Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Wayne C Nichols

John A Stewart

Shi-Wai S Cheng

Wayne Richard Moore

Torch jet ignition is used to assist conventional spark ignition. A small (0.5-1 cc) chamber in a spark plug has an orifice (0.1-0.2 cm diameter) adjacent the spark gap to emit a torch jet into the main combustion chamber to enhance the combustion. The combustion is initiated by the conventional spark in the combustion chamber and the combustion ignites the torch jet. In another embodiment, two spark gaps in series are used, one in the main combustion chamber and one in the torch chamber.

Apparatus for torch jet assisted spark ignition

A low tire pressure transducer coupled to a tire rim includes a diaphragm subject to tire pressure on one side and to a mechanical spring force on the other side. A magnet within the transducer is coupled with a shunt which minimizes the external magnetic field when tire pressure is at its proper value. However, movement of the diaphragm occasioned by low tire pressure also moves the shunt so that the external magnetic field increases substantially. Movement of the shunt also opens a valve which relieves any air pressure buildup in the transducer on the spring side of the diaphragm thereby avoiding premature actuation of the transducer due to air leakage into the transducer. A retaining ring holds the transducer to the rim and contains vents for allowing the exhaust of air from the transducer.

Low tire pressure transducer

A speedometer cable for a vehicle driven from the vehicle transmission has a speed transducer incorporated in the end fitting which attaches to the transmission housing. The speed transducer comprises, for example, a reed switch driven by a permanent magnet which rotates with the speedometer cable core for opening and closing at a rate dependent on the speed of rotation. The transducer has one terminal grounded through the end fitting to the transmission housing and another lead electrically connected to the reinforcing wire of the speedometer cable. A terminal member with an insulation piercing clip is spaced at a position remote from the end fitting and makes contact with the reinforcing wire to provide an electrical connection between the remote terminal and the reed switch to allow transmission of an electrical speed signal from the reed switch to the remote terminal.

Combination speed transducer and speedometer cable

In a system having a pressure sensor on a vehicle tire for generating a magnetic field when tire pressure reaches a predetermined value, an indicating circuit includes a stationary reed switch which is closed when subjected to the magnetic field, a coil in series with the reed switch which develops a magnetic flux when the switch closes to latch the switch closed, and an indicator lamp in series with the reed switch which is continually illuminated when the switch is closed to provide a low tire pressure warning. A test circuit energized when the vehicle ignition key switch is in 'start' position includes a pulse forming circuit for generating a current pulse in the latching coil to close the reed switch and provide an indicator light if the indicator circuit is operative. Power to the indicator circuit is interrupted when the key switch is moved from the 'start' position to 'run' position so that the coil is momentarily de-energized and the switch opened thereby placing the indicator circuit in readiness for sensing a magnetic field from the pressure sensor.

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Corunna, MI, United States of America

Wayne C Nichols