Abstract: A method of calibrating a zirconium oxide sensor employing a reference gas having a known mole fraction of oxygen and a monitored gas having a known mole fraction of oxygen, characterized by use of a reference gas and a monitored gas having the same mole fraction of oxygen but different partial pressures of oxygen. This allows a single gas source, such as air, to be used for both the reference gas and the monitored gas across a range of oxygen concentration readings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a coin sensor are disclosed herein. An auto-calibrating coin sensor configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a movable carrier holding at least one test coin or other test object. The carrier can move the test object past or through the coin sensor to calibrate the coin sensor. Embodiments of the present technology can include rotatable and linearly moveable carriers that are configured to move an attached test object through a coin sensor. Additionally, auto-calibrating coin sensors in accordance with the present technology can be configured to initiate an auto-calibration based on the commencement of a coin counting session, a set schedule, a temperature change, and/or other events.

Abstract: A pile testing system for determining the load capacity of an in place pile and the system including a transducer assembly having a top extent and a bottom extent, the transducer assembly being generally fixed relative the pile top when in use and having a side wall transverse to the pile top and extending about a transducer axis, the transducer assembly further including at least one strain transducer joined to the wall of the transducer assembly, the at least one strain transducer configured to measure the applied load, the system further including at least one accelerometer fixed relative to the associated pile, the at least one accelerometer configured to calculate the movement of the associated pile when subjected to the applied load wherein the load capacity of the associated in place pile can be calculated based on the comparison between the applied load and the movement of the pile.

Abstract: A method can be performed by adjusting a temperature of a gas sensor to a first temperature value for a first period of time and a second temperature value for a second period of time. The gas sensor signal may be measured during the first period of time to determine a first signal value and during the second period of time to determine a second value. Then, concentration information for at least one gas is calculated according to the first signal value and the second signal value. While the gas sensor signal may include information about a presence of a first gas and a second gas, the concentration information for the at least one gas may not substantially include concentration information for the second gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a concentration of CO2 for a vehicle may include an indoor panel of a vehicle in which an air inlet is mounted, and a CO2 sensing unit mounted in the indoor panel, including a light emitting unit, a light receiving unit, and a case surrounding the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit so as to reflect and move light on a plane, and vertically introduced with air introduced into the inlet with respect to the plane on which light moves.

Abstract: An NDIR gas sensor is housed within a mechanical housing made up of a header housing, a can mounted to the header housing, and a sample chamber mounted above the can. The can has a top surface with a pair of windows formed in it to allow radiation to enter and return from the sample chamber. An electronics module is mounted on a printed circuit board hermetically sealed within the can. A signal channel path length detected by the signal detector is greater than a reference channel path length detected by the reference detector and an absorption bias between the signal and reference outputs can be used to determine a gas concentration in the sample chamber. Both the signal detector and the reference detector have an identical narrow band pass filter with the same Center Wavelength (“CWL”), Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) and transmittance efficiency at the CWL.

Abstract: A test accessory for testing a variety respirators. The accessory is designed to compliment existing equipment to provide a robust assessment of respirator performance. The accessory may include a head form having an inflatable bladder capable of fitting a variety of sizes of respirator masks. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder does not rely on adhesives to effect a seal, thereby eliminating manufacturing and quality assurance steps. The test accessory may also include a detachable instrumentation module that may be removed from the accessory, enabling calibration and maintenance at a remote facility without need for transporting the entire unit. The module may also house a memory device that may be upgraded with calibration data and firmware during the calibration process.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for measuring the yield stress of a fluid. The device includes a container for receiving the fluid therein and an auger having a shaft extending along an axis and a helical flange extending radially about the shaft. The auger is movable in the fluid between a first position and a second position. A sensor is operatively connected to the auger. The sensor measures a force on the auger as the auger moves from the first position to the second position. A linkage is interconnected to the sensor. The linkage translates motion to the auger.

Abstract: A biomedical microfluidic device for separating a sub-population of particles from a first fluid, particularly a biological fluid, has means for separation and/or filtration of the fluid, which include a first microfluidic path defined in a first body of the device, a first inlet for introduction of a first fluid in the first path and at least a first outlet for discharge from the first path of a sample of fluid enriched in the sub-population of particles.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for discontinuous filtration of a liquid, having a filter station for filtration, a feed line for supplying the liquid to the filter station, and a filter medium movable relative to the station, the filter medium comprising at least two different membranes, which together in the filter station effect multistage filtration. The invention additionally relates to a method for discontinuous filtration of a liquid or for filtering isolated quantities of liquid, comprising: providing a filter station for filtration, the filter station comprising a chamber in which filtration is carried out; moving or transporting a filter medium from a stock into the filter station, the filter medium comprising at least two membranes which are arranged next to one another in the chamber; and supplying the liquid to the chamber, such that the liquid is subjected to multistage filtration through the membranes.

Abstract: A volume sensing system for use in determining a volume of a variable volume reservoir can include a lower plunger that can have a first end adapted to move with a bottom of the reservoir. An upper plunger can be slidable relative to the lower plunger. A lower biasing member can be positioned substantially between a base of the reservoir and the upper plunger, and the upper biasing member can be positioned between the upper plunger and an interference member. The upper biasing member can have a predetermined stiffness relative to the lower biasing member such that upon movement of the lower plunger, the upper plunger can move at a predetermined fraction of the amount of movement of the lower plunger, where the predetermined fraction can be determined at least in part by the predetermined stiffness of the upper biasing member relative to the lower biasing member.

Abstract: A tubular external electrode has an inner passage configured to flow fuel therethrough. A bottomed tubular internal electrode is at a predetermined distance from an inner wall of the external electrode. A temperature sensor is located in the internal electrode. A detection unit detects a property of fuel according to both a signal from the temperature sensor and an electrical property of fuel in the inner passage. The temperature sensor has a center located between the center axis of the internal electrode and an inner wall of the internal electrode located on an upstream side relative to fuel flow in the inner passage.

Abstract: A specific gravity measuring apparatus includes a liquid bath, a measured object receiving member which is housed in the liquid bath via a support means in a non-contact manner and into and out of which a liquid within the liquid bath can freely flow, an aerial mounting member which is supported by the support means and on which a measured object is placed in order to measure gravity thereof in the air, and a weighing apparatus receiving and supporting the measured object receiving member via the support means. The weighing apparatus 5 is provided with a sensor and a measuring section. The aerial mounting member is provided in such a manner as to cover a part of an opening O at an upper part of the liquid bath.

Abstract: A rotary disk gyroscope (20) includes a drive mass (28) and a sense mass (32). The sense mass (32) includes a cutout region (46, 48) located proximate an axis of rotation (40). Torsion springs (38), located in the cutout region (46, 48), connect the sense mass (32) to the drive mass (28). The torsion springs (38) enable the sense mass (32) to rotate about the axis of rotation (40) in response to an angular velocity of the gyroscope (20). Spring anchorage structures (30) are also positioned in the cutout region (46, 48), and flexibly couple the drive mass (28) to the substrate (22). In addition, a drive system (68) resides in the cutout region (46, 48) and actuates the drive mass (28) to move with an oscillatory motion. In a dual axis configuration, the gyroscope (20) further includes a rectangular-shaped second sense mass (36) surrounding the disk-shaped drive mass (28).

Abstract: A vibrating meter is provided. The vibrating meter includes one or more conduits formed from a first material. The vibrating meter further includes a driver coupled to a conduit of the one or more conduits and configured to vibrate at least a portion of the conduit at one or more drive frequencies and one or more pick-offs coupled to a conduit of the one or more conduits and configured to detect a motion of the vibrating portion of the conduit. The vibrating meter further includes a case enclosing at least a portion of the one or more conduits, the driver and the one or more pick-offs. The case is formed from a second material comprising a higher vibrational damping characteristic than the first material.

Abstract: A vibrating meter (5) is provided. The vibrating meter (5) includes one or more conduits (103A, 103B) including a vibrating portion (471) and a non-vibrating portion (472) and a driver (104) coupled to a conduit of the one or more conduits (103A, 103B) and configured to vibrate the vibrating portion (471) of the conduit at one or more drive frequencies. The vibrating meter (5) also includes one or more pick-offs (105, 105?) coupled to a conduit of the one or more conduits (103A, 103B) and configured to detect a motion of the conduit. One or more meter components exclusive of the vibrating portion (471) of the conduits (103A, 103B), the driver (104), and the pick-offs (105, 105?) is provided with a damping material (310) applied to at least a portion of a surface of a meter component of the one or more meter components that reduces one or more vibrational resonant frequencies of the meter component below the one or more drive frequencies.

Abstract: A pressure sensor and method of sensing pressure is disclosed. An fluid port is coupled to a substrate. A first microchannel within the substrate is in fluid communication with the fluid port. The first microchannel includes a first compressible fluid, a first incompressible fluid and at least one first meniscus. A second microchannel within the substrate is in fluid communication with the fluid port. The second microchannel includes a second compressible fluid, a second incompressible fluid and at least one second meniscus. A pressure of the first meniscus and/or the second meniscus is determined.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a sensor device is provided. The sensor includes a sensor receiving portion, a sensor arranged in the sensor receiving portion and a cap covering the sensor and the sensor receiving portion. The cap includes a plurality of recesses in the inner side wall of the cap for reducing the pressure measured by the sensor.

Abstract: A pressure measuring transducer comprising: a pressure measuring cell; a measuring cell housing, wherein the measuring cell housing has an annular axial abutment surface, which surrounds an opening; a sealing ring; and a ring of angular cross section for positioning the pressure measuring cell and the sealing ring in the measuring cell chamber. The sealing ring lies on the axial abutment surface, the pressure measuring cell lies with its frontal end face on the sealing ring, the pressure measuring cell is clamped axially against the sealing ring, the ring of angular cross section is arranged in an annular gap between the pressure measuring cell and a measuring cell chamber wall.

Abstract: A detection process is disclosed. The detection process includes applying a load to a preselected portion of an article. The applying of the load permits visually indiscernible cracks in the preselected portion of the article to be detected. The treated article includes a preselected portion having treated visually indiscernible cracks. The treated visually indiscernible cracks are substantially devoid of damage due to the treatment of the visually indiscernible cracks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid meter, in particular a water meter, comprising a counter presenting an upper electronic card including a meter screen, the counter being covered by a cover including a window for viewing said screen, and said cover itself being covered by a cap presenting an external window for viewing said screen, a screen cover being mounted on said cap to cover and protect said screen and said external window. According to the invention, said screen-cover is provided with at least one pivot pin placed on a bearing carried by said cap, and said cap is provided with at least one orifice for passing a locking element for locking said pin on said bearing, the locking element being carried by said cover.

Abstract: A process for fabricating an electromagnetic flow meter by encapsulating an electrode with a liquefied plastic. The electrode is fabricated out of an electrically conducting material and with at least a first circumferential indentation that runs orthogonal to the longitudinal expansion of the electrode. The electrode is positioned in a tool and encapsulated with a liquefied plastic, at least in sections, wherein the first indentation is encapsulated, at least in sections, with liquefied plastic.

Abstract: A flow system based on pulsating mechanism that has better accuracy compared to conventional vortex meters due to the fact that the pulsations generated have increased signal response and lower frequency, both of which are favorable for a high accuracy measurement. Certain embodiments include a housing, a bluff body, an orifice plate, and means for detecting a pulsating frequency of pulsating flow and determining the fluid flow rate based on the detected pulsating frequency. In certain embodiments, the housing can include an outer shell, an inlet, and an outlet.

Abstract: A torque sensor has an envelope tube, a middle cylinder mounted in the envelope tube, a inner cylinder mounted through the middle cylinder, a resilient element connected to the middle cylinder and the inner cylinder, a first disc and a second disc respectively attached to the inner cylinder and the middle cylinder, and a detection unit detecting a displacement angle of the second disc and the first disc to calculate a torque applied to the inner cylinder. The torque sensor has a simple structure, fast, sensitive and accurate torque sensing ability, and can be used on all kinds of mechanisms that rotate when a force is applied thereon to calculate and quantify amounts of energy and work of the exerciser according to the torque.

Abstract: A torque sensor assembly for a power-assisted bicycle has a torque sensor, a one-way bearing, a chainwheel, two cranks and two pedals. The torque sensor has an envelope tube, a middle tube, a transmission axle, a resilient element connected to the middle tube and the transmission axle, a first disc and a second disc respectively attached to the transmission axle and the middle tube, and a detection unit detecting displacement angles of the second disc and the first disc to calculate torques applied to the transmission axle and to drive the power-assisted bicycle according to the torque. The torque sensor assembly has a simple structure, fast, sensitive and accurate torque sensing ability, and can easily be assembled to all kinds of power-assisted bicycles.

Abstract: A device for detecting the likelihood of the presence of at least one human finger on a surface, and a method of using the device in the user interface of a machine, device or system. The device comprises at least one element having piezoelectric characteristics, located under a surface, the element arranged in the device in such a manner that a force when exerted on the surface, such as when the surface is pressed by finger, is transferred to mechanical stress of the element, the element then producing a voltage output in response to the mechanical stress. Also included are means for measuring the voltage output in a predefined time period and means for determining the degree of stability of the measured voltage output, and configured to indicate whether or not the degree of stability shows that the measured voltage output is likely to be a human finger or not.

Abstract: A fluid controlling apparatus including at least one sample chamber for holding a fluid containing target materials; a cleaning chamber for holding a cleaning solution; a first multi-port connected to the at least one sample chamber through a first channel and connected to the cleaning chamber through a second channel; a filter portion, connected to the first multi-port through a third channel, for filtering the target materials; and a first pump, connected to the filter portion, for applying a pressure; and a method of controlling a fluid using the fluid controlling apparatus, which comprises passing the fluid containing the target materials from the at least one sample chamber to the filter portion; and cleaning a path of the fluid by passing the cleaning solution through the path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing usability. The apparatus for usability testing has an output capture module for capturing at least one type of output, an input capture module for capturing at least one type of input, a user trigger capture module for capturing at least one type of test user trigger, and at least one storage module for saving at least some of the captured events. The user trigger capture module and the storage module are connected to an object to be tested independently thereof.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided for a hydraulic shifter assembly of a split shaft assembly having a power take off system and utilized on a vehicle that has an automatic transmission and limited access to the transmission—preventing a direct connection of a power take off to the transmission. The hydraulic system provides hydraulic pressure from the transmission to the hydraulic shifter assembly and back to the transmission from the hydraulic shifter assembly. The system also provides hydraulic pressure from the transmission to the power take off.

Abstract: A four-wheel steering central transmission device includes an input shaft extending through a front wall of a housing and having an input rotary disc formed with a first slide groove. A turning output unit includes an output shaft extending through a rear wall of the housing and having an output rotary disc formed with a second slide groove. A transmission unit disposed between the input and output shafts includes a hollow adjustment block disposed adjustably within the housing and movable leftward or rightward, and a transmission member movable within the adjustment block and having slide pieces inserted respectively and slidably into the first and second slide grooves.

Abstract: An internal gear machine has a pinion which meshes with an internal gearwheel. The meshing of the pinion and of the internal gearwheel is configured such that it has an essentially closed engagement line.

Abstract: An actuating device for an automated dual clutch transmission of a motor vehicle drivetrain in manual-shift mode includes first and second shift elements disposed in a region of a steering column, the first shift element being configured to effect an upshift and the second shift element being configured to effect a downshift of the dual clutch transmission. Simultaneous operation of the shift elements is configured to effect idle operation of an engine with at least one open transmission clutch. The idle operation is present only while the first and second shift elements are actuated. The shift elements are configured to transmit a torque via a closed transmission clutch when at least one of the shift elements is released. A control device is configured to initiate rotational speed adaptation of the engine as a function of an actuation of the first and second shift elements.

Abstract: A parallel-kinematical machine (20) that includes three setting devices (24.1, 24.2, 24.3) each of which can be lengthened and shortened individually, wherein each setting device (24.1, 24.2, 24.3) is connected to a first, a second and a third respective inner gimbal ring (23.1, 23.2, 23.3) of universal gimbal joints (UGJ) and that each inner gimbal ring (23.1, 23.2, 23.3) is mounted in bearings (25, 26, 27) for rotation in gimbal holders (21, 22) which are rotationally mounted in outer gimbal bearings (28, 29, 39) in an outer mounting (290) wherein the first inner gimbal ring (23.1) and the third inner gimbal ring (23.3) are mounted for rotation in a common outer gimbal holder (21) which is mounted for rotation about a common gimbal axis (32, 52) and in that the second inner gimbal ring (23.2) is mounted for rotation in a single gimbal holder (22) which is mounted in two opposite bearings for rotation about a second gimbal axis (31, 51) which is not aligned with said common gimbal axis (32, 52).

Abstract: A motion platform system comprising a motion platform which is supported above a base by displacement units. Displacement units comprise a drive unit which drives a crank. A connecting arm is connected between the crank and the motion platform, so that translational and tilting movement of the motion platform is achieved by appropriate operation of the drive units. Each connecting arm has a curved profile which enables a full range of movement of the motion platform to be achieved using connecting arms of relatively short length. The connection between the connecting arm and the crank arm can be brought close to, or within, the crank arm. The height of the motion platform above the base, and bearing loads within the drive units, can thus be reduced.

Abstract: An acceleration pedal is arranged on one side, in a vehicle width direction, of a steering column cover covering a steering column so as to move forward or slant forward through a press operation of a press face thereof. A guide face is provided at a specified portion of a lower face of the steering column cover which is positioned in front of a lower-face rear end portion in a steering-shaft axis direction and on an acceleration-pedal-arrangement side, wherein the guide face is configured to project downward below an extension line extending from the lower-face rear end portion in the steering-shaft axis direction and extend forward. Accordingly, a passenger's foot can be properly restrained from moving, in the vehicle width direction, off the pedal in a vehicle head-on collision, ensuring an appropriate ingress-and-egress performance of a passenger.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an anchoring device (1) for anchoring a sheath of a transmission cable to a bracket (2), wherein the device comprises a sleeve element (9) having a longitudinal axis (z), wherein the sleeve element (9) is coaxially connectable to the sheath of the transmission cable, the sleeve element (9) having a plurality of resilient tangs (17) extending longitudinally and arranged in a circular configuration about the longitudinal axis (z), the tangs (17) each having a transversal tang surface (23), wherein the transversal tang surfaces (23) define a wall of a circumferential groove (25), the circumferential groove (25) being able to receive a bracket (2) and to secure a sheath of a transmission cable from longitudinal movements relative to a received bracket (2), characterised in that the anchoring device (1) further comprises a ring member (11) being arranged coaxially and being longitudinally movable relative to the sleeve element (9) between a first and a second longitudinal position,

Abstract: A sliding cable is provided that basically includes a cable main body and a mesh structural body. The cable main body is made of a plurality of steel wires bundled together. The mesh structural body is arranged on an outer surface of the cable main body.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal assembly with a rotatable pedal. A hysteresis assembly includes a friction device and plunger, and first and second springs that are all separate and decoupled from each other and the pedal. The first spring exerts a force against the friction plunger that forces the friction device into frictional contact with the housing to generate and transfer a resistance force to the pedal. The first spring also exerts a force against the pedal when a foot force is removed from the pedal to return the pedal to idle with and without the movement of the friction device and without the force of the second spring. The second spring exerts a force against the friction device when the foot force is removed to return the pedal to idle without the force of the first spring. Barriers block the entry of debris into the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a safety arrangement for a vehicle pedal, comprising a pedal structure including a pedal arm with an elongated shape for carrying a pedal plate; a bracket, which is fixedly connected to the pedal arm; a pedal hub, to be arranged in order to transfer a movement of the pedal structure to a vehicular system. The pedal structure is in a first position relative to the pedal hub during normal operation of the pedal structure. Further, the pedal structure is displaceable from the first position relative to the pedal hub to a second position relative to the pedal hub, wherein, when in the second position, the pedal structure is at least partly operatively decoupled from the pedal hub.

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm has a body member and a cover member that at least partially overlies a peripheral surface of the body member. The body member includes a crank axle attachment portion that has a crank axle receiving opening. A slit extends from the peripheral surface of the body member to the crank axle receiving opening. A fastener bore extends transversely through the slit for adjusting the crank axle receiving opening in size. The peripheral surface of the body member has abutments located on opposite sides of the slit. The abutments are arranged relative to the slit such that the abutments move closer together as the crank axle attachment portion is squeezed to decrease the crank axle receiving opening in size. The cover member contacts the abutments and moves with the abutments as the crank axle attachment portion is squeezed to decrease the crank axle receiving opening in size.

Abstract: A bicycle crank assembly is provided with a first sprocket, a second sprocket, a crank arm, a sprocket fixing structure and an alignment tube. The first sprocket includes a plurality of first teeth and at least one first mounting portion having a first mounting opening. The second sprocket includes a plurality of second teeth and at least one second mounting portion having a second mounting opening. The crank arm includes at least one sprocket attachment portion having a third mounting opening. The sprocket fixing structure secures the first and second sprockets to the crank arm via the first, second and third mounting openings. The alignment tube extends through at least two of the first, second and third mounting openings.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket is provided that includes an external peripheral edge part and an internal peripheral edge part. The external peripheral edge part has a plurality of metal sprocket teeth. The internal peripheral edge part is positioned radially inward of the external peripheral edge part. The internal peripheral edge part is integrally formed as a one-piece unit with the external peripheral edge part. The internal peripheral edge part has at least one recess that extends radially outward from an inner edge of the internal peripheral edge part toward the external peripheral edge part.

Abstract: To provide a forged crankshaft having an excellent wear resistance. The forged crankshaft according to the present embodiment includes a non-heat treated steel material. The non-heat treated steel material has a chemical composition which contains, by mass %, C: 0.45 to 0.70%, Si: 0.75 to 1.30%, Mn: 1.00 to 2.00%, S: 0.03 to 0.30%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.30%, Al: 0.005 to 0.050%, and N: 0.005 to 0.020%, the balance being Fe and impurities, and satisfies the following Formula (1): 1.1C+Mn+0.2Cr>2.0 ??(1) where a symbol of each element in Formula (1) is substituted by the content (mass %) of the each element. A matrix of the non-heat treated steel material is a ferrite-pearlite microstructure in which an area ratio of pro-eutectoid ferrite is less than 10% or a pearlite microstructure.

Abstract: In a starter, an output shaft is coaxially disposed with a rotating shaft of a motor and has male helical splines formed on its outer surface. A pinion tube has female helical splines formed on its inner surface and is fitted on the output shaft with the female helical splines in mesh with the male helical splines. A pinion is provided on a non-motor-side end portion of the pinion tube so as to rotate with the pinion tube. A shift lever is configured to shift both the pinion tube and the pinion relative to the output shaft and thereby bring the pinion into mesh with a ring gear of an engine. Further, there is provided means for restricting relative rotation between the pinion tube and the output shaft when a one-way clutch is in an overrun state where the clutch inhibits torque transmission from the output shaft to the motor.

Abstract: In a starter, an output shaft is coaxially disposed with a rotating shaft of a motor. A pinion tube is helical-spline-fitted on the output shaft and has a pinion mounted on a non-motor-side end portion thereof. A shift lever is driven by an electromagnetic solenoid to shift both the pinion tube and the pinion relative to the output shaft in a direction away from the motor and thereby bring the pinion into mesh with a ring gear of an engine. A one-way clutch includes an outer arranged so as to be rotated by torque generated by the motor, an inner integrally formed with a motor-side end portion of the output shaft, and a plurality of intermediate members that are arranged between the outer and the inner so as to allow torque transmission from the outer to the inner and inhibit torque transmission from the inner to the outer.

Abstract: The pinion tube is supported by an output shaft in an inner circumference of a cylindrical hole, an inner circumference side pressure-receiving range ? that receives a contacting pressure from the output shaft is formed on a sliding surfaces, the pinion tube is further supported by a bearing from a perimeter side thereof, and a perimeter side pressure-receiving range that receives the contacting pressure from the bearing is formed on a sliding surfaces. There exists an overlapping range that overlaps in the axial direction in the inner circumference side and the perimeter side pressure-receiving ranges, and a length of the overlapping range in the axial direction is always equal to a length of the perimeter side pressure-receiving range in the axial direction even if the pinion tube moves in the axial direction.

Abstract: A method of shifting at least one of a speed increasing stage (H) and/or a speed reductions stage (L) in a claw shifted transfer gear box (VG) in a drive train of a vehicle having a drive engine and a load shiftable shift transmission (SG). The transfer gearbox (VG) is shifted into the neutral position (N) and, after the synchronization, is shifted into the speed increasing stage (H) or the speed reductions stage (L). During synchronization, the shift transmission (SG) is decelerated or accelerated, by activating at least an additional shift element, so that the output rotational speed (n_SG) of the shift transmission (SG) is matched to the output rotational speed (n_VG) of the transfer gearbox (VG), multiplied by the target gear ratio in the transfer gear box (VG).

Abstract: A lightweight material for decorative parts having a silver metallic color tone is provided. The material includes a sintered body including a main hard phase composed of a solid solution formed of titanium carbonitride and titanium carbide; a main binder phase composed of nickel; a first additive material composed of at least one selected from the group consisting of molybdenum carbide, niobium carbide, tungsten carbide, and tantalum carbide; a second additive material composed of at least one of chromium and chromium carbide; and the balance being incidental impurities. The N content in the sintered body is 2.0% to 6.0% by mass. The color tone of the sintered body satisfies L*=9 to 14, a*=?2 to 3, and b*=?6 to 0, which are values of the L*a*b* color system measured with a spectrophotometric colorimeter.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles includes the use of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device has a first channel having a first inlet; a second channel having a second inlet; a third channel having a third inlet; and a main channel having a main inlet and an outlet. The first channel, second channel, and third channel all lead into the main channel. The method involves injecting a solution of a metal/ligand into the first inlet, injecting a solution of a reducing agent into the second inlet, injecting a solvent comprised of an ionic liquid into the third inlet, and injecting an inert carrier into the main inlet. The solution of the metal/ligand, the solution of the reducing agent, the solvent and the inert carrier are combined together in the main channel, and the metal/ligand and the reducing agent are reacted for a time sufficient to form a metal nanoparticle.

Abstract: A tire chain installation ramp that may be easily assembled and disassembled without the use of tools. The tire chain installation ramp comprises a set of multiple lengthwise plates and a set of multiple crosswise plates. The lengthwise and crosswise plates are configured to interlock with each other to form a grid-style ramp suitable for supporting a tire off of the road surface as a tire chain is installed. After use, the lengthwise and crosswise plates may be disassembled, stacked face to face and conveniently stored in a space which is smaller in volume than the assembled ramp. An alternative embodiment is a tire chain installation kit comprising a ramp which can be assembled from lengthwise and crosswise plates as described above, plus a storage container. Another alternative embodiment is a method of installing or removing a tire chain. including providing a tire chain installation ramp or tire chain installation kit as described above.