Abstract: Device for determining the mass of a motor vehicle by determining the running resistance of the vehicle with the clutch in the drive train disengaged, and by repeatedly determining the torque of the engine and, at the same time, repeatedly measuring the vehicle acceleration with the clutch engaged and by taking into account the ratio of the transmission, an average value of the vehicle mass can be determined with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A substantially fluid orientation insensitive, simple, relatively inexpensive gauge for measuring the quantity (mass/volume) of a liquid, such as fuel, stored in a tank subjected to low gravity conditions is disclosed. The gauge comprises, in general, a transmitter and a receiver coupled to a liquid storage tank in which a liquid of known dielectric behavior, such as fuel for a space vehicle, is stored. The transmitter comprises an R.F. oscillator for generating R.F. energy across a predetermined variable frequency range. The transmitted R.F. energy is coupled to an antenna inserted into the tank and is also coupled to an R.F. energy detector. The receiver measures the received power as a function of frequency above and below the dominant resonant frequency, or harmonics thereof. The measured power decreases substantially before and after resonance because, at resonance, most of the power is absorbed or stored in the cavity and less is transmitted to the receiver.

Abstract: The simulator is equipped with a multipartite support comprising a part for the accommodation of a model. The parts of the support are arranged telescopically in the form of an approximate semicircle. Hydrostatic bearings are used as mountings.

Abstract: The mass of a vehicle is determined by recognizing that the natural oscillations in the transmission line of a motor vehicle and the mass of the motor vehicle are in a one-to-one relationship if the instantaneous transmission ratio remains unchanged. To determine the natural oscillations, i.e., the rate of fluctuations, a computer records engine speed signals of a speed transducer and calculates therefrom the actual vehicle mass, taking into account the instantaneous transmission ratio, which can be determined for example by comparing the engine speed to the vehicle speed or sensing the engaged gear of the gear box.

Abstract: A tactile sensor in which the sensor elements are discrete, elastomeric, electrically conductive, electrically force-sensitive forcel units electrically insulated from one another, each forcel unit defining a local force-resolution region (forcel) for resolving a deflection pattern in the surface of the sensor, each sensor element being connected between a pair of electrical channels which produce a set of signals representative of the deflection pattern in the surface; a sensing system for determining a parameter of an object being contacted by the tactile sensor; and a method of fabricating the sensor.