Abstract: The invention relates to an implement for treating a soil surface, such as for example raking together grass and/or hay, said implement (1) being provided with a frame (2) comprising at least one, preferably motor-drivable, treating unit (3) provided with treating elements (8) for treating the soil surface. The implement (1) is provided with measuring means (13) which are suitable for feeling and/or scanning the soil surface to be treated and for determining ground irregularities, such as slopes and/or holes for example, that may be present in the soil surface, as well as with adjusting means (11) that adjust automatically the orientation and/or height of the treating unit (3) relative to the soil surface, on the basis of the measuring results of the measuring means (13).

Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a deck of a vehicle, such as a lawn mower, by a foot actuated deck lift mechanism. The device includes a lift lever pivotally coupled to a frame and having a pin movably attached thereto. A lift linkage has a first end pivotally coupled to the lift lever and a second end fixedly secured on a front shaft. A connecting linkage pivotally couples the front shaft to a rear shaft. Both the front and rear shafts are rotatably coupled to the frame. The lift lever has a first end fixedly secured to the front shaft and a second free end for operation with the operator's foot. The deck is attached to the deck lift mechanism. A foot actuated deck lift mechanism, depressed by the operator's foot, and simultaneously causes the deck to rise and the lift lever to radially pivot. A pin attached to the lift lever rides atop adjustment plates. When the lift lever has pivoted a preset amount, an opening provided in the adjustment plates receives the pin.

Abstract: Broadly, one aspect of the present invention is an articulated combine having increased on-board grain storage capacity (e.g., 1,200 bushels) and which is composed of a forward unit having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, and being devoid of an on-board grain bin; and a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward section and having, steerable and powered wheels, an on-board grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a grain off-loading assembly. The grain transfer assembly, joint, and grain off-loading assembly and controls, form other aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: A large round baler includes a pick-up which delivers crop to a transport assembly including a guide wall and tined rotor, together with a rotor stripper, which cooperate to move harvest material from the pick-up to the inlet of a baling chamber. Various embodiments are disclosed for moving one or more of the guide wall, rotor or stripper for effecting adjustments narrowing or expanding the cross section of a guide channel for the harvest material defined in part by the guide wall, rotor and stripper. These adjustments can be done manually or with power and can be made in response to computer generated information or command signals resulting from collected and/or stored data indicating various conditions of the harvested material.

Abstract: A yarn is provided which includes a core formed of a glass material and a wrapping yarn wound about the core. The core has a roughened surface, which tends to engage and hold the wrapping yarn. The yarn may exhibit excellent strength, cut resistance and heat resistance, while providing a smooth finish. A method of making the yarn includes roughening the surface of the glass filament by various means.

Abstract: A gas turbine plant for limiting a sudden increase of load of the gas turbine, i.e., of the amount of fuel, and suppressing a stress of the turbine, or for maintaining a suitable fuel-air ratio is disclosed. The plant includes a controller comprising a section for calculating a governor signal for controlling the degree of opening of the fuel valve, based on a revolution speed of the gas turbine; and a section for calculating a load-limiting signal for following the governor signal, wherein when the governor signal decreases, the load-limiting signal is larger than it by a predetermined value, while when the governor signal increases, the increase rate of the load-limiting signal has a predetermined upper limit. The controller also comprises a limiting section, into which both signals are input, for limiting the upper value of the governor signal by using the load-limiting signal as an upper limit.

Abstract: A gas turbine fuel injection system of the lean direct injector type designed to reduce nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions is provided. The configuration includes a pilot fuel injector for injecting a pilot fuel stream, and a pilot swirler for providing a swirling pilot air stream to atomize and entrain the pilot fuel stream. A main airblast fuel injector is located concentrically about the pilot fuel injector, for injecting a main fuel stream concentrically about the pilot fuel stream. Inner and outer main swirlers provide a swirling main air stream to atomize and entrain the main fuel stream. An air splitter is located between the pilot swirler and the main swirler. The air splitter is so arranged and constructed as to divide the pilot air stream exiting the pilot swirler and the air splitter, from the main air stream exiting the inner main swirler, whereby a bifurcated recirculation zone is created.

Abstract: A gas turbine exhaust passage is realized which may suppress the radiation of strong ultra low frequency noise to the outside without amplifying the turbulence of an high speed exhaust gas flow rate or a pressure pulsation generated in a gas turbine. At least a portion of a wall of a gas turbine exhaust passage (3, 5) is formed of an acoustically transmissive material (36, 56) for allowing a low frequency noise of several tens of Hz or less to pass therethrough sufficiently. Also, the acoustically transmissive material is made of one or more of a porous material, a porous heat insulating material, a mesh having a large flow resistance, cloth or film material. Further, the acoustically transmissive material is supported by a porous plate or a frame. In a case where an acoustically transmissive material is used only for an exhaust chimney (5), the exhaust chimney (5) is supported by a rack (11). Further, a soundproof panel (12) may be attached to the rack (11).

Abstract: A fault determining apparatus for an exhaust passage switching valve which is capable of directly, rapidly and properly determining a fault in an exhaust passage switching valve, under conditions such as immediately after the start of an internal combustion engine, in which the switching valve should be essentially operated, without the need for setting a special fault determining mode. The fault determining apparatus determines a fault in the exhaust passage switching valve for switching an exhaust passage of exhaust gases discharged from an internal combustion engine between a main exhaust passage having a three-way catalyst and a bypass exhaust passage having filled in an intermediate portion thereof an adsorbent capable of adsorbing hydrocarbons and moisture in the exhaust gases in accordance with an activated state of the three-way catalyst.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system has a catalyst and controls the air-fuel ratio properly in accordance with the in-catalyst state. The in-catalyst state amount variation is calculated based on the deviation between the actual excess fuel factor detected by means of an air-fuel ratio sensor on the upstream side of the catalyst and the target excess fuel factor, and then accumulated to obtain the current in-catalyst state amount. At that time, the previous air flow derived earlier by a lag time corresponding to the time period from the time of fuel injection to the time of detection of the excess fuel factor of exhaust gas is used as the air flow. The calculated in-catalyst state amount value is subjected to guard processing, and thereafter the target excess fuel factor on the upstream side of the catalyst is calculated by use of various gains and control parameters.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus of an internal combustion engine according to the present invention is provided with oxygen storage amount estimating means, downstream exhaust air-fuel ratio detecting means, maximum oxygen storage amount estimating means, and air-fuel ratio target setting means. The oxygen storage amount estimating means estimates an oxygen storage amount of an exhaust purifying catalyst, based on a history of an oxygen adsorption/desorption amount of the exhaust purifying catalyst located on an exhaust path. The downstream exhaust air-fuel ratio detecting means is located downstream of the exhaust purifying catalyst and detects an exhaust air-fuel ratio downstream of the exhaust purifying catalyst. The maximum oxygen storage amount estimating means estimates a maximum oxygen storage amount, based on an oxygen storage amount estimate when the exhaust air-fuel ratio detected is a predetermined air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: A method and a configuration are provided for cleaning exhaust gas in an exhaust gas system flowing from a gasoline engine. An air/fuel mixture is preferably supplied to the gasoline engine by direct injection. In order to provide improved cleaning, the exhaust gas flows successively in the exhaust gas system through at least one honeycomb body with a catalytically active coating, preferably a three-way coating, and a particle filter with a coating storing at least one pollutant component, in particular hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and/or nitrogen oxide, at least from time to time. In addition to collecting soot particles, in particular the particle filter advantageously carries out supplementary oxidation of residual hydrocarbons as well as carbon monoxide during a cold start phase, and supplementary reduction of residual nitrogen oxides when the gasoline engine is operated under load.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combustor which can simultaneously reduce an amount of NOx exhaust and combustion oscillation. The combustor comprises an internal cylinder which accommodates a premixing nozzle, and an external cylinder which accommodates the internal cylinder and includes an air flow passage which supplies air from a compressor to the premixing nozzle. The air flow passage is provided with a punched metal plate near the maximum velocity fluctuation position wherein the velocity fluctuation of the air flow is increased to the maximum.

Abstract: A self contained air conditioned seat to control the temperature climate in an air bubble generated around the seat occupant is described. It includes an air bubble at a controlled temperature for the upper body and seat of the occupant, a separate air bubble for the legs of the occupant and a controller which allows the occupant to have personal control of the temperature in the two zones. Temperature sensors are located in one or more of the tips of the am rests, the heat rest, beneath the seat bottom and in the return air ducts, to help maintain the air bubble temperature in the two zones.

Abstract: A temperature controller is in a position at a height of 130 cm or more from a base surface settling, of which the refrigerator is settled, on a door of the refrigerator, which position is on an upper side of a handle for opening and closing the door. Further, a minute control depending on a preserving condition of foods, the seasons, a quantity of the foods, and so on is made possible.

Abstract: Flow in a forward direction through a check valve is detected by a signaling device in parallel with the check valve and sensing the pressure differential across the check valve. The signaling device outputs an electrical signal that indicates whether or not the pressure differential across the valve is sufficient to open the valve to flow. A flow restrictor such as a capillary tube is in parallel with the check valve to by-pass a small portion of flow during normal operation and to equalize pressure across the check valve inlet and outlet when the check valve is otherwise closed to flow.

Abstract: A control valve is located in a variable displacement compressor that is installed in a refrigerant circuit. The control valve operates such that the pressure difference between first and second pressure monitoring points in the refrigerant circuit seeks a predetermined target value. The first pressure monitoring point is located in a discharge chamber of the compressor. The second pressure monitoring point is located in a flow pipe that extends from the discharge chamber. The static pressure of refrigerant in the discharge chamber is introduced into a control valve from the first pressure monitoring point. A pressure that includes the static pressure and the dynamic pressure of refrigerant in the flow pipe is introduced into the control valve from the second pressure monitoring point. As a result, the displacement of the compressor is reliably controlled without being affected by the thermal load of an evaporator.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for extracting freshwater from atmospheric humidity in extremely hot and humid climates and supplying freshwater to a small group of people, a building, a farm, or forestation area. The freshwater is treated to provide drinking water by disinfecting to eliminate microorganisms and filtration to remove suspended particulates from air, erosion or corrosion products, and disinfected waste. Compact units provide drinking water for individuals, passengers in cars, vans, trucks, or recreational boats, or crewmembers on a seagoing cargo ship whether from atmospheric humidity or from moisture-laden gases. Furthermore, systems are disclosed for the ample supply of freshwater with minimal treatment for small- to large-sized buildings in a manner that alleviates the heat load on buildings. Collection of freshwater from hot humid ambient air is also provided for other uses, such as irrigation and farm animal drinking.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cooling a carbonated beverage stored in a container and dispensing non-foamed carbonated beverage. A method of cooling and delivering non-foamed beverage with the apparatus is also provided. The beverage is preferably beer. The apparatus comprises a housing that has a number of chambers. A chamber can optionally be provided for receiving a number of beer kegs. A pressurizing device is attached to a beer keg for maintaining the beer under pressure in the keg. A conduit is received in one of the chambers and communicates between the beer keg and a tap located on the exterior of the apparatus. A water and ice cooling mixture is circulated over the conduit in the same chamber for cooling the conduit. A perforated vessel surrounds the conduit to protect the conduit and the agitators from being damaged by ice particles. At least two agitators for circulating the cooling fluid over the conduit are located in chamber where the conduit is received.

Abstract: Column for the cryogenic separation of gaseous mixtures comprising:

Abstract: An article of jewelry, namely a combination of two wedding rings, wherein the wedding rings are stacked upon each other and fixedly attached. In a preferred embodiment the two wedding rings are oriented concentrically using reverse jeweler's tweezers or cones. The rings are joined together, and in one embodiment gold brazing joins the rings. The wedding rings worn in such a fashion identify that the person is widowed and is a method of signifying widow and widower status without causing confusion, embarrassment or discomfort.

Abstract: A process for producing a glass substrate for information recording media which comprises polishing one side of a float glass in a finish polishing step to remove a surface layer therefrom in a thickness of 5 &mgr;m or larger and keeping the one side of the float glass not substantially in contact with any jig in each of the processing steps other than the finish polishing step. The number of processing steps in glass substrate production is reduced by utilizing only one side of a float glass as a data recording side to thereby attain a reduced production cost and stable supply of glass substrates and thus contribute to the progress of an information-oriented society.

Abstract: An alkali-free glass applicable to a light transparent glass substrate in a liquid crystal display essentially consists, by weight, of basic elements of 40-70% SiO2, 6-25% Al2O3, 5-20% B2O3, 0-10% MgO, 0-15% CaO, 0-30% BaO, 0-10% SrO, and 0-10% ZnO, and a fining agent of a combination of 0.05-3% Sb2O3 and at least one of 0.05-2% SnO2 and 0.005-1% Cl2, which fining agent makes the resultant glass free from bubbles without the use of toxic As2O3 which has been known as the fining agent in the art.

Abstract: To increase the strength of the glass panel, for example of a CRT, the surface temperature of the glass panel at the inner surface of the corners is reduced, during press-forming, to a value below the surface temperature at the inner surface at the centre, the difference being preferably 50° C.-150° C. The forced cooling at the corners compensates for the larger reheating effect in the corners than at the centre that occurs after formation. As a consequence of this compensating effect, a more homogeneous distribution of surface stresses is obtained, increasing the strength of the glass panel.

Abstract: An I.S. machine is disclosed wherein the blow molds are held open during a preheat blank mold mode of operation and the neck ring arms of an invert and neck ring assembly are rotated to an acute angle and opened to release held parisons. A cullet chute is defined in the section frame from a location below the invert of the assembly towards the blow molds to collect the parisons which are delivered by a parison deflector.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a preform, the method comprising rotating a primary preform about an axis X, establishing relative displacement in translation between the preform and a plasma torch, and introducing a glass powder into the plasma flame, the glass powder being accelerated prior to penetrating into the plasma flame by an accelerator gas introduced into the flow of glass powder, said process being performed in an enclosure and said introduction being performed into an atmosphere at a regulated pressure lower than the pressure outside the enclosure. Apparatus for manufacturing the preform comprises an enclosure connected to a unit for regulating the pressure inside the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing optical fibers includes an external circular tube into which reactant gases are introduced from an entrance at one end thereof. An internal circular tube is inserted into the external circular tube through an exit at the other end of the external circular tube. The internal circular tube has a bore to which gas jets are supplied. Jet holes are formed to lead to the bore on the outer circumferential surface in the vicinity of the front end of the internal circular tube. The jet holes are for radially jetting the gas jets. An auxiliary jet hole is formed at the front end of the internal circular tube to lead to the bore. The auxiliary jet hole is for jetting the gas jets frontward. A torch is installed to reciprocate along the axial direction of the external circular tube, for heating the external circular tube to induce a chemical reaction of the reactant gases to thus generate particles.

Abstract: The present anti-shock mechanism for an electronic lock is designed to limit displacement of the solenoid plunger when an external force acts on the lock case of an electronic lock. An external force, such as that created by a translating actuator, applied in a horizontal direction parallel to the direction of plunger motion may cause the solenoid plunger to displace allowing the lock to be opened without authorization. The addition of a properly sized anti-shock mechanism limits displacement of the solenoid plunger due to an external force or impact and allows movement of the solenoid plunger when the solenoid plunger movement is due to an authorized access. Under normal operating conditions when the lock is locked, the bolt is in the fully extended position and the solenoid is not actuated. Upon authorization, the solenoid actuates causing the mechanical components to be placed in a condition whereby the operator may open the lock.

Abstract: The invention is a sprayable organic fertilizer for application to a plant or plant soil that includes denatured soybean particles having a total protein content of at least fifty and up to ninety per cent by weight, wherein the denatured soybean particles have a particle size of no greater than 250 microns, and wherein the denatured soybean particles are dispersed in an adequate amount of a liquid carrier so that the particles may be evenly sprayed onto the plant or plant soil through a liquid applicator. The denatured soybean particles may be mixed with a yeast extract that stimulates microbial growth. The sprayable organic fertilizer cannot be leached from the soil; cannot burn target plants; enhances the ecosystem of the root zone of the target plants; and, provides a high nitrogen analysis.

Abstract: A process for making homogeneous granules of slow-release fertilizer to deliver high doses of slow-release nitrogen in pellets that disperse or fall apart when contacted by moisture. The method includes mixing particles of slow-release nitrogen with particles of a potassium source and particles of a phosphorus source, to make a homogeneous blend of the particles. Then, the blended particles are moistened with water or an aqueous solution of urea to moisten the homogeneous blend. After moistening, the blended particles are contacted with an aqueous suspension of urea-formaldehyde resin to bind the particles into homogeneous granules. The aqueous suspension of urea formaldehyde resin preferably has a urea:formaldehyde ratio of about 1:1.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition that includes a plurality of particles in which the particles feature a plurality of sulfur platelets embedded within a fertilizer portion, and a method for preparing this composition in which fertilizer-containing particles are sprayed first with a sulfur spray, and then with a slurry containing fertilizer or a precursor thereof, followed by curing.

Abstract: In a method for determining the rolling force in a roll stand for rolling metallic material which is to be rolled, the rolling force is determined by means of at least one neural network. According to the invention, the neural network is trained using, in particular measured, values for the rolling force under different operating conditions with a view to improving the determination of the rolling force. The neural network is advantageously trained using values for the rolling force and values for the different operating conditions for roll stands of different rolling trains.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inclined helical spring having a plurality of coils along an inclined coil axis. Each coil constituting a part or the whole length of the helical compression spring is increased and decreased in diameter along the longitudinal axis of the spring, and forming the longitudinal axis of the spring in a free state thereof to be inclined substantially at a predetermined angle to an axis to be mounted with the spring. For example, one section of each coil having approximately a half of the circumference of each coil, which is divided by a plane including the coil axis, is increased in diameter, whereas the other one section of approximately a half of the circumference of each coil is decreased in diameter. The inclined helical spring may be mounted on a vehicle suspension.

Abstract: Metal coldworking tooling and a method of employing such tooling. The tooling is used to produce deformation in a workpiece, preferably via use of stress waves, to provide a selected beneficial residual stress profile in the workpiece, in order to provide high fatigue life structures in a minimum number of manufacturing steps. Preferably, action of an indenter causes propagation of stress waves to coldwork a workpiece, causing dimples in the workpiece. Preferably, the dimples are provided with a shape formed by application of a pre-selected pressure profile to the workpiece surface. By optimized use of the method, a relatively uniform beneficial residual stress profile is provided at both the surface and at the midplane apertures in a workpiece, so as to improve overall fatigue life.

Abstract: A method for executing calibration without having to dismount a force sensor from a robot, and an apparatus for executing this method are provided. When a robot mounted with a calibrated force sensor begins to be operated, any tool whose position of the center of gravity and weight are immune from change is fitted, and a command for acquiring reference data is given to execute operational programs. Reference data V0 of matrices consisting of differences between strain gage outputs (S1, S2) of the force sensor in any predetermined posture and strain gage outputs in other predetermined postures differing both from that posture and from one another are calculated and stored (S3-1 to S7). When the measuring accuracy of the force sensor drops, the tool used when the reference data were acquired is mounted on the robot, and the same procedures S1 to S6 are executed, and the data V′0 corresponding to the reference data are calculated.

Abstract: A slip angle calculating unit calculates a slip angle of a vehicle body corresponding to a steering wheel angle and a vehicle speed, based on a vehicle wheel angle and the vehicle speed, by an observer of a preset vehicle motion model under a motion equation of a vehicle. A front wheel slip angle calculating unit calculates a front wheel slip angle based on the steering wheel angle, a vehicle speed, a yaw rate, and the calculated vehicle body slip angle. A self-aligning torque calculating unit calculates the self-aligning torque based on the hydraulic chamber pressure of the left side and the hydraulic chamber pressure of the right side in a power cylinder. The vehicle speed, an estimated front wheel slip angle, and the self-aligning torque are inputted to a road friction coefficient setting unit, and the road friction coefficient setting unit sets a road friction coefficient by referring to a map based on the input to output the set value.

Abstract: A method and sensor or sensor subsystem permit improved evaporative leak detection in an automotive fuel system. The sensor or sensor subsystem computes temperature-compensated pressure values, thereby eliminating or reducing false positive or other adverse results triggered by temperature changes in the fuel tank. The temperature-compensated pressure measurement is then available for drawing an inference regarding the existence of a leak with reduced or eliminated false detection arising as a result of temperature fluctuations.

Abstract: A combined oil quality and fuel contamination sensing system includes a capacitive dielectric sensor and pressure sensing arrangements for measuring the dielectric constant of the oil and the pressure of the oil, respectively, with the oil pressure being indicative of oil viscosity and contamination. The sensors take measurements as oil flows through an internal combustion engine and provide an indication of the cause of a problem with oil in an engine. The system may also include a microcomputer and circuitry for generating an indication of dielectric constant and circuitry for generating an indication of the presence of contaminants within the engine. The system may also include an additional sensor measuring the temperature of oil within the system to adjust oil dielectric constant and viscosity indications. The capacitive dielectric sensor constitute the principal restriction in the flow path between an input high pressure sensing port and an outlet low pressure port.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus for measuring a low concentration of a constituent in a stream at a parts per billion level is provided. The apparatus comprises a sample loop having a predetermined volume for receiving a sample from the stream, a purifier for producing substantially pure carrier liquid from a sample of the stream, a first and a second multi-path valve, a preconcentrator column for absorbing and increasing the concentration of the low concentration constituent, an eluent, and a detector. In one embodiment, the apparatus is an ion chromatograph and may be used to analyze ions at concentrations as low as about 10 to about 1 part per billion. A method for analyzing a stream for a low concentration constituent present in a stream at a parts per billion level is also provided. The invention also includes methods for single- and multi-point calibration of a detector in an analytical apparatus for measuring a low concentration of a constituent in a stream at a parts per billion level.

Abstract: A method of reducing the effects of varying environmental conditions, such as varying temperature, on the measuring results in a measuring instrument, is disclosed as well as a corresponding measuring instrument using the method, for example an optical detector.

Abstract: An outboard motor has a lubricant pump driven by an engine. The lubrication pump circulates lubricant to moving components of the engine through at least one lubricant passage. A pressure sensor is provided along the lubricant passage. The pressure sensor outputs a signal to an evaluator to determine whether a low pressure situation indicative of a malfunction has occurred. An alarm is activated based upon the determination of a malfunction. Activation of the alarm may occur if the engine is not warmed-up, if the engine is operating at a steady speed or encountering slow speed changes or has encountered a rapid speed change for a predetermined period of time. In this manner, false alarms related to pressure variations within the lubricant system may be reduced.

Abstract: The crankshaft drive sensor has: at least one force sensor, mounted on a push rod, for measuring a rod force, at least one measured value transmitter by means of which a measurement signal of the force sensor can be transmitted in a contactless fashion, and an angle sensor for determining a crank angle of a crank connected to the push rod.

Abstract: A high-resolution position sensing apparatus for determining the angular position of a throttle plate located in an electronic throttle and controlled by a PCM includes a first throttle position sensor and a second throttle position sensor. The first throttle position sensor is coupled to the throttle plate and generates a first throttle position sensor output signal. The first throttle position sensor output signal is a negative slope signal and is affine to the position of the throttle plate from full closed to full open. The second throttle position sensor is also coupled to the throttle plate and generates a second throttle position sensor output signal. The second throttle position sensor output signal is a positive slope signal and is affine to the position of the throttle plate from full closed to approximately one-half open. Because the second sensor is used over a smaller range it may be used to achieve a higher signal resolution over that smaller range.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an intake tract, at least one cylinder, an exhaust gas tract and inlet and outlet valves, which are assigned to the cylinder. An exhaust gas pressure in the cylinder is determined during the valve overlap of the inlet and outlet valves as a function of an estimated value of an exhaust gas pressure, which is effected by the combustion of an air/fuel mixture in the cylinder, and a variable which characterizes the centroid of the valve overlap of the inlet and outlet valves. At least one actuating signal for controlling an actuator of the internal combustion engine is derived from the exhaust gas pressure, or the internal combustion engine is monitored as a function of the exhaust gas pressure.

Abstract: A rolling wheel testing apparatus includes a spindle assembly adapted to support a tire and wheel assembly for rotation. The spindle assembly includes an output shaft end having a plurality of holes extending into the shaft end substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the spindle assembly. A plurality of signal wires are provided in particular. A signal wire is disposed in each of the holes.

Abstract: A snug fitting apparatus for improving the finished quality of a tire assembly 1 without sacrificing productivity, including a first pressing member 25 (25a) adapted to be pressed against the ground contact surface F of a tire assembly 1 and a second pressing member 25 (25b) adapted to be pressed against the ground contact surface F to receive the radial reactional force of the ground contact surface F. Measuring device is provided to read variation in the reactional force. As a result, a large, expensive uniformity checking machine is made unnecessary, making it possible to assure quality for all the quantity of tire assemblies 1 on the production line and to fully automate the process.

Abstract: A thermo-sensitive flow rate sensor that comprises a plate-like substrate, a part of which is removed so that a space is provided therein, a diaphragm portion formed like a thin layer above the space in such a manner as to be integral with the plate-like substrate, and a heating element constituted by a thermo-sensitive electrically resistant film formed on the diaphragm. Plural holes penetrating the diaphragm portion are bored in an outer peripheral portion of the heating element. Each of the plurality of holes is shaped in such a way as to have obtuse corner portions or to have substantially no corner portions. The thermo-sensitive flow rate sensor measures the flow rate of a fluid, which is to be measured, according to an amount of heat transferred to the fluid from a part heated by energizing the heating element.

Abstract: The liquid level detector system of the present invention comprises a heater thermally coupled to the interior of the vessel. A linear sensor, having a vertical longitudinal axis, is located in proximity to the heater such that discrete elevations of the interior of the vessel are thermally coupled to corresponding longitudinal portions of the sensor. The correspondence is incrementally continuous such that the elevations corresponding to the portions of the sensor increase from one to the other end of the sensor. The sensor may be actuated resulting in a resistance measurement indicative of the temperature detected by it. The vertical dimension of the sensor is sufficiently large such that the resistance measurement will vary in proportion to the longitudinal portion of the sensor thermally coupled to the liquid. The sensor generates an electrical signal defining a temperature signal indicative of the resistance measurement and thereby the temperature detected by the sensor.