Abstract: An installation for generating energy comprises a compressor assembly for compressing air, having a low-pressure compressor, which is connected to a high-pressure compressor via a primary air path. Furthermore, a compressor turbine assembly is provided for the purpose of driving the low-pressure compressor and/or the high-pressure compressor. The installation also has a combustion device for burning a suitable mixture of compressed air and a fuel, and a power turbine with a rotatable shaft for releasing mechanical energy. An exhaust-gas pipe system is connected to the exhaust-gas outlet of the power turbine.

Abstract: An injector includes a plurality of flat, circular plates which provide fuel delivery and cooling of the injector. Fuel delivery passages in the plates have swirl chambers and spray orifices which are formed by chemical etching. A pair of fuel delivery plates define a fuel cavity therebetween, and include a plurality of radially-outwardly extending spokes, with the spokes from one fuel plate in adjacent, surface-to-surface relation with opposing spokes from the adjacent fuel plate. A fuel passage is defined between each of the opposing spokes, leading from the fuel cavity to a fuel outlet opening at the distal end of each spoke. A fuel tube delivers fuel to the fuel cavity between the plates, from where the fuel is then directed through the outlet openings. Downstream plates shape the fuel into appropriate sprays for ignition. An upstream cooling plate assembly directs air against the upstream fuel plate, and radially outwardly along the spokes of the upstream plate.

Abstract: A fuel ratio control method and a device therefor in a gas turbine combustor are provided in which supply ratio of pilot fuel to main fuel is appropriately maintained to thereby avoid unstable combustion, such as combustion vibration or misfire, and to realize a low NOx combustion. Fuel ratio control signal CSO is set corresponding to generator output LGEN put out by a generator output input unit 1. Pilot fuel ratio control is performed by correcting the fuel ratio control signal CSO corresponding to condition change in both or either one of combustion air and fuel. The condition change in the combustion air is at least one of changes in compressor on-line vane washing, ambient humidity, ambient pressure, etc. and the condition change in the fuel is a change in fuel component. The signal correction is also made by gas turbine deterioration factor or change rate in the generator output.

Abstract: A food chiller including an enclosed container supported on a base receives a flow of cooling air from a Peltier effect thermoelectric module in the base through cool air inlet openings into the container. Air is returned from the container to the base by a fan mounted in the air duct system in communication with the cold sink of the thermoelectric device. In each of the disclosed embodiments, duct length is minimized and air flow into the container is optimized by air hole placement and orientation.

Abstract: A temperature controlled storage container integrated into the trim member of a vehicle comprising a storage container integrated into said trim member. A thermoelectric heat pump is employed to provide temperature control to the storage container and to selectively heat or cool the container. Optionally, a duct is added that is in communication with the thermoelectric heat pump wherein the duct is also in communication with air intake resulting from motion of the vehicle and wherein the duct is also capable of venting outside of said vehicle.

Abstract: A chilled item server is disclosed including an outer barrel formed of thermoplastic material that has a generally cylindrical shape, substantially vertical sides, a generally flat, closed bottom, and an open top having an annular ledge. An inner liner fits within the outer barrel and has a generally elongated truncated pyramidal shape, a generally flat bottom, an open top with an extended rim formed to compliment the generally square opening shape of the outer barrel and to rest on the annular ledge. A chamber is located between the inner liner and the outer barrel and is filled with polystyrene foam. At least one freezer panel is formed of appropriate size and shape to fit within the inner liner. The freezer panel is formed of thermoplastic material and arranged in a syncline. The freezer panels have cavities within each freezer panel that is filled with 2% saline solution. Casters are mounted to the generally flat bottom of the outer barrel.

Abstract: Rather than having a frame into which, or upon which, an air conditioning system is mounted, a bus rooftop air conditioning module has a unibody which is formed partially of structural members interconnected to the tube sheets of the evaporator and condenser coils to form a structural body which supports the components of the system. In this way the coil tube sheets combine with other structural members to form the supporting body.

Abstract: A module is provided for attachment to the roof of a bus and includes all of necessary components for conditioning the return air from the passenger compartment and delivering conditioned air thereto. A module can be ganged in various relationships to collectively provide the total capacity required by the bus. Each module includes an evaporator section, a condenser section and a power section including a compressor and an inverter. The evaporator sections have a return air compartment that extends a substantial distance across the roof of the bus such that a single design can meet the needs of various return air duct installations of various types of buses. Provision is made for the selectively mixing of return air with fresh air, with the mixture then being passed by the evaporator blower through the evaporator coils and into the supply air ducts.

Abstract: A bus rooftop air conditioning system is made up of one or more self-contained modules having one or more evaporator sections and one or more condenser sections, with each extending transversely across the width of the bus, and with the evaporator sections fluidly communicating with both a common return air opening and a common supply air opening of the bus. The modules may be of a single unit configuration with a single condenser section and a single evaporator section or they may be of a double unit configuration having two condenser sections and two evaporator sections. The total capacity requirements are met by combining the use of single units and double unit configuration, with each of the evaporator sections communicating with a single return air opening and a single supply air opening in a bus.

Abstract: A closed-cycle apparatus for cooling a living body includes a heat pickup body or garment which permits evaporation of an evaporating fluid, transmission of the vapor to a condenser, and return of the condensate to the heat pickup body. A thermal battery cooling source is provided for removing heat from the condenser. The apparatus requires no external power and provides a cooling system for soldiers, race car drivers, police officers, firefighters, bomb squad technicians, and other personnel who may utilize protective clothing to work in hostile environments. An additional shield layer may simultaneously provide protection from discomfort, illness or injury due to harmful atmospheres, projectiles, edged weapons, impacts, explosions, heat, poisons, microbes, corrosive agents, or radiation, while simultaneously removing body heat from the wearer.

Abstract: A beverage, for example a draught beverage, which may already be cooled before introduction into a drinking vessel is introduced into the vessel into which additional cooled material is introduced. The cooled material may be frozen water which is used to dilute the beverage to a desired strength e.g. a desired alcoholic strength. Alternatively the cooled material may be frozen beverage.

Abstract: At least one bypass assembly for use in a heating-refrigeration system having a distributor body with a first and second orifice, an inner chamber and a plurality of fluid passages integrated within, and a conduit connected to the distributor body. The conduit has a first end that connects with a component in the heating-refrigeration system, a second end that connects to the first orifice of the distributor body and a third end connected to the second orifice of the distributor body. A metering device is integrated into the conduit. The second orifice of the distributor body has a valve seat integrated therewithin and the conduit has at least one inwardly projecting indentation located in close proximity to the third end of the conduit. A ball is positioned between the valve seat and the inwardly projecting indentations for reciprocating movement therebetween.

Abstract: An ice bin insert (10) separates a single store of ice pieces into separate stashes, namely, into potable and non-potable portions. The insert (10) includes a divider (C, D) dimension to be received within an ice holding cavity of an ice bin (30). Support members (B, E) attached to the divider (C, D) hold the divider (C, D) at a desired position within the ice holding cavity of the ice bin (30). A plurality of perforations (12) are arranged within the divider (C, D) so as to permits ice pieces to flow from a first side thereof to a second side thereof while inhibiting retrieval of ice pieces on the second side from the first side. Preferably, the insert (10) is constructed from a unitary sheet of stainless steel which is bent to define the respective portions or sections thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing, chilling and dispensing a beverage is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plate of frozen plate material supported by a base block. At least one conduit is cut into the frozen plate. The conduit 40 may be an open channel, partially enclosed channel or a tube. When the apparatus is oriented for use, the plate is fixed at a downward slope angle such that the conduit follows a overall downward path. A beverage is poured from a dispenser into the conduit at a beverage entry. The beverage flows down the conduit contacting and being chilled by the conduit surface. A portion of the conduit surface may melt and enter the beverage. The beverage is then collected in a receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is a beverage dispenser 10 that can be assembled virtually entirely by hand without the need for hand or power tools. Exterior cladding panels 14, 50, 52, 54 and 70 thereof provide for interlocking assembly. A new ice bank evaporator structure 46, baffle 28 and method of ice bank control are also shown. In addition, dispenser 10 includes a merchandising cover 100 that permits for quick low cost conversion from an opaque display to one utilizing a back-lit transparency 120. Dispenser 10 further includes a molded plastic box 146 releasably securable to the base panel 14 thereof for retaining syrup pumps 134 therein for permitting quick access thereto.

Abstract: A refrigeration container is provided with a manually operated fresh air vent with a position sensor which provides a signal to the microprocessor based controller indicative of the position of the fresh air vent. The fresh air vent controls both the providing of fresh air to the circulating air in the container and the exhausting a portion of the circulating air. The evaporator fan is run continuously when the air vent is open to prevent the build up of gases produced by the perishable cargo.

Abstract: A portable cooler having a body portion, including a bottom face, a front face, a rear face, and a pair of opposing side portions. The body portion defines an internal cavity. The cooler includes a lid portion that is in communication with the body portion. The internal cavity has at least one partition member disposed therein that is lying generally parallel to the bottom face. The at least one partition member divides the internal cavity into an upper portion and a lower portion. The at least one partition member includes a plurality of holes formed therein such that ice can be positioned with the contents of the cooler in the upper portion and water can flow through the plurality of holes to accumulate in the lower portion as the ice melts.

Abstract: A canister is attached to a header tank and includes an upper inlet and a lower outlet. Before end cap is brazed to close the bottom of canister, a tube of desiccant material is installed into the canister by a standoff. The standoff includes a disk shaped base and narrow central post which is comparable in length to the height of the inlet above the lower end cap. This is followed by inserting a spur of a higher melting temperature into the canister into a position and extending radially from the post and into an interference fit with the interior wall of the canister that is tighter than the interference fit between the base and the canister.

Abstract: Natural gas liquefaction method wherein the natural gas is cooled, condensed and subcooled by indirect heat exchange with two cooling mixtures to a temperature such that the natural gas does not remain entirely liquid under pressure after expansion to the atmospheric pressure. The liquid natural gas under pressure is expanded to form a gas phase and a liquid phase. The gas phase can be either compressed and recycled to the process inlet, or used as a fuel. The liquid phase is expanded to form a gas phase and a liquid phase. The gas phase is compressed and recycled to the process inlet. The liquid phase constitutes the liquefied natural gas produced.

Abstract: A combination ring and object holder with an integral spring is designed to secure and retain an object, such as a lollipop. The combination ring and object holder includes a ring, preferably fabricated from plastic, with a substantially flat upper surface to which a spring is secured, and further includes a coupling member secured to the opposite end of the spring which preferably defines a central opening in the upper surface thereof for receiving and retaining an object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manufacture of synthetic vitreous silica ingots involves the production of a melt of synthetic vitreous silica in a crucible (35) within a refractory furnace (31), and the continuous withdrawal of an ingot (43) through an orifice (40) in the wall of the crucible. The silica may be deposited in the crucible by a synthesis burner (33), which may also serve to maintain the silica above its sintering temperature. The emerging ingot is supported by an arrangement of moveable clamps (44).

Abstract: A method and furnace are described for producing a fused oxide body by decomposing a precursor compound of the oxide in a flame to form molten oxide particles and collecting those particles in a furnace constructed of a refractory material to form a fused oxide body, the improvement in the method comprising treating the refractory material with a strong acid in liquid form to react with, and thereby remove, contaminants from at least the surface of the refractory material.

Abstract: A molten glass pump preferably includes one or more pumps which form either a single-stage apparatus or are combined in series to form a multi-stage apparatus. The exact configuration depends on the required process pressure and the required degree of glass homogenization. Examples of the invention include an auger pump and a mixing auger pump which have varying degrees of mixing action, as well as a homogenizing pump which provides some pumping action but is primarily a homogenizer. All three pumps preferably include a centerline flow recirculation feature which remixes inhomogeneous glass into the incoming glass stream. A counter-rotating sleeve, which straightens the glass flow exiting the apparatus and provides an additional flow recirculation path, is also preferably included.

Abstract: Multiplexing and demultiplexing single-mode fiber optic couplers are fabricated by aligning two single-mode fibers which have been stripped of their protective plastic jackets and cleaned so that they are held in parallel contact with each other, and then fusing these fibers to achieve a desired fusion profile and elongating the fused fibers to achieve a match point between the wavelength period and the polarization phase. The elongation process is interrupted and resumed as required to obtain a precise match point required to produce the desired multiplexing or demultiplexing coupler.

Abstract: A method for increasing the photosensitivity of a selected portion of an optical fiber and for producing a grating in the selected portion of an optical fiber. The method includes the step of placing the selected portion of the optical fiber in a hydrogen containing atmosphere. The volume of the hydrogen-containing atmosphere immediately surrounding only the selected portion of the optical fiber is heated to a temperature of at least 250° C. Only the selected portion of the optical fiber is exposed to the heated volume of the hydrogen-containing atmosphere at a temperature of at least 250° C. for a predetermined time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine capable of changing program and solving a fundamental problem of malfunction.

Abstract: A computer lock includes a lock body, a cover, a lock core, an action body, an action shaft, and a locking block. Thus, the computer lock is used for securing the notebook computer to an article, such as a fixed upright or leg, thereby providing an anti-theft function to protect the notebook computer efficiently. In addition, the computer lock is operated easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user operating the computer lock.

Abstract: A locking assembly for a surfboard enables the board to be tethered to a non-portable object with a lockable cable. The cable passes through a transverse hole in one of the fins. To prevent the fin from being removed from the by a thief, a rigid sleeve is provided that slides over the fin. It is provided with a transverse hole in registry with the hole in the fin, so that the cable will pass through the sleeve and the fin. This renders the two inseparable. A flange affixed to the base of the sleeve covers the fasteners that fasten the fin to the board. This prevents the thief from removing the fin from the board.

Abstract: A security device for securing an equipment component, such as a laptop computer, having opposite corner portions. The security device includes a first securing member including a first restraining member for engaging a first corner of the component, and an elongate arm extending from the first restraining member, and a second securing member including a second restraining member for engaging a second corner of the component that is diagonal to the first corner, and a releasable locking device for engaging the arm to prevent movement of the first and second restraining members away from each other when in an engagement position. The first and second restraining members each include a first pair of spaced apart opposed engagement members for restraining movement of the component in a first plane, and a second pair of spaced apart opposed engagement members for restraining movement of the component in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: A lock assembly for use in combination with an electric meter box or other like enclosure having a bottom, a side wall, and a cover which may be opened to gain access to the interior of the box, and which when closed, overlaps an upper edge of the side wall. The lock assembly includes a bracket having first and second mutually spaced flanges integrally joined by an intermediate web. A jaw is mechanically interengaged with and carried by the bracket for movement between its flanges. The bracket is configured for removable mounting on the side wall, with its intermediate web interposed between the cover and the upper edge of the side wall, and with the first flange and the jaw respectively located adjacent exterior and interior surfaces of the side wall. The jaw is urged towards the first flange to clamp the side wall therebetween, and a cap is secured to the bracket. The cap has a lip configured and dimensioned to overlap and maintain the cover in a closed position.

Abstract: The key collecting device comprises an upper and a lower housing each having a central base portion extending radially outwardly to form spaced spokes mutually opposite to the corresponding ones of themselves, every two of the spaced spokes opposite to each other form an operation space with the other two. The spokes have pairs of mutually opposite curved recesses mutually connected to form clamping channels for an annular ring with a notch. These housings further have a pair of mutually opposite recesses communicating with a corresponding one of the curved recesses for placing therein a slide-controlling member to be moved from outside to control closing and opening of the annular ring being movably positioned between these housings and controlled to rotate and moved into the interior of a pair of the spaced spokes opposite to each other, or to an operation space between two pairs of the mutually opposite spaced spokes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for shaping an initial profile (16a) or a similar workpiece, which comprises a profile space, into a final profile by using an internal high pressure that is generated in the sealed profile space by a flowable active medium. In order to shape the initial profile (16a) comprising at least one corner area (28n), preferably at least two corner area (28n), wall sections (34) which connect in the corner area (28n) are preshaped such that their cross-sections are curved counter to the direction of pressure, and are subsequently straightened by the internal high pressure of the flowable active medium while displacing the corner area (28n) in a direction of pressure.

Abstract: Vibration damping apparatus (40) includes a body in the form of backup roll balance piston (42) positionable for sliding movement in an enclosure in the form of cavity (44) in the lower backup roll chock (30) of the mill stack (10). The body of the piston is a casing which performs the role of a conventional postion. A damping means is integral with the piston (42) for providing vibration damping of opposing backup roll chocks (24, 30). The damping means is a specially designed absorption system to provide tuned stiffness and damping elements which act in parallel and are located in compartment (46) at an uppermost end or cap of the piston (42). A second vibration absorbent compartment portion (56) of the piston (42) also includes vibration absorbing components. Portion (56) is an integral cap located at the end of the piston (42) in contact with the fluid (52).

Abstract: A sheet material cutter and bending brake combination includes a sheet bending brake having a base member with a clamp surface, and an anvil member for clamping sheet material against the clamp surface. The anvil member has a track extending longitudinally of the anvil member and the brake. The track includes a pair of parallel channels that are at an angle to each other, and are laterally spaced from each other—i.e., laterally of the longitudinal dimension of the brake and the longitudinal direction of the track. The track also includes a second channel extending along the anvil member parallel to the first channel and disposed between the lip and the clamp surface. A cutter has a frame, and first and second pairs of track rollers mounted on the frame. The first pair of track rollers have outwardly extending peripheries for receipt in the first channel, and the second pair of track rollers have outwardly extending peripheries for receipt in the second channel.

Abstract: A shock tube comprises a driver section, an expansion section connected to the driver section, and an extension connected to the expansion section. Shock absorbent material is disposed within a cavity defined by the driver section and extension section. At least one active vent is disposed over respective holes in the extension section that are connected to the cavity. The extension section is adjustable between one of at least two positions such that a length of the extension section in a first position is longer than a length of the extension section in a second position. The length of the gas column contained within the driver section can also be adjusted by the position of a movable bulkhead.

Abstract: The oxygen concentration lambda in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is determined by establishing the average of the upper value OW and the lower value UW of the square-wave sum voltage Vsum corresponding to the difference DELTA Vs between the Nernst voltage Vs and the reference voltage Vref and converting this into a proportional pump current Ip which produces a Rc lambda—proportional voltage at the calibration resistor. The difference between the upper value OW and lower value UW of the sum voltage Vsum is used as a temperature measurement voltage Vri for regulating the temperature of the probe.

Abstract: A system and technique for determining fluid properties includes an ultrasonic transducer 30 on a first surface 42 of a solid member 40. An opposed second surface 44 of the member 40 is in contact with a fluid 25 to be monitored. A longitudinal ultrasonic pulse is delivered through the solid member, and a multiplicity of pulse echoes caused by reflections of the ultrasonic pulse between the solid-fluid interface and the transducer-solid interface are detected and processed by a processing apparatus 22. The apparatus 22 determines the decay rate of the detected echo amplitude as a function of echo number and compares this value to a calibrated decay rate to determine an acoustic property of the fluid. The speed of ultrasound in the fluid is also determined and the fluid density is determined as a function of the speed of ultrasound and the determined acoustic property.

Abstract: Gas sensor devices are provided having an atomically flat silicon carbide top surface that, in turn, provides for a uniform, and reproducible surface thereof.

Abstract: A continuous processing trap apparatus is capable of increasing the trapping efficiency while maintaining conductance required by a vacuum chamber. The trap apparatus includes an exhaust passage for evacuating a hermetically sealed chamber by a vacuum pump, a hermetically sealed trapping and regenerating casing extending across the exhaust passage and a regenerating passage adjacent to the exhaust passage, and a trap unit movably housed in the trapping and regenerating casing for selective movement between a trapping position connected to the exhaust passage and a regenerating position connected to the regenerating passage. The trap apparatus further includes valve bodies disposed one on each side of the trap unit and supporting seals on outer circumferential surfaces thereof for sealing the exhaust passage and the regenerating passage from each other, and a monitoring mechanism for monitoring whether the seals are functioning normally.

Abstract: A quick-coupling union for oil and gas tubular members that provides a more stable joint connection, a redundant seal arrangement, and a method for pressure testing the seals. The union and sealing arrangement includes an elongated tubular receiving member, further including a central longitudinal cavity therein for receiving an elongated tubular insertion member and an external port in communication with the cavity, at least two sealing members located within the cavity defined by the insertion and receiving members and the dual seals being capable of providing a positive seal between the insertion member and the receiving member the union, further including a nut slidable upon the insertion member for threadably locking the insertion member relative to the receiving member, the sealing members being spaced apart in a manner whereby the external port is interposed between the dual sealing members when the union is fully engaged, thus defining a means for applying a pressure there upon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the hermeticity of a semiconductor package is disclosed. Gas is introduced into the semiconductor package during packaging. Vacuum suction is then applied to the package. If the package has any leaks, the gas within will escape. The package is next scanned using a spectrometer. If the spectrometer does not detect any gas within the package cavity, the package is not hermetically sealed. In an alternate embodiment, the device is packaged first, and then immersed in a pressurized liquid. If the package has a leak, the pressure on the liquid will force liquid into the package cavity. The cavity of a properly sealed package will remain empty and dry. The package is scanned using a spectrometer. If the spectrometer detects liquid within the package, the package is not hermetically sealed.

Abstract: There is described herein a method and a device for determining leaks at the seal of a valve or a valve rod, in particular of a process valve so that an indication that the valve-rod seal needs changing can then be obtained in good time. In order to determine the leak, the pressure is determined, if appropriate as a function of time, in a control volume between a first valve-rod seal and a second valve-rod seal, and the leak flow rate is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: A foam detector generally including a pair of leads positioned adjacent to a surface layer of a fluid so that foam created on a surface layer of the fluid contacts at least one lead and sends a signal to a controller connected to the leads.

Abstract: In an improved uncoated microcantilever detector, the sample sites are placed on a separate semi-conducting substrate and the microcantilever element detects and measures the changes before and after a chemical interaction or hybridization of the sites by sensing differences of phase angle between an alternating voltage applied to the microcantilever element and vibration of the microcantilever element. In another embodiment of the invention, multiple sample sites are on a sample array wherein an array of microcantilever elements detect and measure the change before and after chemical interactions or hybridizations of the sample sites.

Abstract: A calibration fixture for calibrating load cells in a tire uniformity machine, the tire uniformity machine having a carriage rotatably supporting a load wheel on a first spindle and a second spindle, a first load cell and second load cell in sensing relation to the load wheel and attached to the carriage, at least one of the load cells having a support portion and a sensing portion rotatable within the support portion the calibration fixture including: a fixture member releasably attached to the cover of the load cell; and an adjustment assembly supported by the tire uniformity machine operable with the fixture member to cause movement of the sensing portion relative to the rim.

Abstract: A failure determination system and method for an internal combustion engine and an engine control unit are provided which are capable of properly determining a failure of a variable valve mechanism for inactivating a valve system associated with at least one of cylinders during a predetermined operation of the engine, by discriminating a misfire caused by the failure of the mechanism from a normal misfire. Fuel injection valves inject fuel for each cylinder and oxygen concentration of exhaust gases is detected. A misfire condition is detected on a cylinder-by-cylinder basis. Fuel injection to a misfiring cylinder is stopped. A failure of the mechanism is determined, when a parameter based on the oxygen concentration detection indicates a richer value of an actual air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gases than a predetermined reference value does, under a condition of the fuel injection being stopped.

Abstract: A process for computer based, wholly passive, diagnosis of an automotive vehicle exhaust gas recirculation system is disclosed. Use is made of any suitable math model of the vehicle's air intake system to estimate the absolute pressure in the intake manifold, MAP, assuming both a healthy EGR system, MAPHE, and a faulty EGR valve, MAPFE. Both estimated values are compared with the actual normally measured manifold pressure, MAPmeas. Both comparisons are repeated over many calculations and the differences analyzed to reliably determine whether there is a real restriction to recirculated exhaust flow. A preferred math model of the intake system uses as input variables: mass air flow, barometric pressure, the position command for the EGR valve and engine speed.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) is disclosed which includes a thermostat (22) in a bottom hose (24) of a radiator (16). An onboard diagnostic arrangement is provided to monitor the efficiency of the thermostat (22). Temperature sensors (S1, S2) are provided to monitor the temperature of the coolant across the radiator (16) so that a controller (40) can derive from those measurements the temperature differential across the thermostat (22). If the temperature Teng of the coolant at the thermostat inlet is below the thermostat opening temperature Topen and the differential temperature between the thermostat inlet temperature Teng and the thermostat outlet temperature Trad is below a fault threshold Dtstat, the thermostat (22) is evaluated as being stuck open or leaking, which results in a fault being recorded and a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) being illuminated.

Abstract: To measure the flow in a liquid, the liquid (1) is led in a duct (2) along a flow sensor (3). The flow sensor (3) is integrated together with a processing and control circuit on a semiconductor substrate. It comprises a heating and, symmetrically thereto, two temperature sensors. The flow is determined from the temperature difference between the temperature sensors and/or from the power dissipation of the heating. For calibrating the sensor, a valve (4) is provided by means of which the duct (2) can be interrupted. This arrangement allows a flow measurement of high accuracy.

Abstract: An air flow sensor including a temperature dependent resistor device, a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit applies a voltage to the temperature dependent resistor device until it reaches a first temperature. The first circuit includes a first reference resistance leg, a first variable resistance leg including the temperature dependent resistor device, and a first comparator connected to both legs for determining when the temperature dependent resistor device reaches the first temperature. The second circuit includes a second reference resistance leg, a second variable resistance leg including the temperature dependent resistor device, and a second comparator connected to both legs for determining when the temperature dependent resistor device reaches a second temperature.