Abstract: A sensing device (100) senses a physical quantity of a fluid having a high temperature. A tube-like element (110) surrounds at least a part of a MI-cable (102) between a sensing end of the MI-cable and a sealing flange element (106) attached to the MI-cable. A major part of the inner surface of the tube-like element is at a predefined distance from the outer surface of the Mineral Insulated cable forming a gap (112) between the mineral insulated cable and the tube-like element. The tube-like element and gap increases robustness against thermal expansions and thermal shock due to rapid temperature change of the fluid.

Abstract: A sensing device (100) senses a physical quantity of a fluid having a high temperature. A tube-like element (110) surrounds at least a part of a MI-cable (102) between a sensing end of the MI-cable and a sealing flange element (106) attached to the MI-cable. A major part of the inner surface of the tube-like element is at a predefined distance from the outer surface of the Mineral Insulated cable forming a gap (112) between the mineral insulated cable and the tube-like element. The tube-like element and gap increases robustness against thermal expansions and thermal shock due to rapid temperature change of the fluid.

Abstract: A heating element protection apparatus for a mass-flow sensor may include a heating element disposed in a gas, a gas temperature sensor disposed in the gas to sense a temperature of the gas, a slope detector to measure a slope of the temperature as power is supplied to the heating element, and a heating element controller to supply power to the heating element to replace heat dissipated by the gas. The heating element controller may detect a temperature of the heating element and may supply power to the heating element based on the heating element temperature and the gas temperature, and the power may be switched off for a predetermined period of time if a magnitude of the slope is greater than a reference magnitude.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using a computer for determining an air-to-fuel (A/F) ratio of an internal combustion engine in which information characteristic of the engine relating the A/F ratio of the engine, the exhaust gas temperature of the engine, the speed of the engine and a parameter related to the load of the engine is previously stored in the computer. The method comprises the steps of: measuring the exhaust gas temperature of the engine; measuring the speed the speed of the engine; measuring the parameter related to the load of the engine; computing the A/F ratio based on the previously stored information, the measured exhaust gas temperature, the measured speed and the measured parameter related to the load; and outputting a signal representative of the A/F ratio.

Abstract: A method for determining if the driveability index of a fuel being consumed by an internal combustion engine differs from the driveability index of a fuel for which the air-to-fuel ratio of the engine is preset. The method includes the steps of: determining the speed of the engine; determining the load on the engine; determining the actual exhaust gas temperature of the engine; and computing a predicted exhaust gas temperature based on the speed, the load and the preset air-to-fuel ratio of the engine. The actual exhaust gas temperature is compared to the predicted exhaust gas temperature to determine if the difference between the actual exhaust gas temperature and the predicted exhaust gas temperature exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing the total quantity of hydrocarbon emissions from a catalytic converter in the exhaust path of an internal combustion engine includes a temperature sensor coupled to the catalytic converter for continuously generating an output signal representative of the catalyst temperature, and a controller for receiving the output signal from the temperature sensor and for enhancing the output signal to have a response time of less than one second. The controller adjusts one or more operating parameters of the engine to cause the catalyst temperature to rapidly rise when the catalyst temperature is less than the catalytic converter light-off temperature and adjusts one or more operating parameters of the engine to minimize the rate of hydrocarbon emissions output from the catalytic converter when the catalyst temperature is greater than the catalytic converter light-off temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for monitoring the operativeness of a catalytic converter used to clean the exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine that is regulated by a lambda sensor through temperature measurement with a heat tone sensor exhibiting a catalytically active coating. The process provides information on both the percentage of individual, non-converted exhaust components and on the current thermal load on the catalytic converter. Readings are taken by the heat tone sensor at time intervals corresponding to the normal regulating frequency of the lambda sensor. This results in a quadratic function in which the height of the amplitude represents the percentage of non-converted individual exhaust components. The mean temperature of the catalytic converter can be inferred by rectifying the quadratic function.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a catalyst monitor includes a resistive type oxygen sensor positioned between the engine and the catalyst and a temperature sensor positioned proximate to the catalyst. The oxygen sensor measures an oxygen concentration of the engine emissions and the temperature sensor monitors a temperature of the catalyst and detects a light off time of the catalyst. The magnitude of resistance of the oxygen sensor is measured and compared to a predetermined threshold level. The catalyst light off time is compared to a predetermined time value. In addition, a lifetime temperature profile of the catalyst is generated and compared to a predetermined threshold temperature level. The results of the comparisons are used to establish whether the catalyst is operating efficiently.

Abstract: A readily manufacturable heated solid electrolyte oxygen sensor. A heater subassembly readily adaptable to unheated oxygen sensor technology, provides the means for positioning and rigidly securing the heater element within the oxygen sensing device, while also providing the means for electrically coupling the galvanic output signal to the external combustion control system.