Abstract: A fluid level sensor for sensing a level of a fluid within a toroid-shaped tank includes a float ring, a float structure, a gauge shaft, and a tiller arm. The float ring rotate s within the toroid-shaped tank about a first rotational axis. The float structure exhibits buoyancy in the fluid disposed within the toroid-shaped tank and supplies a force to the float ring based on the level of the fluid within the toroid-shaped tank. The gauge shaft is mounted for rotation about a second rotational axis and rotates about the second rotational axis to a position representative of the level of the fluid within the toroid-shaped tank. The tiller arm supplies the rotational drive force to the gauge shaft when the float ring rotates.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the lubrication of friction components of an apparatus which can be lubricated by means of a lubricant circuit. A lubricant pump of the lubricant circuit is drivable by a drive engine. A pressure ascertainment unit continuously ascertains the lubricant pressure at at least one defined region of the lubricant circuit during an engine start procedure. A travel ascertainment unit is provided, by means of which at multiple pressure points in time, at each of which the lubricant pressure ascertained exceeds a defined pressure limiting value (p1, p2, p3), the relative travel between the friction components since the beginning of the engine start procedure is ascertained or estimated, and an analysis unit, by means of which an evaluation value, is ascertained from the total of the relative travel values (?1, ?2, ?3) ascertained at the pressure points in time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a drive device (1), which for the purpose of providing a driving torque comprises an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders (10, 11, 12, 13) that, during normal operation, supply a respective torque contribution, and at least one electric motor (3) operatively connected to said engine. To this end, in a diagnostic mode a cylinder-selective measurement of at least one characteristic operating variable is carried out, for which purpose in the diagnostic mode only the cylinder (10, 11, 12, 13) to be measured is operated and the torque contributions of the remaining cylinders (10, 11, 12, 13) are simulated by the electric motor (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting addition of engine lubricant, comprising: determining whether the difference value between the lubricant quantity at a first timing and that at a second timing is greater than a first threshold value; delaying a period and determining whether the difference value between the lubricant quantity at a third timing and that at a fourth timing is greater than a second threshold value in response to that the difference value between the lubricant quantity at the first timing and that at the second timing is greater than the first threshold value; and detecting the lubricant increment in response to that the difference value between the lubricant quantity at the third timing and that at the fourth timing is greater than the second threshold value.

Abstract: A diagnostic test is conducted by operating an engine-generator set at a plurality of reduced speeds. At each of those speeds, operating parameters of the engine are sensed and analyzed to detect an unsatisfactory operating condition. For example, such operating parameters may include speed of the engine-generator set, engine oil pressure and level, engine temperature, coolant level, and battery voltage. When a transition in engine speed occurs, a throttle test also may be conducted to measure how quickly and smoothly the engine reaches the new speed. After the engine reaches the normal operating speed, the generator is activated to produce electricity. One or more characteristic of that electricity, such as voltage, current and frequency, are sensed and evaluated to detect an unsatisfactory operating condition.

Abstract: In order to improve a system for monitoring the working chamber atmosphere of a machine, there is proposed a measuring device (2) with a suction means (8) that draws out an aerosol air mixture from the working chamber (4) of the machine and feeds the same to an optical sensor unit with at least an optical emitter (15) and at least an optical receiver (17). The optical sensor unit is operated by means of an electronic device. The suction means is configured as a compressed air jet pump (8) with a compressed air feed (26), a compressed air nozzle (32), a preferably funnel-shaped pressure discharge channel and an underpressure region (10), with the compressed air nozzle (32) having an outlet direction which is oriented substantially in the direction of the pressure discharge channel. The compressed air feed (26) can be connected to a compressed air source. A suction line that can be connected to the working chamber (4) of the machine is connected to the underpressure region (10).

Abstract: A fluid level detection device for a chamber containing a fluid includes a sensor configured to indicate one of at least two states; a first state when a present fluid level in the chamber is above a threshold level with respect to a chamber floor, and a second state when the present fluid level in the chamber is below the threshold level. A stabilizer is configured to at least partially surround the sensor. The stabilizer includes a base portion and a plurality of sidewalls defining a storage well configured to store a portion of the fluid around the sensor. The stabilizer is configured to prevent the sensor from indicating the second state when a present fluid volume in the chamber is above a predetermined minimum amount. The stabilizer is configured to prevent the sensor from indicating a false “low fluid” state during a non-stable event.

Abstract: A method for forming a finished lubricant comprises selecting a target high temperature viscosity for the finished lubricant. A target high temperature viscosity for a base oil blend is selected. The target high temperature viscosity for the base oil blend is less than the target high temperature viscosity for the finished lubricant. At least two base oils from at least three viscosity grades of base oils are selected and mixed to form a base oil blend that meets the target high temperature viscosity for the base oil blend. The base oil blend is mixed with performance additive package and viscosity modifier to provide a finished lubricant that meets the target high temperature viscosity for the finished lubricant. The at least two base oils for the base oil blend having the target high temperature viscosity are selected such that less viscosity modifier is needed to meet the target high temperature viscosity of the finished lubricant.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a method of determining the individual concentration of different antioxidants of the same class in a sample comprising contacting the sample with an effective amount of phenol; and analyzing the sample by voltammetry.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for determining the oil consumption of an oil-lubricated machine. The arrangement includes an oil circuit, which leads from an oil tank via a start line to the oil-lubricated machine and back, via a return line to the oil tank, and a balance for determining the weight of oil in the oil tank. A device for heating oil is assigned to the start line in such a way that the oil is heated to a predeterminable operating temperature for the oil-lubricated machine before reaching the oil-lubricated machine. A method for determining oil consumption is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calculating the oil consumption and autonomy associated with the lubrication system of an airplane engine during flights, preferably a turbine engine, on the basis of the measurement of the oil level in the tank of said lubrication system, allowing to manage the refills and maintenance and to detect either abnormal consumption or insufficient autonomy, characterized by at least one of the following methods: comparing different engines of the airplane and possibly a reference value, the engines used for said comparison being in more or less identical condition, in order to detect abnormal oil consumption; taking into account one or more interference effects that affect said oil level in the tank, these being linked at least to the thermal expansion in the tank, to the “gulping” and to the attitude and acceleration, in order to deduce the modification to the oil level due to a decrease in the total quantity of oil available as a result of said interference effect

Abstract: An oil mist detector test rig including an oil container, an aerosol generator, an oil mist detector, and a collection unit. The aerosol generator generates fluid aerosol in the oil container. The oil mist detector is configured to provide a first reading based on a concentration of the generated fluid aerosol in the oil container. Additionally, the collection unit is configured to provide a second reading based on the concentration of the generated fluid aerosol in the oil container.

Abstract: A vehicular abnormality diagnosing apparatus that diagnoses an abnormality regarding a connection state of a pair of members that are mounted in a vehicle and connected together, includes a detecting portion that outputs, as an output signal, a first detection signal when the pair of members are in a normal connected state, and a second detection signal when the pair of members are in a state other than the normal connected state; a counting portion that counts at least one of the number of times that the output signal changes from the first detection signal to the second detection signal and the number of times that the output signal changes from the second detection signal to the first detection signal, as an output signal fluctuation count; and a determining portion that determines that there is an abnormality in the connection state when an abnormality determining condition including a condition that the output signal fluctuation count during a predetermined period be equal to or greater than a predetermi

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a method of determining the individual concentration of different antioxidants of the same class in a sample comprising contacting the sample with an effective amount of phenol; and analyzing the sample by voltammetry.

Abstract: A method for identifying a lubricant composition that reduces the propensity for knock in an engine. The lubricant composition is mixed with a solvent to reduce the viscosity of the lubricant composition, thereby forming a lubricant-solvent mixture having a viscosity similar to or less than that of engine fuel. A sample of a lubricant-solvent mixture is then subjected to a constant volume combustion test to determine the reactivity associated with the lubricant-solvent mixture. The test is repeated for a range of lubricant-solvent ratios, and statistical methods are used to calculate the reactivity of the lubricant composition without solvent.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a machine tool in which appropriate warm-up operation can be performed. Unnecessary warm-up operation before machining is not carried out and damage of bearings caused by the warm-up operation is prevented. A controlling unit stores data of a supply amount of lubricant to bearings and a rotation speed of a main spindle in a memory unit as time-series data. When rotation of the main spindle is started, the time-series data stored in the memory unit is used to calculate an amount of remaining lubricant in the bearings and determination of necessity of warm-up operation is made based upon the stored data. A rotation speed at a start-up time of the main spindle is controlled according to the determination result.

Abstract: A method for measuring an amount of oil consumed by an internal combustion engine including an oil pan for supplying lubricating fluid. The method: causes the gravitational flow of the oil contained in the engine oil pan, from the oil pan towards a measuring tank; measures and stores a first value of the oil volume contained in the measuring tank; subjects the oil contained in the measuring tank to a pressurized gas thrust causing the rise of the oil from the measuring tank towards the oil pan; and repeats the preceding method at least once to obtain a second value of the oil volume contained in the tank.

Abstract: A system for detecting a characteristic of oil in a reservoir includes a sensor at least partially located in the reservoir. The sensor has a chamber for receiving oil from the reservoir, a detector member in the chamber, and an electromagnetic coil. Application of voltage across the electromagnetic coil moves the detector member and the presence and viscosity of oil in the chamber affects the rate of that movement. The electric current through the electromagnetic coil is measured and analyzed to determine an amount of time that the detector member took to move between two positions in the chamber. That amount of time is used to determine whether there is at least a predefined amount of oil in the reservoir and, if so, the viscosity of the oil.

Abstract: A measurement device measures engine oil consumption of an engine lubricated by engine oil. The measurement device includes a sensing pipe housing in which a sulfur dioxide sensing pipe arranged to sense the sulfur dioxide is disposed, an exhaust gas introduction passage connecting the engine and a first end of the sulfur dioxide sensing pipe, and arranged to introduce the exhaust gas from the engine to the sulfur dioxide sensing pipe, and a flow amount measurement device arranged to measure the flow amount of the exhaust gas flowing in the sulfur dioxide sensing pipe. The engine oil measurement device is small in size and able to measure engine oil consumption easily.

Abstract: An abnormality detection apparatus for detecting an abnormality of an oil level sensor having lower and upper oil level detectors includes: a recording portion that records the output of the upper oil level detector before the internal combustion engine is started; and a determining portion that determines that the upper oil level detector has an abnormality if the output of the lower oil level detector is indicating, after the start of the internal combustion engine, that the oil level is higher than the first reference oil level while the output of the upper oil level detector recorded by the recording portion is indicating that the oil level was lower than the second reference oil level before the start of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a fluid includes sensing a property of the fluid and the temperature of the fluid at the time the property is sensed, then determining the status of the fluid from the sensing. The sample volume may be small in comparison to the total fluid volume.

Abstract: A test bench conditioning system for a working fluid of a machine located on the test bench includes at least one pump (3) for circulating the working fluid, a heat exchanger (4) for cooling the working fluid coming from the discharge line (1) of the machine and a heating device (5) for the working fluid fed into the supply line (2) to the machine and a mixing valve (6). Furthermore, a bypass (8) that can be shut off between the discharge line (1) and the supply line (2) can be provided. Setting a temperature profile for the working fluid is possible via a control device. In order to render possible an optimum simulation of a real temperature profile of an operating fluid of a machine with the slightest deviations for the predetermined profile, a connecting line (10) with a control valve (11) leads to the discharge line (1) in front of the mixing valve (6), which opens into this discharge line (1) in front of the pump (3).

Abstract: A method for monitoring the performance of a compression-ignition, internal combustion engine which method comprises lubricating the engine with a crankcase lubricant, and introducing a fuel to the engine to operate the engine characterised in that the fuel comprises greater than 50% by weight of petroleum-based, middle distillate fuel oil and/or a Fischer Tropsch derived middle distillate fuel oil and 2.5% to 25% by weight of at least one lower alkyl ester of a fatty acid, and the performance of the engine is monitored by measuring the rate of ingress of lower alkyl ester of a fatty acid from the fuel into the crankcase lubricant by infra red spectroscopic analysis of the crankcase lubricant.

Abstract: The test equipment of engine motoring of the present invention includes a conveying mechanism (30) that carries in and carries out an engine to and from a test position, a fixing mechanism (40) that fixes the engine carried in to the test position, a coupling mechanism (60) that directly couples an electrical motor (50) to the engine and can detect a drive torque, an encoder (70) that generates a pulse signal as an operating standard in synchronism with rotation of the electrical motor, a plurality of detection units (80 through 130) that are driven to reciprocate so as to be connected to and disconnected from or approach and separate from the engine positioned at the test position and detect a plurality of operating state quantities, a control means (200) for various driving controls, and a judging means (200) for judging whether the engine is normal by comparing information obtained by the plurality of detection units with standard information obtained in advance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to test for oil leaks in an engine component after being machined. The method and apparatus include a wash station that washes the engine component after being machined, and a buffer that heats the engine component to a first temperature. An oil leak test station tests the engine component at about the first temperature for oil leaks.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring and displaying the engine oil filling level in a vehicle having a filling level switch or sensor, measured values of the switch or sensor, in the form of determined time components, are summed to determine a state duration of a particular state of the engine oil filling level. The state duration is compared with predefined time limiting values of the respective state of the engine oil filling level. According to the invention, the length of the individual time components is determined as a function of driving-state-dependent parameters.

Abstract: A system for detecting a characteristic of oil in a reservoir includes a sensor at least partially located in the reservoir. The sensor has a chamber for receiving oil from the reservoir, a detector member in the chamber, and an electromagnetic coil. Application of voltage across the electromagnetic coil moves the detector member and the presence and viscosity of oil in the chamber affects the rate of that movement. The electric current through the electromagnetic coil is measured and analyzed to determine an amount of time that the detector member took to move between two positions in the chamber. That amount of time is used to determine whether there is at least a predefined amount of oil in the reservoir and, if so, the viscosity of the oil.

Abstract: An oil condition and level sensor is provided that includes a solenoid body, a coil, an armature and a pole piece. The solenoid body defines an armature chamber between the armature and the pole piece. The armature is movable in the armature chamber in response to energizing of the coil. In an oil condition sensing system, the coil is operatively connected to a controller which can determine at least one of an oil temperature, oil viscosity, oil level, and an oil change occurrence. In one embodiment, four oil levels, including an overfill oil level and an excessively low oil level may be detected. The sensor is referred to as an integrated oil condition and level sensor as multiple sensing functions are integrated into one sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the consumption of oil from an oil separation system (2) in the blow by gas recycling circuit of an internal combustion engine.