Abstract: A steering wheel heating assembly 10 which electively provides a relatively high voltage electrical signal to a heating element 16 which is coupled to a steering wheel, effective to heat the steering wheel. The assembly 10 includes a temperature sensor 28 which senses or monitors the temperature of the steering wheel and which communicates the monitored sensor to a controller 26. Should the temperature of the steering wheel be above a certain value, the controller 26 prevents the relatively high voltage signal from being communicated to the heating element 16. The controller 26 may also monitor the operating speed of the engine and prevent such signal communication when the engine is not being operated.

Abstract: In order to develop a suction device for cleaning purposes having a collecting container, which includes a closable suction inlet, a suction outlet and a filter disposed therebetween and is connected to a suction unit by a suction line emanating from the suction outlet, the suction line being closable by an outlet valve and an external air supply closable by a supply valve being disposed at the side of the filter remote from the suction inlet, in such a way that it facilitates filter dedusting, it is proposed that the suction device has a valve coupling unit, which links the closing of an inlet valve associated with the suction inlet and/or the opening of the supply valve to the closing of the outlet valve.

Abstract: An automotive electrical system and method for coupling power to such a system in which current cumulatively drawn by the various modules of the system during its inactive state is minimized. In one aspect of the invention, the electrical system (10) comprises at least one remote module (14a-n) coupled to a power bus (21) and a signal bus (16), at least one of the remote modules (14a-n) is coupled to at least one wake-up input switch (28A-I); a central module (12) coupled to the remote module (14a-n) by the signal bus (16), the central module (12) coupling electrical power from a power source (20) to the power bus (21) in response to a detection of an activation of any of the wake-up input switches (28A-I).

Abstract: A method and circuit is provided which controls and monitors a load through a single I/O pin of a microprocessor. A predriver circuit including a level shifter responds to a driver control signal from the microprocessor to control energization of a power driver connected in a load circuit. The predriver circuit also includes a monitor stage for detecting fault conditions of the load circuit. The output of the monitor stage is connected with the I/O pin which is configured as either an input or an output pin under microprocessor program control.

Abstract: Seat belts in a vehicle are monitored, and a reminder is initiated in response to a restraint sensor indicating the engaged or nonengaged state of a seat restraint, a vehicle sensor indicating when the vehicle is in use, an annunciator controllably producing a reminder, and an electronic control controlling the annunciator. The reminder is produced when the seat restraint is in a nonengaged state after having been an engaged state while the vehicle is in use. Thus, monitoring of the continued buckling of a seat belt, especially a rear seat belt, is provided without need for seat occupancy sensors.

Abstract: A plurality of sensors, such as a door handle lift switch, a headlight switch, and an ignition switch, are normally provided in an automotive electrical system. A master microcontroller normally is coupled to each of these sensors for receiving a signal therefrom and responsive thereto generating a corresponding controller signal. Power drivers, each operatively coupled to the master controller, normally are provided for energizing and powering loads coupled thereto, with each load being either an indicator or actuator that is operated responsive to its corresponding sensor. The self-diagnostic method includes the steps of mechanically actuating a selected one of the sensors, and then electrically actuating a first confirming indicator, such as an audible chime, indicative of the master controller receiving and successfully processing the corresponding sensing signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring the operation of a plurality of electrical loads in an automotive vehicle with a single current sensor. The current sensor detects the change in the total output current associated with the electrical loads and generates an output signal based on the current change. The apparatus also includes a controller which activates each electrical load at a given time to obtain a like plurality of timing signals so that each electrical load receives a portion of the output current. The controller processes the output signal and the timing signals to obtain a diagnostic signal related to an operating condition of at least one of the electrical loads. Finally, the controller controls an operating state of the at least one of the electrical loads based on the diagnostic signal.

Abstract: In order to improve the operating capabilities of a plug-in coupling for hoses comprising a sleeve, into which a hose stem can be sealingly inserted, a U-shaped, elastically deformable locking element which is held on the sleeve for displacement at right angles to its longitudinal axis and engages with its two arms behind a projection on the hose stem and hereby prevents its withdrawal, and wedge surfaces arranged on the sleeve, on which the two arms of the locking element abut and which spread these arms elastically apart during displacement of the locking element to such an extent that the hose stem is released, it is suggested that the locking element be formed by a U-shaped housing which has an upper wall and two side walls and surrounds the sleeve essentially over its entire length, that the arms be projections formed on the side walls and that the upper wall of the housing be designed as a pressure surface.

Abstract: A Graphic Development Instrument System (GDIS) provides a method and capability to design, create and update display screens, including static elements (never change) and dynamic elements (change responsive to stimuli) and is able to include any controller function, without rewriting or modifyng the software. The GDIS enables a screen designer to create EPROMS for those screens for different for example vehicles or models.

Abstract: An advanced display system controller is described for use in automotive vehicles. The controller has electronic circuitry to allow it to be programmed to display monochrome or color graphics and text on an all-points-addressable display device such as a CRT or an Electro-Luminescent (EL) Flat panel. The display resolution and scan rates may be programmed differently depending on the display type and size. The vehicle operator controls the display system via a reconfigurable switch system (RSS), such as an Infrared Touch Panel or Mylar Touch Switch Matrix mounted over the face of the display. In addition, external discrete switches may also be attached to the controller. The controller includes a master microprocessor and a slave microprocessor with preferred partitioning of functions and communicates with other parts of the vehicle via two serial data communication links, a Random Access bus and a Poll/Response bus.

Abstract: In a computerized automotive vehicle diagnostic system, a test probe cable is attached to individual components and consists of a multiple conductor cable which is attached ultimately to the component and to a computer in a technician terminal. Where the probe cable enters the technician terminal the conductors contained within it are fed into a programmable crosspoint switch which is controlled by a microcontroller. Test functions are provided by three programmable resources: (1) A program controlled multimeter, (2) A program controlled DC voltage source and ground sink; and (3) the microcontroller itself which receives and interprets commands from the computer and controls the various probe elements based upon the test commands received.

Abstract: A diagnostic means is connected to various electrical locations in an air bag system to detect and process faults. When a fault is detected, it is assigned a unique code sequence consisting of equally spaced pulses of equal length. The number of pulses determines the fault which is indicated by a single light inside the car.