Abstract: Provided is a high power ignition system for internal combustion engines with a detection circuit for sensing and measuring ionization in a spark plug gap. The detection circuit utilizes a dual-purpose second energy source to apply the voltage necessary to generate a high current arc and then an ionization current. A signal processor analyzes an ionization signal created by the detection circuit to derive useful ignition system data such as engine misfire, combustion duration, engine knocking, approximate air/fuel ratio, indications of spark plug fouling, and preignition.

Abstract: System for controlling a spark ingnition engine to maximize fuel efficiency over its entire range of operating conditions. The system includes apparatus for controlling the amount of fuel delivered to the engine and apparatus for measuring the internal cylinder pressure in at least one cylinder of the engine. Apparatus is provided for estimating the air mass entering the engine and computing apparatus calculates the engine efficiency from the amount of fuel delivered, the internal cylinder pressure and the estimated air mass entering the engine. In one embodiment, efficiency is measured by calculation of the approximate indicated specific fuel consumption. Apparatus is provided for varying the amount of fuel delivered to the engine to minimize the indicated specific fuel consumption over the entire range of operating conditions of the engine.

Abstract: System for controlling a spark ignition engine to maximize fuel efficiency over its entire range of operating conditions. The system includes apparatus for controlling the amount of fuel delivered to the engine and apparatus for measuring the internal cylinder pressure in at least one cylinder of the engine. Apparatus is provided for estimating the air mass entering the engine and computing apparatus calculates the engine efficiency from the amount of fuel delivered, the internal cylinder pressure and the estimated air mass entering the engine. In one embodiment, efficiency is measured by calculation of the approximate indicated specific fuel consumption. Apparatus is provided for varying the amount of fuel delivered to the engine to minimize the indicated specific fuel consumption over the entire range of operating conditions of the engine.

Abstract: A system for locating a corner of an angularly oriented workpiece on a worksurface includes a gripper and associated two axis transport assembly, and a set of sensors on the gripper for detecting reflected radiation from the workpiece and surrounding work. A controller translates the gripper in the directions of two orthogonal axes until the sensors each overlie an edge of the corner-to-be detected. In the preferred form, the transport assembly includes a pneumatic position control system for each axis. Each pneumatic position control system includes an air cylinder and associated piston, a position valve assembly and a controller, and may further include a velocity valve assembly. The controller may control the position valve assembly to be in a first state during a selected time interval, thereby establishing axial motion of the piston in a first direction during that interval.