Abstract: A system and method for converting an audio data is described. The method includes separating the audio data into a first set of data and a second set of data. The method further includes converting the first set of data into a track of the audio data. The method also includes converting the second set of data into an at least one reference to a stored sound. The method includes mapping the at least one reference to the stored sound to an at least one position in the track where the stored sound is to be played when the track is played.

Abstract: An audio playback time estimating apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a sampling unit to sample a plurality of sample frames of audio data from audio data including an ID3 tag and a plurality of frames using a quasi-random sampling method, an average-bit-rate-calculation unit to calculate an average bit rate of the audio data based on bit rates obtained from the plurality of sample frames, and a playback-time-calculation unit to estimate the playback time of the audio data based on the average bit rate.

Abstract: A system and method of formulating a batch comprising at least two ingredients. The ingredients are admitted to a container to partially fill it (28). The quantities of the ingredient in the container are determined (30), and a ratio of a target quantity to the determined current quantity for at least one ingredient is calculated (32). The next quantity of that ingredient to be admitted to the admixture is calculated by multiplying the target quantity by the calculated ratio to determine a corrected quantity (34). The corrected quantity of the ingredient is admitted to the admixture (36), and a quantity of another ingredient is admitted to the admixture to adjust the proportion of ingredients to the target formulation (38). These steps may be repeated until the batch is completed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring die placement includes receiving measurements of an alignment of a semiconductor die mounted in a package by a die packaging tool. The measurements include center offset metrics associated with displacement of a center of the die. A plurality of corner offset metrics is determined based on the center offset metrics and dimensions of the die. A maximum one of the corner offset metrics is selected as a die placement metric. An out of tolerance condition with the die packaging tool is identified based on the die placement metric.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a laser body shell welding system, in which a scanning head is attached to a machine arm or is operated as an external tool of the machine arm, the scanning head having at least one scanning mirror for positioning a laser beam on a workpiece to be welded, and the operation of the laser welding system including time-critical functions for controlling the time-critical functions, an embedded control system or a memory-programmable control system is used.

Abstract: A materials handling system for processing packaged tobacco products is disclosed. The system includes a picking area where individual packages of tobacco products are picked and placed onto a transport mechanism. The system also includes a picking support software component that manages activity in the picking area. The picking support software component provides picking instruction output indicative of a sequence in which the individual packages of tobacco products should be picked and placed onto the transport mechanism. In one embodiment, the sequence blends the individual components of multiple tobacco product orders together such that the tobacco product orders are not completely picked consecutively from one order to the next.

Abstract: A method for producing unique and personalized pieces of mail, including integrating envelope production with the production of the documents for insertion within the envelopes. The machine for producing the pieces of mail includes a device for producing, from the same width of paper, both the documents and the envelopes designed to contain the documents. A longitudinal cutting device cuts the documents to the correct width and forms the flaps of the envelopes. A transverse cutting device separates the documents from the envelopes and cuts them to the correct length. A device assembles the documents with the corresponding envelope. A gluing and folding device closes the envelope while a central processing unit regulates at least the cutting devices, according to the number and format of the documents, and the stuffed envelopes to be produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a robot platform provided with a changeable/expandable module, which comprises a base provided in the interior thereof with a power source, a drive mechanism, a plurality of wheels, and a control unit for receiving and executing commands. The base can be controlled by the control unit to move on a plain surface in a predetermined motion mode. Besides, a chamber is also disposed in the base for receiving a module, and includes a plurality of conducting points therein for the electricity conduction of the module having processing and main controlling units, thereby changing the module on the base depended on the user's demand, transmitting the instruction of the main controlling unit to the control unit of the base so as to control the base's movement, and cooperating with the processing unit of the module to execute command.

Abstract: In a remote operation system in which an in-vehicle unit is controlled by an operation command transmitted from a portable unit carried by a driver via a service center, when the vehicle receives an operation command B for controlling the in-vehicle unit from a second state to a first state, the operation command B is executed only when control based on an operation command A for controlling from the first state to the second state is made.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) comprising first means (3) for determining a threshold value depending at least on one low altitude flight path, which is followed by an aircraft, as well as on navigation errors, for guiding and calculating the flight path, second means (4) for measuring the current real height of the aircraft above the overflown ground during a low altitude flight along the flight path, third means (5) for comparing said current real height to the threshold value, and fourth means (8) for emitting a warning signal, if the current real height drops to or below the threshold value, as well as optionally fifth means (10) for controlling the aircraft so as to increase its altitude and bring it to a secure altitude, when the current real height drops below or to the threshold value.

Abstract: The invention concerns an approach assisting device (1) comprising a flight management system (2) which determines an approach paths, an inertial reference system (3) which prepares inertial position data, which receives position data of the aircraft, and which determines a hybrid position of said aircraft, a landing assisting multimode receiver (4) which receives data concerning said approach path and said hybrid position, and which deduces therefrom lateral and vertical angular differences, at least when said approach axis is captured, and a guiding system (7) which receives said lateral and vertical angular differences and uses same for guiding the aircraft, at least when said approach path is captured.

Abstract: A moving apparatus has a body, and has at least a pair of wheels, a control unit, a direction measuring unit and at least a pair of encoders installed on the body. The direction measuring unit coupled to the control unit measures the direction of the body, and the control unit obtains a first direction variation according to the direction information. The pair of encoders coupled to the control unit measure a speed of the pair of wheels, and the control unit obtains a second direction variation according to information of the speed. The control unit compares the first and second direction variations to determine whether the direction measuring unit is temporarily dysfunction. Based on the result of comparison, the control unit applies the information provided by the direction measuring unit or the pair of encoders to obtain the current direction of the body.

Abstract: A tire steer condition detection and notification apparatus calculates a tire steer angle based on a steering wheel operation when a parked condition of a vehicle is detected, and provides a notification (i.e., warning) regarding a tire steer condition when the tire steer angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle. Further, when the vehicle is determined to be in the parked condition and has a predicted travel course diverted away from a road shape based on the tire steer angle at the time, the tire steer condition detection apparatus provides a notification (i.e., warning) regarding the tire steer condition.

Abstract: An engine failure diagnosis system simply performs failure diagnosis of engine components, which are driven while an engine is operating, even at the time when the engine is stopped, and identifies a component that has failed and a location where a failure has occurred. The engine failure diagnosis system includes an ECM arranged to control an engine provided in an outboard motor of a watercraft. The ECM includes an actuation command section arranged to actuate engine components, which are driven while the engine is running, in a given manner, and a failure diagnosis section arranged to diagnose the presence of a failure in the engine components. The engine components of the engine are provided with actuated condition detecting sections arranged to detect a predetermined actuated condition. When the actuation command section outputs an actuation command while the engine is stopped, the engine components are actuated in a given manner.

Abstract: A lane departure prevention apparatus is configured for improving safety of a vehicle while preventing lane departure. The lane departure prevention apparatus basically comprises a lane departure tendency determining section, a running condition determining section and a braking force control section. The lane departure tendency determining section determines a lane departure tendency of the host vehicle from a driving lane. The running condition determining section determines a running condition of the host vehicle. The braking force control section controls a braking force to selectively produce at least one of a yaw moment on the host vehicle in accordance with the lane departure tendency of the host vehicle to avoid departure of the host vehicle from the driving lane, and a deceleration on the host vehicle in accordance with the running condition of the host vehicle.

Abstract: An operation guiding device for a vehicle equipped with a plurality of accessories and operation members for operating the accessories is configured by a control unit that carries out detecting a vehicle condition, determining at least one of the operation members to operate an appropriate one of the accessories based on the vehicle condition and illuminating the at least one of the operation members to guide a user to operate the appropriate accessory.

Abstract: A powertrain control ECU sets a target driving force, and controls an internal combustion engine and a transmission of a vehicle. A first processor of the powertrain control ECU includes a driving force adjustment portion, a filter, a mode-switch, an environmental information-obtaining device, and a steering sensor. The driving force adjustment portion sets the target driving force based on at least one of instructions from a driver and from a second processor. The filter corrects the target driving force to suppress vibration on a spring of the vehicle. The mode-switch sets the running mode. The environmental information-obtaining device obtains information on the environment around the vehicle. The steering angle sensor determines the running condition. A correction amount, by which the filter corrects the target driving force, is adjusted according to the running mode, the environment, and the running condition.

Abstract: A collision detection system includes at least one sensor. The data from the sensor is input to a recursive filter which selectively uses the input to predict the motion of a target object relative to a host vehicle. The recursive filter continues to use the data from the sensor until the target object is within a threshold distance of the host vehicle. Within the threshold distance, the sensor does not reliably provide accurate data. Accordingly, the recursive filter omits the sensor input from motion estimates when the target object is within the threshold distance, which leads to significant improvement in target motion prediction.

Abstract: A method of inflating an airbag with a fluid includes sending a signal to open a first valve and opening the first valve. The method also includes directing a control pressure through the first valve and toward a second valve. The method further includes throttling the second valve in response to the control pressure. The throttling of the second valve produces a variable inflation mass flow rate of the fluid at a second valve outlet. Opening the first valve and closing the first valve are performed as a step function to achieve a desired predetermined variable inflation mass flow rate of the airbag.

Abstract: An air-bag deployment system includes a first acceleration sensor provided in a front side portion of a vehicle body, a second acceleration sensor provided in a passenger compartment, an air-bag deployment judging device and an air-bag deployment device for deploying an air bag. The air-bag deployment judging device executes a first deployment judgment using primarily the first acceleration signal to output a deployment allowance signal ON and a second deployment judgment using primarily the second acceleration signal to output a deployment signal ON. An allowance judging part receives data abnormality signal from a data abnormality judging part and outputs a deployment allowance signal ON when the judging part receives the data abnormality signal ON. An ignition signal ON is outputted from an AND logical operator when both of the deployment allowance signal and the deployment signal are ON.

Abstract: A method of shaping furrows in soil includes the steps of: determining existing elevation profiles for a plurality of existing furrows in a geographic unit; establishing a target elevation profile for each of the existing furrows; and moving soil laterally either toward or away from one or both side walls along a length of each furrow to achieve the target elevation profiles within the geographic unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the phase relationship between the two shafts. The method includes: providing a first index means on the first pulse wheel; providing a second index means on the second pulse wheel; generating a first sequence of pulses based upon the characteristics of the first pulse wheel including the first index means thereon; generating a second sequence of pulses based upon the characteristics of the second pulse wheel including the second index means thereon; and determining a phase relationship between the two shafts based on part, or all pulses generated by the two pulse wheels, thereby having a measurement accuracy determined by the wheel that generates the most pulses.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including determining whether a mode is a neutral control execution mode, determining whether the mode is a neutral control return mode, detecting a proceeding state of the neutral control return mode when an accelerator is activated during the neutral control return mode, and inhibiting slip start when the mode is in an initial stage of the neutral control return mode.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission retarder control apparatus is provided including an engine, a throttle, a brake, a transmission having an output member with an actual transmission output speed, a speed sensor operable for measuring the actual transmission output speed, a plurality of user-commandable input devices for selecting a desired transmission output speed, and a controller having an algorithm for controlling the amount of retarder request to provide a zero or constant rate of deceleration independently of weight and axle ratio. Additionally, a method is provided for controlling a transmission retarder, including measuring the actual transmission output speed, sensing a desired transmission output speed using a plurality of user-commandable input devices, communicating the actual and desired speeds to a controller, and commanding the retarder to apply a continuously variable opposing torque to the transmission based on the actual and desired output speeds to achieve a constant rate of deceleration.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a speed sensor that generates a vehicle speed signal. A sway detection sensor generates an oscillation signal. A brake control is coupled to a vehicle brake and is associated with a trailer brake. A controller is coupled to a stability control system and brakes one or more of the vehicle brake and the trailer brake and in response to the oscillation signal.

Abstract: An electronic engine control apparatus includes a first storage means, a second storage means, a third storage means, and a processor. The processor performs, when the control apparatus is activated, an initialization control process which includes processes of: extracting from the first storage means specific information on engine control software stored in the first storage means; determining whether the specific information extracted is coincident with specific information stored in the third storage means; initializing retention data stored in the second storage means when the specific information extracted from the first storage means is determined as being incoincident with that stored in the third storage means; and updating the specific information stored in the third storage means with that extracted from the first storage means after completion of the initializing process.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of ensuring excellent fuel economy of the engine and enhancing the responsiveness of the output of the engine when acceleration is demanded. The control system calculates a lift control input for controlling a variable valve lift mechanism, based on a cam phase of a variable cam phase mechanism, and calculates a demanded acceleration indicative of the degree of acceleration demanded of the engine. Further, the control system calculates a value of phase control input for controlling the variable cam phase mechanism with priority to the engine output, and calculates a value of the same with priority to fuel economy of the engine, and selects between the values of phase control input, based on the demanded acceleration.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus is basically provided with an exhaust system, a pair of sensors and a controller. The exhaust system includes an exhaust channel having a main catalytic converter, a bypass channel having a bypass catalytic converter, and a valve mechanism disposed in the exhaust channel to switch a pathway for exhaust gas from the exhaust channel to the bypass channel. The sensors output signals indicative of air-fuel ratios of exhaust flowing in their respective channels. The controller has first and second air-fuel ratio control sections that control an engine air-fuel ratio based on outputs of the sensors, respectively. The controller has a control mode switching section that switches control from the first air-fuel ratio control section to the second air-fuel ratio control section after a prescribed interval of time has elapsed from when the valve mechanism is switched from a closed state to an open state.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus is basically provided with an exhaust system, a first sensor and a controller. The exhaust system includes an exhaust channel with a main catalytic converter disposed therein, a bypass channel with a bypass catalytic converter disposed therein, and a valve mechanism disposed in the exhaust channel between the connection points of the exhaust channel to switch a pathway for exhaust gas from the exhaust channel to the bypass channel. The first sensor detects a property indicative of an air-fuel ratio of exhaust flowing in the exhaust channel at a point downstream of the valve mechanism. The controller adjusts an element temperature of the first sensor to a prescribed temperature or less during a prescribed interval of time from when the valve mechanism is switched from a closed state to an open state.

Abstract: Method for operating an internal combustion engine in a state of controlled self-ignition, wherein the internal combustion engine comprises a combustion chamber, at least one intake valve) and at least one exhaust valve, whose opening times can be changed, and wherein the fresh mixture is introduced into the combustion chamber during an intake stroke and an ignitable gas mixture is produced in the combustion chamber by way of the introduction of fuel and compressed in a compression stroke, whereby the gas mixture self-ignites toward the end of the compression stroke. The fresh mixture is introduced into the combustion chamber by way of a compression mechanism during the intake stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to control injection of fuel into an engine with a combustion engine The fuel is injected into the combustion chamber as a preliminary sub injection and a main injection following the preliminary sub injection. The preliminary sub injection repeats one or more times and is less in an amount of the fuel than the main injection The apparatus comprises acquisition means and a control unit. The acquisition means acquires a parameter showing at least one of a state of an exhaust gas exhausted from the cylinder after the combustion of the fuel and a constituent of the exhaust gas. The control unit includes variably setting means for variably setting a mode of the preliminary sub injection depending on the parameter acquired by the acquisition means.

Abstract: A method of controlling a rotating electrical machine for a motor vehicle, whereby the machine is intended to operate in starter mode in order to start a heat engine of the vehicle. The inventive method is characterized in that it comprises the following steps consisting in: testing conditions known as the safe conditions before and during any start-up phase, and testing conditions known as the pre-start-up conditions before the start-up phase. According to the invention, in the event of a negative safe conditions test, the execution of the start-up phase is blocked or interrupted at any moment, while, in the event of a negative pre-start-up conditions test, the execution of the start-up phase is blocked. The invention is suitable for the alternator-starter of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling vehicular traffic flow in a transport system are provided. The method includes defining a plurality of queues through the transport system, assigning each of a plurality of vehicles into one of the plurality of queues, determining a number of vehicles in each queue and a period of time each vehicle remains in the queue, and permitting traffic flow in at least one queue that facilitates reducing the congestion of the plurality of queues.

Abstract: In a process for determining a route from a predetermined starting point to a predetermined destination, firstly, weights are assigned to route segments interconnected at route nodes. At least a first weight relating to a first route segment is varied by querying at least a data source based on at least a second weight relating to a second route segment. The second route segment is prior to the first route segment in a consideration of the route from the starting point to the destination. Subsequently, the route is determined by using a route finding algorithm, the algorithm taking the weights into account.

Abstract: A “Proxi-Mapper” combines location based services (LBS), local searching capabilities, and relative mapping in a way that minimizes bandwidth requirements and maximizes user experience. The Proxi-Mapper automatically determines approximate locations of one or more local user devices (cell phones, PDA's, media players, portable computing devices, etc.) and returns a lightweight model of local entities (“key-points”) representing businesses, services or people to those devices. Key-points are maintained in one or more remote databases in which key-points are assigned to predetermined grid sections based on the locations of the corresponding entities. Metadata associated with the key-points provides the user with additional information relating to the corresponding entities. In various embodiments, user query options allow the Proxi-Mapper to pull or push relevant local key-point based information to user devices via one or more wired or wireless networks.

Abstract: A mobile bearing calculator having a geomagnetic sensor for detecting earth-magnetism and a control unit for calculating a geographical bearing based on detection values of the geomagnetic sensor. The control unit monitors for an event such as a change of operation of electronic parts mounted on the mobile bearing calculator and corrects the geographical bearing in accordance with the occurrence of the event.

Abstract: My invention is an added feature to the existing GPS systems or navigation systems. It can also be a stand alone GPS system as well. Currently the navigation systems politely give you directions to your desired destination. My invention will be an extra feature in voice generated directions or audio system, which if added to the existing GPS systems can be turned on or off at will. Depending on the mood of the driver or the passengers, this new feature will add a little spice in driving especially to new destinations. The system will behave like a normal human being and will be little unforgiving in case the driver has trouble following voice generated directions. The voice generated directions will be spiced up by adding funny phrases like “YOU SILLY” OR “YOU DUMMY” OR “YOU STUPID” etc. It will purely add a lot of fun and laughter in the vehicle for the driver and the passengers and driving can be a fun experience.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless power transfer to an electronic device in motion, such as an inertial sensor assembly, is disclosed. In the method, a power level of a battery in the electronic device is monitored to determine whether the power level is at or below a prescribed threshold. One or more internal power ports of the electronic device are aligned with one or more external power ports when the power level is at or below the prescribed threshold. A wireless power signal is transmitted from the one or more external power ports to the one or more internal power ports. The power signal received by the one or more internal power ports is processed to charge the battery in the electronic device.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the avoidance of a vehicle collision with an object includes the following steps: a) providing an environment for generating training examples, b) evolving a good driver using a visual input, c) evolving a crash predictor using a visual input, and d) outputting a warning signal.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the transducer and to receive reflected signals through the transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the structural portion. The system further includes an alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a signal generated by the proximity detection unit. In another embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft when the vehicle is positioned in a ranging area about the aircraft. The method further includes generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating multiple analytical processes for evaluating risk and uncertainty elements of a petroleum system. The integrated environment provides a consistent means of analysis for evaluating multiple petroleum systems including exploration prospects and reservoirs, wherein multiple evaluation tools can be used and each of the tools has a similar “look” and “feel” so that a user can efficiently utilize all of the tools in the integrated environment. The evaluation tools analyze common data sets within the integrated environment so that a consistent evaluation of a petroleum system can be performed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for processing seismic data comprising a collection of seismic traces with different offsets, comprising the steps of: a) breaking up one or several first trace(s) of the collection of seismic traces into a series of trace segments according to a predetermined segmentation interval; b) defining a series of expansion coefficients, each expansion coefficient being associated with a segment of the first trace or traces; c) applying the associated expansion coefficient to each segment of the first trace or traces; d) comparing the first trace or traces thus expanded with a second trace from the collection of seismic. traces to evaluate their similarity; e) repeating steps b), c) and d) with a new series of expansion coefficients, f) determining an optimum series of expansion coefficients that maximizes the similarity between the first expanded trace and the second trace in order to obtain one or several corrected first trace(s).

Abstract: Diagonal gather trace interpolation systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes obtaining seismic traces from a marine seismic survey performed using typically two seismic sources fired in a flip-flop pattern. The seismic traces are processed in common field file trace groups from each cable by performing trace interpolation in opposing diagonal directions. Among other things, diagonal trace interpolation may improve azimuthal regularization. In any event, the disclosed interpolation methods maintain spatial bandwidth increased spatial resolution with increased inline and crossline sampling components. Diagonal gather trace interpolation exploits reduced input trace separation to provide improved stability and detection of a greater range of formation dip angles. After interpolation and regularization, the seismic traces may be imaged and interpreted for improved seismic exploration and monitoring.

Abstract: Clinical data that are measured at a plurality of sequential time points are interpreted by monitoring the Z-value of the clinical data. The Z-value of the measured data is calculated at each of the time points. The calculated Z-values are plotted and compared against a pre-selected Z-value, which may be Z=5, in one exemplary embodiment. The clinical data are determined to have undergone a statistically significant change, compared to a baseline value BV of the data, when the calculated Z-value for the measured data is greater than or substantially equal to the pre-selected Z-value. In this way, signal detection from biomarker data may be enhanced. Also, the toxicity level of drugs that are tested in clinical trials may be determined in a more reliable fashion.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting an amount of methylation of at least one target region. The method includes establishing an observed size of a plurality of oligonucleotides relative to a size standard and correlating the observed size to a number of each of nucleotide base in each of the plurality of oligonucleotides. A mobility coefficient can be determined for each base of each respective oligonucleotide and the determined mobility coefficients can be applied to a predetermined number of polynucleotides subjected to methylation detection analysis. The plurality of oligonucleotides are treated with a modifying agent to obtain amplicons in methylated and unmethylated target regions and amplicons derived from methylated and unmethylated target regions are distinguished based on their relative mobilities. The degree of methylation can be predicted based on distinguished methylated regions.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing or monitoring a condition of interest in a subject includes comparing thermograms generated using differential scanning calorimetery. A signature thermogram contains a protein composition pattern for a sample obtained from the subject. The signature thermogram is compared to a standard thermogram. Standard thermograms can include a negative standard thermogram containing a protein composition pattern associated with an absence of the condition of interest, and a positive standard thermogram containing a protein composition pattern associated with a presence of the condition of interest.

Abstract: An automatic classification method for flow cytometry includes characterizing cells or particles as a vector based on at least two-path optical signals generated when the cells or particles pass through an irradiated area one by one, calculating a distance between the effective cells or particles, in which a shorter distance indicates a higher similarity between the two cells or particles, clustering the cells or particles with high similarity into the same class, continuing to cluster similar cells or particles into the same class until the effective cells or particles are clustered into a number L of classes which should be contained in a sample and is determined based on a measuring principle. This method automatically classifies particles accurately and efficiently.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a multi-channel chromatogram is realized for accurately resolving overlapping peaks on a multi-channel chromatogram to permit analysis of the composition of a sample. First, components of overlapping peaks are specified. A data matrix Dij is determined, and compressed in the wavelength direction to obtain a data matrix vector Di. Next, the two-dimensional data is deconvoluted, final standard deviation s0 is registered, and the deconvoluted two-dimensional data is reconvoluted to a retention intensity matrix. A quantitative spectral intensity matrix is computed, components are identified, and the identified components are quantified. Subsequently, an eigenvalue problem is solved, and the number n of components is estimated. The deconvolution and computation of the eigenvalue problem are iteratively executed until the peaks are isolated. Then, elution profiles are calculated, the components are identified, and the identified components are quantified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems or apparatuses for analyzing fluids. More particularly the present invention relates to apparatuses and methods that employ impedance spectroscopy (IS) for analyzing fuels. Fuels of interest include biofuel, particularly biodiesel. Hand-held and “in-line” IS apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: A front wheel is placed on a lifting table, which is rotated by an actuator together with the front wheel. By rotating the lifting table by means of the actuator, the front wheel is rotated under constraint of a steering mechanism of an automobile. The rotation angle of an arm with respect to a base is detected by an encoder provided at an end of an extendable rod which pivotally supports the arm in a rotatable manner, and the rotation angle of the base is detected by a second encoder so as to determine the rotation angle ?2??1 and rotation radius Lt of the front wheel under constraint of the steering mechanism. Based on reaction force F detected by a load cell, rotation radius Lt, and rotation angle ?2??1, friction torque Tt is determined.