Abstract: A tire pressure indicator carried on a tire being monitored for inflation pressure. The indicator includes a housing enclosing an indicating member bearing color coding corresponding to proper inflation. Preferably, additional color coding is provided corresponding to excessive tire pressure and to low or inadequate tire pressure. The indicating member occupies a chamber and air pressure from the tire acting on the indicating member, and is moved in response to tire pressure such that the appropriate color coding is revealed through a window formed in the housing.

Abstract: A selection electrode is formed in correspondence with each aperture of an aperture electrode unit, and a data electrode is formed every two or four adjacent apertures on the same plane as the selection electrode. The selection electrodes and the data electrodes are time-divisionally driven by controlling voltages to be applied to these electrodes. Therefore, a high-resolution recording operation can be performed with a small number of driving ICs, and the cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A system is provided for testing a propulsor having a first end that can attach to a payload and a second end at which thrust is generated. A bulkhead is sealed to the first end of the propulsor. The bulkhead with the propulsor coupled thereto is suspended vertically by a support that is placed in tension when thrust is generated at the second end of the propulsor. A load cell coupled to the support measures tension therein as a measure of thrust.

Abstract: The present invention includes a clamp-on housing for encapsulating or confining a flexible tube or pipe. The housing includes transducers therein for transmitting and receiving sonic energy. A sonically matched plate is provided to function as a waveguide for the sonic energy to form a coherent wide beam such that flow characteristics may be measured in the flexible tube. An apparatus for measuring flow in flexible tubes, in accordance with the present invention, includes a housing including a first portion configured and dimensioned for receiving a first transducer and a second transducer therein and a second portion adapted to attach to the first portion to encapsulate a flexible tube between the first and second portion without cutting off flow within the tube. A plate is disposed within the housing in contact with the tube.

Abstract: A dragger detects objects dragging beneath a train as the train travels along a track. The dragger includes at least one stationary impact element and a detection circuit including at least one sensor coupled with impact element for sensing the force of the impacts between the objects and the impact element. A method for detecting objects dragging beneath a train involves positioning the stationary impact element along the track in a fixed position intersecting the path of movement of the objects. The method also involves sensing the force of each impact and generating an output signal if the magnitude of any impact is greater than a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A ceramic piezoelectric ink jet print head having at least one channel with walls coated with a multi-layer coating including an electronic barrier layer and an electrically conducting layer where the electric barrier layer is disposed between the channel well and the electrically conducting layer.

Abstract: The accuracy of this method is comparable to that of the measurement of liquids. The fluid flows through at least one flow tube (4) of a mass flow sensor (1) of a Coriolis mass flow/density meter, which flow tube vibrates at a frequency f being equal to or in the vicinity of the instantaneous mechanical resonance frequency of the flow tube (4) having a vibrator (16). A first and second vibration sensor (17, 18) are attached to the flow tube, deliver a first and a second sensor signal (x17, x18), and are positioned at a given distance from each other in the direction of flow. The flow tube (4) is surrounded by a support frame or a support tube (15) or held by a support plate so as to be capable of vibrating. The sensor signals (x17, x18) have a phase difference from which a signal qf is formed; it is multiplied by a function f(c) dependent on the speed of sound c in the fluid which can be approximated by a function f(Tm) dependent on the current temperature Tm of the flow tube (4).

Abstract: An ink ejector has ink channels formed therin. The ejector ejects two consecutive ink droplets for each dot. In this case, an ejection pulse is applied to eject the first droplet from the appropriate channel, and then a non-ejection pulse is applied to cancel the pressure wave vibration generated in the channel by the ejection. Thereafter, when the pressure in the channel is stable, another ejection pulse is applied to eject the second droplet, and then another non-ejection pulse is applied to cancel the pressure wave vibration generated in the channel by the second ejection. Thus, after each droplet is ejected, the vibration generated by the ejection is canceled. This can stabilize the ejection of each droplet. Therefore, even if the drive frequency fluctuates slightly, the printing quality can be high.

Abstract: A vortex sensor senses the vortices generated by a vortex generator. A temperature sensor, disposed at a streamlined body within a flow tube, measures a temperature of fluid carried by the flow tube. A circuit coupled to the vortex sensor and to the temperature sensor creates an output indicative of the flow.

Abstract: A torque sensor has a magnetostrictive member fixed to a shaft. The magnetostrictive member is strained by the torque applied to the shaft. Exciting coils generate flux running through the magnetostrictive member. The flux varies in accordance with the strain of the magnetostrictive member. Detecting coils detect the flux variation. The exciting coils and the detecting coils are wound about bobbins. A stator supports the bobbins such that the coils surround and face the magnetostrictive member. The stator is rotatably supported relative to the shaft and is formed with stator pieces. The stator has annular grooves formed in its inner surface to accommodate the bobbins. One end of each bobbin is fixed to one wall of the corresponding annular groove. A clearance is formed between the outer end of the bobbin and the other wall of the annular groove, and another clearance is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the bobbin and the inner circumferential wall of the annular groove.

Abstract: A flame and heat resistant cover for a pitot-static probe has an open end for easy placement over said probe and a gathered end for covering the ram port of the probe. The cover consists essentially of a braided tube of fiber threads and having an open end formed by folding over an end of said tube to form a pocket for receiving a coiled spring carrying an internal annular reinforcing ring having a diameter outwardly engaging the spring to establish initial tensioning and establishing a normal minimal opening therefor, and inwardly engaging the spring to limit the maximum opening therefor. The open end is treated with an impact resisting elastomeric saturant that impregnates said fibers for increasing the abrasion resistance of said fibers during insertion of said cover over said probe. The cover may be formed of flame resistant fibers including heat treated glass fibers and para-aramid fibers.

Abstract: An ink ejection device that is capable of forming a high density dot image on a recording medium by successively ejecting two ink droplets. Drive timings of an actuator are appropriately set so that the two ink droplets do not join together during their flight times toward the recording medium. Because the ink ejection device moves relative to the recording medium, the two ink droplets deposited on the recording medium partially overlap one on the other, thereby enlarging an area where the ink is deposited.

Abstract: An artificial snow layer 83 in which artificial snow is arranged in a layered form is provided on a turntable 72, and on-snow testing is performed by rotating the turntable 72 and rotating the tire 11 on the artificial snow layer 83. The artificial snow is made from a frozen granular water-absorbent material that has been made to absorb water. The artificial snow can be reused, and on-snow testing of the tire 11 can be performed at low cost by performing testing of the tire 11 on the turntable 72.

Abstract: This circuit is suitable for flow tubes (4) the vibration frequency of which is in the order of 1 kHz. A fluid to be measured flows through the tube (4) vibrating in operation at a frequency determined by the density of the fluid. Attached to the tube (4) are electromagnetic vibration sensors (17, 18) positioned at a given distance from each other delivering sinusoidal sensor signals (x17, x18). Impedance-matching devices (31, 32) are fed by the sensor signals. Inputs of an intermediate switch (35) are connected to the outputs of impedance-matching devices. Additional impedance-matching device (33, 34) are fed by outputs of the intermediate switch. Low-pass filters (37, 38) are connected to the outputs of the additional impedance matching devices. The upper cutoff frequency of low-pass filter (37) differs by about 10% to 15% from the upper cutoff frequency of low-pass filter (38). Zero-crossing detector (39, 40) are fed by the outputs of the low-pass filters.

Abstract: A method of monitoring exhaust gas flow through an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine comprising the steps of generating a flow efficiency value (KE), comparing the flow efficiency value to a reference efficiency value, and if the reference efficiency value is exceed by a predetermined amount, then setting a flow fault indicator flag. In one aspect of the invention, the flow efficiency value is generated as a ratio of the magnitude of the exhaust gas flow restriction, and the mass flux through the engine. The magnitude of the exhaust gas flow restriction is represented by the pressure drop across the exhaust system, and the mass flux through the engine is determined as a function of the mass airflow rate and exhaust gas density. The resulting flow efficiency value (KE) is a non-dimensional parameter that characterizes the level of restriction in the exhaust system independent of the engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A misalignment detection system (12) for steering system of an automotive vehicle (10) includes a controller (14) coupled to a velocity sensor (18), and a yaw rate sensor (20). The controller is also coupled to a memory (16) that is used to store a steering ratio memory map and a historic steering wheel angle. The controller (14) determines a base steering wheel angle when the vehicle velocity is at a predetermined velocity. The base steering wheel angle is a function of the vehicle velocity, the yaw rate, and the steering ratio. The controller compares the current steering wheel angle with a historic steering wheel angle to determine an error. An indicator (22) may be provided to the vehicle operator to signal the presence of the misalignment of the steering system.

Abstract: A method for measuring interference between a valve and a piston, includes the steps of measuring a standard torque value, related to camshaft distortion caused by engine RPM, through voltage detecting means; measuring torsional distortion deviation of a crankshaft and an injection pump shaft by fixing the camshaft and forcibly rotating the crankshaft by said standard torque value; measuring vibration generated when the camshaft, the crankshaft, and the injection pump shaft are rotated, and measuring a crankshaft rotational angle to detect a piston TDC position, both measurements being conducted at a predetermined level of engine RPM; displaying piston and intake/exhaust valve movement on a graph at the piston TDC position after analyzing torsional distortion deviation and vibration of each shaft; and determining whether there is interference between the intake/exhaust valve and the piston by comparing design values with that displayed on the graph.

Abstract: A mechanical weight bearing indicator produces a tactile signal which is felt by the wearer's foot. The signal is generated when the user exerts more than a predetermined amount of weight on the indicator, giving the user, who may be an orthopedic patient, immediate feedback concerning the amount of force applied. The indicator automatically resets and has no power source, but is purely mechanical. In one version of the invention, a domed metal disk is used as part of the indicator which snaps from a stable position to an unstable position in the way the bottom of an oil can operates, to produce the tactile signal and also for producing a sound as an audible signal. In another version of the invention, a piston and cylinder are used with the piston moving under the influence of a threshold of pressure exerted by the deformation of a compressible cavity member on which the user steps.

Abstract: A method of controlling the coastdown of a vehicle is provided. A base engine speed reference is determined. A speed of the vehicle is sensed, and a target engine speed is generated from the base engine speed reference and the speed of the vehicle. An actual engine speed is sensed, and a desired throttle position is determined as a difference between the target engine speed and the actual engine speed. A desired spark advance for the engine is determined as a difference between the target engine speed and actual engine speed.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting a ceramic sample by applying a compression thereto, includes an inspecting container including a generally cylindrical container provided with an elastic sleeve therein. An elastic sheet is disposed between the cylindrical container and the elastic sleeve. The cylindrical container and the elastic sleeve and sheet are integrated to form the inspecting container. A ceramic sample provided in the cylindrical container is compressed by injecting a hydrostatic pressure applying medium between the elastic sheet and the cylindrical container.