Simulating Operating Condition Patents (Class 73/118.01)
  • Patent number: 8375722
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inducing waves within a container arranged to permit a through-flow of fluid flowing generally from an inlet of the container to an exit of the container, wherein the container has wave inducing means located at the exit of the container, the wave inducing means being operable to vary the area of the exit thereby inducing waves within the container. The apparatus may form part of a combustor test rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Nickolaos Pilatis, Arthur L Rowe
  • Patent number: 8347702
    Abstract: A testing machine tests the durability of backer pads on the track shoe assembly and the surface of the road wheel. The test machine utilizes two eccentric drives to move a section of a road wheel to simulate actual vehicle conditions. A positioning system positions the track shoe assembly with respect to the road wheel to adjust the loading between the two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventor: Kenneth A. McGill
  • Patent number: 8322238
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for evaluating medical device performance are provided. A corresponding method may include deploying an implantable medical device into an apparatus for evaluating performance of an implantable medical device. The apparatus may include a support structure and simulated tissue operatively associated with the support structure. The method may further include manipulating the support structure and/or the simulated tissue to simulate physiological forces on the implantable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Alexander Nikanorov
  • Publication number: 20120285229
    Abstract: The invention relates to a test device for testing test vehicles, said test device having a receiving device for a vehicle mock-up. The receiving device for a vehicle mock-up is positioned on a rail system of the test device such that it can be moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: ADAC e.V.
    Inventors: Alois Sacher, Volker Sandner
  • Patent number: 8272258
    Abstract: An aerodynamic test stand (1) is provided for determining forces acting on a vehicle. The test stand has a stationary floor (2), at least two supporting devices (4) for supporting the motor vehicle, and at least one band unit moving in relation to the floor, for influencing air flow behavior in the floor region. The band unit is composed, segment-like, of runway sections (9, 10, 11, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28) to accurately detect forces acting on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gustavo Estrada
  • Publication number: 20120227478
    Abstract: A living body phantom according to the present invention, which is used as a testing sample in a prepared slide in estimating the performance of a microscope objective lens with the image of the testing sample in the prepared slide acquired by an imaging means via the microscope objective lens and with optical characteristics obtained from the image of the testing sample, includes a non-gel-like solution at least including: a solvent which at least includes water, a refractive index adjustment agent, and a scattering body or which at least includes a refractive index adjustment agent and a scattering body; and a thickener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Asuka Mukai, Koji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8260574
    Abstract: A technique is provided for diagnosing deficiencies in a material handling system having a track and a material support member adapted to travel on the track. A diagnostic device travels with the material support member and includes one or more sensors that measure one or more parameters of the material support member. Such parameters may include an amount of force exerted laterally against one or more restraining members or the accelerations of the material support member. The material handling system may include a plurality of slats connected in an endless web that defines a conveying surface upon which articles are transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Schuitema, Kenneth J. Kooistra, Stephen C. Wolf, Matthew A. Steenwyk
  • Publication number: 20120204630
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a crash simulation device for motor vehicles. Providing an accelerable slide, fastening a first additional mass to the slide, performing a preliminary test subject to capturing of the acceleration curve, comparing the captured acceleration curve with a desired acceleration curve, performing a further preliminary test with changed setting of the components that are decisive for the acceleration curve of the slide. If the sensed acceleration curve deviates from the desired acceleration curve, removing the first additional mass from the slide when the captured acceleration curve corresponds to the set acceleration curve, fastening to the slide, arranging a moveable dummy and carrying out a real test with the settings of the components decisive for the acceleration curve made in the preliminary test or the preliminary tests. Arranging a moveable second additional mass on the slide before carrying out the at least one of the test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Olaf Manfred Wallich, Willi Elsenheimer
  • Patent number: 8225651
    Abstract: A test system (1) is arranged for testing vehicle systems which comprise at least one sensor (20). The test system comprises a test stand (11) for accommodating a vehicle (2), an object (12) which is movable relative to the test stand, and a control unit (13) for controlling the movement of the object. The test stand (11) is provided with a speed measurement unit (14) for detecting the virtual speed (v) of the vehicle, while the control unit (13) is arranged for controlling the movement of the object in dependence on said virtual speed. The object (12) preferably is a dummy vehicle which may be pulled along a track (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepastnatuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Bart Theodoor Maria Scheepers, Antonius Cornelis Maria Versmissen, Jeroen Ploeg, Rene Mathieu Corbeij, Pieter Jan Schutyser
  • Publication number: 20120144909
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for testing an electric power generation system, such as a wind turbine system, which is connected to a utility grid providing a predetermined first voltage. The arrangement includes an input terminal for connecting the arrangement to an output terminal of the power generation system. The arrangement also includes a grid terminal for connecting the arrangement to the utility grid. The arrangement further includes a transformer temporarily connectable between the input terminal and the grid terminal. The transformer is adapted to transform the first voltage to a second voltage which is different from the first voltage. The arrangement also includes a measurement system for measuring a current flow through the input terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Dreyer, Steffen Wulff
  • Patent number: 8186207
    Abstract: A test system and method includes a platform having a movable endless belt. A test article is disposed on the belt has wheel assemblies rotated by the endless belt. At least one strut has a first end coupled to the test article and a second end configured to engage the belt as it moves so as to transfer force between belt and the test article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley C. Litz
  • Patent number: 8175838
    Abstract: In a running test, vehicle wheels are mounted on rollers. Each roller receives torque corresponding to the running resistance, which is a value corresponding to the running resistance applied to the vehicle on actual ground. The actual friction coefficient between the wheels and the rollers is calculated. The running resistance is corrected such that the actual friction coefficient becomes equal to the friction coefficient on actual ground that is calculated based on the slip ratio of the wheels with respect to the rollers. This approximates the running resistance applied to the vehicle by the rollers to the running resistance applied to the vehicle on actual ground as the torque is applied to the rollers in correspondence with the corrected running resistance. This prevents the drive force produced by the vehicle in the running test from becoming different than the drive force that is produced when running on actual ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Meidensha Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Satonaka, Yasumasa Narumi
  • Patent number: 8146411
    Abstract: A device and method for simulating rotation of a wheel on a vehicle having a rotatable wheel rotation sensor. A motor is coupled to a rotatable portion of the rotation sensor, and is operated to rotate the rotatable portion of the rotation sensor according to a pulse train simulating a wheel skid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Craig L. Burgess, Joy Green, Stephen Kissling
  • Patent number: 8135509
    Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 8051936
    Abstract: A human-portable modular system is provided for remotely controlling an automotive vehicle by an operator physically unconnected thereto. For a typical vehicle, the system includes a radio control transmitter that sends command signals from the operator, a pedal control assembly, a steering control assembly, an electronics case disposable on the driver's seat, coupling mechanisms that respectively connect said assemblies to the electronics case, and a package for stowing and transporting the transmitter, the electronics case, and the assemblies. The pedal control assembly includes a linkage arm, an actuator pivotably connected to the linkage arm at its proximate end, and first and second arms pivotably connected to the linkage arm to controllably push the respective control pedals for acceleration and braking. The steering control assembly includes a motor that provides torque, and an attachment that couples the motor to the vehicle's steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James L. Hebert, Wallace Louie
  • Patent number: 8047067
    Abstract: A sensor structure notably for a harsh environment in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The sensor structure has a sensor body (1) having at one end an element (2) sensitive to the quantity to be measured in the harsh environment and at another end a connection circuit (3) for the latter, placed away from the harsh environment, and physically separated from one another. The sensor structure is connected by means for transmitting information by carrier current on an electrical conductor (5) of the sensor with which the sensitive element and the connection circuit are associated by wireless coupling means and between which are provided means (4) for protecting the connection circuit from the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA., Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Bernard Bavoux, Jean-Sébastien Danel, Philippe Robert, Maxime Pauly
  • Publication number: 20110226049
    Abstract: A device and method for simulating rotation of a wheel on a vehicle having a rotatable wheel rotation sensor. A motor is coupled to a rotatable portion of the rotation sensor, and is operated to rotate the rotatable portion of the rotation sensor according to a pulse train simulating a wheel skid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Craig L. Burgess, Joy Green, Stephen Kissling
  • Patent number: 7980121
    Abstract: The degradation simulator is used for a gas sensor including a sensor element having a solid electrolyte layer and a pair of electrodes located opposite to each other across from the solid electrolyte layer, the sensor element outputting a sensor output signal having a value depending on concentration of a specific gas in the ambient gas. The degradation simulator includes a first setting function of enabling variably setting a time constant delay which appears on the sensor output signal when concentration of the specific gas changes, a second setting function of enabling variably setting a dead time delay which appears on the sensor output signal when concentration of the specific gas changes, and an adding function of adding at least one of the time constant delay and dead time delay to the sensor output signal in order to generate a pseudo-degraded sensor output signal in accordance with an external instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Mikiyasu Matsuoka, Tomoo Kawase, Eiichi Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 7954366
    Abstract: An environmental test enclosure for modifying the temperature of a vehicle test property is presented. The enclosure includes a movable pallet assembly that is operable to deliver the test property to and from the property test site. The movable pallet assembly includes a base plate that is configured to attach to and support the test property thereon. A plurality of sidewalls project upward from the base plate to surround the test property. A flexible cover is mounted to the overhead structure of the test site, and configured to transition between an open position, in which the cover is in a raised and generally folded state, to a closed position, in which the cover is in a lowered state and attachable to the pallet assembly. The flexible cover cooperates with the movable pallet assembly when attached thereto to define an enclosed and substantially thermally insulated space around the test property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Gushman, Mark D. Womack, David J. Gunnels
  • Patent number: 7912607
    Abstract: A method for crash testing a motor vehicle is disclosed. The method provides a crash test routine where an inflatable restraint is deployed using a single deployment pattern throughout at least one government regulation zone. This helps to prevent overlap of a transition zone and can help make the deployment of the inflatable restraint more predictable. This can increase occupant safety and simply testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryan Miller, Brian T. Allen
  • Publication number: 20110056282
    Abstract: A method for determining whether an item has been exposed to an environmental condition during a monitoring period. The method includes placing a sensor at least in proximity to the item at the beginning of the monitoring period so that the sensor will be exposed to a level of an environmental condition that can be correlated to an exposure level of the item to the environmental condition; reading the sensor; and determining from reading the sensor whether the item has been exposed to the environmental condition. The sensor includes a detecting material comprising a photochromic or photothermochromic material, the detecting material selected so that upon exposure to the environmental condition the detecting material exhibits a detectable color change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tom KAVASSALIS, Peter M. KAZMAIER, Gabriel IFTIME, Kentaro MORIMITSU, Adela GOREDEMA
  • Publication number: 20110048119
    Abstract: A mechanical drive train for testing a full scale compressor rig is disclosed. The drive train can include an electric motor, a gear box, and a gas turbine. The compressor rig is coupled to the drive train between the gear box and gas turbine. The drive train can further include a torque converter for transferring torque from the electric motor to the compressor rig. The drive train is configured to test a full scale compressor rig over the entire speed and load operating range, allowing for full compressor mapping from choke to stall at full load, part load (power turn down) and partial speed conditions. The drive train can also be used to test a compressor rig or gas turbine over the full range of operability for the compressor rig or gas turbine without having to connect the gas turbine to the power grid at the power generation site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: CHRISTIAN MICHAEL HANSEN, DOUGLAS GILES MOODY, KARL DEAN MINTO
  • Publication number: 20100313643
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blood flow simulation system, which comprises a first container, a phantom, and a second container. The blood flow simulation system according to the present invention contains a fluid by the first container. Then the phantom is used for transporting the fluid. Afterwards, the second container is used for containing the fluid output by the phantom, and transporting the fluid to the first container by way of the phantom. Thereby, the blood-vessel characteristics, the blood-flow characteristics, and the human muscle characteristics can be simulated effectively and hence facilitating experimental convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Liang-Yu Shyu, Wei-Chih Hu, Wen-Yao Chung
  • Patent number: 7818104
    Abstract: A comparator compares the total intake air amount accumulated by an accumulator with a reference value obtained via a selector. If the total intake air amount is smaller than the reference value, the CSS control is determined as being abnormal and a CSS-abnormality signal is output. If the number of times an atmospheric pressure learning value has been updated is equal to or larger than a threshold that is set large enough to determine that the accuracy of the calculated atmospheric pressure learning value is sufficiently high, a reference value is output from a characteristic storage to the comparator. Conversely, if the number of times the atmospheric pressure learning value has been updated is smaller than the threshold, an initial reference value is output from an initial reference value storage to the comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Tahara, Shunsuke Kondo
  • Patent number: 7802421
    Abstract: A means capable of supplying exhaust gas sufficiently imitating exhaust gas from actual diesel engines is provided. A PM generating apparatus has a constitution in which combustion air supplied to the space between a chassis and an outer casing via an air inlet is introduced into the space between the outer casing and an inner casing via through-holes of the outer casing, and a fuel injected by an fuel-injection means into the space between the chassis and the outer casing is introduced into the space between the outer casing and the inner casing via the through-holes of the outer casing, wherein the fuel is combusted to generate PM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Hijikata, Satoru Yamada, Yukio Miyairi
  • Patent number: 7775120
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator test system includes an inertia simulator, a first load actuator, a second load actuator, and a test system control. The inertia simulator simulates the inertia of at least a portion of a system that is moved by a test actuator. The first load actuator supplies a first load to the inertia simulator to simulate at least one or more dynamic system loads, and the second load actuator supplies a second load to the inertia simulator to simulate at least one or more steady-state system loads. The test system control supplies the first actuator commands and the second actuator commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Eugene Owens, Robert Jay Blome, Dwayne M. Benson, Steven Talbert Forrest, James Neil Quitmeyer, Hugh Scott McDowell
  • Publication number: 20100170330
    Abstract: A test system (1) is arranged for testing vehicle systems which comprise at least one sensor (20). The test system comprises a test stand (11) for accommodating a vehicle (2), an object (12) which is movable relative to the test stand, and a control unit (13) for controlling the movement of the object. The test stand (11) is provided with a speed measurement unit (14) for detecting the virtual speed (v) of the vehicle, while the control unit (13) is arranged for controlling the movement of the object in dependence on said virtual speed. The object (12) preferably is a dummy vehicle which may be pulled along a track (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST- NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
    Inventors: Bart Theodoor Maria Scheepers, Antonius Cornelis Maria Versmissen, Jeroen Ploeg, Rene Mathieu Corbeij, Pieter Jan Schutyser
  • Patent number: 7721593
    Abstract: A system for setting a spatial position of a vehicle relative to a foundation, on which the vehicle is standing with its wheels, in particular in a wind tunnel, is provided. The adjusting system includes a plurality of linear actuating devices, which are assigned to each one of the wheels and which are mounted on the vehicle in the area of the respective wheel and with which in the area of the respective wheel a distance between the foundation and a vehicle chassis can be set. The adjusting system includes a plurality of measuring devices, which are assigned to each one of the actuating devices, for determining the distance between the foundation and the vehicle chassis in the area of the respective wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Pfadenhauer
  • Publication number: 20100071452
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuator test system includes an inertia simulator, a first load actuator, a second load actuator, and a test system control. The inertia simulator simulates the inertia of at least a portion of a system that is moved by a test actuator. The first load actuator supplies a first load to the inertia simulator to simulate at least one or more dynamic system loads, and the second load actuator supplies a second load to the inertia simulator to simulate at least one or more steady-state system loads. The test system control supplies the first actuator commands and the second actuator commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Eugene Owens, Robert Jay Blome, Dwayne M. Benson, Steven Talbert Forrest, James Neil Quitmeyer, Hugh Scott McDowell
  • Patent number: 7677031
    Abstract: A particulate trap regeneration system is provided, which may include a particulate trap having a filter medium configured to remove one or more types of particulate matter from an exhaust flow of an engine and a regeneration device configured to reduce an amount of particulate matter in the particulate trap, as well as a radio frequency-based particulate loading monitoring system configured to determine an amount of particulate matter trapped by the filter medium. The particulate loading monitoring system may include at least one radio frequency probe configured to transmit radio frequency signals of predetermined magnitude and predetermined frequency toward the filter medium and at least one radio frequency probe configured to receive and measure the magnitude of received radio frequency signals that pass through the filter medium. Further, the system may be configured to transmit radio frequency signals along a length of the exhaust conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew A. Knitt
  • Publication number: 20090301182
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for evaluating medical device performance are provided. A corresponding method may include deploying an implantable medical device into an apparatus for evaluating performance of an implantable medical device. The apparatus may include a support structure and simulated tissue operatively associated with the support structure. The method may further include manipulating the support structure and/or the simulated tissue to simulate physiological forces on the implantable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventor: Alexander Nikanorov
  • Patent number: 7628239
    Abstract: A modular system for remotely controlling an automotive vehicle is provided. The system issues commands responsive to a radio control transmitter, which controls the vehicle by its steering device and respective control pedals for acceleration and braking. The system includes a steer linkage, a steering motor, a pedal linkage, a linear actuator, a radio receiver, and a digital motor controller. By employing a chain pulley, the steer linkage removably attaches to and controllably rotates the steering device. The steering motor conveys torque to the steer linkage. The pedal linkage removably connects to and pushes against at least one of the control pedals using pinned moment levers. The linear actuator transmits force to the pedal linkage. The pedal linkage may be removably mounted on a linkage platform. The radio receiver receives command signals from the transmitter and communicates with the steering motor and the linear actuator via the digital motor controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wallace Louie, James L. Hebert
  • Patent number: 7625201
    Abstract: The present application relates in general to an apparatus and to methods for testing the performance of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions simulating those which occur in motor vehicles over extended driving conditions. The application provides a novel swirl plate and a novel fuel injector which enable the burner to run stoichiometric for extended periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Melvin N. Ingalls, Jr., Gordon J. Bartley, Cynthia C. Webb
  • Patent number: 7614231
    Abstract: A method to estimate real-time exhaust pressure in a compression ignition engine with variable geometry turbocharger and an EGR by adding the turbocharger RPM, the engine RPM, EGR value position and intake manifold pressure to determine a final turbocharger turbine inlet pressure to control NOx emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Marc Christian Allain, Min Sun
  • Patent number: 7610142
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a booster, an exhaust gas sensor and a self-calibration arrangement for the exhaust gas sensor. When sensor calibration check is desired, a controlling unit opens a valve in order to subject a sensing element of the sensor to a supply of gas having a known gas concentration. Gas concentration signals from the sensor are compared with known concentration values, with the results being used to re-calibrate the sensor. The supply of gas can be received directly from the booster or from an optional reservoir. The invention is particularly applicable for use with a universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor in a vehicle powered by a diesel engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John William Hoard, Robert F. Novak
  • Patent number: 7597016
    Abstract: A method of using an exhaust flow simulation system to test the effects of exhaust system conditions on various materials. A typical exhaust flow simulator is a burner-based system, in which exhaust from burner combustion is exhausted through an exhaust line. A “test coupon” of the material may be placed at an appropriate location in the flow line, and tested to determine how it is affected by the exhaust resulting from various fuels and additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Suzanne A. Timmons, Scott F. Timmons
  • Publication number: 20090217746
    Abstract: A test system and method includes a platform having a movable endless belt. A test article is disposed on the belt has wheel assemblies rotated by the endless belt. At least one strut has a first end coupled to the test article and a second end configured to engage the belt as it moves so as to transfer force between belt and the test article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: MTS Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley C. Litz
  • Patent number: 7530263
    Abstract: A testing apparatus that is used for measuring a vehicle's parasitic loss and overall, loaded efficiency utilizes an external electric drive motor, as an input, connected to the engine crankshaft of the vehicle and dynamometers connected to each driving wheel hub, to measure output at the wheels. Although its wheels with tires are removed, the vehicle remains largely intact and rests upon vehicle supports, which are mounted to a track system under the vehicle. The track system permits the drive motor and dynamometers to adjust and accommodate any vehicle for efficiency analysis. A computer monitors the driving motor input and output at the dynamometers to calculate efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventor: Jack M. Sowle
  • Patent number: 7529616
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a system for determining combustion characteristics may be capable of automatically determining and displaying a plurality of combustion characteristics on a multiple-axis plot. In such embodiments, a single combustion test in the system's controlled combustion chamber may provide a user with automatic analysis and display of three, four, five, six, or more combustion characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Jacob Bizub
  • Publication number: 20090095064
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a tire braking characteristic test apparatus capable of reflecting dynamic characteristic of a vehicle at the time of braking in order to evaluate braking characteristic of tires and also performing a test with easily changing a vehicle condition influencing the braking characteristic of the tires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Etsujiro Imanishi, Masahiko Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20090049900
    Abstract: A calibration flow position of a variable nozzle (6) of a turbocharger is set by a method for calibrating the turbocharger, which comprises a turbine (2) and a compressor (1). In this method, the turbocharger is driven by a predetermined fluid supply. Further, the flow position of the variable nozzle (6) is changed while the rotational speed (N) of the turbocharger or an outlet pressure (P2C) of the compressor (1) is monitored. The calibration flow position is fixed based on the monitored quantities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Giorgio Figura
  • Publication number: 20090038387
    Abstract: An abnormality determination device and an abnormality determination method of a vehicle that includes a stepped type automatic transmission capable of forming a plurality of speed change steps are provided. The presence/absence of an abnormality of an element related to formation of a predetermined speed change step is determined in a state of the vehicle where the predetermined speed change step is formed. Information about the abnormality determined to be present is then stored. If the information about the abnormality is stored when the vehicle is to newly start to run, the predetermined speed change step where the abnormality stored occurred is established, and the presence/absence of the abnormality of the element related to the formation of the predetermined speed change step is re-determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroatsu Endo, Kazuo Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20090025492
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a position of the vertebral column of a dummy model for estimating the feeling of sitting in a seat almost exactly mimics the characteristics of the vertebral joints of a human being. The apparatus comprises a pelvic plate; a plurality of lumbar joints, stacked on the pelvic plate so as to be spaced apart from each other, and having joint springs installed in front and rear portions thereof centered around a rotation center interconnecting two adjacent ones thereof; femur joints rotatably installed below the pelvic plate, and connected with one end of each femur bar; and pelvic pivoting members transmitting rotating force of the femur joints, which is caused by vertical pivoting of the femur bars, to the pelvic plate, and changing a vertical angle of the pelvic plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Su Hwan Hwang, Seok Hwan Kim, Hyung Yun Choi, In Bae Chang, Kyung Min Kim
  • Publication number: 20080245144
    Abstract: A sensor structure notably for a harsh environment in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The sensor structure has a sensor body (1) having at one end an element (2) sensitive to the quantity to be measured in the harsh environment and at another end a connection circuit (3) for the latter, placed away from the harsh environment, and physically separated from one another. The sensor structure is connected by means for transmitting information by carrier current on an electrical conductor (5) of the sensor with which the sensitive element and the connection circuit are associated by wireless coupling means and between which are provided means (4) for protecting the connection circuit from the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicants: PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES S.A, COMMISARRIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Bernard Bavoux, Jean-Sebastien Danel, Philippe Robert, Maxime Pauly
  • Patent number: 6459968
    Abstract: Handheld electronic instrument for diagnosing the operating condition of a vehicle. The instrument is capable of performing the basic functions of a multimeter as well as able to test at least one system of a vehicle. This reduces the need for additional equipment that a technician must use and increases the efficiency and profitability of the technician. The instrument has a microprocessor, a memory storage for a computer program controlling the microprocessor and for other information, a display screen, a plurality of buttons, a rotary switch capable of being rotated by one finger of the operator of the instrument. The instrument has at least two display screens selections for monitoring and diagnosing a system of the vehicle, and each display screen has at least one operating mode for monitoring and diagnosing a function of the system, and the display screen selections are capable of being selected by the rotary switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Kochie