Abstract: A multifunction space bar for control of a video screen graphics cursor for replacement of, or as a supplement to, a second peripheral pointing device without keyboard modification. The device is a conventional space bar replacement and fits within the confines of conventional keyboards allowing the retro-fit of existing keyboards. The device is capable of supplying information signals determining rotational, sliding, and switch depression movements for control of video screen graphics cursor on a microprocessor based computer system having bus input control electronics for receipt of supply information signals. The device utilizes a positioner slidably secured to a cylindrical bar whereby rotation of the positioner generates a directional signal control of the graphic cursor along the y-axis. Slidable movement of the positioner longitudinally along the length of the cylindrical bar generates a directional signal for control of the graphic cursor along the x-axis. Both signals can be operated simultaneously.

Abstract: A variable force solenoid valve assembly is provided for use in an automatic transmission controller for controllably reducing a fluid inlet pressure to a desired outlet control pressure. The invention includes a solenoid sub-assembly secured to a valve body sub-assembly. The valve body includes a spool valve having three radially extending lands which translate within a valve body central bore in response to movement of an armature sub-assembly provided in the solenoid sub-assembly. Movement of the spool valve generates first and second flow restriction for controllably regulating the reducing of inlet pressure. In addition, the lands and the central bore comprise two differing diameters for improved outlet pressure regulation. Other various improvements in spool valve design are described including a design which enabled a reduction in the overall size of the solenoid sub-assembly.

Abstract: A multifunction space bar for control of a video screen graphics cursor for replacement of, or as a supplement to, a second peripheral pointing device without keyboard modification. The device is a conventional space bar replacement and fits within the confines of conventional keyboards allowing the retro-fit of existing keyboards. The device is capable of supplying information signals determining rotational, sliding, and switch depression movements for control of video screen graphics cursor on a microprocessor based computer system having bus input control electronics for receipt of supply information signals. The device utilizes a positioner slidably secured to a cylindrical bar whereby rotation of the positioner generates a directional signal control of the graphic cursor along the y-axis. Slidable movement of the positioner longitudinally along the length of the cylindrical bar generates a directional signal for control of the graphic cursor along the x-axis. Both signals can be operated simultaneously.

Abstract: An improved deck lid lock with remote release for motor vehicles. The deck lid lock employs a solenoid operated rotatable armature which acts directly on a leg of a rotatable latch plate which engages a lock bar. On energization of the solenoid, the armature is attracted to the solenoid causing it to disengage the latch plate so that the deck lid may be opened. When the deck lid is closed, the lock bar is engaged by the latch plate which is returned to its normal latched position in engagement with the armature. The deck lid lock further includes a rotatable key cam which acts on the armature to enable release of the deck lid through conventional external key actuation.

Abstract: An electrically controlled transmission shift interlock device. The device provides interlock capability by locking the pivotable shift actuating lever which is operatively associated with the transmission. A transmission mounted solenoid is provided having a moving armature coupled to a locking member which, when energized, positions the locking member into interlocking engagement within an engaging notch provided in the shift actuating lever. The device includes means for proper alignment of the interlocking components during installation of the interlock device onto the transmission. One alternate embodiment further provides means for having interlocking capabilities at more than one gear shift lever position. Another embodiment causes the transmission actuating lever to lock when the solenoid is de-energized and is movable upon energization.

Abstract: A variable force solenoid valve assembly is provided for use in an automatic transmission controller for controllably reducing a fluid inlet pressure to a desired outlet control pressure. The invention includes a variable force solenoid assembly secured to a valve body assembly. The valve body assembly includes a spool valve having three radially extending lands which translates within a valve body central bore in response to movement of an armature assembly provided in the solenoid assembly. Movement of the spool valve generates first and second flow restriction for controllably regulating the reduction of inlet pressure to control pressure. In addition, various improvements in spool valve design are described including a design which provides positive damping of the spool valve so as to attenuate "self-excited" oscillation thereof.

Abstract: An electronic automatic transmission controller is provided which is adapted to enable electrical control over automatic transmission devices of the type typically used in motor vehicles. The controller employs a manifold having a number of solenoid valve assemblies mounted thereto. The solenoid valve assemblies feature a low stacked height achieved through the configuration of the valves and various improvements in force output for the solenoid valve assemblies. The solenoid valve assemblies are held in an assembled condition through the action of a bracket assembly which has resiliently deflectable arms which bias against the valve assemblies. Preferably, non-removable fasteners are employed to affix the bracket to the manifold to prevent unauthorized attempts at servicing. The solenoid valve assemblies have protruding terminals which enable a circuit board to be laid against the solenoid valve assemblies such that the board is soldered along a surface opposite the valve assemblies.

Abstract: A bistable actuating solenoid device having an axially translatable armature which is stable at either a first or a second position. The device employs a solenoid winding wrapped around a bobbin having an internal bore with the armature disposed in the bore. A permanent magnet is located at one end of the bobbin for holding the armature in the first position and a spring urges the armature toward the second position. When it is desired to move the armature from the first to the second position, a current is passed through the winding such that a magnetic field is generated which opposes the field presented by the permanent magnet to allow the armature to move to the second position under the influence of the spring. When it is desired to return the armature to the first position, a current is passed through the winding in a direction which generates a field which combines with that of the permanent magnet to attract the armature to the first position against the biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved solenoid operated fluid control valve particularly adapted for use as a vacuum control switch in a motor vehicle. One aspect of this invention is the provision of a coil assembly adapted to be wound and terminated using completely automated processes. This feature is provided through the use of a bobbin structure having protruding coil winding posts which position the start and finish ends of the coil wire. Terminal members are installed onto the bobbin and have terminal contact portions which can be folded onto the wire. Another feature of this invention involves means for reducing noise generated from actuation of the valve device. In conventional solenoid employing a "C" frame member, direct mechanical contact exists between the "C" frame member and another component of the magnetic circuit of the solenoid.

Abstract: An electronic automatic transmission controller is provided which is adapted to enable electrical control over automatic transmission devices of the type typically used in motor vehicles. The controller employs a manifold having a number of solenoid valve assemblies mounted thereto. The solenoid valve assemblies feature a low stacked height achieved through the configuration of the valves and various improvements in force output for the solenoid valve assemblies. The solenoid valve assemblies are held in an assembled condition through the action of a bracket assembly which has resiliently deflectable arms which bias against the valve assemblies. Preferably, non-removable fasteners are employed to affix the bracket to the manifold to prevent unauthorized attempts at servicing. The solenoid valve assemblies have protruding terminals which enable a circuit board to be laid against the solenoid valve assemblies such that the board is soldered along a surface opposite the valve assemblies.

Abstract: A solenoid having a coil that includes the usual bobbin or spool, winding and armature in combination with a flux collector that is uniquely formed and associated with the coil bobbin and with the armature to maintain essentially precise concentricity between the flux collector and the armature and the intervening air gap of a uniform minimum width dimension so as to minimize the size of the coil and loss of armature power in use while at the same time assuring an adequate and reliable operating force in the armature.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator for automotive vehicles of the type having an engine exhaust system and a computer-controlled exhaust gas recirculation system, the regulator having a housing provided with a pair of spaced outlets intercommunicating through a flow restrictive orifice and adapted to be connected to the engine exhaust system and to the exhaust gas recirculation system, respectively; an inlet for atmospheric air connected by a passageway to the outlets; and a solenoid-operated spring-biased valve in the housing controlling flow of atmospheric air to the outlets; the housing being fashioned in two parts or sub-assemblies which are interconnected at final assembly by the flux collector which is part of the solenoid, the operating parts of the regulator being uniquely formed and arranged to minimize noise of operation, and the entire assembly being uniquely constructed to minimize cost of manufacture.

Abstract: A computer controlled turbo boost valve for internal combustion engines of the type having a turbo charger and a turbo charger feedback line, the valve having a valve element actuated by an internally mounted solenoid which is adapted to be connected to the computer, the valve having a valve element that is operable to regulate bypass flow of exhaust gases from the feedback line and that is mounted so as to be rapidly responsive to energization and deenergization of the solenoid and to be minimally affected by flow of exhaust gases into and through the valve, the components of the valve being uniquely combined and correlated, and the actuator for the valve element in particular being uniquely formed to provide for a high degree of quality control under mass production conditions of manufacture.

Abstract: An electrical terminal having a wire clamping tab connected thereto by an essentially thin neck portion about which a wire coated with a resin-type, high temperature insulation is adapted to be wound so that, when the tab is bent back against the terminal by opposed, energized electrodes to clamp a portion of the wire extending from the neck portion therebetween, resistance of the latter to flow of current heats both the neck portion and the wire wrapped therearound sufficiently to explode the insulation from the wire to assure a good electrical connection. At the same time the relatively large area of the terminal and its clamping tab maintains the clamped portion of the wire below its annealing temperature so that it is resistant to breakage in use.

Abstract: An electrical terminal having a wire clamping tab connected thereto by an essentially thin neck portion about which a wire coated with a resin-type, high temperature insulation is adapted to be wound so that, when the tab is bent back against the terminal by opposed, energized electrodes to clamp a portion of the wire extending from the neck portion therebetween, resistance of the latter to flow of current heats both the neck portion and the wire wrapped therearound sufficiently to explode the insulation from the wire to assure a good electrical connection. At the same time the relatively large area of the terminal and its clamping tab maintains the clamped portion of the wire below its annealing temperature so that it is resistant to breakage in use.

Abstract: An electrical switch having general utility but intended primarily for use in automotive vehicles. The switch comprises a case and one or more terminal blades and is readily adaptable for a variety of different environmental conditions. The case and the blades are uniquely formed and correlated so that the case effectively insulates each blade from the others and from adjacent metallic parts of the vehicle, so that the components can be quickly and easily assembled and for inexpensive manufacture. Each blade is cantilevered from the case to provide a soft action that results in a relatively long life but at the same time maintains a good electrical connection with a compatible switch part.

Abstract: An inertial lock for the electric actuated release mechanism of a door latch, said release mechanism comprising a solenoid and plunger and said inertial lock comprising a spring biased inertial ring disposed on an extended portion of the solenoid and operably associated with spring biased locking tabs operable to lock the plunger in place during conditions which would provide forces that might undesireably actuate the release mechanism, such as certain vehicle accident conditions. This inertial lock is set within the confines of a conventional electric latch release mechanism, not requiring additional space, and features have been incorporated into the design to ease assembly of the electric actuated release mechanism and aid in the collection of flux from the solenoid.

Abstract: A solenoid spool having a Bowden cable connector that is made in two parts which are uniquely formed and related to the solenoid plunger to cover and protect the latter from dirt and other contaminants that adversely affect the operation of the solenoid in use. One part of the connector attached to the cable sheathing is piloted on and detachably fastened to the other part which is attached to and a part of the solenoid bobbin or spool in a way that positions the cable wire precisely automatically at assembly for attachment to the plunger.

Abstract: A molded pressure ring adapted primarily for holding the peripheral marginal portion of a diaphragm in a tone generator under uniform light pressure so that the tone does not change significantly under normal changes in ambient conditions of temperature and pressure; more particularly the ring comprises an outer annular body having circumferentially equi-spaced, radially inwardly extending, generally U-shaped, independently movable, flexible and resilient cantilevers provided at the free ends thereof with pressure applicators arranged to engage and hold the diaphragm under pressure exerted by torsion-stressed portions of the cantilevers.

Abstract: A tone generator for producing an audible sound for a predetermined time period in response to the occurrence of one or more predetermined conditions. The tone generator comprises a diaphragm mounted within a resonant sound cavity that is activated by an electromagnetic assembly which is in turn driven by the output signal from an oscillator circuit. The control logic and timing circuit for the tone generator includes a unique PTC subassembly that provides a timed logic signal for controlling the activations of the diaphragm, as well as an independently generated signal for contemporaneously activating a lamp which provides a visual indication of the detected predetermined condition. The control logic and timing circuit is adapted to produce the proper timed logic signal despite the absence of a lamp in the circuit or a lamp failure.