Abstract: An adaptor system which includes a transducer for developing a signal from the engine representative of an event to be timed during each combustion cycle of the cylinder being monitored. An input circuit coupled to that transducer processes the transducer output signal and repetitively excites an electromagnetic field generator, typically a multi-turn inductive coil, which is adapted to induce a pulse in the inductive pickup of an associated timing instrument or tachometer.In one embodiment of the invention the generating coil is excited substantially instantaneously upon the detection of the selected injection or combustion event by the transducer. The combustion event being monitored is preferably the injection of fuel into the fuel line to the number one cylinder by the injection pump.Alternatively, the event to be monitored may be the instant of combustion, or firing within the cylinder.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicle extension assembly for vehicles and a method for fabrication of such an assembly. The extension has an elastomeric outer shell and an inner structure of flexible non-stretchable membranes which define a plurality of separate air chambers when a gaseous medium is introduced into the outer shell. The interior membranes are semi-permeable to allow gradual equalization of pressures throughout the assembly during inflation while preventing the instantaneous deflation of each chamber from impact on the outer shell. Various interior chamber configurations are shown as well as a plurality of inflation techniques for different purposes.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the performance and condition of various cylinder components of internal combustion engines through the provision of a transducer for detecting the time-rate-of-change of pressure within the cylinder during normal operation of the engine and a circuit for processing and quantizing the transducer signal to develop a numerical indication of pressure changes within the cylinders. The system also includes a tachometer circuit and display apparatus as well as an optional memory and processor to facilitate a comparative analysis of the various cylinders at varying speeds.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for timing combustion events in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine wherein a piezoelectric transducer is utilized to develop a signal corresponding to the first derivative of pressure within the cylinder being monitored. A signal processing circuit detects that change in polarity of the first derivative signal which occurs at the transition between compression and expansion of cylinder volume during the combustion cycle of the piston. Circuitry is provided for effectively disregarding all other polarity changes or "zero crossings" of the transducer output signal which are not related to the achievement of the top dead center position by the piston within the cylinder. This directly derived indication of a transition from compression to expansion in the combustion chamber is combined with other timing signals for the monitoring or controlling of injection or ignition timing for the engine.