Abstract: In order to adapt the shifting characteristics of an electrohydraulically controlled, automatically shifting transmission continuously to the dirver's driving style or to a just existing or real time traffic situation, the driving speed (v), the lateral acceleration (aq), the longitudinal acceleration (alb), the longitudinal deceleration (alv) and the engine rotational speed (nmot) in addition to the throttle valve position alpha, are detected and by way of characteristic diagrams and a linking function are added to form a parameter from which, by filtering, a driving activity is determined. This driving activity is finally used for the selection of a shifting program from a plurality of shifting programs ranging from a consumption-optimized shifting program (SKF1) to a power-optimized shifting program (SKF5).

Abstract: In order to improve the shifting characteristics of an electrohydraulically controlled, automatically shifting transmission particularly during cornering and braking, the driving speed (v), the lateral acceleration (aq), and the time variation of the throttle valve position are sensed in addition to the throttle valve position (alpha) and the engine rotational speed (nmot). From the time variation of the throttle valve position, a signal can be derived for the prevention of an upshifting operation since a motor vehicle driver's foot moves away faster from the accelerator pedal when approaching a bend in the road than would be the case for the normal deceleration of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An oil pan for an internal combustion engine has a metallic gastight and fluidtight threaded insert for receiving an oil drain plug, the insert having a cylindrical section which rests in an opening of a wall of the oil pan. The cylindrical section of the threaded insert, on an exterior side of the oil pan, is provided with a collar which, by means of a sealing adhesive arrangement, is fastened to the exterior wall section of the oil pan.

Abstract: A device for delivering high intensity light to a patient's eyes for treating seasonal affective disorder and the like uses a point source of light such as a high intensity halogen or other incandescent bulb, and directs a large fraction of the light from the bulb directly into the patient's eyes without focusing the light in such a way as to cause damage to the eye or discomfort to the patient. This is accomplished by the use of a positive lens which focuses the light from the high intensity bulb directly in front of the patient's eyes. The light appears to the patient to be coming from an area much larger than the actual point source, and hence is more comfortable for the patient. The patient is assured of receiving a significant dosage of light no matter which way he is directing his gaze.