Showing papers by "Eaton Corporation published in 1998"

Keyless motor vehicle entry and ignition system

Abstract: A keyless control system is disclosed which may be employed to gain entry to a motor vehicle and start an engine. When using this system, a user activates a remote control by selecting a function for the motor vehicle to perform. In response, a challenge number is exchanged and used in an encryption algorithm by both the remote control and a control circuit in the motor vehicle to produce independently of each other separate algorithm answers. A first verification indication is produced when the control circuit finds both answers to be the same. The remote control also sends its unique remote control identification and a designation of the selected function to the control circuit. If the received remote control identification matches is on an authorized remote control list stored in the control circuit, a second verification indication is produced. When both the first and second verification indications are produced, the control circuit issues a signal that causes the motor vehicle to perform the selected function.

Method and apparatus for calibrating azimuth boresight in a radar system

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating azimuth boresight in a radar system. Antenna boresight misalignment can cause radar systems to inaccurately determine the position of targets relative to a platform vehicle. These errors can be corrected by detecting and accurately measuring a boresight offset angle defined as the angle between the radar antenna boresight and the direction of travel of the host platform vehicle. Several antenna boresight calibration techniques are described. A first technique calculates the boresight offset angle by obtaining target range and azimuth angle measurements at two instants in time. The boresight offset angle is determined by the geometric relationship of the offset angle, target range and azimuth values obtained at two successive time instants. A refined approach obtains target range and azimuth values at several successive time instants, calculating interim boresight offset angles at each time instant. The boresight offset angle is computed by averaging the interim boresight offset angles. In second and third calibration techniques, the boresight offset angle is estimated from the azimuth of qualified calibration targets that are substantially aligned with the host vehicle's heading. Several restrictions are imposed upon the potential calibration targets to suppress the erroneous qualification of adjacent vehicle traffic. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the calibration techniques are implemented by software instructions executed by a microprocessor within the radar system. Once the boresight offset angle is detected and calculated, it can be used to calibrate the antenna boresight using either a mathematical or physical calibration approach.

The treatment of psychotic depression in later life: a comparison of pharmacotherapy and ECT

Abstract: Objective. Response to combination pharmacotherapy and to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was evaluated in elderly patients with psychotic depression. Method. Twenty-five patients, aged 60 years and older, with DSM-III-R unipolar psychotic major depression, were treated in an open, non-randomized fashion with either 6 weeks of nortriptyline and perphenazine (N=8) or ECT (N=17). Response was defined as a Hamilton score of ≤10 and the absence of delusions and hallucinations. Patients who failed to respond to combined antidepressant–antipsychotic medication underwent 2 weeks of lithium augmentation. Results. Two (25.0p) patients responded to the first 6 weeks of pharmacotherapy whereas 15 (88.2p) patients responded to ECT (Fisher's exact test, p=0.004). Even after lithium augmentation, there was a trend for patients to be less responsive to medication than to ECT (50.0p versus 88.2p, Fisher's exact test, p=0.059). Survival analysis, based on 8 weeks of observation, demonstrated that patients took longer to respond to pharmacotherapy than to ECT (mean (SE) of 7(0) weeks versus 4(0) weeks; log rank χ2=10.43, df=1, p=0.001). Conclusions. We found that elderly patients with psychotic depression had a significantly lower frequency of response to nortriptyline and perphenazine than to ECT. However, patients responded more slowly to pharmacotherapy than to ECT and longer duration of treatment may have improved the outcome of the medication group. These findings suggest the need for a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacies of drug treatment and ECT in late life psychotic depression. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

An experimental investigation of factors affecting arc-cathode erosion

Abstract: A specially designed thermal plasma reactor system for the investigation of arc-cathode erosion has been set up. By using an OMA-spectrometer system, emission spectroscopic measurements of electron temperature and electron number density in the cathode region have been performed, together with single-colour and two-colour pyrometry of cathode temperature distributions. Observation of cathode spot behaviour has been carried out simultaneously by employing a telemicroscope and a high-speed vision system. Cathodes have been examined by SEM and EDX after arcing. For pure tungsten cathodes, the initial cathode geometry has almost no effect on the cathode spot's behaviour due to the molten state of the cathode spot. The major erosion mechanism is the ejection of liquid droplets from the cathode spot. However, the initial cathode geometry has a certain influence on the cathode's erosion for 2% thoriated tungsten cathodes. A highly non-uniform erosion pattern will occur if the cathode is overcooled, probably due to ion bombardment in the low-temperature regions of the arc-attachment spot.

Circuit breaker with double rate spring

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, an operating mechanism and separable main contacts, and a rotatable crossbar which rotates to open and close the contacts. The crossbar interacts by way of a protrusion thereon with a rotatable, positive off-link. A handle mechanism is disposed in the housing and has a handle protruding from the housing which is normally movable from a closed to open disposition. However, if the operating mechanism has reacted in such a way as to open the separable main contacts but, in fact, they have not opened because, for example, they are welded shut, the protrusion on the crossbar will interact with the positive off-link and prevent the handle mechanism from moving to the opened position thus warning personnel that the contacts have not opened. There is also provided in association with the crossbar a cam which is spring loaded from the bottom against a portion of a cavity in a crossbar which interacts with a movable portion of the movable contact in such a manner as to latch it open when it has independently moved to an opened position relative to the rotatable crossbar. The cam rider reacts in such a way that it seals off or protects the aforementioned spring from gaseous arc products during the opening operation. There is provided on the trip mechanism a double pitch spring. The double pitch being such as to expand the range of the adjustment characteristic of the tripping mechanism.

Apparatus for waveform disturbance monitoring for an electric power system

Abstract: A monitor/analyzer for an alternating current (AC) electrical system responds to power line disturbances by generating a trigger signal when a change in voltage with respect to time electrical parameter is greater than a programmed threshold. The monitor/analyzer includes a sensor for sensing an AC waveform in the electrical system, an analog-to-digital converter for sampling the AC waveform, and a microcomputer. Firmware of the microcomputer cooperates with the A/D converter and provides a plurality of digital samples of the AC waveform for each of some of its AC cycles. The firmware generates each of plural dV/dt parameters of the AC waveform from a corresponding adjacent pair of the digital samples within one of the waveform's AC cycles. A trigger signal is generated when one of the dV/dt parameters is greater than the programmed threshold. The digital samples of the AC waveform before and after the power line disturbance are captured and output to a display in response to the trigger signal.

Transmission control lever with user interface

Abstract: A user interface (12) for mounting on a motor vehicle transmission control lever (10) includes a first plurality of switches (22) for operating a cruise control module, a second plurality of switches (24) for controlling activation level of an engine brake; and a ratio switch (26) for modifying a transmission ratio determined by position of the transmission control lever (10) . The first (22) and second (24) pluralities of switches and the ratio switch (26) are positioned to be thumb-operable without palm repositioning.

Switchgear conductors and mounting arrangements therefor

Abstract: The interface conductors, stabs and runbacks, which are engaged at first ends by quick disconnects on electrical apparatus in a switchgear assembly, are fabricated from a stacked pair of elongated, flat conductors secured together at the first ends by elongated fasteners which are compressed into countersunk through apertures in the flat conductors to form a joint with no lateral projections. The interface conductors are supported adjacent the disconnects by a first support having a base member with through openings in which the conductors are snugly supported, and rigid projections with planar surfaces extending from the base member toward the quick disconnects alongside the openings and against which the interface conductors are secured adjacent free ends of the projections. A second support spaced rearward of the first support provides additional support for the runbacks. Interphase supports formed by C-channels are provided for the runbacks between the first and second supports.

Respiratory correlates of muscle sympathetic nerve activity in heart failure

Abstract: I. Sympathetic activation in congestive heart failure indicates a poor prognosis. Haemodynamic correlates of increased sympathetic nerve traffic to muscle (MSNA) and to the heart have been well characterized, but these account for only 50 to 60% of the variance in sympathetic activity between patients. 2. In healthy subjects, breathing pattern modulates MSNA and positive airway pressure consistently increases MSNA. However, in patients with heart failure, the influence of spontaneous breathing pattern and of short-term application of nasal continuous positive airway pressure on MSNA have not been described. 3. Spontaneous breathing frequency, tidal volume, end-expiratory lung volume, PCO 2 and MSNA were recorded, along with blood pressure, heart rate and stroke volume in 14 men with congestive heart failure of idiopathic or ischaemic origin (left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%). Measurements were made during baseline rest, followed by 45 min of either nasal continuous positive airway pressure applied at 10 cmH 2 O (n = 9), or spontaneous breathing, in the absence of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (time control; n = 6). 4. At baseline, there was a significant positive correlation between MSNA burst frequency and breathing frequency (r = 0.758, P = 0.001), and an inverse correlation between MSNA burst incidence and tidal volume (r = -0.705, P = 0.005). These relationships were independent of left ventricular ejection fraction, stroke volume or cardiac output. 5. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure increased end-expiratory lung volume, but had no effect on breathing frequency, tidal volume or MSNA. 6. In patients with congestive heart failure, there is a significant independent and previously unrecognized correlation between spontaneous breathing pattern and MSNA; patients with rapid shallow breathing exhibit the highest degree of sympathetic activation. In distinct contrast to healthy subjects, the short-term application of nasal continuous positive airway pressure at 10 cmH 2 O does not increase MSNA in congestive heart failure.

Resistor adapted for use in forced ventilation dynamic braking applications

Abstract: A continuous ribbon resistor element having a plurality of conjunctive lengths alternately connected by reflexes is supported in a frame comprised of silicon bonded laminated mica. The ribbon elements are formed with a single, flat convolution center offset to one side of an original plane and lateral portions offset to an opposite side of the plane, joined to the center offset by transition portions such that the centroid for any transverse cross section lies on the original plane. The offsets originate at flat end portions near the reflexes and have maximum offset intermediate the ends. Metal members are received in openings of the laminated mica insulators to receive threaded fasteners when attaching an insulator in edge-wise relationship to another. Thermally conductive termination connections are brought outside the frame and airflow passageway to remove from the passageway the additional heat otherwise absorbed by the terminals.

Circuit interrupter with covered accessory case, adjustable under voltage relay, self-retaining collar and one-piece rail attachment

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker is taught with a housing base and a primary cover disposed on the housing base. The primary cover has a recess therein for an auxiliary module which is disposed in the recess. A secondary cover is disposed on the primary cover for covering the recess when the auxiliary module is disposed therein. A combination manual trip and secondary cover interlock is provided which is accessible from outside of the secondary cover for manually opening separable main contacts or for automatically opening separable main contacts when the secondary cover is removed. There is also provided on the back plane of the housing a single piece DIN rail attachment for securing the back plane to a DIN rail. There is provided an under voltage release mechanism for actuating the circuit breaker to trip on the occurrence of an under voltage condition of pre-determined magnitude across the lines served by the circuit interrupter. The under voltage release mechanism has an adjustment spring which is controlled by a nut or thumb screw on a shaft to vary the spring force for calibrating the under voltage release mechanism. There is also provided a self-retaining collar member for the load and line terminals of the circuit interrupter. The collar member comprises a locating protrusion in the bottom thereof which aligns with a hole in the load or line conductors. Side entrapment members which entrap the line or load conductor therebetween and between the bottom of the collar member are also provided.

Back-up proximity sensor for a vehicle

Abstract: A backup proximity sensor for a vehicle includes a first passive infrared sensor (PIR) and a second PIR vertically mounted with respect to one another on a pivotal support member. The first PIR and second PIR are angularly directed such that the respective fields of view converge, establishing a detection zone in a region behind a vehicle. A drive motor and scanning gear box are coupled to the pivotal support member and pivotally drive the first and second PIR in an oscillatory fashion about a predetermined arc. This establishes relative motion between the PIRs and a stationary warm body in the field of view of the two sensors, allowing the stationary body to be detected. A detection circuit receives output signals from the first PIR and second PIR and generates an output signal indicative of a warm body being detected by both the first and second PIRs. This eliminates false alarms generated by warm bodies outside the region of the desired detection zone.

Touch point identification for vehicle master clutch

Abstract: A control for a drive line (10) including an automated clutch (14) utilizing an electronic data link (DL) to identify the value of a clutch control parameter (PWM) corresponding to the clutch touch point.

The effect of patterns on thermal stress during rapid thermal processing of silicon wafers

Abstract: The presence of patterns can lead to temperature nonuniformity and undesirable levels of thermal stress in silicon wafers during rapid thermal processing (RTP). Plastic deformation of the wafer can lead to production problems such as photolithography overlay errors and degraded device performance. In this work, the transient temperature fields in patterned wafers are simulated using a detailed finite-element-based reactor transport model coupled with a thin film optics model for predicting the effect of patterns on the wafer radiative properties. The temperature distributions are then used to predict the stress fields in the wafer and the onset of plastic deformation. Results show that pattern-induced temperature nonuniformity can cause plastic deformation during RTP, and that the problem is exacerbated by single-side heating, increased processing temperature, and increased ramp rate. Pattern effects can be mitigated by stepping the die pattern out to the edge of the wafer or by altering the thin film stack on the wafer periphery to make the radiative properties across the wafer more uniform.

Method for in-process cleaning of an ion source

Abstract: A method and system for in-process cleaning of an ion source (12) is provided. The ion source (12) comprises (i) a plasma chamber (22) formed by chamber walls (112, 114, 116) that bound an ionization zone (120); (ii) a source of ionizable dopant gas (66) and a first mechanism (68) for introducing said ionizable dopant gas into said plasma chamber; (iii) a source of cleaning gas (182) and a second mechanism (184) for introducing said cleaning gas into said plasma chamber; and (iv) an exciter (130) at least partially disposed within said chamber for imparting energy to said ionizable dopant gas and said cleaning gas to create a plasma within said plasma chamber. The plasma comprises disassociated and ionized constituents of said dopant gas and disassociated and ionized constituents of said cleaning gas. The disassociated and ionized constituents of said cleaning gas react with said disassociated and ionized constituents of said dopant gas to prevent formation of deposits of elements contained within said ionizable dopant gas on surfaces of said chamber walls. The cleaning gas may be, for example, nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), and the ionizable dopant gas may be, for example, either phosphine (PH3) or arsine (AsH3). Mass flow controllers control the ratio of cleaning gas to ionizable dopant gas introduced into said plasma chamber, which is greater than 0:1 and preferably at least 3:1.

The Impact of Rhythmic Entrainment on a Person with Autism

Abstract: ne of the defining characteris-tics of persons with autism is a sensory impairment that is often auditory based. Parents often re-port that their children with autism react to individual sounds differently. A child may not respond to his or her name being called or may not show a startle re-sponse to a loud noise, yet he or she may become agitated by the ticking of a clock (Ritvo, Ornitz, & LaFranchi, 1968; Schreibman, 1988). Because of this deficit, researchers have begun to investigate the impact of sensory-based interventions on children and youth with autism (Hoffman, 1995; Strong, 1995). One method, rhythmic entrainment, uses music to aid in relax-ation by introducing externally produced rhythms that are specifically designed to re-entrain the body to its natural rhyth-mic patterns (Ostrander, Schroeder, & Ostrander, 1994; Strong, 1995). The tempo of "metered music" used to ac-complish this pattern is 50 to 65 beats per minute, which is the range that mir-rors the average number of beats per minute of a relaxed heartbeat (Hoffman, 1995). According to Hoffman (1995), metered music is effective because en-trainment does not require stimulus-response or action-reaction processing. Although some research supports the use of entrainment for students with autism and other disabilities (Hoffman, 1995; Strong, 1995), the majority of in-formation on this topic is not empirically based. This study was to extend the lim-ited research base on rhythmic entrain-ment by measuring the impact of this intervention on a female youth with autism.

Apparatus for detecting the presence of an occupant in a motor vehicle

Abstract: A motor vehicle control system includes a pair of cameras for producing first and second images of a passenger area. A distance processor determines distances that a plurality of features in the first and second images are from the cameras based on the amount that each feature is shifted between the first and second images. An analyzer processed the distances and determine a size of an object on the seat. Additional analysis of the distance also may determine movement of the object and the rate of that movement. The distance information also can be used to recognize predefined patterns in the images and thus identify the object. A mechanism utilizes the determined object characteristics in controlling operation of a device, such as deployment of an air bag.

Variable force solenoid operated valve assembly with dampener

Abstract: A variable force solenoid operated pressure control valve of the type having a force balanced spool moveably controlled energization of the solenoid for modulating the discharge pressure of the valve at its control outlet when the valve is supplied at its inlet with fluid of a supply pressure. The spool is moved to bleed fluid through an exhaust port to a sump for controlling the pressure supplied to the control outlet. The spool has a dashpot and piston in one end for providing hydraulic dampening of spool oscillations. In one embodiment a cylindrical piston is used and in an alternate arrangement a ball is employed in the dashpot.

Electrical switching apparatus with improved contact arm carrier arrangement

Abstract: The contact fingers (49) of electrical switching apparatus (1) have radial convex surfaces (107) centered on the pivot pins (51) which seat on concave surfaces (109) in the molded contact carrier (47) to transmit bending loads on the pin (51) into the carrier (47). A seal member (93) which snaps onto the end of the pivot pin (51) has fins (99) which extend between the contact fingers (49) to block flow of arcing gases through the carrier (47). For lower current ratings, some of the contact fingers (49) are replaced by annular spacers (119) which also transmit bending moments into the carrier (47) and restrict gas flow. A stop ledge (77) on the carrier (47) against which the contact springs (79) bias the contact fingers (49) has a recess (83) which allows the center fingers (49c) to project farther toward the stationary contacts (39, 57) so that the arc toes (55) on these fingers (49c) are the last to separate on opening and the arc is concentrated on them. The drive pin (129) connecting the carrier (47) to the operating mechanism has flats (137) which key it for engagement in a slot (135) in the carrier (47) for installation and removal only with the carrier pivots (73) lifted out of their bearing pockets (113) by removal of the rear casing (7).

Single channel apparatus for on-line monitoring of three-phase AC motor stator electrical faults

Abstract: An on-line monitor for electrical faults in the stator of an ac motor has a single di/dt current transformer or three separate di/dt current transformers coupled to the three phase conductors of the ac supply. The windings of the transformer, or transformers, are selected to generate a single sensed signal containing a linear combination of components of current in the three phase conductors weighted relatively so that algebraic differences between components from any two phase conductors is non-zero, such as preferably 2A+B-C or 3A+2B+C. The single sensed current signal is bandpass filtered to generate a pulse signal which is applied to an analyzer. The analyzer, preferably implemented by a microcontroller, generates an output based upon a combination of the amplitude and frequency of occurrence of the current pulse signal including a time attenuated accumulation of the pulses. A similar pulse signal is generated from a single sensed voltage signal and compared to the pulse signal generated from the current sensor to verify that the detected events originate in the motor and not from upstream in the ac supply. The monitor is coupled to the phase conductors between the local disconnect switch and the motor, and preferably, is mounted in the disconnect housing.

Mounting arrangement for neutral bus in switchgear assembly

Abstract: The neutral cross bus in a switchgear assembly formed from two sets of side-by-side cabinets includes first and second neutral buses for the respective sets of cabinets. Each neutral bus is made up of a stack of flat conductors oriented horizontally in a main section extending across the cabinets of the set and vertically in a terminal section confronting the terminal section of the other neutral bus. The vertically oriented terminal sections are easily bolted together despite their limited accessibility when the two sets of cabinets are installed side-by-side. The flat conductors of the neutral cross bus are supported in their horizontal main sections by spaced supports formed by planar members with spaced horizontal slots set on edge and mounted by end flanges. The multiple flat conductors of neutral runbacks are interleaved with the flat conductors of the main sections of the cross bus and are supported by partitions having an opening sized to accommodate the maximum number of runback conductors with the remaining portion of the opening blocked by spacers interlocked with each other and the edges of the opening when less than the maximum number of flat runback conductors are used.

Water cooled viscous fan drive

Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly (11) in which the fluid coupling (43) is disposed within a coolant cavity (C) defined by an engine block (B) of an internal combustion engine The fluid coupling includes an input coupling assembly (45) and disposed therein is an output coupling member (55), the input and output cooperating to define forward (61,65) and rearward (63,67) viscous shear areas to optimize torque capacity of the coupling The input coupling assembly (45) includes a rearward body member (49) disposed within the cavity (C) and which includes impeller blades (73), such that the member (49) also serves as the water pump for the engine

Transmission inertia brake with ball ramp actuation

Abstract: In a transmission inertia brake a ball ramp mechanism is used to load a clutch pack to slow a rotating transmission shaft where the clutch pack is carried on a one piece drive assembly having a gear section for meshing with a transmission gear, an extension section for engaging a thrust plate in an isolator assembly, a clutch section for engaging plurality of driven clutch plates in the clutch pack and a bearing section for rotational support within a brake housing. An armature having an angled peripheral surface engages a mating friction surface formed in an end plate to form a core clutch, the armature being magnetically pulled upon energization of an electrical coil energized by a power signal from a control unit supplied through a sealed electrical connector thereby introducing a frictional braking force on the armature to activate the ball ramp mechanism. The armature is nonrotatably connected to the control ring of the ball ramp mechanism through at least one connecting pin. A Belleville spring is used to apply an axial load on the ball ramp mechanism and to drive the star in a gerotor oil pump which interacts with a ring to pump cooling lubricant throughout the clutch pack in the ball ramp mechanism.

Differential gear mechanism and improved ball-ramp actuation thereof

Abstract: A differential gear mechanism including a clutch assembly (35) for retarding rotation between a side gear (23) and a gear case (11,45), and a ball ramp actuator for actuating the clutch assembly. The ball ramp actuator includes an inner actuating plate (49) within the gear case, and an outer actuating plate (51) disposed external to the gear case. In order to initiate ramp up of the ball ramp device, an electromagnetic coil assembly (67) includes an annular coil (75) which is disposed in face-to-face relationship with the outer actuating plate (51). An annular drive plate (83) is disposed between the coil (75) and the outer actuating plate (51), and is drawn into frictional engagement with a layer of friction material (81) upon energization of the coil. The drive plate (83) is connected by pins (89) to be axially movable relative to the outer actuating plate, but fixed to rotate therewith, such that frictional engagement of the drive plate (83) retards rotation of the outer actuating plate (51).

Heat sinks for conductors in low voltage switchgear

Abstract: Heat sinks extending rearward from and connected to the risers of a switchgear assembly by the same fasteners which secure the stabs to the risers dissipate the joule heat generated by current flow through the risers and stabs and accommodate for the higher temperature rise permitted in the power circuit breakers engaged by the stabs. The heat sinks are formed by a pair of heat sink members straddling the risers, each of which has an elongated flat body with an extended flat mounting surface on a first face which provides extended surface engagement with a stab. The elongated body projects rearward beyond the stab and a first set of transverse fins project from the first face rearward of the stab toward the first set of fins on the other heat sink member of the pair. A second or additional set of fins project laterally outward from a second face opposite the first face of the elongated body and are dimensioned to maintain appropriate through-air clearance with the additional fins on the heat sinks on an adjacent riser.

Angle sensor using a multi-pixel optical device

Abstract: An angle sensor for detecting the angular position of a rotating body. The angle sensor includes a plurality of digital patterns positioned on a surface that rotates with a rotating body. A source of light illuminates the patterns, and a multi-pixel optical device receives light from the patterns and converts the light into electrical signals. A processing circuit receives the electrical signals and identifies the illuminated patterns.

Force transmitting assembly

Abstract: A force transmitting assembly is operable between a plurality of engaged conditions and a disengaged condition in which the force transmitting assembly is ineffective to transmit force. The force transmitting assembly includes a primary piston assembly having annular radially inner and outer piston areas against which fluid pressure is applied to vary the magnitude of the force which can be transmitted by the force transmitting assembly. The force transmitting assembly also includes a secondary piston assembly having radially inner and outer piston areas against which fluid pressure is applied to vary the magnitude of the force which can be transmitted by the force transmitting assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, the secondary piston assembly includes two separate pistons. In another embodiment of the embodiment of the invention, the secondary piston assembly includes a single piston having annular radially inner, radially outer, and intermediate piston areas against which fluid pressure is applied.

Threaded nut expansion fastener

Abstract: A barrel nut type fastener (100) is provided for securement within an opening (20) to a panel ("P") by a threaded member ("T") that when rotationally advanced through the barrel nut causes free-ends (14) and (14') of resilient legs (10) and (10') to move away from each other and respectively engage and urge resilient fingers (16) and (16') into contacting engagement with opposite sides of opening (20) with sufficient force to secure fastener (100) to panel, ("P").