Abstract: A lubrication system for a transfer case may include a sump. A drive chain may be in operable association with the sump. A snubber may be disposed in close proximity to the drive chain. The snubber may include a channel and a conduit in fluid communication with the channel.

Abstract: An active transfer case for a motor vehicle may comprise a clutch assembly configured to rotatably couple a primary output shaft to an input sprocket when engaged. The clutch assembly may include a clutch pack having a plurality of clutch plates, and a clutch hub having a clutch hub center defined between an inner ring and an outer ring. The outer ring of the clutch hub may have a hub aperture placing the clutch hub center in fluid communication with the clutch plates. The active transfer case may further comprise a retainer slidingly inserted in the clutch hub center between the inner ring and the outer ring. The retainer may include a retainer aperture that aligns with the hub aperture of the clutch hub when the clutch assembly is engaged to permit a flow of a lubricant fluid from the clutch hub center to the clutch plates.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automated manual transmission system having a transmission and a shifter is provided. The shifter includes a Drive Mode, a Low Mode and at least one of a Manual Mode and a Hold Mold. The Drive Mode automatically selects a default gear of the transmission and automatically performs all upshifts and downshifts. The Manual Mode permits an operator to manually select an upshift and a downshift of the transmission. The Hold Mode permits an operator to maintain a current operating gear. Control determines whether the shifter is in one of the Manual Mode and the Hold Mode. Control determines whether a vehicle operating condition is outside of a predetermined threshold. Control operates the transmission in Drive Mode based on the vehicle operating condition being outside of the predetermined threshold irrespective of the shifter being in one of the Low Mode, Manual Mode or Hold Modes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure permit upgrading software and/or testing operation of an electronic device within an unopened package. In one embodiment, an electronic device can be powered on inductively while contained in its unopened packaging. In other aspects, the powered on electronic device can receive a software upgrade and/or test information. In addition, the electronic device can validate the software upgrade, and can replace software present in the electronic device with the received software upgrade. The electronic device also can validate at least a portion of the test information, and can implement one or more tests as conveyed in the test information. Further, the electronic device can communicate information wirelessly in response to the test(s). Such information can be indicative or otherwise representative of one or more results of the implemented test(s).

Abstract: Receiving sensor data related to position of a gear in a transmission, the sensor data including data from a first sensor and data from a second sensor; determining a first indicated position of the gear from the data from the first sensor; determining a second indicated position of the gear from the data from the second sensor; comparing the first indicated position to the second indicated position; and determining based on the comparison a gear engagement status of the gear.

Abstract: Receiving sensor data related to position of a gear in a transmission, the sensor data including data from a first sensor and data from a second sensor; determining a first indicated position of the gear from the data from the first sensor; determining a second indicated position of the gear from the data from the second sensor; comparing the first indicated position to the second indicated position; and determining based on the comparison a gear engagement status of the gear.

Abstract: A number N of position sensors, each associated with one of N shift rails in a shift rail transmission system, wherein the set of N sensors is divided into subsets and each subset is provided a common reference from a control module; and a processing component that determines from data from each sensor whether the shift rail associated with that sensor is in a position of engagement of a first gear, a position of engagement of a second gear, or in a neutral position. Further, providing a first common reference to a first set of shift rail position sensors; providing a second common reference to a second set of shift rail position sensors; receiving sensor data from each position sensor; determining that the data from the first set of position sensors is unreliable; and operating a transmission using only the gears related to the position sensors in the second set.

Abstract: Receiving sensor data related to position of a gear in a transmission, the sensor data including data from a first sensor and data from a second sensor; determining a first indicated position of the gear from the data from the first sensor; determining a second indicated position of the gear from the data from the second sensor; comparing the first indicated position to the second indicated position; and determining based on the comparison a gear engagement status of the gear.

Abstract: A compact, hand-held, pen-like multi-functional peripheral device to be used with mobile computers such as smartphones and tablets. The unit communicates with the host device wirelessly via the bluetooth protocol. The unit can be stored inside the host device's hardware where its lithium-ion battery can conveniently be re-charged.

Abstract: Automated system for cleaning conduits used for dispensing draft beer from taps. The system uses various sensors, valves, and a microprocessor-based controller to automate the process with little user intervention. This apparatus is permanently installed in a retail establishment and connected to the dispensing system by way of fittings designed to mate with standard keg couplers currently used in such systems.

Abstract: An exemplary transmission system includes a plurality of sensors each configured to output a signal at least partially representative of a speed of at least one of a first transmission input shaft, a second transmission input shaft, a transmission output shaft, and an engine. A transmission control module is in communication with the plurality of sensors and is configured to identify at least one of the plurality of sensors as a failed sensor and another of the plurality of sensors as a working sensor. The transmission control module is further configured to estimate the signal of the failed sensor based on a predetermined relationship between an expected signal from the failed sensor and the signal received from the working sensor.

Abstract: A security document, such as a banknote or a check, is provided with a perforation pattern (5) having holes (5a, 5b) with elongate cross section. When viewing the perforation pattern (5) from a direction that is non-perpendicular to the surface of the document, different holes will have different optical transmission, which can be verified by eye or electronically. Perforation patterns (5) of this type are hard to forge and easy to verify.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a collection cavity into which air is drawn by a vacuum drive for the collection of air entrained detritus. The cavity has an inlet vent for entry of dirty air, a base portion for collecting detritus and an outlet, enabling the vacuum drive to-draw air into the cavity. The inlet vent comprises a stub pipe which enters the cavity. A filter bag is disposed in the base portion and includes an aperture for the entry of air-entrained detritus. The bag aperture includes a sliding fit over the stub pipe to engage with the inlet vent so the stub pipe empties into the bag. The bag includes a retaining tie which may be clamped to the aperture back along the stub pipe to prevent disengagement of the bag with the vent.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling overall transmission ratios in a vehicle powertrain with an engine, fixed multiple-ratio gearing and infinitely variable ratio components. For a given vehicle speed and for a given vehicle traction wheel horsepower, the fixed multiple-ratio gearing and the infinitely variable ratio components are controlled to operate with an overall ratio that will permit the engine to operate with optimum efficiency.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling overall transmission ratios in a vehicle powertrain with an engine, fixed multiple-ratio gearing and infinitely variable ratio components. For a given vehicle speed and for a given vehicle traction wheel horsepower, the fixed multiple-ratio gearing and the infinitely variable ratio components are controlled to operate with an overall ratio that will permit the engine to operate with optimum efficiency.

Abstract: A reticle for use in a photolithography process for exposing a photoresist layer in the production of a component which is formed from a plurality of adjacent exposed areas. The reticle includes an exposure aperture adapted to allow light to pass through the reticle, a patterned area within the exposure aperture which defines at least part of the functional design of the component, and one or more “stitching” structures located close to one or more of the edges of the exposure aperture. The “stitching” structures are arranged to create “stitching” marks on the photoresist, which can be used to determine whether the adjacent exposed areas have been accurately positioned.

Abstract: An engine control system for a compression ignition engine employs a microprocessor-based controller that detects engine operation in a speed range previously determined to be undesirable, and responding to the detection by changing operation of the engine. In the preferred embodiment, the controller commands a parameter for adjusting engine operation to reach a different speed outside of first and second thresholds defining the undesirable range in a time period subsequent to the detection.

Abstract: An engine control system for a compression ignition engine employs a microprocessor-based controller that detects engine operation in a speed range previously determined to be undesirable, and responding to the detection by changing operation of the engine. In the preferred embodiment, the controller commands a parameter for adjusting engine operation to reach a different speed outside of first and second thresholds defining the undesirable range in a time period subsequent to the detection.

Abstract: A snow blower, vehicle having a blower engine and a propulsion engine is provided with a drvice for limiting the speed of operation of the snow blower vehicle if the blower engine is overloaded. A first signal is transmitted to the propulsion engine when the blower engine is overloaded and a second signal is transmitted to the propulsion engine when the blower engine is no longer being overloaded. The first signal may be provided to the propulsion engine to automatically limit the output thereof or it may be provided to generate an operator perceptible warning to the operator of the vehicle. The second signal may be provided to the propulsion engine to discontinue the limitation of the output of the propulsion engine or to stop the generation of the warning. A method of improving snow blower performance by increasing the ability of the blower engine to blow snow by limiting the output of the propulsion engine.

Abstract: A real-time maintenance alert system and method for use in a heavy-duty truck having an engine controller with memory are provided. The system includes a sensor operative to indicate an engine condition from the group consisting of: oil filter restriction, air filter restriction, fuel filter restriction, oil level, and coolant reserve tank fluid level. Control logic at the engine controller processes the sensor signal to determine a real-time fault condition, when appropriate.