With continuous operation

Electrical signals representing analog values of variables to be measured are sampled and multiplexed onto a common conductor. When the analog values are generated by transducers having a logarithmic characteristic, the signals are linearized by a log amplifier prior to being multiplexed. The ranges...     

A special-purpose computer instrument is coupled to an engine through a digitizing flow meter which measures fuel consumption, a digitizing tachometer which detects engine speed and a device for signaling if the load on the engine should vary. Utilizing this electrical input data, the instrument calculates...     

Device for instant, continuing meter display of relative engine torque and tachometer output together with power indication. The engine torque and power read-out derives from electro-mechanically coupling the engine to the dynamometer to sense the motion caused by the torque reaction of a motor or other...     

In a combustion engine, such as a diesel engine, the periodic displacement of an engine component member having a cyclic function directly related to the piston stroke of an engine cylinder, is detected by a proximity sensor disposed adjacent to an area through which the component member is periodically...     

In a cylinder compression test apparatus for a spark ignition engine, imped means for generating an electrical pulse representing the fire period for a selected cylinder. The mechanism is useful during engine compression test for correlating each measured waveform with the cylinder that produced that...     

A compressor stall warning system for jet aircraft gas turbine engines. The urbine inlet temperature and the compressor rotor speed are monitored and signals representative of the ratio of these two functions and the inlet temperature itself are produced. If the turbine inlet temperature increases while...     

A torque reaction test system for evaluating the performance characteristics of a test motor by detecting its inertial reaction torque to acceleration and deceleration of the rotor. In one embodiment a test motor, typically at a final assembly stage and contained within a housing where it is inaccessible,...     

An air flow transducer for measuring rate of air flow into an engine having a propensity to backfire includes a rotor with vanes disposed to intercept the air flow. The vanes are formed of low density plastic and affixed to a rotor. The trailing edges of the vanes are shaped to direct forces occasioned...     

A transducer responsive to a plurality of different parameters includes a plurality of sensing devices responsive to the parameters and arranged to combine two signals in relative proportions dependent upon the value of the parameter concerned. The two signals have the same frequency characteristic and...     

A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining whether certain rotor stress values are exceeded during the thermal cycle of a turbomachine. The invention takes into account the rotor material and the behavioral characteristics of the rotor material above and below the Fracture Appearance Transition...     

The present test apparatus is connected to a jet engine to perform a large number of tests of the mode of operation of the jet engine on both a static and dynamic basis. The multifunctional tester includes four sets of numerical displays on the face of the instrument. The first of these displays shows...     

An apparatus for diagnosing the operating state or condition of various components of an automotive engine is disclosed herein. The apparatus generates diagnostic signals representing the relationship between engine operating parameters and engine specifications. The diagnostic signals are selectively...     

Method and apparatus for measurement of expected wear on a wide range of mechanisms that are subjected to a plurality of wear inducing factors. Where detection of wear is desired for certain components of oilwell drilling fluid piston pumps the method may be accomplished by recording a function of the...     

A pressure sensing device comprising a ring surrounding or adapted to surround a body subjected to internal pressure; means to connect the ring physically to the body at spaced locations, the connecting means transmitting to the ring dilation and contraction movements of the body due to variation of...     

An engine diagnostic apparatus includes a first transducer positioned in the oil filler neck of the engine for translating the crankcase pressure waveform into a corresponding electrical waveform having a frequency component proportional to engine speed. A second transducer is positioned to translate...     

This disclosure relates to a system for analyzing the performance of a reciprocating piston, internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine. Sensors are connected to the engine, which respond to various operating parameters, and signals representing the parameters are fed to computer processing equipment....     

There is provided an engine test method whereby the engine involved is started and the systems thereof are regulated so as to obtain steady running, whereupon, by controlling fuel feed, a running-in process is performed by repeatedly carrying out runup-rundown cycles. In every running-in cycle, beginning...     

Undesirable internal changes in a running turbine are diagnosed by monitoring the dynamic pressure of the stream of fluid and the structure-borne vibration of the stationary shell. Incipient erosion of blades, material deposit buildup, and other abnormalities are detected by analyzing the dynamic pressure...     

A probe assembly for injection of microwave energy into the cylinder cavity of a diesel engine and detection of luminescence indicative of fuel ignition in the cylinder. The probe assembly comprises a probe with microwave and optical transmitters extending axially therethrough adapted to be threaded...     

A fuel economy running indicator for an automobile, in particular, a truck with a Diesel engine, includes a characteristic converter for converting a first operating parameter of the engine to an output signal having a functional relationship with the first operating parameter, the functional relationship...     

A method and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating the diagnosis and servicing of automotive vehicles wherein a communicating network computer interfaces between a plurality of service agencies and a vehicle data base plus a record storage system. The service agencies have diagnostic test equipment...     

A system for monitoring the performance of an internal combustion engine includes a pressure sensor that has a mounting configuration external to the cylinders such that it is capable of monitoring the pressures within two adjacent cylinders. The signal output of the sensor is filtered to remove undesired...     

To provide for simultaneous transmission of pressure signals and light signals from the combustion chamber (CC) of an internal combustion engine or, selectively, either one or the other of the pressure or light signals, independently, a spark plug-type housing (1, 2) has a glass plug (3) fitted therein,...     

Apparatus for determining the speed of an engine (10) and the phase shift between first and second shafts (16,19) rotatably driven by the engine (10). First and second fixed magnetic sensors (50,56) generate first and second signals (49,55) in response to movement of magnetically sensible members (47,53)...     

A device for detecting undesirable combustion processes in internal combustion engines having spark-ignition systems, an acceleration sensor and a band-pass filter tuned to a frequency of a knocking vibration, with an output value of the filter being compared with a reference value, whereby results of...     

An engine timing apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer 8 which directs a pulsed ultrasonic beam into a cylinder and converts the reflected ultrasonic signals into electrical signals. A sample/hold circuit 67 samples this signal at a time after each pulse when signal reflected by a piston ring...     

The failure of a gas turbine engine, particularly flame-out or output drive train breakage, is immediately detected and a warning signal generated. Engine flame-out is defined as an unacceptably fast gas turbine deceleration rate while output shaft failure is determined by sensing a mismatch between...     

A system for transmitting an EPR (Engine Pressure Ratio) from a gas turbine is provided with a resolver component (30) which modifies the EPR in accordance with variations in the optimum EPR for a particular turbine under particular conditions. The information from an EPR gauge is transmitted by a synchro...     

A gear lever actuator is provided for remotely or automatically moving the gear lever of a gearbox connected to an engine to be tested. The gear lever actuator comprises a first actuator for moving the gear lever between a neutral plane and gear selecting positions on either side of the neutral plane....     

A dynamometer controller comprising circuit means for accomplishing numerous improvements including means to convert the reactive load cell torque value into a true torque value instantaneously using an extremely simple passive circuit; a three mode controller including improved integration means to...     

An ignition analyzer apparatus tests the condition of the ignition coil of an internal combustion engine. A gating pulse is supplied to a test circuit immediately before the points are to open for a selected cylinder which causes the test circuit to provide a low resistance in parallel with the points...     

An apparatus for detecting combustion timing in an internal combustion engine comprises: a microwave unit including a microwave oscillator for generating a microwave having a predetermined frequency, a transmission and reception separator for separating transmitted and received microwaves from each other,...     

The probe includes an elongated body having a reduced diameter portion at the front thereof. A light-transmitting tube is located in the bore of the body and abuts against the shoulder defined by the reduced diameter portion. A microwave conductor in the tube protrudes from the front end. A plastic tubular...     

A diagnostic monitoring system, for detecting and displaying malfunctions or abnormal operations occurring in various engine operation control computers, includes a microcomputer, actuators and sensors. Each of the engine operation control computers performs a diagnosis program as a part of their control...     

An engine analyzer tests operation of a multicylinder internal combustion engine by disabling selected cylinders. The apparatus includes a semiconductor switch connected in parallel with the ignition points (or solid state circuit interrupter) of the engine's ignition system. A cylinder clock signal...     

The apparatus for detecting combustion timing includes: a microwave unit for generating a microwave of a predetermined frequency by a microwave oscillator and detecting the received microwave to convert the same into a low frequency signal; a probe comprising a microwave sensor for radiating the microwave...     

A service interval display unit for a motor vehicle for alerting the operator of required maintenance wherein actual distance traveled by the vehicle is monitored, and as a factor in determining the service interval, operating parameters such as engine speed, coolant temperature, oil temperature, and/or...     

The condition of a gas turbine is monitored by locating a microphone in the air inlet and listening to or recording the sounds detected during certain periods of the machine operating cycle. By proper selection and control of those periods, the operator is enabled to detect rubs or other problems but...     

A microwave and luminous probe for use in a system for detecting the piston position in an internal combustion engine and the light emitted in a combustion chamber thereof on the basis of a microwave signal and a luminous signal includes a hollow cylindrical case body fitted into the combustion chamber,...     

An engine crank angle determining arrangement including a rotor having teeth or slits wherein either a tooth is entirely omitted or the teeth or slits are formed with non-uniform intervals therebetween. The teeth or slits are detected by an electromagnetic pick-up device or a photocoupler, and the time...     

The classification of signals derived from electrostatic probes (1, 2, 3) disposed in the gas stream of a gas turbine engine in accordance with characteristics (FIGS. 14-23) of wave shapes (FIGS. 57-80) of the signals, employs degradation factors (FIG. 25-FIG. 56) which indicate discrepancy between the...     

Sampling pulses are obtained by a plurality of sampling through holes which are formed at equal angular intervals in a disc encoder which is fixed to a crankshaft of a piston engine to be measured. An analog output from a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure inside a cylinder is sampled, held by...     

A quick connect diagnostic system is disclosed for detecting the pressure and temperature of fluid streams flowing in fluid flow passages in engines or the like. A plurality of female portions of the quick connect mechanisms, which include foot valves, are permanently connected to different fluid flow...     

Compression is measured in an internal combustion engine by sensing the deceleration in sub-cyclic engine speed resulting from each cylinder's compression stroke while the engine is decelerating without fuel to the cylinders and without engine load.

A vibration testing apparatus for detecting vibrations in a rotating internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a sensor mounted on the engine and a timing circuit responsive to the firing of the spark plugs in the engine to generate successive time windows corresponding to the firing of each...     

Disclosed is a suction pipe pressure detection apparatus for detecting suction pipe pressure of a multi-cylinder type internal combustion engine provided with a throttle valve in the suction pipe of each of the cylinders, or a so-called independent suction type internal combustion engine. The apparatus...     

An automatic vehicle testing apparatus in which data representing conditions of units to be controlled are transmitted through optical transmission lines between a central station and terminal stations mounted on vehicles, which may be railroad cars. The central station can be placed in an automatic...     

A fuel energy analysis system is disclosed utilizing a first hydrostatic sensor, calibrated to specific fuel tank geometries, to monitor fuel quantity; and an additional hydrostatic sensor located at a different geometric height from said first sensor, allowing determination of specific gravity through...     

The present invention describes a method and apparatus for monitoring and indicating engine oil deterioration during the period of the oil's useful life in an internal combustion engine. The system and method permits a determination of the rate of deterioration of the engine oil as a function of oil...     

A microwave and luminous probe which employs a coaxial cable in place of a waveguide. The coaxial cable includes a transparent insulator interposed between an inner conductor and an outer conductor. Accordingly, a microwave is propagated between the inner and outer conductors, while light is transmitted...     

A Reliability and Maintainability Indicator (RAMI) is disclosed which effectively predicts the remaining time of operation of a system, equipment, component, or device before it would fail to perform its intended functions. The ability of RAMI to predict the remaining time of operation before failure...     

To permit physical separation and movement between an automotive vehicle and a test or diagnostic apparatus, the transducers transmitting signals representative of vehicle operating characteristics are coupled to a wireless transmitter, for example operating in long-wave, ultra-short-wave, infrared or...     

A vehicle maintenance interval monitor allows selection of mileage intervals between servicing for a number of individual maintenance items. The monitor is computerized and has connections only to the vehicle's battery and ignition circuits. The miles traveled are computed by determining the running...     

A vehicle performance monitoring apparatus (20) for displaying the values of a plurality of performance parameters of a vehicle (10). The apparatus includes sensors (21,22,23,24,25) for sensing data indicative of the performance of the vehicle, processing means (40,42) for processing this data to provide...     

A main computer which furnishes main engine control signals to initiate a predetermined operation of an internal combustion engine, outputs a monitoring signal whose state changes between a high and a low levels at predetermined intervals. The monitoring signal is watched by a main computer monitor,...     

A system and method for measuring the air flow into an engine including a throttle bore and a throttle for varying the effective area of the throttle bore and a throttle bypass passage including a bypass valve for varying the effective area of the bypass passage. The air meter determines the air flow...     

An engine idling speed sensing system (34) is provided. System (34) includes circuitry (26) having memory portion (31) and is operative to receive a transmission signal (24); clutch signal (20); throttle signal (21); and engine speed signal (16), and process them and store the result in memory portion...     

A simulator for generating simulated crankshaft angle signals during rotation of an internal combustion engine for use as a backup to a sensor sensing the ring gear teeth is described. A number representing the time in terms of the pulses from a clock for the engine crankshaft to rotate through an angle...     

Herein disclosed in an oil degradation warning system which comprises several sensors for sensing parameters which are closely related to degradation factors of the engine oil, a microcomputer which processes the detected parameters to compute oil degradation coefficients of them in each factor, integrates...     

A dual output magnetic sensor employing a magnet having first and second poles and a pair of magnetic sensors one of which is located close to a first of the poles and the other of which is located a spaced distance from the second of the poles to form a gap and wherein first and second magnetic field...     

Herein disclosed is an oil degradation warning system for an engine equipped with a turbocharger. The system comprises first means for detecting the temperature of the engine oil in the turbocharger, second means for deriving a correction coefficient from informations issued from the first means; third...     

The software for the electronic engine control system for a gas turbine engine responding to a temperature sensor measuring the gas path temperature at the inlet of the engine is modified to include means for preventing the control system from overreacting to excessive signal noise. The lead time constant...     

A technique for detecting misfire due to a fault in the secondary of an automotive ignition system compares the ignition signal developed by the ignition coil, preferably the primary winding thereof, to reference signals. Abnormal results which occur at predetermined times subsequent to the initiation...     

Abnormal start conditions, such as hot starts or hung starts, in an aircraft gas-turbine engine are monitored by deriving signals indicative of spool speed, engine temperature and fuel flow. A processor receives these signals and derives an indication of the rate of change of engine temperature. Signals...     

A trouble-diagnosable multifunction testing apparatus is disclosed for use with a first half part of a collective connector provided in an automotive vehicle, the first half part of the collective connector including a plurality of signal lines connected respectively to a plurality of electronic control...     

The output of an oxygen sensor and the engine operation are monitored and, in the event that the voltage generated by the sensor remains within a predetermined window for a predetermined time while the engine temperature is above a predetermined level and the engine is operating within a given set of...     

Apparatus for monitoring the operating performance of a vehicle. The vehicle speed, engine operating speed and manifold pressure of the vehicle are compared to corresponding preset threshold values. The total time during which each of the vehicle speed, engine operating speed and manifold pressure exceed...     

An engine testing system tests an engine at the end of a production line by controlling the fuel charge and ignition spark timing of an operating engine as a function of engine speed and air charge. The test is accomplished without the need for mass air flow and manifold absolute pressure sensors.

An apparatus for providing an indication of the level of smoke in an engine exhaust includes a radiation sensor which is mounted in a combustion chamber of the engine. The signal produced by the sensor during combustion of fuel is processed to produce a signal representing the period of combustion of...     

A self-contained handheld peak ignition breakdown voltage probe locates faulty sparkplugs in an internal combustion engine. The probe has a novel dual-polarity detection system suitable for all ignition systems, distributorless or distributor types. Each nanosecond peak breakdown ignition event is signalled...     

An engine idling control apparatus having an idle switch which turns on/off in response to the open/close of a throttle valve and judging the idle state in accordance with the open/close operation of the idle switch. The idle switch state is judged by an idle switch state judging unit in accordance with...     

An engine control system comprises a circuit for selecting a first engine controlled variable or a second engine controlled variable according to engine condition, changeover value for introducing to a pressure sensor the atmospheric pressure when the circuit selects the first engine controlled variable...     

There is disclosed a diagnosis system for a motor vehicle, and comprising a plurality of and various electronic control units mounted on the vehicle, and a diagnosis unit connected to the control units and for diagnosing troubles occurring in the several control units. The system further comprises a...     

A user accessible electornic fuel injection system is disclosed which is modifiable to fit a range of engine configurations, preferably with a staged fuel injection curve and with the capability of recording speed, fuel delivery rate and other engine performance parameters. The system includes computer...     

A method and apparatus for determining the power output of a gas turbine engine utilizes a speed sensor coupled to the engine shaft and a signal developed by a pyrometer coupled to the engine turbine for determining engine temperature. The speed sensor is normally provided in the engine for determining...     

Apparatus for monitoring the operating performance of a vehicle. The vehicle speed, engine operating speed and manifold pressure of the vehicle are compared to corresponding preset threshold values. The total time during which each of the vehicle speed, engine operating speed and manifold pressure exceed...     

An engine trim control unit for monitoring the operational characteristics of one or more gas turbine engines on an aircraft from the cockpit thereof and sequentially adjusting selected ones of a plurality of engine parameters for the engines from the cockpit is comprised of a controller (10) incorporating...     

A spark ignition analyzer comprising a probe having a first and second pick-up responsive to a voltage from an ignition wire, a high tension detector for detecting an absolute voltage increase from the first pickup and triggering a first visual signal for a predetermined time period, and a spark detector...     

A digital engine analyzer has an oscilloscope display and is controlled by microprocessors operating under menu-driven stored program control. The analyzer receives analog input signals from an engine being analyzed. The engine calculates and displays real-time cylinder time balance information by calculating...     

An air fuel ratio detecting device has an air-fuel ratio sensor for producing an air-fuel ratio information indicative of the concentration of oxygen in an exhaust gas produced by a burned air-fuel mixture in the internal combustion engine. An air-fuel ratio is calculated on the basis of the air-fuel...     

A digital engine analyzer has an oscilloscope display and is controlled by microprocessors operating under menu-driven stored program control. The analyzer receives analog input signals from an engine being analyzed and calculates and display spark plug burn time information derived from a single analog...     

A misfiring sensing apparatus for an internal combustion engine measures the length of time required for two periods during the operation of an engine, each of the periods corresponding to a predetermined number of degrees of rotation of the crankshaft of the engine and corresponding to prescribed positions...     

Disclosed is a direct ignition system for an internal combustion engine incorporating a first magnetic sensor for determining the crank shaft position and a second magnetic sensor for determining the cam shaft position. A counter weight integral with the crank shaft includes two patterns of four slots...     

A method of operating an engine detects an exhaust leak from the engine exhaust of an internal combustion engine using engine operating parameters. Signals from an exhaust gas oxygen sensor downstream of a catalyst indicates a leak if the signals are smaller than a predetermined constant.

A system for the examination or inspection of a gas turbine engine in which a computer 3 controls a series of probes by way of devices for controlling movements in different directions. Thus, there is a centralized control of the measurements for allowing faster performance. The system is applicable...     

A method and apparatus for gaining access to the fluid pressure in which a sharp pointed elongate tube transpierces the resilient wall of tubing of the vacuum system creating an opening through the wall which is in fluid communication with an in-take port of an internal combustion engine. The elongate...     

A compressor discharge temperature sensing system senses compressor discharge temperature for a compressor located within a housing. A sensor mounted external to the flow path receives high pressure air discharged from the compressor. The high pressure air flows past at least one thermocouple in the...     

An automobile engine has a pressure transducer in its exhaust system, and misfires are identified by the pressure drop accompanying the misfire, and the timing of the pressure drop relative to the cylinder identification signal. This may be accomplished digitally, sampling the pressure level at a rate...     

The state of internal combustion engine inlet air dynamics is characterized in a substantially noise immune albeit rapid manner according to the degree by which a first set of criteria indicate a steady state condition in which engine inlet air rate substantially corresponds to cylinder inlet air rate...     

Internal combustion engine emissions information is generated by monitoring engine events that significantly impact engine emissions and by applying the monitored events to a model of the emissions impact of such events. The monitored events and the emissions impact derived from the model are made visible...     

A method for testing the catalyst activity of a catalytic converter installed in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine involves running the engine to heat the converter to a normal operating temperature. Once the converter has reached a desired temperature the engine is shut off and the...     

A method is provided for recognizing erratic combustion in a multicylinder internal combustion engine by using a time measuring device to measure successive time periods which a crankshaft needs to rotate through predetermined angles during operating strokes of successive cylinders. The method includes...     

An internal-combustion-engine ignition device in which such components as the ion-current-detection unit are provided integrally with other ignition-device components to realize a simplified structure, thereby helping to attain a reduction in cost and an improvement in terms of layout and reliability,...     

The present invention relates to a method of accurately detecting misfiring in an engine that is not affected by fluctuations in engine speed caused by factors other than misfiring, and that is also accurate during continuous misfiring. The method identifies the start of misfiring in a cylinder n-1 if...     

A self-diagnosing apparatus for a vehicles capable of reliably storing diagnostic data on high priority malfunctions. A control unit comprises a CPU and a RAM for storing stores contents even when an ignition key is turned off. The self-diagnosing apparatus detects a plurality of malfunctions. The plurality...     

A throttle full-closure detecting apparatus for judging the full-closure state of a throttle valve uses the minimum value of a throttle sensor voltage so that the apparatus output is compensated for, in particular, a change in temperature. In a timer routine in the apparatus, first, the throttle sensor...     

A motor vehicle has a manual transmission and means for indicating to the operator a point in operation for upshifting to the next higher gear from the present gear. A method of determining the shift point is provided based upon actual operating parameters of the motor vehicle effecting current wheel...     

An engine misfire detection system for an internal combustion engine includes a microprocessor based controller for providing an increasing fuel command signal to any cylinder in the engine. The contribution to engine speed of the particular cylinder under test is monitored and compared to the contribution...     

An apparatus (16) for diagnosing faults in the electrical circuit of a motor vehicle which has a microprocessor (90) connected to a wiring harness (10) of a vehicle for controlling selected operations of the vehicle as a diagnostic microprocessor (22) which is coupled to the vehicle microprocessor (90)...     

Synchronization of relative engine angular position information is provided in the absence of an absolute engine position input signal by inducing misfires in a known engine cylinder and then monitoring misfire behavior over a test period. If significant misfire activity does not occur in an engine cylinder...