Abstract: A method for calculating an actual fresh-air mass flowing into a cylinder with the aid of an inlet pipe flow model. The description of the flow model is based on a nonlinear differential equation. The chosen model approach contains modeling of an external exhaust-gas recycling system, variable inlet systems and systems with variable control valves. The model-assisted load detection method can be used in engine control systems based on air mass flow and on inlet pipe pressure. A correction algorithm, in the form of a model control loop allows permanent improvement of accuracy when the model parameters are inexact. That is to say model balancing is provided in steady and unsteady operational states.

Abstract: An ultrasonic bolt gage is described which uses a cross-correlation algorithm to determine a tension applied to a fastener, such as a bolt. The cross-correlation analysis is preferably performed using a processor operating on a series of captured ultrasonic echo waveforms. The ultrasonic bolt gage is further described as using the captured ultrasonic echo waveforms to perform additional modes of analysis, such as feature recognition. Multiple tension data outputs, therefore, can be obtained from a single data acquisition for increased measurement reliability. In addition, one embodiment of the gage has been described as multi-channel, having a multiplexer for performing a tension analysis on one of a plurality of bolts.

Abstract: A circuit comprises a measurement resistor in series with a heater, a detector circuit for providing a signal indicative of the current flowing in the resistor, switching devices for controlling the connection of the heater to a voltage source and the connection of the measurement resistor in the supply circuit comprising the source and the heater, and a control unit arranged to drive the switching devices in a manner such that each time the heater is activated, the measurement resistor is kept disconnected from the supply circuit of the heater for a predetermined period of time and the measurement resistor is then connected in the supply circuit of the heater.

Abstract: In the field of mass flow measuring apparatuses, it is known to provide a sensor member for the establishment thereon of streamline flow of bulk material, in which the sensor member design is optimised in order to minimise the effects of changes in the coefficient of friction between the bulk material and the sensor member.The invention relates to improvements in the construction of the measuring apparatus, whereby two mechanical quantities (such as a pair of forces; or a pair of moments) may be measured to provide additional data on the flow process. In particular, it is possible to determine an exit velocity value v.sub.e that is indicative of the momentum of bulk material in the sensor member.

Abstract: A variable orifice flow sensor includes a flow conduit member defining a flow orifice and fluidly connecting first and second fluid flow ports, a flapper of magnetizable sheet metal that is mounted in the conduit member by a hinge portion so that the flapper angularly deflects out of the plane of the orifice in response to fluid flow through the conduit member to vary the effective fluid flow cross-sectional area of the orifice in proportion to the flow rate of fluid through the conduit member, and a pressure sensing tap on either side of the flapper. A deflection-limiting surface is provided in the conduit member adjacent the hinge portion. The hinge portion abuts against the deflection-limiting surface when the flapper experiences an angular deflection at least equal to a predefined angle in response to a fluid flow rate that is at least equal to a predetermined value, whereby overstressing of the hinge portion is minimized.

Abstract: Method and device for measuring flows of fluids, such as liquids and gases, flowing through a tube (16). The tube is heat-conducting and is heated at a certain location (18), with the heat on the one hand moving by way of the tube wall (17) in a direction contrary to the fluid flow (15) and on the other hand flowing off into a heat-conducting body (20) which preferably extends substantially parallel to the tube. The temperature difference between the tube wall (17) and the conducting body (20) is measured, e.g., by a thermopile (19) and is a measure of the flow gone past. The device preferably includes a thermopile (19) for carrying out the measurement.

Abstract: A method of embedding auxiliary information into the digital representation of host data containing noise in the low-order bits. The method applies to digital data representing analog signals, for example digital images. The method reduces the error introduced by other methods that replace the low-order bits with auxiliary information. By a substantially reverse process, the embedded auxiliary data can be retrieved easily by an authorized user through use of a digital key. The modular error embedding method includes a process to permute the order in which the host data values are processed. The method doubles the amount of auxiliary information that can be added to host data values, in comparison with bit-replacement methods for high bit-rate coding. The invention preserves human perception of the meaning and content of the host data, permitting the addition of auxiliary data in the amount of 50% or greater of the original host data.

Abstract: The cause for prolonged diagnosing time can be recognized on a real time basis. A vehicle diagnosing apparatus for diagnosing a vehicle is connected to an electronic control unit mounted on the vehicle. The diagnosing is performed by incorporating data, via the electronic control unit, from various sensors mounted on the vehicle. The apparatus has a timer for measuring the diagnosing time, and a display for indicating measured diagnosing time and judgement results of each of judging items. The judging time for each of the judging items is measured by the timer and the judgement results and the judging time are indicated on a real time basis by the display.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system is disclosed which includes an engine crankshaft with a plurality of crankshaft webs. A reference ring is mounted to one of the crankshaft webs to rotate therewith. The ring encircles the crankshaft and has a number of angularly spaced indicators. A sensor is located proximate to the ring and detects the indicators to provide a sensor signal corresponding to a rotational characteristic of the crankshaft. The ring may be comprised of more than one piece to facilitate installation and removal without disassembly of the crankshaft. The indicators may be provided by defining a number of peripheral teeth for detection by the sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt tension measurement apparatus comprises a seat belt deflecting device that forces a seat belt to travel a circuitous path. As seat belt tension increases the deflecting device is displaced. A bend sensor having an output signal responsive to a change in the radius of curvature thereof is secured to the deflecting device at a point subject to flexure as a result of increased seat belt tension. An air bag control system processor operatively coupled to the bend sensor inhibits the deployment of the air bag upon detection of a predetermined seat belt tension.

Abstract: The monitor for uncommanded braking controls uncommanded brake application on one or more wheels during takeoff of an aircraft. Brake pedal application is determined, brake pressure is measured, and brake pressure is compared with a selected threshold brake pressure. A brake pressure applied signal is generated when the brake pressure exceeds the threshold brake pressure. The pedal application signal and brake pressure applied signal are received by a fault latch logic circuit that generates a fault latch output signal when uncommanded braking has occurred. A test inhibit signal is also generated when weight is not applied on the wheel. The test inhibit signal is also input to the fault latch logic circuit so that uncommanded braking can occur when the aircraft is in the air and weight is off the wheel. The monitor disables or latches off the shutoff valve when pressure is detected without pedal application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting torque in an electric impact torque wrench. A current sensing circuit passes current through a power relay for powering an electric impact torque wrench. The power relay is normally in a conducting state. The current sensing circuit includes a threshold current indicator which is activated when current flowing through the current sensing circuit reaches a predetermined threshold amount. The threshold current indicator is provided to a first timer which counts an activation-off time since the threshold indicator is activated, the first timer presuming that the current has remained above the predetermined threshold amount during this time. At the conclusion of the activation-off time, the first timer signals a time-off extender circuit.

Abstract: Process for the quantitative determination of gasoline film deposited on the intake manifold of an engine with controlled ignition, which comprises the following steps:a) feeding of a first set of injectors (I) with a first fuel selected from those which do not leave deposits in the feeding manifold;b) opening of the second set of injectors (II) fed with a second fuel to be tested, until an equilibrium stage of the air/fuel ratio equal to that of step (a) is reached;c) calculation of the mass of fuel film by integrating the difference in the flow-rate values measured in step (b).

Abstract: A fluid flow measuring device as a microphone for detecting acoustic waves includes at least one heating element (H), at least a first temperature sensor (S1) arranged at a first predetermined spacing (r1) from the heating element (H), for generation of a first electrical signal which corresponds to the temperature (T1) of the first temperature sensor (S1), wherein the predetermined first spacing (r1) is less than 300 .mu.m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test apparatus (1) with an end face (11) in front of which a yarn, roving or sliver is moved along in the longitudinal direction in order to test properties, with a plurality of zones of action (8, 9, 10) for producing a respective interaction between the test apparatus and the test material. In order to be able to provide a simple path, which is independent of the number of zones of action, for the yarn, roving or sliver, the yarn, roving or sliver is guided at least approximately in one plane transverse to the end face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for monitoring the operativeness of a catalytic converter used to clean the exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine that is regulated by a lambda sensor through temperature measurement with a heat tone sensor exhibiting a catalytically active coating. The process provides information on both the percentage of individual, non-converted exhaust components and on the current thermal load on the catalytic converter. Readings are taken by the heat tone sensor at time intervals corresponding to the normal regulating frequency of the lambda sensor. This results in a quadratic function in which the height of the amplitude represents the percentage of non-converted individual exhaust components. The mean temperature of the catalytic converter can be inferred by rectifying the quadratic function.

Abstract: Start points of a misfire determining interval in the cylinders of an engine are specified by counting Pos signals starting from the appearance of a Ref signal in a specific cylinder. The Pos signals output from the Ref signal in each cylinder to the start point of the misfire determining interval are also counted as RGPHS after engine startup, and a shift of the misfire determining interval is detected by comparing for example the sum total of RGPHS for all cylinders and the sum total on the immediately preceding occasion. Correction of the misfire determining interval by a learnt value is stopped according to this shift. Preferably, correction of the misfire determining interval by the learnt value is restarted after making all misfire determining intervals the same by correcting for the shift.

Abstract: A measuring sensor, in particular for determining the oxygen content in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, having a sensor element fixed in gastight fashion in a metal housing (14) and having a sealing flange (60) mounted on the housing (14) and resting on a sealing seat (76) embodied in an exhaust system (11). A union nut (80) is guided over onto the housing (14) and can be screwed into a thread (78) of an opening (70) provided in the exhaust system (11) and presses the sealing flange (60) against the sealing seat (76). The housing (14) has a housing part (12) on the side toward the gas to be measured and a further housing part (13) on the side toward the connection, and the sealing flange (60) is disposed on the housing part (13) on the side toward the connection and is shaped from the material of the housing part (13) on the side toward the connection.

Abstract: An alternator provides its output current waveform directly or via a current probe to a low pass filter and a high pass filter. The resulting waveform is provided to a half-wave rectifier and a comparator to obtain a rectangular waveform. The arithmetic circuit determines the number of clock pulses between rectangular waves to obtain the rotation speed of the alternator. The torque due to auxiliary devices is computed based on the ratio of the rotation speed of a crankshaft to the rotation speed of the alternator.

Abstract: It is intended to detect combustion state of an internal combustion engine over the entire range where positive torque is generated. Time required from a predetermined first crank angle to a second crank angle is measured by detecting a rotation angle of a ring gear or plate with engine speed detecting means 101. Then, a combustion state parameter is calculated from said required time by combustion state detecting means 102 with an established calculation method, and combustion state is determined by combustion state judging means 103. Engine speed correction means 104 determines and feeds back a correction value for the combustion state detecting value to correct the engine speed. At the moment, the correction quantity for correcting the required time is varied so that the normal combustion value of said combustion state parameter is at a predetermined value or less, or within a predetermined range.