Abstract: A balance (1) has a weighing compartment (4) that borders on a stationary part (8, 9) of the balance and is otherwise enclosed by at least one side wall panel (5, 6), a front wall panel (7), and a top cover panel (12). At least one of the panels is slidable by means of a guiding device (17, 20) to open and close the weighing compartment (4). The balance (1) further has a handle (13) for lifting the balance (1) off a support surface and/or for carrying the balance (1).

Abstract: An omni direction vehicle with a frame having a round surface about its perimeter with no apparatus mounted on the frame extending beyond the perimeter. Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The vehicle is capable of movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The vehicle can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the vehicle requires a zero turning radius and requires only the space it occupies to change its forward orientation.

Abstract: A four-wheeled vehicle includes a steering mechanism having a bar handle, right and left front wheels, and right and left rear wheels. The vehicle includes a front cover and a windshield disposed in front of the bar handle. The vehicle includes a driver's seat, and a rear passenger seat disposed behind the driver's seat and between the rear wheels. The rear passenger seat is directed forwardly. The vehicle includes a power unit part disposed below the rear passenger seat, and a body cover disposed rearwardly of the driver's seat.

Abstract: An inter-axle differential assembly for a tandem drive axle set is disclosed that significantly reduces the vertical distance between input axes for a rear drive assembly and a forward drive assembly. The forward drive assembly includes a hollow pinion gear that is supported by a pair of tapered roller bearings. An inter-axle differential assembly is supported by a single tapered roller bearing and receives input from a driveline connection and transfers this input to the hollow pinion gear and to a through shaft that extends through the hollow pinion gear. The hollow pinion gear drives a main differential assembly that in turn drives a forward axle. The through shaft extends toward a rear drive assembly and provides input to the rear drive assembly. The rear drive assembly utilizes a rear pinion gear to drive a rear differential. The rear differential in turn drives a rear axle.

Abstract: An articulate vehicle has first and second frames, which are coupled to each other at proximal ends thereof with respect to the vehicle through a coupling part so as to be relatively rotatable around a vertical axis according to steering operation. The first and second frames are distributed at front and rear portions of the vehicle. The first frame supports a first transaxle apparatus having first axles, and the second frame supports a second transaxle apparatus having a pair of second axles. A gearbox is disposed near the coupling part and provided with a pair of mutually drivingly connected horizontal shafts which are variable in relative angles thereof around the vertical axis according to steering operation. One of the horizontal shafts is drivingly connected to a power take-off shaft for extracting output power of a speed-changing arrangement in the first transaxle apparatus. The other of the horizontal shafts is drivingly connected to an input shaft of the second transaxle apparatus.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle with fuel cells and an engine mounted thereon as energy output sources, the technique of the present invention adequately changes a working energy output source according to a driving state of the hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle has the engine and a motor, both enabling power to be output to an axle. The hybrid vehicle also has fuel cells as a main electric power supply for driving the motor. The technique of the present invention changes the working energy output source between the fuel cells and the engine, in order to reduce the output of the fuel cells with consumption of a fuel for the fuel cells. With a decrease in remaining quantity of the fuel, the technique narrows a specific driving range, in which the motor is used as the power source. The technique also causes the engine to drive the motor as a generator and charges a battery not with electric power of the fuel cells but with electric power generated by the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle having a transmission for transmitting a torque from a drive machine to drive wheels, with the transmission having a transmission output shaft and a transmission input shaft, in which the torque can be transmitted from the drive machine to the transmission output shaft, and having an electrical machine which has a rotor and a stator, with means being provided in order to connect the electric-motor torque of the electrical machine optionally to the transmission input shaft or to the transmission output shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electric motor for use in a vehicle. The disclosure includes a stator comprising a plurality of stator coils separated by the stator core. The stator coils have insulation thereon. The disclosure further includes an abrasion resistant layer covering at least a portion of the stator coil. The abrasion resistant layer is a porous material capable of resisting the abrasive effect of particulate matter within the air used to cool the motor.

Abstract: A drive assembly is provided which is especially suitable for use on a golf buggy or other vehicle adapted to be pushed or pulled by an operator in either a forward or a reverse direction. The drive assembly includes a wheel mounted for rotation about an axle, an electromagnetic drive assembly adapted to rotate the wheel about the axle, and a controller responsive to the operator initially moving the vehicle either in a forward or reverse direction to actuate the electromagnetic drive assembly to continue to drive the wheel in the selected direction.

Abstract: The inventive parallel drive system is particularly well suited to be supported at the axle of the vehicle. A coupling arrangement includes a clutching mechanism and a gear reduction device that selectively couple an electric motor to the drive wheels for providing torque to the wheels alone or in combination with input from an internal combustion engine. The drive torque can also be provided exclusively from the internal combustion engine. The inventive arrangement also allows for the electric motor to be used as a generator during coasting or braking, for example.

Abstract: A structure for mounting electrical components to a vehicle. The structure includes a rear floor pan incorporating a U-shaped part transversely centered in the vehicle. Floor pan wing panels extend from each end of the U-shaped part and connect to vehicle side panels. An electrical component mounting rack includes a first frame attached to the U-shaped floor panel part, and a second frame attached to the top of the first frame and also to the floor pan wing panels. An electrical inverter device is mounted to the first frame and batteries are mounted to the second frame. The first and second frames form a structure that reinforces the rear floor pan in a manner capable of adequately supporting heavy electrical drive train components.

Abstract: Since the battery is placed in the battery tray, the battery can stably held in place even if the battery support part of the floor panel is somewhat uneven. The battery support part (31) on which the battery (B) is supported is a part of a floor panel (30) of the vehicle (21), the number of the mounting holes (31) is at least two, the battery is placed in a battery tray (5) placed on the battery support part, the battery tray has lugs (5a) provided with holes (5b) having a diameter greater than that of the hook rods (1) and smaller than an outside diameter of the tubular spacers (3) at positions corresponding to the mounting holes, and the battery tray (5) is fastened together with the battery (B) to the battery support part (31) of the floor panel through the tubular spacers by the hook rods.

Abstract: The present invention is a suspensioned motor powered scooter with a front steered wheel, a rear driven wheel, a chassis, a motor, and a shock absorber. The front and rear wheels are wide enough to allow the scooter to remain independently upright upon a rider's dismount. A swing arm assembly maintains a fixed relationship between the motor and the rear wheel. In addition, the motor bears only a pivotal relationship with the chassis such that any shock resulting from operation of the scooter over rough terrain is absorbed by the swing arm assembly and shock absorber rather than by the chassis.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a wishbone-shaped frame having a forwardly extending stem terminating rearwardly of the front axle of the vehicle to permit the orientation of the vehicle in a shipping envelope that is significantly smaller in length than the corresponding operating envelope. The floor panel in the operator station is hinged to pivot upwardly, thereby permitting, upon the disconnection of the front axle from the frame, a rearward positioning of the front hood and front axle against the seats of the operator station. A method of configuring the utility vehicle into a compact shipping envelope is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a motorcycle including: a seat which can be opened upward and closed, a storage box disposed under the seat for holding helmets, the surround of the storage box being enclosed by a cover, the seat is comprised of a seat bottom plate, a seat cushion and a seat cloth. The seat bottom plate is integrally formed with a seat bottom plate extension which is extensionally formed along the outer periphery and projected downwards from the outer periphery, spreading outwardly toward its distal side. A sealing element is disposed between the storage box and the seat bottom plate extension and a cover is arranged so as to externally enclose the upper part of the storage box and the seat bottom plate extension.

Abstract: An electric motor-operated vehicle includes a vehicle body, an electric motor for driving the rear wheel, a motor control unit provided with a motor driving circuit for driving the electric motor and a rear arm having a front end pivoted to swing on the vehicle body and having a rear end supporting the rear wheel, wherein the electric motor and the motor control unit are located within a contour of the rear wheel of the rear arm viewed from either side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection system (30) comprises first and second lap belts (32 and 34) and first and second shoulder belts (36 and 38). A buckle assembly (90) is provided for interconnecting the first and second shoulder belts (36 and 38) and the first and second lap belts (32 and 34). At least one lap belt retractor (50) is operatively connected to the first and second lap belts (32 and 34) and is electrically actuatable, in response to receiving a first electrical locking signal, for locking the at least one lap belt retractor (50) to prevent withdrawal of the first and second lap belts (32 and 34). An occupant actuatable mechanism (160) is operatively connected to the at least one lap belt retractor (50) and is responsive to actuation by the vehicle occupant for providing the first electrical locking signal to the at least one lap belt retractor (50).

Abstract: A safety arrangement in a motor vehicle includes a sensor (10) and a component (17) of the suspension of the vehicle of adjustable length between a front wheel (16) and a fixed part (14) of the vehicle. The component of adjustable length (17) is associated with a chamber (20) to be filled with fluid, there being a fluid outlet (26) which includes a pilot operated diaphragm valve (36).

Abstract: A support member for a differential carrier housing, including a body having first and second apertures configured to align with corresponding apertures on one side of a flange of a carrier housing and configured to receive fasteners extending through the apertures in the carrier housing and corresponding apertures in an axle housing disposed on the other side of the carrier housing, the body extending between the apertures in the carrier housing.

Abstract: There is provided an electric motor controller for a steering device that can give an appropriate steering force to a steering wheel according to running conditions. An electric power steering controller of the present invention is provided with a steering shaft reaction force torque sensor for detecting a reaction force torque of a steering system, a superimposed reaction force torque calculating unit for multiplying a steering angle detected by the steering angle sensor by a gain-to calculate a superimposed reaction force torque in the return direction of a steering wheel and a control unit for controlling the gain such that the superimposed reaction force torque is reduced when a reaction force torque of the steering system is large and the superimposed reaction force torque is increased when a reaction force torque of the steering system is small.

Abstract: A hearing protective device is provided including a first sound attenuating element, a second sound attenuating element, a flexible elongated member connecting the first sound attenuating element and the second sound attenuating element, and a knot formed in the flexible elongated member, the knot is untied by moving the first sound attenuating element in a direction away from second sound attenuating element.

Abstract: An ultrasonic horn in accordance with the present invention comprises a horn body having a longitudinal transmission axis, a proximal end attachable at least indirectly to a source of ultrasonic vibrations, and a distal end with an active end face. The end face is provided with a plurality of fingers projecting parallel to one another and to the axis.

Abstract: Acoustic insulation barrier for railway lines, characterised in that it comprises, for each rail (10), two continuous arrays (18, 20) of sound-absorbing elements (22) positioned at opposite parts of the rail (10) and connected to the flange (12) of the rail (10).

Abstract: A noise reduction system for significantly reducing the noise generated by an air turbine used to create suction for automatic cutting tables. The system employs one or more baffles mounted within a closed main housing including noise reduction foam and an exhaust housing lined with noise reduction foam mounted around the baffle exhaust. The direction of the exhaust air is changed 180 degrees and is utilized for cooling the air turbine and electric motor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided forming a sound attenuating laminate that has a decoupler fiber layer and a mass layer in opposing relationship with each other. The decoupler fiber layer and mass layer of the laminate are heated to the selected temperature in substantially the same amount of time via a hot air source and a heated platen, respectively. The heated laminate is conveyed to a mold and formed into a predetermined three-dimensional configuration via the mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bracket to hold a boarding ladder to a boat. The invention disclosed provides a quick release mechanism for both the ladder and the bracket itself. A mounting plate is substantially flush with the side of the boat. The bracket slides down into the mounting plate and latches into place. The bracket accepts the upper bar of a boarding ladder and closes a latch over the bar, holding the ladder in place. To remove the ladder, a latch at the top of the bracket is lifted and the ladder can be easily pulled free. To free the bracket from the mounting plate after the ladder has been removed, the latch is lifted and the bracket can be lifted out.

Abstract: A device for rescuing persons and objects from buildings has at least one rescue element that is a rescue rope to be anchored to the ground. A retaining element of a rescue device can be attached to the rescue rope. A winding device for winding the rescue rope thereon is provided. A deflection unit is attached to the rescue rope and has an axle. At least one driving gear is fixedly attached to the axle of the deflection unit for common rotation, and the rescue rope is redirected by 180° by the deflection unit.

Abstract: A construction safety screen (1) has structural capacity to wall predetermined portions of or entire worker-area precipices which include apertures and edges of under-construction buildings and scaffolding against accidental falling. Included are a fastening border (7), fasteners (12, 13, 14, 28, 43), netting apertures (5), netting material (6), visibility coloring and size adaptors. It can be rolled up for light-weight shipping or storage and unrolled easily and conveniently for use and reuse.

Abstract: The present raised platform includes at least two pails (also called “buckets” herein), a board, and two brackets for securing a bottom of the top pails to opposing ends of the board. The buckets and board are commonly found at construction sites. The brackets are particularly low-cost and easily transported such that they are basically a throwaway item that can easily be carried to job sites by a construction worker. With minimal effort and using self-tapping screws or other mechanical fasteners, the raised platform can be easily quickly constructed, used, and disposed of without consuming worker time in an inefficient manner.

Abstract: A channel with sliding clamp and rod arrangement for leveling a ladder comprising a base unit of a hollow rectangular shape adapted to fit over the leg of the ladder. The base unit has interior walls spaced apart sufficiently to accommodate the ladder leg. Each of the walls has formed thereon a plurality of spaced splices that slop outwardly and downwardly away from the ladder leg. A clamp member comprises a generally rectangular block that has formed thereon sloping splices that fit into the grooves or spaces between the splices of the base unit. Clamp member has a bore that adjustably and securely retains a support rod, which has a swivel foot at one end. The end of the clamp member that is to be placed adjacent the ladder leg and the opposing interior surface of the base unit have a substantially V-shaped configuration to insure slip free purchase against the ladder leg.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically replenishing additives lost from the lubricating oil of an IC engine, by injecting controlled quantities of the additive into the oil. The amount and frequency of injection is controlled by either the operating conditions of the oil (e.g. its thermal history), or changes the properties of the oil (e.g. its electrochemical activity, or dielectric constant).

Abstract: An autobalancing roping and drive arrangement for elevators which continuously balances the weight of an elevator cab and the weight of a counterweight such that the force on the drive motor necessary to move the cab from floor to floor is minimized. A weighting device connected to a drive sheave imparts a downward force on the drive sheave and creates a tension in a force section, causing traction contact between the drive sheave and the drive rope. The tension in the force section includes a downward vertical component of force. This component and the weight of the counterweight combine to create a downward force on one side of the suspension sheave section. The downward force balances the downward force created by the weight of the cab on the opposite side of the suspension sheave section. The tension in the force section automatically compensates for the difference in weight between the cab and the counterweight and thereby maintains the elevator in balance.

Abstract: Safety device for monitoring safety distances in relation to destinations and in relation to movable objects as well as different maximum traveling speeds, in particular, for elevators and, preferably, for arrangement on an elevator car, comprising a distance and speed determination unit, a comparator device for comparing the predetermined distance dependent on the destination and having an associated nominal speed with the actual values and a triggering unit for triggering a braking device when the nominal values are exceeded. The aim of the invention defined in the patent claims is to adapt the present-day mechanical speed limiter to the requirements of modern elevator systems as well as to add new functions.

Abstract: An elevator shaft door having a door part that comprises two panels, which are suspended on rolling carriages and guided at the bottom. These door parts perform movements of different length in the same direction during an opening and closing movement, and during these movements move past one another on parallel tracks, with a changing overlap. The rolling carriage of the panel that moves ahead during a closing movement is attached to the ends of a tension cable that is fixed in place, which is guided around deflection rollers that are mounted to rotate on the rolling carriage of the other panel, which moves behind. The deflection rollers are arranged to rotate around vertical axes of rotation and have different diameters.

Abstract: A door coupler provided with coupling elements actuated by means of a linkage so as to engage a counter element provided on the landing door and a locking hook that has a closed position and a released position. The release of the locking hook from the closed position to the released position is allowed when the coupling element meets the counter element. The locking hook and the coupling elements are disposed at a distance from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for isolating an elevator car-from elevator system vibrations is described. The isolation system and method comprise suspending an elevator platform from an upper portion of an elevator sling with upper tension members. In addition to being suspended from the sling by upper tension members, the elevator car platform may be secured to a lower portion of the sling from with lower tension members. The tension members preferably have an in-use frequency of vibration below the frequencies of the elevator system vibrations. In an alternative embodiment, upper vibration attenuating tension members may be used to suspend the elevator car platform and the platform may be secured to the lower portion of the sling with standard isolation mounts instead of lower tension members. The tension members employed by the present invention may be manufactured from cables containing aramid fibers, such as Kevlar® rope.

Abstract: The invention relates to friction-lining segments (33.1, 33.2) for a segmented friction lining (33) of a friction plate (e.g. a disc) for a brake, clutch or the like. According to the state of the art, these types of friction-lining segments (33.1, 33.2) usually demonstrate a lock mechanism (34.1) on one end and a lock counter-mechanism (35.2) complementary to the lock mechanism on the other end. The friction lining (33) of a friction plate may thus be built out of a plurality of these types of friction-lining segments (33.1, 33.2), which are usually designed identically and engage each other in a type of gearing. To ensure that the stress on the respective junction points (locks 36.1) is relieved along the connecting edges, it is provided according to invention that one or several holes (38.1a . . . ) be built into the friction lining (33) in the vicinity (37.1) of the lock (36.1). This will significantly increase the wear resistance of this type of segmented friction lining (33).

Abstract: A brake caliper has a brake pad having a backplate with a friction material attached to one side and a loading face on an opposite side. The caliper further includes a piston that applies a force to the loading face. The brake pad is releasably attached to the piston, thereby eliminating a separate brake pad retaining structure in the caliper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension for a rail brake on a bogie of a rail vehicle. A passive lifting device is provided which acts upon the rail brake according to the activation state thereof in such a way that said brake can be displaced between a lowered braking position and a lifted release position. In the release position, damping elements act between stoppers of the rail brake and the carriers of the bogie in such a way that transverse forces are reliably damped by virtue of vibrations or impact loads for instance. In the braking position, the lateral play required in said position is provided. The spring characteristics of the damping elements are configured in such a way that the two requirements can be met.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake actuator, especially for a rail vehicle brake, comprising a service brake unit with a brake force generator (24) for applying and/or releasing the brake, an accumulator brake unit with an energy accumulator device (10) for accumulating and delivering energy for applying the brake as an operative emergency brake and/or as a parking brake, and a force conversion device (100) for converting the energy that is provided by the brake force generator and/or the energy accumulator device (10) into a brake application movement. The invention provides that the brake actuator has an additional energy accumulator device (12) for accumulating and delivering energy for applying and/or releasing the brake.

Abstract: A piston for a piston-cylinder arrangement, in particular a shock absorber piston exhibiting a piston body (6) provided with one peripheral web (12) protruding from the peripheral surface, disposed on said peripheral surface in both areas, each of which defining one end of the piston. Supporting connector elements (10), which extend longitudinally in the direction of the other end of the piston, are arranged successively at a distance from each other in a parallel manner contiguous to the peripheral web, whereby each two adjacent supporting connector elements (10) define a groove-shaped recess (11) and are provided with a collar-shaped seal (9) made of a thermoformable sealing material, which is formed on the piston body (6) in such a way that the peripheral webs (12) as well as the supporting connector elements (10) are incorporated into the material of the collar-shaped seal (9) over only a portion of their height.

Abstract: A spring strut support bearing, has a top bearing that can be affixed by its inner ring to the front end of an automobile, e.g. to the end of a piston rod of a shock absorber facing a vehicle body. The inner ring is surrounded by an outer ring with radial clearance; at least one elastic spring element made of rubber-elastic material is arranged in a gap formed by the clearance. The outer ring is disposed in a stationary manner with respect to the vehicle body; and only the component of the loading force of the shock absorber extending through the elastic spring element of the top bearing reaches the vehicle body. The inner ring has on each of its two end faces at least one elastically flexible stop buffer for limiting extreme deflection movements in moving direction of the shock absorber, the stop buffers each having the capability of being brought into contact with counter stop faces.

Abstract: A check valve assembly for a shock absorber includes a tapered valve seat and a polygonal check valve which includes a plurality of flat surfaces. Each pair of flat surfaces intersects at a linear engagement surface which slidably engage a cylindrical chamber. When the polygonal check valve is in an open position, fluid flows along the flat surfaces even though the linear engagement surfaces are essentially in contact with the cylindrical chamber. Lateral movement of the check valve is effectively eliminated which minimizes noise and vibration of the check valve assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle shock absorber includes a piston rod. A cylinder head having a bore defining an axis supports the rod within the bore. A wiper, which preferably a hard plastic, is disposed within the cylinder head. The wiper has in inner surface that is in an interference fit with the rod. The wiper has spaced apart upper and lower contacts that are press fit to the rod. The inner surface tapers away from the upper and lower contacts to a generally central portion forming a cavity. The inner surface is spaced from the rod in the area of the cavity. In this manner, the interference between the wiper and rod is minimized forming only line contacts about the rod. The outer circumference of the wiper is preferably spaced from an annular pocket in the cylinder head receiving the wiper to permit the wiper to move laterally as its scraps debris from the rod. The cylinder head components are installed from the inner side of the cylinder head and a plate is press fit into the end of the cylinder head.

Abstract: A handle system for a rolling luggage case, including a telescoping post members extensible from a retracted position within a luggage case to an extended position protruding from the luggage case, a cross member extending between adjacent end portions of the telescoping post members, and a handle pivotally mounted to the cross member. A post cap member is attached on an end of the telescoping post member that is distal from the luggage case. The post cap member includes a cylindrical bearing surface to which a handle is pivotally mounted. The cylindrical bearing surface includes a pin reception aperture disposed on a circumference of the cylindrical bearing surface. The cylindrical bearing surface and the pin can be fabricated from a rigid structural material, such as metal.

Abstract: A suitcase has a frame (17), a cover (15) covering the frame, a stabilizing brace (12) joining two opposite sides of the frame, a pair of corner wheels (14), a pull handle collar (11), and a pull handle assembly (13) mountable between the stabilizing brace and the pull handle collar. The frame and the cover comprise the case body (1) for packing the contents of the suitcase within. The pull handle assembly includes a pull handle support (123), at least a hollow tube (131), and a retractable slide handle (132). The stabilizing brace both holds the sides of the frame in fixed relation and provides a mounting point for a lower end of the pull handle assembly. Because the pull handle assembly occupies less than a length of the bottom of the suitcase, a large area of flat space is created in the bottom of the suitcase for easier packing of flat objects.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotational element for an automatic transmission having at least one kind of grooves that are deeper from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side, grooves that are deeper toward a rotational direction, and grooves that are deeper from the outer diameter side to the inner diameter side, and toward the rotational direction.

Abstract: A double clutch assembly includes a first clutch area with a first pressure plate, which can be moved by a first force-exerting assembly toward an abutment assembly; a second clutch area with a second pressure plate, which can be moved by a second force-exerting assembly toward an abutment assembly; and a connecting assembly for connecting the abutment assembly to a drive element. The connecting assembly includes a connecting plate assembly with a first, radially outer connecting section, which extends over an outer circumferential surface of the abutment assembly and is attached thereto by a plurality of connecting elements.

Abstract: The invention concerns a friction clutch, for a heat engine motor vehicle, comprising a reaction plate, a friction disc, a pressure plate, a cover, the pressure plate consisting of two half-plates, axially mobile relative to each other, under the action of device compensating play resulting from wear which comprises a pair of complementary ramps circumferentially arranged axially associated respectively with each of the two half-plates (12A, 12B), one of the ramps being designed to move circumferentially relative to the other ramp in the direction increasing the thickness of the pressure plate, and prevented from moving in the other direction by a one-way means (24), one of the ramps being arranged at the periphery of an inertial part (12A).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a motor vehicle with overspeed protector. The clutch in the power train of the motor vehicle can be operated in dependency upon the engine speed in such a way that it is disengaged or operates with slip when the engine speed exceeds a preselected limit while the clutch is engaged. The threshold value of the engine speed is ascertained on the basis of the prevailing (instantaneous) engine speed and the prevailing (instantaneous) or desired increase of transmission ratio. Gear shifting errors and overspeeding of the vehicle are thus prevented in a manner which is more reliable than by following prior proposals.