Abstract: An apparatus for deciding engine-oil replacing time for an automobile. The apparatus comprises a pulse input unit into which is inputted a pulse generated during the rotation of the engine of an automobile to calculate rotational frequency of the engine on the basis of the pulse, a rotational-frequency integration unit for receiving a signal of rotational frequency of the engine output from the pulse input unit to integrate the rotational frequency of the engine, and a display unit into which is input an integrated value from the rotational-frequency integration unit and in which a degree of oil degradation on the basis of the integrated value is displayed by a display such as a LED, a liquid crystal, a 7-segment or the like.

Abstract: A mirror assembly (10) including a housing (12) having a translucent portion, mirror mechanism (20) retained by the housing (12), and an illuminating image forming mechanism (26) mounted within the housing (12) and behind the mirror mechanism (20) for projecting an image through the translucent portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for recording the opening or closing of a closure member, comprising a device for providing an electrical signal on opening or closing of the closure member or on actuation of an ancillary device associated with opening or closing of the closure member, an electronic circuit adapted to generate one of a number of unique codes on receipt of the electrical signal and to store the generated code, and a display device for displaying the generated code. In one form of the invention a reusable seal for a vehicle or container comprises a housing, and a cable secured at one end to the housing and releasably attached to the housing at the other end by a locking mechanism. Operation of the locking mechanism causes an electronic circuit in the housing to generate a random number, which is displayed by an LED display when a button is pressed. Any change in the number displayed indicates that the cable has been released. The seal can be used in the same way and can be repeatedly re-used.

Abstract: In order to determine the vortex shedding frequency, from which the fluid flow rate may be calculated, an optical beam, such as produced by a laser, is passed through a fluid, transversely to a vortex street therein, and modulated in dependence on the alternate high and low velocity regions comprising the vortex street. The modulated signal is detected and "cleaned" of noise by filtering with a first (high) band-pass filter of a center frequency f.sub.c, such that the first filter output comprises an amplitude modulated signal of carrier frequency f.sub.c modulated by the vortex shedding frequency, that is the frequency of oscillation of the power spectra between the respective curves for the high and low velocity regions. The first filter output is demodulated and filtered by a second (low) band-pass filter, whose output is of a frequency comprising the vortex shedding frequency.

Abstract: A method and electronic circuit for measuring the density of substances flowing through an oscillating container densimeter that measures the temperature of the oscillating container to determine the temperature coefficient of the spring constant about the axis of oscillation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for a testing device for the automatic transmissions used in automobiles, and comprises a torque controlling feedback loop for controlling the torque applied to the input shaft of the transmission under test, and a speed controlling feedback loop for controlling the speed of the output shaft of the transmission under test, whereby the circumstances in an actual automobile application can be accurately and easily simulated to allow realistic testing of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A load cell comprises a semiconductor diaphragm which includes an outer flange portion, a central rigid portion having a smaller thickness than the outer flange portion and a thin resilient portion provided between the outer flange portion and the central rigid portion. At least two piezo-resistors constituting at least part of a bridge circuit are formed in the resilient portion. The load cell further comprises a first glass block secured to the central rigid portion, and a second glass block for securing the outer flange portion. A load is applied to the semiconductor diaphragm through the first glass block, wherein measurement of the applied load is effected by detecting variation in resistance of the resistor bridge circuit.

Abstract: A load monitoring system for a press comprises a slide-position counting circuit, A/D converter, random access memory and display. The load monitoring system receives a load value applied to the press and a slide position value from a load detector and a slide position detector mounted on the press. The load value is converted into a digital value through the A/D converter, and undergoes sampling according to the slide position. The sampled digital load values are sequentially stored in the random access memory and after the measurement of the load, the stored values are sequentially displayed together with the corresponding slide positions. The load monitoring further comprises a calibration circuit for automatically carrying out calibration as well as slide position setters for measurement start, measurement end and display. By these position setters, slide positions at which load measurement starts and ends, and corresponding to which the measured and stored load value is displayed can be set manually.

Abstract: For use in connecting a measuring instrument across a pipeline portion having an orifice therein to create a pressure drop whereby static and differential pressure signals are formed, a unitized connector apparatus is set forth in the preferred and illustrated embodiment and includes an elongate rectangular body having a lengthwise axial passage drilled therethrough. Additional passages intersect the long passage at the ends, and suitable valve means are included near the ends thereof. The structure is a unitized structure adaptable for quick and prompt installation with a minimum of connections made to the measuring instrument. Moreover, the structure is roddable, that is, the passages can be easily cleaned by means of a rod inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A series circuit including a transducer responding to the parameters of motion of an object during impact, a pulse shaper and a main switch. Connected to the output of the switch are a unit for measuring the area of the impact pulse, an integrator and two AND-NOT elements. The device also includes three additional switches. One input of one switch is connected to the output of the area measuring unit and the other input of this switch is connected to the output of one AND-NOT, while the output is connected to the input of a memory block. One input of the second switch is connected to the output of the area measuring unit, while the outer input of this switch is connected to the output of the AND-NOT through a NOT element. The output of the second switch is connected to the input of a second memory block.

Abstract: To measure the mass air flow in the induction passage of an engine, a small venturi located centrally in the passage serves as an air sampling tube. A slotted aperture in the wall of the tube at the venturi throat allows a hot film sensor to extend into the venturi throat from a support such as a printed circuit board mounted outside the venturi. The film sensor is in the form of a loop supported only at its ends on the support. The loop comprises a substrate of flexible insulating film material coated with an electrical resistance layer forming the active element of the sensor. The loop has a major dimension extending arcuately and transversely of the air flow through the venturi and a minor dimension extending parallel to the air flow.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter having a paddle wheel rotatably mounted in a cylindrical cavity and an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit tangentially aligned with the periphery of the cavity for directing a fluid to flow through it. The paddle wheel's axis of rotation is displaced from the cavity's centerline, in the direction of the inlet conduit and substantially perpendicular to the flow of fluid entering the cavity, such that the flow meter operates effectively over an extended range of Reynolds numbers, spanning both turbulent and laminar flows.

Abstract: A device for testing an air brake system of a locomotive, an air brake system having a compressed air source, a conduit for the ingress and egress of compressed air and a brake valve which is communicatively connected to both the compressed air source and the ingress/egress conduit. The device is particularly for testing the functionality of the brake valve of the air brake system. The testing device includes a trackside stand for placement in proximity to a locomotive servicing site, and a storage reservoir for holding a predetermined volume of compressed air. The trackside stand is further comprised of a conduit having one end for communicative connection to the storage reservoir and an opposite end for communicative connection to the ingress and egress conduit of the locomotive air brake system.

Abstract: A tilt detector for accompanying goods to be transported to determine when the goods have been transported in a recommended position without being inclined at an angle greater than a pre-determined angle characterized by a first fluid of a first density, a second fluid of a second density, a horseshoe shaped baffle with a trapping end in the form of an inner apex for trapping the second mass under the force of gravity when in a vertical position with its opening end in the opposite direction such that at least a part of the second mass is freed to move out of the baffle when it is tilted beyond a pre-determined angle of tilt; the degree of the sides of the baffle being related to the pre-determined angle of tilt, and a thin container having at least a transparent window for viewing at least the trapping end of the horseshoe shaped baffle for ascertaining if the second mass has been freed such that the tilt detector can be affixed to goods, containers and the like to tell if they have been tilted too much.

Abstract: A tension sensor for sensing tension in the magnetic tape by measuring variations in an inductance value which arise as a result of applying stress which has been transformed from tension in the object to be measured to an amorphous magnetic alloy part of an inductance element. The magnetostrictive effect of the amorphous magnetic alloy which is both resilient and magnetostrictive is utilized in sensing the tension in the tape. The magnetic alloy is used for at least a part of a magnetic core of the inductance element.

Abstract: A cigarette testing apparatus wherein a rotary drum-shaped conveyor has axially parallel peripheral flutes for cigarettes and is flanked by two swash plates which rotate therewith and carry annuli of elastically deformable sealing elements for the respective ends of cigarettes on the conveyor. Each sealing element has a socket facing the adjacent end of the cigarette in the corresponding flutes of the conveyor when the cigarette is inserted into the flutes. The swash plates thereupon move the sealing elements nearer to the ends of the cigarettes therebetween whereby the ends of the cigarettes enter the corresponding sockets and displace transversely extending partitions of the sealing elements with attendant radial contraction of those tubular sections of the sealing elements which surround the respective sockets.

Abstract: A tie rod load sensor for a die-casting or other machine includes an axially-extending bore formed in the tie rod to receive a strain gauged sensing member. One end of the sensing member is countersunk to receive a ball which concentrates the load when it is forced against the bottom of the bore by a bolt threaded into the opening of the bore. The sensing member includes a narrow central shaft portion upon which a plurality of strain gauges are mounted. The bolt is utilized to pre-load the sensing member such that the strain gauges mounted thereon will measure changes in the tension on the tie rod.

Abstract: An inexpensive reflective paving marker, which may be used to delineate traffic lanes in construction zones, and is especially useful at night and during wet conditions, has a light weight molded plastic support structure and a reflective element composed of a thin strip of reflective polycarbonate tape. The tape is placed on a surface that is inclined to reflect incident light, such as the light from automobile headlights. The surface on which the reflective tape is mounted has a slight recess to protect the tape from the abrasive effects of traffic, such as automobile tires, to retain the reflective properties of the structure. The support structure has recesses in the bottom which provide additional grip in an adhesive, such as an epoxy or a butyl sheet, which secures the structure in place. Nails or other fasteners may also be used to secure the marker; the support structure has preformed guide holes for fasteners.

Abstract: A low pressure drop hot film mass air flowmeter (10) for an automotive engine is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a main air flow passage (20), a fixed contoured flow nozzle (22) disposed in the main air flow passage to establish a localized pressure differential thereacross and, a closed circuitous recirculation path (40) disposed adjacent the main air flow passage and in fluid communication therewith through an inlet port (42) disposed upstream of the flow nozzle and an outlet port (44) disposed downstream from the flow nozzle. Pressure differential at the ports establishes a substantially laminar control flow therebetween within the recirculation path which, in turn, by viscous action, establishes a recirculation flow (67) within the recirculation path. A constant temperature thermal anemometer (54) includes a hot film probe (56) and a temperature compensating probe (58) positioned to sense the recirculating air within the recirculation path.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring the internal stress generated in a strip in the width direction thereof in the course of a rolling process thereof, comprising a plurality of ring-shaped stress detection mechanisms with small gaps therebetween, which stress detection mechanisms are in contact with the surface of the strip; and a gas ejection mechanism for ejecting gases from the gaps between the ring-shaped stress detection mechanisms.