Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the air pressure of a tire of a motor vehicle with a tire pressure control system. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle having a tire pressure control system with which the method can be carried out. The tire pressure control system includes tire pressure control devices (4a to 4d) on each of the wheels (2a to 2d), which transmit to a central unit, at regular intervals, a data transmission which contains, inter alia, the air pressure measured in the tires. The central unit generates a warning signal when the determined air pressure deviates by more than a pregiven amount from the stored air pressure. The motor vehicle contains a second tire pressure control system which operates independently of the first tire pressure control system and monitors the air pressure in the tires of the motor vehicle at least when a transmission pause, which is too long, occurs between two data transmissions of one of the tire pressure control devices (4a to 4d).

Abstract: A system for treating goods, in particular for coating optical substrates, under a vacuum, within a gas-tight sealable, evacuatable vacuum chamber (receiver) that can be provided with an inert gas atmosphere, includes a device for calibrating the gas pressure in the receiver for a respective operating cycle. The calibrating device has a calibration pressure vessel (2) having a volume (v) lower than the volume (V) of the receiver (1) and is connected in terms of flow with an inert gas source and the receiver (1) via actuatable valve fittings (3, 4), wherein the receiver (1) and calibration pressure vessel (2) are each linked via a pressure gage (5 or 6) with a computer (7), which controls the valve fittings (3, 4) for introducing the gas into the calibration pressure vessel (2) or receiver (1) by way of a downstream controller (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for alarming decrease in tire air-pressure which alarms decrease of internal pressure of a tire on the basis of a rotational information obtained by tires attached to a four-wheeled vehicle. The apparatus comprises rotational information detecting means; memory means for storing the rotational information; calculation processing means for calculating a reciprocal number of a turning radius and calculating a judged value; first judging means for comparing the judged value with a reference value at every regions of the turning radius; and second judging means for canceling a judgement of decrease of internal pressure when a difference between the judged values in the right and left turning regions is different from a difference between reference judged values in the right and left turning regions which are obtained at a time of initializing run.

Abstract: A circuit 17 for interfacing with a sensor 18 having a sensor input current and a modulated sensor current signal corresponding to a sensed condition. A control module 20 is coupled to the sensor 18 and receives the sensor current signal. The control module 20 converts the sensor current signal to a modulated signal having a pulse width with a duration corresponding to the sensed condition. The control module 20 counts a time corresponding to the pulse width. The time corresponds to the sensed condition.

Abstract: In a tire air pressure estimating apparatus, wheel speeds of respective wheels are successively calculated when a vehicle is running. At least one of a tire resonance frequency and a tire spring constant is extracted from vibration frequency components included in a wheel speed signal with respect to each of tires. Tire air pressures of drive wheels are estimated based on the extracted tire resonance frequencies or the tire spring constants. Rotational state values (e.g. wheel speed values) of driven wheel tires are calculated based on the detected wheel speeds. Tire air pressures of driven wheels are estimated based on a deviation of the rotational state values of the driven wheel tires.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring the functioning of a compressor, which charges a gas-filled accumulator chamber with a working pressure, the actual pressure prevailing in the accumulator chamber is measured and compared to a setpoint pressure. In response to a deviation in the actual pressure from the setpoint pressure, an error signal is produced. The comparison of the actual pressure and the setpoint pressure is carried out during the charging operation when the accumulator chamber is charged.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable pressure measuring apparatus to be used as an altimeter, which can be automatically switched to an optimum sampling period in accordance with a use of the apparatus before a pressure measurement at all times. A portable pressure measuring apparatus additionally comprises a pressure/altitude operation section for obtaining an altitude from a measured pressure by an arithmetic operation, a rate of pressure change operation section, and a movement detecting section, wherein, if the movement detecting section detects a movement, a pressure is measured in a sampling period, for example, in a 1-second sampling period, if a rate of altitude change is equal to or greater than a threshold or in a sampling period, for example, in a 5-second sampling period, if the rate of altitude change is smaller than the threshold and wherein, unless the movement detecting section detects any movement, the pressure sampling measurement is not performed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously monitoring selected parameters of reciprocating compressor cylinders is disclosed, the apparatus includes a plurality of sensors positioned to monitor selected parameters within the cylinder on either side of the piston, with the selected parameters including pressures on each side of the piston for each cycle, temperatures of the gas entering and exiting the cylinder, and vibrations of components such as a piston shaft within the cylinder. A calculator means in close proximity to the cylinder receives the signals from the sensors and analyzes the signals for each cycle of the piston. Output signals proportional to the monitored signals are transmitted to a remotely located computer. The output signals include pressure versus volume curves for each cylinder volume, horsepower consumed by the cylinder, inlet suction and outlet discharge gas temperatures of the gases moved through the cylinder, and compression and tension stress on the piston rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a flow rate of fluid substance discharged from a reserving device includes an instantaneous sensor for measuring an instantaneous state parameter of the fluid substance stored in the reserving device and a data processor electrically connecting with the instantaneous sensor for calculating the flow rate of the fluid substance according to the instantaneous state parameter. The reserving device includes a reservoir for storing the fluid substance, a controlling valve linked to the reservoir for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid substance, and a tube linked to the valve for transporting the fluid substance. The flow rate of the fluid substance is determined by an equation m .

Abstract: A tire air pressure monitoring system includes transmitters and a receiver. The transmitters wirelessly transmit data regarding the inner pressure of tires and the receiver receives the data from the transmitters. Each transmitter has its own ID code and includes a pressure sensor for measuring the inner pressure of the corresponding tire. Every time each pressure sensor measures the pressure, the corresponding transmitter generates a time interval by performing a pseudorandom number calculation based on the measured pressure and its ID code. The pressure sensor will measure the pressure each time the obtained time interval elapses. When each pressure sensor measures the pressure for a predetermined number of times, the corresponding transmitter wirelessly transmits data. This system prevents the transmitters from interfacing with one another and facilitates the manufacture of the transmitters.

Abstract: An instrumented sports apparatus includes a closely spaced array of discrete sensor elements coupled to a contact surface thereof for converting a contact force between the contact surface and an object into a plurality of discrete output signals. The signals are processed and information based thereon generated, which is representative of one or more parameters of interest. In an exemplary embodiment, as instrumented golf club displays information such as club head speed, club head angle, and club head elevation upon impact with a golf ball, permitting the golfer to adjust his swing on the next stroke. Since the instrumentation and display are entirely self-contained in the club, a golfer is not constrained in the use of the club and may enjoy the benefits thereof during play on a golf course.

Abstract: A transmitter provides an output signal indicative of mass flow rate of fluid through a conduit. The transmitter includes a temperature sensor providing a temperature signal indicative of fluid temperature. A static pressure sensor provides a static pressure signal indicative of static pressure in the conduit. A differential producer provides a differential pressure signal. The transmitter also includes a controller which provides the output signal indicative of mass flow of the fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: When the difference between the number of revolutions of each tire of a vehicle is judged by the tire air pressure warning device must be made under the condition that the number of revolutions of the four wheels must constantly be detected by different units, and processed at a high speed, and where the vehicle is travelling in a straight line, and at a point in time when all four wheels become at the same condition. In the case that all four wheels do not reach the same condition, the judgment of the difference in the number of tire revolutions at the tire air pressure warning device is prohibited. Also, using the vehicle running conditions, the most suitable tire air pressure judgment is carried out, and various noise generate when the vehicle is travelling do not have any effect, and the tire air pressure abnormality is detected with good accuracy, the detected signal from the wheel velocity sensors is carefully selected, and the reliability and accuracy of the tire air pressure judgment is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining an average number of instructions entering a stage of a processor pipeline of a computer system during a clock cycle of a processor clock. The number of instructions entering a particular stage of the pipeline are stored in a queue during each of a predetermined number (N) of clock cycles. The total number of instructions processed over the last P clock cycles is computed, where P is less than or equal to N. The total number of instructions processed is divided by the last P processor cycles to yield the instantaneous average number of instructions processed for each processor cycle. This average number of instructions processed is communicated to software.

Abstract: A game player is allowed to punch a punching ball and the shape of a captured image is transformed in conformity with the punching force applied to the ball. An image is captured by a camera or memory card reader. The player punches the punching ball, causing the shape of the captured image to be transformed. The larger the acceleration of the punching ball when it is punched, the greater the transformation in the shape of the captured image. The transformed image is displayed on a display unit and may be printed if desired. The player can experience a game more realistic than one in which the shape of a computer-graphics image is transformed.

Abstract: A method of operating a device for monitoring vehicle-tire pressures and indicating changes in pressure by radio, which is arranged in the valve of the pneumatic tire and contains a power source; a pressure sensor; an analog/digital converter for digitizing the pressure signal obtained from the pressure sensor; a memory for storing the pressure signal; a transmitter; a comparator, in particular in a module with a microprocessor, which compares the pressure signal with a previously stored comparison pressure signal, generates a signal if the deviation of the pressure signal from the comparison pressure signal exceeds a threshold, and activates the transmitter, which thereupon transmits a datum regarding the detected deviation to a receiver arranged in the vehicle; and a timing switch which activates the device at time intervals for a measurement and comparison operation and otherwise keeps it deactivated for purpose of power conservation.

Abstract: A dispensing monitor used in a SOG machine to planarize a semiconductor substrate which includes: a container, a gas control valve. a gas release valve, a pressure monitor, and a pressure sensing apparatus. A chemical solution contained in the container is controlled and conveyed through the gas control valve to be sprayed onto the substrate. The pressure monitor and the pressure sensing apparatus and the gas release valve are used for monitoring the internal pressure to keep a constant pressure so that the chemical solution is precisely exported.

Abstract: A signal processor comprises wheel speed-detecting means for detecting a wheel speed signal including vibrational components of a tire, extraction means for extracting a resonant frequency of the vibrational components of the tire or a tire spring constant based on the wheel speed signals, air pressure-estimating means for estimating a tire air pressure based on the resonant frequency or the tire spring constant, and determining means for determining whether the estimated tire air pressure is abnormal or not by comparing with a determination value. Further, correcting means corrects at least one of the determination value, the estimated tire air pressure, the resonant frequency and the tire spring constant in response to a tire temperature. A temperature-sensing device is mounted inside the signal processor to detect a temperature associated with the tire temperature.

Abstract: A rate of rise detector assembly (16) for use with explosion suppression equipment (14,18). The detector assembly includes a pressure sensor or transducer (20) and a controller (22). The pressure transducer continuously measures the pressure in a protected area and sends signals representative of the pressure to the controller. The controller samples the transducer every 200 .mu.Sec to obtain a series of successive pressure measurements. The sampled pressure measurements are then stored in a memory table (28) having five positions. Each time the table is filled, the five pressure measurements are averaged to obtain an integrated mean pressure value having a sample time of 1 mSec and then erased from the table so that it can be filled with subsequent measurements. This results in the calculation of a series of mean pressure values each having a sample time of 1 mSec.

Abstract: A measurement system is presented for detecting the presence of one or more harmful chemical species within one or more chambers of a semiconductor wafer processing device. Chemical species of interest include oxygen (O.sub.2), nitrogen (N.sub.2), moisture (H.sub.2 O), and organic compounds associated with photoresist processing. Such organic compounds include isopropyl alcohol (CH.sub.3 CH(OH)CH.sub.3), acetone (CH.sub.3 COCH.sub.3), and ethyl-3-ethoxy propionate (C.sub.7 H.sub.14 O.sub.3). Candidate semiconductor wafer processing devices include evaporation, sputtering, and low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) devices.

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: An air data measurement system includes a device for sensing air pressure outside an aircraft, a pressure transducer in fluid communication with the air pressure sensing device and having a piezoresistive bridge attached on a flexible diaphragm. The piezoresistive bridge has an electrical resistance which varies in response to the sensed air pressure applied to the diaphragm and whose sensitivity varies with the magnitude of the excitation current passing therethrough. The system also includes a current supply operatively connected to the pressure transducer for supplying and varying the magnitude of the excitation current to the piezoresistive bridge. Further included is an output device connected to the pressure transducer for sensing a change in the electrical resistance of the piezoresistive bridge and outputting a signal from the piezoresistive bridge corresponding to the sensed air pressure.

Abstract: A method and system for designing a door seal system is based upon a predicted contribution of the door seal system to sound pressure levels (SPLs) within a vehicle due to wind noise. A door seal system design is selected and a door seal system deformed geometry is determined. The deformed door seal system and acoustic media are combined to produce a fully coupled acoustic/structure model of the door seal system. A sound transmission loss is predicted for the door seal system design under predetermined conditions using acoustics, finite deformation rubber elasticity, and steady state harmonic viscoelasticity. The sound transmission loss and interior SPLs are then displayed, and the door seal design changed according to predefined rules to produce a seal design which provides a desired SPL in the vehicle.

Abstract: This counting apparatus is a tool monitor and assembly qualifier that verifies that the correct number of fasteners have been properly installed into an assembly. When used in conjunction with a pressure tool, proper fastener torque and count can be verified. The device monitors internal tool pressures and has the ability to "learn" the pressure characteristics of the tool during the assembly process. This assembly qualifier is a device that monitors either the pressure of an air tool, the current of an electrical tool or the torque of a mechanical wrench to determine if the tool shut off at a target torque. The qualifier also determines if some unknown means shuts off the tool.

Abstract: Diving computer includes a pressure sensor, a timer, a processing unit and a display screen. The processing unit processes the pressure and time data according to a given algorithm and shows on the display screen at least the data relating to how long the diver can stay at a given depth within the decompression curve. The computer is also provided with one or more mechanisms for signalling an alarm. This signalling mechanism includes a mechanism for producing permanent visual signals differentiated according to the seriousness of the errors made, which signals are controlled by the processing unit.

Abstract: To provide a tire air pressure monitor of a vehicle having four or six wheel assemblies, making it possible to easily check the air pressure of a tire. A sensor 1 for detecting the air pressure of a tire is provided at the wheel assembly side, a detection unit 2 is provided at the chassis side for each sensor 1 so as to face the sensor 1, and a monitoring unit 3 is provided at a position which can be seen from a driver's seat. A detection result by the sensor 1 is acquired by a detection result acquisition means 21, and the detection result is converted to digital data by a data generation section 22 and moreover, provided with an ID code different for each detection unit 2 and transmitted by a transmission section 23 through AM waves by using radio waves of a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A two-wire transmitter senses differential pressure, absolute pressure, and process temperature of a process fluid. The information can be used to provide an output representative of mass flow through a pipe. The transmitter has an electronics module housing attached to a sensor module housing. The sensor module housing contains all the sensors for the pressures and includes a boss input for receiving a signal representative of a temperature or pressure signal. The three process variables are appropriately digitized, and received by an electronics circuit board in the electronics housing including a microprocessor for calculating the mass flow. The microprocessor in the electronics housing also calculates a compressibility factor and a discharge coefficients according to a polynomials of specific forms. The boss is integral to the sensor module housing and is adapted to fit either shielded twisted pair cabling or conduit.

Abstract: A master transmitter couples to first and second slave units through a bus. The slave units provide outputs to the bus related to first and second pressures of a process. The bus provides power to the units and carries signals. The master transmitter is adapted to couple to a two-wire process control loop which wholly powers the system.

Abstract: A percussion system including at least one force transducer developing a variable resistance output based upon a force exerted upon its surface, an interface providing an interface output based upon the analog output of the force transducer, and a digital processing system coupled to the interface. The analog input is preferably a variable resistance, and the interface output is preferably a pulse having a width related to the variable resistance. The interface preferably includes a capacitive member to form an RC circuit with the force transducer, and circuitry responsive to the RC circuit to produce a digital output. The digital processing system stores the digital output of the interface in memory and processes the digital output with other digital outputs of the interface to perform a computer implemented process such as producing a synthesized drum sound.