Showing papers by "Ford Motor Company published in 1989"

Object oriented control of real-time processing

Abstract: A method of controlling processing in a computer, particularly real-time processing, is performed using computer data objects. Real-time or other input data received from data sources is classified according to pre-stored control data. The control data defines which data source provides the real-time data, how the real-time data is to be processed, where the real-time data is to be stored and what reports the real-time data will be used in. The classified real-time data becomes a computer data object with its associated control data and all subsequent processing is performed on the computer data object.

Scanning-tunneling-microscope observations of Coulomb blockade and oxide polarization in small metal droplets.

Abstract: The I-V characteristics of two serially coupled small tunnel junctions (about ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}18}$--${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}19}$ F capacitances) are measured at 4 K. The junctions are formed using a scanning-tunneling microscope to probe a metal droplet deposited on an oxidized metal substrate. Sharply defined Coulumb steps due to single-electron dynamics, oxide polarization, and nonlinear (voltage dependent) tunneling rates are observed. The results show very good quantitative agreement with theoretical calculations based on the semiclassical picture.

Definitive Irradiation and Chemotherapy for Radiosensitization in Management of Anal Carcinoma: Interim Report on Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Study No. 8314

Abstract: Following documented evidence of the synergism of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and radiation therapy and an additive effect with mitomycin and irradiation, pilot studies have demonstrated the potential for definitive radiation therapy in the management of squamous cell and basaloid carcinomas of the anal canal, allowing sphincter preservation. Our study explored the long-term effectiveness of combined therapy at this disease site and examined the feasibility of a Radiation Therapy Oncology Group study involving concomitant radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Between 1983 and 1987, 79 assessable patients with any primary tumor stage of anal canal carcinoma were treated by external-beam irradiation combined with mitomycin given by bolus iv injection and 5-FU given by continuous infusion. Radiation was delivered to the perineum and pelvis to a total dose of 4,080 cGy in 4.5-5 weeks. The inguinal nodal areas received 4,080 cGy, calculated at a 3-cm depth in the center of the nodal area. A 96-hour infusion of 5-FU was started on days 2 and 28 of the irradiation at a dose of 1,000 mg/m2 over 24 hours, and a bolus injection of mitomycin was administered on day 2 at a dose of 10 mg/m2. The overall survival rates are 97% at 1 year and 73% at 3 years. Patients with lesions less than 3 cm in diameter and those treated strictly according to the protocol did significantly better than those with larger lesions and those whose treatment did not comply with the protocol. The interim outcome of the study demonstrates that this combined therapy is effective for patients with anal cancer and allows preservation of the sphincter and of sexual function.

Fourier transform infrared kinetic studies of the reaction of HONO with HNO3, NO3 and N2O5 at 295 K

Abstract: The kinetics of the reaction of nitrous acid (HONO) with nitric acid (HNO3), nitrate radicals (NO3) and dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) have been studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Experiments were performed at 700 torr total pressure using synthetic air or argon as diluents. From the observed decay of HONO in the presence of HNO3 a rate constant of k<7×10-19 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 was derived for the reaction of HONO with HNO3. From the observed decay of HONO in the presence of mixtures of N2O5 and NO2 we have also derived upper limits for the rate constants of the reactions of HONO with NO3 and N2O5 of 2×10-15 and 7×10-19 cm3 molecule-1 s-1, respectively. These results are discussed with respect to previous studies and to the atmospheric chemistry of HONO.

Electrically powered active suspension for a vehicle

Abstract: An electrically powered suspension for a vehicle including a roadwheel and tire assembly, an electrically powered suspension unit having one end attached to the roadwheel and tire assembly and the other end attached to the chasis of the vehicle, with the suspension unit including an electric motor for positioning the roadwheel with respect to the chasis, and a controller for operating the electric motor so as to control the vertical movement of the wheel and tire assembly with respect to the vehicle's chassis. The electric motor may include either a linear or rotating electric motor, acting either alone or in parallel with a static load carrying device such as a fluid or coil spring.

Diagnostic system using pattern recognition for electronic automotive control systems

Abstract: A system is disclosed for diagnosing faults in electronic control systems wherein a large volume of information is exchanged between the electronic control processor and a mechanical system under its control. The data is acquired such that parameter vectors describing the system operation are formed. The vectors are provided to a pattern recognition system such as a neural network for classification according to the operating condition of the electronically controlled system. For diagnosis of electronically controlled engine operation, the parameters included in the vectors correspond to individual firing events occurring in the engine operating under a predetermined condition. The diagnostic system can be implemented as a service tool in an automotive service bay or can be implemented within the on-board electronic control system itself.

Mechanical factors in the degeneration of porcine bioprosthetic valves: an overview.

Abstract: Predilection of certain sites of the porcine bioprosthetic valve (PBV) leaflets to calcification and tissue disruption has provoked suggestions that design factors and mechanical stresses may be major reasons leading to degeneration. In recent years, computer based numerical models of PBVs have shown a close association between sites of leaflet calcification and disruption and sites of leaflet stress concentration. These numerical models have also provided a means through which methodical design optimization can be carried out. Increasing stent flexibility, for instance, was shown to lead to an overall reduction of mechanical stresses on the PBV leaflets. Reducing the stent height, on the other hand, was accompanied by an undesirable increase of overall leaflet stresses. Despite encouraging work in this field, more research is needed to further elucidate means by which the structural integrity of bioprosthetic valves can be preserved through a minimization of the adverse effects of mechanical stresses.

Method of toughening diamond coated tools

Abstract: of the Disclosure Method of toughening the structure of a diamond or diamond-like coated tool, by the steps of: (a) depositing, by low pressure CVD, a plurality of layers of separated diamond or diamond-like particles onto a nondiamond or nondiamond-like tool substrate (i.e., SiAlON, Si3N4, SiC, Si, Ti, Co cemented WC, TiC, Ni-Mo cemented TiCN), the substrate being selected to facilitate diamond or diamond-like deposition and to retain its strength-related properties after such CVD; and (b) interposing a mechanically adherent, planarized binding material (i.e. transition metals, silicon, boron) between and on said layers of particles and across the separated particles of each particle layer, said binding material being substantially devoid of diamond graphitizing or dissolution agents. A barrier layer is deposited onto said tool substrate prior to step (a) to prevent the egress of chemicals capable of graphitizing diamond or diamond-like particles. The total thickness of the coating structure is about 50-125 microns.

Radiographic pulmonary congestion in end-stage congestive heart failure

Abstract: Chest radiography is considered an accurate technique for evaluating the presence and degree of congestive heart failure1 (CHF). Radiographic evidence of redistribution of pulmonary blood flow and interstitial and alveolar edema is an established indicator of pulmonary artery wedge pressure in both acute and chronic forms of CHF.2 It is believed that the absence of these radiographic findings is inconsistent with severe CHF and, specifically, elevations of pulmonary artery wedge pressure.3–5 Much work describing the utility of chest radiography in the diagnosis and management of patients with CHF was carried out before the advent of potent diuretics and vasodilator agents.6 Currently, many treated patients with end-stage CHF do not have clinical congestion and may die suddenly despite apparent hemodynamic compensation.7,8 This report examines the chest radiographic abnormalities observed in patients with chronic severe CHF and marked elevation of pulmonary artery wedge pressure.

Adaptive controller for regenerative and friction braking system

Abstract: A regenerative and friction braking system for a vehicle having one or more roadwheels (20,22) driven by an electric traction motor (12) includes a driver responsive device for producing a brake demand signal having a magnitude corresponding to the level of braking force selected by the driver and friction and regenerative brakes operatively connected with the roadwheels of the vehicle A system according to this invention further includes control means (30) for operating the friction and regenerative braking subsystems so that maximum brake torques sustainable by the roadwheels of the vehicle without skidding or slipping will not be exceeded

Family therapy vs. parent groups: Effects on adolescent drug abusers.

Abstract: The families of adolescent drug abuse clients who were admitted to six outpatient drug-free (OPDF) treatment programs were randomly assigned to either a family therapy method or a parent group method. It was later found that in 93% of the family therapy families, one or both parents participated (N=85); but that in only 67% of the families assigned to a parent group did one or both parents participate (N=50). This is considered to be an important practical advantage for family therapy. At follow-up evaluation 15 months later (after a 6-month course of treatment and a 9-month follow-up period), the clients and their mothers in both groups reported significant improvement on numerous outcome criteria, including reduction in substance use. There was no significant difference between the two groups in degree of improvement.

Making a fractured powder metal connecting rod

Abstract: A method of making a connecting rod for attachment to a bearing journal by separation of parts of the connecting rod, comprising: (a) forging a powder metal sintered preform to provide a one-piece connecting rod having an annular wall defining a crank opening with a center axis and with stress risers for establishing a cracking plane that extends across said crank opening; (b) providing access for a compression coupling across the cracking plane; (c) while at ambient conditions, applying tension substantially uniformly across the cracking plane to propogate fracture from the stress risers along said cracking plane and thereby separate the connecting rod into a cap and body with cracked surrfaces; and (d) remating the cap and body by applying a compression coupling through the access to draw said cap and body together under guidance and with metal yielding pressure to effect substantially an exact rematch of said cracked surfaces. Control of the diametrical clearance between the bolt shanks and the bolt openings, of the bolts used as the compression coupling, promotes guidance needed to achieve such rematch. The cracking is effected in an improved manner by use of continuous pulling apart of the rod in a direction perpendicular to the cracking plane.

Silicon micromachined compound nozzle

Abstract: A silicon compound nozzle has two generally planar parallel plates with offset openings coupled by a shear gap. Fluid flow in the shear gap is generally parallel to the plates and increases fluid dispersion.

Electronic control system for controlling torque converter bypass clutches

Abstract: A control for a hydrokinetic torque converter lockup clutch having a clutch plate that cooperates with a torque converter impeller shell to define a control pressure cavity wherein the clutch plate is subjected to the pressure in the torus circuit of the torque converter and wherein an electronically controlled valve system is used to modulate the pressure in the control pressure cavity thereby varying the clutch capacity to establish a controlled degree of slip of the clutch so that the actual slip of the clutch may be maintained at a target slip value which is adjusted depending upon the value of input shaft speed data and throttle position data stored in the memory of a microprocessor, the microprocessor being designed to calibrate a desired slip value for each engine torque and turbine speed condition whereby a closed-loop electronic control may be achieved to provide a partial converter bypass during the major portion of the vehicle operating time.

Muscle response to pneumatic hand tool torque reaction forces.

Abstract: Surface electromyography was used for studying the effects of torque reaction force acting against the hand, on forearm muscle activity and grip force for five subjects operating right angle, air shut-off nutrunners. Four tools having increasing spindle torque were operated using short and long torque reaction times. Nutrunner spindle torque ranged between 30 Nm and 100 Nm. Short torque reaction time was considered 0·5 s while long torque reaction time was 2 s. Peak horizontal force was the greatest component of the reaction force acting against the hand and accounted for more than 97% of the peak resultant hand force. Peak hand force increased from 89 N for the smallest tool to 202 N for the largest tool. Forearm muscle rms EMG, scaled for grip force, indicated average flexor activity during the Torque-reaction phase was more than four times greater than the Pre-start and Post Shut-off phases, and two times greater than the Run-down phase. Flexor EMG activity during the Torque-reaction phase increased fo...

Air bag diverter

Abstract: An inflatable occupant restraint device includes an airbag in fluid communication with a gas generator and a diverter carried within the air bag adjacent the gas discharge openings of the gas generator to direct a portion of the gas flow away from the occupant to be restrained.

Fuel injector with silicon nozzle

Abstract: A fuel injector has a silicon micromachined nozzle plate (15) which coacts with a fuel flow valve (13) to control fuel flow out of the fuel injector.

Force transducer etched from silicon

Abstract: An accelerometer fabricated by silicon etching techniques. A first suspended beam is formed having a first conductive portion, the beam being deflectable in response to an acceleration force. a second beam having second and third conductive portions is suspended over the first beam. Phased lock loop circuitry oscillates the second beam at resonance and provides an electrical signal proportional to the acceleration force.

Fuel vapor recovery control system

Abstract: A control system and method for an internal combustion engine and receiving inducted fuel vapors from a fuel vapor recovery system. An electronically actuated solenoid valve coupled to the fuel vapor recovery system regulates rate of vapor flow in response to the duty cycle of a desired rate of vapor flow command. The pressure differential across the valve is regulated to achieve substantially sonic vapor flow such that vapor flow is independent of engine manifold pressure fluctuations and linearly proportional to the duty cycle of the desired vapor flow command. An air/fuel ratio feedback control system is thereby able to maintain a desired air/fuel ratio during changes in inducted airflow.

Kinetics of the reaction of OH radicals with a series of ethers under simulated atmospheric conditions at 295 K

Abstract: Ethers are being increasingly used as motor fuel additives to increase the octane number and to reduce CO emissions. Since their reaction with hydroxyl radicals (OH) is a major loss process for these oxygenated species in the atmoshpere, we have conducted a relative rate study of the kinetics of the reactions of OH radicals with a series of ethers and report the results of these measurements here. Experiments were performed under simulated atmospheric conditions; atmospheric pressure (≃ 740 torr) in synthetic air at 295 K. Using rate constants of 2.53 × 10−12, and 1.35 × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 for the reaction of OH radicals with n-butane and diethyl ether, the following rate constants were derived, in units of 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1: dimethylether, (0.232 ± 0.023); di-n-propylether, (1.97 ± 0.08); di-n-butylether, (2.74 ± 0.32); di-n-pentylether, (3.09 ± 0.26); methyl-t-butylether, (0.324 ± 0.008); methyl-n-butylether, (1.29 ± 0.03); ethyl-n-butylether, (2.27 ± 0.09); and ethyl-t-butylether, (0.883 ± 0.026). Quoted errors represent 2σ from the least squares analysis and do not include any systematic errors associated with uncertainties in the reference rate constants used to place our relative measurements on an absolute basis. The implications of these results for the atmospheric chemistry of ethers are discussed.

Solid state NMR: applications in high performance ceramics

Abstract: Solid state NMR is a new analytical tool that has proven to be both powerful and versatile in the characterization of ceramic systems. In this paper, we review many of the recent applications of NMR in ceramics, with an emphasis on applied research. Since solid-state NMR is a relatively new approach, a brief introduction into the technique is provided. Examples are given to illustrate how NMR can be used to (1) identify both crystalline and amorphous phases, (2) quantitate both crystalline and amorphous phases, (3) determine the structure of both crystalline and amorphous phases, (4) probe local structural order and (5) study the chemistry of ceramic systems. These capabilities are demonstrated in a series of brief applications including (1) a study of structure in a new ceramic material (LaSi3N5), (2) accurate phase composition analyses on commercial Si3N4 powders, (3) determination of structure and curing mechanisms in amorphous SiC fibres, (4) investigation of dispersion aid mechanisms, (5) determination of structure in several SiAION ceramics and (6) identification and quantitation of phases typically associated with the grain boundaries of Y2O3 sintered Si3N4.

Threaded fastener with resilient linking means

Abstract: A threaded fastener comprises a head component 12 for the application of torque to the fastener, an externally threaded shank portion 30, resilient linking means 20 for interconnecting the head component 12 and the shank portion 30 a certain axial distance apart and for resiliently biasing against axial displacement of the shank portion from the head component a distance other than such certain axial distance, and torque transmitting means 50 for transmitting torque from the head component 12 to the shank portion 30. The torque transmitting means 50 is able to transmit sufficient torque from the head component 12 to the shank portion 30 to cause axial displacement of the shank portion 30 in an aperture in a work piece 45 against the resilient biasing of the resilient linking means, whereby the resilient means is elongated and put in axial tension.

Sliding radiator grill

Abstract: A movable grill assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided in which a slidable connection is operatively positioned between portions of the grill assembly to permit movement of the grill upon imposition of a load from the vehicle's bumper during impact situations. A stable mounting is provided through pin and slot connections which provide for mounting and grill assembly in stable fashion in its assembled position and for resisting twisting or tilting moments under influence of bumper movement.

Method for determining relative amount of oxygen containing gas in a gas mixture

Abstract: The electrochemical device and method measures the relative amount of a measurement gas consisting essentially of at least one oxygen containing gas in a gas mixture containing at least a second oxygen containing gas which is capable of being pumped out or disassociated at a voltage less than that which is capable of disassociating the measurement gas. The mixture may comprise, e.g., O₂, CO₂, and H₂O. Two electrochemical pump cells and a support structure form a restricted volume (40) in communication through an aperture to the gas mixture. The device comprises a first external electrical circuit means across a first pump cell (21) for applying a voltage to cause molecules of substantially all second oxygen containing gas molecules inside the restricted volume to be pumped out from the restricted volume (40) or disassociated. The device also comprises a second external electrical circuit means across a second pump cell (31) causes for applying a voltage to disassociate only of substantially all measurement gas molecules inside the volume. The device further comprises a third external electrical circuit means to measure the current flowing in the second pump cell (31), this current being proportional to the relative amount of measurement gas in the gas mixture. The invention also is directed to a planar electrochemical device and method for measuring the relative percentage of a measure gas in a gas mixture like that described above.