Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for detecting combustion misfires in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, the method comprising the steps of: determining the rough-running values for the engine individual to the cylinders; determining a quantity for the level of a subset of the rough-running values; forming a reference value by logically coupling the quantity with an offset; and, comparing the rough-running values to the reference value and evaluating a passthrough of the reference value as a misfire.

Abstract: A system for determining a maximum length digital sequence is constructed by selecting a Mersenne Prime integer and a primitive polynomial having an ORDER equal to the Mersenne Prime integer. An arbitrarily selected mask m is either provided to the transmitter and receiver, or constructed, at either, or both. The mask is used to create a decimated M sequence, and work backwards to define a recursion rule vector r which is associated with another primitive polynomial corresponding to the decimated M sequence. This recursion rule vector r is used to create a new feedback shift register which produces a maximum length sequence. An initialization vector i is provided to the transmitter and receiver and used as an initial load of the shift register. A selected stage of this register is exclusive-ORed ("XORed") with each bit of a plaintext message to be sent to result in cipher text.

Abstract: In automobiles incorporating a console-mounted shift lever assembly for an automatic transmission control, a range indicator assembly is attached to the shift lever assembly to form a subassembly. This subassembly is secured in the automobile by attaching the shift lever to the vehicle floor pan, inserting a console housing over the shift lever assembly and clipping the range indicator assembly to the console. The range indicator assembly has an indicator extension or post that mates with a shifter alignment feature or bracket on the base of the shift lever assembly. This mating establishes the fore/aft location of the range indicator assembly relative to the shift lever assembly. The clips cooperate with the console to determine vertical and transverse locations of the range indicator assembly. A trim plate is placed over the opening in the console and secured to the console by clip members. This effectively closes the opening around the range indicator assembly and the shift lever assembly.

Abstract: A method for compensating for the time constant (delay time) of hot-wire/hot-film in a constant voltage anemometer is provided. The method is a two-part series of steps, the first series for measuring the time constant in a particular wind tunnel setup and a second series for compensating for the measured time constant. The first series or measuring steps include setting up a hot-wire/hot film for a particular test at a specific operating point. A step increase in sensor current is applied and the resistance change of the sensor is measured. The time to reach 63% of the final resistance value is recorded. (The time constant is defined as the time to reach 63% of the resistance value). The measured time constant value is used to match the time constant in the CVA circuit.

Abstract: A flow sensor includes a first heating portion, provided at a first position in a flow of a fluid, which heats the fluid and outputs a voltage in response to a temperature of the first position. A second heating portion, provided at a second, downstream position in the flow of the fluid, heats the fluid and outputs a voltage in response to a temperature of the second position, the first position and the second position being spaced from each other in a direction parallel to the flow of the fluid. An intermediate heater, provided between the first heating portion and the second heating portion, heats the fluid at an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A pulse-like heating is applied to a thin-film material having a high thermal conductivity such as a diamond thin film so that a response characteristic at this time is measured as a change in temperature of the thin film. The response characteristic reflects the thermal influence of the circumstance on the thin-film material, and depends, for example, on the flow rate of fluid. At this time, a sensor for obtaining an output depending on the fluid and the temperature of the fluid and a sensor for obtaining an output corresponding to the temperature of fluid are prepared to compare and process both the output with the result of obtaining an output which reflects the flow rate with accuracy not depending on the temperature.

Abstract: A communication method that can easily carry out cipher communication. At the caller, a secret key is produced based on data including the caller's own telephone number and the telephone number of the called station, and then image data is transmitted after enciphering it based on that secret key. At the called station, modem signal data including the telephone number of the caller transmitted during the ring off period of the call tone is received, the telephone number of the caller is detected from among that received data and a secret key is produced based on the telephone numbers of the caller and the called station. Afterwards when coded data is received, the coded data is deciphered based on that secret key and printed out.

Abstract: A restaurant transaction processing system which employs low-cost cordless phone transceivers to transmit orders. A server includes a first cordless telephone transceiver. A portable computer includes a second cordless telephone transceiver and transfers order data to the first computer. The first and second cordless telephone transceivers preferably operate at frequencies designated by the FCC and have a transmission range less than five thousand feet. A typical frequency of operation is in a frequency band near 900 MHz. The system may also include a kitchen terminal which is coupled to the server through a network, and a transaction processing terminal which is also coupled to the server through the network. The server maintains transaction data, routes orders to the kitchen terminal, and routes order ready signals from the kitchen terminal to the portable computer. The transaction processing terminal completes payment for the orders.

Abstract: A solvent recovery dryer having a flow sensing device in communication with the output of the solvent recovery dryer. The flow sensing device is in operable communication with a computer and the computer calculates the flow rate of liquid being recovered, and controls the dryer when a certain flow rate is reached. The computer also stores and displays flow rate data. The flow sensing device provides for nearly continuous monitoring of the flow rate, and also provides for accurate monitoring of flow rates at high and low levels of liquid flow.

Abstract: A combination torque and position sensor is provided for measuring the torque applied to a rotatable shaft, and measuring the position of the shaft as it is rotated. The combination sensor includes a fixed disc formed of a non-conducting insulating material with a circular resistive position track and a circular resistive torque track disposed around a surface of the disc. A first input voltage supply contact and a first ground contact in fixed relation to one another and are held in rotatable contact with said torque track. A torque signal output contact also held in rotatable contact with the torque track is positioned between the first voltage supply contact and the first ground contact such that torque applied to the shaft alters the relative position between the torque output contact and the first voltage supply and first ground contacts. The torque output contact provides an output voltage signal proportional to the amount of torque applied to said shaft.

Abstract: A jet engine test cell capable of dissipating infrasound. The test cell includes an engine test section, an augmentor and an exhaust stack having a structure near its open end for dissipating infrasound.

Abstract: Simultaneously opening and closing the inlet and outlet valves of a water brake dynamometer to increase or decrease the flow of water through the dynamometer. By so controlling the flow of water through the dynamometer, the power absorbed by the water within the dynamometer is controlled as well as the outlet temperature.

Abstract: An improved force transducer which may, for example, be used as a joystick control for computer display control. Co-planar strain gauges are configured for response to forces applied in each of three orthogonal directions. A post and underlying ceramic substrate, the latter having the strain gauges mounted thereon, are mounted to a printed circuit board by means of a conductive epoxy or solder in a gap between the substrate and the circuit board. A retainer may be used to limit the extent of post displacement in X and Y directions to prevent damage to the assembly from forces which would otherwise exceed the physical limits thereof.

Abstract: A force sensing device (2) includes substantially inflexible connection portions (4, 8, 14, 16), and elastically deformable elongate leg members (18, 20) spaced apart and extending between the connection portions (4, 8, 14, 16) and having flared ends. The device further includes a measurement device for determining force, especially compressive force, applied between the connection portions (4, 8, 14, 16) by measuring distortion of the elongate leg members (18, 20).

Abstract: The force or extension sensor has a measuring capacitor (Mk) whose comb-like, interlocking electrode structures (Es1, Es2) can be adjusted in parallel with one another by two attachment points (Bp1, Bp2) as a function of the force (F) or the extension (E) to be measured. The total capacitance of the measuring capacitor (Mk) is determined by a parallel circuit having individual electrode pairs. A change in the total capacitance of the measuring capacitor (Mk) which is brought about by a change in the distances (d1) between the electrodes provides information on the force (F) or the extension (.epsilon.) to be measured. A change in the distances between the electrodes as a result of temperature-related extension is at least largely avoided by virtue of the fact that the attachment points (Bp1, Bp2) lie on a junction line (V1) which runs parallel to the direction of the electrodes (E1, E2) and is oriented at an angle (.alpha.) of 40.degree. to 50.degree., preferably 45.degree.

Abstract: A force measuring device for measuring forces between mutually parallel machine parts, preferably in force bypass. The device has two mutually parallel abutment faces (5,6) having an adjustable distance between them. A force sensor (18) is integrated in a first measuring wedge (1), with a first measuring face projecting beyond the measuring wedge (1) and forming the first abutment face (5). On the side opposite the abutment face (5) is a first force-transmitting inclined slide face (15). A second measuring wedge (3) comprises a second force-transmitting slide face (16) being parallel to the first slide face (15). On the side opposite the second slide face (15) is the second abutment face (6) being parallel to the first abutment face (5). The measuring wedges (1,3) can slide relative to each other on the slide faces (15,16) thereby causing the abutment faces (5,6) to move parallel to each other. The wedges (1,3) are connected to each other by an adjustment device (7,8).

Abstract: A pressure sensor having structure for generating a magnetic force to balance forces on opposing sides of a flexible diaphragm centered within a pressure chamber allows fluid pressure to be introduced into the chamber on one side of the diaphragm. A first magnetic coil is positioned on another side of the diaphragm and a second coil is mounted to the diaphragm. When fluid pressure is introduced into the pressure chamber, the diaphragm deflects, and the magnitude of current required to generate a recentering magnetic force which causes the diaphragm to be recentered constitutes a measure of the fluid pressure. Since the recentering magnetic force is substantially unaffected by temperature, the fluid pressure measurement obtained is substantially independent of temperature.

Abstract: A transmitter in a process control system for measuring flow rate measures total pressure (P.sub.TOT) and differential pressure (h) of process fluid flowing through a process pipe. The static pressure (P.sub.STAT) is determined based upon the total pressure (P.sub.TOT). The calculated static pressure is used to determine the fluid density (.rho.) and the gas expansion factor (Y.sub.1) of the process fluid flowing in the pipe. This information is used to calculate flow rate (Q) of the process fluid.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for measuring one or more properties, such as thickness and tension profiles of a thin object, especially a fabric. The measuring device includes an upper mobile member adapted to be placed on the top side of the thin object, a lower mobile member adapted to be placed on the bottom side of the thin object, directly below the upper mobile means, magnets for holding together the upper and the lower mobile members with the thin object in between without damaging the thin object, and a measuring device provided on at least one of the mobile members for measuring the properties of the thin object. The mobile members are moveable together or separately across the surface of the thin object.

Abstract: An apparatus (300) for detecting an ultrasonic signal (304) has a transducer (302) that produces an electrical signal (306) in response to the ultrasonic signal (304). A threshold comparator (308) receives the electrical signal (306) and produces a phase one signal (310) and a phase two signal (312). An arming circuit (314) receives the phase one signal (310) and the phase two signal (312) and producing an arming signal. A triggering circuit (316) receives the arming signal and the electrical signal (306) and produces a signal detected signal (318).