Abstract: A method of detecting collisions and controlling safety devices utilizing a capacitive deceleration sensor and a circuit which forms the sensor output signal as well as an analog/numerical converter, a calculator and an actuator controlled by a numerical calculator. The numerical calculator processes the numerical signal which represents the deceleration output from the converter and calculates a weighted acceleration, a mean value for the weighted acceleration, and an algorithm equal to the sum of the mean value and a variable correcting term. This process triggers the actuator when the algorithm exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The ball joint (2) of an automotive vehicle's gear lever (1) is mounted in an intermediate component (5) comprising a massive base connected to a movable element (4) and possesses projecting protuberances (12) on its surface which faces the other fixed element (6).

Abstract: A device for controlling the ignition and the fuel injection of an internal combustion engine, including a pressure sensor, a position sensor associated with a target fixedly mounted in rotation with the crankshaft, a first computer of the programmed microcomputer type in which are stored values of the angle of advance and the injection time addressable as a function of the engine speed and pressure parameters, and a second computer which, from the output signal of the position sensor applies to the first computer a synchronization signal assuring the marking of each top dead center and/or each bottom dead center, the first computer receiving the output signal from the pressure sensor and computing, as a function of the parameters and under the control of the synchronization signal, the injection time and the angle of ignition advance, the value of the latter being applied by the first computer from the second computer which computes the conduction angle of the ignition coil and controls the conduction of the

Abstract: A process is disclosed for tightening a joint having a threaded joint element. This invention makes it possible to apply a predetermined tightening force to the joint. The process uses the real factor of proportionality (K) between the force for tightening the joint and the screwing torque applied to the threaded element which is determined after a preliminary screwing cycle and unscrewing cycle have been performed. Application is particularly to automation of tightening of prestressed joints.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for locating three-dimensional bulk-loaded objects for purposes of controlling a gripping terminal, including at least one optical projection system associated with drive mechanisms commanded by an interface connected to a central processing unit, and a light sensor such as a TV camera mounted plumb with the surface (horizontal, for example) receiving the bulk load and connected to the analysis and processing mechanisms of the central processing unit. The optical system emits a substantially planar light bundle which sweeps the surface of the bulk load under the control of the drive mechanisms to vary incrementally the angle .theta. made by the bundle with respect the aforementioned surface. The value of the angle, measured by a coder, is transmitted to the central processing unit which analyzes the image of the bundle trace sensed by the camera.

Abstract: The reverse drive gear wheel is mounted to be fixed in translation on its selector shaft (26). The gear ratio selector and engagement control element (20) comprises a peg (23) engaging directly with a notched yoke (31) fixed to the selector shaft (26). The peg is so designed that a reverse drive ratio engagement angular movement is roughly double that of another peg (22) used to operate the forward drive gear selector shafts.

Abstract: A device for grasping and transporting objects exhibiting at least one pair of flexible pads for grasping an object, said pads mounted facing one another on a common support which is movable relative to the object to be grasped. The pads are inflatable toward one another in such a manner as to maintain an interval between themselves in their non-inflated state slightly greater than the distance separating the two opposing faces of the object or of a relief part of the object, and to clamp the faces of the object between themselves when inflated.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for controlling the recirculation of exhaust gas for an internal combustion engine 1 in which an air-fuel mixture intake pipe 2 and an exhaust pipe 3 are connected with each other by a recirculation circuit having a main valve 4 and connecting pipes 5 and 6. This valve 4 is controlled by the partial vacuum prevailing at the venturi V of the intake pipe 2 by a solenoid valve 14. According to the invention, this control device includes a control system 13 having an additive type pneumatic amplifier 17 that generates a partial vacuum signal for the control of this main valve 4 whose strength is greater than the value of partial vacuum at the nozzle 16 of the venturi throat V, with a constant value in a range of extended operation. Application is particularly to internal combustion engines equipped with a system for recirculation of exhaust gas.

Abstract: A suction cap for the control of the oil pressure regulation system in an automatic gearbox comprising an intermediate chamber bounded by a diaphragm, a housing and a bellows, with a spring connected, on the one hand, to a push-rod and engaging, on the other hand, an inner radial surface of the housing.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for separating, orienting and positioning axes including at least one operational flat. The device includes a static chute equipped with a wide bottom opening closed by a drawer which is moved with a back and forth motion from a withdrawn position in which it unveils a narrow opening which is large enough to enable the fall of a single axis onto rolling blades which are extended by descending ramps bringing each axis onto two bearing-sliding blades. The bearing sliding blades cooperate with two push plates, as well as a trap borne by the drawer, to produce the roll of the axis in the desired direction, followed by the slide of that axis without rotation to a selected position.

Abstract: An electronic system for controlling the drive ratio changes in an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle having solenoid valves for actuating the gear changes. A microcomputer selectively governs the solenoid valves through power amplifiers, in such a way that when the solenoid valves are not energized the highest drive ratio is engaged. The ratio of the power amplifiers to the corresponding output signals of the microcomputer is such that the solenoid valves are not energized when the supply voltage is zero or when the microcomputer voltage drops below the threshold value necessary for its proper operation.

Abstract: A device for laying down a plastic bead on an essentially plane surface of a part consists of a table supporting a movable frame having a drive track. The drive track cooperates with a pinion rotatable about an axis fixed to table so as to drive the frame. The part is mounted on the frame. A slotted rod is fixed to the frame and cooperates with a roller mounted on the table for preventing the frame from rotating about itself. A gun for depositing the bead is positioned above the axis of the drive pinion. As the drive pinion rotates the frame, the gun will deposit a bead on the part mounted on the frame along a line corresponding to the contour of the drive track.

Abstract: An apparatus having a device for measuring speed by counting pulses and a device for measuring pressure by counting pulses wherein a first memory stores advance correction coefficients and a second memory stores a value with respect to full-load advance. An advance counter is connected to the outputs of the second memory and to the highest-weight output of the pressure counter by way of a series connection of a binary rate multiplier, a divider which divides by M and a switching device.

Abstract: A pump injector sends a premetered quantity of fuel to a needle type injector of the type including a piston and a discharge chamber. The injector includes a compression piston mechanically controlled by cam or eccentric having any form. The compression piston compresses fuel within a compression chamber. An injection piston is activated exclusively by the pressure within the compression chamber, opposed by an opposing return spring. The injection piston in turn compresses the fuel in an injection chamber designed to feed the injector. A pressure regulator limits the pressure in the compression chamber to a high, preset value independent of the speed and load of the engine.

Abstract: Electric locks of the armed type comprise a movable bolt assembly actuated by various levers, powered by a motorized reduction gear assembly and capable of hooking a keeper mounted on a stationary part of the body. The bolt assembly comprises a locking lever of a keeper and a blocking lever of the locking lever, both biased in the hooked position by a common spring. A rotating control body controls the preceding levers, and rotates successively in the opening direction and in the reverse closing direction while being powered by a motorized reduction assembly in response to the impulses of electric current.

Abstract: Transmission differential consisting of a case containing two driven bevel sun gears and bevel planet gears driving the latter mounted loose on a planet wheel pin mounted through corresponding holes made in the case, characterized in that the said pin is held in position by means of a circular peg on the end of the differential closing sun wheel assembly which engages with a groove in the said planet wheel pin.

Abstract: In this supercharging device for internal combustion engines, comprising a turbine driven by the engine exhaust gases, an air compressor driven by the turbine and connected to the engine intake manifold, and a so-called exhaust-gas waste-gate responsive to a valve control valve responsive in turn to the compressor output pressure, this control valve being also responsive to a pilot valve responsive to the detection of the engine intake governing the valve control when opening the waste-gate at low engine speeds and part-load engine operating conditions, and when closing the waste-gate at higher engine speeds, the portion of the valve control which is responsive to the compressor output pressure being connected to a venting member actuated gradually from a position of maximum opening of the intake control butterfly valve obtained during the stroke controlling the maximum engine power output, whereby in the portion of this stroke which follows the position corresponding to the fully-open position of the butterf

Abstract: A control method and device for the waste gate of a turbocharged internal combustion engine. This exhaust discharge control device entails a waste gate held closed by at least one spring which pushes it back into the closed position against the engine air feed pressure prevailing immediately downstream from the compressor and acting on a control piston for the gate in order to bring about the opening of the gate and to bypass the turbine. The control chamber (20) delimited by at least a part of the surface of the control piston (22) is connected by a conduit (25) and a control valve (27) to a source of fluid under pressure (29, 28a). The control valve (27) is activated by the accelerator pedal (35) of the engine in the area (36) of low engine loads. The invention is applicable to the automatic bypassing of a supercharging turbocompressor's turbine at low engine loads.

Abstract: A device for extending the operating time of a glass wiping system comprises a motor and reduction gear unit, a fixed-stop member for automatically stopping said motor at a fixed position and a complementary reduction gear driven from the output member of said reduction gear unit, said device being rigid with said fixed stop member, the necessary control action occurring only after several revolutions of said output member.