Abstract: An anti-entrapment system for preventing an object from being entrapped by a translating device includes a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to the translating device. The sensor has first and second flexible conductors separated by a separation distance. The conductors have a capacitance dependent on the separation distance. The sensor has a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors. The capacitance of the conductors changes in response to the separation distance changing as a result of the dielectric element compressing in response to a first object touching the sensor. The capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one conductors. A controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors to prevent the translating device from entrapping either of the first object or the second conductive object.

Abstract: A compressible variable capacitance sensor for determining the presence, size, position, and type of an object such as a human body part includes two flexible conductor elements separated by a non-conductive compressible element. The capacitance of the capacitance sensor changes as a function of force applied by an object on the capacitance sensor. A controller senses the capacitance of the capacitance sensor and controls a device accordingly. The device may be a movable closed opening such as a window in which the controller controls the window as a function of the monitored capacitance to prevent pinching of the object. The device may also be a seat in which the controller determines the characteristics of the seat occupant based on the monitored capacitance.

Abstract: A compressible variable capacitance sensor for determining the presence, size, position, and type of an object such as a human body part includes two flexible conductor elements separated by a non-conductive compressible element. The capacitance of the capacitance sensor changes as a function of force applied by an object on the capacitance sensor. A controller senses the capacitance of the capacitance sensor and controls a device accordingly. The device may be a movable closed opening such as a window in which the controller controls the window as a function of the monitored capacitance to prevent pinching of the object. The device may also be a seat in which the controller determines the characteristics of the seat occupant based on the monitored capacitance.

Abstract: An end cap assembly is configured as an electronic conducted noise filter and/or radiated field shield for incorporation as the end cap of a motor housing case as original equipment. The assembly includes a conductive panel having conductive members which interconnect discrete electrical components of a filter network array. Alternatively, various types of printed circuit boards, wireframe assemblies, wirewrap assemblies, and lead frame assemblies may be used. These assemblies include the conductive members which are held in position within an electrically insulative component member or housing of the end cap assembly by such means as insertion of tabs into captivating slots, insert overmolding, encapsulation, heat staking, mechanical., fasteners, and/or adhesives.

Abstract: An interchangeable, plug-in, in-line module for attenuating electrical noise wherein a plurality of plug-in terminals are electrically coupled to an attenuating circuit in the form of a filter network array including a plurality of discrete components electrically interconnected by conductive traces or printed circuits formed on an insulating board to facilitate a plug-in connection to an electrical system. The attenuating circuit is electrically connected to a conductive retainer which is adapted to receive and retain a plastic motor end cover therein and to make electrical contact with a conductive frame member of the motor. The attenuating circuit includes four ferrite choke beads each having axial through holes or bores through which through-connectors of the terminals pass. The choke beads are supported by an insulating carrier so that the through-connectors can be electrically coupled to the conductive traces.

Abstract: A turboalternator and air flow control assembly for mounting on a combustion air intake of an internal combustion engine comprises a body having an inlet and an outlet defining an air flow path, a nozzle carrier in the body defining a plurality of turbine nozzles spaced arcuately about and generally parallel with a central axis, the nozzles having inlet and outlet ends and forming a portion of the air flow path, a rotor mounted in the body on bearings for rotation on the central axis, the rotor driving an electric generator and including a turbine wheel having blades axially adjacent and radially aligned with said nozzles, a bypass passage in the body and connecting the inlet and outlet separately from the nozzles, and a bypass valve in the bypass passage and operable to control air flow through said bypass passage. Various embodiments including concentric or parallel bypass passage arrangements and having axial or radial gap alternators with permanent magnet rotors are featured.

Abstract: A turboalternator and air flow control assembly for mounting on a combustion air intake of an internal combustion engine comprises a body having an inlet and an outlet defining an air flow path, a nozzle carrier in the body defining a plurality of turbine nozzles spaced arcuately about and generally parallel with a central axis, the nozzles having inlet and outlet ends and forming a portion of the air flow path, a rotor mounted in the body on bearings for rotation on the central axis, the rotor driving an electric generator and including a turbine wheel having blades axially adjacent and radially aligned with said nozzles, a bypass passage in the body and connecting the inlet and outlet separately from the nozzles, and a bypass valve in the bypass passage and operable to control air flow through said bypass passage. Various embodiments including concentric or parallel bypass passage arrangements and having axial or radial gap alternators with permanent magnet rotors are featured.