has a passage formed therein extending between a first end and a second end thereof. The manifold is joined to the first and second ends of the crossover. The manifold is provided with first and second openings which define first and second inner surfaces, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-contained electric brake controller for energizing electrically operated brakes in a towed vehicle in response to a demand by a driver in a towing vehicle. The controller includes a unique deceleration sensing unit for generating a signal proportional to the magnitude of deceleration of the towing vehicle. The deceleration sensing unit includes an outer housing adapted to be secured relative to the towing vehicle, and a pendulum mounted on an axis for pivotal movement relative to the housing. The pendulum is movable in one direction from a resting position to a predetermined extended position when the vehicle is subjected to a predetermined magnitude of deceleration. The pendulum includes a magnet spaced from the pivot axis of the pendulum.

Abstract: An electric brake control circuit is responsive to an activation signal and a vehicle deceleration signal for generating a brake control signal representing a predetermined amount of braking. A comparator compares the voltage level of the brake control signal with the voltage level of a sawtooth waveform to produce a pluse width modulated signal having a duty cycle corresponding to the predetermined amount of braking. This pulse width modulated signal is supplied to an output driver for generating a brake driving signal to energize the brakes. The activation signal is generated at the voltage level of the vehicle power supply when the driver actuates the vehicle stop light switch. The circuit is responsive to the activation signal for disabling the output driver when the voltage level of the activation signal is below a predetermined level. The circuit also senses the current load on the brake driving signal to protect the output driver in the event of a full or partial short circuit condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a position sensor which can be utilized as a height sensor in an automatic vehicle suspension system. The sensor comprises a telescoping assembly including an elongate shaft having one end which is axially slidable within an outer housing. The telescoping assembly is connected between sprung and unsprung vehicle frame members. The outer ends of the shaft and the housing are each provided with a unique bifurcated socket unit and an associated retaining clip for attachment to a ball element connection point on the associated vehicle frame member. A pair of magnets are carried by the shaft and are adapted to generate a first magnetic field having one polarity and extending axially along a first portion of the shaft and a second magnetic field having an opposite polarity and extending axially along a second portion of the shaft.

Abstract: An electronic control for electrically operated brakes utilizing solid state electronic components to control the braking mechanism in a towed vehicle. A transducer develops a control signal corresponding to the braking effort desired, and may be actuated by the hydraulic brake system of the towing vehicle or, alternately, may be actuated from the brake foot pedal itself or from a manual control. Power is applied to the brakes as a pulsating voltage, the pulse width of which is varied in response to the control signal. The pulse width is decreased with increasing currents to limit the power in the circuit when a short occurs in the towed vehicle brake circuit. The electronic control also may be used in other applications.

Abstract: A failsafe system for a skid control system for a multi-axle wheeled vehicle. The skid control system has a plurality of skid control modules, each of which is operatively associated with one of the axles of the vehicle and the skid control modules are operatively coupled by wiring on the vehicle. Each skid control module comprises a skid control circuit for skid controlling the wheels of the associated axle, which circuit is supplied from an electrical power source such as the vehicle battery, either regulated or unregulated. A failsafe circuit is provided in each skid control module and the failsafe circuits of the several modules are connected in cascade fashion to form a chain.