Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the direction of a crop discharge spout on an agricultural machine with respect to an associated collector vehicle. The discharge spout has a stationary first section, a second section rotatable relative to the first section and a third section rotatable relative to the second section. The first section and the second section are rotatably connected at a lower joint; the second section and the third section are rotatably connected at an upper joint. A telescopic member extends between a drawbar on a collector vehicle and the second section. The second section of the discharge spout rotates about the lower joint in unison with the drawbar to maintain spout positioning relative to the collector vehicle. The third section moves with the second section. The telescopic member telescopically extends and retracts in response to downward and upward deflections of the drawbar. A drive motor is provided between the second section and the third section.

Abstract: A mower conditioner header has a reel which includes a plurality of rotatably mounted toothbars each carrying teeth. The toothbars are controlled during rotation of the reel so that they rock to maintain the teeth at the desired attitude relative to the crop as it is swept across a cutterbar of the harvester to be cut and then on the nip of conditioner rolls. This control of the toothbars is done by toothbar guide arms fixed to an end of each toothbar, the arms each carrying a roller which is received in an upright D-shaped cam track carried by an adjacent one of opposite side structures of the frame of the header.

Abstract: A one hand operable grasping tool having extended and crossing tines, or raking members, that transform the tool into a small one hand operable rake when in a closed position.

Abstract: In the case of a spinning machine with spinning stations preferably arranged on both sides of the machine, depositing sites for several rows of cans containing the sliver to be spun are assigned to each side of the machine while leaving an aisle. In a roof-type manner, transport devices extend over the operating aisle by means of which the slivers are taken out of the cans and are fed to the spinning stations. The transport devices have two transport sections respectively which are connected with one another by way of a deflecting guide.

Abstract: A spinning or twisting bearing assembly for supporting a spinning or twisting shaft is disclosed. The bearing assembly includes a spindle shaft neck bearing having roller bodies engageable with the spindle shaft at a first axial location above a step bearing assembly for supporting the bottom end of the spindle shaft. The neck bearing and step bearing assembly are disposed in a bearing housing. An outer housing is disposed to surround the bearing housing with an annular gap therebetween along a substantial length of the bearing housing. The outer housing is fixedly clamped to a spindle rail. In order to isolate sound causing vibrations from the roller bodies of the neck bearing, the bearing housing is clamped to the outer housing only at a position below the bearing housing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for doffing yarn packages from and supplying empty bobbins to a textile machine with a vertically movable bobbin rail with a bobbin bearing, a flyer inverted U-shaped revolving device and spindle with a spindle holding mechanism, a revolving, storage system with a storage hoist, which can be controlled by the textile machine and is above the spindle holding mechanism. Below the storage hoist, a bobbin creel is provided with mandrels for accommodating or transferring full packages or empty bobbins. The bobbin creel can be moved vertically up to the bobbin rail and can be pushed into the textile machine between the spindle and the bobbin rail. Within the bobbin rail a switching mechanism corresponds to the spindle holding mechanism. The spindle holding mechanism is, disposed within the spindle and is comprised of a latch. A switching element, corresponding to the latch is disposed within the spindle holding mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting full sliver cans to the spinning stations of a textile spinning machine for can exchange operations thereat during which empty sliver cans are exchanged for full sliver cans. The apparatus includes a can transport carriage having three can supports at equal angular spacings from one another relative to a vertical axis and a device for indexing movement of the three can supports to sequentially position each can support at a can transfer location at which a can is transferred between the can transport carriage and the textile spinning machine. Each can support is sequentially indexed to a standby location from the can transfer location and, thereafter, to a ready location from which the can support is indexed into the can transfer location. The can transfer and ready locations are arranged such that two sliver cans supported at these locations are substantially aligned in the direction of travel of the can transport carriage.

Abstract: Process allowing the cooling of a yarn (2) in motion at the exit from a heater (5) before it passes through a treatment member such as a false twist spindle (7), consisting in passing the yarn inside a tube (10) through which a current of cool air or other gaseous product passes, the current of air being directed in a direction opposite to the direction of advance of the yarn. It is characterized in that during this cooling phase, the yarn is held in contact with a support or guide surface arranged coaxially inside the tube (10) through which the current of air which flows in the space contained between the external tube (10) and the guide surface.

Abstract: Opened fibers are supplied into a rotor in high rotation, and a fiber bundle collected at a fiber-collecting section of the rotor is drawn as yarn from a yarn drawing passage provided on the open side of the rotor. A rotary assembly which is actively driven separately from the rotor is provided coaxially in the rotor. The rotary assembly has at least part thereof facing the vicinity of the fiber-collecting section and another part shaped to face a first end of the yarn drawing passage. The rotary assembly is provided with a yarn passage for guiding a fiber bundle to a position opposite the yarn drawing passage from the vicinity of the fiber-collecting section. A twist propagation preventing portion is provided in that end of the yarn passage that lies on the fiber-collecting section side. The rotation of the fiber bundle is suppressed by the twist propagation preventing portion, stopping the twisting.

Abstract: An ultra-low NOx gas turbine combustor having a dual fuel capability. The combustor has a pre-mixing zone and a downstream combustion zone. The pre-mixing zone has three concentric annular passages that surround a central diffusion-type dual fuel nozzle. A gas fuel manifold distributes gas fuel around the inner and outer passages. A plurality of dual fuel nozzles are disposed in the middle passage to distribute either gas or oil fuel around the middle passage. The distribution of fuel around the passages allows the formation of lean fuel/air ratios, thereby lowering NOx formation. In addition, swirl vanes are arrayed around the inner and outer passages and around each of the fuel nozzles. A step increase in the flow area in going from the pre-mixing zone to the combustion zone creates vortices that tend to anchor the flame.

Abstract: A device is provided for hand operation of a gas turbine engine thrust reversing system. Torque is applied to an input element and transmitted to an output element by way of a torque limiting means arranged to substantially remove the torque from the output element when the torque exceeds a threshold. The device also includes means to lock the thrust reverser against movement.

Abstract: An afterburner assembly is disclosed in which the flameholder ring is for by plurality of flameholder ring segments, each segment being integrally formed with a generally radially extending arm. The flameholder ring segments extend beyond each opposite sides of the arm. The arm and flameholder ring segments are attached to the casing of the afterburner by a support element which is pivotally attached to the arm and fixedly attached to the afterburner casing. The distal end of the arm slidably contacts the casing defining the opposite side of the afterburner duct to enable the arm to slide relative to the casing to allow for differential thermal expansion of the respective elements. When each of the arm/flameholder ring segments are attached to the afterburner casing, the flameholder ring segments form a generally annular flameholder ring.

Abstract: Self venting ablative carbon or graphite composite materials are prepared by interspersing low temperature degradable thread within the woven carbon or graphite cloth prior to impregnation with a phenolic or resin matrix. The degradable threads do not degrade during composite curing, but do degrade at a temperature less than the thermal decomposition (char) temperature of the cured composite material. Thus, as the threads decompose, they leave pores throughout the cured composite which are available to vent gaseous decomposition products produced as the resin matrix approaches the char temperature. Venting the resin decomposition products reduces internal pressure within the composite material thereby reducing the likelihood of spalling and ply lifting.

Abstract: A variable geometry nozzle for a turbojet engine is disclosed wherein the adjustment of the cross-sectional area of the nozzle in a converging-diverging configuration is controlled by a single control system. The single control system varies the positions of both of the inner upstream and downstream flaps, as well as the outer flaps. A second control system operates simultaneously with the first control system to change the configuration of the nozzle to a converging-converging configuration. The inner, upstream flaps, which are pivotally connected to the downstream end of the turbojet exhaust duct, are controlled by an axially movable control ring which is connected to the controlled inner, upstream flaps via a link rod. The positions of the inner, downstream flaps, which have their upstream edges pivotally connected to a downstream edge of a corresponding upstream flap, are controlled by the movement of the upstream flap, as well as a connection with a cowling support via another link rod.

Abstract: An air fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine having an electronic engine control module and an upstream and downstream exhaust gas oxygen sensor positioned in the engine exhaust gas stream. A first feedback loop includes the upstream EGO sensor. A second feedback loop includes a downstream EGO sensor and a trim bias signal to bias stored values provided from an air/fuel bias table. Such a biased signal is applied to an air fuel feedback controller which provides a feedback air fuel control signal to be applied to an open loop fuel controller.

Abstract: The device according to the invention detects deterioration of a catalytic converter disposed in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine based on output signal response curves of the air-fuel ratio sensors disposed in the exhaust passage upstream and downstream of the catalytic converter, by determining that the catalytic converter has deteriorated when relationship of a ratio of the lengths of the output response curves of the upstream and downstream air-fuel ratio sensors and a ratio of the areas bounded by the output signal response curves and reference lines satisfies predetermined conditions during air-fuel ratio feedback control of the engine; to eliminate errors the detection during a transition of the operating condition of the engine, the device also determine a degree of transition of the operating condition of the engine, for example, by detecting number of reversals of the output signal of the upstream air-fuel ratio sensor, and corrects the value of the ratio of the areas of the outpu

Abstract: An actuating unit for a hydraulic brake system for automotive vehicles which operates by a precisely defined change-over pressure and with lost travel independent of the speed of actuation. The actuating unit includes a pneumatic brake power booster and a master brake cylinder connected downstream of the pneumatic brake power booster. The master brake cylinder contains a primary piston coupled with an annular piston of larger diameter. The annular piston confines a filling chamber which may be connected to the hydraulic pressure chamber. The annular piston is adapted to uncouple from the primary piston when the pressure acting on the annular piston reaches a predetermined amount. Thus, the displacement of the filling volume by the annular piston does not require an entire stroke of the master brake cylinder.

Abstract: An autoignition two-stroke internal combustion engine utilizes rectangular working chambers and pistons with bar-type seals and rotary sleeve valves which connect the working chambers to exhaust gas turbines for secondary expansion and a supercharger. The supercharger is thermally decoupled from the expansion turbines but the expansion turbines are connected to the supercharger and the crankshaft by a planetary gear transmission which can be cut in or out by a disk-type brake or clutch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for increasing the methane content of liquid natural gas to provide an essentially pure liquid methane product. In the process, a liquid natural gas feed stream is introduced into a first heat exchanger in indirect heat exchange with a purified methane vapor stream so as to liquify the purified methane vapor stream and to provide a purified liquid methane product. The heat exchange results in increasing the temperature of the liquid natural gas feed stream to a temperature just below the dew point of the liquid natural gas feed stream so as to partially vaporize the liquid natural gas feed stream to provide a mixture of a major amount of substantially pure methane vapor and a minor amount of liquid containing methane and higher hydrocarbons. The mixture of vapor and liquid from the first heat exchanger is transferred to a low pressure separator to provide a liquid bottom fraction and a purified methane top vapor fraction.

Abstract: An air liquefaction separation installation is provided with a rectification column which have a carbon monoxide rectification part connected to the upper part of the rectification column and at upper part of its rectification parts or a main condensation evaporator, a collecting part is provided for withdrawing a part of nitrogen gas having reduced amount of carbon monoxide and/or liquified nitrogen; and a carbon monoxide-containing nitrogen gas withdrawal part and/or liquefied nitrogen gas withdrawal part, connected to the lower part of the carbon monoxide rectification part. According to the present invention, carbon monoxide is removed from nitrogen by a rectification process. Accordingly, cost for installation and operation can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of freezing aqueous liquids which method comprises the steps of:a) introducing the aqueous liquid into a mould;b) allowing at least the aqueous liquid in contact with said mould to freeze; andc) releasing said frozen liquid from said mould; wherein said method further comprises the step of:d) pre-cooling said mould to a temperature such that the frozen aqueous liquid can be readily released from said mould as a unitary structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering, reclaiming and/or recycling refrigerants, including receiving the chlorinated flurocarbon refrigerant into the apparatus at a regulated pressure, cleaning the refrigerant to provide a substantially pure chlorinated flurocarbon refrigerant, and compressing the refrigerant to form a high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous phase refrigerant. The gaseous phase refrigerant is condensed to a liquid low-temperature refrigerant by sequentially passing the gaseous refrigerant through a first and second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger extracts the heat from the gaseous refrigerant through an evaporator of a high stage refrigeration system. The condensed low-temperature refrigerant is transported and deposited in a storage cylinder. To recycle the refrigerant, the liquid refrigerant is drawn from the storage cylinder and transformed from a liquid phase to a gaseous phase by absorbing heat produced by the high stage refrigeration system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a temperature in a refrigerating chamber of a refrigerator by sensing the temperature of cold-air by firsh and second temperature sensors disposed in the vicinity of cold-air suction and in feed ports, and finely adjusting the suction and feeding of the cold-air by fans disposed in the ports and dampers disposed in the suction port and a cold-air feed passage according to the sensed temperature conditions, whereby local over-refrigeration and cold-air drift phenomena developed in the refrigerating chamber are prevented and the temperature in the chamber is uniformly controlled.

Abstract: Adapter for connecting an adsorption agent container to an operating medium steam source includes a sealing seat for vacuum tight connection to the adsorption agent container and a sealing face for a vacuum tight connection to the operating medium steam source. The adapter further includes a flow conduit which is closed to the outside wherein the flow conduit extends from the operating agent steam source to the adsorption agent container and whereby a separating means prevents the flow of flowing operating medium particles by the operating medium steam flowing through the flow conduit.

Abstract: A cooling medium charge amount detector capable of detecting whether or not an actual amount of a cooling medium is a desired amount in comparison with the amount of the cooling medium necessary for a desired degree of supercooling on an inlet side of an expansion valve in a refrigeration circulation system, without using a sensor or computation means. A cooling medium on the inlet side of an expansion valve 23 in a refrigeration circulation system 20 is allowed to flow into a cooling medium charge amount detector 40. Throttles 41, 42, 43 are disposed in this cooling medium charge amount detector 40, and sight glasses 44, 45, 46 are disposed at both ends of the throttles 41, 42, 43 to detect a gas-liquid condition of the cooling medium. When the cooling medium flows into this cooling medium charge amount detector, the shift of the cooling medium from a liquid condition to a two-phase gas-liquid condition is checked upstream or downstream of any throttle to match the load condition at that time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerant conservation system and method for preventing the release of refrigerant to the atmosphere during high pressure system failure. Refrigerant is delivered from the refrigerant loop of the refrigerant system to an evacuated sealed receiver. The receiver tank may be retrofitted to the existing high pressure safety relief valve of a mechanical refrigeration system. When the pressure in the receiver tank exceeds a predetermined value, operating current is denied to the compressor to prevent its operation and to contain refrigerant within a closed system which would otherwise be discharged into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus has a cooling vessel, containing a liquid as a thermal medium which absorbs latent heat by evaporation, and an absorber which absorbs the vapor of the liquid. The cooling vessel further contains one or more units of encapsulated gel refrigerant submerged in the liquid, which impede temperature increase of the liquid when an operation of the cooling apparatus is temporarily suspended. An alternative cooling vessel has one or more upwardly extending members partially submerged in the liquid and covered with liquid soaking material, so that the liquid soaks up in the material by capillary action and accelerates its evaporation. Another alternative cooling vessel has plural liquid tanks, one arranged on another, so that the total area for the evaporation of the liquid is multiplied. An additional alternative cooling vessel has a plurality of rotatable fins, partially submerged in the liquid, for accelerating the evaporation of the liquid.

Abstract: A circular interlock knitting machine of the interlock butting type including jacquard knitting includes a rotating cylinder having cylinder needles movable between welt, tuck and knit positions, dial needles movable between welt and knit positions along paths of travel which intersect the paths of the cylinder needles, and a needle selection and operating mechanism for the cylinder needles which prevents collision between cylinder and dial needles including an intermediate jack beneath each cylinder needle, a lower jack beneath each intermediate jack, the lower jacks being selectively movable between operative and non-operative positions, lower jack raising cam means for raising the lower jacks in the operative position from the bottom position to the welt position, intermediate jack raising cam means selectively movable between operating and non-operating positions for engaging, when in operating position, and raising from the welt position to the tuck position only those intermediate jacks raised by the se

Abstract: A latching holder for engaging an article comprises first and second co-acting members (1,2) which define a recess (8) for receiving an article. The members (1,2) are pivotally engaged together on one side of the recess (8). The first and second members have releasable co-acting cam means (11,29) on the opposite side of the recess, the cam means being operated to lock the first and second co-acting members together. A locking arm (20) is preferably used to operate the cam means. The holder has particular utility in holding the RF (radio frequency) aerial of a helicopter to the tail boom.

Abstract: A combination padlock includes: a plurality of magnifying lenses juxtapositionally mounted on a lock body of the padlock with each lens projectively corresponding to each numeral formed on each dial so that the numeral formed on each dial can be magnified by each magnifying lens for a clear reading by a user's eyes; and a hasp pivotally mounted in a side portion of the lock body of the combination padlock having an arcuate hook member operatively lockable with a hasp socket recessed in a projecting portion extending upwardly sidewardly from the lock body in an opposite direction of the arcuate hook member of the hasp for locking an object or a staple within the hasp with a wider angular movement of the hasp. The lock can be conveniently operated with one hand to not only rotate the dials and lock and unlock the hasp, but also to move the hasp into its fully open or locked positions.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a device for preventing the movement of a floor-mounted gear shift lever of an automobile from the "park" position to a position useful for operating the automobile. Five specific embodiments are of interest. The first embodiment includes an arcuate retaining lock which operates similar to a handcuff lock and which is mounted outside the gear shift lever console. The first embodiment includes a hingeable lock plate which is hingeably located behind the gear shift lever and which includes a semi-circular cutout portion for receiving the gear shift lever thereby preventing its rearward movement.The second embodiment utilizes a similarly operating locking member but is contained within the gear shift lever console so as to be hidden from view. The third embodiment includes a lever activated housing to enclose and disable a gas pedal. The fourth embodiment includes a housing to enclose a gear shift handle, thereby preventing unauthorized operation of the automobile.

Abstract: An improvement in the configuration of automobile steering wheel locking devices. The automobile steering wheel locking device pertaining to the present invention principally consists of components, which include a main body, stopping bar, lock, casing, hook, spring and holding shaft. A cross bar at the rear of the lock's turning piece rests on a groove at the front of the casing. Turning of the lock's turning piece causes the cross bar to push back the casing and compresses the spring, thereby releasing the hook quickly and allowing the locking device to be removed from the steering wheel. The locking device can be locked on quickly around the steering wheel by pushing the hook upward, thereby causing a grip slot on the inner side of the hook to grip onto an opening on the lower side of the casing. The locking operation is therefore automatic.

Abstract: A key chain including a base body, an attachment element, such as a rope, nylon cord, or the like, for attaching at least one key to the base body, and two locking devices located inside of the base body for securing clamping and free ends of the attachment element against axial displacement.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled apparatus and method for processing sheet material into building panels for assembly into buildings. The sheet material is formed into a panel having a flat bottom and sides while the length of the formed panel is monitored to control operation of the forming device. The panel is then fed into a curve-forming device which crimps at least a portion of the panel so that it is arched or curved. The curvature of the output panel is monitored to control the location of adjustable crimper rollers disposed in the curve-forming device to provide the portion of the panel with an accurate preselected curvature. The length of the curved portion of the panel is monitored when producing panels having both straight and curved portions, and the crimper rollers automatically reset to form portions with a different radius of curvature.

Abstract: The portion to be deformed of a metal sheet is heated by irradiating it with a laser beam which is scanned at a high speed, and, when the portion to be deformed has attained a predetermined temperature, a bending force is applied to the portion to be bent to perform bending of the metal sheet. When the shape of a metal sheet is to be worked into a circular arc of 90.degree. having a predetermined radius by means of six bending processes, the metal sheet is worked such that the working process is divided into six processes and the bending processes are sequentially performed after fixing a metal sheet edge of the metal sheet. The yield strength of a steel material is reduced when it is heated and a metal sheet is worked using a laser by which a local heating is possible. Dies are therfore unnecessary, whereby processing at low costs and an apparatus therefor may be achieved.

Abstract: A fiber for reinforcing concrete is manufactured from wire or flat bands and has a linear center section and a first intermediate section connected to the first end of the center section and a second intermediate section connected to the second end of the center section. The first and the second intermediate sections have a wavy shape and are shorter than the center section. A first end section is connected to the first intermediate section and a second end section is connected to the second intermediate section. The first and the second intermediate sections preferably have an elongated S-shaped deformation extending in a common plane. The first and the second end sections are substantially linear and extend parallel displaced to the center section. The fibers are produced in one stamping operation in an inexpensive manner.

Abstract: Twin metal billets are fed to dual circumferential grooves formed in a rotating wheel. The billets are advanced first to a wedge-shaped gap which deforms the billets and are then advanced to a die. The die has a die opening with a circumferentially discontinuous, annular cross-section. The metal from each billet merges in the die opening and exits therefrom in the form of a slit tube. The tube is then opened and flattened to form a flat strip by advancing the slit tube over a forming member having a progressively increasing width.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and a method for transferring and forming parts in a press (20). The press (20) has a plurality of longitudinally disposed workstations (W). A parts transfer system (22) has a grasping unit (69) for releasably grasping or holding matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) and is mounted upon a translation base (68) which is movable between workstations (W). The press (20) simultaneously stamps and forms at least a pair of matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) in a single stroke of the press (20) and the parts transfer system (22) grasps and transfers the matrices (M) of workpieces (WP) between workstations (W). Each matrix has at least two longitudinal spaced columns and two laterally spaced rows of workpieces (WP). Preferably, the grasping unit (69) include matrices of gear boxes (110), interconnected by connecting rods (198), which pivotally support arms (140) and finger assemblies (146) which releasably grasp the workpieces (WP).

Abstract: An injection valve, having a valve closing member comprising a method for producing a nozzle holder for an armature and a valve closing body, disposed within a nozzle holder. The nozzle holder has a bore which is provided with at least one guide protrusion on end and that extends at least partway around the bore. The guide protrusion is stamped into a guide segment of the nozzle holder. The injection valve is especially suited for fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition.

Abstract: A method of using calibration instrumentation for determining the operating and reset points for a device having an input and an output. An initial courts test is conducted with a first variable input to establish value areas wherein device state changes occur. The method is suited for calibration testing of industrial instrumentation and is effective when operating and reset points need to be accurately searched over a wide range while minimizing the time required for testing.

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying the calibration of a flow meter contains a flow sensor assembly which has a flow tube defining an axial fluid path through the flow sensor assembly; an upstream resistance thermometer in thermal contact with the flow tube; a downstream resistance thermometer in thermal contact with the flow tube, where the two thermometers are operationally connected to a means for producing an output in response to a difference between the heat flows from the first and second resistance thermometers; and means for asymmetrically transferring heat to the first and second resistance thermometers, independently of fluid flow through the flow tube. The calibration of the flow meter's thermal and electronic systems is verified by measuring the flow meter's output in response to a first asymmetric heat transfer, to the upstream and downstream resistance thermometers, when the flow meter is calibrated.

Abstract: A scanning micro-sclerometer measures changes in contact stiffness and correlates these changes to characteristics of a scratch. A known force is applied to a contact junction between two bodies and a technique employing an oscillating force is used to generate the contact stiffness between the two bodies. As the two bodies slide relative to each other, the contact stiffness changes. The change is measured to characterize the scratch.

Abstract: A micronaire testing apparatus includes a vertically movable carriage for receiving a test chamber formed by two telescoping cylinders. A scale is positioned below the carriage so that the chamber may be automatically weighed. Based on the weight information recorded for a sample, cylinders are telescoped together to produce an air flow test chamber of volume calculated to produce a constant density sample. A pivoting lid is used to close the top of the test chamber, and is spring biased to the open position. A latch bar is biased to a position firmly holding the lid in its closed position, and the carriage presses the test chamber against the lid to produce a peripheral seal of the lid.

Abstract: A viscometer for improved sanitary measurement of the viscosity of industrial fluids. The present invention provides a viscometer integral with a flow meter or a viscometer than can be mounted onto an existing flow meter. The viscometer includes two adjacent parallel flow channels having relatively flat inner surfaces. A differential pressure element is mounted between the adjacent flow channels to sense the differential pressure between the fluid flow of the two channels. The differential pressure is input along with the mass flow rate and fluid density to calculate the fluid viscosity.

Abstract: An apparatus for deciding occurrence of misfire in an internal combustion engine comprises an angle sensor for generating a reference position signal corresponding to a predetermined crank angle of an engine cylinder, a sensor for detecting a running state of the engine, an ion current detector for detecting combustion state in the engine cylinder, a control parameter setting means for setting a control parameter of the engine on the basis of the reference position signal and the running state, a misfire detector for generating a misfire detection signal indicative of occurrence of misfire in the engine on the basis of detection output of the ion current detector, a misfire interval counter for measuring as a misfire interval an interval at which the misfire detection signal is generated, a misfire decision means for generating a misfire decision signal when the misfire interval becomes shorter than a predetermined interval.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for analyzing a plurality of events of an internal combustion engine is provided. A crankshaft sensor monitors the rotational position of the crankshaft and responsively produces a crankshaft pulsetrain. A cylinder pressure sensor senses the pressure produced in the engine cylinder and responsively produces a cylinder pressure signal. A memory device stores previously calculated values representing engine cylinder volumes at predetermined crankshaft positions. A microprocessor determines the start of combustion for an occurring engine cycle in response to a cylinder pressure signal magnitude, P.sub.2, at a current crankshaft position being equal or greater than the relationship:P.sub.1 (V.sub.1 /V.sub.2).sup.nwhere, P.sub.1 equals the cylinder pressure corresponding to a previous crankshaft position, V.sub.1 equals cylinder volume corresponding to the previous crankshaft position, V.sub.

Abstract: A displacement sensor for an actuating drive, particularly in a vehicle, having an actuating motor and an especially power takeoff member of the actuating drive, comprising a sensor housing having an axis, a drive member drivable by the actuating motor and rotatably supported coaxially to said sensor housing, an intermediate member, rotatably supported coaxially with respect to said drive member, which intermediate member engages the power take-off member and is connected to the drive member via at least one of an overload clutch and a return stroke clutch and a rotary displacement pick-up means, arranged in said sensor housing and adapted to detect the instantaneous rotary position of the intermediate member and to output a signal indicating this rotary position. This displacement sensor is distinguished by a compact, robust embodiment and high-precision displacement detection.

Abstract: A method of measuring radial and/or lateral run-out of a rotary member, where the rotary member is mounted in a testing machine by a play-compensating clamping arrangement, and rotated. While it rotates the rotary member is sensed in the region of its peripheral and/or lateral surfaces and the result of the sensing operation is used to produce run-out diagrams. First and second run-out diagrams which are turned relative to each other through 180.degree. with respect to the clamping mounting arrangement are combined together, thereby to compensate in the combination diagram for the geometrical measurement errors resulting from the clamping mounting arrangement in the initial diagrams.

Abstract: Device (1, 2, 3, 4) for warning of the under-inflation of a tire, mounted the wheel of the tire, includes a stationary element (10, 71) with two inner chambers (11, 12, 73, 74), one (11, 73) of which is brought to the inflation pressure, the other (12, 74) to the atmospheric pressure, and a centrifugal mass (20, 72). A blocking device (30, 90) blocks any displacement of centrifugal mass (20, 72) when the inflation pressure is greater than a certain threshold and frees the centrifugal mass (20, 72) when the inflation pressure decreases below the inflation threshold. Centrifugal mass (20, 72) can then become off-centered under the effect of centrifugal forces and creates a dynamic imbalance able to be sensed by the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A coating material for wind tunnel luminescent barometry of surfaces such as airfoils and airframes uses a resin such as poly[1-(trimethylsilyl)propyne], or a siloxane polymer, to carry a pressure indicator. The pressure indicator may be photoluminescent ruthenium complex, such as [Ru(Ph.sub.2 phen).sub.2 ]Cl.sub.2, a photoluminescent platinum complex, such as PtOEP, and photoluminescent mixtures of pyrene and perylene.