Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one of temperature and pressure within a cylinder of an internal combustion engine can include an engine valve and a sensor. The internal combustion engine can include a valvetrain having rocker arm assembly, a camshaft, a valve, and a hydraulic lash adjuster. The engine valve can have a valve head and a valve stem extending from the valve head in an axial direction. The valve head can have a valve face configured to be in pressure communication with an engine cylinder. The valve stem can have an outer surface with a cylindrical portion and a variably-shaped portion. The variably-shaped portion can define a target detectable by the sensor and the sensor can be installed adjacent to the target. Alternatively, the sensor can be positioned to detect a level of force at some point along the valvetrain.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting vacuum loss in a vacuum interrupter are disclosed. For example, a sensing system of a vacuum interrupter includes a sensor including a material that oxidizes in the presence of air and is at least partially positioned in an evacuated space of a vacuum interrupter, the sensor being configured to produce an indication of impedance of the material; and a control system coupled to the sensor, the control system including an electronic processor and an electronic storage that stores instructions that, when executed, cause the electronic processor to access an indication of impedance produced by the sensor, determine a measure of impedance of the material of the sensor based on the accessed indication of impedance, and determine a condition of the evacuated space based on the determined measure of impedance.

Abstract: A force sensor can include a magnetic field generator, a magnetic flux return, and a magneto-elastic layer. The magnetic flux return can extend along a first portion of at least one pathway of magnetic flux generated by the magnetic field generator. The magneto-elastic layer can be operable to be in contact with a surface subjected to force and thereby strained. The magneto-elastic layer can extend along a second portion of the at least one pathway of magnetic flux distinct from the first portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is for visual indication of an energized state of electrical conductors. The apparatus includes two electrodes structured to capacitively couple to two energized electrical conductors, respectively, in order to harvest an electric field. A rectifier is powered from one or both of the two electrodes. An illuminated indicator or a non-illuminated indicator is powered from the rectifier.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one of temperature and pressure within a cylinder of an internal combustion engine can include an engine valve and a sensor. The internal combustion engine can include a valvetrain having rocker arm assembly, a camshaft, a valve, and a hydraulic lash adjuster. The engine valve can have a valve head and a valve stem extending from the valve head in an axial direction. The valve head can have a valve face configured to be in pressure communication with an engine cylinder. The valve stem can have an outer surface with a cylindrical portion and a variably-shaped portion. The variably-shaped portion can define a target detectable by the sensor and the sensor can be installed adjacent to the target. Alternatively, the sensor can be positioned to detect a level of force at some point along the valvetrain.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting vacuum loss in a vacuum interrupter are disclosed. For example, a sensing system of a vacuum interrupter includes a sensor including a material that oxidizes in the presence of air and is at least partially positioned in an evacuated space of a vacuum interrupter, the sensor being configured to produce an indication of impedance of the material; and a control system coupled to the sensor, the control system including an electronic processor and an electronic storage that stores instructions that, when executed, cause the electronic processor to access an indication of impedance produced by the sensor, determine a measure of impedance of the material of the sensor based on the accessed indication of impedance, and determine a condition of the evacuated space based on the determined measure of impedance.

Abstract: An apparatus is for visual indication of an energized state of electrical conductors. The apparatus includes two electrodes structured to capacitively couple to two energized electrical conductors, respectively, in order to harvest an electric field. A rectifier is powered from one or both of the two electrodes. An illuminated indicator or a non-illuminated indicator is powered from the rectifier.

Abstract: A force sensor can include a magnetic field generator, a magnetic flux return, and a magneto-elastic layer. The magnetic flux return can extend along a first portion of at least one pathway of magnetic flux generated by the magnetic field generator. The magneto-elastic layer can be operable to be in contact with a surface subjected to force and thereby strained. The magneto-elastic layer can extend along a second portion of the at least one pathway of magnetic flux distinct from the first portion.

Abstract: A system and method for producing material characteristics are described. A magnetic treatment chamber (14) with a high magnetic field treats workpieces; and a conveyor or transporter (26) continuously moves the workpieces (22) through the high magnetic field in the magnetic chamber. A frictional or mechanical engagement system (40a, 40b) extracts the workpieces through and out of the high magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for removing NOx from exhaust. In one aspect of the invention, after adsorption, an NOx adsorber is isolated from the main exhaust flow and desorption induced by raising the temperature. The desorbed NOx is combined with a reductant and reduced over a catalyst. Preferably, the reductant is syn gas produced in an on-board reformer. The catalyst need never be exposed to the main exhaust flow, which is particularly advantageous for catalysts sensitive to water, oxygen, or sulfur. In another aspect of the invention, a recirculating flow is induced through an NOx adsorber during a regeneration cycle. Recirculation can induce greater desorption at a given temperature, provide a source of heat for the adsorber, and allow a higher conversion rate with a fixed amount of catalyst. A further aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle-mounted adsorbers with provisions for heating.