Abstract: A snow and ice vehicle accumulation determination and removal system for an electrified vehicle uses weight/load estimation methods based on vehicle sensors and user input to determine if the vehicle has accumulated a significant amount of snow/ice that could negatively affect the vehicle range. When a weight variation exists above a predetermined threshold which can be accounted for only as being due to snow and ice, then the invention may (1) warn the driver of reduced range and the reason for it, (2) perform drivetrain and/or cabin heating that may contribute to melting of the snow and ice (e.g., automatically adjusting powertrain performance to generate increase heat, such as running at a higher RPM), and/or (3) instruct the driver to proceed to an environment which can warm the vehicle (such as a facility equipped with a hot water spraying device).

Abstract: A line (such as a pipeline) of smaller diameter is mounted on a line of larger diameter with a clamp comprising a saddle for positioning on the larger line, a channel formed in the outer face of the saddle for receiving the smaller line, a closure member mountable on the saddle to close the channel around the smaller line, a strap for passing around the larger line, and at least two tensioning devices for tensioning the respective ends of the strap to the sides of the closure member. The clamp is particularly useful for connecting subsea pipelines.