Abstract: A cathode in an MPD thruster has an internal heater and utilizes low work function material. The cathode is preheated to operating temperature, and then the thruster is fired by discharging a capacitor bank in a pulse forming network.

Abstract: In a gas turbine engine a method for thrust variation with reduced compressor RPM excursion is provided in two modes which includes adjusting pivotable compressor vanes mounted upstream of compressor rotor blades, ahead of the conventional vane schedule therefor in a closed loop fashion, responsive to compressor corrected RPM, so as to adjust the fuel demand and engine thrust thereof while maintaining relatively high scheduled compressor corrected RPM scheduled as a function of fan corrected RPM while retaining the conventional method of fuel flow scheduling. Thus mode 1 of the invention adjusts the compressor vanes in advance of the conventional schedule therefor, e.g. pre-closes them on the deceleration side of the Bodie transient and appropriately opens them on the acceleration side of such transient subject to closed loop monitoring of the corrected compressor RPM and being guided thereby so as to result in reduced excursion in such RPM, during both legs of such transient.

Abstract: A NOx reducing catalyst can most efficiently remove both NOx and HC when concentrations of NOx and HC in exhaust have a specified relationship between them. For this purpose, an apparatus is adapted to control the concentrations of NOx and HC at an upstream of a catalyst to have a specified relationship. Sensors for detecting the concentration of NOx and HC are arranged at an upstream side of the catalyst. Additionally, a device for levelling a quantity of HC discharge is disposed to suppress variation thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for accurately and precisely detecting deterioration of a catalyst and measuring a conversion efficiency of a catalyst for HC/CO/NOx by using an oxygen sensor and an air/fuel ratio sensor disposed on the upstream and downstream sides of the catalyst, respectively. The catalyst is determined to be deteriorating when an output amplitude of the air/fuel ratio sensor becomes greater than a predetermined value. The conversion efficiency of the catalyst is determined based on a predetermined relationship between the output amplitude and the mean converted rate of HC/CO/NOx.

Abstract: A control system which provides a measurement of efficiency in a catalytic converter coupled to the engine exhaust. For each inducted airflow range in which the engine is operating, test periods are generated by counting transitions in the output of an upstream exhaust gas oxygen sensor. These test periods are limited to a maximum count. Concurrently, during each test period, transitions are counted in a downstream exhaust gas oxygen sensor. Upstream and downstream transitions are accumulated and a ratio of the accumulated totals determines converter efficiency.

Abstract: The injection of secondary air into the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine equipped with an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) upstream of a catalytic converter using a secondary pump is controlled by use of a dedicated heated oxygen sensor located downstream of the electrically heated catalyst in the exhaust stream from said EHC. The sensor measures the oxygen content in the EHC exhaust stream and sends a signal to a controller which turns on a secondary air pump when the signal from the heated sensor exceeds a pre-selected set point on the controller thereby injecting supplementary air into the exhaust stream from the internal combustion engine to the EHC.

Abstract: Monitoring a catalyst positioned downstream of a Y-shaped exhaust path includes positioning an exhaust gas oxygen sensor just upstream and just downstream of the catalyst and using the two sensors together to monitor catalyst activity. Such monitoring is discontinued when the exhaust gas oxygen sensor switching rate of the upstream exhaust gas oxygen sensor is below a minimum threshold value. The upstream exhaust gas oxygen sensor does not provide an air fuel ratio feedback signal but instead, such a signal is provided by two additional exhaust gas oxygen sensors, one sensor being positioned in each of the two legs of the Y exhaust path coming from the engine.

Abstract: A catalyst deterioration-detecting device for an internal combustion engine has at least one catalyst arranged in an exhaust passage of the engine,for purifying exhaust gases emitted from the engine, first and second exhaust component concentration sensors arranged in the exhaust passage upstream and downstream of the catalyst, respectively. The catalyst deterioration-detecting device calculates an average value of an output value from the second exhaust component concentration sensor, calculates an output fluctuation width with respect to the average value, based on the output value from the second exhaust component concentration sensor, and determines whether the catalyst is deteriorated, based on the calculated average value and the calculated output fluctuation width. The detection of the catalyst deterioration is carried out when the engine is in a predetermined operating condition defined by engine temperature, engine speed and engine load.

Abstract: Trap muffler apparatus with bypass around a trap core is disclosed. A preferred bypass arrangement utilizing a tubular shutter valve system is described. Forward or reverse regeneration are possible. Bypass to atmosphere without filtration is avoided with dual in-line traps or with the segmented trap and control of exhaust gases to traps not being regenerated.

Abstract: A magnetic refrigeration apparatus includes first and second steady state magnets, each having a field of substantially equal strength and opposite polarity, first and second bodies made of magnetocaloric material disposed respectively in the influence of the fields of the first and second steady state magnets, and a pulsed magnet, concentric with the first and second steady state magnets, and having a field which cycles between the fields of the first and second steady state magnets, thereby cyclically magnetizing and demagnetizing and thus heating and cooling the first and second bodies. Heat exchange apparatus of suitable design can be used to expose a working fluid to the first and second bodies of magnetocaloric material. A controller is provided to synchronize the flow of working fluid with the changing states of magnetization of the first and second bodies.

Abstract: A compressor for compression-evaporation cooling systems, which requires no moving parts. A gaseous refrigerant inside a chamber is acoustically compressed and conveyed by means of a standing acoustic wave which is set up in the gaseous refrigerant. This standing acoustic wave can be driven either by a transducer, or by direct exposure of the gas to microwave and infrared sources, including solar energy. Input and output ports arranged along the chamber provide for the intake and discharge of the gaseous refrigerant. These ports can be provided with optional valve arrangements, so as to increase the compressor's pressure differential. The performance of the compressor in either of its transducer or electromagnetically driven configurations, can be optimized by a controlling circuit. This controlling circuit holds the wavelength of the standing acoustical wave constant, by changing the driving frequency in response to varying operating conditions.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid Dewar container (10) for supplying a gas mixture to an on-demand external delivery device, such as a regulator and associated facepiece (84) independent of the direction of its gravitational field and spatial orientation of the container, is described. The Dewar container holds a volume of cryogenic fluid (24) as a liquefied-gas at a relatively low pressure. A first endothermic heat energy conduction means (58) is mounted outside the Dewar and vaporizes and warms the cryogenic fluid to form a raised-energy fluid that is moved to an exothermic heat energy conduction means (62) mounted inside the Dewar container, which conducts a portion of the added heat energy to the remaining cryogenic fluid. This causes some of the cryogenic fluid to vaporize and raise the pressure inside the Dewar container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particular needle-orifice fluid flow regulator to be used in a cryocooler. The flow regulator comprises a fluid outlet port adapted to receive therethrough a pressurized cooling fluid via a conduit. The needle is arranged for variable positioning relative to said outlet and temperature responsive needle positioning means for positioning said needle relative to said port as a function of temperature, whereby the needle is floatingly mounted relative to said needle positioning means. The positioning means is adapted to apply displacement forces to the needle along an axis which extends through said fluid outlet port, being constructed in a manner which enables to maintain the needle substantially coaxial with the outlet port. The fluid outlet port has a funnel shaped portion with a relatively narrow end arranged for fluid communication with said conduit configured to engage and guide the needle into mating engagement with the fluid outlet port.

Abstract: Apparatus for vacuum pumping an enclosed chamber without the use of activated charcoal to remove hydrogen by cryosorption. As a result, the potential for contamination by a sorbent material is eliminated. The pumping structure includes an integral two-stage vacuum pump. The first-stage pump is a cryogenic pump having a pump chamber and cryoarrays mounted on an expander for cryocondensation of the principal gases present in the vacuum chamber. The second-stage pump operates at room temperatures and includes one or more getter pumps whose principal function is to remove hydrogen molecules that may be present in the vacuum chamber after the first-stage cryopump has removed most of the cryocondensable gases from the vacuum chamber. In one aspect of the invention, the first-stage pump is separated from the second-stage pump by a gate valve to protect the getter pumps during the regeneration flushing of nitrogen through the first-stage cryogenic pump chamber.

Abstract: An improved method to provide cooling properties to common beverage containers or sport water bottles is described. Specifically, a thermal cooling insert is universally applicable for use in many such containers used by outdoors, bicycle and fitness enthusiasts. The thermal insert is comprised of a molded polyethylene hollow tube filled with a safe, non-toxic refrigerant material which imparts cooling benefit to beverages held inside the container for extended periods of time. The refrigerant material is hermetically sealed inside the tube. The insert includes a flexible "spring loading" stabilizing assembly system which allows simple insertion into and removal from the container and effectively holds the insert in place during use. A shock absorbing assembly may be incorporated into the bottom of the insert to help hold the insert in place, cushion the insert and reduce rattling during use.

Abstract: A method for fixing pieces by freezing which consists in fixing the pieces o be machined on an auxiliary support having good thermal conductivity, for example made of aluminium, by freezing onto an freeze vice on the copper plate of which there has previously been deposited a film of antifreeze liquid. The auxiliary support is fixed to the freeze vice by vacuum, by magnetism, or by any mechanical clamping. This method makes it possible to eliminate the operation and the time for thawing which, up until now, was required for removing the pieces to be machined from the freeze vice. The auxiliary support may be used as a transfer pallet on which the pieces are held by freezing.

Abstract: A pump down tool for facilitating the servicing of a refrigeration system. The tool utilizes a pump down head having an inflatable balloon member for blocking the liquid line of the refrigeration system, thereby isolating the system refrigerant within the condenser of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A system for improving the efficiency of the cooling system for a compressor for air or other compressible gas, involving the use of the condensate produced by the compression, which is presented for evaporation at the point of entry of the stream of coolant gas into heat exchangers, whereby the heat required for evaporation of the condensate is taken from such coolant gas to precool the same before it enters the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A cooling device has at least one refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment. Cooling of each compartment is controlled by a microprocessor running through a series of basic priorities which may be over ridden by any one in a series of high priorities. Cooling of both compartments is achieved by passing air across a common evaporator and then through separate passageways associated with each compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner of the present invention comprises a refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant compressor, a four-way valve, an external heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an internal heat exchanger in such a manner that these components are separately mounted in an external unit and an internal unit, wherein the external heat exchanger is mounted on the external unit; the internal heat exchange is mounted in the internal unit; both of the heat exchangers mounted in the units are connected to each other by means of a refrigerant piping to form the refrigeration cycle; and a control means is provided for changing the expansion amount of the expansion device according to the length of the refrigerant piping thereby adjusting the high-low pressure difference in the refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: A low temperature food merchandiser having a cabinet with an open front product area, a primary cold air system for maintaining substantially constant frozen food temperatures of 0.degree. F. or ice cream product temperatures of -5.degree. F. in the product area including the formation of a series of vertical curtains of primary low temperature air extending across the open front of discrete product area sections, a secondary air system protecting the primary air curtains, and the primary system also including primary evaporator means constructed and arranged to operate at elevated coil temperatures in the range of -5.degree. F. to -8.degree. F. to maintain 0.degree. F. product temperature or coil temperatures of -12.degree. F. to -15.degree. F. to maintain -5.degree. F. product temperatures, and including high efficiency reverse air cycle defrost means for periodically defrosting the primary cooling means.

Abstract: A refrigerant reclaim system includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, an oil separator, a condenser, a chill tank, a filter-dryer and a cooling coil in the chill tank. Refrigerant to be reclaimed is drawn through the cold side of the heat exchanger, converted to a gas which is discharged into the oil separator where the gas is directed upwardly in an expanding stream. The flow of the stream is abruptly interrupted to separate oil from refrigerant. The gaseous refrigerant is passed from the oil separator through the compressor, the hot side of the heat exchanger, a condenser and into the chill tank in a liquid state. Liquid refrigerant flows from the bottom of the chill tank through a filter-dryer, an expansion device, converting it to gas, through a cooling coil, submerged in liquid refrigerant in the chill tank, into the stream exiting the oil separator and back to the compressor.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an improved air return system providing a channel of air below the crisper pans. Particularly, a separator top is positioned above a separator insulation body to define a space therebetween providing an air flow path for channeling return air flow. An inlet to the space is positioned proximate the front of the separator wall and an outlet is positioned proximate the rear of the separator. An air flow passage through the separator is in communication with the outlet for returning refrigerated air to the freezer compartment.

Abstract: An article of jewelry comprising a setting and an ornamental member detachably mounted on the setting. The ornamental member has a base and a decorative stone mounted on the base. Extending outwardly from the base is an elongated slender portion for retaining the ornamental member to the setting. On the setting there is an aperture for receiving the elongated retaining portion. In one aspect of the invention the retaining portion has an inner locating portion which is unitarily formed with the base and a separate outer locking member which is rotatably attached to the locating portion. When the retaining portion is inserted into the aperture, the locating portion lies within the aperture and the locking portion extends outwardly from the setting. The ornamental member is fixedly mounted on the setting by inserting the retaining portion into the setting and rotating the locking member to block the removal of the ornamental member from the setting.

Abstract: To permit the use of combustible and potentially explosive solvents used in dry-cleaning operations, based on hydrocarbon compounds, the dry-cleaning machine is formed with an explosion-resistant housing (8) surrounding a perforated, rotatable drum (1) into which the goods are introduced. After carrying out the normal dry-cleaning procedure, and draining of dry-cleaning solvent, a vacuum pump generates an under-pressure, in the order of below 500 mbar, and preferably about 230 mbar, while heating the mixture to effect drying. A cooling coil, located at a lower portion of the machine, provides for condensation of solvent out of the solvent-air mixture and, after the major portion of the solvent has been evaporated, the heat exchanger is switched over to cooling for final condensation of any remanent solvent. The vacuum continues to be maintained, so that the boiling point of solvent, due to the under-pressure, is lowered by at least 40.degree. C., and preferably 50.degree. C.

Abstract: A laundry machine includes a drum having an opening through which launderable items may be delivered into and withdrawn from and a hopper unit that defines an internal passage between first and second open ends thereof. The hopper unit is pivotally attached to the laundry machine between an in-use position in which the second open end of the hopper unit is aligned with the drum opening for loading the machine and a non-use position in which the hopper unit is positioned remote from the drum opening to permit unloading of the drum. The hopper unit includes a closure member, mounted within the internal passage, that is movable between an open position wherein launderable items can freely pass through the internal passage and a closed position wherein the closure member closes the internal passage.

Abstract: A method of longitudinal rolling of seamless pipes in a continuous rolling procedure on an internal tool in a multiple-stand rolling train, wherein the rolls of successive rolling stands are mounted off set relative to each other. In accordance with the present invention, in a first of only two successive rolling passes, a roll thickness reduction is produced with opened roll groove sides in the roll groove bottom which reduction corresponds to or is slightly greater than the roll thickness of the finished pipe. In the second rolling pass, the side portion of the first rolling pass is reduced in the direction of the width to the wall thickness of the finished pipe in the roll groove bottom of the second rolling pass.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for filling a tube with fluid and for pressurizing the tube, in order to expand and form it within a die for example. The apparatus provides a high flow-low pressure fluid circuit for quickly filling and draining the tube, together with a separate high pressure-low flow fluid circuit for pressurizing and depressurizing the tube. The high pressure circuit of the apparatus comprises a shaft having a longitudinal bore communicating with a high pressure fluid source and control means; tube sealing means adjacent the forward end of the shaft for sealing the tube when the shaft is engaged with the tube and high pressure fluid flows into the tube; and shaft reciprocating means for advancing and retracting the shaft.

Abstract: An upper arm 1 of a front suspention made of light alloy is provided with a lateral rubber bush mounting bore 2 connected to a vehicle body, and a vertical joint mounting bore 6 connected to a wheel support member. When forming the arm 1, a shape of the arm 1 is first determined such that the mounting bores 2 and 6 are directed in the same direction. Then, the arm 1 is extuded in an axial direction of the bores, and after cutting off the extruded material at a predetermined length, a portion of the mounting bore 2 is twisted by 90.degree.. Therefore, the extrusion can be employed for producing the suspention arm made of light alloy without increasing a thickness thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming adjustable bushing rings comprising the steps of drawing wire of round cross-section and predetermined diameter through a die forming said drawn wire in a wire having a generally trapezoidally-shaped cross-section. The drawn wire is cut into segments and these segments are bent about a rigid cylindrical form of a predetermined diameter until the elongated sides of said drawn wire are adjacent but spaced from each other a predetermined distance forming bushing rings.

Abstract: An apparatus to be used in combination with an automotive vehicle and a frame rack, of the type having two substantially parallel and spaced apart longitudinal members, which is used for correcting the frame alignment of damaged vehicles. The apparatus comprises four carriages, with at least two carriages being mounted for independent movement on each member. Each carriage comprises a chassis with a dolly mounted thereon for movement transverse to the longitudinal movement of the carriage. Each dolly is capable of supporting one automotive support point even when the support points are out of alignment, permitting easy movement of the automotive vehicle on the frame rack and easy movement of the support points during repairs, and providing a means for determining the relationship of each automotive support point relative to one another.

Abstract: An automatic reinforced bar bending apparatus comprising a dispensing machine, a feeding machine, and a bending machine is provided. The apparatus is operated in such a manner that the dispensing machine dispenses from a large number of reinforced bars a predetermined quantity and delivers the same to conveying arms of the feeding machine in sequence. A number of toothed wheels and driving chains of the feeding machine smooth and transfer the reinforced bars to the bending machine for bending, whereby multiple reinforced bars are continuously bent into square frames with reduced time and labor. Before the reinforced bars are conveyed to the bending machine, they are also accurately counted.

Abstract: A can body maker apparatus including a stationary support frame; a housing having forming and ironing dies located therein mounted on the support frame; an elongated ram; a reciprocating ram drive; and a redraw assembly which includes a redraw sleeve for supporting a can body preform thereon; a redraw carriage for supporting and axially displacing the redraw sleeve relative the ram; a redraw electromagnetic coil fixedly positioned relative the stationary support frame; and a permanent magnet fixedly mounted with respect to the redraw carriage in displace relationship with the coil along the coil axis for co-acting with the electromagnetic field produced by the coil for controllably reciprocatingly displacing the redraw carriage.

Abstract: An installable slide locking apparatus is installable on a press mechanism so as to lock a press slide of the press mechanism in any of a plurality of positions. The press mechanism includes a gear train means rotatably drivable so as to reciprocate the press slide. An installable slide locking mechanism, which includes a gear reducer and a locking gear, is mounted adjacent an opening made the gear train housing. The gear reducer meshes with an input gear of the gear train, thereby preventing rotation of the gear train when the locking gear is moved to a locking position with respect to the gear reducer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for repetitively taking samples of a predetermined quantity of a test gas in a liquid and introducing these samples to a test chamber. Each sample is agitated to release therefrom the test gas. The released gas is then conveyed to a sensor, which monitors the released gas for the presence of a concentration above the threshold level to produce an alarm indicative thereof. The samples of the test gas in a liquid may be repetitively taken from one zone of a plurality at a time until each zone is sampled. After one sample has been tested in the test chamber, it is discharged therefrom and the test chamber is flushed with a sample of the liquid and test gas taken from the next zone of the plurality before introducing the next sample from the same, next zone.

Abstract: Refrigerant leakage in heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems employing hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants is determined by adding a mixture of predetermined amounts of a naphthalamide optical brightener with an appropriate lubricant to the system. Inspection of the system under ultraviolet light provides an indication of any leakage occurring in the system of liquid and/or gas.

Abstract: An improvement in a rheometer and the method for measuring rheological properties of a viscoelastic test specimen at different temperatures, at which different temperatures the viscoelastic properties exhibit a relatively wide difference, wherein the test specimen is placed between and is coupled with opposed plates, one of the opposed plates is oscillated angularly relative the other of the opposed plates, and the angular displacement of one of the plates relative to the other of the plates and the torque associated with the relative angular displacement are measured within an optimum range of torque and angular displacement for determining the rheological properties, couples a first contact area on one of the opposed plates with the test specimen when the test specimen is at one of the different temperatures, and couples a second contact area on the one of the opposed plates with the test specimen when the test specimen is at another of the different temperatures, the first contact area being different from

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for measuring elongational viscosity are disclosed. It is shown that in a hyperbolic or semi-hyperbolic die geometry with lubricated flow, the elongational viscosity of a fluid can be obtained from pressure drop--flow rate data. Experimental data for polypropylene as core and polyethylene as skin material, and the calculated extensional viscosities are presented. Alternative embodiments of the novel elongational rheometer are described, including alternatives suitable for biaxial flow.

Abstract: A method and device for the measurement of rheological properties of high density slurry materials and in particular high density mill tailings. A sample of the tailings is placed within a mixing tub, with either a concentric paddle or a planetarily movable paddle used to effect the mixing. A digitally controlled electric motor is used to directly drive the paddle at a constant or predetermined speed or speeds. The tub is laterally pivotable against a load cell for a direct determination of reaction torque with correlation to viscosity and other rheological properties of the mill tailing.

Abstract: There is provided a method for measuring and evaluating hardness or toughness of relatively delicate materials such as polymers, semi-solids, colloids or gels to determine the firmness thereof by inserting a stylus a specific depth into the material and then determining how the material itself reacts by measuring a resultant opposing force caused by insertion of the stylus. The device used in the method of the invention comprises a stylus (plunger) to vertically impinge on the sample when the stylus is displaced vertically downward. An actuating means controls downward movement of the stylus. The actuating means comprises a movable shaft and a stationary sleeve. The shaft has one end which is threaded and a second end which is constructed and arranged to carry the stylus. The stationary sleeve has internal threads for cooperative engagement with the external threads of the shaft, whereby adjustment by the threads causes vertical movement of the stylus.

Abstract: A cantilever for an atomic force microscope, has a probe formed by a structure at least partially including a linear needle crystal. A method of manufacturing the cantilever comprises the steps of applying adhesive to a distal end portion of a cantilever body and placing on the adhesive, in a state where the cantilever body is held substantially horizontally, a structure having the shape of at least four needle crystals combined with one another so as to bond the structure to the distal end portion of the cantilever body.

Abstract: A misfire detection system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed with the system being used to evaluate wheel rpm fluctuations. This system detects a rough roadway over which the misfire detection is to be inhibited. This detection is made with the aid of wheel rpm signals; that is, signals as they are present for all motor vehicles equipped with anti-locking brake systems and for motor vehicles which utilize the wheel rpm signal for determining road speed. In motor vehicles of this kind, the advantage is provided that the wheel rpm signal has a double use. The advantage is provided that a reliable detection of a rough roadway is possible for all motor vehicles independently of whether wheel rpm signals are used for inhibiting the misfire detection or not.

Abstract: Misfire detection system for an internal combustion engine. If misfire is found to occur due to vapor lock temporarily happening, it will erroneously be judged that the structure of the engine or the fuel supply system is out of order. However, vapor lock is an interruption of the flow of fuel in a gasoline engine caused by formation of vapor or gas bubbles, and does not mean the engine or the fuel supply system is degraded in its structure. On the contrary, if misfire is detected in such situation, the misfire detection degrades the reliability of the system. The misfire detection is therefore inactivated during conditions in which vapor lock is liable to occur, by discontinuing the detection, or by deliberately deeming no misfire to occurs even if it is so detected. Alternatively, the reference level for misfire detection is raised during such conditions.

Abstract: A misfiring detecting apparatus for an internal combustion engine avoids misidentification of misfiring in the engine in certain operating conditions thereof, thus providing for improved misfiring determination. Angular velocities of a crankshaft of the engine are detected at two crank positions both after top dead center of the engine or respectively before and after thereof. The occurrence of misfiring in the engine is determined on the basis of a deviation between the angular velocities thus detected. Misfiring determination is disabled if the rotational speed of the engine is greater than a predetermined value, or if an engine load is less than a predetermined value, or if the engine is in an engine starting period.

Abstract: Functionality of the exhaust gas oxygen sensor is determined by continually monitoring the exhaust gas oxygen sensor voltage to determine both a peak rich voltage and peak lean voltage. Based on the information after some predetermined time period, a system determines whether rich air/fuel ratio excursions are required and lean air/fuel ratio excursions are required. If a rich air/fuel excursion is required, then there is a command to decrease the air/fuel ratio to make it rich until the peak rich voltage is greater than a predetermined threshold voltage. Analogously, if a lean excursion is required, then there is a command to have a lean air/fuel ratio excursion done until the peak lean voltage is less than a predetermined threshold. If a time out happened before the peak rich voltage was greater than the rich threshold or the peak lean voltage was less than the lean threshold, then there is a determination that there is a malfunction detected on the sensor/circuit.

Abstract: An adaptor is provided for use in a fuel line. The adaptor has an attachment means for securing a flexible hose or tubing with a standard fuel pressure gauge to the fuel line for measuring the pressure in the fuel line. The adaptor allows the fuel pressure to be measured while an automobile is being tested on a machine, such as a dynamometer, or on the open road. The adaptor can be substituted into the fuel line in place of the fuel filter, that is normally present in the fuel line to filter the fuel before it reaches a fuel injector.

Abstract: Device for measuring pressure differences or mass portions in a fluid flow--gas or liquid--and/or for implementing processes for mixing fluids, whereby when in use the fluid flows into the device, then passes a part therein where the fluid flow is laminar and the flow measurement is made, and finally flows out of the device, whereby the device has a turbulence filter which is integrated therein, with a settling chamber behind it. The fluid then first flows through that filter, so that a laminar flow leads to the flow measuring element.

Abstract: An improved speed transducer is disclosed. The present invention provides an alternating current coil speed transducer which utilizes the Faraday Effect to generate a voltage. The present invention discloses an improved amplifying circuit that amplifies the low voltages generated by small boats such as rowing shells to permit them to register accurate speed data at low speeds, e.g. between about 0.5 and 10 m/sec although higher speeds can be measured. The present invention also provides an improved technique for connecting a speed transducer to a boat that permits the speed transducer to be mounted and dismounted and the electrical connection broken without requiring extensive reworking of the speed transducer. In this regard, the present invention generally provides an improved technique for mounting and dismounting protruding apparatus that have electrical or other connections that extend into an object.

Abstract: An anemometer transducer wind set with no moving parts for determining both wind speed magnitude and wind direction components having an omnidirectional wind speed resultant thermal anemometer transducer and a directional orthogonal or right angle ducted thermal anemometer transducer. Omnidirecitonal single-ended element design configuration is disclosed that is used to control thermal anemometer resultant wind element spatial response to wind flow together with a wind set array configuration that combines the resultant wind measurement transducer with an orthogonal dual component ducted thermal anemometer wind direction sensing transducer.

Abstract: An elongate vessel containing a fluid is equipped with at least one and preferably a plurality of pressure transducers spaced apart longitudinally along the vessel that can sense disturbances in the fluid. A projectile launcher, which is typically a gun, is positioned such that the projectile launcher can be discharged to launch a projectile into the fluid. The pressure transducer(s) will sense the disturbance created in the fluid as the projectile passes through. A computer connected to the pressure transducers will process the output of the pressure transducers creating a response curve which is related to the energy dissipation of the projectile.