Abstract: An internal combustion engine (E) has associated control devices (ECU, GSCU, SCU) for controlling the engine in a manner such that the engine delivers a driving torque (CM) which is variable in dependence on predetermined measured parameters, in particular on the position (&agr;) of the accelerator pedal (AP), and sensors (S1, S2) for detecting the position (&agr;) of the accelerator pedal (AP), and the rate of rotation (&ohgr;M) of the shaft (M) of the engine (E) or the forward speed (v) of the motor vehicle, respectively.

Abstract: A method of detecting and controlling detonation, including the steps of: generating (10) a vibration signal (D) proportional to the intensity of vibration on the crankcase; wide-band-filtering (11) the vibration signal (D) to generate a first intermediate signal; rectifying (12) the first intermediate signal to generate a second intermediate signal; integrating (13) the second intermediate signal to generate a first numeric value; calculating (14) a logarithm of the first numeric value to obtain a second numeric value (Xi); calculating (16) a difference between the second numeric value (Xi) and the mean value (&mgr;i) to obtain a third numeric value (&dgr;i) with a predetermined threshold value (&dgr;o); determining (18) the presence of detonation in the event the third numeric value (&dgr;i) has a first predetermined relationship with the predetermined threshold value (&dgr;o); forming (19, 21) a detonation index (Ii) indicating the behavior of the engine in terms of detonation; and obtaining (22) a spark l

Abstract: The method includes the steps of generating a detonation signal related to the intensity of the vibration on an engine block; wide-band filtering the detonation signal; rectifying the filtered detonation signal; integrating the rectified signal; calculating the logarithm of the integration result; calculating a mean value as a function of the calculated logarithm; calculating the values of a first and second standard-deviation-related quantity as a function of the logarithm value and the mean value; and calculating a detonation coefficient value as a function of the values of the standard-deviation-related quantities.

Abstract: The method of detecting a partially deflated tire includes the steps of detecting the angular velocity of each wheel and generating corresponding velocity signals or data, processing the velocity signals or data in a processing unit arranged for calculating the value of a predetermined function of the ratio or of the difference between the product of the angular velocities of two diagonally opposed wheels and the product of the angular velocities of the other two wheels, and generating a warning signal when the difference between the values of this function and a first static reference value corresponding to a normal inflation condition of the tires exceeds a predetermined value, or when the difference between the values of this function and a second reference value determined upon each departure of the motor vehicle and corresponding to the actual inflation condition of the tires upon departure of the motor vehicle exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: The method for avoiding collision between a motor vehicle and obstacles placed in the path of the vehicle comprises the stages of forming a radar map of the area in front of the vehicle, reconstructing the geometry of the road, identifying its edges, detecting the position and speed of the vehicle with respect to the road, determining the presumed path of the vehicle on the basis of the road geometry and the manoeuvre being carried out by the vehicle at that instant, detecting objects on the radar map found lying in the presumed path of the motor vehicle and displaying the map found in a perspective representation, ignoring objects which are off the road and indicating objects in the path of the vehicle in a different manner according to their hazard and if appropriate generating alarms of an acoustic type.

Abstract: A device for measuring the quantity of light in a tank is disclosed, including three level sensors housed within a tank in a predetermined relative position. Alternative processors are disclosed for processing information supplied by the level sensor, wherein the information depends on the liquid level sensed by each of the sensors. An indicator, controlled by the processor, indicates the quantity of liquid contained in the tank.

Abstract: A electrical current of predetermined strength is passed through a spot weld by a first pair of electrodes. The electrical potential difference between two points, respectively upstream and downstream of the spot weld along the current path, is measured with a second pair of electrodes. In particular, this second pair of electrodes is used to carry out at least one first measurement before the application of the current, and at least one second measurement during the application of the current. These measurements are carried out at two instants separated by a time interval equal to or a whole multiple of the period of the main power voltage. The difference between the values measured in the first and second measurements provides an indication of the quality of the spot weld.

Abstract: A method is described for the non-destructive testing of a joint obtained by the electrical spot-welding of two sheets of substantially the same material joined together in a local zone with the formation of a weld core which has a thermal diffusivity substantially different from the thermal diffusivity of the material of the two sheets before welding, such a core being obtained only when the welding is of a good quality.The testing is effected by a device the main characteristic of which is an electrode which delivers heat and a detector electrode located at two conveniently chosen points on one surface or opposite surfaces of the two welded sheets. The detector electrode is connected through an amplifier and an analog-digital converter to a computer which processes the signal to provide an indication of the weld quality on the basis of the measured value of the thermal diffusivity.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device for measuring the delivery of fluid through a conduit. A pair of electroacoustic transducers are arranged in the wall of the pipe forming the conduit in a mutually confronting relationship along an axis inclined relative to the conduit axis. Each transducer is able to convert an electric signal of predetermined frequency into an ultrasonic wave which propagates through the fluid toward the confronting transducer. After a predetermined interval of transmission, each transducer receives the transmitted wave and converts it to an electric signal. A collimator is disposed in the path of the fluid upstream of the transducers. An oscillator outputs electrical signals of predetermined frequency to the transducers.

Abstract: A feeler device for measuring the degree of roughness of an uneven surface being examined, the device comprising a transmitting transducer arranged to convert an electrical signal of a predetermined frequency into an ultrasonic wave propagated through a liquid coupling medium and having a wave length of the same order of magnitude as the uneven surface being examined, a generator being provided to generate and feed the electric signal to the transmitting transducer.