Abstract: A device for measuring the pressure in an infusion tube (12), including a pressure sensor (20) and a housing (14) comprising at least one chamber (16) with one side defined by a deformable membrane (18) contacting the wall of the infusion tube, and containing said sensor. A fluid (24) is provided between the membrane (18) and the sensor (20). The fluid is non-liquid and has a Poisson ratio of at least 0.49 as well as an instantaneous modulus of elasticity of under 10 MPa so that the sensor response curve is linear. The device may be used in an infusion apparatus, particularly a portable infusion apparatus.

Abstract: A testing mechanism for detecting fluid leaks in a torque converter utilizing a seal which closes a passage through the torque converter hub to the interior of the housing of the torque converter. Fluid is then charged into the torque converter and maintained at a certain pressure. The torque converter is then immersed in a liquid found in a container to permit the observation of the escape of fluid from the torque converter.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing tread and disk brake actuator units for use in railway cars in an overhaul backshop environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a test bench on which multiple test fixtures are mounted to simultaneously receive and test a like number of brake actuator units. Each test fixture is provided with differently sized sets of brackets to enable respective simultaneous mounting of different brake actuator units made by a variety of manufacturers. The test bench includes a series of solenoids and directional valves operated by a programmable logic controller to supply low, high and maximum pressure air to the actuator units to perform pneumatic leakage, applied force, and slack adjuster travel tests. Pneumatic leakage detection is performed through an automatic test removing human subjectivity from the test process. A diagnostics panel provides functional information on the status of the equipment on the test bench.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring engine performance characteristics such as knock and misfire. The system includes a pressure sensor coupled to an exhaust manifold of an engine being monitored by the system, a motion sensor operatively coupled to the engine's block, an engine position sensor, a load sensor and a processor adapted to independently process the outputs of the pressure sensor and the motion sensor to determine an occurrence of a knock event. The outputs of the pressure sensor and engine position sensor are processed to identify which cylinders are knocking. The outputs of the pressure sensor, load sensor and engine position sensor are processed to determine an occurrence of a misfire condition and to identify which cylinders are misfiring.

Abstract: An input torque detecting system of an automotive transmission. The transmission comprises a torque convertor having a pump impeller directly connected to a crankshaft of an engine, a turbine runner disposed opposing to the pump impeller to rotate by fluid thrown from the pump impeller, and a stator disposed between the pump impeller and the turbine runner to redirect the fluid flow back to the same direction as impeller rotation to assist impeller rotation. The input torque detecting system includes a reacting shaft disposed around the input shaft and fixed on one end to the stator, an input torque transmitting device fixed on the other end of the reacting shaft, the input torque transmitting device being pivotable by a predetermined angle in accordance with a rotation of the stator, a torque-hydraulic pressure converter converting input torque transmitted from the input torque transmitting device into hydraulic pressure, and a detector detecting a level of converted hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A sensor system for measuring physical properties of a sheet. In one embodiment, the sensor system measures paper curl and thickness using two sensors, each of which includes a member, a base, and measurement circuit. The two members are positioned in opposition to each other and both contact the sheet as it passes between them. Each member is coupled to a base, which includes a measurement circuit. Each measurement circuit measures the displacement of its associated member. In another embodiment, the sensor system measures stiffness and curl using two pairs of opposed sensors. In yet another embodiment, the sensor system measures thermal diffusivity of a sheet of paper using three sensors, one of which includes a heater for heating the sheet of paper and the other two sensors include thermocouples in contact with the sheet of paper for sensing the heat of the paper.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining wall wetting for an engine which includes running a multi-cylinder engine at a predetermined speed and load. The fuel delivery and spark to one of the cylinders is then interrupted. The hydrocarbon level exhausted from the cylinder is then measured for a predetermined number of engine cycles. The test results can then be curve fitted to the relationship HCPPM=(A+B* engine cycle).sup.(1/exp). In this relationship, HCPPM is the hydrocarbon count in parts per million, A and B are each constants, and the exponent exp is derived using an iterative process. The exponent which is derived is the main qualifier for wall wetting.

Abstract: A thermosensitive flow rate detecting element having a flat substrate is provided with a gap having an opening on at least one side thereof for the flow of a fluid, an insulating support film provided on the one side of the substrate, a sensor unit which has a heating element for heating the fluid and a thermosensitive element for detecting temperature of the fluid provided in the upper position of the opening on the insulating support film, and a fluid temperature measuring element, provided at a distance from the sensor unit on the one side of the flat substrate, for detecting temperature of the fluid. The thermosensitive flow rate detecting element measures flow rate or flow velocity of the fluid on the basis of a temperature detected by the thermosensitive element, by keeping heating temperature of the heating element at a level higher than a temperature detected by the fluid temperature measuring element by a prescribed difference in temperature.

Abstract: A torque/position transducer is positioned between the valve stem of a valve and a valve operator and includes a body section including an input lug mated with the output lug of the valve operator and an output lug mated with the valve stem of the valve. Strain gauges mounted on the body generate an output signal indicate of the amount of torque necessary to open or close the valve. A magneto-resistive sensor generates a signal indicative of the position of the valve stem with respect to the valve. In another embodiment, the strain gauges are mounted on the valve stem.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide a controlled, dynamically loaded, modular, cryptographic filler for integration into a base executable having a "slot" minimizing the interface between the filler and the base executable, and between individual component modules in the filler. Cryptographic engines provide for security (privacy and integrity) of data. The base executable having potential cryptographic capability may rely on an integrated loader to control linking of the filler and its modules according to a controlling policy set by export or import laws. A base executable may be a network operating system having a "slot" for dynamically linking the filler and its modules. Modules may be created by a third party vendor within controls enforced by the loader and a management module in the filler. Asymmetric key cryptography may assure that modules have not been modified, functionally extended, or created by unauthorized sources, and may ensure that keys used in the modules come only from authorized sources.

Abstract: A failure diagnosis system for automobile engines comprises an inverter motor (6) connected to a rotary shaft of an engine to be measured (2) and intended to rotate the engine (2), a microphone (8) for detecting an engine sound of the engine to be measured (2), a digital tape recorder for recording therein the engine sound detected by the microphone and an engine failure detector for extracting characteristics of the engine sound from the engine sound recorded in the recorder by a wavelet transform so as to detect a failure of the engine by the characteristics of the engine sound.

Abstract: A test stand for model airplane engines consisting of a base and a plate movable in relation to the base. The plate has parallel sides, a first end and a second end. Bearings are disposed between the plate and the base to facilitate movement of the plate. The base has flanges which overlap the sides of the plate to couple the plate with the base. A member attached to the plate forms a shoulder which engages one of the flanges of the base to limit the movement of the plate. The plate has a peripheral slot at the first end, and a plurality of openings adjacent the peripheral slot whereby an engine may be positioned in the slot with its propeller adjacent the first end and bolts inserted through the openings to secure the engine to the plate. A spring scale with a spring biased extensible portion is secured to the plate with the extensible portion attached to the base such that the force exerted to move the plate in relation to the base may be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for judging the deterioration state of a catalyst device and an oxygen content sensing device are disclosed, in which virtual signals are generated to accurately determine the deterioration state of the catalyst device and the oxygen content sensing device by utilizing theoretical oxygen content sensing signals which are calculated in accordance with the operation state of automobiles.

Abstract: In a heated type oxygen sensor having a sensing element responding to changes in the exhaust oxygen content and a heater inside, a diagnostic system for diagnosing deterioration of the heated type oxygen sensor comprises an electronic control unit being responsive to an engine temperature for discriminating whether the engine is in a cold-engine state or in a fully warmed-up state. The diagnostic system includes a first warm-up time setting circuit for setting a predetermined oxygen sensor's warm-up time at a first delay time which is preset to be suitable for the cold-engine state, during cold-engine operations, and a second warm-up time setting circuit for setting the predetermined oxygen sensor's warm-up time at a second delay time which is preprogrammed to be suitable for the fully warmed-up state, during fully warmed-up engine operations.

Abstract: In a method for checking the function of the electrical heater of a lambda probe in the exhaust line of an internal combustion engine, the electrical resistance of the heater is measured. Measurement of the electrical resistance of the heater is performed using a measuring current that is smaller than the heater current. During the measurement, the heater current switched off. The electrical resistance of the heater is preferably connected to a positive voltage to supply the (heating or measuring) current.

Abstract: The invention relates to catalytic converters to be placed in the flowing exhaust of exhaust gas installations, preferably internal combustion engines, with a carrier material provided with a catalyst-containing ceramic coating and at least one temperature sensor applied in thick film technique, which is characterized in that the temperature sensor is located on the surface of the carrier material and that the catalyst-containing ceramic coating covers the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Gas pressure in a chamber is determined by injecting alpha particles. The alpha particles ionize the gas. By determining a number of gas ions which are ionized, the pressure of the gas in the chamber can be determined.

Abstract: A combustion monitoring apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided which is designed to distinguish abnormal combustion conditions from a normal combustion conditions using a combustion ion current included in a current flowing through plug electrodes of a spark plug, resulting from motion of ions between the plug electrodes which are produced by combustion. For example, if a maximum value of the combustion ion current during one combustion cycle is smaller than a given value, it is determined that a misfire has occurred. If an attenuation time from generation of the current flowing through the plug electrodes until a variation in the current is decreased to a given value is shorter than a given time period, it is determined that a flame has been blown out before combustion is completed.

Abstract: Temperature probes are provided comprising a porous or permeable substrate into which is absorbed at least at the surface a diyne monomer. The absorption is achieved by employing a solution of the diyne monomer in a solvent which is transported by the solid substrate. After impregnation of the substrate, the diyne is polymerized to provide a blue product, which upon being heated above a transition temperature turns to red. Various substrates and devices may be employed for a variety of situations requiring a determination of the occurrence of a particular minimum temperature.

Abstract: A method for aspirating a fluid from a sealed container and for dispensing a precise quantity of the aspirated fluid. The method involves standard steps of inserting a probe into the container through the container seal and aspirating bubbles and the selected quantity of fluid into the probe before removing the probe from the container and dispensing the fluid. The method also includes an additional step performed at at least one stage in the method to assure that, before the dispensing operation is performed, sample fluid in the probe extends to the end of the probe without any fluid extending beyond the end of the probe.