Abstract: An electronic control circuit is disclosed for an engine and load speed governor of the type comprising an overriding throttle closing device. The control circuit comprises engine speed signal generating circuit and a load speed generating circuit to provide electrical speed signals to the input of a microprocessor. The microprocessor develops motor control signals for a reversible electric motor which drives the actuator for the throttle limiting device. The motor control signals for operation in the close throttle direction and the open throttle direction are developed at different outputs of the microprocessor and applied to respective inputs of a motor driver circuit. The motor control signals produced by the microprocessor are time modulated, either pulse rate or pulse width, in accordance with the operating conditions of the engine or load to provide operation of the motor at precisely controlled slow speeds.

Abstract: A control circuit for a speed governor is disclosed which provides governing action of one type for operation in a normal engine speed governing mode and governing action of a different type for engine operation in a power take off (PTO) mode. In the normal mode, the throttle control means is actuated between wide open throttle and a close throttle reference position. In the PTO mode the throttle control means is actuated between an open throttle reference position and the close throttle reference position. An overspeed sensing circuit is operative to allow the throttle control means to be driven past the close throttle reference position in an overspeed condition. A PTO selector switch is provided which is operative to provide different governed speeds for the PTO and normal modes.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for controlling the charging of a battery by the regulation of the output voltage of a generator. In normal operation, the voltage regulator senses the output voltage of the battery through a first sensing line, and enables or disables the energization of the generator field winding if the battery voltage is respectively below or above a desired regulated value. In the event of an interruption in the electrical connection between the battery and generator, a second sensing line, comprising a resistance, senses the generator output voltage and causes the voltage regulator to become operative to regulate the generator voltage at a predetermined upper voltage limit.

Abstract: A control circuit for a speed governor is disclosed which provides governing action at a preset governed speed by means of a reversible electric motor. An engine speed signal generator is coupled with a logic circuit which controls a pair of driver transistors for the motor. An acceleration logic circuit is operative to invoke governing action before the governed speed is reached if the acceleration exceeds a predetermined value. Also an overspeed logic circuit is operative to allow the motor to be driven in the close throttle direction beyond its normal reference position so long as an overspeed condition exists.

Abstract: A control circuit for an air-spring shock absorber controls pressurization or depressurization of the air chamber of the shock absorber in response to the output signal condition of a level sensor. The control circuit includes a first signal path that conditions the operation of an air pump for pressurizing the air chamber, and a second signal path that conditions the operation of an exhaust valve for depressurizing the air chamber. A timing circuit delays the enablement of the air pump and exhaust valve until the level sensor output signal condition associated with the actuation of the pump or valve has existed for a minimum predetermined time period. The timing circuit includes an R-C time delay circuit with an instant reset to avoid cumulative signal build-up. The control circuit is comprised of a set of digital logic gates which are preferably implemented by standard integrated circuit chips.

Abstract: A level sensor for an air-spring shock absorber is sensitive to the axle-to-body distance of the vehicle on which the shock absorber is mounted. The level sensor comprises a thin support plate formed of resilient material that may be deformed to fit within the shock absorber in conformity with the shape of the inner surface of the tubular member defining the air spring. The support plate has an LED mounted on one end, and first and second photoresistors mounted at the other end in spaced relation to one another; the first and second photoresistors representing the upper and lower limits of permissible axle-to-body distance, respectively. Light communication between the LED and photoresistors is established or interrupted by the absence or interposition of a fluid reserve tube therebetween. A connector head is integrally formed with the support plate and is insertable through a hole in the tubular body defining the air chamber to secure the sensor in position.

Abstract: An electrical control system is disclosed for preventing the speed of an engine from exceeding a predetermined value. The control system includes a reversible motor suitably connected to a throttle control of the engine and further includes motor control circuitry connected to receive an input corresponding to the speed of the engine. When the speed of the engine is below the predetermined value, the control circuitry provides for the operation of the motor in one direction. When the speed of the engine exceeds the predetermined value, the control circuitry provides for the reverse operation of the motor actuating the throttle control to limit the engine speed to the predetermined value.

Abstract: A flasher circuit is disclosed for use with a conventional automotive turn signal system. The flasher circuit comprises a flasher relay under the control of a free-running multivibrator. The multivibrator takes the form of a pair of intercoupled logic gates and an inhibiting means, in the form of a logic gate, disables the multivibrator when the turn signal switch is open and enables it so long as the turn signal switch is closed. The inhibiting logic gate is supplied with logic signals from the output of the multivibrator and a voltage sensing circuit connected with the turn signal switch. The flasher circuit is a two-terminal device and may be substituted for the well known hot-wire flasher without the circuit changes in the turn signal system. The logic gates preferably take the form of an integrated circuit on a single chip.