Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor is disclosed which utilizes a sensing bridge circuit to develop a sense (control) signal related to fluid flow. A fluid temperature variable resistor, separate from said bridge circuit, is utilized to implement temperature compensation so that a desired output signal is a function of sensed fluid flow, but is less dependent on fluid temperature than the sense (control) signal provided by the bridge circuit. A resistor in the bridge circuit is selected such that the sense (control) signal provided by the bridge circuit has a rate of change as a function of flow rate substantially independent of fluid temperature, but this sense signal still varies as a function of fluid temperature. This permits fluid temperature compensation of the bridge sense signal in a noncomplex and cost effective manner. An improved adjustable circuit (36-41) is provided for producing a desired temperature variable output signal (V.sub.os).

Abstract: A mass fluid flow sensor is disclosed which utilizes a sensing bridge circuit to develop a sense (control) signal related to fluid flow. A fluid temperature variable resistor, separate from said bridge circuit, is utilized to implement temperature compensation so that a desired output signal is a function of sensed fluid flow, but is less dependent on fluid temperature than the sense (control) signal provided by the bridge circuit. A resistor in the bridge circuit is selected such that the sense (control) signal provided by the bridge circuit has a rate of change as a function of flow rate substantially independent of fluid temperature, but this sense signal still varies as a function of fluid temperature. This permits fluid temperature compensation of the bridge sense signal in a noncomplex and cost effective manner.

Abstract: Several embodiments for mass airflow sensors are illustrated herein. In each case a sensing element (11) for the mass airflow sensor (10, 34, 50) is provided on a first portion (18) of a thin flexible film substrate (19) while an extension of this substrate provides integral electrical conductive metallizations (24) that connect the sensing element (11) to associated sensor electronic components (21) mounted on a second portion (23) of the film substrate remotely located from the first film portion. This eliminates the need for individual soldered wire connections to connect the sensing element to its associated electronics. In addition, housing portions (12, 13) for the sensor (10, 34, 50) mate together and provide protection for both the sensing element (11) and the sensor electronics (21) thereby providing an integral sensor module including the sensing element and its associated electronics.

Abstract: A brushless alternator is disclosed having a stationary field coil and core surrounded by a stationary stator coil and core with a cylindrical air gap being defined therebetween. A rotor assembly is fixed to a rotatable shaft and has interweaved separate magnetic finger assemblies joined together by a non-magnetic ring wherein these fingers are rotated in the cylindrical gap. The stator and field cores are radially disposed with respect to the rotatable shaft. The field core axially extends beyond the effective axial length of the field coil and provides at an axial position beyond the effective axial length of the field coil, at least one low reluctance axial flux gap between the field core and the magnetic fingers. This flux gap conducts a substantial portion of the flux created by the field coil. The field core also serves as a shaft bearing retainer and has a bearing grease reservoir comprising a cylindrical recess adjacent the shaft bearing.