Abstract: In one embodiment, a display unit to be mounted on a wrist of a user includes a display screen, a base, and at least one strap. The display unit is configured such that, when it is worn by the user, the display screen is oriented at an angle with respect to a surface of the user's wrist. In another embodiment, visually-perceptible information indicative of determined values of the instantaneous pace of a user and the average pace of the user are displayed, simultaneously. In another embodiment, visually-perceptible information indicative of the determined values of the at least one variable physiological parameter of the user and the at least one performance parameter of the user are displayed, simultaneously.
Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes steps of: (a) identifying an average foot contact time of a user during a first outing; (b) identifying an average pace of the user during the first outing; (c) defining a relationship between foot contact times of the user and corresponding paces of the user, wherein the relationship is based upon the average foot contact time and the average pace identified during the first outing, and wherein no other average foot contact times and no other average paces identified during any different outings by the user are used to define the relationship; and (d) calibrating at least one device that monitors activity of the user in locomotion on foot based upon the defined relationship between foot contact times of the user and corresponding paces of the user.
Abstract: Systems and methods are described for transmitting a waveform having a controllable attenuation and propagation velocity. An exemplary method comprises: generating an exponential waveform, the exponential waveform (a) being characterized by the equation Vin=De?ASD(x?vSDt), where D is a magnitude, Vin is a voltage, t is time, ASD is an attenuation coefficient, and VSD is a propagation velocity; and (b) being truncated at a maximum value. An exemplary apparatus comprises: an exponential waveform generator; an input recorder coupled to an output of the exponential waveform generator; a transmission line under test coupled to the output of the exponential waveform generator; an output recorder coupled to the transmission line under test; an additional transmission line coupled to the transmission line under test; and a termination impedance coupled to the additional transmission line and to a ground.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 20, 2002
Date of Patent:
January 25, 2005
Assignee:
Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
Abstract: A sensor package produces a signal in conjunction with an exciter. The sensor package includes a housing and a first, discrete resistive element positioned toward a sensing tip of the housing. The discrete resistive element is also positioned within a sensing range of a target. A resistive module electrically communicates with the discrete resistive element for detecting a magnetoresistive effect.
Abstract: There is described a method for determining the speed of a wheel on a motor vehicle, for which purpose an acceleration sensor is mounted on the wheel. It is proposed according to the invention to measure the frequency &ohgr; or the period T of an alternating signal contained in the acceleration signal supplied by the acceleration sensor and produced by the influence of gravitational acceleration g. The method is suited for use in automatic tyre-pressure monitoring systems for assigning signals, that have been transmitted by radio from a wheel-mounted electronic module, to a particular wheel position and for controlling the transmission rate of a wheel-mounted electronic module as a function of the speed.
Abstract: A system and method for estimating the wheel speed of a vehicle propelled by DC motors mechanically coupled to at least one wheel on the vehicle so as to rotate said one or more wheel. At least one current detector is configured to measure armature and field current in each of the DC motors and produce a signal proportional to said currents and a voltage detector is configured to measure voltage applied to each of the DC motors and produce a signal proportional to said voltage. A processor is configured to determine a rotational speed as a function of the measured currents and voltages and configured to apply a correction factor to the determined rotational speed to obtain a corrected rotational speed.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 20, 2002
Publication date:
June 24, 2004
Applicant:
General Electric Company
Inventors:
Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Samuel Lyle Hazen
Abstract: A method for determining the position of an element driven by the drive shaft of a commutated direct current (DC) motor includes counting current ripples detected in an armature current signal as the motor rotatably drives the shaft. A frequency spectral analysis of the armature current signal is performed to determine frequency components of the armature current signal. The frequency components are analyzed to determine which of the frequency components is indicative of the current ripple frequency. The current ripple frequency is monitored for changes over time while the motor drives the shaft. The number of counted ripples is modified upon a change in the current ripple frequency in a time interval if the current ripple frequency change deviates from the current ripple frequency more than a threshold deviation for the time interval. The rotational position of the shaft is determined based on the modified number of counted ripples.
Abstract: A digital ignition system tachometer driver connected to an ignition coil of the ignition of an automobile for converting the ignition coil signal from one or more ignition coils to a single tachometer output signal. The digital ignition system tachometer driver includes a current mirror for mirroring the coil current, a voltage comparator for comparing the mirrored current to a reference voltage, and a mode detector for determining whether the coils are operating in a multispark mode. A reverse-polarity and over-voltage protection circuit is provided to protect the current mirror. An input current and voltage limiting circuit is provided for protecting the tachometer driver circuit.
Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates fully characterizing propagation delay through an n-input circuit. The system operates by first receiving the n-input circuit. Next, the system establishes programmable voltage sources at each input of the n-input circuit. The system then programs each programmable voltage source to provide a sequence of input patterns to the n-input circuit. This sequence includes the 22n possible transitions between all possible pairs of input patterns. Next, the system measures the propagation delay between the input and the output of the n-input circuit for each transition in the sequence of input patterns and then reports the results.
Abstract: A radar speed measurement device (10) comprising a display (12) for displaying a target speed, a radar emitter (14) for emitting radar waves toward a target, a radar receiver (16) for receiving radar waves reflected from the target, an analog to digital converter (18) for producing digital signals associated with the radar waves, and a signal processor (20) for determining the target speed by analyzing the digital signals. The device (10) can also calculate statistics associated with the target and further comprises a statistical processor (22) for calculating the statistics. The device (10) can operate in either of two modes. A speed mode is preferably used to determine the target speed, when the target is a race car or any other object. A baseball statistics mode is preferably used to determine the target speed, when the target is a baseball thrown by a pitcher.
Abstract: A device and a method for non-contacting sensing of the rotational state of a rotor (10). The rotor has a surface divided into an electrically conductive part (1e) and a nonconductive part (1f). Three electric coils (2a, 2b, 2c) are each included in a respective parallel resonant circuit and are applied close to and with their longitudinal axes oriented towards the rotational path of the electrically conductive part of the rotor. The resonant oscillations are damped depending on the rotational position of the rotor. The rotational state is evaluated with an electronic circuit In a liquid-flow meter, the coils may be applied in the dry part of the meter.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining a speed of rotation of a squirrel-cage motor, wherein samples from the current taken by the squirrel-cage motor are collected by an electric current measuring device at a predetermined sampling frequency for a measurement period, the samples being stored as measurement data of a fixed format. The method is characterized by comprising the step of determining the rotation speed of the squirrel-cage motor from the measurement data by determining the base frequency and side frequencies of the electric current taken by the squirrel-cage motor, the rotation speed frequency of the squirrel-cage motor being obtained by subtracting the lower side frequency from the higher side frequency and by dividing the difference thus obtained by two.
Abstract: The method allows communication with a built-in sensor, in particular a rotational speed sensor, which supplies successive signal pulses as output signal. The sensor is preferably built into a motor vehicle in such a way that it can be supplied with a supply voltage externally via a voltage supply line. The sensor is placed into a detection mode. The supply voltage on the voltage supply line is externally modulated. The modulated supply voltage received in the sensor is analyzed with regard to the fulfillment of a predetermined criterion stored in the rotational speed sensor. And, finally, the received modulated supply voltage is interpreted as an external communication signal if the criterion is fulfilled.
Abstract: A method and system for dynamic testing of loaded or unloaded electrical rotating electric motors, wherein a dynamic speed-time characteristic of the electric motor is determined during acceleration of the motor from standstill to steady-state speed or after the motor has reached steady-state speed, depending on the performance characteristic to be derived, and analyzed to derive a performance characteristic of the electric motor. Accurate measurement of the motor speed may be achieved by attaching to the shaft a digital rotary encoder which generates successive HIGH and LOW logic levels during respective successive time intervals. The shaft is rotated and the respective periods of each successive logic level are accumulated so as to allow derivation of the angular rotation or a function thereof of the shaft. Dynamic performance may be determined accurately as well as steady-state performance without slowing the electric motor's speed of rotation by use of a flywheel.
Abstract: A method of measuring a liquid crystal response speed includes steps of generating a sample pulse having a target voltage level and a variable voltage level that varies according to a response characteristic of a display panel, applying the sample pulse to the display panel, detecting the response characteristic of the display panel by the sample pulse, adjusting the variable voltage level until a desired level of the response characteristic is obtained, and setting the variable voltage level to a modulated data when the desired level of the response characteristic is obtained.
Abstract: A method and a device for detecting mispolarization in a signal transducer is described, with which the output signal of the signal transducer—that has at least one singularity—is converted into a square-wave signal. Intervals between specifiable signal-level changes are monitored in the region of the singularity, or plausibility windows are set, within which specifiable events must occur. If the intervals do not correspond to the expected intervals, or if specifiable events do not occur within the specifiable time windows or plausibility windows, mispolarization is detected. The method for detecting mispolarization is used, for example, in the case of a signal transducer having a plurality of uniform angular points and one reference point, but it is not limited to such transducers.
Abstract: A high torque/high speed brushless DC motor system for controlling both the speed and torque of the motor including a rotor and a stator, the stator of the motor including a first, second and third winding. The system further includes means for sensing the position of the rotor and means for selectively configuring the first, second and third windings of the stator in a wye connection when the speed of the motor is less than a predetermined value and configuring the windings in a delta connection when the speed of the motor is greater than the predetermined value.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a circuit arrangement for processing signals for an active motion sensor which generates at least one first sequence of input pulses that contain motion information. By at least one integrating filter circuit, each input pulse of a pulse train is integrated, and an associated output pulse is generated during a period in which the integrated signal is in excess of a predeterminable second threshold value after a predeterminable first threshold value has been exceeded so that the output pulse has a time delay with respect to the input pulse. As a result, noises of a duration which is shorter than the delay time are effectively suppressed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 13, 2001
Date of Patent:
April 22, 2003
Assignee:
Continental Teves AG & Co., oHG
Inventors:
Wolfgang Fey, Mario Engelmann, Leonhard Link
Abstract: An apparatus for attaching sensors to rotating shafts on equipment includes a cup magnet and a housing for receiving the cup magnet. A target rotor is displaced within the housing which rotates when attached to a rotating shaft for the purpose of sensing the shaft rotation. Alternately, the cup magnet may be permanently attached to a rotating couple rather than a non-rotating housing. A preferred embodiment may have a dust cover.
Abstract: The present invention discloses an inspection apparatus and method of electrode patterns using roiling wire probes. It includes rolling wire probes, at least one more, having a rolling wire rotating to be performed a rolling contact shplessly across the electrode patterns; a control unit for controlling operations of the inspection apparatus wholly and discriminating the electrical characteristics according to the electrical signal sensed through the rolling wire provided to the rolling wire probe. According to the present invention, there is an advantage that the inspection method can be used flexibly up to electrode patterns having various forms regardless of the change of model or design of the product, unlike the inspection method of the conventional art by the test pin block. In the present invention, an advantage, which when inspecting a scratch also does not generated in the pixel portion, thereby increasing yield of the finished goods.
Abstract: To provide device capable of enhancing the detection accuracy of a wheel speed detecting device and reducing cost. A wheel speed detecting device for a rear wheel includes a pulsar ring mounted on a rear wheel hub, and a pulse counting sensor mounted on a swing arm. The pulsar ring includes a disc, and pulse detecting holes are formed at a predetermined pitch on a pitch circle drawn at a radially inward circumferential position spaced at a predetermined distance from the outer edge of the disc. The pulse detecting hole is formed in a position on the center side apart from the outer edge of the pulsar ring, leaving the outer edge of the pulsar ring in a circular form. Therefore, it is possible to prevent warpage of the pulsar ring by the outer edge portion if the pulse detecting holes are made by pressing.
Abstract: In one embodiment, a method involves, in response to movement of a user during at least one footstep taken by the user, generating a signal that experiences changes during a time period that the foot is airborne during the at least one footstep. At least one change in the signal generated after the foot has become airborne and before the foot contacts a surface is identified that is indicative of the foot being airborne during the at least one footstep. In another embodiment, a method involves generating a signal in response to movement of a user during at least one footstep taken by the user. The signal is monitored to determine when the signal has experienced a minimum degree of smoothness for at least a given period of time. In response to determining that the signal has experienced the minimum degree of smoothness for at least the given period of time, it is identified that the foot of the user is airborne.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 21, 2000
Date of Patent:
December 10, 2002
Assignee:
Personal Electronic Devices, Inc.
Inventors:
Norbert Ohlenbusch, Jesse Darley, Thomas P. Blackadar, Paul J. Gaudet
Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring swing velocity of a golf club head sing a resonance circuit. The device according to the present invention comprises a resonance circuit portion for detecting impedance change amount and voltage signal by the amount of impedance change in response to the approach of a golf club head having conductivity; an amplification portion for amplifying the voltage signal detected by the resonance circuit portion, a wave shaping portion for outputting the voltage signal as pulse-shaped peak wave; a mircocomputer for controlling the operation of calculating the time difference between the peak waves and indicating swing velocity; and a display portion for displaying the swing velocity data according to the output signal of the microcomputer.
Abstract: A mechanism for selecting a processing mode for a bicycle computer includes a mounting member adapted to be mounted on a first bicycle component; a first signal sensor retained to the mounting member; a second signal sensor retained to the mounting member; and a first signal provider for providing a first signal and arranged to be disposed in a predetermined plurality of positions relative to the first signal sensor and the second signal sensor. The algorithm used to control the desired component may be selected based on whether the first signal is sensed by the first signal sensor and/or the second signal sensor.
Abstract: A remote, wireless electrical signal measurement device for measuring and adjusting a component in a communications system. The device includes a source device, a remote system and a base system. The device permits a technician wearing the remote system to control through verbal commands the measurement and adjustment of a source device operably attached to the base system.
Abstract: Methods for driving a lossy transmission media with an energy wave defined by a an exponential waveform function. The propagation delay and attenuation of the wave is a function of an exponential coefficient, and its propagation velocity is essentially constant and independent of displacement. Utilizing relationships between the propagation velocity, exponential coefficient, attenuation, and transmission line parameters, one may effectively model various transmission media. One may also determine unknown transmission line parameters, waveform exponential coefficients, attenuation, and/or propagation velocities by utilizing those relationships. By modulating the exponential coefficient, information may be encoded onto a waveform.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 7, 2000
Date of Patent:
August 27, 2002
Assignee:
Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
Abstract: An electronic trip meter for a bicycle is provided. The electronic trip meter for a bicycle includes a signal generator and a main unit. The signal generator is used for generating a signal each time the bicycle travels over a specific distance, and the main unit is used for receiving the signal, evaluating and displaying the riding data, and generating an alert signal to remind the rider to execute a maintenance operation when the riding distance or the riding time exceeds a preset riding distance or a preset riding time.
Abstract: A GMI sensor for determining spin rate of a rotating body within an external magnetic field is presented. The sensor comprises an oscillator generating an AC drive signal at an oscillator output terminal. A voltage divider circuit includes a first terminal AC coupled to the oscillator output terminal through a coupling capacitor, and a second terminal electrically connected to a reference ground. The voltage divider circuit further includes a GMI fiber having a GMI junction terminal. The fiber is disposed in fixed relation to the rotating body such that impedance of the fiber is modulated by the external magnetic field to provide a modulated drive signal at the GMI junction terminal. A signal processing circuit is electrically connected to the GMI junction terminal to processes the modulated drive signal and provide an output signal indicative of the spin rate of the rotating body.
Abstract: A bicycle computer includes a base member structured to mount to a structural member of a bicycle. A cover having an inner surface is swingably coupled to the base so that the inner surface may be moved from a closed position where the inner surface faces the base member to an open position where the inner surface may be viewed or accessed by a user.
Abstract: A sensor module (1) is constructed as a solid state integrated circuit (IC) and has a sensor (2) as well as at least one measuring amplifier (3), wherein the sensor module has external connections at least for the power supply and for the output measurement signal. In the sensor module an evaluation circuit (6) is provided that is connected to at least one internal measurement point of the circuit. The evaluation circuit (6) is connected to a modulator (10) for modulation of the supply current and/or the supply voltage and/or the output measurement signal, in order to output a diagnostic signal, which is formed from an internal circuit measurement value, via the available external connections of the sensor module.
Abstract: A speed sensor for sensing a rotating speed of a wheel is provided. The speed sensor includes a thermoplastic sensor body. A mounting ring is connected to the sensor body. The mounting ring can include a flange portion. A plastic insert is integrally molded into the sensor body adjacent the mounting ring. An active sensor element is located in a lower end of the plastic insert, a face of the active sensor element being vertically spaced a predetermined distance from the flange portion. A pair of terminals is electrically connected to the active sensor element. The pair of terminals extends from an upper end of the plastic insert. The flange portion, when pressed onto a hub associated with the wheel, is adapted to space the active sensor element an operating distance from a tone wheel mounted to the hub.
Abstract: A remote, wireless electrical signal measurement device for measuring and adjusting a component in a communications system. The device includes a source device, a remote system and a base system. The device permits a technician wearing the remote system to control through verbal commands the measurement and adjustment of a source device operably attached to the base system.
Abstract: A bicycle computer includes a base member structured to mount to a structural member of a bicycle. A cover having an inner surface is swingably coupled to the base so that the inner surface may be moved from a closed position where the inner surface faces the base member to an open position where the inner surface may be viewed or accessed by a user.
Abstract: A method and a device for non-invasively and remotely detecting or monitoring visible or invisible concealed moving bodies and objects (9) located in scrutinized media (8), by means of tracking the RF impedance match variations between the inspected media which contains the targeted moving object and a stable RF transmitter (1), through surrounding the inspected media with a power field of HF EM-waves, by one or more transmitting antennas (6) made from metallic sheets or wires.
Abstract: A remote, wireless electrical signal measurement device for measuring and adjusting a component in a communications system. The device includes a source device, a remote system and a base system. The device permits a technician wearing the remote system to control through verbal commands the measurement and adjustment of a source device operably attached to the base system.
Abstract: This is a method of analyzing train handling by setting a standard for the run, collecting train operating or handling data from the run and determining operating constraints during the run which are not included in the standard run. The determination of operating constraints during a run also includes determining differences between the operating constraints during the run of those included in the standard. The train handling data is compared to the standard and the comparison is adjusted for the operating constraints. The adjustment of the comparison includes nullifying any deviation of the handling data from the standard resulting from the operating constraints. A report is created from the standard and the handling data correlating the energy usage for specific categories. These categories include one or more of pneumatic braking, dynamic braking and track topology. The report further includes energy adjustments for the operating constraints determined during the run.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 16, 1999
Date of Patent:
December 18, 2001
Assignee:
New York Air Brake Corporation
Inventors:
Michael J. Hawthorne, Stephen K. Nickles, Bolanle Onodipe
Abstract: A pedal stroke sensor a rotor that rotates with a brake pedal with a pair of brushes fixed on the rotor. The brushes are inclined oppositely to each other along rotating direction of the rotor and contact a circuit printed on a circuit board to generate output voltages V1A and V1B which increase and decrease oppositely to each other in response to the brushes sliding over the circuit board. A difference signal |V1A−V1B| is output as a signal corresponding to pedal stroke S of the brake pedal. When any kind of vibration changes the contacting positions of the brushes on the board, the output voltages V1A, V1B change in the same direction, so that, even if the contacting positions of the brushes change because of a vibration, the difference signal |V1A−V1B| does not change greatly, allowing accurate detection of the position of the brake pedal even if such vibrations occur.
Abstract: A system for an automatic brake intervention control in an all-wheel-drive vehicle having an automatic brake control system, comprises a control device and separately actuatable brakes which are assigned to the individual wheels. The control device generates signals to control individual brakes as a function of wheel compression and rebounding travels or the wheel reaction forces detected at the individual wheels. Wheel signals are generated which correspond to the wheel suspension travels, the wheel reaction forces or quantities derived therefrom, and the wheel signals are supplied to the control device. The control device generates the signals for controlling the individual brakes at least as a function of the individual wheel signals present as input information.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 28, 2000
Date of Patent:
November 20, 2001
Assignee:
Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
Abstract: A system and method for calculating the speed of a moving member having an output device providing an output periodic signal as a function of displacement of the moving member includes measuring a time duration for a plurality of first periodic occurrences of the output periodic signal to occur. A number of second periodic occurrences of the output periodic signal is also counted in a selected time period. A speed of the moving member is calculated as a function of the time duration for the plurality of first periodic occurrences to occur and the number of second periodic occurrences to occur in the selected time period.
Abstract: A method of decoding a quadrature encoded signal where position tracking is implemented which decouples the position calculations from the encoder edges. In one embodiment of the present invention, a uni-directional pulse accumulator is used to count encoder edges, and a periodic interrupt timer is used to update the position information, where interrupts are generated independent from encoder edges. At slow speeds, the mode switches to monitor each encoder edge to check for direction reversal without requiring position information. This decodes bi-directional quadrature position information using a uni-directional counter and a count compensation method for resolving changes in direction.
Abstract: A wheel for roller skates or roller boards, the wheel having a non-rotating axle of rotation and a wheel body rotatable around an axle of rotation, the wheel includes means for measuring the speed at the wheel and means in the wheel for determining its rate of rotation and/or the actual rate of travel of a user of the roller skate or roller board or other sports equipment containing the wheel.
Abstract: A wheel rotating speed detector for detecting a wheel rotating speed of a motor vehicle, comprising: a magnetism generator provided either at wheel of the motor vehicle or a rotary member integrally rotatable with the wheel; a magnetism detector for detecting magnetism generated by the magnetism generator; a change-over switch enabling the magnetism detector to change over from a normal magnetism detecting mode to a low magnetism detecting mode or vice versa.
Abstract: An engine tachometer device for determining the revolutions per minute of a engine which generates sparks. An electrical power supply input which is connected to a power source external to the device supplies electrical power to the device from the external power source. An internal power source is disposed within the device for supplying electrical power to the device. A power switch which is connected to the electrical power supply and to the internal power source provides power to the device by switching between the electrical power supplied via the input and via the internal power source. Another embodiment of the present invention includes the internal power source being a replaceable battery and containing components which protect the battery from at least one environmental characteristic of the environment that is external to the battery.
Abstract: A position sensing device is disclosed wherein the positioning sensing device may determine the velocity and position of an object relative to a surface as the object is moved relative to the surface. The positioning sensing device may comprise two depth measurement devices that are mounted to the object on an axis that is substantially parallel to the direction of movement between object and the surface. The depth measurement devices are spaced a predetermined distance from each other. The depth measurement devices measure the contours of the surface as the object is moved relative to the surface and may output data representative of the surface contour to a processor. Accordingly, the processor receives two data signals that are out of phase wherein the phase shift is proportional to the relative velocity between the object and the surface. The processor may then perform an analysis on the data signals to determine the velocity of the object relative to the surface.
Abstract: The circuit arrangement comprises at least two movable elements (1 to 3) which are to be monitored and which are assigned a sensor (4 to 6) in each case. The output signals of the sensors (4 to 6) are fed to an evaluation circuit (7) via a common connection. The evaluation circuit (7) has only a single input for receiving the signals of the sensors (4 to 6). Each sensor (4 to 6) emits a pulse shape characterizing the connected element. The pulse shapes of the pulses generated by the sensors are configured in such a way that the evaluation circuit can uniquely identify the individual pulses, even in the case of superimposition.
Abstract: A tachometer has a display responsive to an rpm signal for producing an observable indication of an rpm value. A circuit responsive to an engine input develops a standard rpm signal representative of instantaneous engine rpm, and a differential Power Band amplifier circuit amplifies the difference between the standard rpm signal and an adjustable “offset” rpm signal by predetermined gain to produce an amplified differential rpm signal. A switching circuit selects the standard rpm signal or the amplified differential rpm Power Band signal for driving the display. A peak or valley rpm signal may also be developed and selected for display either in a standard mode or a differentially amplified Power Band mode.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 25, 1998
Date of Patent:
April 10, 2001
Assignee:
Auto Meter Products, Inc.
Inventors:
John V. Westberg, Karl G. Rindt, Timothy D. Joyce
Abstract: A processor system and method for accurately determining true ground speed in a vehicle having wheel-axles propelled by traction motors is provided. The vehicle is equipped with a radar unit for providing a radar signal indicative of vehicle speed relative to the ground. The radar signal is accurate when averaged over a sufficiently long period of time but may be susceptible to undesirable short term variations. The vehicle is further equipped with speed sensors coupled to the wheel-axles to supply respective wheel-axle speed signals. The respective wheel-axle speed signals may be accurate over a sufficiently short period of time but may also be susceptible to undesirable long term variations.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 23, 1999
Date of Patent:
February 27, 2001
Assignee:
General Electric Company
Inventors:
Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Dwayne Worden
Abstract: A device for determining a rotational number of an electric dc motor which drives a moving body of an automobile accessory such a sunroof, or a glass pane of a power window includes a switched capacitance filter for eliminating noise from the motor, a cutoff frequency of the switched capacitance filter being dependent on a clock input thereof; a pulse shaping circuit for generating a ripple pulse signal indicative of the rotational number of the motor by wave-shaping an output of the switched capacitance filter; and a pulse generating circuit providing an output pulse signal so as to establish a condition wherein the frequency of the ripple pulse signal is equalized to the cutoff frequency of the a switched capacitance filter.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 30, 1999
Date of Patent:
January 9, 2001
Assignee:
Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
Inventors:
Toshimitsu Oka, Koji Aoki, Hideyuki Kanie, Hitoshi Ishikawa
Abstract: A sensor for detecting a physical parameter is capable of detecting an error state in which normal physical parameter detection is not possible even though the output voltage is within a normal output voltage range is disclosed. Errors such as a normal reference frequency signal not being output from an oscillation circuit for some reason, or the frequency of the reference frequency signal output from the oscillation circuit not being within a particular frequency range, can occur. The physical parameter sensor of the invention comprises a self-testing circuit for detecting such error states, and outputting a signal indicating such error detection.
Abstract: A high performance tachometer is provided for use in high performance racing vehicles, such as dragsters. The tachometer has an input signal indicative of the vehicular engine speed and an output display for displaying the instantaneous engine speed as indicated by the input signal. The tachometer includes input controls for directing the control and operation of the tachometer. Special features associated with the tachometer include a shift indicator. The system is designed to monitor an engine speed or RPM profile and utilize information from this profile to operate the shift setpoint selection, shift display enablement and the shift indicator.