A trailer communications system (36) is provided. The system (36) includes a trailer transducer unit (22) for location on a trailer (12). A vehicle transducer unit (24) can be located on a vehicle (26, 28, 30) or a stationary object (32). The trailer transducer unit (22) and the vehicle transducer unit (24) may communicate information in the form of acoustic signals broadcast at an ultrasonic frequency in response to a predetermined event.

Trailer communications system

A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, and having first and second sides divided by a median plane. The knee brace having a frame, and at least one cross strap that is connected to the frame and extends across over at least a portion of the first and second brace sides. The at least one cross strap is arranged obliquely relative to the median plane. The brace also includes a tightening mechanism that is connected to the frame and is configured to incrementally tension the at least one cross strap at predefined settings and to release tension on the at least one cross strap. A first end of the at least one cross strap engages the tightening mechanism. A dosage meter is connected to the frame, and includes an indication feature representing tension settings of the at least one cross strap.

Knee brace and method for securing the same

A fuel pumping apparatus for supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine has a plurality of pumping plungers (19) which are housed in respective bores (17). The plungers are movable inwardly in the bores but during such movement one of the plungers moves to an outer position in which a fuel supply passage (21) which communicates with a fuel supply passage (21) which communicates with a fuel outlet (22) is uncovered to the pump working chamber (20) defined at the inner ends of the bores. Each bore has a supply passage associated therewith. A cam ring (25) is provided to impart inward movement of the plungers and the cam ring is provided with cam lobes (26) on its internal peripheral surface however one of the cam lobes is replaced by a recess which allows the plungers to move outwardly in turn so that fuel is distributed to the outlets which in use are connected to the injection nozzles of an engine.

Fuel pumping apparatus

A system for transmitting digital programming includes a program source providing digital information, circuitry for modulating the digital information onto a visual carrier modulated with analog television programming, and a visual transmitter coupled to the modulating circuitry. Using a phase modulation method, the system phase modulates the digital information onto a visual carrier, reduces the baseband frequencies of the phase modulated visual carrier, and amplitude modulates the phase-modulated video carrier onto a video signal. The amplified and encoded video signal are combined with an amplified sound signal and transmitted. Using an additive method, the system modulates the sidebands of the video carrier with the digital information and amplitude modulates the video signal onto the video carrier. The data-modulated sidebands are phase-shifted such that they will be in quadrature with the amplitude-modulated video signal. The system combines the amplitude-modulated video carrier and the data-modulated quadrature sidebands. With a blended multiplicative/additive method, the system provides phase modulation and quadrature sideband addition to provide an optimized result.

Expanded information capacity for existing communication transmission systems

A system, an apparatus, and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared, an RF data, an Internet, or other network communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from another portion of the vehicle, a remote data communications terminal, another vehicle, or another communications network.

System, apparatus and methods for data communication between vehicle and remote data communication terminal, between portions of vehicle and other portions of vehicle, between two or more vehicles, and between vehicle and communications network

Four embodiments of a reluctance type rotational speed sensor are disclosed. In the first embodiment, an annular magnet circumscribes a sensing coil having a unitary rotor nested within it, and is disposed between two elements which comprise the stator. In a second embodiment, a magnet is disposed between two halves which comprise a rotor, the entire assembly nesting within a sensing coil and being disposed between the two stator elements. In the third embodiment, the rotor carries multiple magnets in an axially opposed position with respect to teeth formed on the stator. The magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit increases and decreases as the rotor magnets alternate between aligned and non-aligned positions enabling measurement of angular speed in accordance with the increase and decrease of magnetic flux. Any of the first three embodiments may be used, with minor modifications, in environments where a rotating shaft turns within a stationary bore, or where a rotating bore turns about a stationary shaft. The fourth embodiment incorporates the features of the first three and further includes a caliper-like stator and coil assembly which may be removed for service without requiring extensive disassembly.

Unitary rotational speed sensor

Apparatus for use on a vehicle having a main drive shaft and first and second output shafts operable for providing driving torque to the wheels of the vehicle. The apparatus comprises electromagnetic sensors for determining excessive difference in output speeds of the first and second output shafts to detect a slip condition and a control circuit operable to actuate another mechanism for eliminating the slip condition in response to the sensing means. The other mechanism is operable for a predetermined time after actuation thereof.

Vehicle drive control system

A safety edge switch (10) which may be utilized to sense an obstruction present in a window opening upon closure of the respective window (18) of an automotive vehicle. The switch (10) may be secured to a window opening by adhesive attachment. The switch (10) includes an outer peripheral portion (22) preferably shaped as an oval and constructed of a resilient material which defines a central aperture. A second smaller structure (26) constructed of conductive elastomer is located in the central aperture and secured to an internal wall thereof. A portion of the outer peripheral member opposite the second smaller oval shaped structure features a conductive elastomeric portion extending parallel thereto and maintained separate therefrom by the resilient physical properties of the outer peripheral portion. The assembly provides a switch (10) which may be actuated upon displacement of a first dimension A which preferably interrupts application of power to the actuator causing window closure and, in addition, permits a second displacement which accommodates any overtravel such as dimension B which may occur subsequent to removal of power from the actuator closing the referenced window (18). The conductive elastomeric portions include copper drain wires (30, 31) for reliable low resistance switching along the length thereof, such that the obstruction causing displacement of the safety edge switch (10) at any location therealong provides a change in continuity of electrical conduction therethrough. This device as indicated is sensitive to normal forces in addition to any angular force which may be applied thereto. The switch is co-extruded as one assembly.

Safety edge switch for detection of obstructions encountered by a moving object

A pressure detector including a fiber optical cable woven through a ladder-like structure which is then encapsulated and surrounded by a cover. Light transmitted through the fiber optic cable is diminished to a value less than a threshold value upon the occurrence of microbending caused by pressure applied at any location along the length thereof. The rungs of the ladder-like structure are sized and spaced to provide a proper locus about which microbending may be produced. In addition, the rungs may be round in cross-section and/or otherwise shaped to enhance the sensitivity of the system.

Pressure sensor utilizing microbending of a fiber optic cable woven through a ladder shaped structure

A antilock brake system utilizes a microprocessor controller to monitor the rate of speed decay of a braked wheel of a vehicle and to cause release of braking force under incipient wheel lock-up conditions. The microprocessor receives a single digital wheel speed input signal and processes the latter in accordance with a program whereby a reference signal is generated and is periodically compared with the wheel speed signal to determine if a lock-up condition is in progress. The microprocessor compares the speed signal with the reference signal at frequent sampling intervals and when the wheel speed decreases at a rate exceeding a desired value, the reference signal is varied by the microprocessor to decrease at a predetermined first rate of decrement until the wheel speed signal and the reference signal correspond to each other, indicating that the wheel speed is dropping at a rate in excess of a desired rate of speed decay. The microprocessor adjusts the rate of decrement of the reference signal at a second maximum rate and generates a brake release signal to relieve the brake force applied to the wheel. When the wheel speed signal again crosses over the reference signal, the brake force is restored and the reference signal again tracks the wheel speed signal at a value less than the wheel speed signal. The microprocessor determines whether the weel is on a high or low friction surface and compensates for the latter by extending the brake release signal to provide additional time for the wheel to regain velocity. The microprocessor controller restricts the maximum time of brake release signal generation during each brake release cycle. The wheel speed sensing system and microprocessor controller are located remote from the braked wheel and in close proximity to each other to minimize the effects of shock, vibration and electrical interference. A failsafe circuit arrangement is also disclosed as part of the microprocessor controller.

Dennis A. Kramer

Papers

Unitary rotational speed sensor

Vehicle drive control system

Safety edge switch for detection of obstructions encountered by a moving object

Pressure sensor utilizing microbending of a fiber optic cable woven through a ladder shaped structure

Antilock brake system