Abstract: A method and machine for packing a group of products, whereby the group of products is fed along a first packing path and eased onto a central portion of a blank fed underneath the group, and in the time with the group, along a second path meeting up with the first path; the blank is drawn along said supply path; and at least one further portion of the blank is subsequently folded along a peripheral bend line of the central portion as the group is pressed with a given pressure against the central portion of the blank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping paper and board rolls in a wrapper, in which method the roll (10) to be wrapped is conveyed to a wrapping station, is placed on support means and is rotated resting on said support means. The wrapper (24, 27) is threaded about the roll (10) to be wrapped so as to form at least two wrapper plies and the wrapper plies are bonded to each other at least partially with the help of a binder. The rolls to be wrapped are wrapped into at least two parallel and overlapped courses of wrapper using a wrapper web material whose surface is coated with a hot-melting and heat-sealable material that is melted prior to the wrapping of the wrapper about the roll in order to bind the superimposed plies of the wrapper to each other and to seal the joints of said overlapped courses of wrapper.

Abstract: An automated positive count rotary slat packaging apparatus and related methods include independently rotatable rotary slats. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a positive count mechanism disposed in the pill delivery path adjacent the containers and a controller which is capable of generating an alarm or determining when a bottle is filled incorrectly. Accordingly, underfilled containers can be independently filled by further rotating only the respective rotary slat. A drive device for each rotary slat is also provided having frustoconical drive wheels connected to the ends of counterrotating drive shafts. The drive wheels, which are driven by a motor, engage corresponding frustoconical drive surfaces of the rotary slats to thereby rotate the slats.

Abstract: A drug inspection device which makes drug inspection work extremely easy and simple. It has a conveyor for feeding drugs packaged in bags according to prescription data, a camera for taking pictures of drugs in the bags being fed by the conveyor, a camera monitor for displaying one after another the pictures taken by the camera, and a graphic monitor for calling image data to be prescribed from a data base and displaying the thus called data. The picture of the drugs in each bag and the image data on drugs corresponding to the drugs in said each bag are displayed simultaneously on the respective monitors for a predetermined time. By visually checking the monitors, a pharmacist can easily inspect drugs.

Abstract: A rotary valve for pulse detonation engines includes a rotor rotatively mounted in the forward end of the pulse detonation tube and a plurality of transfer plenums for receiving fuel and air arranged around the rotor and partially disposed over the forward end of the tube. The rotor has a plurality of internal flow passages formed therein which periodically align with a plurality of inlet ports formed near the forward end of the tube as the rotor rotates. Each one of the transfer plenums is aligned with a corresponding one of the inlet ports so that the flow passages will establish fluid communication between the tube and the transfer plenums when aligned with the inlet ports. Additional features include axial injection of the fuel-air mixture into the pulse detonation tube, pre-compression of the inlet flow and a drive system located outside of the primary gas path.

Abstract: A method is provided for using high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to drive a turbine (20′) in a turbopump fed rocket engine (12′). The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving fuel into a fuel rich pre-burner (50); (b) receiving high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide into the pre-burner (50); (c) converting the fuel and hydrogen peroxide into a fuel rich gas; and (d) passing the fuel rich gas through a turbine (20′), thereby using high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to drive the turbine. Thus, by utilizing a fuel rich pre-burner (50) that operates at a very low mixture ratio, the drive gas for a turbine (20′) can be maintained at moderate temperature levels.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed that accelerates the rise in temperature of a catalyst provided in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The system increases the intake air amount after the engine starts and retards the ignition timing according to a rotational speed of the engine. In this control system, a failure of the catalyst temperature rise acceleration control is diagnosed according to the engine rotational speed and/or a retard amount of the ignition timing during the execution of the catalyst temperature rise acceleration control. The above failure may also be diagnosed according to at least one of the ignition timing and the engine rotational speed when decreasing the intake air amount during the execution of the catalyst temperature rise acceleration control. The above failure may also be diagnosed according to a detected catalyst temperature and an estimated catalyst temperature.

Abstract: A device for controlling an internal combustion engine capable of estimating the amount of NOx emission within short periods of time maintaining high precision and realizing improved control performance without increasing the cost as a result of not using map data in the ROM. The device includes NOx operation circuit for estimating the amount of NOx in the exhaust gas from a theoretical formula and an empirical formula based upon the intake air amount Qa, intake air temperature To, pressure Pb, air-fuel ratio &lgr; and EGR rate &bgr;, and control circuit for controlling at least either the NOx purifying catalyst or the combustion state in the internal combustion engine in order to lower the amount of NOx emission.

Abstract: A control system for an engine or exhaust system includes a sensor that detects an exhaust gas temperature and a sensor that detects an exhaust coolant temperature. The sensors communicate with a controller. Based upon the output from the sensors, the controller determines whether each sensor is functioning properly and whether the cooling system is functioning properly. In the event of a malfunction of a sensor or the cooling system, an alarm is issued and the speed or operation of the engine is altered. In addition, if the controller detects a problem with the coolant system based upon coolant temperature or with the coolant temperature sensor, then the controller disables a starter motor such that the engine cannot be restarted without resetting the starter motor. The start motor can be disabled through a relay and the relay can be reset manually or automatically after a preset period of time.

Abstract: A process producing electric energy, steam and carbon dioxide in concentrated form from a hydrocarbon feedstock. The process includes forming synthesis gas in an air driven autothermal reactor unit (ATR), heat exchanging the formed synthesis gas and thereby producing steam, treating at least part of the synthesis gas in a CO-shift reactor unit and carbon dioxide separation unit for formation of concentrated carbon dioxide and a lean hydrogen containing gas which is combusted in a combined cycle gas turbine for production of electric energy, and where air from the turbine is supplied to the ATR unit. The exhaust from the gas turbine is heat exchanged for the production of steam which together with steam generated upstream said unit is utilized in a power generator for production of substantially CO2-free electric energy. Steam may be fed to the gas turbine for diluting the hydrogen containing gas mixture.

Abstract: A cascade thermoelectric cooler designed to cool to cryogenic temperatures of 30 to 120 K integrates high performance\high-ZT BixSb2−xTe3 and Bi2Te3−xSe3-based super-lattice-structure thin-film thermoelectric devices with a bulk-material based thermoelectric cooler including plural cascaded cold stages with each successive cascaded cold stage able to cool to a progressively lower temperature. Each cold stage in the bulk-material thermoelectric cooler includes a heat source plate, a heat sink plate, a p-type thermoelectric, and a n-type thermoelectric. Moreover, the thin-film thermoelectric cooler can have multiple stages in which each stage contains a heat source plate, a heat sink plate, a p-type super-latticed thermoelectric element, and a n type super-latticed thermoelectric element.

Abstract: A cryogenic vessel features an inner tank containing cryogenic liquid with a head space above and a jacket surrounding the inner tank. An internal pressure builder coil is helically disposed about the inner tank, connected to the jacket and in communication with the bottom of the inner tank. An external pressure building heat exchanger is connected to the internal pressure builder coil and the head space of the inner tank. Liquid from the inner tank flows into the internal pressure builder coil and the exiting fluid is driven by a resulting pumping action to the external pressure building heat exchanger where it is vaporized and warmed. The warmed gas is directed to the head space of the inner tank to rapidly build the pressure therein. Gas may be dispensed directly from the head space of the vessel via an economizer valve. Alternatively, liquid may be withdrawn from the inner tank by a dip tube and vaporized in a vaporizer and dispensed.

Abstract: In a system for detecting overflow of a liquid cryogen storage tank, a differential pressure gauge measures the pressure of the tank at the top and bottom of the tank while liquid cryogen is introduced into the tank. Once the measurement reaches a predetermined amount, the operator terminates the fill. Alternatively, the differential pressure gauge sends a signal to the controller and the controller shuts the valves off. The tank includes an outlet pipe connected to either an audible device or avisual device and a vent stack. The excess cryogen, liquid or vapor, flows out of the tank through the outlet pipe. The audible device whistles when vapor passes through but is silent when the liquid passes through the audible device. This audible device provides a back-up warning which signifies when liquid cryogen is flowing out of the tank so that the operator may shut off the valves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting a device is provided in which characteristics of the device used at low temperature such as a high temperature superconductive filter are measured and adjusted without deterioration of the device. The device used at low temperature is disposed within an atmosphere of substitutional gas such as nitrogen and the like. The device is cooled by using cryogen, for example, liquid nitrogen, stored in a bath which is disposed in a glove box. The cryogen has a temperature near the temperature at which the device is used. The device is placed on a cooling stage which is partially soaked in the cryogen, thereby said device is cooled by the cryogen having a temperature near the temperature at which the device is used. Characteristics of the device are measured and adjusted while cooling the device by using the cryogen.

Abstract: A method and condenser apparatus for cleaning a gas of condensable vapor employing a cryogenic liquid which is caused to boil evenly along the condenser length and wherein the gas flow through the condenser is in the downward direction in evenly divided flows countercurrently to the flow of boiled cryogen.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner including a refrigerant circuit that incorporates a variable displacement compressor driven by an engine of the vehicle. The air conditioner includes a control valve for varying the displacement of the compressor and an ECU for controlling the control valve. The control valve has a bellows, a valve body, and a coil. The ECU varies the displacement of the compressor by energizing the coil to apply a force, which counters the movement of the bellows, to the valve body to move the valve body. This alters the moved amount of the bellows. The air conditioner control unit gradually changes the force applied to the valve body by the coil to adjust the pressure difference and vary the displacement of the compressor when the engine is running at an idle speed.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for airplanes for conditioning moisture containing air, which is under excess pressure, for air conditioning an airplane cabin. The air conditioning system has at least one compressor, a first and a second air expansion turbine, and a water separator, which is disposed between the first and second air expansion turbine. To control the degree of moisture, the system adjusts selectively the degree of air expansion in the first air expansion turbine.

Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing an efficiency of a refrigeration system comprising means for measuring a refrigeration efficiency of an operating refrigeration system: means for altering a process variable of the refrigeration system during efficiency measurement: and a process for calculating a process variable level which achieves an optimum efficiency. The process variables may include refrigerant charge and refrigerant oil concentration in evaporator.

Abstract: In a refrigerant cycle system, a control unit controls both a refrigerant amount discharged from a compressor and an opening degree of a pressure control valve so that theoretical efficiency of a super-critical refrigerant cycle and efficiency of the compressor are improved. Therefore, the effective coefficient of performance of the refrigerant cycle is improved, while necessary capacity of components of the refrigerant cycle is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus to extract water from ambient air. The apparatus includes a dehumidifier, a holding tank, and one or more dispensing tanks in which water is maintained hot or cold. Provision is made to recycle water in the holding tank through an aerator to prevent stagnation of stored water. Water from the holding tank is pumped through a filter system before entering the dispensing tanks. A safety control is provided to prevent overflowing a collection pump reservoir in event of interruption in normal water flow in the machine. Provision is made to control bacteria and algae.

Abstract: A heat exchanger such as an evaporator for a temperature control system includes an input port with an orifice through which a refrigerant enters the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of plates and a tilted deflection surface near the input port. High-pressure refrigerant entering through the input port impinges on the tilted deflection surface and is deflected by the deflection surface onto the plates. The tilt angle of the deflection surface is selected such that the refrigerant is evenly distributed over the plates resulting in even and highly efficient heat transfer. The heat exchanger can be used as the evaporator in a refrigeration system used to control temperature in a workpiece chuck for supporting a flat workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer during processing and testing. In particular, the heat exchanger can be used to control the temperature of a fluid which is circulated through the chuck to control the temperature of the workpiece and/or the chuck itself.

Abstract: A nested cooler system for temporary storage of perishable foodstuffs and more particularly to articles for convenient, temporary storage of human breast milk and infant formulas. The inner and outer coolers jointly or independently receive the perishable foodstuffs and freezable gel packs for cooling the perishable foodstuffs. The gel packs can be frozen and thawed several times and temporarily keep containers of milk within an acceptable temperature range to prevent spoilage. The gel packs fit within pockets in the coolers to maintain proper positioning of the gel packs relative to the bottles.

Abstract: An air-conditioner, an outdoor unit and an refrigeration device each using a refrigeration cycle which can reduce power consumption so as to be highly efficient, which can be operated by a commercially available power source, and which is highly reliable. An air-conditioner comprises a motor and a refrigeration cycle including a compressor driven by the motor, an outdoor heat-exchanger and an indoor heat-exchanger, the motor being located in a motor chamber within a closed container, and refrigerant gas in the refrigeration cycle flows through the motor chamber, wherein the motor has a core of a rotor in which a cage type conductor and permanent magnets magnetized in bipolar state are embedded, and said motor is driven by a commercially available electric power source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerant condenser for motor vehicle air-conditioning systems of the type that include a tube/fin block, header tubes arranged on both sides of the tube/fin block and a collector arranged parallel to one header tube, wherein the header tubes have partitions for creating a multi-pass flow of the refrigerant, and the tube/fin block has an upper condensation region and a lower supercooling region. The collector is flow-connected via passage orifices to the condensation region, on the one hand, and to the supercooling region, on the other hand. The collector has approximately the same diameter or the same cross section as the adjacent header tube, and an additional container of larger cross section or larger diameter is provided for storing refrigerant and/or for receiving a dryer and/or filter.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for nitrous oxide purification, wherein the nitrous oxide product is for use in semiconductor manufacturing. The system and process involve a first sub-system having a purification tank for holding a liquefied nitrous oxide, therein; a vaporizer in communication with the purification tank to receive, vaporize and convey a nitrous oxide vapor back to the purification tank; a distillation column disposed on a distal end of the purification tank to receive a nitrous oxide vapor; a condenser disposed on the distillation column, wherein light impurities are removed and wherein a nitrous oxide devoid of light impurities is conveyed and converted into vapor in the vaporizer. A second sub-system having a first dry bed vessel is disposed downstream of the vaporizer to receive the vapor and reacting the acid gas therein; a second dry bed vessel is disposed downstream of the first dry bed vessel for removing water and ammonia in the vapor.

Abstract: A pressure pad array is used to float glass sheets from a glass heating furnace to a ring mold in a press bending station. The pressure pads have transversely spaced, longitudinally-extending slotted nozzles angled towards one another to provide a static pressure area for floating the glass sheet. The slotted nozzles are aligned with the direction of glass sheet travel and the space between adjacent pressure pads is covered by a spacer baffle to generate additional static pressure flotation areas. The static pressure areas formed by the slotted nozzles generally produce uniform pressure profiles extending longitudinally and transversely against the sheet's underside to stably float the glass sheets on a heated gas cushion.

Abstract: A silica glass forming method is a method of pressing a synthetic silica bulk having at least a set of opposed surfaces, on the surfaces under a high temperature condition by a presser, wherein an elastic member with permeability is placed between the presser and the surfaces of the synthetic silica bulk pressed by the presser and wherein the synthetic silica bulk is pressed through the elastic member by the presser. This method is able to reduce bubbles remaining inside the synthetic glass formed product after the forming to a sufficiently small amount. Therefore, it becomes feasible to provide the method that permits high-yield production of silica glasses with excellent optical characteristics.

Abstract: Run-free hosiery made of the combination of a loop-shaped mesh, composed of an inter-mesh and a smooth rectilinear mesh, this combination having been achieved by knitting the mesh chain from two threads, one made of any other existing threads for weaving and one of elasthane, in one operation, creating a double-loop, with the specific function of the elasthane which tends to draw near the loops of the smooth mesh, thereby blocking the continuation of the run.

Abstract: A cloth dyeing machine includes a machine base defining a cylindrical dyeing bath, a cloth guide tube through which an inserted piece of cloth is circulated in the dyeing bath and dyed, a plurality of jet nozzles suspended in the dyeing bath in front of the cloth guide tube and controlled to eject jets of liquid coloring matter onto the piece of cloth when the piece of cloth is guided into the cloth guide tube, wherein the cloth guide tube has a curved front section curving downwards from the jet nozzles for guiding in the piece of cloth, enabling the piece of cloth to be vibrated and spread out by the force of the jets of liquid coloring matter.

Abstract: A locking device (1) includes a first clip member (20) and a second clip member (40). The first and second clip members (20, 40) include a first and second clip base (21, 41), respectively. A first jaw (22) extends outwardly from the first clip base (21) whereas a second jaw (42) extends outwardly from the second clip base (41). The first and second clip members (20, 40) are connected together so that they may move with respect to each other between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the first and second jaws (22, 42) cooperate to form a locking loop (6). The locking loop (6) is adapted to fit through and lock with a locking feature (32) on an object to be secured. When the first and second clip members (20, 40) are moved to the open position, the first and second jaws (22, 42) are separated by an opening.

Abstract: A tire lock mounts to an opening in the vehicle frame in order to suspend a locking bar down through an opening in the spare wheel. A locking device may then be slid over the distal end of the locking bar in order to lock the spare wheel securely in place. The locking device is designed to accept a lock cylinder from the manufacturer's easily-defeated spare tire lock, so that the locking device of the present invention may be keyed with the remaining locks of the vehicle. The locking mechanism of the present invention also incorporates a spring-loaded resilient boot which engages the vehicle spare wheel lug nut hole, thereby preventing annoying rattling between the spare tire lock of the present invention and the spare tire.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for the surface treatment and compressive prestressing by peening of a wall of at least one oblong cavity formed in a part, said cavity opening to the outside via a lateral mouth and having two ends presenting frontal openings. The wall of the cavity is ultrasonically peened by mobilizing a plurality of beads in a chamber delimited by said wall of said cavity, a vibratory surface closing off said mouth of said cavity, and closing-off means closing off said openings, by means of a sonotrode excited by means for producing ultrasonic oscillations. The method and the apparatus are particularly intended for treating a turbine disk comprising a number of axial recesses formed in the periphery of said disk and having wall portions which diverge from each mouth.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of forming a sheet metal cup without using a mandrel. A cup shaped blank is first produced having a relief on a rim or outer circumference. The blank is clamped in the spinning machine. The relief controls and facilitates the bending process, creating a uniform curve at a predetermined bending point. During the rolling process, a forming roller is engaged with rim, and is moved progressively parallel with an axis of rotation. As the forming roller moves, the rim is progressively bent from an orientation normal to an axis of rotation to a position parallel to the axis of rotation. The fully formed rim can then be punched to accommodate a bearing or shaft. This allows a small radius pulley to be formed without use of a mandrel.

Abstract: This invention provides a rolling mill and a rolling-mill train which are compact. Reducers to be coupled with them can be made compact. The inner surfaces of pipes to be rolled with the rolling mill and the rolling-mill train can be prevented from becoming squarish. The rolling mill comprises a plurality of rolls disposed symmetrically around the pathline of the rolling mill, an annular driving bevel gear of a large diameter for driving and rotating the rolls, an input-shaft mechanism for rotating the driving bevel gear, a plurality of transmission mechanisms disposed at regular intervals along the driving bevel gear, and a housing for holding them. The input-shaft mechanism (i) has an input shaft inserted in the housing from its outside and an input bevel gear of a small diameter mounted on the input shaft and engaging with the driving bevel gear and (ii) is disposed between two adjacent transmission mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to deep draw a blank into a manufactured article. The apparatus includes a die having a cavity to receive the blank being drawn into the product, a clamp adapted to apply an adjustable force against the blank during the drawing operation, and a mandrel comprising a plurality of nested tool segments, the tool segments independently extendable to engage and draw different portions of the blank into the desired product within the cavity.

Abstract: A support bar of a headrest assembly or a hand brake is provided with one or more notches or indented portions. The notches or indented portions are formed in a way that inhibits the formation of additional material portions extending outwardly from the smoothly curved outer surface of the support bar. The indented portions or notches possess a shape having continuous curvature as seen in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the pipe member.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a crimping press for crimping terminals on an electrical conductor. A master tool is positioned in a test crimping press and the press is operated to crimp a test bar to a desired crimp height. During the process of crimping the test bar to the desired crimp height, a standard force profile is generated. The standard force profile is recorded in a control unit. The master tool is transferred to a crimping press to be calibrated. Once the master tool is in place, the crimping press is operated until the crimping press creates a crimp height on the test bar equal to the desired crimp height. During the crimping process that results in the desired crimp height, an actual force profile is determined for the crimping press being calibrated. The actual force profile is compared to the standard force profile and the actual force profile is adjusted by an offset factor such that the adjusted force profile replicates the standard force profile.

Abstract: A test specimen includes four sensed elements and six connection elements for connecting the sensed elements, the sensed elements being releasably connectable by the connection elements in such a way that each sensed element touches precisely three connection elements at the end faces thereof and that the sensed elements and the connection elements in their entirety form a tetrahedron on the corners of which the sensed elements are arranged. The material and/or the dimensions of the sensed elements and the material and/or the dimensions of the connection elements are adapted to one another in such a way that, under standard measurement conditions, the total coefficient of linear expansion from one sensed point to the next sensed point on different sensed elements is essentially zero.

Abstract: A support shaft is non-rotationally inserted into bearing plates of support member. Accelerator rotor is attached to support shaft and can rotate, and a driver rotates it by means of the actuation of the accelerator pedal. Sensor rotor of accelerator opening sensor is attached to support shaft and can rotate. Protruding portion of sensor rotor is engaged with recess portion formed in accelerator rotor. Because plate spring inserted into recess portion sandwiches protruding portion in a direction opposite of the direction of rotation, with respect to sensor rotor, shift or deviation in the direction of rotation of accelerator rotor is prevented. Further, with respect to sensor rotor, accelerator rotor can slide in contact with plate spring while sliding in the direction of support shaft and the radial direction of accelerator rotor.

Abstract: An orientation-adjusting device (2) having: a body (20) for holding a surface texture measuring tool (1), an orientation adjuster (30) having a leg rested on a workpiece for adjusting an orientation of the body (20) by adjusting height of the leg; and a height adjuster (40) for vertically moving the surface texture measuring tool in parallel to the body (20) is used for adjusting an orientation of the surface texture measuring tool (1), thus adjusting movement direction (base line (12A) direction) of the surface texture detecting sensor (11) in parallel with the surface of the workpiece. Accordingly, even when the dimension of the workpiece is large, only a space for disposing the body (20) is required on the workpiece, so that surface texture can be measured at high resolution without being restricted by size of the workpiece.

Abstract: The apparatus employs a steel ball which is mounted in upstanding manner on a pin and a frame on which a golf club is pivotally mounted to freely pivot. The golf club is pivoted from a fixed position to impact the head of a golf club against the steel ball and an oscilloscope is used to record the acceleration and movement of the steel ball from its fixed point in response to the impact of the head and also calculates a velocity history of the steel ball. The time at which the calculated velocity is at a maximum is determined. Several impacts are made to obtain an average characteristics time (tz) and the representative spring constant (Kc) of the clubhead is calculated using the equation: Kc=0.2971×tz−2.15570.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the puncture resistance of an aluminum can that has improved repeatability and more accurately simulates end-use punctures. A penetrator that moves in a horizontal direction and is driven by a falling weight impacts a pressurized aluminum can containing liquid. The aluminum can is impacted by a penetrator of the puncture gauge in an area below the liquid level. Various sensors, such as a load cell and a displacement transducer, measure data from the impact and the data is compiled and analyzed by a data acquisition system.

Abstract: The invention provides an arrangement for detecting ionization in the combustion chamber of a combustion motor where the fuel self-ignites by means of compression, as well as associated measurement device and calibration devices. A measurement tip extends substantially down into a main combustion chamber, which provides access to the portion of the combustion chamber where combustion first starts. The measurement device has a simple construction with good thermal conductivity. Using the calibration device according to the invention, the performance of the measurement device can be optimized from the point of view of control in different combustion motors in which the characteristic ion stream signal for each type of motor can be correlated against pressure data from combustion and used to calibrate the motor.

Abstract: A portable diagnostic system for testing gas pressure reduction equipment includes a computer arrangement 16 interfaced to an electro-pneumatic test unit 12 which provides test pressures for and receives information on displacement from the pressure reduction equipment. Unit 12 includes a number of valves including three solenoid on/off valves, a needle valve and an on/off ball valve. The position of the valve member of the needle valve is sensed by a position transducer. Displacement transducers 40 and 42 connected to the reduction equipment sense slamshut valve and regulator displacements pressure transducer 44 and a differential pressure transducer 102 are each connected to the equipment. Signals from the transducers are fed to a data acquisition system 210 which also drives the solenoid valves and the needle and ball valves, all under the control of the PC16 to give an indication for example of how far the valves are open in the regulating equipment (ie from the valve seat).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining the efficiency of an air preconditioning module having an energy transfer matrix disposed between a supply air flow to a building, and a return air flow from the building. In particular, a predetermined relationship is determined between pressure drop across measured across the matrix and the efficiency of the matrix.

Abstract: The vehicle drag racing simulation system includes a drag racing simulation area typically for a plurality of vehicles, such as a flatbed of a truck. A restraining assembly is provided for rigidly securing the vehicles to the platform in a generally upright position. A rotatable drive wheel support member is also provided in each drag racing simulation area, having an outer face for rotatably engaging the drive wheels of the vehicles. The rotatable drive wheel support member is operatively engaged with an eddy current braking device allowing the application of a braking torque for simulating drag racing inertial, aerodynamic, and frictional forces. A brake torque sensor and control unit are provided for feedback control of the application of braking torque applied by the eddy current braking device based upon desired brake torque and actual brake torque applied.

Abstract: This invention is a device for real-time measurement of torque output from an automobile engine. The device measures the deformation of damper springs of a planar clutch plate and interprets the deformation as the output torque while the automobile is in operation. The device is comprised of (i) a planar disc clutch plate which includes damper springs, (ii) first and second sets of posts which are welded onto the clutch plate, (iii) a signal pick-up sensor and (iv) an electronic circuit to process the picked-up signals.

Abstract: It is possible to dispense with a separate ambient pressure sensor. For that purpose, the ambient pressure pu is determined from the absolute pressure ps in the intake tract of an internal combustion engine, the intake air mass flow rate Q and the air temperature T, as well as a pressure loss coefficient Cb. Calibration of the value for the ambient pressure pu determined in this way when the internal combustion engine is idling or at a standstill makes it possible to diagnose an impermissibly contaminated air filter by deducing from the change in the pressure loss coefficient Cb.

Abstract: A method for influencing traction of motor vehicle tires made from polymer materials which are mounted and in the operating/driving state, in particular, pneumatic tires for motor vehicles, wherein an ionized gas (plasma) is generated in the vicinity of the surface of the rolling tire that is in the operating state, and wherein the ionized gas is conveyed onto a region of the surface in such a way that the ionized gas acts upon the respective surface region before said surface region rolls into the road contact surface region of the tire.

Abstract: A tire air pressure monitoring apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters provided in respective tires on a vehicle and a receiver mounted on the body frame of the vehicle. Each transmitter radio-transmits data regarding the internal air pressure of the associated tire. The receiver receives radio-transmitted data from each transmitter. The receiver displays the received data on a display and stores the data in a non-volatile memory. When a request signal from a predetermined external communication apparatus is received, the receiver radio-transmits data stored in the non-volatile memory to the external communication apparatus. This allows various kinds of data such as air pressure data to be easily loaded from the receiver to the external communication apparatus.