Abstract: A glow plug with combustion pressure sensor having a plug body having a screw portion on the outer peripheral surface that is inserted into a screw hole of an engine head and screw-connected to it, a combustion pressure sensor fixed to the plug body to which the plug body is inserted, and a lead wire for leading out the sensor signal connected to the sensor, wherein the outside diameter of a hexagonal portion used for screw connection between the plug body and the screw hole out of the plug body is smaller than the inside diameter of a through hole of the combustion pressure sensor so that the plug body can be inserted into the combustion pressure sensor from the hexagonal portion end.

Abstract: A torque sensor for producing a torque-dependent pressing force. The sensor includes at least one input member and at least one output member. A power-transmitting element is arranged between the input and output members. The torque sensor can be utilized in a continuously variable transmission.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting localized pressure bearing on the sensor, comprises a volume of compressible, light translucent material having light-scattering centers evenly dispersed throughout the material. A light emitter communicates with the material to form a virtual optical cavity within the material; the intensity of scattered light is detected by a detector. A second detector is positioned at some distance removed from the first detector, outside the virtual optical cavity. Pressure bearing on the material increases the intensity of scattered light within the optical cavity. The decreased intensity is measured by the second detector. A signal processor receives signals from the first and second detectors, and resolves these signals into information indicative of pressure bearing on the sensor.

Abstract: Pressure sensor for measurement of gas pressure in a cylinder of a combustion engine, including a tube shaped in cross section as an hourglass. In the axial direction the tube consists in part of a section connected to the cylinder and open to the cylinder, in part of a measuring section and in part of a final section the end of which is closed. The measuring section of the tube is shaped so that in the tubes axial direction two parallel measuring surfaces are established against which are two beams connected to force transferring yokes arranged to influence force measuring organs for the determination of the force with which the gas pressure influences the parallel measuring surfaces of the tube. In this pressure sensor and other embodiments the influences of temperature fluctuations and any shunting effects of the material of the measuring tube are reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: An improved method of estimating the oil pressure of an internal combustion engine utilizes a physical model that takes into account both engine speed and engine oil temperature. The oil pressure is estimated as the sum of static and dynamic components, where the dynamic component includes a first portion that primarily models flow-related effects, and a second portion that primarily models temperature-related effects. The constants and temperature-related variables of the physical model are combined to form one constant calibration value, and two temperature-dependent calibration values. The parameters of the physical model provide a starting point for the calibration values, and the calibration values are then tuned during a calibration procedure so that the estimated oil pressure tracks an accurate measure of the oil pressure during both steady-state and transient engine operating conditions.

Abstract: The match with a measurement characteristic curve of a device for air flow measurement is disturbed by pulsations, soiling and poor flow behavior. An improvement in the measuring performance of the device is achieved by provisions, which are adapted to one another, for reducing these sources of trouble, according to which the flow cross section of an inlet conduit narrows in a flow direction in the inlet conduit toward a deflection conduit, and a peripheral face of a first portion of the deflection conduit is embodied in inclined fashion, and at least one outer face of a sensor carrier, together with a peripheral face, closer to an outlet conduit, of the inlet conduit, forms a flush transition.

Abstract: A heating element type mass flow sensor has a composition such that a heating resistor is located substantially in a straight line in the direction perpendicular to the air flow direction; at least a pair of resistance temperature-sensing elements are separately arranged upstream and downstream of the heating resistor, respectively; the heating resistors and the resistance temperature-sensing elements are symmetrically arranged with respect to the air flow direction (the x direction) and the direction perpendicular to the air flow (the y direction), that is, in the two-rotation symmetric manner; and slits are shaped in the respective regions near the two end sides of the heating resistor.

Abstract: Grooves into which an adhesive agent is poured are formed on the adhesion face of a sensor element, the adhesion face being adhered to a surface of a sensor-supporting member, which in turn can make the depth of a layer of the adhesive agent between the sensor element and the sensor-supporting member zero, and remove the difference in level between both the top surfaces of the sensor element and the sensor-supporting member.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the shear strength of rubber bonded to a metal insert in a valve seal comprising an upper fixture and a lower fixture. A mounting device is disposed in the lower fixture of the apparatus for retaining the valve seal. A shearing means is disposed in the upper fixture of the apparatus for shearing the rubber bonded to the metal insert. The shearing means has an arcuate edge for contacting the valve seal. There is a first means engageable with the shearing means for controlling its movement in one of a downward motion for shearing the valve seal and an upward motion for returning the shearing means to its starting position. Further there is a second means for recording the movement of the shearing means and the force that is applied by such first means until a bond between the rubber and the metal insert of the valve seal is broken.

Abstract: A process and device for measuring the velocity of flow of a fluid stream by measuring the difference between the respective traveltimes of acoustic pulses emitted by means of a generator (G) respectively between two points (PA, PB) spaced out along the fluid stream, according to whether they are propagated upstream or downstream in relation to the direction of flow, a difference that is indicative of the displacement velocity of the fluid stream. Measurement of this traveltime difference comprises using an acquisition unit (A) coupled to a processing unit (P) allowing determination of the frequency spectrum of each pulse and measurement of the phase lag affecting at least part of the frequency spectrum of each pulse, resulting from the traveltime thereof. Measurement of the velocity of flow of the fluid stream and of the resulting flow rate is very accurate. The process can be applied in chemical industries, chromatography, etc.

Abstract: An eccentricity compensator for preventing wear induced rotational displacement. The eccentricity compensator is mounted between two rotating shafts joined by a torsion bar that have non-coaxial axes of rotation. The compensator includes a first ring attached to a first shaft and a second ring located adjacent the first ring. A third ring is attached to a second shaft and the third ring is located adjacent the second ring. One or more pin-slot pairs are located between any two of the first, second or third rings. A spring is mounted adjacent each pin-slot pair. The spring biases the pin-slot pair such that hysteresis is prevented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and measuring the load in a sailboat's rigging components. A rigging component such as a turnbuckle is modified to incorporate a sensing element, such as a strain gage. Strain gages are bonded and wired into a measuring circuit. The strain gage measures the strain under a load and generates an electrical signal that is directly proportional to the tension load. The load is then monitored and/or displayed using standard data acquisition equipment. The strain gage also identifies loose rigging such as may happen with shrouds which are subject to sudden high loading with movement of the boat and allows the operator to tighten that shroud or other piece of rigging.

Abstract: A differential flow plate insertable into a flow path including a flow interrupter extending about an outer periphery of the flow path forming a constricted flow opening and a temperature sensor channel disposed proximate to the flow interrupter.

Abstract: A pressure indicator according to the present invention monitors the pressure of the fluid in a vessel. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a closed pressurized gas volume behind a dimpled metal diaphragm. In normal operation, the force of the fluid pressure acting on the external surface of the diaphragm overcomes the force of the gas pressure acting on the internal surface of the diaphragm to hold the diaphragm in a concave geometry. In the event of a sufficient loss of fluid pressure, the force of the gas pressure acting on the internal surface of the diaphragm will overcome the force of the fluid pressure acting on the external surface of the diaphragm, thereby moving the diaphragm into a convex geometry. A viewing window disposed in the side of the vessel can be used to view the pressure indicator and determine the shape of the indicator diaphragm.

Abstract: In a flowmeter for measuring fluid flow, fluid passes through a primary element (20) in which the pressure on respective sides of the restriction (2a) acts on respective sides of the diaphragm (11) mounted in a diaphragm housing (3). The diaphragm, in turn, acts on a measuring element (17) provided with strain gauges (27) connected to a measuring bridge (5). The signals from the measuring bridge (5) can be used to indicate the flow through the orifice plate, for example, on an indicating instrument (7), or otherwise to record changes in the flow or control the flow to a desired value by means of a control system.

Abstract: A sensor that includes a first resistor, a second resistor, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The first and second resistors each has a resistance that varies in response to a change in a physical property. The first circuit is electrically coupled to the first resistor and sets the resistance of the first resistor. The second circuit is electrically coupled to the second resistor and adjusts the resistance of the second resistor to equal the resistance of the first resistor. A processing circuit may be coupled to the first and second circuits to measure a difference in an amount of energy provided by the first and second circuits to the first and second resistors, respectively.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump for transporting fluid with a housing, an impeller and a plurality of pressure sensors. Disposed within the housing is a volute section defined by a circumferential path through which a fluid may travel, a discharge section tangentially, aligned and in fluid communication with the volute section such that a flowpath is defined by fluid flowing from the volute section and through the discharge section; and a volute lip section defining a bifurcation point between the circumferential path and the discharge section. The plurality of pressure sensors are disposed within the volute section of the housing, and are spaced apart from one another such that pressure difference reading taken between each exhibit a substantially linear relationship with fluid flow rates to ensure accurate flow rate measurement.

Abstract: A thermal flow-rate sensor has a flow sensor (3) and a thermal-conductivity measuring cell (4). The flow sensor (3) comprises a first heating device and a first temperature detector, which reacts to the temperature of the first heating device, and can be exposed to a flowing fluid whose flow rate is to be determined. The thermal-conductivity measuring cell (4) comprises a measuring-cell casing (42), a second heating device and a second temperature detector which reacts to the temperature of the second heating device. The measuring-cell casing (42) has at least one opening (46) arranged for entry of the fluid into the measuring-cell casing (42).

Abstract: An apparatus for occupant classification in a vehicle, which together with a respective CO2 sensor serves to perform an occupant classification. Both the CO2 content and the profile over time of the signals are used for occupant classification. The CO2 sensors are advantageously arranged in front of the respective persons, making possible a simple measurement. The CO2 sensor can also be used in each case with a further different sensor for occupant classification, and here in particular for plausibility (testing). A processor that evaluates the signals from the CO2 sensors cyclically polls the CO2 sensors. For plausibility, the signals from all CO2 TV sensors present in the passenger compartment can also be taken into account.

Abstract: A load detection structure in a vehicle seat with a support leg member, which includes a block member of rigid yet resilient recovery property and a strain gauge attached thereon. The block member is interposed between the seat and support leg member, such that a securing portion thereof is secured to the seat, whereas a pivotal end portion thereof is rotatably pivoted to the support leg member. The securing portion is displaced in a vertical direction due to a vertical load applied to the seat, while the pivotal end portion is rotated, so as to cause deflection in the block member, which is detected by the strain gauge. It may be so arranged that the block member is rotatable about its central axis, thereby being prevented against twist due to a lateral load applied to the seat. An auxiliary linkage is provided to insure preventing such twist of block member.