Abstract: The invention provides an improvement in apparatus (20) for testing the level of contaminants in a fluid during a test period. The apparatus has a source of pressurized fluid (Ps) to be tested; a fluid sump (R); and a test passage (48) which is substantially free of occluding contaminants at the beginning of the test period and which is adapted to be supplied with a flow of fluid from the source. The passage is so configured and arranged as to be progressively occluded by contaminants in the fluid flow. The apparatus also includes a device (23) defining a variable-volume chamber (47). The volume of said chamber is variable between a minimum value and a maximum value.

Abstract: When obtaining load displaying calibration data, first, a reference die height position (a) where a load (F) of a mechanical press (1) comes to minimum load value (Fa) is sought as well as a reference die height position (f) where the load (F) comes to maximum load value (Ff). Then a plurality of intermediate die height positions (b . . . e) are selected between these reference die height positions (a) and (f). Subsequently, a load is imposed on the mechanical press (1) at each of the die height positions (a . . . f) and a pressure sensor (33) senses peak oil pressures (Pa . . . Pf) corresponding to the respective die height positions (a . . . f). Thereafter, relative relationships between load values (Fa . . . Ff) corresponding to the die height positions (a . . . f) and the peak oil pressures (Pa . . . Pf) are obtained as a characteristic curve (B).

Abstract: A method is provided to determine an rpm profile for a turbine pump from pulse train data obtained from a sensor at the pump. The method eliminates ramp-up spikes from the pulse train by comparing the spike pulse count to the surrounding pulse counts and replacing data points responsible for abnormal pulse count increases/decreases between data points with interpolated values. The method similarly replaces data points that lie outside statistically acceptable pulse rate variations. A rough rpm plot is then generated, which must be smoothed to obtain the final rpm profile. Data points are infused between sensor data points to achieve an acquisition rate of approximately 1000 points per second. The infusion is accomplished by interpolating between sensor data points and equally spacing the infused data points along the interpolated curve. A smoothing function is then applied to the infused data set.

Abstract: A test device (10) for filter systems comprising at least two test units (14), a management unit (12) for managing and controlling the at least two test units (14), and signal links via a bi-directional or multi-directional network (16) between the management unit (12) and the at least two test units (14), particularly for transmitting test program instructions and test results. The invention further relates to a method for testing filter systems and a computer readable storage device with a computer program stored therein for testing filter systems.

Abstract: A method for checking the operational readiness of a valve determines at least one measured value for a valve-specific parameter and compares it with a previously fixed value. The measured value is determined in a cold and unpressurized state of the valve and is compared with a value that is determined analytically from a function model of the valve, for the valve-specific parameter. An upper and a lower limiting value which are fixed for this analytically determined value are assigned to states of the valve that are still tolerable (design reserve). It is indicated that the valve is operationally ready when the measured value is between the upper and the lower limiting value.

Abstract: An accumulator piston displacement detecting device for an automatic transmission includes a friction element, a hydraulic line for supplying and releasing hydraulic pressure to the friction element, an accumulator connected to the friction element through the hydraulic line for regulating the hydraulic pressure being supplied to the friction element, a switch installed in a portion of the accumulator, and a TCU for controlling the hydraulic pressure supplied to the friction element on the basis of a signal from the switch.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the ability of a filter to filter contaminants, by automatically controlling and/or monitoring various parameters, including the following, among others: the flow of fluid through a test filter; the rate of injection of contaminants upstream of the test filter; the variation in the flow of fluid through the test filter; contaminant particle count upstream and downstream of the test filter; vibration of the test filter; temperature of the fluid flowing through the test filter; and the pressure drop across the test filter.

Abstract: The operational performance of a fluid storage and dispensing system is monitored by measurement apparatus which measures a volume associated with the system. A plurality of measurement data is collected from the measurement apparatus in a form readable by a computer and is stored in a compressed matrix format in a computer memory. The compressed matrix format is statistically analyzed to determine operational monitoring information regarding the system. The temperature of the fluid may also be measured for calculating the volume associated with the system. The operational performance and volume of the fluid storage system may be precisely monitored without requiring presumptions as to the accuracy of the measurement apparatus.

Abstract: To enable calling and turning off of failure codes stored in a control unit without using a dedicated switch or the like. An electronic control unit controls an actuator of a braking device, stores failure codes representing problems in the braking device, and has its power terminal connected to a battery via a fuse. A main switch is turned on to connect the power terminal to the battery. Thereafter, the fuse is made inoperative or detached, and is re-installed after a lapse of a predetermined time interval. A failure code stored in the electronic control unit is called, and is displayed by an indicator. Then, the fuse is again made inoperative or detached, and re-installed in the predetermined time interval. The failure code will be automatically turned off. Alternatively, a connector may be used to substitute for or in combination with the fuse.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying refrigerant-based air conditioning system component-mode failures to provide field technician assistance in diagnosis and repair. A multiplicity of measurement probes for system pressure, system temperature, ambient temperature, ambient relative humidity and refrigerant identification are utilized with a microprocessor unit and a Weighted Probability Inference Engine (WPIE) process. Measured parameters are stored during specific modes of air conditioning system operation and are compared to a stored database of failure modes to determine potential system component-mode failures and provide troubleshooting guidelines. Specific failure modes are displayed to the user through a variety of interface devices.

Abstract: An automatic keyboard testing apparatus includes a pair of support arms fixed to a machine frame for supporting a keyboard to be tested therebetween. A clamping device secures the keyboard between the support arms. A test module has testing units for operating/testing pushbuttons, a knob and indictors of the keyboard. A key actuating device comprises a plurality of key depressing elements movably mounted thereto. Each key depressing element forms a pressurized air stream outlet for applying a pressurized air stream to a corresponding key of the keyboard for actuating the key. A conveyor mechanism moves the key actuating device across the keyboard for sequentially actuating the keys of the keyboard. A keyboard coupling device electrically couples the keyboard to a processor-based determination device to receive signals therefrom for determining if the tested keyboard is properly functioning.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a filtered signal which indicates of a flow of fluid to a fluid pressure communication conduit, the flow being dependent upon the pressure of fluid in a chamber. The pressure in the chamber is controlled by one or more pressure adjusting valves. The invention provides for receiving into a data processing module one or more valve signals indicating open states of the pressure adjusting valve or valves, and also a flowrate signal from a flowrate sensor, which represents the real instantaneous flowrate, and it is this signal which needs to be filtered to remove transients. The invention provides for choosing between a first processing mode and a second processing mode for the flowrate signal. The first processing mode is used when the second processing mode is not in effect, and when neither of the valve signals indicates an open valve. The second processing mode is activated a valve signal indicates an open valve.

Abstract: A method of operating a municipal water system employs a master computer having a memory which retains information regarding all the valves in the system. One assigned to exercise certain valves in the system obtains a print out of current information regarding the valves to be exercised from the computer. A valve turning machine which is controlled by a hand held computer is provided to the operator and after the operation exercises the assigned valves, information stored in the hand held computer is down loaded into the memory of the master computer to thereby update the municipal recorder.