Abstract: An automated clutch system for transferring torque from an engine to a change gear transmission is connected to a processing unit which uses various input parameters to calculate the grade on which the vehicle is operating and its current weight to determine an appropriate start gear to minimise clutch slip when the vehicle is launched from rest.

Abstract: A system for controlling an automated mechanical change-gear transmission system including a processing unit for processing inputs according to predetermined logic rules to determine currently engaged and allowably engaged gear ratios and throttle positions, for changing between automatic and semi-automatic transmission modes, for issuing command output signals to non-manually controlled operators, and for temporarily selectively overriding a pre-selected transmission mode if either cruise control or power take off are activated.

Abstract: The controlled electromagnetic induction detonation system for initiation of a detonatable material system [(10)] includes an automated radio charge (ARCH) module connectable to an electric detonator [(24)], a transducer module [(14)] for providing operational power by electromagnetic induction to the ARCH module [(18)], and a remote controller [(12)] for sending instructions to the transducer module [(14)] from a location remote from the detonator [(24)]. Upon completion of an arming sequence, the transducer module [(14)] generates an electromagnetic field which is picked up by a coil in the ARCH module [(18)] and used to power the ARCH module [(18)] and provide a detonation current for the detonator [(24)].

Abstract: The controlled electromagnetic induction detonation system for initiation of a detonatable material system includes an automated radio charge (ARCH) module connectable to an electric detonator, a transducer module for providing operational power by electromagnetic induction to the ARCH module, and a remote controller for sending instructions to the transducer module from a location remote from the detonator. Upon completion of an arming sequence, the transducer module generates an electromagnetic field which is picked up by a coil in the ARCH module and used to power the ARCH module and provide a detonation current for the detonator. The transducer module or at least a coil thereof which produces the electromagnetic field is supported on or in a stemming bar which in turn acts as a core of an electromagnet confining the magnetic flux for pick up by the ARCH module.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for use in a data processing system for sending private messages from a single electronic message. A plurality of recipients is identified for an electronic message. A number of different sections are designated within the electronic message for separate receipt by each of a number of recipients within the plurality of recipients. Responsive to an indication to send the electronic message, an electronic message is automatically generated for each of the number of recipients, wherein the message of a given recipient within the number of recipients excludes sections within the number of sections designated for other recipients within the number of recipients.

Abstract: The presence of hydrocarbons in water is detected by contacting a water sample with an adsorbent material to extract hydrocarbons from the water sample and then contacting the adsorbent material with a solvent for the hydrocarbons. A developer such as a miscible nonsolvent liquid is mixed into the solvent to produce a test mixture. The turbidity of the test mixture is observed to determine the presence of hydrocarbons in the water sample. The nonsolvent may contain at least 0.5% salt, e.g., at least 1%, preferably 5% salt, and an emulsifier. Turbidity may be measured quantitatively by measuring light scattered at 90.degree. to a test light beam or by visual comparison to a reference scale.

Abstract: A communications port adapter and method for using a communications port of a host computer in polling mode and without interrupts. The communications port adapter includes at least a converter circuit for converting an input signal from a measuring device to frequency, a switching component connected to an output of the converter circuit for transmitting a frequency output signal, and a counter circuit having an input connected to the switching component for receiving the frequency output signal of the converter circuit and an ouput coupled to the communications port of the host computer.

Abstract: The presence of hydrocarbons in soil is detected by immersing a soil sample in a water-miscible solvent capable of dissolving the hydrocarbons to extract hydrocarbons from the soil into the solvent. An aqueous developer is mixed into the solvent to produce a test mixture. The turbidity of the test mixture is observed to determine the presence of hydrocarbons in the soil. The aqueous developer may contain at least 0.5% salt, e.g., at least 1%, preferably 5% salt, and an emulsifier. Turbidity may be measured quantitatively by measuring light scattered at 90.degree. to a test light beam or by visual comparison to a reference scale.

Abstract: The presence of hydrocarbons in soil is detected by immersing a soil sample in a water-miscible solvent capable of dissolving the hydrocarbons to extract hydrocarbons from the soil into the solvent. An aqueous developer is mixed into the solvent to produce a test mixture. The turbidity of the test mixture is observed to determine the presence of hydrocarbons in the soil. The aqueous developer may contain at least 0.5% salt, e.g., at least 1%, preferably 5% salt, and an emulsifier. Turbidity may be measured quantitatively by measuring light scattered at 90.degree. to a test light beam or by visual comparison to a reference scale.

Abstract: A security/antitheft system in combination with a vehicular automated transmission system (10) is provided, requiring a minimum or no additional hardware. The security system includes logic rules for the transmission system controller (38) for preventing the controller from issuing the command output signals necessary for mobilizing the vehicle in the absence of operator-initiated enabling signals and, preferably, for interpreting a predetermined sequence of manipulations of the existing selector (1) as the required enabling signals.

Abstract: A control system and method for a vehicular semi-automatic mechanical transmission system (10) having a clutch operator (30) and an overriding manual clutch control (3) for controlling engagement and disengagement of the master clutch (14) is provided. The control is effective to sense manual clutch disengagement during a downshift and to cease further attempts to cause synchronization by engine fuel manipulation (ES=IS=OS * GR.sub.T) until a change in conditions is sensed.

Abstract: A control system and method for a semi-automatic mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for allowing operator request for a scrolling display of allowable ratios in either the upshift or downshift direction, and for a direct shift into the selected one of the displayed ratios. In one embodiment, retaining the control (1) lever in a displaced position for one or two seconds will initiate the scrolling display, while retaining the transmission engaged in the initial ratio, and subsequently release of the control lever to its centered position will cause a direct shift into the then displayed ratio.

Abstract: A control system and method for a semi-automatic mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for allowing operator request for a direct upshift and/or downshift into a preselected start ratio, under certain predefined conditions, by a single movement, or two movements, of the shift lever (1).

Abstract: A control method/system is provided for controlling start from stop shifting operations of a vehicular semi-automatic transmission system (10) of the type automatically implementing selected gear changes of a mechanical change gear transmission (12) and requiring manual operation (3) of the vehicle master clutch (16) in start from stop conditions is provided. During engagement of a selected start ratio, the system controller (38) monitors for gear butt conditions and will warn the operator if such conditions are sensed.

Abstract: Open-circuit and closed-circuit faults in a solenoid controlled actuator are detected using shunt resistors (R1, R4) across the solenoid (1), a transistor switch (4), and a voltage monitor (7) and/or (14) across one or both of these which can detect a faulty open-circuit solenoid that is not energized, or a faulty closed-circuit solenoid that is energized. According to the present invention, before each change in actuator position, the solenoids are all caused to assume an opposite energization condition for a period of time insufficient to move the actuator, but enough to check the voltage monitor responses. In this way, both open and closed circuit faults are detected.

Abstract: A fuel control system (100) for controlling the fueling of an internal combustion engine (E), and a fault detection system therefor, is provided. Signals (12, 17, 15, 16) indicative of the positioning of an operator controlled master unit (2) and of the slaved actuator (6,1) are compared to sense the existence of faults.

Abstract: A method and control for controlling an AMT system (10) having input shaft (IS) and output shaft (OS) speed sensors is provided including sensing faulty determinations of transmission engagement in a known gear ratio (GR).