Abstract: A method for non-destructive determination of a fatigue limit for a component includes two sub-methods which may be performed separately, or in any order. A direct-deformation sub-method includes measuring micro-plastic deformation corresponding to each of a plurality of different known values of stress applied to the component, and identifying a critical value of stress corresponding to a change in the relationship between stress and micro-plastic deformation. An internal-friction damping method includes initiating torsional oscillations in the component, measuring an initial angular amplitude of oscillation, A.sub.0, and a final angular amplitude of oscillation, A.sub.n at the end of the number, n, of oscillations. This process is repeated a number of times and, for each pair of measurements, a corresponding measure of damping is calculated. A critical value of initial angular amplitude corresponding to a change in the relationship between amplitude and damping is then calculated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for identifying, authenticating and tracking articles of manufacture throughout their manufacturing and distribution channels. The foregoing system utilizes: manufacturing meters that are located at authorized manufacturing locations and produce encrypted data that is uniquely associated with each manufactured article; a printer located at the authorized manufacturing locations so that the printer will print the information encrypted by the meter, which encrypted information is affixed to the manufactured article; a data center coupled to the manufacturing meters and located at a site remote from the manufacturing meters; means for producing information that identifies the manufactured articles; and a plurality of means located where the authenticity of the manufactured articles are checked by comparing the encrypted information on the article with the information produced that identifies the article.

Abstract: An early cylinder identification method and system using pulsewidth encoding are provided for use in a variable camshaft timing equipped engine. The method includes generating multiple signal pulses, each signal pulse having a unique length and being associated with one of the engine cylinders. The method also includes measuring the length of a signal pulse, and identifying the engine cylinder associated with the signal pulse based on the measured length of the signal pulse. A system includes a specially designed sensor wheel and control logic for performing the method.

Abstract: A method of visually indicating the number of chemicals and particulates processed by a filter element through which a fluid stream has flowed includes providing a volume meter to indicate when a volume of fluid has passed therethrough to indicate the ability of the filter element to reduce chemicals in the fluid stream, providing a flow rate meter to remove particulates, and positioning the volume meter upstream of the flow rate meter so that the volume meter delivers fluid to the flow rate meter which provides a visual indication as to whether the filter element is losing chemical reduction capacity or is clogged.

Abstract: An athletic shoe (20) having an inflatable air bladder (52) integrated into the design and construction of the shoe, and apparatus (50) for inflating the air bladder, as well as apparatus (82) for sensing and indicating the pressure in the bladder, all incorporated into the design of the shoe.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring a dimensional change, such as a change in the periphery of a test object, is an elastomeric tube filled with an electrically conductive fluid such as mercury. The gauge can be formed into a loop around the test object. Thereafter, any change in, e.g. the circumference of the test object is monitored by measuring the change in resistance (or voltage) between the ends of the tube.

Abstract: In at least one operating situation, especially while the vehicle is stopped, pressure is built up in a defined manner and then released for test purposes without waiting for a steady state value to be reached. On the basis of the pressure-time or force-time curve in at least one wheel brake, a determination is made on whether or not an unacceptable amount of undissolved gas is present in the brake system.

Abstract: A function diagnosing apparatus of an evaporative emission control system for an automotive vehicle executes a diagnosis when a diagnosis starting condition is satisfied. First, a purge cut valve and a vent cut valve are closed, and a bypass valve for a one way valve disposed between a fuel tank and a canister is opened. When a pressure in a purging line is not raised up by these valve operations, it is decided that the system goes wrong due to one of of the bypass valve in a cold condition, fuel vapor leakage, of the vent cut valve in an open condition, and/or no vapor existence. Upon opening the vent cut valve, it is decided as to whether the purge line pressure is dropped or not. When the purge line pressure is dropped, it is decided that the vent cut valve is normal. When the purge line pressure is not dropped, it is decided that vent cut valve is sticking closed.

Abstract: A flow sensor has a diaphragm and a resistive film positioned on the diaphragm. A heater is formed from the resistive film and temperature sensors are arranged on both sides of the heater. On both sides of the heater are additional temperature sensors, which are interconnected by an interconnect resistor and formed from the resistive film.

Abstract: An onboard diagnostic mechanism for a sealed vehicle fuel delivery system. By controlling fuel system valves, the electronic engine controller (EEC) periodically subjects the sealed system to an initial vacuum level, then monitors the pressure increase due to evaporative effects during a predetermined test interval. Excessive deviations in measured pressure compared to predetermined criteria produce indications of potential undesired operational conditions. To prevent fuel sloshing which results from aggressive driving or rough roads from producing false output indications, the instantaneous system pressure is compared with a rolling average of tank pressure to produce a difference signal indicative of fuel sloshing. If the resulting difference signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the monitoring process is aborted in favor of a later test after the fuel sloshing condition terminates.

Abstract: A carrier assembly includes a sensor housing having first and second housing portions and a sensor cavity formed therebetween for carrying a sensor. A carrier assembly couples to the sensor and provides electrical connections which extend from the sensor and between the first and second housing. The sensor couples to a fluid and provides a sensor electrical output.

Abstract: A method or an apparatus for enlarging the range of measurement of speckle measuring systems for elongation measurement on a sample in a testing machine employs a speckle sensor, the sample in the testing machine being loaded in a loading device and the speckle sensor being moved jointly therewith on loading of said sample.

Abstract: An assembly of mask frame and inner shield for color cathode-ray tubes is disclosed, including a mask frame which is attached toward a panel so as to improve initial doming characteristics, decrease correction capacity of the spring, and prevent unbalanced magnetic field induction to the inside. An inner shield which is attached in opposition to the mask frame and protects electron beams from the earth's magnetic field, a mask frame assembly which contains the mask frame, and the inner shield. The mask frame has a band type with only side and a plate for preventing random reflection provided in the side of the inner shield. The plate for preventing random reflection is formed in a single body together with the inner shield. The inner shield is assembled inside or outside of the mask frame. The plate for preventing random reflection is extended from the inner shield to the inside at the front end or rear end of the mask frame.

Abstract: A fiber optic spark plug integrated combustion pressure detector comprises the sensitive sensor head with "snap" action diaphragm to provide the temperature insensitivity to combustion temperature variations. The optical module is integrated into the electrical connector to eliminate open optical interfaces. The "snap" action and special diaphragm shape selectively increase detector knock and misfire discrimination. The pressure sensor can be made spark plug integrated or injected in block cylinder for combustion pressure sensing in engine.

Abstract: A device for counting and classifying load cycles in supporting structures with various loads, bridges, cranes, or tracks for example. A measuring instrument (2) is attached to an attachment side (7) of a load-cycle counter (1) and accommodates a mechanical strain amplifier (3). The ends (8 & 8') of the strain amplifier are much thicker and more resistant to strain. Its middle (9), which includes a strain gauge 10, is much thinner and more sensitive to strain. The ends are fastened to the attachment side. Any signal deriving from traction, force, or flection, and emitted by the strain amplifier (3) is forwarded through a digitalizer (4). The data are processed and stored in a signal processor (5).

Abstract: A flow sensor eliminates turbulence of fluid flow due to a structure of the temperature detecting portion so that a temperature of the temperature detecting portions does not fluctuate due to the turbulence of the fluid. The flow sensor is formed on a substrate. Each of a first temperature detecting portion and a second temperature detecting portion has a heating function and a temperature detecting function, and are arranged along a direction of flow of the fluid. A supporting portion is formed on the substrate for supporting the first and second temperature detecting portions thereon. The supporting portion does not have a side surface facing substantially in the direction of flow of the fluid. A side surface of the supporting portion is protected by a guard portion formed along the side surface.

Abstract: A detecting device for fuel injecting interval is provided, more particularly, to a portable and digital detecting device for detecting the fuel injecting interval of the injector of engine. The detecting device comprises a level transformer, a signal delay filter, a digital signal processor, and a display. The input of the level transformer 2 is electrical connected to the output load terminal of the controller 1 of the injector of engine in a way of inverse measure. The high frequency noise in the target waveform is filtered by the signal delay filter. The delay time within the detecting device is calculated by the digital signal processor and is subtracted. The resulted and exact fuel injecting interval is illustrated in the display. The detecting device features a compact configuration, easy to maintain and low service cost. Most important, the detecting device features a lower measuring error level.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube includes an electron gun for emitting an electronic beam, a deflection yoke which deflects the emitted electronic beam, and a corrector including electromagnets installed in the up-and-down and right-and-left sides of a separator of the deflection yoke for correcting the shape of the section of the emitted electronic beam. Resolution of the picture can be improved by correcting the distortion of the section of the electronic beam which is landed at the edge of a fluorescent film.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for detecting and documenting damage to a catalytic converter in a motor vehicle having a fuel tank and an internal combustion engine wherein combustion misfires can occur when the level of fuel in the tank drops below a critical level.

Abstract: An evaporative emission tester is used to evaluate the integrity of a vehicle's evaporative emission control system, including determining the system's purge capability. The emission tester performs a purge flow test to determine whether fuel vapor stored in the vehicle's evaporative canister and present in the fuel tank is being drawn into the engine for combustion at a minimum amount. The emission tester also performs a pressure test of the vehicle's evaporative canister purge system, which includes the fuel tank and lines. The emission tester can function as a stand-alone unit or as an integrated product with a host computer.