Abstract: A method for determining a level of water contamination in a fuel containing ethanol, including determining the ethanol concentration of the fuel; sensing the resistance of the fuel; determining a resistance limit of the fuel; and comparing the resistance to the resistance limit to provide the level of water contamination. Ethanol concentration is preferably obtained by comparing a measured capacitance to known values in a look-up table. The resistance limit can be determined by multiplying a resistance corresponding to the ethanol concentration by an alarm fraction. The resistance is obtained by a look-up table of resistance values at known water contamination levels. Reporting occurs when the measured resistance is at or below the resistance limit. Alternatively, the measured resistance is normalized with respect to the resistance with no water contamination and reporting occurs when −1.6667*normalized resistance+1.6667 approaches 1.0.

Abstract: A method to calculate a fuel driveability index (DI) value is provided from a sample of fuel in a container as tested by the industry standard ASTM D86 test providing particular temperature data at various percentages of evaporation as the container is heated. The particular temperature data provides a DI value. The same sample of fuel is tested on a sensor capable of retaining a predetermined volume of fuel. Temperature data is monitored at the same percentages of evaporation as the sensor is being heated. Correlation equations are mathematically calculated between the temperature data from the sensor relative to the particular temperature data from the ASTM D86 test and stored in the engine controller of a vehicle. The fuel from the fuel tank is tested by heating a similar on-board sensor having the predetermined volume of fuel and measuring the temperature data as a function of the remaining fuel in the sensor.

Abstract: The invention disclosed a method and system for multi-port synchronous high voltage testing, which mainly uses two or more sets of testing circuit with variable output condition and a high voltage generator with zero intermediate voltage for synchronous high voltage testing. Therefore it is not only possible to prevent operators from electric shock but also to provide correct multi-port testing voltages so as not to cause object under test damage. Said testing circuit uses a plurality sets of individual high voltage generator and a current detector for providing functions for reading and determining individual voltage and current, so that it is possible to perform several high voltage tests during a single test period and complete tests on electric products. It is therefore possible to achieve both reduction of test-time and safety of operators.

Abstract: An engine oil contamination sensor includes a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode. A sensing area is established between the electrodes. The sensor is oriented in an oil pan such that the sensing are is completely submerged in engine oil. A microprocessor is connected to the sensing electrodes and includes a program for determining whether antifreeze is dispersed in the engine oil.

Abstract: A sensor and method for measuring the volatility of liquid gasoline by estimating its driveability index includes a sensing element having an interdigitated array of electrically conducting capacitor plates arranged to retain a predetermined volume of gasoline, the volatility of which is to be measured. The sensing element is mounted in a vehicle to be in contact with the flow of gasoline while the engine is running so that a volume certain of gasoline is drawn between and remains within the electrically conducting plates when the engine is turned off. The sensing element is connected to circuitry used to measure the change in capacitance of the sensing element as a function of time while simultaneously measuring the temperature change of the sensing element as the volume of gasoline retained by the sensing element is evaporated over time. The measurements obtained by the circuitry are used in estimating the drivability index of the gasoline.

Abstract: An engine oil contamination sensor includes a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode. A sensing area is established between the electrodes. The sensor is oriented in an oil pan such that the sensing are is completely submerged in engine oil. A microprocessor is connected to the sensing electrodes and includes a program for determining whether antifreeze is dispersed in the engine oil.

Abstract: A method for determining a level of water contamination in a fuel containing ethanol, including determining the ethanol concentration of the fuel; sensing the resistance of the fuel; determining a resistance limit of the fuel; and comparing the resistance to the resistance limit to provide the level of water contamination. Ethanol concentration is preferably obtained by comparing a measured capacitance to known values in a look-up table. The resistance limit can be determined by multiplying a resistance corresponding to the ethanol concentration by an alarm fraction. The resistance is obtained by a look-up table of resistance values at known water contamination levels. Reporting occurs when the measured resistance is at or below the resistance limit. Alternatively, the measured resistance is normalized with respect to the resistance with no water contamination and reporting occurs when −1.6667*normalized resistance+1.6667 approaches 1.0.

Abstract: A device for sensing oil condition includes an oil condition sensor that includes a first sensing plate separated from a second sensing plate by a spacer. Affixed to the first sensing plate and the second sensing plate is a platinum sensing electrode and a resistance temperature device. The sensing electrodes are separated by a gap that is filled with engine oil when the sensor is installed in an oil pan. A processor connected to the sensor can be used to determine when the engine is experiencing a first stage of oil degradation, a second stage of oil degradation, and a third stage of oil degradation. Each stage of degradation is characterized by a first sensor output signal trend, a second sensor output signal trend, and a third output signal trend, respectively.

Abstract: A sensor and method for measuring the volatility of liquid gasoline by estimating its driveability index includes a sensing element having an interdigitated array of electrically conducting capacitor plates arranged to retain a predetermined volume of gasoline, the volatility of which is to be measured. The sensing element is mounted in a vehicle to be in contact with the flow of gasoline while the engine is running so that a volume certain of gasoline is drawn between and remains within the electrically conducting plates when the engine is turned off. The sensing element is connected to circuitry used to measure the change in capacitance of the sensing element as a function of time while simultaneously measuring the temperature change of the sensing element as the volume of gasoline retained by the sensing element is evaporated over time. The measurements obtained by the circuitry are used in estimating the drivability index of the gasoline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing compensation current and test device using the same, the method comprising: using a standard test voltage value as a standard voltage value for a standard voltage value for a subsequent compensation calculation; reading a test voltage value and a leakage current after connecting an object to be tested to a connecting point; and calculating a simulated compensation value of a dynamic leakage current in accordance with an equation.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a two-output voltage test system, wherein the system includes a plurality of D/A converters, buffers, sinusoidal wave generators, power amplifiers, and a micro-processing controller. The two-output voltage test system provides for a number of processes including one group of the plurality of D/A converters, buffers, sinusoidal wave generators, and power amplifiers to perform the measurement of AC voltage durability (WAC), DC voltage durability (WDC), insulation resistance (IR), and leakage current (LK). The other group of the plurality of D/A converters, buffers, sinusoidal wave generators, and power amplifiers performs the measurement of ground resistance (GR). The micro-processing controller outputs the measurements simultaneously or with slight time delay in order to obtain the results measured at the same time.

Abstract: A fast DC discharge device for a large rated capacity, includes a capacitor (C1), a switch (SW2) serially connected to capacitor (C1), a high voltage transformer (T1), an amplifier (AMP1) connected to the primary coil of high voltage transformer (T1), a switch (SW1) connected between high. voltage transformer (T1) and switch (SW2), a diode (D1) connected in parallel to switch (SW1), and an inductance connected between the secondary coil of high voltage transformer (T1) and switch (SW1), for reducing the instant current during the early stage of discharging, and for protecting switch (SW1) from failure caused by multiple discharges over a long period of time, and a switch (SW3) connected between the output of the amplifier (AMP1) and the primary coil of the high voltage transformer (T1), which is an open circuit during the discharge cycle, so that the transformer (T1) will show an inductive characteristic during the discharge cycle. Resistance (R3) is arranged in parallel with capacitor (C1).

Abstract: There is provided a stationary platform adapted to be positioned on a desk and having intersecting grooves formed on the top surface of the platform so that a plurality of blocks are formed. A plurality of structures are also provided having flanged rims or raised ribs on the bottom which are insertable into the platform grooves so that each structure is capable of bridging at least one raised block.

Abstract: A method for growing tunnel oxides on a specially treated substrate surface. The method comprises steps for roughening the substrate surface to induce low tunneling voltage in the subsequently grown tunnel oxide layer. The tunnel oxide layer is grown in a low temperature steam cycle to further provide enhanced tunneling. The surface treatment comprises the steps of growing a first oxide layer to seal the surface of the substrate followed by growing a second oxide on the first oxide layer. In the preferred embodiment, a plasma etch utilizing an oxide etcher with high energy ion bombardment and an aluminum electrode is utilized to etch through the first and second oxide layers. The aluminum electrode causes sputtered aluminum on the second oxide layer's surface. The sputtered aluminum blocks the anisotropic etching leaving a grass type oxide residue on the substrate surface. The etching continues, overetching into the substrate surface.