Abstract: A plurality of cam sensors are provided for outputting cylinder judgment signals and the output number of cylinder judgment signals between reference crank angle positions are counted for each cam sensor, to thereby perform cylinder judgment based on combination of the output number of the counted cylinder judgment signals.

Abstract: A foreign material interference detection apparatus for an opening/closing member that reduces the calculation load for foreign material interference determination processing. A rotating speed detection sensor detects the rotating speed of a motor and provides its detection signal SP to a computer. The computer obtains a load determination rotating cycle t1 from the detection signal SP. Based on the load determination rotating cycle t1, the computer determines foreign material interference when it determines that the rotating speed is fluctuating due to a load that is the same as that produced when a foreign material is interfering with the opening/closing member and when the determination is made consecutively a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A method for the inspection of male or female tapered threads located at the extremities of metal pipes. The pitch diameter of the threads in a measuring plane located substantially in the middle of a zone of perfect threads is inspected using a plane diameter measuring device while the pitch diameter of the threads is conventionally defined by the specification API 5B in the plane of the last perfect male thread. The pitch diameter of the threads measured is compared with an estimated value calculated from the nominal value of the pitch diameter in the plane P0, from the distance between P0 and P1, and a plot value for the taper, itself a function of the distribution of the tapers formed.

Abstract: A shape estimating method by which, also where a chemically amplified resist is used, the shape of the resist can be estimated accurately by a computer simulation. Diffusion of a catalyst species in a chemically amplified resist upon the post-baking process is calculated by approximation with a Gaussian distribution, and a light intensity distribution on the chemically amplified resist upon exposure to light is calculated. Then, the light intensity distribution is corrected with the calculated Gaussian distribution, and calculation of the shape of a two-dimensional pattern of the chemically amplified resist is performed based on the corrected light intensity distribution. Preferably, as the Gaussian distribution, a Gaussian distribution which approximates isotropic distribution of a catalyst species with a diffusion length used as a parameter is used.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the tipping moment severity of a mechanical press for the purpose of accurately predicting die reliability. The method includes generating a unique tipping moment severity chart for the press application to be monitored and continually monitoring the tipping moment level during production operation of the press. Apparatus is used to monitor the applied load which is communicated to a computational device for computing and plotting tipping moment severity on the tipping moment severity chart.

Abstract: For diagnosing coupled piezo-mechanical systems, methods are used which utilize electrical characteristic curves of the piezo-element that is contained in the piezo-mechanical systems. These electrical characteristic curves contain information about the mechanical condition of the overall piezo-mechanical system, which can be interpreted by suitable evaluating methods. It is thus possible to perform a diagnosis in which malfunctions and failures of the piezo-mechanical system can be detected (e.g. wear or failure of particular components). An important field of application is the diagnosis of fuel injectors which are controlled via piezo-actuators.

Abstract: A method of determining the friction between the strand shell and the mold during continuous casting with an oscillating mold includes measuring with the use of controlled double-acting hydraulic cylinders and with a predeterminable measuring frequency the pressures of always both chambers of all oscillating cylinders as well as the lifting positions of the pistons corresponding to these pressures, and by computing from these data the friction force acting at any point in time between the strand shell and the mold walls.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of monitoring, analyzing and managing mechanical press usage. The method of this form of the current invention includes the steps of: monitoring vibration severity, including vibration severity zone; monitoring tipping moment severity; monitoring press repair information, including die repair information; monitoring press maintenance information, including die maintenance information; monitoring press applied load; and analyzing the effect of vibration severity, tipping moment severity, press repair, press maintenance and applied load to determine necessary press modifications.

Abstract: A signal analysis system and method for analyzing an input signal acquired from a mechanical system. The mechanical system may include at least one rotating apparatus. The signal analysis system may be configured to: (a) receive samples of the input signal, (b) perform an invertible joint time-frequency transform (e.g.

Abstract: A method of determining joint stiffness degradation in structure 10 is provided including a first exciting of the structure 18, a first measuring of transfer function and frequency response function 20, simulating a mileage accumulation process of the structure 16 performed after the first exciting 18 and the first measuring 20, a second exciting of the structure 22, performed after the simulating a mileage accumulation process 16, a second measuring of frequency response function 24 performed after the simulating a mileage accumulation process 16 and calculating the change in joint stiffness 26 using the first measuring 20 and the second measuring 24.

Abstract: To provide accurate measurement of rotational velocity and an adequate bandwidth for servo control as a function of the measurement over a wide range of velocities, the present invention utilizes unique speed computation algorithms based on a combination of fine and coarse shaft velocity measurements from a tachometer. The preferred embodiments utilize control signals derived from the velocity measurements to control motor speed, for example, to provide servo control of a digital tape drive. The preferred embodiments utilize an optical encoder coupled to a reel-shaft to generate tachometer pulses as the shaft rotates. The coarse measurement may actually take two different forms for different speed ranges. In one range, this measurement involves counting the number of pulses in a sampling interval. In the other range, the coarse measurement entails counting the number of sampling intervals per detection of a tachometer pulse.

Abstract: A system and method enables nontechnical personnel to provide information relating to vehicle damage information via a graphical user interface of a computer system. The information provided by the user includes damaged vehicle area information, crush depth of the damaged areas information, and vehicle component-by-component damage information. This information is utilized by a &Dgr;V determination module executing on a processor to, for example, obtain respective overall vehicle damage ratings for each vehicle of two vehicles involved in a collision. The overall damage rating is obtained by applying a set of rules, based on a uniform quantification of component-by-component damage, to the subject vehicles and an identical or sister test vehicle from one or more crash tests which provide damage information.

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: A method for determining the quality of a protective coating or layer on a structure inside of a reactor chamber. The method includes generating a basis, such as a standard scatter band of impedance, as an acceptable standard for the quality of a protective layer on the inside of a reactor chamber. At least one substrate is processed within a reactor chamber containing a protective coating for protecting the inside of the reactor chamber during processing of the substrate. The method further includes determining the quality of the protective coating, such as by measuring protective characteristics of the protective coating. A method for on-line monitoring of a quality of a coating on the inside of a reactor chamber.

Abstract: Controlling software components for cutting machines are distributed in nature, and can be placed on any convenient processor on a network. Each is provided with its own network address, or specific ports are assigned thereto at a shared (e.g., IP or network) address, and the functionality of each component is executed without reference to its physical location on the network. Virtual machine components handle the collection of data from cutting machines, while a machine monitor component collects data from the virtual machine components. User interface interpreting and serving components are also distributed and portable, and a controlling user interface may therefore be accessed, viewed, and take user input wherever such tasks are most convenient. The changeable user interface permits machines, jobs, materials, and cutting elements to be managed centrally, or from distributed locations in the facility or on the Internet at large.

Abstract: A signal generator is electrically coupled with a first sensor for sensing the conductivity of water and electrically coupled with a second sensor for sensing the conductivity of a foam solution that included a concentration of surfactant. One or more switches repeatedly switch between the sensed conductivity of the water and the sensed conductivity of the foam solution. A conversion circuit converts the conductivity of the water into a first voltage and the conductivity of the foam solution into a second voltage, such that a single circuit path may be used to convert both conductivity values. A control circuit compares the difference of the first voltage and second voltage to determine a differential voltage that is utilized to control a surfactant control valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an aircraft for determining and displaying a reading which is indicative of pressure density at any instant in time, comprises sensing means for determining both ambient air pressure and ambient air temperature at any instant in time, and outputting an electrical signal having a value which varies in accordance therewith. Calculating means are provided for combining those electrical signals and outputting a weighted signal for pressure density having a value based on an index value of zero for a pressure density at sea level when the ambient temperature is 59° F. and the ambient pressure is 29.92 inches of mercury. A microprocessor computer means has random access memory and read only memory, and an output signal driver for outputting a signal indicative of pressure density at any instant in time to a display.

Abstract: A method for measuring the weight of a vehicle and/or of its load comprising measuring the temperature and pressure of at least a significant number of tires of said vehicle, a temperature standardized pressure based on a selected standardization temperature, summing the standardized pressures and determining weight of the vehicle and/or its load based on the sum of the temperature compensated pressures and a conversion factor.

Abstract: A proximity detection system for detecting the proximity of conventionally hard-to-detect materials having a complex permittivity and/or a complex permeability is disclosed. The system includes an oscillator for producing an output signal, the oscillator having a transistor with an open and a closed loop gain and a base-emitter junction that rectifies resonant signals at the collector to produce the output signal. The oscillator includes negative feedback including a resistive element coupled to the emitter for reducing the sensitivity of the closed loop gain to variations in the transistor's open loop gain and a capacitive element coupling the resistive element to the collector for stabilizing the frequency of the oscillator. The detection system further includes a sensor coupled to the oscillator for varying the level of the oscillator output signal in response to certain electrical properties of the material.

Abstract: A computer-based method and processor for determining the equivalence of the respective mean values of physical processes used in the production of goods is provided. The method allows for inputting respective values of various parameters. A storing step allows for storing each inputted value into a memory unit, and a computing step allows for computing, based on the stored values, respective sample sizes required by the processes to determine whether the respective means of the processes are equivalent to one another within a selected equivalence range and within sufficiently acceptable probabilities. The magnitude of the respective sample sizes is sufficiently small to allow a user to experimentally demonstrate the equivalence of the respective means of the processes.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the barometric pressure external to an air intake of an internal combustion engine, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a pressure value indicative of an absolute pressure in the intake manifold of the engine; (b) providing a mass airflow value of the airflow into the engine; (c) characterizing a pressure drop across the intake system based on the mass airflow value; and (d) determining a barometric pressure based on the pressure value and the pressure drop, such that the pressure drop is indicative of the pressure differential between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure in the intake manifold. Furthermore, the determination of the barometric pressure may be triggered when the throttle blade reaches a predetermined throttle threshold position which is a function of the rotational speed of the engine.

Abstract: An absolute position detector that interprets, rather than avoids, abnormal sensory states. Different combinations of sensors in an array are activated as a marker travels along a path. The current activation/deactivation state of the array is converted into a digital signal that is reliably indicative of the current absolute position of the marker along the path. In a preferred embodiment, a dynamic magnetic field is provided whose current condition represents the current absolute position of a moving marker. As the marker moves, the condition of the field changes to activate different groups of Hall Effect devices in an array. The activated groups may comprise one or more Hall Effect devices in the array, depending on the condition of the field as created by the position of the marker. The current activation/deactivation state of the array is then converted, advantageously via truth table logic, into a digital signal representative of the current position of the marker.

Abstract: A pressure based mass flow controller that can be used, for example, in semiconductor manufacturing for precisely delivering a process vapor to a process chamber. The controller can be used with a low vapor pressure source, and has a simplified, novel design, that allows the controller to be easily and inexpensively incorporated in a system including a plurality of such controllers and a plurality of vapor sources. The controller includes a flow path for connection to a vapor source, a flow restrictor dividing the flow path into an upstream reservoir and a downstream reservoir, an upstream pressure measurement device connected to the upstream reservoir, and a flow valve connected to the flow path. The controller also includes a control device programmed to receive a desired flow rate, an indication of upstream pressure from the upstream pressure measurement device, an indication of downstream pressure from a remote downstream pressure measurement device connected to the downstream reservoir.

Abstract: A system for monitoring machine data which avoids the need for the cumbersome placement of junction boxes adjacent machines that heretofore had required installing the junction boxes on walls, studs, or stanchions. Instead, a rigid conduit having conductors therein communicate with an integrated sealed instrument package that allows the conductors' communication between an asset such as a machine to be monitored via transducers to a signal processor at a remote location. A multiplicity of assets can be monitored through this arrangement by providing signal differentiation for the various machines.

Abstract: A process device couples to a process control loop. The process device receives process signals. A memory in the process device contains a nominal parameter value and a rule. Computing circuitry calculates a statistical parameter of the process signal and operates on the statistical parameter and the stored nominal value based upon the stored rule and responsively provides an event output based upon the operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a testing system and a testing method for a structure which tests a structure made of a test piece structure and a numerical model virtually connected to the structure. A simulated structure including a frame, an actuator and a reaction force measuring device is mounted on a foundation on which a shaking table is also mounted. Only the test piece structure is mounted on the shaking table. The motion of the shaking table 5 which is generated at the time of shaking the test piece structure using the shaking table and the actuator is measured by a shaking table motion measuring device, while the reaction force generated by the test piece structure is measured by a reaction force measuring device. Using these measured values and the numerical model stored in a digital computer, the motion of the test piece structure after a predetermined period for the motion of the simulated structure is calculated.

Abstract: The invention discloses an evaluation method for the quality of measuring sensors of an autonomous mobile system. To this end, the plurality of sensors per cell that have surveyed this cell when surveying obstacles for producing a cellularly structured environment map are stored and it is identifiably indicated thereto which sensors have classified this cell in which way. For example, a occupied probability and a free probability is [sic] employed for the classification. The measuring quality is determined with reference to the results that the individual sensors have supplied or the respective cell. The extent to which the classifications of the individual sensors confirm one another is evaluated thereto. Sensors whose measured results deviate from a great number of other sensors are classified as faulty.

Abstract: A method of improving diagnosis of repetitive quality faults appearing in prints from a printer having rotating elements uses an internal test page that has a lead edge, a trail edge, a ruled margin, a reference mark at the start of the ruled margin adjacent the lead edge, and labeled characteristic marks spaced from the reference mark according to the circumference of the various rotating elements. A user prints the test page and places it atop a print that has a repetitive quality fault, with the reference mark aligned with a first occurrence of the fault. The label of the characteristic mark adjacent a second occurrence of the fault identifies the rotating element probably causing the fault which needs to be replaced.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the automated diagnosis of monitored objects, especially of drive strings, with a stationary, fully automatically operating data collecting unit positioned on the monitored object and a monitoring terminal spatially separated therefrom, whereby the quantitative description of the damage condition and therefore the activation of data transfer and subsequent reporting of diagnosis statements at the monitoring terminal is triggered by the significance of a damage property correspondingly weighted by the damage type, or a combination of different damage properties, which are specified by the amplitude of the physical variable corresponding to the kinetic occurrences which are formed for the harmonic excitation within the spectrum of the wide band signal detected by way of sensors at the machine surface, or for the impact impulse type excitation of the high pass filtered envelope curve spectrum of the same signal, or for the discontinuously appearing determinant impulse excitation from t

Abstract: A vibration change is detected by a touch signal probe having a vibrator (16) composed of a stylus support (10) and a stylus (13) attached thereto, and a vibrating/detecting means (12) provided to the stylus support (10) for applying vibration to the vibrator (16) and detecting a vibration condition changing when the stylus (13) touches a workpiece. The vibrator (16) is vibrated at a frequency equivalent to secondary intrinsic frequency (w2) to make resonance and the vibration change is detected by superposing a vibration component of primary intrinsic frequency (w1). Though the vibration at the secondary intrinsic frequency (w2) has high Q value, response amplitude is small. Accordingly, the vibration change is amplified by superposing the vibration component of the primary intrinsic frequency (w1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the torque exerted on a body of revolution 2 capable of being driven rotatably about an axis of rotation 1. The device possesses a first and a second measurement generator 3 and 4 which are arranged on the body of revolution 2 at an axial distance from one another and which consist of rings 7 and 8 radially surrounding the body of revolution 2 and composed of fields having an alternately different signal behavior. At the same time, the number of fields of the two rings 7 and 8 is identical. The first measurement generator 3 is assigned a first measurement transducer 9 and the second measurement generator 4 is assigned a second measurement transducer 10, the measurement transducers both supplying output signals, from which first and second square-wave signals 11 and 12 are formed, the torque being determined from the distances between edges of the first and second square-wave signals over one complete revolution of the body of revolution 2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining accurate measuring of material a system where stopping element which stops feeding the material has a time delay which takes a certain time to stop the feeding completely after receiving a stopping signal. The apparatus includes feeding line which is capable of changing feeding rate from high to low when a total fed amount reaches a predetermined alerting amount, preset amount calculator for determining the current preset amount value by multiplying the time delay by a detected feeding rate and a controller for generating a signal to actuate the stopping element to stop the feeding when the total fed amount reaches a value of difference between the intended amount and the current preset amount.

Abstract: A system for precisely locating an absolute position of a target structure disposed at a known relative position on a substrate, where the substrate has devices in a pattern. Input means receive information, including a substrate size, a pattern offset, a device size, the known relative position of the target structure, and a target structure shape. Staging means receive the substrate in a known orientation. Processing means are used to locate several positions. A center position of the substrate is located from the substrate size and the known orientation of the substrate. A first intermediate position is located by combining the center position of the substrate with the pattern offset. A second intermediate position is located by combining the first intermediate position with at least a first component of the device size. A third intermediate position is located by combining the second intermediate position with the known relative position of the target structure.

Abstract: Analog test signals may be picked up from the test object with vibration sensors. A computer is equipped with a standard interface card which is connected by an interface, preferably parallel interface, and serves to digitize the test signals. A switching means serves to generate a trigger signal which can be input over a preferably serial interface. An executive routine in the computer switches the input of test signals on and off via the trigger signal.

Abstract: A device and method of visually confirming at a work site the accuracy of measurements representing the shape of an object such as a pool for the creation of a form fitted pool cover. The device includes a microprocessor for inputting a plurality of measurements representing a plurality of reference points corresponding to the shape of the object. The device further stores the measurements in the microprocessor. The microprocessor processes the inputted measurements and individually displays on the monitor reference points corresponding to the measurements inputted. This allows for the visual confirmation as to the accuracy of each of the measurements by providing the ability to compare the image displayed on the monitor with the shape of the object.

Abstract: A shaking response is estimated with high precision by performing a shaking test f or combining and estimating a shaking characteristic of a partial structure of an object under test obtained through a shaking test and a shaking response of the whole structure which is numerically modeled. In a shaking test apparatus and method, a structure under test comprises a partial structure and a numerical model which is virtually connected to the partial structure. First, a vibration model corresponding to the partial structure is assumed, the numerical model and the vibration model are combined to construct an overall-system model, and then the vibration response of the overall-system model is calculated. On the basis of the calculation result and the signal input from a waveform oscillator, the partial structure is shaken by using a shaker.

Abstract: A fiber orientation verification system includes a sensor and an indicator to identify the fiber orientation within each sequentially laid composite material layer. The indicator projects visible indicator lines upon the lay-up surface which are indicative of a desired orientation for the composite material layer. The sensor and the indicator communicate with a computer module which contains a database including a detailed sequence to assure that each layer is proper placed. The operator is thereby provided with an exact location to lay-up each composite material layer and the proper fiber orientation of that layer. Continued verification is thus provided to the operator.

Abstract: A testing apparatus determines when an electric motor is acceptable based on measured parameters and fuzzy logic. The testing apparatus measures the following motor parameters: a time for the motor to reach a running speed in a steady-state, thus forming a time-to-speed; a difference between an instantaneous speed and an average speed in the steady-state, thus forming a speed variation; a maximum value of the motor current, thus forming a maximum current; a motor current in the steady-state, thus forming a running current; and a motor vibration energy in the steady-state, thus forming a vibration energy. Based on the measured motor parameters, the testing apparatus then uses fuzzy logic to determine when the motor is acceptable.

Abstract: An automatic monitoring and display system for use with a digging machine in order to excavate holes having a predetermined depth and an excavation slope pitch from ground level to hole depth. The machine has a boom, a dipper stick connected to the boom and a bucket at the end of the dipper stick, all interconnected by three pivots. Only two sensors are used to detect the position of the bucket relative to a zero reference signal which is stored in a processor. The operator of the machine has a console whereby to select an excavation depth as well as a slope pitch angle and the console will display to him the hole depth and the percentage pitch on the slope as the excavation proceeds. The operator can reset his zero reference signal at any time from anywhere.

Abstract: In a method for initiating protective measures on rapidly running rotary machines upon the occurrence of impermissible vibrations, or other disturbances which cause vibrations, the vibrations are measured as measured variables essentially at the bearings of the rotors or derived values. In a first relatively long time interval (t1) a number of measured data of this measured variable are recorded and conditioned using an equalizing function. In a second, relatively short time interval (t2) the measured data of the same measured variable which are current in this time interval are recorded. Thereafter, these current measured data are compared with the conditioned measured data of the relatively long time interval (t1) and, depending on the result of the comparison, a monitoring signal corresponding the result, or an emergency shutdown signal is triggered.

Abstract: A keyboard testing system includes a processor-based test unit electrically coupled to a microprocessor of a keyboard to be tested to test and determine if the microprocessor function properly, at least one optic sensor which is controlled by the test unit to detect light emitted from LED indicators of the keyboard for testing the indicators and a key testing device which is controlled by the test unit to sequentially actuate keys of the keyboard for testing the keys. The key testing device includes at least one pneumatic cylinder to which an end effector is mounted. The pneumatic cylinder is controlled by the test unit to move the end effector toward/away from and thus actuating/de-actuating the keys. A conveying device moves the key testing device to each of the keys for testing each of the keys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for determining the magnitude and distribution of forces on a foot during ambulation and utilizing this data in combination with a plurality of other factors to create an orthotic inlay with an automated inlay fabricating machine.

Abstract: Cathodic protection voltages are used to resist the damage to pipes or cables from electrolytic effects. However, localised fields can lead to stray currents and may result in corrosion and it is therefore desirable to detect and analyse those stray currents. Frequently there are several pipes in the area of interest and so it is necessary to distinguish between those pipes. Therefore the cathodic voltage on the pipes is modulated, with different pipes having different modulations. This modulation may be applied using an interrupter. Orthogonal modulations with non-unitary aspect ratios improve the discrimination between the pipes whilst maximising the energy content of the modulation pattern. The analysis is improved when the interrupters are synchronised with each other and so repeating on the same time-base. This synchronisation may be achieved using an external time signal such as GPS. An interrupter which can be used in this regard is also proposed, and may be powered from the cathodic voltage itself.

Abstract: A method for estimating the life of an apparatus under a random stress amplitude variation, involving determining a probability density function of a cumulated damage quantity and estimating the life of the apparatus on the basis of the probability density function, characterized by: approximating a damage coefficient indicative of a damage quantity per unit by a linear expression when the random stress amplitude variation is in a narrow band; and representing the random stress amplitude variation &sgr;(t)(instantaneous) in terms of the sum of a time averaged value &sgr;(t)(mean) and a stochastic variation &sgr;′.

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: A load monitoring apparatus has a structure that the electric-power value of a motor is sampled in response to a sampling signal, the sampling cycle of which is changed at a predetermined recursive number. Moreover, the electric-power value is calculated in accordance with a result of the sampling is subjected to an absolute-value range and a relative-value range which is determined in accordance with the previously calculated electric-power value so as to determine an abnormal load of the motor. The sampling cycle is elongated in predetermined steps to correspond to the characteristic of, for example, a reduction gear until a stable driving state is obtained so that an abnormal state of the load such that the load is gradually increased or decreased is detected in accordance with the relative-value range before the abnormal state exceeds limits of the absolute-value range.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a wireharness is provided, whereby a period of time for the inspection can be shortened. The method is for inspecting a wireharness including a plurality of wires and connectors for receiving terminals attached to ends of the wires in order to judge the quality of the wireharness. The method contains the steps consisting of: simultaneously inputting a mutually different input to each terminal; and judging the quality of the wireharness by comparing an output from each terminal upon inputting of the input with a standard output from each terminal of a normal wireharness upon inputting of the input.

Abstract: Earthquake simulating system using separated shake units. The structure to be tested is placed on the shake units. Each of the seperated shake units is separately controlled, relative to another one of them, to produce a new effect. The shake units are movable to accomodate different shapes and types of structures to be simulated.

Abstract: A process for evaluation of cornering of a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission by use of electronic transmission control device having a calculation unit, a micro-controller, a memory device and a control device for start up of a hydraulic transmission control device. During a first processing operation (S1), a transverse acceleration (a_Quer) of the vehicle is determined by the calculation unit (30) from wheel speed (n_Rad) of the vehicle measured by a measuring device (34). During a second processing operation (S2), a driver-type theoretical value (FT_Soll) is determined from a vehicle transverse acceleration (a_Quer) and a vehicle speed (v_F). A gear change characteristic line (SL) is determined, based upon an increment (INKR) between the driver-type theoretical value (FT_Soll) and a driver-type actual value (FT_Ist), from several gear change characteristic lines each one associated with a certain driver type or cornering style.

Abstract: A process and a device for determining the friction lining wear in a friction clutch with a clutch housing and a pressure plate, which is arranged axially movably therein and presses a clutch disk equipped with friction linings against a flywheel of an internal combustion engine. Three detecting elements are arranged at a defined axial distance to each other, and rotate with the friction clutch and a sensor is arranged outside of the clutch housing for finding the axial position of each detecting element, whereby at least one detecting element is connected to the clutch housing and the two other detecting elements are connected to the pressure plate.