Abstract: The sensor device (S), in particular for use in a simulator dummy of an anthropomorphic type (M), includes a heat insulating support structure (1) with two measuring areas (1d; 1e) formed on the same side thereof, each having a measuring device (DA, DB) disposed thereon which includes an electric heater (2) and an electronic thermal flow sensor device (3) and an associated electric temperature sensor (4), arranged above the heater (2). The structure (1) also has an associated flow-speed sensor device (AS), preferably arranged in an intermediate area between the measuring devices (DA, DB), for supplying signals during operation indicating the speed of the air flow in the vicinity. The device (S) also includes an electronic acquisition and control unit (ACE) set to control operation of the heaters (2) according to predetermined instructions and/or to receive signals emitted by the aforesaid sensors (3, 4, AS).

Abstract: The sensor device (S), in particular for use in a simulator dummy of an anthropomorphic type (M), includes a heat insulating support structure (1) with two measuring areas (1d; 1e) formed on the same side thereof, each having a measuring device (DA, DB) disposed thereon which includes an electric heater (2) and an electronic thermal flow sensor device (3) and an associated electric temperature sensor (4), arranged above the heater (2). The structure (1) also has an associated flow-speed sensor device (AS), preferably arranged in an intermediate area between the measuring devices (DA, DB), for supplying signals during operation indicating the speed of the air flow in the vicinity. The device (S) also includes an electronic acquisition and control unit (ACE) set to control operation of the heaters (2) according to predetermined instructions and/or to receive signals emitted by the aforesaid sensors (3, 4, AS).

Abstract: The idling speed of an internal combustion engine is regulated with the use of an electronic control unit arranged to generate a signal for correcting the ignition advance and a signal for varying the piloting of a solenoid valve provided in a duct which by-passes a throttle valve which controls the air supply to the engine. For this purpose, the electronic unit acquires the instantaneous speed of the engine and the air pressure in the inlet manifold by means of sensors. The electronic unit implements an LQI (linear-quadratic-integral) type of control based on a linear mathematical model of the engine.

Abstract: A method is described for monitoring the air/fuel ratio in an internal combustion engine by means of the measurement of pressure variations in the induction duct of the engine and for indicating appropriate changes in the fuel supply, in a closed loop, to return the ratio to the desired value. This method is achieved by means of a device which is characterized in that it includes a pressure sensor, means for processing the signal obtained from the sensor and a microcomputer for checking whether or not the values processed by said means fall within a predetermined, previously stored range found experimentally on a test engine under proper combustion conditions. If the processed values are outside this range, the microcomputer activates an alarm signal and/or operates, directly or indirectly a device which adjusts the air/fuel ratio to return it to normal values.