Abstract: An acoustic displacement flowmeter determines the flow rate of a fluid in a path containing a controllable valve by establishing fluid flow along the path, directing the flow of the fluid to a transducer having a displacement element by restricting the flow path, generating a signal from the transducer representative of displacement due to fluid flow while the flow path is restricted, using the transducer to determine the fluid flow rate, and reestablishing fluid flow along the path by removing the restriction. The transducer signal is used to determine the fluid flow rate by providing an analog reference signal, integrating the analog reference signal for a predetermined time period, deintegrating the integrated reference signal with the transducer signal until the value of the deintegration signal reaches a threshold value, and using the time required for the deintegration signal to reach the threshold value to calculate the flow rate.

Abstract: A process of determining carbon content silicon content and carbon equivalent of molten iron includes immersion into the molten iron of an analysis device having a mold chamber with a temperature measuring device extending into the chamber. The temperature measuring device is operatively connected to a device for continuously monitoring and recording the temperature. The mold chamber is provided with at least one inner wall of a metal which serves as a heat sink for molten metal introduced into the mold chamber. A layer of thermally insulating material surrounds the mold whereby heat transfer from molten metal into the chamber is minimized. The mold, after dipping is removed into the ambient environment. The temperature of the sample is continuously measured as it cools. The rate of cooling is continually computed and the derived rate of cooling curve is used to identify parameters of the sample from analysis of the rate of cooling over a period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining if the valve deactivator on a variable displacement internal combustion engine is functioning properly. The occurrence of an asymmetry in one of the cylinder banks when making fuel mass calculations during the fractional mode (four cylinders) and the presence of substantial symmetry in fuel mass calculations during maximum mode (eight cylinders) of engine operation indicates a possible deterioration of the valve deactivator. Also, if the ratio of the difference between the expected MAP and the actual MAP during fractional cylinder mode and maximum cylinder mode exceed a calibratable value possible valve deactivator deterioration is also indicated. In a preferred embodiment, these two monitoring methods are combined to provide a more robust indicator, so that if both indicate a possible problem, then an indicator lamp is illuminated to signal that service personnel should check whether the valve activators are properly functioning.

Abstract: An apparatus for visually indicating fluid flow through a fluid system or apparatus such as a medical infusion device. The apparatus comprises a pair of thin, indicia bearing films disposed in an overlaying relationship. These films are shifted relative to each other by movement of mechanical actuators which are deflected solely by the pressure of the fluid within the fluid conduits of the system of the apparatus. The two films are stacked in closed proximity and are preferably constructed from a substantially transparent flexible material such as mylar. One surface of the inferior film is printed with a plurality of integrated symbols depicting various fluid flow conditions. The superior film functions as a mask over the inferior film and is printed with a pattern of diagonally extending, alternating clear and opaque stripes. The print ratio of the superior film permits viewing at any one time of only one of the symbols printed on the inferior film.

Abstract: A flow meter system and method includes detecting the movement of a substance through a conduit with a sensing device partially within the path of flow of the substance. A signal indicative of the quantity of the substance moving through the conduit is generated in response to the detection of the movement of the substance. Another signal indicative of the cumulative quantity of the substance is generated from the quantity signal. Cumulative quantity information is transmitted in a wireless manner, and is received at a remote location.

Abstract: An improved system for measuring the velocity of ultrasonic signals within the plane of moving web-like materials, such as paper, paperboard and the like. In addition to velocity measurements of ultrasonic signals in the plane of the web in the MD and CD, one embodiment of the system in accordance with the present invention is also adapted to provide on-line indication of the polar specific stiffness of the moving web. In another embodiment of the invention, the velocity of ultrasonic signals in the plane of the web are measured by way of a plurality of ultrasonic transducers carried by synchronously driven wheels or cylinders, thus eliminating undue transducer wear due to any speed differences between the transducers and the web. In order to provide relatively constant contact force between the transducers and the webs, the transducers are mounted in a sensor housings which include a spring for biasing the transducer radially outwardly.

Abstract: A process for determining the phase portion of a medium in open and closed pipes, especially for use in connection with a process for determining the volume flow, with the help of at least three condenser plates extending basically over the entire height of the pipe and with the help of a control and evaluation circuit, in which at least one of the condenser plates has an alternating voltage applied to it by the control and evaluation circuit and the current flowing between the condenser plate with the voltage appled to it and at least one other condenser plate is recorded by the control and evaluation circuit. The process is designed so that the current between at least two condenser plates is recorded by the control and evaluation circuit from two different groups of condenser plates separated by the vertical line of the pipe.

Abstract: Ignition modules for directly applying spark plug drive signals to spark plug pairs disposed in engine cylinders are diagnosed by issuing drive signals to the ignition modules and then monitoring the corresponding engine cylinders for misfire condition patterns. Consistent misfire activity in each cylinder controlled by an individual ignition module is interpreted as a fault condition in the ignition module or in its peripheral circuitry, facilitating fault condition identification and treatment.

Abstract: Two filter sections having different frequency responses are interconnected via selectively enabled switches, formed on the same integrated circuit (IC) as the filter sections, between a signal input terminal and a signal output terminal. The selectively enabled switches can be used to: (a) selectively connect the two filter sections in cascade between the signal input and output terminals to produce a bandpass filter; or (b) selectively connect the two filter sections in parallel to produce a notch filter, or (c) couple only one of the two filter sections between the signal input and output terminals; or (d) provide a short circuit between the signal input and output terminals. In a preferred embodiment the filter sections are switched capacitor filters. The filter system of the invention is highly suited for use in an engine knock signal processor integrated circuit.

Abstract: A sand pack holder is provided for testing the properties of a sand sample or testing the performance of an oil recovery process in the sample. The sample is pressurized within the holder to simulate reservoir condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fluid flow velocity includes structure for varying an energy content of a volume of a fluid at a first pre-selected point to the flow path and structure for detecting the variation in the energy content of the fluid at a second pre-selected point in the flow path. The structure for varying the energy content includes structure for injecting a quantity of liquified gas into the fluid thereby to cause variation in the energy content. A method for measuring fluid flow velocity is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for measuring fluid flow in a conduit having an abrupt bend. The system includes pressure transducers, one disposed in the conduit at the inside of the bend and one or more disposed in the conduit at the outside of the bend but spaced a distance therefrom. The pressure transducers measure the pressure of fluid in the conduit at the locations of the pressure transducers and this information is used by a computational device to calculate fluid flow rate in the conduit. For multi-phase fluid, the density of the fluid is measured by another pair of pressure transducers, one of which is located in the conduit elevationally above the other. The computation device then uses the density measurement along with the fluid pressure measurements, to calculate fluid flow.

Abstract: An operating variable detected by at least two control units for actuating the brakes is distributed to a central control unit which identifies an error state in the area of the control unit in question when the operating variable in question deviates unacceptably from a reference value.

Abstract: A cathodoluminescent anode is formed on an insulating substrate, while on another insulating substrate are formed cathode conductors, an insulating layer, a grid layer used for the formation of grids, holes in the insulating layer and the grid layer and microtips in the holes. Moreover, a thin insulating layer is formed on the grid layer in order to limit the current liable to flow between the anode and the grids. Another thin layer or film is formed on the thin insulating layer that is sufficiently conductive or resistive to prevent disturbance by the thin electrically insulating layer, of the electric field created between the microtips and the grids.

Abstract: A system for the diagnosis of an idling speed control system has a first timer for measuring the time elapsed since entrance to a feedback control mode, an engine speed state detection unit for detecting whether the engine speed has fallen within a predetermined speed range, a second timer for measuring the time elapsed since the engine speed has been detected to fall within the speed range, and a normality determining unit for determining that the idling speed control system is in order, when the time measured by the first timer is within a first preset time and also the engine speed is detected to have fallen within the speed range and has remained in the speed range until the time measured by said second timer reaches a second preset time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting internal combustion engine misfiring. The method includes mixed rate sampling of crankshaft angular velocity for a plurality of cylinder firing events to generate a crankshaft angular velocity signal and a cylinder firing synchronization signal. The apparatus for executing the method comprises a crankshaft in operative relation with the internal combustion engine. A crankshaft sensor wheel is rotatably triggered by the crankshaft and includes a plurality of predetermined sensor indicators disposed at least at two different angular widths. A sensor is positioned adjacent to the wheel for sensing the passage of each indicator in producing a signal pulse having a duration corresponding to the angular width of the sensed indicator in response thereto. A counter determines the time intervals between signal pulses generated by the sensor including a synchronization signal time interval and an RPM signal time interval.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the collapsibility of a plastic container, the container having a bottom, a peripheral side wall and an upper opening, the side wall formed with at least one peripheral fold line which, upon compression, facilitates telescoping of one portion of the container side wall into another portion of the container side wall, the apparatus comprising a base supporting a platform sized to receive a bottom portion of a container; a tool platen supported above the platform for reciprocating movement toward and away from the platform, the platen mounting a tool sized and shaped to engage the upper opening of the container; and a force gauge operatively attached to the platform for measuring force required to move the container from an upright, extended condition to a collapsed condition.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes a plurality of pneumatic elements including pneumatic resistances, pneumatic capacitances, and pneumatic sources. A pneumatic state model determines a pressure rate of change and pressure for certain areas of the internal combustion engine system designated as pneumatic volume nodes. Intake port flow is determined from pressures at the intake and exhaust manifolds, engine RPM and density correction factors. Intake port flow in a variable valve timing engine system further includes a phase deviation of the valve timing in the determination thereof.

Abstract: For use with control valves having test ports via which various pressures may be accessed in performing an automatic single car brake test, there is provided a test plate via which such control valves may be conditioned to obtain faster charging of the brake equipment when performing the brake test with a manual single car tester. The test plate interconnects the test ports such that the test pressure supplied to the car brake pipe charges the brake equipment in by-pass of the charging choke in the control valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a probe for electrical connection to at least one spark plug wire of the engine being tested. A peak hold circuit operates to store a representation of a peak firing voltage of the rectified secondary ignition signal and attenuates the stored representation at a predetermined rate over time to enable measurement of peak firing voltage. The testing apparatus is connected to a voltmeter to display a value of the peak firing voltage. Alternatively, the testing apparatus includes a display for displaying the value of the peak firing voltage. Preferably, the testing apparatus is housed in a housing of a size to be held in a user's hand, with a power supply contained therein.