Abstract: A horizontally moving vehicle body may b stabilized and held at a constant vertical level, as its wheels move up and down in response to disturbing forces, by utilizing the kinetic energy of the rotating wheels to create counter forces on the vehicle body in the direction opposite to the disturbing forces to counterbalance the disturbances. As a disturbing force moves a wheel downward (assume the wheel falls into a hole in the road), a vertical force is imparted toward (against) the vehicle body to effectively push the wheel downward and away from the body, the body thereby remaining at its normal level and not following the wheel. On the other hand, when a wheel moves upward (assume it rides over a bump in the road), the kinetic energy of the wheel is converted to a vertical force in the direction away from the vehicle body to lift the wheel upward and force it toward the body, as a result of which the body remains undisturbed at its normal level and will not follow the upward movement of the wheel.

Abstract: By simultaneously charging a pair of capacitors from the same low voltage level to the same high reference voltage level, the two charge time durations will be functions of and will be proportional to the capacitances of the two capacitors. A comparison of those charge time durations will thus provide an indication of the ratio of the capacitances of the two capacitors. This is achieved by including, in the measuring system, an oscillating circuit whose frequency is determined by the capacitance of one of the capacitors. A periodically-recurring rectangular wave is then developed having pulse components with pulse widths determined by the capacitance of the other capacitor, the frequency of the rectangular wave being equal to the oscillating frequency. The duty cycle of the rectangular wave is therefore proportional to and respresents the ratio of the capacitances of te capacitors.

Abstract: A pressure-temperature sensor for monitoring a fluid system for an over-temperature, an under-pressure or an over-pressure condition. The sensor includes a bellows operator enclosed in a fluid-filled housing with a normally-closed, first switch means and a normally-open second switch means. A diaphragm operator and a bellows are responsive to changes in temperature and pressure to, respectively, operate the first and second switches to indicate an over-temperature, an under-pressure or an over-pressure condition.

Abstract: By simultaneously charging a pair of capacitors to the same d-c voltage and then simultaneously discharging those capacitors to the same d-c reference voltage, the two discharge time durations will be functions of and will be proportional to the capacitances of the two capacitors. A comparison of those discharge time durations will thus provide an indication of the ratio of the capacitances of the two capacitors. This is achieved by including, in the measuring system, an oscillating circuit whose frequency is determined by the capacitance of one of the capacitors. A periodically-recurring rectangular wave is then developed having pulse components with pulse widths determined by the capacitance of the other capacitor, the frequency of the rectangular wave being equal to the oscillating frequency. The duty cycle of the rectangular wave is therefore proportional to and represents the ratio of the capacitances of the capacitors.

Abstract: An improved torque measurement circuit and method for an internal combustion engine of the four cylinder, two-cycle type includes synchronous detection circuits and circuits to account for inertia forces due to the mass of the pistons and connecting rods. The synchronous detection circuits multiply a signal directly proportional to torque variations with sine wave and cosine wave signals to produce a synchronous detection signal. A summing circuit is provided to combine the synchronous detection signal with a signal proportional to the square of the angular velocity of the crankshaft of the engine to produce a resultant output signal directly proportional to average torque and independent of speed.

Abstract: The air pressure in a tire is monitored by transmitting an electromagnetic interrogating signal (specifically a radio frequency signal) from the vehicle to a passive transponder, affixed to the wheel on which the tire is mounted, in communication with the air pressure within the tire. When the pressure is normal, a semiconductor diode and an antenna in the transponder will be shielded from radiation and therefore no response will be made to the received interrogating signal. On the other hand, abnormal air pressure in the tire causes the antenna to become unshielded and exposed to the interrogating signal radiated from the transmitter, whereupon the diode reacts to the received signal and develops therefrom a response signal which is retransmitted from the antenna and includes, among other signal components, the second harmonic of the interrogating signal.

Abstract: In an air compressor-driven system, wherein compressed air and fuel are combined in a combustion chamber to produce hot gas for driving a turbine which then rotates the air compressor, surge is prevented by sensing an appropriate parameter, such as the flow rate of the compressed air at the compressor discharge outlet, and developing therefrom a feedback signal which varies the fuel flow to the combustion chamber to dynamically vary the compressor speed (and hence capacity) so that the discharge pressure versus discharge flow rate characteristic curve of the compressor always has a negative slope at the operating point, regardless of where that point is located on the curve. By providing a negative slope at all operating conditions, even when operating in the surge region of the pressure-flow plot, the system is incapable of surge.

Abstract: Surge in a compressor-driven system, such as a refrigeration system, is precluded by sensing an appropriate parameter, for example the gas flow at the compressor discharge outlet, and developing therefrom a feedback signal which dynamically varies the capacity of the compressor so that the discharge pressure versus discharge flow rate characteristic curve of the compressor always has a negative slope at the operating point, regardless of where that point is located on the curve. By providing a negative slope at all operating conditions, the system is incapable of surge. In order to satisfy variable load requirements, the compressor capacity is adjusted to vary the steady state operating point on the characteristic curve.

Abstract: A water-absorbing material, such as silica gel, activated alumina and the like, is dispersed in the oil in which a submersible motor is operated, so as to absorb water which leaks into the motor housing. The water-absorbing material is then heated to a temperature at which the water is released. The water will flow, because of its specific gravity to a collection zone for removal to a location removed from the motor.

Abstract: A measuring system indicates the tension in a belt which transfers power between driving and driven pulleys. A support member has a pair of idler rollers journalled in the proper positions to pinch the belt, thus providing a force on each idler roller. A strain gauge or mechanical spring-and-indicator is used to display the difference in forces at the two idler rollers, which difference is a function of the tension in the belt.