Method and apparatus for monitoring intake manifold vacuum

• US 4,072,047 A
• Filed: 11/15/1976
• Issued: 02/07/1978
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Remesta GmbH
• Original Assignee: Remesta GmbH
• Inventors: Reismuller, Anton
• Primary Examiner(s): Myracle, Jerry W.
• Application Number:
  US05/742,129
• Time in Patent Office: 449 Days
• Field of Search: 73/115, 73/398 R, 73/116, 340/60
• US Class Current: 73/114.37
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 19/08 Means for indicating or recording, e.g. for remote indication
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 9/0032 using photoelectric means
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 15/09 by monitoring pressure in fluid ducts, e.g. in lubrication or cooling parts

Abstract

A method and apparatus for continuously monitoring and telemetering the condition of the vacuum pressure in the intake manifold of an automotive vehicle. The vacuum pressure is continuously sampled by a vacuum-pressure-sensitive device having one end that moves responsive to changes in the vacuum pressure. Mounted on the movable end of the device is a scanning arrangement that moves a pair of metal strips across the front of two light barrier devices as the pressure changes. In the preferred form, the two light barrier devices each consist of a photo-diode transmitter and a photo-transistor receiver. The output from the light barrier devices consists of an electrical signal having three stages as the pressure increases or decreases. The electrical signal passes through a switching arrangement which successively lights up three different-colored lights to inform the operator as to the condition of the vacuum in the intake manifold.

Claims

1. A method for continuously monitoring and telemetering the momentary operating condition of a motor vehicle engine with respect to the vacuum created in the intake manifold of the engine as output and reference quantity, comprising the steps of:

1. continuously sampling the vacuum in the intake manifold of the engine;

2. utilizing changes in the vacuum pressure to produce an electrical signal having a plurality of stages representing different successive levels of vacuum pressure;

3. feeding this electrical signal to an electronic switching station linked with the electrical power supply of the vehicle; and

4. utilizing electricity from said electrical power supply as directed by said electronic switching station to actuate a signal that can be sensed by the operator, said signal informing the operator as to the state of the vacuum in the intake manifold at that particular instant.

2. A method as in claim 1, in which the signal actuated by the electrical power supply and the electronic switching station comprises an optical signal.

3. A method as in claim 2, in which the optical signal consists of a plurality of different-colored lights that are lighted up successively as the vacuum pressure changes.

4. A method as in claim 1, in which the signal actuated by the electrical power supply and the electronic switching station comprises an acoustical signal.

5. A method as in claim 1, in which the signal actuated by the electrical power supply and the electronic switching station is utilized to actuate an associated mechanical device according to the need of the engine, as called for by the vacuum pressure in the intake manifold at a given instant.

6. Apparatus for continuously monitoring and telemetering the momentary operating condition of a motor vehicle/engine with respect to the vacuum pressure created in the intake manifold of the engine, comprising:

a vacuum-pressure-sensitive device connected to the intake manifold of the engine, said device having a movable end that moves responsive to changes in the vacuum pressure;

an electronic scanning system connected to said movable end of said device, said scanning system being operable to produce an electrical signal having a plurality of stages representing different successive levels of vacuum pressure;

an electronic switching circuit linked to the electrical power source of the vehicle, said switching circuit being operable to direct electrical current to one or another of a plurality of signalling devices responsive to a corresponding stage of said electrical signal, thereby actuating a signal that informs the operator as to the condition of the vacuum pressure in the intake manifold.

7. Apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said signalling devices comprise a plurality of different-colored lights that are successively lighted up as the pressure changes.