Abstract: An engine control method and apparatus for optimizing an operating condition of an engine. A plurality of engine variables are determined and operated upon to direct the control of engine effectors so as to place the engine in an optimum operating condition. In particular, the engine effectors are controlled to minimize the fuel consumption of an engine operating at a steady-state. The system selectively moves a pair of engine effectors so as to determine the sensitivity of the engine variables to changes in effector outputs. Such sensitivities are updated during the system operation. The engine effectors are selectively moved as a function of the engine variable sensitivities in a direction to minimize fuel consumption without violating any predetermined operating limits of the engine variables. Once an optimum operating point is obtained, the system remains at rest and checks for changes in operating conditions that may require a new optimum to be determined.

Abstract: A device for measuring the rate of change of speed of a machine such as a turbine engine which includes a digital counter for counting a speed signal having a frequency proportional to engine speed for a predetermined period of time and decrementing said count for a second period of time with the counting periods being proportional to engine speed. The up and down counts are derived by dividing a fixed frequency clock signal by a number proportional to engine speed to generate a variable frequency signal which frequency is proportional to engine speed. The difference between the up and down counts generates a remainder signal which is compared to predetermined limits.

Abstract: The hydraulic assistance device incorporates a casing (10) enclosing first and second sliding components (18, 20) arranged in line, the first component (18) being capable of being displaced under the effect of the displacement of a pushrod (34) and the second component being capable of being displaced through the intermediary of a hydrostatic connection, and associated with each component (18, 20) is a valve mechanism (36, 46) in a respective hydraulic circuit between a source of fluid under pressure and a respective braking circuit (I, II), characterized in that the first and second components (18, 20) each constitute a piston sliding in a bore (14) in the casing (10) and each encloses a valve assembly (26, 40; 36, 46) each controlled by a plunger (30, 44), the plunger (30) of the first valve assembly (26, 36) being actuated by the pushrod (34), and the plunger (44) of the second valve assembly (40, 46) being actuated by the hydrostatic connection between the two pistons (18, 20).

Abstract: In a body (3) enclosing at least one brake-pressure control device actuated manually (1, 1') there is mounted an isolating and pressure-reducing solenoid valve mechanism (18, 24) which selectively establishes communication between a brake circuit (22) and, on the one hand, the fluid outlet (8) of the device (1) and, on the other hand, a reservoir (10), the solenoid valve mechanism comprising a discharge end (30) emerging in an extension (33) of the reservoir (10).

Abstract: A temperature measuring circuit which includes a primary temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, an external source for generating predetermined temperature modifying signals, and a signal combining circuit for combining the modifying signals with the temperature sensor signal to generate a modified output signal and display thereof.

Abstract: The power assisted steering mechanism consists of a rack body (20) guided and confined to slide in the steering casing (10) and joined centrally through the lateral wall of the casing (10) by shaft components (31), to a steering linkage of a vehicle, the opposite ends (23) of the rack being joined by rods (51) to pistons (50), single or double acting, each sliding in a cylinder (41) attached to the end (11) of the casing (10) in the extension of the latter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic amplifier for a braking system incorporating a body (10, 110), a first component (18, 124) capable of being displaced in the body (10, 110) under the effect of the operation of a brake pedal, between a first position causing a first chamber (16), joined to a braking circuit, to communicate with a low pressure reservoir (44, 138), and isolating this chamber (16) from a high pressure source (32, 130), and a second position isolating the chamber (16) from the low pressure reservoir (44, 138) and causing it to communicate with the high pressure source (32, 130), characterized in that it incorporates a second chamber (12, 112) formed in the body (10, 110), a circuit (42) causing this second chamber (12, 112) to communicate with the low pressure reservoir (44, 138), and a valve means (34, 116) responsive to the pressure of the high pressure source (32, 130) normally closing this circuit under the effect of the pressure of the high pressure source (32, 130).

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated isolation/modulation valve for use in an anti-lock brake system which incorporates a spool valve element and a solenoid actuated valve. The solenoid actuated valve responds to control signals from an anti-lock brake system, the valve being normally closed and operable to an open position to produce a differential pressure across the spool valve. Movement of the spool valve in response to the differential pressure interrupts fluid communication between the brake system's master cylinder and wheel cylinders and simultaneously connects the wheel cylinder to the system's pressurized fluid source through an orifice which effects controlled building of brake pressure.

Abstract: An integrated solenoid actuated control valve useful in a fluid system such as an anti-lock braking system. The valve incorporates a solenoid actuated valve and a sliding valve responsive to differential pressure to provide fluid pressure isolation, build, and decay control in a single valve assembly.

Abstract: A real-time recall feature for an engine data processor (20). An engine mounted data processor (20) inputs a plurality of engine operating parameters from a gas turbine engine (10). These parameters are fault checked and reformatted by the processor (20) before being output on a serial transmission channel (XCH) to an airframe mounted permanent recording apparatus (30). A set of the most recent engine profiles are stored in a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) which is constantly updated by overlaying the oldest data with the most recent. A switch (52) generates a signal (FRZ) to terminate storage of the profiles and freeze the contents of the (DRAM). The memory remains frozen having captured the most recent engine profiles associated with the generation time of the signal (FRZ) until unloaded over the channel (XCH) to recorder (30). The output of the (DRAM) is in response to a signal (RPL) generated by switch (52).

Abstract: In a pressure measuring system which includes a pressure transducer for generating an analogue signal as a function of pressure, circuitry for generating a non-linear error signal as a function of the difference between the input signal and a feedback signal, a feedback circuit which generates the feedback signal as a function of said error signal to null the error signal and generates a digital output signal as a function of the pressure, a pressure surge detecting circuit having an amplitude detector connected to said pressure measuring system to receive the error signal and generating an output signal when the error signal is equal to and greater than a predetermined magnitude; a timer circuit connected to receive said output signal and generate an alarm signal when the output signal continues for a predetermined period of time, a digital computing circuit connected to receive the digital output signal for computing the rate of change of pressure and the change in pressure, a memory circuit storing predete

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-disc brake comprising a stationary rotary disc (1) and a moveable rotary disc (2) which is mounted on a splined sleeve (5) sliding on a splined part (3a) of a hub (3) of axis (4) and with which the disc (1) is solid. An assembly of friction pads (6 to 9) can interact with the discs (1,2) under the action of a hydraulic jack (13). The splines (23,25) of the hub and of the sleeve are protected from dirt by deformable diaphragms (20,26) which are turned in on themselves and which are arranged so as to be shielded from the thermal radiation emitted by the braking members (1,2,6 to 9).

Abstract: In a turbocharger control system which includes fault testing circuitry which automatically senses and compares engine operating parameters of manifold pressure, exhaust temperature, engine speed, and actuator position, compares the sensed values to predetermined norms to establish the validity of the signals, in which substitutes preestablished values for the sensed signals when the sensed signal is determined to be invalid. The substituted value may be a value stored in the memory of a microprocessor used in the system or a value derived from a signal received from a different but corresponding sensor of the engine being controlled.

Abstract: An electronic control (10) for generating control, diagnostic, and fault signals for a diesel engine (12) with a turbocharger (22) and an injection pump (14). The control (10) provides an injection pump control (78), a turbocharger control (80), a fault monitor (82) and a sequencing control (84). These controllers are embodied as a stored program of a microprocessor controlled processor, timing, and memory module (228). The module (228) communicates with an input section receiving analog and discrete inputs via a serial input data line (CRUIN) and further communicates with an output section generating analog and discrete outputs via a serial output data line (CRUOUT).

Abstract: An electronic control (10) for generating control, diagnostic, and fault signals for a diesel engine (12) with a turbocharger (22) and an injection pump (14). The control (10) provides an injection pump control (78), a turbocharger control (80), a fault monitor (82) and a sequencing control (84). These controllers are embodied as a stored program of a microprocessor controlled processor, timing, and memory module (228). The module (228) communicates with an input section receiving analog and discrete inputs via a serial input data line (CRUIN) and further communicates with an output section generating analog and discrete outputs via a serial output data line (CRUOUT).

Abstract: Braking device comprising a brake motor provided with a mechanically actuated device of the rotary type (a mechanism of the screw-and-nut type with reversible pitch) and a control jack of the "spring cylinder" type connected by a power transmission mechanism to this actuation device. According to the invention, the power transmission mechanism comprises a cam (50) keyed on the spindle of the actuation mechanism of the brake motor (10), and a cable (52) attached at one of its ends to the rod (38) of the control jack (30) and at its other end held wound round the cam, the profile of the latter being determined so as to compensate the weakening of the drive force generated by the spring of the jack during its relaxation. The invention is used especially in brake systems for heavy vehicles.

Abstract: The electrical power steering mechanism comprises an electric motor (30) whose stator is mounted in the steering box (10) and whose rotor (32) is disposed coaxially around a cylindrical portion of the rack structure (40) provided with helicoidal grooves (41) and forming a screw of a ball circuit mechanism in cooperation with a nut structure (33) having helicoidal grooves (35) and fastened to the rotor (32), the drive pinion (20), typically a Novikof profile globoidal pinion, meshing directly with the ball circulation helicoidal grooves (41) of the rack (40).

Abstract: A disc brake assembly is provided with a plate which cooperates with a pair of pistons to prevent rotation of one of the pistons relative to the caliper. The plate is further designed to act as a heat shield for a boot assembly associated with the piston.

Abstract: A vacuum brake booster includes a pair of diaphragms which move in opposite directions during a brake application. One of the diaphragms is connected to a valve assembly to generate a first force assisting braking while the other diaphragm generates fluid pressure in an output chamber formed substantially by the valve assembly. The fluid pressure in the output chamber generates a second force assisting braking.

Abstract: The caliper (52), in the form of a closed frame surrounding the fixed support (50), incorporates at least one axial reinforcing member (3) joining two axially separated zones (1, 2) of the caliper by passing through them and extending radially beyond the periphery of the disc (53). The reinforcing member incorporates a head (4), which is received within a complementary recess in the first zone of the caliper (1), and a threaded end cooperating with first and second locking and tightening elements, cooperating with each other (for example a locking nut 5 and a removable washer 10) of which the first elements is lockable on the threaded end so as to give, together with the second element, a predetermined tension to the reinforcing member, the second element being capable of being selectively disengaged to allow the reinforcing member to be separated (by tilting or longitudinal displacement) from the second zone (2) of the caliper.