Abstract: A cylinder identifying system for an internal combustion engine enables fuel injection and ignition controls for individual cylinders to be speedily performed upon starting of engine. A cylinder identifying means (10) operating on the basis of a crank angle signal (SGT) and a cam signal (SGC) includes a pulse signal number storage means (12) for dividing an ignition control period of each cylinder into plural subperiods for counting for storage signal numbers of specific pulses generated over plural subperiods, and a subperiod discriminating means (14) for determining discriminatively a sequential order of the plural subperiods on the basis of combinations of the numbers of the specific pulses generated during the plural subperiods. The combinations of the numbers of specific pulses generated during the plural subperiods differ one another correspondingly to the plural subperiods independently from the start points thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely monitoring the level of lubricant in a sump of an internal combustion engine on a vehicle and remotely transferring lubricant from the engine sump including a lubricant tank mounted on the vehicle external to the vehicle's engine. The lubricant tank and the engine may each contain a quantity of gas above the respective lubricant levels in the tank and the sump with the pressure of gas contained in the lubricant tank being regulated relative to the pressure of gas contained in the engine such that the level of lubricant in the tank is indicative of and varies along with the level of lubricant in the engine sump. The apparatus may include an equalization connection between the sump and the tank and an evacuation connection to the tank for transferring lubricant from the tank. The tank may include a plurality of internal chambers situated for lubricant to flow between them to prevent lubricant from being drawn out of the sump below a lubricant low-level limit of the sump.

Abstract: The present application relates in general to methods for testing the performance of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions simulating those which occur in motor vehicles over extended driving conditions.

Abstract: A rapid tyre inflation plant comprising a low pressure high flow inflating gas source, an inflation device, a motor, a compressor driven by said motor and a control circuit arranged to control feed of low pressure inflating gas from said inflating gas source to said compressor and the feed of inflating gas at a relatively high flow and pressure to said inflation device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing formations surrounding an earth borehole. The method includes the following steps: providing a tool movable through the borehole; providing a flow line in the tool; establishing fluid communication between the formations and the flow line of the tool; and providing a sand trap in communication with the flow line of the tool for trapping sand flowing with fluid from the formations.

Abstract: In a well bore operation in which a particulate is added to a fluid stream, a method of determining the concentration of said particulate in said fluid stream comprising the steps of measuring the rate of flow of the fluid stream, determining the rate of particulate flow in the fluid stream using an acoustic sensor and calculating the concentration of particulate in the fluid stream using results from the measuring and determining steps.

Abstract: A level sensor mechanism for detecting liquid levels in storage tanks. A conduit is provided having an upper portion and a lower portion. The conduit may be adapted to receive a cable therein, may be substantially rigid and adapted to resist deflection. A sensor assembly body is provided and adapted to locate a level sensor therein. The sensor assembly body may be located in fixed relation to said conduit, and may be rigidly composed and adapted to resist deflection. A coupling member may be secured to said lower portion of said conduit, said coupling member fixedly securing said conduit to said sensor assembly body, said sensor assembly body being secured on said offset portion of said coupling member. The level sensor mechanism may thereby resist or eliminate deflection through the construction of the conduit, coupling member and sensor assembly body.

Abstract: An ultrasonic fluid level sensor for use in a fluid container, preferably a vehicle fuel tank. The fluid level sensor generally includes a single transceiver having measurement and reference sections, an impedance layer and a housing having a reference element and an aperture. The measurement and reference sections are independent ultrasonic transceivers that are disk-shaped and ring-shaped, respectively, and are generally concentric. The reference element is a ring-shaped portion of the housing that is axially spaced from the reference section at a known distance, and the aperture is a disk-shaped opening in the housing that is axially spaced from the measurement section. In operation, the sensor is able to provide signals to an electronic controller that enable the controller to determine a signal velocity calibrated measurement of the fluid level that is compensated for temperature, fluid composition, and other velocity affecting factors.

Abstract: A grounded wiper assembly for a fuel sensor includes a wiper housing for rotation relative to a variable resistor and a wiper with at least one contact operatively supported by the wiper housing for contacting the variable resistor as the wiper housing rotates. The grounded wiper assembly includes a float arm connected to the wiper housing and a float connected to the float arm such that the float moves the float arm and the wiper housing relative to the variable resistor as a level of fuel increases and decreases in the fuel tank. The grounded wiper assembly further includes a conductor interconnecting the float arm and the wiper to bleed off electrical charges attached to fuel to ground.

Abstract: An integrated composite beam structure. The structure has a substrate, which includes a surface and a thickness defined underlying the surface. The substrate is composed of a first material. A thickness of polymer based material includes a first portion, a length, and a second portion. The second is coupled to a portion of the substrate. The length is defined between the first portion and the second portion. The structure also has a spring constant (K) of less than a predetermined amount (e.g., 10 N/m, 1 N/m) characterizing the length of the polymer based beam structure. The first portion is capable of moving in a first direction characterized by the spring constant upon application of an externally applied force and is substantially fixed in a second direction, which is normal to the first direction. The second end is capable of returning to a predetermined state when the externally applied force has been removed.

Abstract: An acceleration measuring apparatus capable of calibrating its output with a zero-point in the state of no acceleration applied as well as sensitivity is disclosed. An acceleration measuring apparatus an acceleration sensor that detects each component of an acceleration and creates an output based on each of the detected component in each direction of at least two mutually perpendicular axes of orthogonal coordinates for acceleration sensor; a holding means that holds the acceleration sensor at at least two different positions, in which the acceleration sensor axes at one position each is at a different angle with the gravitational acceleration direction from the other; and a processing circuit.

Abstract: A tuning fork vibrator includes a long plate-shaped vibration unit having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, a base disposed at one end of the second principal surface of the vibration unit in the longitudinal direction, and a slit for dividing the vibration unit into two legs defining a tuning fork along the longitudinal direction symmetrically in the width direction of the vibration unit. The slit is formed so as to include a portion of the base in the vicinity to the vibration unit.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor comprises a fixed case member and a cover assembly collectively defining a closed space in which the oscillation plate and the piezoelectric element received therein. The oscillation plate and the piezoelectric element are oscillatably supported by a supporting portion formed on the central bottom portion of the fixed case member.

Abstract: Gearset-drive unit (10), in particular for use in motor vehicles, comprising a drive wheel (16) that meshes with a driven wheel (22),

Abstract: A semiconductor dynamic quantity sensor includes a supporting portion, an adhesive, and a sensor chip. The adhesive is located on a surface of the supporting portion. The sensor chip is located on the adhesive. The sensor chip and the supporting portion have been bonded together by heating the adhesive. The adhesive has a deformation factor of 0.5% or smaller at the temperature at which the adhesive is heated for bonding the sensor chip and the supporting portion together in order to reduce the stress caused by the hardening shrinkage of the adhesive.

Abstract: A system and method for providing resonant movement about a first axis. A functional surface supported by a first pair of torsional hinges is driven into resonant oscillations about the first axis by inertially coupling energy through the first pair of torsional hinges. The resonant movement may be moved orthogonally on the target area by a gimbals portion of the functional surface pivoting about a second axis according to one embodiment. The resonant oscillation of the functional surface is monitored to detect changes in frequency due to mass changes of the functional surface.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting an underground obstacle in which a plurality of acoustic signal sensors are deployed in a predetermined pattern on an area of ground defined by a guided drill path. A drill head of a drill is inserted into the ground and a borehole is drilled in the ground along the guided drill path. The noise signal generated by the drill head is detected at at least two of the acoustic signal sensors and the difference in arrival time of the noise signal at the two acoustic signal sensors is determined. This difference in arrival time of noise signal is analyzed, whereby the presence or absence of an underground obstacle is determined.

Abstract: A cover plate (130) which is a plate member made of sapphire is joined to a pressure sensor chip (110), to which a buffer member (120) is fixed, by using a coating solution prepared by adding titanium dioxide to an aqueous solution of boehmite (AlO(OH)) which is a hydroxymineral of aluminum.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing the level of retained gas at elevated pressure in plastic containers for carbonated beverages includes a manifold assembly for engaging the mouth of a test set of the containers. The apparatus additionally includes a gas supply for supplying a desired quantity of a selected gas to each container, the gas preferably helium. The apparatus further includes pressure measuring units for measuring the pressure in each container, and a data collection system coupled to the pressure measuring units for periodically collecting pressure data along with ambient temperature data as a function of time. The collected data can be analyzed to determine shelf life of the containers. Using helium, the shelf life determination can be accomplished in about {fraction (1/7)}th the time of conventional shelf life tests.

Abstract: A port fitting is formed with a closed, pedestal end forming a diaphragm on which a strain gauge sensor is mounted. A support member is received on the pedestal end and is formed with a flat end wall having an aperture aligned with the sensor. A portion of a flexible circuit assembly is bonded to the flat end wall with a connector disposed over the support member. A tubular outer housing is fitted over the several components and its bottom portion is welded to the port fitting while its top portion places a selected load on an O-ring received about the connector as well as internal components of the transducer. In one embodiment, a loading washer (72a) is disposed over the O-ring on a first portion (70a) of a two portion connector (70) and retained by a second connector portion (70b). Protrusions (76a1) formed on the tubular housing (76) pass through cut-outs in the second connector portion to place a load on the loading washer.

Abstract: A port fitting is formed with a closed, pedestal end forming a diaphragm on which a strain gauge sensor is mounted. A support member is received on the pedestal end and is formed with a flat end wall having an aperture aligned with the sensor. A portion of a flexible circuit assembly is bonded to the flat end wall with a connector disposed over the support member. A tubular outer housing is fitted over the several components and its bottom portion is welded to the port fitting while its top portion places a selected load on an O-ring received about the connector as well as internal components of the transducer. In one embodiment, a loading washer (72a) is disposed over the O-ring on a first portion (70a) of a two portion connector (70) and retained by a second connector portion (70b). Protrusions (76a1) formed on the tubular housing (76) pass through cut-outs in the second connector portion to place a load on the loading washer.

Abstract: A port fitting is formed with a closed, pedestal end forming a diaphragm on which a strain gauge sensor is mounted. A support member is received on the pedestal end and is formed with a flat end wall having an aperture aligned with the sensor. A portion of a flexible circuit assembly is bonded to the flat end wall with a connector disposed over the support member. A tubular outer housing is fitted over the several components and its bottom portion is welded to the port fitting while its top portion places a selected load on an O-ring received about the connector as well as internal components of the transducer. In one embodiment, a loading washer (72a) is disposed over the O-ring on a first portion (70a) of a two portion connector (70) and retained by a second connector portion (70b). Protrusions (76a1) formed on the tubular housing (76) pass through cut-outs in the second connector portion to place a load on the loading washer.

Abstract: A micromechanical assembly couples to a positioning member and to a body having an aerodynamic surface subject to aerodynamic forces. The micromechanical assembly comprises a substrate including a flexible beam joining a first substrate portion that is attachable to the positioning member to a second substrate portion that is attachable to the body. The substrate includes a substrate surface extending at least over the flexible beam. A lithographic pattern is formed on the substrate surface. The lithographic pattern includes at least a first impedance element that senses flexing of the flexible beam. Contact pads are coupled to the lithographic pattern for coupling to a flex measurement circuit.

Abstract: A method for detecting cracks in a honeycomb structure includes the steps of: placing the honeycomb structure on the upper face of a first plate with the two end faces of the honeycomb structure facing up and down, respectively; applying to the honeycomb structure impact load adequately heavy to make powdery substance fall off the cracked portions of the honeycomb structure; and detecting the powdery substance having fallen off the cracked portions. The method enables the detection of cracks in the honeycomb structure to be simpler and easier and the honeycomb structure to be hardly damaged.

Abstract: A container for storing sport balls incorporates a device for testing the playing condition of the balls. The test device is in the form of a disk with a base portion supported within the container and an indicator arm. A ball to be tested is placed into the container where it rests on the indicator arm with a portion of the ball protruding out of the open end of the container. The exposed portion of the ball is pressed against a flat surface. This deflects the indicator arm and provides a visual indication of the playing condition of the ball.

Abstract: A flowmeter detector for determining the flow volume of a fluid medium that includes a measuring line having first and second ends and a fluid medium entry and exit ports adjacent the fist and second ends and fluid medium flowing between the entry and exit ports is disclosed. An acoustic transducer is located at each end of the measuring line and each acoustic transducer has an overall dimension less than the cross-section diameter of the measuring line. The acoustic transducers are first operated to simultaneously transmit pulsed acoustic energy into the measuring line. The transducers are subsequently operated to receive the acoustic energy propagated through the measuring line. The flow volume is determined by evaluating the difference in the travel times of the pulsed acoustic energy propagated through the measuring line.

Abstract: Since, as a rule, there are several such PSTs on an aircraft, this results in a marked reduction in weight and aerodynamic drag, and savings in the required electric power in conjunction with a simultaneous increase in the accuracy of measurement of the angle of attack. All this permits a substantial increase in the competitiveness of the proposed fuselage Pitot-static tube.

Abstract: A fuel mass flowmeter 10 includes a rotatable drum 22 through which fuel to be metered may pass and an impeller 24 mounted within the drum such that it may rotate relative thereto but is biased against such rotation by a spring 26. The drum 22 may be rotated as fuel is passed therethrough, the passage of the fuel past vanes 36 on the impeller causing the impeller to rotate relative to the drum 22, the extent of rotation depending upon the mass flow rate. The rate of rotation of the drum 22 is measured and a correction factor is applied to the measured mass flow rate, the magnitude of the correction factor depending upon the rate of rotation of the drum 22.

Abstract: The invention relates to a testing device for measuring torques with a sensor for generating electrical signals in response to exerted torques, and signal processing means, to which the electrical signals are applied and which provide measuring values of the exerted torque. The invention provides a plurality of measuring heads, which either may have different measuring ranges or may be adapted to different tools to be tested. Each of these measuring heads has its own signal processing means. The signal processing means are calibrated in the same way, such that the torque measuring data of different measuring heads can be compared with each other. When calibrating a measuring head, the individual signal processing means can also be adjusted to take individual non-linearities of the torque sensors into account. The measuring heads can then simply be connected in parallel with the display or evaluation means.

Abstract: A torque sensor for magnetically detecting torque transmitted to a rotatable shaft without directly contacting the shaft comprises a magnetic alloy and one or more sensing elements about the magnetic alloy to measure a magnetic field emanating from the magnetic alloy without being affected by anomalies in magnetic alloy.

Abstract: A transmission shift system for idler wheels comprising at least one actuating device that actuates a respective sliding sleeve non-rotatably connected with a main shaft in order to bring the sliding sleeve to positive fit with an idler wheel to be shifted. It is provided that the shiftable idler wheel is disposed upon the main shaft directly juxtaposed in axial direction and that the respective actuating devices are provided as unit on the main shaft outside the group of idler wheels, each actuating device being connected with the respective sliding sleeve via at least one connecting element extending along the main shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable brake and throttle pedal assembly for a vehicle which includes a throttle pedal arm and support arm pivotally mounted to a bracket. An electronic throttle control unit is mounted to the bracket at the pivot point of the pedal arm assembly. A first adjustment drive mechanism extends in a space formed between the support arm and throttle pedal arm. The adjustable brake and throttle pedal assembly also includes a brake pedal arm mounted to the bracket. A second adjustment mechanism is operatively attached to the brake pedal arm. The second adjustment mechanism is operatively connected to the first adjustment mechanism, to cooperatively position the throttle pedal arm and the brake pedal arm at a selected position between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: A solid handlebar expansion sleeve which expands and shapes any desired portion of handlebars to increase a rider's control by engaging the forearm muscles through accommodating the full use of the length of the phalanxes of the fingers encircling the sleeve. This enables the rider to achieve a solid, full-fisted grasp, relying on the forearm muscles and avoiding wrist fatigue to become an ergonomically healthier grip. The handlebar extension is a split sleeve formed of rigid, molded plastic, with a series of three recessed screws, in an ergonomic, eccentric, oval shape which has a larger-diameter rounded palm receiving portion on top, and, a smaller-diameter rounded phalanx receiving portion extending away from the handlebar along the bottom. The two flat sides between the rounded portions receive the phalanxes of the fingers, contacting the flat sides with the fingers in a V-shape.

Abstract: A solid handlebar expansion sleeve expands and shapes any desired portion of the handlebars. A rider's control is increased by engaging the forearm muscles through the full use of the palm and the full length of the phalanxes of the fingers contacting the sleeve. The rider achieves a solid, full-fisted grasp, relying on the forearm muscles and avoiding wrist fatigue for an ergonomically healthier grip. A split sleeve with three recessed screws is formed of rigid, molded plastic, in an eccentric oval shape which has a larger-diameter rounded palm receiving portion on top, and, a smaller-diameter rounded phalanx receiving portion extending away from the handlebar along the bottom. Two flat sides between the rounded portions receive the phalanxes of the fingers, contacting the flat sides with the fingers in a V-shape. Additional finger bracing protrusions and rubberized coatings and sleeves create a handlebar expander grip.

Abstract: A connecting rod assembly that is provided with an integral pre-set tension that is helpful in the use of the connecting rod assembly when installed in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An improved bicycle crankarm consisting of a crankarm having a fixed member and a swivel member. The swivel member provides for the mounting of a pedal. After mounting, the pedal is in a perpendicular state relative to the crankarm and provides for treadling. When the host bicycle is not being utilized or prepared for packaging, the pedal can be directly pivoted into an overlaid configuration relative to the upper and lower ends of the crankarm. As such, the host bicycle does not have the inadequate strength drawbacks that are often the case with a foldable pedal. At the same time, the present invention provides for operating convenience and effectively achieves the objectives of reduced physical dimensions and space.

Abstract: A securing device of a pedal is connected to a surface of the body and includes a pawl which is pivotably connected to the body and has teeth defined therein. A first end of a toe strap is secured connected to a securing member connected to a side of the body and a tail or free end of the toe strap has teeth defined therein. The free or tail end of the toe strap is folded and engaged with the teeth of the pawl. By the securing device, the free or tail end of the toe strap is well positioned.

Abstract: The process and the device serve for decreasing the oxygen content of a copper melt. One or more [porous] flushing plugs, from which a scavenging gas emerges, are arranged in the perpendicular direction in the lower region of the copper melt. The scavenging gas ascends into the copper melt, and the copper melt itself is electrically stirred. The copper is initially melted in a shaft furnace, and then it is led to a treatment furnace via a transportation channel. As a result of flowing out of the [porous] flushing plugs, the scavenging gas ascends into the copper melt both in the region of the transportation channel and also in the region of the treatment furnace. The scavenging gas flows out of at least one of the [porous] flushing plugs with a composition corresponding to 30% to 70% reducing gas and 70% to 30% inert gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a silicon nitride-based sintered body having excellent mechanical properties from room temperature to a medium-low temperature range, a low friction coefficient and excellent wear resistance; a raw material powder for the sintered body; a method of producing the raw material powder; and a method of producing the sintered body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing gold powders. The method comprises providing a vacuum environment and using an electric target to vaporize a source gold to produce gold powders. A spinner is operated and provides ultrasonic vibration effects. The spinner has cooling devices on the inner wall of spinner to cool down the up-rising gold powers and reduce the adhesive force of the gold powders. A static-electronic collector is then used to collect the gold powders.

Abstract: A tool for connecting and disconnecting a coupling having a combination of pliers and a wrench. The pliers have a first jaw with extensions which are positioned over the yokes of the first part of the coupling and a second jaw for positioning adjacent the second part of the coupling. The wrench has a third jaw which is slidably attached to the second jaw. The third jaw has extensions which are positioned around the yokes of the second part of the coupling. The pliers of the tool are used to compress the first and second parts of the coupling together. The wrench is used to rotate the second part of the coupling to disconnect or connect the coupling.

Abstract: A Phillips head screw driver bit for being driven with a power tool, includes a shank having a working end for engaging with and for driving fasteners. The working end of the shank includes four slots for forming four blades each of which includes a cutter leading edge for drilling into objects, and for guiding the fasteners to be easily engaged into the objects without additional drilling tools. The cutter leading edges of the blades may engaged into the damaged or broken fasteners for forcedly removing the fasteners from the objects without additional extracting tools.

Abstract: This invention provides a clamping nut which prevents, at the time of rotation of the clamping nut, a fastening force that is imparted in the radial direction of the clamping nut towards the inside of the clamping nut, from operating on a converting part formed on the inner surface of the clamping nut, thereby enhancing rotation efficiency and making it possible to securely clamp a clamp object member. This invention also provides a tool holder with the above-described clamping nut, and a spanner for the fastening of the clamping nut. The clamping nut has an annular groove which takes the form of an annular shape over its outer surface in at least a section of the area on its outer surface that corresponds to a female screw, and which will not come in contact with the spanner.

Abstract: A wrench includes a wrench body having a ring portion and a handle portion. A retainer that holds a plurality of wedge members at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction of the ring portion is disposed inside the ring portion. Wedge guide grooves are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the ring portion to be arranged at intervals corresponding to those of the wedge members. Each of the wedge guide grooves has a free region which maintains the corresponding wedge member in a free state in which the wedge member moves freely between a bottom surface of the corresponding wedge guide groove and the outer circumferential surface of a fastening member, and left-hand and right-hand wedge regions each of which maintains the corresponding wedge member in a caught state in which the wedge member is caught between the bottom surface of the corresponding wedge guide groove and the outer circumferential surface of the fastening member.

Abstract: Ratchet socket for fitting onto a screwed member. The ratchet socket is drivable by a tool to wrench the screwed member. The ratchet socket includes: a cylindrical main body formed with at least one internal circular hole and at least one through hole formed on the circumference of the main body and communicating with the circular hole; and a ratchet mechanism including a ratchet wheel rotatably disposed in the circular hole, a dog member movably accommodated in the through hole and a resilient hoop fitted around the main body to exert a resilient force onto the outer side of the dog member, keeping the dog member resiliently engaged with the ratchet wheel. When the dog member is engaged with the ratchet wheel, the ratchet mechanism provides a ratchet effect and the main body of the socket is one-way drivingly engaged with the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A wrench includes a head, a gear, an engagement element and a bent spring. The head defines a circular space and a crescent space communicated with the circular space. The gear includes a plurality of teeth, and is received in the circular space. The engagement element includes a concave face formed with a plurality of teeth and a convex face, and is received in the crescent space. The teeth of the engagement element are engaged with some of the teeth of the gear. The convex face contacts a wall of the crescent space. The bent spring includes a first section and a second section, and is received in the crescent space so that the first section of the spring contacts the wall of the crescent space and the second section of the spring contacts the engagement element.

Abstract: A kickoff socket assembly includes a socket and an insert member that fits closely inside the socket. The insert member includes a body portion and a projection. The projection integrally extends from the body portion, and has a distal end disposed a predetermined distance from the open end of the socket, and is narrower in diameter than the body portion of the insert member. In use, a nut is placed over the projection such that the projection extends partially through the nut. The nut is engaged with a threaded shaft and the socket is rotated to drive the nut onto the shaft. Rotation of the nut is stopped by engagement of the distal end of the projection with the shaft when the nut is threaded the predetermined distance on the shaft.

Abstract: An anti-theft device is used with an attachment device used to attach a hubcap to a wheel of a vehicle or a rim to an axle of a vehicle. Such an attachment device may be a bolt or a nut. The anti-theft device has a receiving portion and a key portion. The receiving portion of the anti-theft device receives a head of the attachment device. The key portion has a key arrangement provided on thereon.

Abstract: A coupling device includes a polygonal coupling part on one of the parts to be coupled for engaging a complementary polygonal counterpart on another of the parts to be coupled. The polygonal coupling part has outer side faces, a longitudinal bore therein, and a first transverse bore with a ball therein intersecting the longitudinal bore and one of the side faces. An actuating body tapering at first and second ends is guided for longitudinal movement in the longitudinal bore between an extended position wherein the first end moves the ball radially into a locking position and a retracted position permitting inward movement of the ball out of its locking position. A second transverse bore intersecting the longitudinal bore guides a releasing element having a cam surface engaging the second end of the actuating body. The releasing element is movable against the action of a biasing spring to move the actuating body from its extended position to its retracted position.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle and a shank extends from a first end of the handle. A plurality of recesses are defined in an outer surface of the handle and located close to the first end of the handle so that the thumb of the user may put in one of the recesses. A plurality of ridges extend from an outside of the handle.