Abstract: A motor vehicle is disclosed having an internal combustion engine and an integrated starter-generator drivingly connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine by a belt drive. Operation of the internal combustion engine and the integrated starter-generator is controlled by an electronic controller in response to a number of inputs. The electronic controller is arranged to use the internal combustion engine and the integrated starter-generator to actively reduce driveline shuffle in one of a number of shuffle reduction modes that are selected by the electronic controller based on at least the current rotational speed of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is disclosed having an internal combustion engine and an integrated starter-generator drivingly connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine by a belt drive. Operation of the internal combustion engine and the integrated starter-generator is controlled by an electronic controller in response to a number of inputs. The electronic controller is arranged to use the internal combustion engine and the integrated starter-generator to actively reduce driveline shuffle in one of a number of shuffle reduction modes that are selected by the electronic controller based on at least the current rotational speed of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for reducing the thermal load of an internal combustion engine without substantially reducing its power output is described. The method includes adjusting an engine air-fuel ratio responsive to one or more of a charge air over-temperature, a coolant over-temperature and an engine efficiency parameter.

Abstract: A fruit harvesting belt and bucket system provides for the redistribution of weight from the wearer's shoulders to the wearer's hips. The belt includes a padded back support and a front support. There is an extrusion on the front support that is used to connect to a bucket, which is strapped to a person wearing the belt. The belt is adjustable, and may be made of a variety of materials, such as nylon. The bucket may hook onto the extrusion on the belt, and the bucket has a closeable opening at the bottom, which is used to release the harvested fruit.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a welding wire and container assembly includes a container having an interior volume; a coil of welding wire disposed in the interior volume; and a wire container cover. The wire container cover may include a top surface having an opening therethrough to enable welding wire to pass through the wire container cover when the wire container cover is disposed on the container. The assembly also may include a skirt askew to the top surface, wherein the skirt is adapted to produce friction between the skirt and a side of the container when the wire container cover is disposed on the container housing and wherein the skirt is non-locking with respect to the container.

Abstract: A container for storing material, such as welding wire. The container is adapted to be lifted by inserting a fork, or other lifting member, of a lifting device into the container. The container may comprise a fiber drum having one or more openings, or recesses, adapted to receive a fork of a lifting device. The container may be cylindrical. The container may be comprised of a cellulosic material. The container may house welding wire. A method of manufacturing a container adapted to be lifted by inserting a member of a lifting device into the container also is featured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel chemical and oxidation resistant gasketing or sealing material, such as packing yarn. More particularly, there is provided packing yarn comprising carbonaceous fibers which can be used at temperatures over 400.degree. C. that derived from oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers and have good dry lubricity.