Abstract: Two designs for a spring-loaded roller mechanism (154a and 154) having monocoque and semi-monocoque characteristics. The monocoque design uses a single tube for both roller and axle (226), thus it carries most of the rotational stress. A pair of mounting plates (209) at either end serve multiple functions. They hold the assembly to a base surface, they serve as end caps for both a housing and the roller itself, they serve as the spindle around which the roller rotates, and either one can hold one end of a coil spring (166a). The other end of the spring attaches to the roller through a slot. Thus, the roller can be rotated around the mounting plates using the biasing force of the spring. The semi-monocoque design uses two tubes. One of them, an inner tube, slides into another, or outer tube. The outer tube is the roller. One end is open, the other closed. The open end allows the inner tube to slide into it. The closed end is circular allowing it to rotate within a holder. The inner tube serves as an axle.

Abstract: A control system for a vertical vane covering for an architectural opening includes a new and improved symmetric headrail having uniquely designed carriers for suspending individual vanes wherein the carriers are designed to minimize skewing relative to a tilt rod as they are moved along the headrail. A pantograph system is utilized to interconnect the carriers, and is connected to the carriers in alignment with the tilt rod so as to minimize skewing. The carriers have pockets formed therein through which the traverse cord extends so that the traverse cord, which moves the carriers along the tilt rod, is secured to a lead carrier closely adjacent to the tilt rod to, again, minimize skewing. Light blocking rails are also attachable to the headrail to substantially bridge the gap between the headrail and the top of the suspended vanes to prevent light from passing therebetween. The tilt rod is keyed to gears in the carriers to facilitate assembly of the control system with all vanes properly aligned.

Abstract: A dual function dragging device for curtain is characterized in that a dragging device is driven by a driving means to has clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. The dragging device comprises a shaft and a clutch means wherein the clutch means performs an initial dragging to the slats, thus providing dual function for opening/closing the curtain and changing the angle of the drapes.

Abstract: A rolling door drive and mounting assembly including: a chassis; a final drive unit mounted to the chassis for rotation about an axis of rotation for driven connection to a door for rolling the door about a door mounting axle; a motor and drive, together attached to the chassis for synchronous pivotal movement, the drive interconnecting the motor and final drive unit; and a remotely operated actuator to move the drive into a first position engaging the final drive unit and to move the drive into a second position disengaged with the final drive unit.

Abstract: A break away operating cord system for retractable coverings for architectural openings such as windows, doors, arches or the like includes a mounting plate to which an operating cord is attached and wherein the mounting plate is releasable from the remainder of the control system for the retractable covering allowing the operating cord to be separated from most of the covering to avoid injury to a child or infant whose head might be trapped within the closed operating cord loop.

Abstract: A mobile screen having a "T"-shape for use on a ground surface is disclosed. The screen includes a base section having at least one panel providing a first surface having a first surface treatment and a second surface having a second surface treatment. The screen may also include an end section having at least one panel providing a first surface having a first surface treatment and a second surface having a second surface treatment. The base section is rigidly coupled to the end section to form the "T"-shape. At least one surface treatment of the base section or the end section is a functional surface treatment intended to selectively provide for the display of information. The screen may include a base section having a vertical frame member and at least one base panel extending therefrom and an end section having a pair of vertical frame members with at least one end panel extending therebetween. The mobile screen may also be provided with a handle or a tray.

Abstract: A method of making a metal shape comprising the steps of supplying molten metal into a ceramic shell mould mounted in a container, spinning the container and the shell mould therein about an axis and permitting the metal to solidify in the shell mould and thereafter removing, for example by breaking, the shell mould to expose the metal shape. The ceramic shell moulds made by providing a pattern of flexible elastically deformable material of a required shape and supported on a mandrel, applying at least one coating of hardenable refractory material to said pattern to form a rigid shell and removing the mandrel from supporting relationship with the pattern and subsequently removing the pattern from the shell by elastically deforming the pattern. The pattern is made by moulding said material in a master mould of a required shape and removing the pattern from the master mould, after the pattern has set, by elastically deforming the pattern.

Abstract: Alumina tiles within aluminum framing jigs are fixedly positioned by lock ns within an internally coated mold for centrifugal casting within a block of an aluminum alloy material. Such jigs and the tiles framed therein are coated with silver before casting to prevent aluminum oxidation by heating of the aluminum material to a molten state for deposit into the mold. Bonding of the tiles and framing of the jigs with the aluminum material being cast is also enhanced by such silver coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating or air-conditioning system for vehicle interiors having an air distributor which is connected to an air guiding duct and has air outlet openings for the lower plane of the vehicle interior. An air guiding duct with air outlet openings for a center plane of the vehicle interior is connected by way of a cold-air inlet with the cold-air duct and by way of a warm-air inlet with the air distributor. One cold-air or warm-air flap respectively is in each case assigned to the cold-air and warm-air inlet. The flaps are configured and disposed for the purpose of a faster cooling of the vehicle interior by the large-area flowing of cold air into all areas of the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A thermal energy transport and storage system is provided which includes an evaporator containing a mixture of a first phase change material and a silica powder, and a condenser containing a second phase change material. The silica powder/PCM mixture absorbs heat energy from a source such as a solar collector such that the phase change material forms a vapor which is transported from the evaporator to the condenser, where the second phase change material melts and stores the heat energy, then releases the energy to an environmental space via a heat exchanger. The vapor is condensed to a liquid which is transported back to the evaporator. The system allows the repeated transfer of thermal energy using the heat of vaporization and condensation of the phase change material.

Abstract: A mechanical assembly for regulating the temperature of an integrated circuit chip is comprised of a frame which has two spaced-apart spring supports. A single leaf spring extends from one of the spring supports to the other. A heat exchanger contacts the leaf spring at one point, pushes the leaf spring against the spring supports, and has a face for mating with the chip. And, a stop is provided between the heat exchanger and the frame, which keeps the heat exchanger on the leaf spring. With this assembly the heat exchanger exerts a very small force at its initial point of contact on the chip; the length of the single leaf spring does not add to the profile of the assembly; no slippage occurs between the heat exchanger and the chip; and, the stop prevents the heat exchanger from twisting and becoming offset relative to the chip.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger comprises a plate package (2) of heat transfer plates (3) provided with ports (12), which is arranged between two frame plates (4, 5), at least one (4) of the frame plates being provided with connection pipes (7). The invention concerns a support arrangement to avoid bending of a portion that surrounds each of the ports (12) of an outer heat transfer plate (10) in the plate package (2). Each connection pipe (7) on its inside is provided with a lining (9), which is radially movable in the connection pipe (7) and permanently connected with the outer heat transfer plate (10) around its relevant port (12). The support arrangement is constituted by a ring (14) arranged around the lining (9). The ring (14) supports the outer heat transfer plate (10) and abuts against a support surface, which is fixed in relation to the frame plate (4).

Abstract: Apparatus for recovering floating hard-body tube cleaning elements from cooling water downstream of a heat exchanger. The floating hard-body tube cleaning elements are removed from the water flowing through a cooling tower distribution header and recovery from a modified distribution header vent.

Abstract: An end cover for protecting heat exchanger tubing of a condenser or an evaporator. The end cover comprises a cover support and a series of flanges extending from the cover support. The flanges are connected so that they can be bent relative to one another and the cover support in order to extend over and protect one end of the heat exchanger tubing. Similar end covers are provided for each end of the heat exchanger tubing.

Abstract: An automotive radiator reduces coolant pressure drop with a novel flow turning structure integrally molded into the inlet header tank, opposite the inlet pipe. A pair of compound curved surfaces, sloping toward opposite directions from a crest edge, split and divide the flow leaving the inlet pipe and send it proportionately toward opposite ends of the tank, smoothing out the flow transition and reducing the attendant pressure loss. The curved surfaces also have a component of curvature toward the flow tubes, as well as being sloped toward opposite ends of the tank.

Abstract: A milling system has been invented for milling an opening in a tubular in a tubular string in a wellbore extending down from a surface of the earth, the milling system, in one aspect, has a whipstock connected to an anchor assembly and a mill apparatus releasably connected to the whipstock, the mill apparatus having auto fill apparatus therein. A mill has been invented with a mill body with a top end and a bottom end, a flow bore through the mill body, and an auto fill apparatus in the flow bore. A valve assembly has been invented for selectively controlling fluid flow through a hollow tubular in a string of hollow tubulars in a wellbore extending from a surface of the earth into the earth, the valve assembly in one aspect having positions limited to at rest, circulate, and anchor set positions so that a fluid pressure indicating at the surface indicates only either a pressured up position for anchor setting or a pressured up position for fluid circulation.

Abstract: An articulated connector for providing electrical insulation between downhole well equipment such as logging sondes suspended by a wireline. Articulated joints are connected to the well equipment to provide for the desired movement, and the joints are connected by a central housing. The housing is configured so that a nonconductive element interrupts electrical conductivity through metallic components of the housing. The housing uniquely combines with the articulated joints to provide an articulated connection between the well equipment while providing electrical insulation therebetween.

Abstract: An device for use down-hole in an oil well for inducing heavy crude oil to flow into the inlet of a centrifugal pump by creating a positive pressure on the bottom inlet of the pump. The device inserts into the down-hole equipment string between the gas separator and the centrifugal pump. The device consists of an auger that attaches to and rotates with the shaft of an electric down-hole motor and a housing that surrounds the auger. The housing connects to the gas separator at the bottom end of the device and connects to the centrifugal pump at a top end of the device. The auger has tight clearance with the housing to enable the rotating auger to force the fluid upward within the housing as the auger rotates. The vanes of the auger are arranged so that the fluid is pushed with increasing pressure as it moves upward through the device to the centrifugal pump.

Abstract: A running/setting tool for packers is disclosed which can release in several different ways. The tool can be pumped through for normal release. The tool may be hydraulically released by dropping and pumping a ball to a seat and subsequent pressurizing. A frangible member is provided so that if circulation is impeded, it can be established by breaking the frangible member to allow a ball to be pumped to a seat. Finally, a shear release technique is provided which allows release by breaking a shear pin or shear ring or other frangible member, which unsupports collets to allow for removal. A support shoulder is provided on the tool to prevent the collets from becoming stressed on the trip out of the hole if the tool encounters a collar or other internal obstruction.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for carrying out a downhole shut-in, pressure build-up test of a formation by lowering a string of coiled tubing having a pressure sensor and a packer thereon through the production tubing of the well. The packer is set to isolated the formation and the pressure is then measured by the pressure sensor. If the well is not flowing due to fluid standing in the wellbore, the well is first unloaded by flowing fluid down the coiled tubing to lift the fluid and reestablish flow into the well prior to setting the packer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for multiplying the hydrostatic head of a column of liquid into a magnified injection pressure for injecting water produced in a gas well into a disposal zone, while concurrently producing the gas, with little or no water, to the ground surface.

Abstract: Improved methods of propping a fracture in a subterranean zone whereby the subsequent flow-back of the proppant is prevented are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing proppant and a magnetized material in said fracture while maintaining the fracture open and then allowing the fracture to close on the proppant and magnetized material whereby the magnetized material clusters in voids and channels in the proppant bed formed.

Abstract: In a subterranean well a one-trip production zone perforation and proppant fracturing operation is carried out using a workstring-supported perforation gun lowered into a casing nipple located in the production zone. Firing of the gun creates spaced apart aligned sets of perforations extending outwardly through a side wall portion of the workstring, the nipple, the surrounding cement, and into the production zone, after which the gun falls into and is retained in an underlying gun catcher portion of the workstring. While an axial tension or compression force is imposed on the workstring above the aligned perforations to maintain their alignment, a proppant slurry is pumped down the workstring, out its sidewall perforations, and outwardly through the aligned perforation sets formed in the nipple, cement and production zone.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using provide convenient and economical forming of an opening through a tubular structure in a subterranean well. In a preferred embodiment, a milling guide has a guide profile formed thereon which is operative to guide a cutting tool to contact the tubular structure. An anchor portion of the milling guide grippingly engages the tubular structure to thereby axially and rotationally align the milling guide with the tubular structure. A hydraulic advance mechanism axially displaces the cutting tool relative to the milling guide.

Abstract: This invention provides a tubing injection system that contains one injector for moving a tubing from a source thereof to a second injector. The second injector moves the tubing into the wellbore. In an alternative embodiment for subsea operations, the system may contain a first injector placed under water over the wellhead equipment for moving the tubing to and from the wellbore. A second injector at the surface moves the tubing to the first injector and a third injector moves the tubing from the tubing source to the second injector. In each of the tubing injection systems sensors are provided to determine the radial force on the tubing exerted by the injectors, tubing speed, injector speed, and the back tension on the source. A control unit containing a computer continually maintains the tubing speed, tension and radial pressure on the tubing within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A horseshoe has indexing recesses or marks that specify locations where a nails are to be driven so that the horseshoe is mounted to hoof. The indexing recesses or marks are arranged consecutive in a widthwise direction in the lower surface of the horseshoe.

Abstract: A highly effective module for preventing corrosion of oil well pipes and equipment and for preventing resulting fires and explosions. The module is a collar formed from slitted and expanded metal net and is adapted to fit in the annular space between the oil production pipe and the outer casing of the oil well, to prevent oxygen from the atmosphere from entering the annular space at the top of the well, and to exclude hydrocarbon vapors from the subterranean production zone from entering the annular space at the bottom of the well. The invention also relates to methods for extinguishing a burning oil well.

Abstract: The invention relates to the firefighting technology. The method and system according to the invention provide environmentally safe and efficient fire extinguishing by introducing into a space that is being protected a vapor, gas, and aerosol mixture that is preliminarily oxidized and cooled and that contains a solid phase with particles of 1 to 2 .mu.m, which is formed upon combustion of a pyrotechnic composition, and performing post-oxidation of the combustion products in a bed of a sorbent with an oxygen-containing oxidizer. A vapor and gas mixture is simultaneously introduced into the space that is being protected. The vapor and gas mixture is formed by desorption from the surface of a solid coolant that is saturated with a coolant as a result of indirect heat exchange with the products of combustion of the pyrotechnic composition. The oxygen-containing oxidizer may be in the form of potassium nitrate.

Abstract: A device for trimming the edge of a lawn device comprises a rotary cutter which, in use, rotates about an axis which is substantially horizontal with respect to the ground. The device further comprises a guide which is mounted to extend, in use, in a substantially vertical downward direction to a depth greater than or substantially equal to the depth to which the rotary cutter extends. The guide is preferably mounted to extend, in use, in a substantially vertical downward direction to a depth greater than or substantially equal to the depth to which the rotary cutter extends.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a powered lawn edger (1) which is steerable in the manner of a wheelbarrow. The edger has a Y or T-shaped frame (5,35,36,46) including a pair of handles (3,20,30,33,43,50). A power unit (4,40) is mounted on the frame forward of the operator between the handles and a ground engaging wheel (2). A cutting blade (17) is rotatable about an output shaft (16) of a gear box (7) which is powered from the power unit via a centrifugal clutch (57) having a brake (14). A debris deflector (15) is mounted on the wheel stub axle (10) and is not movable with height adjustment of the cutter blade (17).

Abstract: A reversible plough to be towed behind a propelling vehicle has a forward section with a number of pairs of reversible plough bodies and a rear section also having a number of reversible plough bodies. The forward section and rear section are coupled together by a connection portion. A wheelset is mounted to the connection portion and is arranged to support a rear end of the forward section and a forward end of the rear section. A headstock rotatably mounts the forward end of the rear plough to the connection portion and is adjustable in order to vary the inclination of the axis of the rear plough beam to adjust the rear section between a ploughing position and an inoperative transport position. A mounting bracket connected to the forward plough beam of the forward section is rotatably mounted on the connecting frame portion.

Abstract: A drilling and a percussion power tool and the tool holder, a housing, an air cushion percussion mechanism arranged in the housing and including a guiding tube, a piston reciprocating in the guiding tool, a striker reciprocating in the guiding tube, an air cushion chamber formed on the guiding tube between the striker and the piston, at least one control opening ventilating the air cushion chamber in an idling position of the percussion mechanism, a control part which in a percussion operation closes the at least one control opening for forming an air cushion in the air cushion chamber, and at least one additional opening formed in the guiding tube for ventilating of the air cushion chamber and arranged forwardly of the at least one control opening at a side of a tool so that in the percussion operation the at least one additional opening is covered by the striker.

Abstract: A well assembly device comprises an outer tubular sleeve with a first end and second end. An inner tubular member has a first end and a second end, and the inner tubular member is disposed within the outer tubular sleeve. The inner tubular member includes a screened portion at its second end. A tip is frictionally secured to the second end of the outer tubular sleeve, so that the outer tubular sleeve and the tip may selectively disengage.

Abstract: A rotary steerable system for use in a drill string for drilling a deviated well is disclosed. The system utilizes a mechanical gravity reference device comprising an unbalanced weight which may rotate independently of the rotation of the drill string so that its heavy portion is always oriented toward the low side of the wellbore and which has an attached magnet. A magnetic switch that rotates as the drill string rotates is activated when its axis coincides with the axis of the magnet, and this activation results in a thrust member or pad being actuated to "kick" the side of the wellbore.

Abstract: A choke device for controlling fluid flow, particularly in a modulated bias unit, drill bit or other item downhole drilling component, comprises a passage for the flow of fluid, a choke aperture separating an upstream portion of the passage from a downstream portion thereof, and an impingement surface located in the downstream portion of the passage opposite and spaced from the choke aperture, so that fluid flowing through the choke aperture impinges on the impingement surface. The impingement surface is formed from superhard material, such as polycrystalline diamond, and may comprise the front facing table of a two-layer polycrystalline diamond compact of the kind used as cutting elements in drag-type drill bits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reaming or enlarging a borehole with enhanced stability. A pilot stabilization pad (PSP) having an axially and circumferentially tapered entry surface and a circumferential transition surface thereabove is employed to enhance the transition from the smaller diameter borehole to be enlarged while accommodating the side force vector generated by the cutting assembly used to effect the enlargement. In addition, one or more eccentric stabilizers are employed above the reaming apparatus to laterally or radially stabilize the bottomhole assembly, which may comprise either a straight-hole or steerable, motor-driven assembly.

Abstract: A drill bit for boring a bore hole in an earthen formation comprises: a bit body having a pin end, a cutting end and a longitudinal bit axis and including at least two legs extending from the cutting end, each of the legs including a bearing that rotatably supports a cutter cone. The bit body further includes a fluid flow system, including a flowway in said pin end that is in fluid communication with at least one exit port in the cutting end, the exit port being defined by a nozzle boss and disposed adjacent one of the legs. Each of the legs includes a leading side surface, a trailing side surface, and a center panel, and at least one of said legs is asymmetric such that its trailing side surface is larger than its leading side surface. The present bit can also include a lubricant system that has its opening in the trailing side of the leg, and can further include various wear resistant coatings and inserts on its surface.

Abstract: A core sampler, particularly for use in oil prospecting, including a flexible movable ring (5), provided in particular at the front end (2) of the core sampler, which end is connected to a coring bit (3), for grasping a core sample (C) to be brought to the surface. The ring has a cylindrical internal surface (6) to be clamped around the core sample (C), and a frustoconical external surface (7) tapering towards the front end (2). In the end or starting position, the ring (5) is exposed to zero or minimal strain from the bearing surface (12) and has an internal diameter no smaller than the outer diameter of the core sample (C) to be grasped. The core sampler (1) comprises control mechanism for longitudinally moving the movable ring (5) from the end starting position to an end clamping position. A flexible sleeve (15) is advantageously substantially coaxial with the movable ring (5) and engages the side thereof opposite the front end (2) of the core sampler (1).

Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a bit body with at least one bearing shaft depending inwardly and downwardly therefrom. A cutter is mounted for rotation on each bearing shaft and has a cutter shell surface and a plurality of cutting elements arranged on the shell surface in generally circumferential rows. A pair of surfaces extends from the cutter shell surface on opposing sides of one of the circumferential rows of cutting elements. The pair of surfaces converge together to define a kerf crest that is oriented transversely to the axis of rotation of the cutter. The kerf crest projects from the cutter shell surface by an amount less than the cutting elements in the kerf row having the kerf crest.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit is manufactured by a method including the step of forming at least a portion of the bit body from a precipitation hardening alloy, and brazing cutters to the bit body by a heating and cooling cycle during which the bit body is first heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the brazing material and is then cooled to room temperature, the heating and cooling brazing cycle being controlled in a manner so as also to effect precipitation hardening of the alloy from which the bit body is formed. In the case where the bit body is formed from solid infiltrated matrix material around a solid preformed mandrel, the heating and cooling cycle of the matrix forming process may also be controlled in a manner to effect precipitation hardening of the alloy from which the mandrel is formed.

Abstract: A drill including a shank (1) for connecting the drill with a drive tool, a stem (2) adjoining the shank (1) and having at most two helical discharge grooves (6, 7) opening toward a stem circumference, a head (3) provided at an end of the stem (2) remote from the shank (1) and having a diameter substantially corresponding to the stem diameter, with the head (3) having three radially extending recesses (8) provided in its free end surface and opening toward a head circumference, with the recesses being provided with at least one hard metal bit (9) provided with cutting portions (9a) extending from a central portion (9b) to the head circumference, and with the head (3), having three grooves (10, 11, 12) arranged between the three recesses (8), opening toward the head circumference, and connected with the discharge grooves.

Abstract: Articulated track supported land vehicles having both structure to effect major steering changes and minor steering changes wherein the minor changes are enabled by track warping mechanisms that utilize linear motors to selectively orient the direction of travel of track supporting wheels.

Abstract: A charge depletion method and apparatus for operating the electric motor and auxiliary power unit, such as an internal combustion engine, in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) separately or together depending upon the driving conditions. Operation of the electric motor and auxiliary power unit are coordinated as a function of a control policy for the auxiliary power unit based on desired least fuel consumption and/or vehicle emissions characteristics.

Abstract: A housing of a motor generator is integrally coupled to an end of an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes an oil pan and a cylinder block which have arcuate stiffener ribs and radial stiffener ribs on end surfaces thereof for increased mechanical strength of the internal combustion engine. The motor generator has a housing that is directly coupled to the internal combustion engine with a relatively small number of parts.

Abstract: For increasing the effectiveness of an arrangement for ventilating an assembly on a vehicle, it is provided that, upstream of the assembly to be ventilated, an air guiding element is arranged which, in the cross-sectional view, has a vane-type profile and is set to be relatively steep, and on which an upper air guiding channel and a lower air guiding channel are constructed for the air stream occurring in the driving operation.

Abstract: A butterfly hood mount system for a truck vehicle with a cab air suspension system. More specifically, the butterfly hood mount system is comprised of a four paneled butterfly hood with a center hinge rod fixed against fore-and-aft movement to a chassis component of the vehicle in the front and in the rear fixed against lateral or side to side movement of the cab of the vehicle, but capable of fore-and-aft movement relative to the cab of the vehicle.

Abstract: A suspension system for vehicles. With some vehicles, both tractor units and fixed lorries, no separate suspension is provided for the drivers cab. This can cause considerable discomfort to the driver, and changed legislation is such that with, e.g., agricultural tractors, they are not permitted on public highways unless the cab is suspended. It is desirable to provide an effective cab suspension system, an objective met by a construction including a front suspension unit, a rear suspension unit, an attachment of the front of the cab to the front suspension unit, and an attachment of the rear of the cab to the rear suspension unit, at least one of the attachments to the front and the rear of the cab being pivotal and at least one attachment being positioned at a height that is the approximate mid-height of the cab.

Abstract: An electric vehicle is controlled to conform its operation to that of a conventional internal-combustion-engine powered vehicle. In some embodiments, the charging of the batteries by the auxiliary source of electricity and from dynamic braking is ramped in magnitude when the batteries lie in a state of charge between partial charge and full charge, with the magnitude of the charging being related to the relative state of charge of the battery. The deficiency between traction motor demand and the energy available from the auxiliary electrical source is provided from the batteries in an amount which depends upon the state of the batteries, so that the full amount of the deficiency is provided when the batteries are near full charge, and little or no energy is provided by the batteries when they are near a discharged condition. At charge states of the batteries between near-full-charge and near-full-discharge, the batteries supply an amount of energy which depends monotonically upon the charge state.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system 1 for a vehicle 3, is capable of operating in at least two modes, a Cruise mode in which the speed of the vehicle 3 is controlled to maintain a set speed, and a Follow mode in which the speed of the vehicle 3 is controlled to maintain a set distance from the preceding target vehicle 5. The system 1 includes means 7 to switch from Cruise mode to Follow mode if a target vehicle 5 is detected within a predetermined distance 9 of the vehicle 3, and a driver display interface 11 for displaying the mode of operation of the adaptive cruise control system 1. A change anticipation system 13 detects when the system operation is about to change mode from Cruise to Follow and causes the display interface 11 to display to the driver that the mode change is about to occur, prior to the system change to allow the driver to take avoiding action.

Abstract: A new anti-theft system for permitting removal of the gear selection shaft from a vehicle having a gear selection console with an aperture extending through it that permits external gear selection of a transmission, thereby preventing theft of the vehicle. The inventive device includes a transmission engaging lever that is movably mounted to a transmission. The first end of the transmission engaging lever is insertable into the lower end of a shaft member that extends through the aperture in the console. A release lever extends from the aperture of the shaft member towards the lower end of the shaft member. The second end of the release lever has a flange extending from it that is inserted into a notch in the transmission engaging lever when the release lever is in an engaged position, thereby coupling the shaft member to the transmission engaging lever.