Abstract: An automatic guided vehicle (AGV) system for automatically transporting loads along a predetermined path is provided. The improvement includes a plurality of embedded magnets distant from one another, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of embedded magnets represent a positioning point and a plurality of AGVs, wherein at least one of the plurality of AGVs includes a drive assembly and a sensor system having a plurality of sensors, the sensor system configured for guidance of the AGV based upon simultaneous reading of the embedded magnets under the plurality of sensors, such that a position of the AGV with respect to the sensors can be repeatedly determined with respect to magnetic field peaks of the embedded magnets, and fine positioning markers.

Abstract: An automatic guided vehicle (AGV) and method has at least one AGV with a drive assembly, a rechargeable power source on-board the AGV configured to supply power to the drive assembly, and a controller on-board the AGV. The controller on-board the AGV is configured to substantially continuously monitor at least two conditions including an operating condition of the AGV, a state of charge of the power source, and an electrical power supplied for recharging the rechargeable power source, wherein the controller determines when the rechargeable power source of the AGV is to be recharged, and controls a recharging process of the power source based upon at least one of the monitored conditions.

Abstract: An automatic guided vehicle (AGV) and method has at least one AGV with a drive assembly, a rechargeable power source on-board the AGV configured to supply power to the drive assembly, and a controller on-board the AGV. The controller on-board the AGV is configured to substantially continuously monitor at least two conditions including an operating condition of the AGV, a state of charge of the power source, and an electrical power supplied for recharging the rechargeable power source, wherein the controller determines when the rechargeable power source of the AGV is to be recharged, and controls a recharging process of the power source based upon at least one of the monitored conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel system has an electronic control module received within a fuel tank to send data to and receive data from the electronic control unit (ECU) for the vehicle engine and other vehicle control systems, to provide an electronic control of the vehicle fuel system and to receive signals from one or more sensors mounted within the fuel tank which provide information about the operation of the fuel system. The fuel system integrates a plurality of components into the vehicle fuel tank to reduce the number of openings through the vehicle fuel tank and the number of external connections which must be made in assembly of the fuel system into a vehicle. By disposing a fuel vapor canister within the fuel tank, each vapor vent valve within the fuel tank can communicate completely within the tank with the vapor canister with a single outlet extending from the fuel tank to communicate fuel vapor from the canister with an intake manifold of the engine.

Abstract: A capacitor discharge type ignition system for an internal combustion engine has a secondary charge coil mounted on a ferromagnetic core adjacent to a primary charge coil and an ignition coil, and means for selectively providing current from a battery to the secondary charge coil to increase the charging of a capacitor with the fly back voltage of the secondary charge coil when the current supplied to it from the battery is interrupted or terminated to increase the charge stored by the capacitor at low engine speeds and thereby facilitate starting an engine at very low engine speeds. The battery provides additional energy necessary to provide ignition and starting of the engine at very low engine speeds and can also be used to provide power for other functions, such as to electric starting of the engine, or to power other auxiliary features of the machine powered by the engine.

Abstract: A drive circuit for energizing an engine fuel injector coil from a power source which has energy storage means responsive to a first control signal for selectively storing energy from the power source, and means responsive to a second control signal for selectively discharging energy stored in the energy storage means into said injector coil. The stored energy is discharged into the injector coil in addition to energy from the power source, to more rapidly open the fuel injector. In a preferred embodiment, the circuit has an inductor in circuit with the fuel injector, an inductor driver switch to control the flow of current through the inductor and an injector driver switch to control the flow of current through the fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system and method for providing fuel to a fuel injected engine using an engine control unit (ECU) to determine engine fuel demand and adjust fuel pump operation accordingly to supply at least as much fuel as demanded by the engine. The ECU determines a fuel pump control signal based upon fuel demand and applies the signal to a fuel pump driver that controllably drives the pump in response to the control signal. The ECU determines fuel demand by monitoring engine operation and calculates a control signal that controls the duration of time the fuel injector stays open during an upcoming intake stroke of engine operation. The pump control signal is proportional to engine fuel demand multiplied by a constant that ensures more fuel will be available for delivery to the injector than demanded by the engine. Engine fuel demand is proportional to the duration of time the injector will stay open multiplied by the engine speed.

Abstract: A liquid propane fuel storage and delivery system for a vehicle engine with a fluid handling component module removably top-mounted on an appropriate vehicle-mounted pressurized liquid propane fuel storage tank.

Abstract: An automatic fuel enrichment system for cranking and warm-up of an internal combustion engine in which a solenoid valve is responsive to control electronics for selectively feeding enrichment fuel to the engine air intake manifold. The valve control electronics receives a signal from the engine ignition system and controls a solenoid valve as a function of engine speed. Specifically, the control electronics energizes the solenoid valve when engine speed exceeds a preset minimum cranking threshold until the engine reaches a preset idle speed threshold, at which point enrichment is terminated. In the event that the engine begins to stall during warm-up and engine speed declines to a preset intermediate threshold, the enrichment valve is again energized until the engine reaches idle speed.