Nartron Corporation

Michael J Rymut

Stephen R Cooper

Carl Andrew Munch

John M Washeleski

Mario P Boisvert

Ronald D Ingraham

Frederick C Simar

An improved glow plug controller is disclosed. The glow plug controller includes an analog temperature sensor, circuitry for converting an analog temperature signal to digital form, a microprocessor for analyzing temperature and other operating parameters and for controlling glow plugs and monitoring indicators in accordance with algorithms defined in the microprocessor. The temperature and control signals from the microprocessor are converted to analog form and applied to actuate glow plugs and indicators in accordance with determinations made by the microprocessor. A specific embodiment includes a manual override for facilitating operation even if the microprocessor should fail. A false temperature input is provided so that a false temperature representation can be directly applied to the microprocessor for factory and service center testing of microprocessor operation. Glow plug operation is controlled by way of a relay and multiple, independently fused glow plug circuits. Diagnostic means are provided for indicating to an operator when a glow plug short circuit has caused a fuse to open the glow plug circuit, and to indicate as well the number of such circuits which have been opened by short circuit malfunctions. Disabling means are provided for cutting off power to the glow plugs in response to engine temperature exceeding a predetermined maximum of 88.degree. Celsius. The programmed microprocessor includes means for establishing a preglow period as a function of engine temperature, and for initiating the afterglow in response to the cessation of cranking the engine.

Glow plug controller

A position sensing device including two spaced conductive coils constituting a primary and secondary winding of a transformer. A coupling member is mounted to a moveable object such as an automobile steering mechanism and moves relative the primary and secondary windings. This movement adjusts or alters the transformer coupling between the primary and the secondary and produces a variable output signal which can be correlated through use of appropriate circuitry to the position of the moveable member. Two alternate designs are disclosed. In a first design, the transformer primary and secondary are disposed side-by-side and the coupling member slips over the primary and secondary for relative linear movement. In a second design, the primary and secondary are disposed one within the other and the coupling member fits within a gap between the primary and secondary. A control system for multiple position sensors includes circuitry for activating multiple sensors as well as monitoring return signals from multiple signals. Such a control system can interface other computers within the vehicle such as body control and engine control computers.

Linear position sensor having coaxial or parallel primary and secondary

A fuel sensing and monitoring apparatus and method is disclosed. The apparatus includes two spaced conductive coils constituting a primary and secondary winding of a transformer. A short coupling member is mounted to a movable member to which a float is attached, the float being located in the fuel tank of a vehicle. The float and movable member move in response to a change in fuel level in the tank. When the fuel level changes, the short coupling member moves relative to the primary and secondary windings. This movement adjusts or alters the transformer coupling between the primary and secondary and produces a variable output signal which can be correlated, through the use of appropriate circuitry, to a representation of the level or fuel in the tank as indicated by the position of the movable member to which the float is attached.

Liquid level sensor

A multi-input electrical monitor has a plurality of input terminals for connection to a plurality of condition responsive transducers whereby the input terminals receive electrically both high and low signals when the transducers respond to respective preselected conditions; a signal generator responds to the existance of such conditions when particular combinations of such electrically high and/or low signals are received by the input terminals.

Multi-input electrical monitor

A multi-input electrical monitor has a plurality of input terminals for connection to a plurality of condition responsive transducers whereby some of the input terminals receive electrically high signals while other of the input terminals receive electrically low signals when the transducers respond to abnormal conditons; a signal generator responds to the existance of such abnormal conditions even though the input signals indicative thereof can be either electrically high or low.

A position sensing device including two spaced conductive coils constituting a primary and secondary winding of a transformer. A coupling member is mounted to a moveable object such as an automobile steering mechanism and moves relative the primary and secondary windings. This movement adjusts or alters the transformer coupling between the primary and the secondary and produces a variable output signal which can be correlated through use of appropriate circuitry to the position of the moveable member. Two alternate designs are disclosed. In a first design, the transformer primary and secondary are disposed side-by-side and the coupling member slips over the primary and secondary for relative linear movement. In a second design, the primary and secondary are disposed one within the other and the coupling member fits within a gap between the primary and secondary.

Growing community of inventors

Cadillac, MI, United States of America

Michael J Rymut