Abstract: A failure diagnosis system for an in-cylinder pressure sensor is provided, which includes an in-cylinder pressure sensor, a fuel injection valve, an engine controller including an engine control module and a diagnosis module. The engine control module controls the fuel injection valve to stop the supply of fuel to the engine, when a fuel cut condition is satisfied while the automobile travels. The diagnosis module includes a limiting module configured to limit an execution of the failure diagnosis of the in-cylinder pressure sensor until the diagnosis module determines that a given period has lapsed after the stop of fuel supply to the engine. The diagnosis module reads a signal of the in-cylinder pressure sensor when the given period has lapsed after the stop of the fuel supply to the engine, and diagnoses the failure of the in-cylinder pressure sensor based on the read signal of the in-cylinder pressure sensor.

Abstract: A first computer-implemented diagnostic method can run in response to an imminent deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) event. A second computer-implemented diagnostic method can run on engine shutdown. Both diagnostic methods involve controlling fuel injectors and a fuel pump to make the fuel rail pressure change from a desired minimum to a desired maximum. Measurements from the fuel rail pressure sensor at these endpoints can then be used to detect a fault of the fuel rail pressure sensor. One or both diagnostic methods can be implemented.

Abstract: A system and a method detect contamination of a diaphragm in a capacitance diaphragm gauge wherein a contaminated diaphragm deflects less in the presence of pressure than an uncontaminated diaphragm. The system and method measure a base pressure. A DC voltage is applied between the diaphragm and a fixed electrode to cause the diaphragm to deflect to simulate an effective pressure. The system and method measure a combined pressure caused by the base pressure and the effective pressure. The system and method subtract the base pressure to determine the effective pressure caused by the static diaphragm deflection. If the measured effective pressure is less than an acceptable effective pressure, the system and method determine that the diaphragm is contaminated.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a cooling subsystem of an engine system in response a parameter extracted from dynamic hydraulic pressure sensed in the cooling subsystem, and products and systems using same.

Abstract: A tire pressure decrease detection apparatus comprising: rotation speed information detection means, rotation acceleration information calculation means, resonance frequency estimate means for time-series estimating a torsional resonance frequency of the rotation speed information, correlation calculation means for, regarding front and rear right wheels and front and rear left wheels, respectively calculating time series correlations of the rotation acceleration information, and judgment means for judging a decrease in pressure of the tires based on the estimated torsional resonance frequency. In a case where the correlations exceed predetermined threshold values, the resonance frequency estimate means takes that a periodic noise from a road surface is generated in the vicinity of the torsional resonance frequency and stops estimating the torsional resonance frequency of the front and rear wheels of the side exceeding the threshold value.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically calibrating all pressure sensors in a hydrogen storage system for a fuel cell vehicle. A pressure regulator in the hydrogen storage system, which has much greater accuracy at low pressures, is used to calibrate the high-range pressure sensors used in the hydrogen storage system. This calibration can only be done when the pressure regulator is in a fully open position. In such a condition, the pressure sensors can be calibrated to the regulation pressure value of the regulator, thus greatly improving the accuracy of the readings of the high-range sensors at the low end of their range. The calibration can be performed during fuel cell operation under certain circumstances, performed during a programmed shutdown sequence, or performed in a service procedure.

Abstract: A Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) regulator is tested using a breath simulator having (i) a cup-shaped housing defining an interior volume and an open end, and (ii) an empty syringe with a plunger disposed therein and terminating in a dispensing tip coupled to the housing for sealed fluid communication with the interior volume thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward pressure controllers and calibrators for setting or measuring pressures in test devices. In one embodiment, the pressure controller contains a dual reference pressure controller. The dual reference pressure controller is operable to maintain two different pressures relative to a reference pressure. The first pressure being a relatively fixed amount greater than the reference pressure and the second pressure being a relatively fixed amount less than the reference pressure.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for determining the sensing performance of pressure-sensing devices. The device generates dynamic pressure waveforms that enable researchers and medical personnel to accurately assess the characteristics and performance of a particular pressure-sensing device. The system and methods allow for comparison of performance between two or more pressure-sensing devices, including catheter tip pressure transducers and fluid-filled catheters. The system may also be used to practice priming and preparing catheters for insertion into a living body, as the system provides immediate feedback that may indicate the presence of air in the system.

Abstract: A test device and method for drawing a vacuum relative to an ambient environment. The device includes a member defining a passage, a valve, and a fluid communication conduit. The passage extends between a first end and a second end, and includes a constriction defining an orifice. The first end is in fluid communication with an ambient environment. The valve has a first port and a second port. The first port is adapted for fluid communication with a pressure source at a first pressure level. The fluid communication conduit includes a fluid communication tap at a second pressure level. The second pressure level is responsive to fluid flow through the orifice. The fluid communication conduit connects the second end of the member and the second port of the valve.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a pressure sensor calibration system comprising a pressure chamber in fluid communication with a pressure sensor to be calibrated, the chamber is pressurized to a static pressure level. An oscillating surface on a wall of the chamber imparts a rapid pressure fluctuation in the static pressure level of the chamber. These rapid pressure fluctuations in a high-static pressure level chamber are used to calibrate the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A compact, portable and NIST traceable pressure source dynamically generates very low pressures includes at least one adjustable valves in-line with a fluid, such as air, flowing through the valve. A differential pressure is created across a pressure control device downstream from the valve. The differential pressure varies depending on the volume of the gas flow and the amount of resistance to the gas flow. The pressure generating device utilizes a miniature pump to create a pressure, or, alternatively, a vacuum, that causes gas flow. The pressure generating device is compact and capable of providing a very low and stable differential pressure by using a dynamic flow that compensates for temperature changes and volume changes. The compact module may be configured as a plug-in module for existing handheld calibrators for operator ease of use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating a package pressure burst condition for calibrating a package pressure burst detector, where the package pressure burst detector is connected to a pressure tank, and the detector applies an air flow into the tank to gradually increase the tank pressure, and the tank has an output relief conduit connected to a pressure relief valve via a pressure switch, wherein the pressure relief valve is activated for a predetermined time when the pressure switch detects a preset pressure in the tank.

Abstract: Pneumatic sensing elements are provided on the leading edges of power operated vehicle doors. If an obstruction is encountered on closing the doors, the sensing elements are compressed to cause a pressure increase which is sensed and is used to open the doors. Each time the doors are opened, operation of the system is tested by applying a gas pressure pulse to the system. The pressure pulse is gradually vented through a fixed orifice. The pressure in the system produced by the pressure pulse is sensed and is applied to a controller which compares the pressure pulse information with information for known pulses for a normally operating system and for system failures caused, for example, either by a leak or by a blockage in the system.