Abstract: In a method of making a chain, in particular a round steel chain of tempered steel, a chain strand is produced in a conventional manner and subject to the usual heat treatment of normalizing, hardening and annealing. Annealing is implemented at a low temperature level of below 200° C. A tempered steel is used having a microstructure which, after hardening and annealing, has a stable residual austenite content between 3% and 10%. After the final calibration process, the chain strand is subjected to a thermal aftertreatment at a temperature between 190° C. and 250° C. This relieves stress resulting from the calibration process and the associated work-hardening. In this way, the notch impact energy capacity is enhanced.

Abstract: An expansible band (10) is disclosed as including a first band part (P), a second band part (Q1, Q2) and a third band part (R), each of the band parts including a number of inter-engaged link members (14A, 14B), in which each of the band parts (P, Q1, Q2, R) is movable between an expanded configuration and a stable contracted configuration, and the first band part (P) is releasably engaged with the second band part (Q1, Q2), and the second band part (Q1, Q2) is releasably engaged with the third band part (R).

Abstract: A gas turbine plant includes a combustion section, a turbine section, an exhaust section, a temperature detecting unit, and a monitoring unit. The combustion section combusts fuel using air to generate combustion gas. The turbine section is driven with the combustion gas from the combustion section. The exhaust section is connected to the turbine section to exhaust the combustion gas from the turbine section. The temperature detecting unit is provided in the exhaust section to measure a temperature of the combustion gas. The monitoring unit generates a warning signal based on a tolerable level and data corresponding to a temporal change of the temperature measured by the temperature detecting unit to indicate an extraordinary state of the gas turbine plant.

Abstract: In a turbomachine, there is provided a fuel metering unit having a cylindrical outer sleeve containing a distributor cylinder in which a metering piston can be moved linearly under the action of a control element. The cylindrical sleeve has an inlet orifice for admitting fuel under pressure and at least one outlet orifice for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of the turbomachine, and the metering piston has an annular gap forming a distribution chamber for the fuel admitted via the inlet orifice and delivered via at least one outlet orifice. According to the invention, the distributor cylinder has a plurality of radial feed orifices for admitting fuel into the distribution chamber and at least a first metering orifice and at least a second metering orifice that are separated by a seal disposed at the periphery of the distributor cylinder.

Abstract: A case-burning rocket booster includes a combustible case containing a solid rocket fuel, a combustion chamber adjustably coupled to the case for burning the case and the solid rocket fuel, a nozzle connected to the combustion chamber for expelling the burned case and fuel to generate thrust, and a drive system for pulling the combustion chamber and nozzle up the case as the case and fuel burn. A hybrid version of the case-burning rocket also includes an oxygen supply system for supplying varying amounts of oxygen to the combustion chamber to vary the thrust generated by burning the case and the fuel.

Abstract: A control method of an engine including at least an HC adsorbing catalyst for adsorbing HC at a low temperature, and emitting adsorbed HC at a high temperature, and a three-way purifying function on the same carrier, and an NOx adsorbing catalyst having an NOx adsorbing function for adsorbing or occluding NOx in oxidizing atmosphere, and emitting NOx in reducing atmosphere, and a three-way purifying function. The engine operated with stoichiometric value or a rich air-fuel when a temperature of the HC adsorbing catalyst and/or a temperature of the NOx adsorbing catalyst is equal to/lower than a predetermined value. The engine is operated with a lean air-fuel ratio when a temperature of the HC adsorbing catalyst and/or a temperature of the NOx adsorbing catalyst is equal to/higher than the predetermined value.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the air-fuel ratio demanded by a fuel controller in order to maintain optimum performance of a catalytic converter. The invention provides a controller for requesting an air fuel ratio according to a switching value derived from an estimated oxygen storage value of a catalyst, in which the controller is arranged to perform the following steps a) request a maximum ratio of air to fuel when the switching value is less than a first threshold; b) gradually decrease the requested air to fuel ratio from said maximum ratio; c) request a minimum ratio of air to fuel when the switching value is greater than a second threshold; and d) gradually increase the requested air to fuel ratio from said minimum ratio.

Abstract: A low NOx combustion mode is executed in which the fuel injected timing IT is greatly advanced to 36° BTDC as compared with a normal value of roughly 10° BTDC. At this fuel injection timing IT, the smoke emission amount is suppressed below an extremely low value, even if the EGR ratio Regr is increased to about 56%, and the NOx emission amount is suppressed owing to a large amount of EGR, so that the smoke and NOx can be reduced at the same time.

Abstract: In a fluid system, a source of pressurized fluid operably communicates with first and second actuators. First and second control valves control fluidly communicates with the first and second actuators. A first pressure compensating valve fluidly communicates with the first control valve and first actuator. A first signal conduit fluidly communicates with fluid flow being directed by the first control valve to the first pressure compensating valve and first actuator. A second pressure compensating valve fluidly communicates with the second control valve and second actuator. A second signal conduit fluid communicates with fluid flow being directed by the second control valve to the second pressure compensating valve and second actuator. A control signal pressure generated from a greater of a first signal pressure carried by the first signal conduit and a second signal pressure carried by the second signal conduit fluidly communicates with the first and second pressure compensating valves.

Abstract: A fluid controller (21) of the static load signal type which includes controller valving (25), a fluid inlet port (27), a control fluid port (33), a fluid return port (37), and a load signal port (39). The controller includes valving (25) which defines a neutral position (N) and an operating position (R), and further defines a variable load sense drain orifice, having a maximum flow area when the valving is in the neutral position and a decreasing flow area as the valving is displaced toward the operating position. The valving defines a variable load sense boost orifice (91) communicating from the inlet port (27) to the load signal port (39), the boost orifice having a maximum flow area when the valving is in neutral, and a decreasing flow area as the valving is displaced toward the operating position.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transaxle axle assembly for a vehicle has the housing is formed by three housing members, two of which are preferably separable on a parting plane coincident with the longitudinal axes of the axle shafts. One of the housing members being provided with an opening to allow a portion of one of the other housing members to extend through, and where the extending housing member contains within its interior a number of internal fluid passages for fluidly connecting the hydraulic pump to the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: The free piston cooler transient temperature control system of the present invention eliminates collisions during the transient cool-down period in a free piston cooler upon start-up. The transient temperature control system incorporates a free piston cooler, having a cold head and a warm end, a cold head temperature sensor, a relational interface, and a temperature controller. The cold head temperature sensor senses the temperature of the cold head and generates a temperature signal. The relational interface is in communication with the temperature signal and contains a predetermined relationship between the cold head temperature and a maximum piston stroke during the transient cool-down temperature range. The relational interface generates a transient range maximum allowable stroke signal from the temperature signal and the predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A system and method for an engine bleed flow-sharing control system is disclosed. For a multi-engine bleed system, one (10) of the engines is selected as the master channel (15) such that the bleed air supply pressure of the control system receiving the bleed air is controlled (11, 12, 13) to achieve a desirable supply pressure range. To slave the other engine airflow control channels (25, 35, 45), the airflow rate (14) is also measured in the master channel (15) and the measured airflow rate is used as the airflow setpoint for other channels (25, 35, 45). The difference between the airflow setpoint and the airflow rate in the other channel is applied to control (21, 31, 41) the pressure or the valve/actuator opening area at the inlet of that channel (25, 35, 45).

Abstract: A low of compressed air originating from a compressor stream (3) is drawn off through first orifices (13) towards ducts (5, 6) leading outside the casing, creating a flow division through adjacent cavities (11, 12) in the casing (1). These arrangements make it possible to carry a large air flow even if the cavity cross sections (11, 12) are small.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant (10) utilizing an air injection apparatus (60) for lowering the temperature and raising the mass of the exhaust gas provided to the heat recovery steam generator (22) from the gas turbine portion (12) of the plant. The air injection apparatus is utilized during startup of the plant to permit the gas turbine portion to be operated at a power level sufficiently high to ensure compliance with emissions regulations while at the same time not exceeding an upper exhaust temperature limit for warming the steam generator. The augmented exhaust stream (76) allows the steam generator to more quickly generate enough steam to roll the steam turbine (30), thereby shortening the overall startup sequence.

Abstract: A control apparatus for automatically stopping and restarting an engine of a vehicle is provided, which is equipped with an engine, a motor, a compressor and an air conditioner. The apparatus has a first section for making a judgment on stopping the engine and a second section for making a judgment on restarting the engine. The apparatus has features that the apparatus provides the air conditioner with a plurality of operational modes selected by a user, and when the vehicle is not in motion with selection of a first mode, the first section permits the engine to stop if a first power that the motor can supply is greater than a second power of the compressor required by the air conditioner, and the second section permits the engine to restart if the second power exceeds the first power.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the cooling of small milk quantities in a cooling tank (2) having a bottom wall portion (12) with a milk cooling surface (12′) within the tank being part of a cooling circuit an agitator (19) within the tank for stirring the milk therein. The gist of the invention is a) providing an element for measuring the milk quantity in the tank, and a temperature transducer (11) for monitoring the milk temperature in the tank, b) providing, in the cooling circuit, an evaporator (4) connected to the bottom wall portion of the tank, a compressor (5), and a condenser (7), c) controlling the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator by regulating the vaporizing pressure, so that the temperature of the milk cooling surface (12′) is always higher than 0° C. when the compressor (5) is running, d) monitoring the milk quantity in the tank, and, when sufficient/insufficient for the agitator to work properly.

Abstract: A control system for a refrigeration system having a refrigeration compartment and a quick chill/thaw pan. A main controller board, electrically connected to a temperature adjustment board and a dispenser board through the serial communications bus, controls the temperature of the refrigeration compartment and the quick chill/thaw pan. The control system accepts a plurality of inputs to determine a refrigeration mode and to execute a plurality of software algorithms to control the refrigeration compartment as both a chill pan to rapidly chill food and beverage items without freezing and a thaw pan to timely thaw frozen items at controlled temperature levels.

Abstract: For deodorizing and sterilizing indoor air to make the residence space a comfortable environment, a lamp box (300) having an air inlet (320) and an air outlet (330) between the upper ends of a front heat exchanger (210) and a rear heat exchanger (230), and containing an ultraviolet lamp (310) is placed, ultraviolet light with the waveband of 250 to 260 nm and ultraviolet light with the waveband of 100 to 220 nm are emitted from the ultraviolet lamp (310), and a part of the ultraviolet light is applied to at least the rear heat exchanger (230) through the air outlet (330).

Abstract: The air conditioner coil access door kit and method of installation includes a kit having a template, a hinged access door, and double sided adhesive tape, and also includes a procedure for using the kit to install the hinged access door onto an OEM air conditioning coil housing. The template and door are preferably triangular in shape. The template is attached to the coil housing between the air filter and the evaporator coil using the double sided tape, a hole is cut in the housing using the template as a guide, and the hinged door is attached to the template, also by double sided adhesive tape. The door permits insertion of a vacuum cleaner nozzle into the housing for cleaning the evaporator coil.

Abstract: An air-cooling device comprises compressor (1). Double cavity heat exchanger (2), turbo expander (6) and the freezing chamber (3) containing fan (5) and air cooler (4). Fan (7) is mounted on the same shaft with the turbo expander (6). The first cavities of the heat exchangers (9 and 2), moist separator (8) and the second cavity of the heat exchanger (2) are connected with the compressor (1) input in sequence. In the other appearance the device comprises compressor (44) and turbo expander (49), double cavity heat exchanger (45), freezing chamber (46) containing fan (48) and air cooler (47), double cavity vaporization heat exchanger (51) and moist separator (50). The first cavities of the vaporization heat exchangers (51 and 45), moist separator (50, turbo expander (49), air cooler (47) and the second cavity of the heat exchanger (45) are in sequence connected with the compressor input (44).

Abstract: A kid's zone compartment assembly for a refrigerator includes a compartment frame, a top tray, a cover for the top tray, a lower tray, and two tall package retainers. The top tray cover is pivotally hinged to the top tray. The cover is molded and configured in the likeness of a character, particularly an animal caricature. The various compartment components are carried by the compartment frame which, in turn, is supported by a fresh food compartment door liner of the refrigerator. The overall assembly defines a special place for the storage of food items dedicated for access by a child.

Abstract: A cooler chest includes an outer unit and a separate inner unit having a height smaller than the height of the outer unit and a space over the inner unit for storing ice cubes, the space being defined in part by porous side walls that allow for drainage of water, resulting from the melting of ice cubes, from the ice cube storage area.

Abstract: An adsorption refrigeration system and method are provided, the system comprising an adsorption pump which, in use, is arranged in communication with a chamber containing liquid and gaseous coolant. The associated method comprises expanding the gaseous coolant into an auxiliary volume member so as to cause the removal of part of the gaseous coolant from the chamber. This causes a reduction in the temperature and pressure of the gaseous coolant in the chamber. The adsorption pump is then operated so as to further cool the chamber by causing the evaporation of the coolant liquid within the chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerant cycle includes an ejector having a throttle changeable nozzle. In the refrigerant cycle, a control valve having a needle valve controls a pressure of a middle-pressure refrigerant in a bypass passage, and a pilot valve controls a throttle opening degree of the nozzle in accordance with a pressure difference between the pressure of the middle-pressure refrigerant in the bypass passage and the refrigerant pressure in a high-pressure refrigerant inlet port of the ejector. When an opening degree of the needle valve is changed in accordance with a load variation or a load state, the pressure of the middle-pressure refrigerant in the bypass passage is changed. Accordingly, the moving position of the pilot valve is controlled, and the throttle opening degree of the nozzle is controlled.

Abstract: A plant for producing liquefied natural gas comprises a carbon dioxide recovery apparatus for natural gas absorbing and removing carbon dioxide from natural gas, a liquefying apparatus having a steam turbine, for liquefying the natural gas from which carbon dioxide has been removed by the carbon dioxide recovery apparatus, a boiler equipment for supplying steam to the steam turbine of the liquefying apparatus, and a carbon dioxide recovery apparatus for combustion exhaust gas including an absorption tower for absorbing carbon dioxide from combustion exhaust gas exhausted from the boiler equipment by absorbing liquid, and a regeneration tower for separating and recovering carbon dioxide from the absorbing liquid.

Abstract: A gemstone arrangement is described including a primary gem and at least one complementary gem. The primary gem includes a crown and a pavilion. The pavilion has an external wall defining an outer surface. The complementary gem has a crown defining a table. The table is in juxtaposition to and aligned with the pavilion wall for the maximum passage of ambient light from the complementary gem into the primary gem to enhance its visual appearance. In addition, the complementary gem can be positioned and aligned to receive light losses from a primary gem and return those light losses through the crown of the complementary gem.

Abstract: High purity silicon oxyfluoride glass suitable for use as a photomask substrates for photolithography applications in the VUV wavelength region below 190 nm is disclosed with the silicon oxyfluoride glass having a preferred fluorine content<0.5 weight percent. The inventive silicon oxyfluoride glass is transmissive at wavelengths around 157 nm, making it particularly useful as a photomask substrate at the 157 nm wavelength region. The inventive photomask substrate is a “dry,” silicon oxyfluoride glass which exhibits very high transmittance in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) wavelength region while maintaining the excellent thermal and physical properties generally associated with high purity fused silica. In addition to containing fluorine and having little or no OH content, the inventive silicon oxyfluoride glass suitable for use as a photomask substrate at 157 nm is also characterized by having less than 1×1017 molecules/cm3 of molecular hydrogen and low chlorine levels.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disk-like glass substrate that is used as an information recording medium. The glass substrate is acid resistant. When an index of acid resistance is the maximum depth at which components other than silica dissolve from the glass substrate during immersion of the glass substrate in 1 percentage of weight of sulfuric acid, the acid resistance of the glass substrate is represented by the maximum depth of 0.5 nm to 10 nm. A linear texture is formed by pressing a tape against the glass substrate in a circumferential direction of the glass substrate while feeding abrasion slurry to the surface of the glass substrate. Acid treatment is performed on the glass substrate on which the texture is formed.

Abstract: A neutral blue-green heat treatable and matchable glass laminate or I.G. unit employs a layer system whose visible transmittance increases by at least 4% during heat treatment and whose &Dgr;E*ab is less than about 3.0 and &Dgr;a* is less than about 0.7. The sputter coated layer system includes a silver layer sandwiched between nichrome layers and thereafter layers of Si3N4.

Abstract: A deadplate mechanism has a cooling can in which a formed bottle held by a takeout is located. The outer surface of the bottle is cooled while the deadplate is displaced to a bottle release position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unilayer flexible performance fabric which may be fabricated into apparel and articles having high performance fibers, such as high tensile modulus fibers positioned within a base fabric in at least one preselected location only where required to import performance characteristics which are equal to or exceed the specifications for the garment. For example, if cut resistance is a requirement, performance fibers which provide such protection from this hazard would be used. Likewise, if abrasion resistance is intended for an apparel such as coveralls, only the knees and elbows would require the performance fiber. Thus, reducing the amount of expensive fibers normally used. The invented fabric is manufacturede in a method in which the placement of the fabric in preselected locations is computer controlled.

Abstract: A method of producing a unilayer textile fabric having in preselected areas fibers of a heavier denier inserted pursuant to a computer program and the articles produced thereby. There is also provided a glove prepared by the method comprising heavier denier fibers at preselected locations.

Abstract: A drum washing machine according to the present invention restrains vibration and noise at the time of spin-drying. For this purpose, a drum 4 is supported so as to be rotatable by rotating shafts 51L and 51R respectively extending in an approximately horizontal direction outward from its end surface walls 41L and 41R. Water storage balancers G are respectively attached to the end surface walls 41L and 41R of the drum 4, and a fluid balancer 9 is further attached to the end surface wall 41L.

Abstract: A shackle lock includes a lock casing, a lock core received in the lock casing, and a shackle unit which has first and second shackle connecting members extendible into first and second shackle holes in the lock casing and a flexible shackle portion connected to the shackle connecting members at two opposite ends. The first shackle connecting member engages the lock core when the lock core is operated to be in a locking state, and is disengaged from the lock core when the lock core is operated to be in an unlocking state, thereby permitting removal thereof from the lock casing. The second shackle connecting member is provided with a spring-loaded retaining member for engaging the lock casing. The retaining member is accessible with the use of a tool inserted into the first shackle hole after removal of the first shackle connecting member, and is adapted to be actuated by the tool for disengaging from the lock casing in order to permit removal of the second shackle connecting member from the lock casing.

Abstract: This invention involves a locking apparatus for semi-trailers and/or freight delivery units. A pin plate is attached to a standard trailer swing door, roll-up type door or another type of door. A housing is placed in the floor of the semi-trailer. A pin located within the housing is slidable within the housing from an unlocked position to a locked position, whereby the pin is raised to engage a pin plate secured to the semi-trailer door. A cam lock or another lock is used to keep the pin raised in the locked position.

Abstract: A push button lock. The push button lock has a main housing with an aperture formed therethrough, a plunger which is axially moveable in the aperture of the main housing, and a ball retainer positioned in the aperture of the main housing. The ball retainer has a central aperture formed therein through which the plunger extends and a protrusion. Balls are placed on the ball retainer. An actuator is located in the main housing aperture above the ball retainer and is rotatable to an open position, wherein the actuator is in position to be pushed down to prevent the balls from moving away from the plunger shaft and thereby prevent the plunger shaft from moving relative to the ball retainer, and a locked position, wherein the balls are not retained against the plunger shaft and the plunger shaft can move relative to the balls retainer. A lock button having a lock housing and a lock cylinder is provided, with the lock cylinder being adapted to turn the actuator from the opened position to the locked position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot rolling mill, with at least one flatness measuring roller, pertaining to at least one rolling bed, arranged before and/or after one of the stands, which influences the settings of at least one of the stands. The aim of the invention is to improve the arrangement of the roller bed working rollers and the flatness measuring roller, such that the flatness measuring roller may be, optionally, either brought into operation, or be withdrawn into a protected position, whereby, in this case, the gap in the rolling bed thus formed can be closed. Said aim is achieved, whereby the flatness measuring roller may be stored, away from its working position, behind a screen and that the rolling bed is completed with at least one retractable working roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and a system for carrying out at least one operation on at least one wire(1) in a wire forming manufacturing machine, said operation involving deformation of at least a part of the wire, said machine comprising at least two counter-rotating synchronized blocks(2,4), said blocks each comprising at least one operation means(6,7) for performing said operation.

Abstract: A machine for high rate serial bending of a tube includes a bending head provided with a radius block and a backing block including, at the periphery, a groove with a semicircular cross-section and a driver for the backing block in rotation coaxial to the radius block, so as to drive the tube to be bent and wind it on the radius block. The radius block includes a disc including a beveled panel arranged along a chord of the disc and it includes device for moving the bending head relative to the axis of the tube along a path passing through the pins of the radius block and the backing block and a device for axially rotating the radius block independently from the displacement of the backing block.

Abstract: A tool-clamping device for a forming tool, in particular a bending punch or bending die, on a compression beam, in particular an edging press, comprising a tool adapter attached to the compression beam and designed to releasably hold the forming tool. At least one resiliently elastic return means is provided between a receiving region of the tool adapter and a connecting region of the tool adapter or between the beam and the tool adapter to counteract a relative displacement between the tool adapter and forming tool and the compression beam in the longitudinal direction of the beam.

Abstract: A plurality of fixing holes are made in the upper and side faces of a hollow rectangular prism block body at least the top and four side faces of which are quartz glass or monocrystalline quartz rectangular plates. A plurality of reference members, each having a reference measuring face with which the fore end of a probe of a measuring apparatus is brought into contact, are inserted into the fixing holes, respectively, and secured in place. An inspection master block ensuring a high inspection accuracy by minimizing the effect of ambient temperature variation and a method for producing the same are thereby provided.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a suspension system is provided which includes: a frame assembly including a plurality of frame units, a base plate, a lower mounting unit, and an upper mounting unit; a wheel assembly including a wheel member and a wheel mounting assembly for enabling mounting of the wheel member to the upper and lower mounting units of the frame assembly through a suspension; a steering assembly provided to one side of the frame assembly and being connected to the wheel mounting assembly of the wheel assembly; a strut assembly including a shock absorber and a suspension spring and being provided between the wheel assembly and the frame assembly; and an arm assembly including a plurality of arms and links and being provided between the wheel assembly and the frame assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for evaluating the sound speed end dynamic modulus of elasticity of wood by non-destructive stress wave testing, wherein a timber specimen of long post is placed steadily on a sensor near the center with friction, acting on the interfaces of the sensor and the timber specimen, which resists the timber specimen from moving. Pounding one end of the timber specimen with a striking instrument sends a compression pulse stress wave down the post toward the other end, thereby generating a tension pulse wave back along the post till friction exponentially dissipates the energy of the stress waves. The changing signals of friction received by a receiver support the analyzer to measure longitudinal fundamental frequency of timber specimen; therefore, sound speed and dynamic modulus of elasticity are then calculated.

Abstract: It is desirable to provide a gas chromatography type of chemical analysis method for estimating the change of body smell with progressive ageing of a living subject over a period of years by 1) utilization of the smell distinguishing ability of an experimental animal, 2) instrumental analysis, or 3) a combination of them. The present inventors found that the amounts of several volatile organic substances (e.g., 2-phenylacetamide, indole and phenol) present in mouse urine as substances responsible for the body smell are increased or decreased with ageing. The change in body smell with ageing of an animal can be estimated by quantitatively analyzing these compounds by an instrumental analysis method such as Y-shaped labyrinth method (involving live animals in a maze), gas chromatograph (GC) or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Abstract: A sealed connection device in which, two chambers (“A” and “B”), each has an access opening equipped with a door (2, 3) cooperating with a flange (4, 5) with the interposition of sealing means (12, 14), one (2) of the two doors being articulated with its flange (4). The detection device comprises two grooves (30, 35), formed in the external face of the flange (4) of chamber (A), a seal (36) placed in the groove (35), a network of ducts (31, 32, 33) formed in flange (4) and connecting the inner groove (30) to a coupling (34), a vacuum pump (38) the intake (37) of which is connected to the said coupling, and a sensor (44) measuring the strength of the partial vacuum in the pneumatic circuit leading to the groove (30) and reacting on alarm means (47, 48) if ever the partial vacuum does not reach an appropriate value.

Abstract: A device and a method for testing a viscosified fluid containing particulate indicate when the particulate is in suspension within the fluid and when it is not. The device and method stir the fluid and particulate mixture for a time during which the viscosity of the fluid changes such that during a first period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate remains suspended in the fluid and during a second period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate settles out of suspension in the fluid. A signal is generated during the first and second periods such that the signal has a characteristic that changes from the first period to the second period to indicate the change in particle carrying ability of the fluid. Other characteristics, including crosslinking time, can also be determined. A test chamber includes interacting projections extending from the inner surface of a cup receiving the fluid and from an axial support extending into the fluid in the cup.

Abstract: A method for measuring interface levels between fluids is described, characterized in that, with the aid of a magnetic field forming means, a variable magnetic field is formed in one of the fluids whereby a counterflowing magnetic field is established, being a function of the fluid properties with respect to the portion of conducting fraction in the fluid, and conductivity of the fraction; and the properties of the mentioned fluid are registered by registering the dominating impedance, alternatively resonance frequency, of the system; and by corresponding registrations of different fluid layers at the respective height levels, and in the existing interphase layers, and thereafter by mutual comparison of the mentioned properties, one or more exsisting multiphase levels are determined. A device to carry out the method is also described.

Abstract: A system for estimating peak cylinder pressure in an internal combustion engine includes a pressure sensor producing a pressure signal indicative of pressure within an intake manifold of the engine, a temperature sensor producing a temperature signal indicative of temperature within the intake manifold, means for determining a charge fuel ratio corresponding to a ratio of in-cylinder trapped charge mass and in-cylinder trapped fuel mass, and a control computer determining a start-of-injection value corresponding to a start of fuel injection into the engine. The control computer is operable to estimate peak cylinder pressure as a function of the pressure signal, the temperature signal, the charge fuel ratio and the start-of-injection value.

Abstract: The operation of an internal combustion engine as a function of the air pressure in at least one engine air inlet manifold (5, 7), in which a campaign of bench tests is carried out on the engine in order to establish a law governing the evolution of the air flow rate MAF of the air entering a cylinder (1) of this engine, as a function of the admission pressure MAP taken from the inlet manifold, this being done at various engine speeds and then, on an operating engine, the air pressure is measured in the engine inlet manifold, a corresponding air pressure MAP value is supplied to a computer (27) that is also supplied the engine speed corresponding to it, and, from this, the air flow rate is deduced as a function of the established evolution law.