Abstract: Method and system of onboard diagnostics in engine emissions monitoring, particularly for detecting anomalous cylinder behavior. In some embodiments, at least one sensor in the exhaust path measures electric charge that is indicative of particulate matter. In some embodiments, at least one sensor measures oxides of nitrogen. The indications of instantaneous emissions can be used to effect real-time adjustments in engine control, and can be logged for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A fluid conveyance apparatus having more than one particulate matter sensing probe situated at two or more locations on the apparatus. Signals from the probes from at least two locations may indicate particulate matter flowing within a fluid through the conveyance apparatus. The times between signals may be indicated the rate of movement of the particulate matter in the conveyance apparatus and also a flow rate and direction of the fluid. The sensing probe signals may be processed into control signals that may go to a flow control mechanism. An example application of the flow control mechanism may be for an exhaust gas recirculation system of an engine.

Abstract: An integrated DPF loading and failure sensor with two particulate matter sensors one located upstream of the filter and the other located downstream of the filter. The sensors are integrated into the leading and trailing edges of the filter. Integrating two particulate matter sensors with the DPF will allow the proper interval between reconditioning of DPF, since the particulate matter collected on the filter is measured and not estimated. The upstream sensor determines the amount of particulate matter entering the filter. In addition to using the first sensor for loading, the second sensor, at the trailing face of the filter, can be used to determine break-through of the DPF. The second sensor measures the particulate matter escaping the filter.

Abstract: Method and system for controlling cylinder to cylinder variations of undesirable emissions in exhaust gas of engines with exhaust gas recirculation. An engine model is used to predict the intake composition of the next cylinder firing based on the composition of the exhaust, as a function of time and applicable engine conditions. At least one engine parameter is adjusted to compensate for the predicted intake composition in order to minimize cylinder to cylinder variations.

Abstract: A system for controlling fuel to an engine to minimize emissions in an exhaust of the engine. There may be a controller connected to an actuator, for example a fuel control actuator, of the engine and to emissions sensors, such as an NOx and/or PM sensor, proximate to an exhaust output of the engine. The controller, for example a speed controller, may have an input connected to an output of a pedal or desired speed setting mechanism. A speed sensor at a power output of the engine may be connected to an input of the controller.

Abstract: A system and method for laser source detection. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a first array of lenses, a second array of opto devices (including light sources and light detectors), and at least one processor. By positioning the array of lenses to determine the lens position at which energy from an incoming laser is greatest on the light detectors, the approximate location of the laser source may be determined. Upon determining the source, responsive action may be taken. If the incoming laser is from a friendly party, a friendly-party notification may be provided. If the incoming laser is from an enemy, reciprocal targeting or false reflections may be employed.

Abstract: A system for controlling fuel to an engine to minimize emissions in an exhaust of the engine. There may be a controller connected to an actuator, for example a fuel control actuator, of the engine and to emissions sensors, such as an NOx and/or PM sensor, proximate to an exhaust output of the engine. The controller, for example a speed controller, may have an input connected to an output of a pedal or desired speed setting mechanism. A speed sensor at a power output of the engine may be connected to an input of the controller.

Abstract: A multivariable controller that models the interaction between groups of sensors and groups of actuators during the operation of an engine. By accounting for the interactive effects that a group of actuators has on a sensor or group of sensors, improved system performance may be achieved. When emission sensors are used, such as NOX and/or PM sensors, the multivariable controller may help control the various engine actuators to reduce emissions of the engine.

Abstract: An acoustic wave sensor system for monitoring the etch rate or etch ability of a selective material has an acoustic wave sensing device having a piezoelectric substrate and at least one electrode coupled to the substrate for generating a propagating acoustic wave and for detecting changes in frequency or other propagation characteristics of the acoustic wave. A selective material is disposed on the substrate. Changes in propagation characteristics of the wave caused by etching of the selective material by an etchant can be analyzed to evaluate the etching rate or etch ability of the selective material. The sensing system can have a wireless sensing device which device is mountable in an oil filter system for monitoring the corrosion of the engine. The sensing device can be configured as BAW, SH-SAW, SH-APM, FPM devices or other acoustic wave devices.

Abstract: A reference electrode includes a conductive substrate having a first surface and an ionically insulating, hydrophobic layer adjacent to the first surface having a plurality of non-selective ion exchange sites.

Abstract: An oil quality sensor system comprise an acoustic wave viscosity and an etch rate sensor. The etch rate sensor system includes a piezoelectric substrate and one or more sensing layers configured upon the piezoelectric substrate. A layer of gold is generally configured above the sensing layer(s), such that the gold layer provides protection to the sensing layer(s), thereby extending the operating life of the resulting etch rate sensor system. The sensing layer(s) generally comprises one or more reactive electrodes. The etch rate sensor system can be adapted for use in a permanent oil quality sensor application.

Abstract: A wireless oil filter sensing system includes an oil filter and a sensing mechanism that is connectable to the oil filter. The sensing mechanism includes one or more acoustic wave sensing elements and at least one antenna that communicate with the acoustic wave sensing element(s). An external interrogation system could excite the acoustic wave sensing element(s) wireless and passively. When the acoustic wave sensing elements are in contact with oil contained in the oil filter, the acoustic wave sensing elements detect acoustic waves associated with the oil in response to an excitation of the acoustic wave sensing elements, thereby generating data indicative of the quality of the oil for wireless transmission through the antenna(s).

Abstract: A fluid conveyance apparatus having more than one particulate matter sensing probe situated at two or more locations on the apparatus. Signals from the probes from at least two locations may indicate particulate matter flowing within a fluid through the conveyance apparatus. The times between signals may be indicated the rate of movement of the particulate matter in the conveyance apparatus and also a flow rate and direction of the fluid. The sensing probe signals may be processed into control signals that may go to a flow control mechanism. An example application of the flow control mechanism may be for an exhaust gas recirculation system of an engine.

Abstract: A multiple-mode acoustic wave sensor apparatus includes an acoustic wave device comprising a piezoelectric substrate and at least one electrode on the substrate. When such sensor is used in a wireless configuration, a plurality of antennas can be configured on the substrate in association with the acoustic wave device, wherein each antenna among the plurality of antennas is responsive to varying interrogation signals transmitted wirelessly to the plurality of antennas in order to excite multiple frequency modes via at least one interdigital transducer on the substrate and thereby passively detect multiple and varying parameters of a sensed material utilizing the acoustic wave device.

Abstract: A lubricity sensor includes a flexural plate wave device and a face shear mode bulk acoustic wave device, which is associated with and located proximate to the flexural plate wave device. The face shear mode bulk acoustic wave device and the flexural plate wave device form a lubricity sensor wherein acoustic wave data produced by the flexural plate device together with the face shear mode bulk acoustic wave device when the lubricity sensor is exposed to a liquid relates directly to a lubricity of the liquid thereby providing lubricity measurement data associated with the liquid. The acoustic wave data can comprises the oscillation gain compensation, the frequency, amplitude and/or phase velocity associated with the flexural plate device and the shear mode bulk acoustic wave device such that the oscillation gain compensation, the frequency, amplitude and/or phase velocity provide an indication of the lubricity of the liquid.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting oil quality. The quality of engine oil can be determined utilizing an acoustic wave sensor to obtain viscosity and corrosivity data associated with the engine oil. The acoustic wave sensor is coated with a material that selectively reacts to at least one type of an acid in order to provide data indicative of the presence of the acids in the engine oil. The etch rate or the corrosivity of the engine oil can be determined based on the frequency data obtained as a result of the frequency measurement utilizing the acoustic wave sensor. The viscosity of the engine oil can additionally be obtained based on a measurement of phase and amplitude obtained from the data utilizing the acoustic wave sensor. The etch rate and the viscosity measurement provide data indicative of the quality of the engine oil.

Abstract: A viscosity and corrosivity sensor apparatus includes a substrate upon which one or more electrodes are configured. The electrode(s) are exposed to a liquid, such as automotive oil. An oscillator can be connected to the electrode, wherein the oscillator assists in providing data indicative of the corrosivity and data indicative of the viscosity of the liquid in contact with the electrode(s). A viscosity and corrosivity sensor is therefore provided in the same package.

Abstract: A system and method for laser source detection. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a first array of lenses, a second array of opto devices (including light sources and light detectors), and at least one processor. By positioning the array of lenses to determine the lens position at which energy from an incoming laser is greatest on the light detectors, the approximate location of the laser source may be determined. Upon determining the source, responsive action may be taken. If the incoming laser is from a friendly party, a friendly-party notification may be provided. If the incoming laser is from an enemy, reciprocal targeting or false reflections may be employed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an engine using feedback from one or more sensors are disclosed. An illustrative control system for controlling a diesel engine may include one or more post-combustion sensors adapted to directly sense at least one constituent of exhaust gasses emitted from the exhaust manifold of the engine, and a state observer for estimating the internal state of the diesel engine based on feedback signals received from the post-combustion sensors and from subsequent use of the estimated state in a controller that sends the actuator setpoints. The post-combustion sensors can be configured to directly measure emissions such as oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and/or particulate matter (PM) within the exhaust stream, and provide such information to a state observer that, in turn, updates an internal dynamical state based on these measurements.

Abstract: A method and system to detect a position of a member movable along a defined path is described. The system includes a magnetic source, an array of sensors, and an analyzer. The magnetic source radiates a magnetic field and is coupled to a movable member. The array of sensors is fixed relative to the movable member. Each sensor generates an output response value based on an angle of the magnetic field passing through each sensor. The array of sensors produces a plurality of output response values for a first position of the movable member. The analyzer receives the plurality of output response values and calculates a composite output response value to determine the first position of the movable member.