Abstract: The present invention provides an engine control device that sets a cam signal read value according to a cam signal output from a cam angle sensor, in a front-rear determination position; if the cam signal read value is alternately changed between 1 (LOW) and 2 (HIGH) in the front-rear determination position, sets the cam signal read value to the cam signal expected value; if the cam signal read value is not alternately changed between 1 (LOW) and 2 (HIGH), inverts the cam signal expected value in the control cycle of the previous time, and sets the resultant cam signal expected value; then, when the cam signal read value and the cam signal expected value are equal to each other, distinguishes the cylinders by using the cam signal read value; and when the cam signal read value and the cam signal expected value are different from each other, distinguishes the cylinders by using the cam signal expected value.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the usage of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises performing an engine monitoring routine using a local monitoring device directly attached to an internal combustion engine. The engine monitoring routine includes generating a plurality of data points representative of the crankcase pressure of the internal combustion engine using a pressure sensor of the local monitoring device, processing the generated data points to determine a first value representative of a firing frequency of the internal combustion engine, generating an aggregated summary of the internal combustion engine usage based on the first value, and transmitting identification data for the local monitoring device and the aggregated summary from the local monitoring device to a remote application. The remote application processes the transmitted aggregated summary based on the transmitted identification data to determine engine speed usage data for the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reciprocating piston machine, in particular with a variable compression ratio, of at least one cylinder with a piston and a connecting rod which is connected to the piston and to a crankshaft of the reciprocating piston machine. The reciprocating piston machine also has a first sensor which is arranged in a cylinder wall of the at least one cylinder and is configured to detect relative movement between a piston skirt of the piston and the cylinder wall. The invention further relates to a method (100) for diagnosing and/or controlling such a reciprocating piston machine (1), in particular with a variable compression ratio, and a system which is suitable therefor.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the usage of an internal combustion engine comprises performing an engine monitoring routine using a local monitoring device attached to an internal combustion engine. The engine monitoring routine includes generating data representative of a plurality of vibrations of an internal combustion engine using a vibration sensor of the local monitoring device, processing the generated data to determine a first value representative of a firing frequency of the internal combustion engine, generating an aggregated summary based on the first value and transmitting the aggregated summary and identification data for the local monitoring device to a remote application. The remote application processes the transmitted aggregated summary based on the identification data to determine engine speed usage data.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for diagnosing malfunctioning in a crankcase ventilation (CCV) system can include a controller receiving a plurality of pressure values. The plurality of pressure values include a first pressure value indicative of pressure of gases flowing between a crankcase and a breather assembly, a second pressure value indicative of pressure of gases flowing through a CCV tube from the breather assembly, and a third pressure value representing pressure of gases in a tube connected to the CCV tube. The controller can calculate a pair of pressure differences including a first pressure difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value and a second pressure difference between the first pressure value and the third pressure value. The controller can detect a malfunctioning or defect in the CCV system based on the pair of pressure differences falling within a predefined clustering region.

Abstract: An engine testing device including a plurality of seal head units movable forward and backward relative to the intake ports and the exhaust ports. Each of the seal head units includes a plurality of seal heads disposed side by side and are connectable to respective ports of the intake ports and the exhaust ports. A pitch-varying unit changes interval pitches between the seal heads of at least one of the seal head units. The pitch-varying unit includes a plurality of first movement mechanisms connected with the seal heads and movable in a direction across the seal heads disposed side by side, and a plurality of drivers to drive the first movement mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for estimating damage of a component of an internal combustion engine includes receiving a fuel rate signal indicative of a fuel rate of the internal combustion engine and estimating a temperature value of the component of the internal combustion engine based on at least the received fuel rate signal. The method also includes estimating an incremental amount of damage of the component of the internal combustion engine based on the estimated temperature value of the component of the internal combustion engine, updating a cumulative amount of damage of the component of the internal combustion engine based on the estimated incremental amount of damage, and outputting a notification based on at least the cumulative amount of damage of the component of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A system for remote monitoring of a machine is provided. The system includes a data store to store machine data associated with an operation of the machine. The system includes an analyzer comprising a plurality of analytics engines to analyze the machine data. The analyzer selects one or more analytics engines based at least on one of machine data and a type of the machine. The analyzer is further configured to analyze machine data using the selected one or more analytics engines and to determine a plurality of exceptions. The system includes a rules engine to process at least two of the plurality of exceptions and determine a smart exception, wherein the smart exception is a hierarchical combination of the at least two of the plurality of exceptions. The system includes an interface to display a notification to a user in the event of a smart exception.

Abstract: Provided is an integrated circuit (41) that operates in normal mode or sleep mode corresponding to the on/off state of a vehicle engine. On the basis of information of setting data information stored in an internal register (42) and information of the on/off state of the vehicle engine from an MPU (50), the integrated circuit (41) generates monitoring signals (INZ0 to INZ7), monitoring signals (INA0 to INA7), and monitoring signals (INB0 to INB5). These monitoring signals enables to monitor states of a head light switch (11), a door switch (12), and a window switch (13). As the switch state monitoring method, intermittent operation or constant monitoring operation is performed.

Abstract: A controller associated with an engine monitoring system may determine a voltage value concerning at least one supercapacitor associated with the engine monitoring system. The controller may selectively cause, based on determining whether the voltage value satisfies a voltage value threshold, the at least one supercapacitor, or a battery associated with the engine monitoring system, to provide electrical power to a sensor system associated with the engine monitoring system. The controller may obtain, from the sensor system, vibration information relating to an engine associated with the engine monitoring system and pressure information relating to a crankcase of the engine. The controller may determine, based on the vibration information and the pressure information, engine speed information related to the engine and may send the engine speed information to a monitoring device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for indicating crankcase breach due to disconnection of a crankcase vent tube from an engine on a clean air side or broken crankcase vent tube. In one example, a maximum possible change in crankcase vent tube pressure is estimated for each pedal transient of a drive cycle. The change for a plurality of transients in averaged and compared to a threshold to identify vent tube disconnection.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnostics of a cylinder valve actuation mechanism in a variable displacement engine (VDE). In one example, during an engine-off condition, the engine may be rotated unfueled, via a starter motor, and a reference exhaust air flow may be estimated. One or more deactivatable engine cylinders may then be deactivated and degradation of the cylinder valve actuation mechanism may be indicated based on a difference between the exhaust air flow following the cylinder deactivation and the reference exhaust air flow.

Abstract: A method to obtain average revolutions per independent unit includes a total number of engine revolutions with an on-board computing device and a current distance value with the on-board computing device and a retrofitted global positioning system unit so that a final value can be calculated by dividing the total number of engine revolutions with the current distance value for a designated time period. The current distance value can be a distance unit or time unit as the final value, which is the average revolutions per independent unit, is displayed with a control panel of a vehicle. The final value provides an accurate conclusion regarding the current condition of an engine in addition to the accuracy mileage of the engine or the engine hours.

Abstract: The invention relates to an atmosphere conditioning device for testing engines, comprising an inflow conduit connected to an engine admission, an outflow conduit connected to the exhaust of the engine and expelling exhaust gases, a communication conduit which communicates the inflow conduit with the outflow conduit, a supercharging turbogenerator comprising a turbine in the inflow conduit, a bypass valve which diverts the air flow that circulates towards the turbine, a heat regenerator consisting of heat exchangers in the inflow and outflow conduits, connected by the same heat transfer fluid circuit, a bypass valve in the outflow conduit together with the heat exchanger thereof, a heat exchanger in the outflow conduit downstream from the heat regenerator, and a turbocompressor downstream from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and a control device for monitoring the pressure in a crankcase of an internal combustion engine. The desired values for the pressure in the crankcase are defined for a plurality of operating points of the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, at least one of the defined desired pressure values is modified during operation of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A system may include at least one engine bank including a plurality of fuel injectors. At least one exhaust temperature sensor is coupled to the engine bank(s). The exhaust temperature sensor(s) is configured to output at least one temperature signal regarding an exhaust temperature of the engine bank(s). A traction system is configured to output at least one electrical signal related to a power output of a vehicle. A control unit is coupled to the exhaust temperature sensor(s) and the traction system. The control unit is configured to receive the temperature signal(s) and the electrical signal(s). The control unit is configured to determine a mechanical and electrical health of the plurality of the fuel injectors by determining a temperature differential value of the temperature signal(s) and a power differential value related to the electrical signal(s), and analyzing a combination of the temperature differential value and the power differential value.

Abstract: A rotary electric machine control system includes a rotary electric machine, a rotation speed sensor, a temperature sensor, and circuitry. The rotary electric machine includes a rotor. The rotation speed sensor is to detect a rotation speed of the rotor. The temperature sensor is to detect a temperature of the rotary electric machine. The circuitry is configured to classify an operation time during which the rotor rotates based on the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed sensor and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The circuitry is configured to calculate a fatigue degree of the rotor based on the operation time classified. The circuitry is configured to limit the rotation speed of the rotor or output a signal to a user when the fatigue degree exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A mass flow controller includes at least one conduit having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the conduit defining a flow path along which the fluid flows. The mass flow controller also includes a modified inlet block having an inlet aperture, an inlet channel, and a reservoir fluidly coupled to the inlet channel and the conduit that enhances flow through the controller and improves rate-of-decay measurements. The mass flow controller includes at least one flow sensor that generates a flow sensor signal that is proportional to the mass flow rate of the fluid through the conduit. The mass flow controller includes a control subsystem coupled to a flow sensor and a valve assembly to control flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) channel disconnect detection device and method is provided for an engine having a crankcase, an intake system for delivering metered air to the engine, and a PCV channel for containing PCV gas flow between the crankcase and the intake system and having a first end and a second end. The PCV channel disconnect detection device includes a detection channel that supplies unmetered air surrounding one of the ends of the PCV channel to a post-throttle portion of the intake system. The detection channel is inoperable in response to a vacuum in the post-throttle portion of the intake system if the PCV channel connection is connected. The detection channel is operable in response to the vacuum in the post-throttle portion of the intake system if the PCV channel is disconnected. The detection channels may be configured to bypass all flow restrictions in the PCV system.

Abstract: A mass flow controller includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a conduit defining a flow path along which the fluid flows through the mass flow controller. The mass flow controller includes an inlet block having an inlet aperture, an inlet channel fluidly coupled to the conduit, and one or more restrictors positioned along the flow path between the inlet aperture and inlet channel to minimize flow perturbations when a rate of decay measurement is taken or when flow the amount of pressure supplied to the valve inlet is otherwise interrupted.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device, a heater is formed on a surface of a cap chip, and a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are formed on a surface of a base chip. The cap chip and the base chip are laminated through a connection member such that the surfaces oppose to each other. The position of the heater is different from the positions of the temperature sensors in a direction of the lamination. The heater in the cap chip contacts bumps directly.

Abstract: An engine testing device for dynamic pressure loss and valve seal-tightness testing of a running four-stroke engine includes: a first pressure gauge detecting a pressure value in an air intake line to a cylinder of the engine and outputting a first output signal indicative of the pressure value detected; a second pressure gauge detecting a pressure value in an exhaust line of the engine and outputting a second output signal indicative of the pressure value detected; a trigger device detecting an electrical signal indicative of when a selected cylinder of the engine is the particular active cylinder; and a measured value detection device detecting the output signals of the first and second pressure gauges and an output signal of the trigger device, such that an association between points in time of the pressure measurements and the particular active cylinder is enabled.

Abstract: So as to verify compliance with limit values for harmful substances, large engines today must be tested in accordance with the regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Presently neither a standardized measuring method nor a standard exists with respect to particulate emissions (ultrafine particles). The invention relates to the creation of a standardized transport system having the lowest possible loss for measuring ultrafine particles of aircraft engines, which can be operated simultaneously with the harmful substance measurement of aircraft engines stipulated until now. Appropriate instruments for measuring the particle count, mass and size distribution can be connected to this transport system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for simulating the pressure and temperature conditions of an air flow drawn in by a reciprocating internal combustion engine (1) at a height above sea level, corresponding to the operating height of said reciprocating internal combustion engine (1). According to the invention, the unit comprises at least: (a) a radial inward-flow turbine (2) for expanding an air flow towards the pressure and temperature of the air drawn in by the reciprocating internal combustion engine; (b) a first container (4) and (c) a second container (5) connected to the first container (4) by means of at least a connection pipe (7) in order to balance the pressure between the two containers; (d) a centrifugal compressor (3); and (e) a vacuum pump (6) for maintaining a pressure equal to the pressure of the air flow drawn in by the reciprocating internal combustion engine (1).

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for detecting particles generated from engine component degradation within an engine system. In one embodiment, a method for an engine comprises indicating engine degradation in response to a buildup of particles in a magnetic field, the magnetic field positioned in a flow of gas.

Abstract: A method of detecting a crank signal error that includes incrementing a crank tooth counter in response to detecting a crank signal, comparing the crank tooth counter to an expected value when a cam signal is detected, and indicating a crank signal error if the crank tooth counter is not substantially equal to the expected value. This method is advantageous because a cam interval used to determine when to start and stop counting crank tooth pulses is automatically adjusted for variations in engine speed, while the prior art time based methods must adjust the time interval for variations in engine speed.

Abstract: A method to control temperature of an engine of a generator system during a load test is provided. The generator system includes a generator, one of a liquid load bank and an air resistive load bank, a reversible fan, and a heat exchanger. The method includes heating of the engine to a pre-determined temperature with heat supplied by the liquid load bank and the reversible fan or by the air resistive load bank via the reversible fan.

Abstract: A method for extracting characterizing features from an ion current trace retrieved from spark plugs of cylinders of an internal combustion engine, comprises the steps of: i. dividing the ion current signal into crank angle subintervals; ii. calculating a measure of ion current in each crank angle subinterval; and iii. Performing a calculation on the measure of ion currents from different subintervals such that the result of the calculation is dimension free. Further it relates to a method of monitoring combustion processes where a plurality of ion current signals from a number of spark plugs (4A, 4B) are retrieved and used in combination.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque generator (3) for test benches is provided with at least one inlet valve and at least one outlet valve and with at least one control device for valve positioning coupled to these valves. By implementing a control system, which consists of an open-loop feed-forward controller and a closed-loop feedback controller, in the control device, a machine of this kind can also be used in dynamic test benches.

Abstract: An internal engine component including a data collector assembly is provided. The data collector assembly includes a sensor for sensing a condition and for generating a signal corresponding to the condition and a digital to analog converter for converting the signal to a digital signal. The data collector assembly also includes a memory for storing data, a clock and a processor. A power source is electrically connected to the sensor, the analog to digital converter, the memory, the clock and the processor. During an engine test, the processor, sensor, digital to analog converter, clock and memory are substantially the only devices that draw electricity from the power source.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle that selects a series mode in which an engine drives a motor generator to generate electric power and a driving motor drives drive wheels, fuel supply to the engine is stopped and motoring in which the motor generator forcedly drives the engine can be performed, failure determination of a front O2 sensor and a rear O2 sensor provided in an exhaust passage of the engine can be performed based on a change in a detection value of the sensors when the fuel supply is stopped, and a throttle valve of the engine is forcedly opened in the motoring.

Abstract: An internal engine component including a data collector assembly is provided. The data collector assembly includes a sensor for sensing a condition and for generating a signal corresponding to the condition and a digital to analog converter for converting the signal to a digital signal. The data collector assembly also includes a memory for storing data, a clock and a processor. A power source is electrically connected to the sensor, the analog to digital converter, the memory, the clock and the processor. During an engine test, the processor, sensor, digital to analog converter, clock and memory are substantially the only devices that draw electricity from the power source.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and system is described for diagnosing an operating condition of a conductive particulate matter sensor. The sensor has a substrate with electrical resistance that varies with temperature and two electrodes on the substrate adapted to collect particulate matter between the electrodes, thereby establishing an electrically conductive path through collected particulate matter between the electrodes that can be detected by measuring electrical resistance between the electrodes, Relect. The diagnosis is performed by heating the substrate in the area between the electrodes and using the resistance between the electrodes to determine detecting whether contamination is present on the surface of the sensor. Heat may be maintained on the sensor to attempt to burn off a detected contaminant, and a subsequent resistance reading may be used to determine if the contaminant was successfully burned off.

Abstract: A multi-function sensor includes a body that includes a sensing circuit disposed on a substrate, the sensing circuit including a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being disposed on a flexible portion of the substrate. A method of fabrication and additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A frequency spectrum analyzing apparatus for performing a frequency spectrum analysis with respect to a detected value of an operating parameter of an internal combustion engine in synchronism with rotation of the engine, is provided. The operating parameter is sampled at predetermined time intervals, and a sampled value is converted to a digital value. Intensities of first and second elements are calculated with respect to a predetermined number of the sampled values. The first elements and second elements respectively correspond to a plurality of frequency components contained in the detected value, and a phase of the second element differs from a phase of the first element by 90 degrees. Frequency component intensities corresponding to the plurality of frequency components are calculated in synchronism with rotation of the engine, using the first element intensities and the second element intensities.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and a method wherein an oil filter is installed with a main filter element and a filter element for a pressure relief valve, then said oil filter is removed after use. The filter is opened and the filtered-out products are analyzed resulting from wear with respect to the qualitative and quantitative composition thereof and to ascertain the engine parts to which the products belong. During operation it is possible to determine the degree of wear of the parts and to increase the ecological and technical safety of the method.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining remaining oil life prior to an oil change in an internal combustion engine that uses a body of oil. The method includes transferring the body of oil to the engine and determining a volume of the transferred body of oil. The method also includes determining quality of the transferred body of oil and determining the remaining oil life based on the determined quality and volume of the body of oil. The method additionally includes activating an oil change indicator when the remaining oil life reaches a predetermined level. A system for determining a number of engine revolutions permitted on a volume of oil is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting the blending level of biodiesel fuel in an internal combustion engine includes setting at least two post injection fuel quantity reference values respectively for known biodiesel blending percentage levels. A post injection fuel quantity value is evaluated and is compared with the at least two post injection fuel quantity reference value. A predetermined correlation set of values between the post injection fuel quantity value and a biodiesel blending level expressed by biodiesel percentage with respect to the petro-diesel is used to determine the biodiesel blending level.

Abstract: A method for acquiring operating data of an internal combustion engine in a control unit during a diagnostic function of the control unit, and for transmitting the operating data from the control unit to a diagnostics device, the operating data being determined in the control unit with the aid of sensors assigned to the internal combustion engine. Desired operating data type and time resolution of the value reception is transmitted from the diagnostic device. Operating data are collected in the control unit with the aid of a diagnostic function. The diagnostics device and the control unit are connected via standardized interfaces, whose transmission speed is limited. Data values are buffered in a memory in the control unit. Speed of data acquisition may be selected independently of the transmission speed of the interface between the control unit and the diagnostics device. Data acquisition synchronous with the rotational speed is possible.

Abstract: In a method for diagnosing a valve in a fluid supply line to a suction line of an air system of a combustion engine, the fluid supply line being is part of an exhaust-gas recirculation system or a crankcase ventilation system, when the valve is actuated, a first pressure in the suction line is monitored for change, and an error of the valve is detected if the change of the first pressure lies outside a specific reference range when the valve is actuated.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for detecting and relaying operating parameters of equipment, devices or liquid, gaseous or solid materials. Embodiments of the invention may be utilized to determine whether equipment is operating within established operating parameters or to detect other characteristics of the equipment, device or material being monitored.

Abstract: An engine wear detection system includes (a) detector for generating a signal correlated with the rotation of a rotary member of an engine; (b) a processor for processing said signal to determine the number of rotations performed by the rotary member; and, (c) a cyclometer display for visually displaying the cumulative number of rotations.

Abstract: An object is set to move back and forth between a first position and a second position in a cylinder. A measurement point between the first position and the second position is preset. A counted period indicating a duration that the object moves from the first position to the first measurement point is obtained. Then a movement behavior parameter is obtained according to the counted period. Whether the movement behavior parameter of the object matches a specified condition is determined. If matching occurs, a warning message is generated.

Abstract: A method recognizes at least one feature of fuel in an internal-combustion engine (1). The method comprises steps of: detecting, by at least one sensor, intensity (S) of vibrations generated by the internal-combustion engine (1) within a measurement-time window; determining a value of at least one synthetic index (I) by processing the intensity (S) of the vibrations generated by the internal-combustion engine (1) within the measurement-time window; comparing a synthetic index (I) with at least one predetermined comparison quantity (TH); and recognizing the feature of the fuel as a function of the comparison between the synthetic index (I) and comparison quantity (TH).

Abstract: A rocket engine with a manifold is in communication with a combustion chamber. A sense line extends through the propellant manifold and into the combustion chamber. The sense line includes a venturi arranged downstream from the combustion chamber, and at least one aperture fluidly connecting the propellant manifold to a sense-line passageway downstream from the venturi. A method of sensing conditions in a combustion chamber includes exposing an end of a sense line to the combustion chamber, creating a low static pressure in the sense line at a location upstream from the end, introducing a fluid at the location to purge the sense line, and sensing the conditions downstream from the location.

Abstract: A device for detecting at least one flow characteristic of a fluid medium, in particular for detecting an air mass flow in the intake air of a motor vehicle, includes at least one flow channel, through which the fluid medium may flow, and at least one sensor element, which is situated in the flow channel, for detecting the flow characteristic. The sensor element has at least one heating element. The device includes at least one bidirectional electrical interface. The device is configured to receive information and transmit information via the bidirectional electrical interface.

Abstract: A test stand sensor apparatus includes a sensor for acquiring data from the item under test and/or the environment, a power supply unit for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy, and a unit for the wire-free transmission of sensor data and of a code which is characteristic of the sensor.

Abstract: A fuel cell system may include a fuel cell stack, a manifold in fluid communication with the stack, and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may include a housing defining a chamber in fluid communication with the manifold, a pressure sensing element disposed within the chamber, and a heating element disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a bypass valve in a bypass line for an intercooler in a supercharger for an internal combustion engine, including the following steps: ascertaining a value of an efficiency of the intercooler as the reference efficiency; actuating the bypass valve to open the bypass valve; ascertaining a value of a further efficiency of the intercooler as the diagnosis efficiency after actuating the bypass valve to open; and detecting a malfunction of the bypass valve when the absolute value of the deviation between the reference efficiency and the diagnosis efficiency is less than a specified threshold value.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including: detecting a magnitude of vibration of an engine; detecting a vibration waveform of the engine based on the magnitude; calculating a correlation coefficient, in the case where the engine speed is smaller than a threshold value, using the sum of values each determined by subtracting a positive reference value from a magnitude of a knock waveform model, as an area of the knock waveform model and, calculating the correlation coefficient, in the case where the engine speed is not smaller than the threshold value, using the area of the whole knock waveform model; and determining whether or not knocking has occurred using the correlation coefficient. The correlation coefficient is calculated by dividing by the area the sum of differences that are each the difference between the magnitude on the vibration waveform and the magnitude on the knock waveform model.