Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of continuous tone imagery. It enables the printing of images sharper and more finely modulated than what can be currently produced with an ink jet, photo-mechanical, xerographic or any other non-continuous tone form of printing. In an embodiment, through the use of successive transfers of ink of intermediate value, a much finer gradation at a higher resolution can be achieved. The pattern of transfers is based on the binary system to achieve the highest quality with the fewest transfers and can be used with any non-continuous tone form of printing. In a further embodiment, ink transfers between media of substantially equal ink affinity can be sequenced in a binary manner through simultaneous transfer and withdrawal of inks. Additional embodiments include a means of regulating ink transfer to achieve a binary layer construction of an image.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a printer apparatus comprises an insert and eject slot; a medium conveyance section configured to convey a print medium on which code information is arranged and which is inserted from the insert and eject slot towards a predetermined printing position, and convey the print medium from the printing position to the insert and eject slot from which the print medium is ejected; a printing section configured to carry out printing on the print medium sent to the printing position; a code information reading section configured to read the code information arranged on the print medium; and an acquisition section configured to acquire the code information based on reading data of the code information read by the code information reading section multiple times at a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Dot patterns are recorded on a recording medium at intervals determined in advance in a second direction using first and second head modules while relatively moving a recording head and the recording medium in the second direction. The dot patterns are optically read, and a density profile representing change in density in the second direction of a read image of the dot patterns is calculated. A repetition period of a waveform corresponding to each dot pattern in the density profile is calculated, and data of the density profile is integrated and averaged in each repetition period to calculate an integrated density profile. A peak position of a waveform corresponding to each dot pattern in the integrated density profile is obtained, and the amount of positional deviation is calculated based on each peak position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processing method which includes any one of recording an image on a thermally reversible recording medium that can reversibly change any one of its transparency and color tone depending on temperature by irradiating and heating the thermally reversible recording medium with a laser beam, and erasing the image recorded on the thermally reversible recording medium by heating the thermally reversible recording medium, wherein in any one of the image recording and the image erasing, the thermally reversible recording medium is located at a position farther than a focal position of the laser beam, and at least any one of the image recording and the image erasing is performed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and a laser, eye-safe method for laser marking slides for use in conjunction with a light microscope. The device is an attachment for a light microscope that allows the operator to make marks on preparations of biological tissues or other materials placed on a glass slide or between a glass slide and a cover slip. The marks can be used to indicate or highlight a microscopic structure or feature of interest. The marking on the slide is performed as the specimen is examined, without having to remove it from the microscope stage. In this way the invention has application in a biomedical or pathology laboratory for diagnostic, research, archival, and teaching or training purposes.

Abstract: A coated paper having a base paper and at least two coating layers, a first coating layer and a second coating layer, provided on at least one surface of the base paper. The first coating layer is provided on the base paper and contains an organic pigment, a cationic compound, a binder, and a dogtooth-shaped precipitated calcium carbonate having a minor axis of 0.1-0.5 ?m and a major axis of 0.5-2.5 ?m. The second coating layer is provided on the first coating layer and contains at least an inorganic ultrafine particle that is selected from hydrated alumina, gas phase process silica, pulverized wet-process silica, and colloidal silica, and that has a mean particle size of 330 nm or less. The paper has a surface pH of from 5.0 to 7.5, and the coated surface coated with the second coating layer has a 75-degree gloss value of 45% or more.

Abstract: An inkjet printable medium includes an opaque substrate having I(x)/I0 equal to or less than 0.05, wherein I(x) is an intensity of light remaining at a distance x, where x is the distance that light travels through the substrate, and wherein I0 is an initial intensity of light at x=0. The substrate includes at least two non-woven paper layers; and an adhesive, opacity enhancing layer disposed between the at least two non-woven paper layers, the adhesive layer including a visible light-blocking dye or pigment. An image receiving layer is coated on the substrate. The substrate has a basis weight ranging from about 100 gsm to about 500 gsm.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a barrel, a refill assembly, and a refill plug assembly that is quick to release from the barrel and quick to re-attach to the barrel when changing a refill assembly. The refill plug assembly is quickly secured to the barrel of the writing instrument and quickly released from the barrel of the writing instrument through a twisting and/or pushing action that may require less than one full turn to disengage from the barrel and to re-attach to the barrel, thus expediting replacement of the refill assembly.

Abstract: A ballpoint pen system having a slidable pen cap. A ballpoint ink cartridge disposed inside a pen housing has a ballpoint tip protruding out of a pen housing anterior aperture. The pen cap is disposed on a pen housing anterior end for capping the ballpoint tip. At least one linear pen cap through-slot is disposed through a pen cap side surface. At least one raised stopper located on the pen housing near the pen housing anterior end is disposed through the through-slot of the pen cap such that linearly sliding the pen cap causes the pen cap to move longitudinally relative to the pen housing. Sliding the pen cap to an extended position causes the pen cap to cover the ballpoint tip. Sliding the pen cap to a retracted position causes the ballpoint tip to protrude from the pen cap anterior aperture.

Abstract: A compact utensil which has two utility components connected by an assisted opening hinge.

Abstract: Customizable articles and a method of customization are disclosed. The method produces customizable articles having a graphic or pigment arrangement sandwiched between a film transfer layer and an exterior surface of the customizable articles. The process involves aligning a customizable article and a graphical transfer assembly on a press assembly, heating the press assembly, and applying pressure to the customizable article using the press. After removing the customizable article from the press assembly, the process comprises removal of the carrier layer and inspection of the resulting customizable article.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wall panel for a caravan, the wall panel having a first face and a second face, comprises printing a first design onto the first face of the wall panel for example using a first direct-to-substrate printer. A second design may be printed onto the second face of the wall panel, for example using a second direct-to-substrate printer (which may be the same printer as, or a different printer to, the first printer). Alternatively, the first design may be printed onto a first skin for the wall panel. The second design may be printed onto a second skin for the wall panel. The first and second skins, with the designs printed thereon, may then be assembled into a wall panel.

Abstract: A carrier for painting panels includes a box-like container including first and second opposing side walls, front and rear walls, and a floor closing the lower end of the container. A stepped track extends along at least one of the side walls, the stepped track including at least first and second channels for engaging first edges of first and second panels, respectively. The first and second channels are spaced from the corresponding side wall by first and second distances, respectively. The second distance exceeds the first distance by at least 0.25 inch, and preferably by 0.50 inch or by 1.0 inch. Preferably, the stepped track includes a third channel for engaging an edge of a third panel; the third channel is spaced from the corresponding side wall by a third distance which exceeds the second distance by at least 0.25 inch, preferably by 0.50 inch or by 1.0 inch.

Abstract: A turbulence shield for attachment to a truck wheel having a laterally outer edge about a laterally opening concavity, and having an annular channel which opens radially inwardly at the laterally outer edge, the turbulence shield having a first annularly extending “C” member opening radially inwardly and fitted for nesting receipt within the annular channel; a second annularly extending “C” member opening radially inwardly and nestingly received within the first “C” member's channel, the second annularly extending “C” member having arms; a hoop member nesting within the second “C” member; a circular flexible sheet; and an integral joint interconnecting the sheet's edge and a second “C” member's arm so that, upon nesting the first “C” member within the wheel's annular channel, the sheet covers the wheel's laterally opening concavity.

Abstract: A wheel-rim protector comprises a flexible elongate body having first and second ends, wherein a lateral extent of the elongate body defines a rim-protection portion seatable on a rim edge of a wheel and a tail portion which extends away from the rim-protection portion seatable on a circumferential outer surface of the wheel rim. A connector which positively engages the first and second ends of the elongate body is also provided, and includes a toothed tongue element and a toothed-engagement element on a radially outer surface of the tail portion at or adjacent to at least one of the first and second ends. Teeth of the tongue element and the toothed-engagement element are interengagable to prevent or limit unintentional longitudinal separation of the first and second ends. The connector further includes an anti-lift element on or adjacent to the toothed-engagement element.

Abstract: A wheel reaction force detecting apparatus includes a mount fixed to a suspension device, a hub to which a wheel is fixed, a sensing unit including a cylinder disposed inside the hub and substantially coaxial with an axle of the wheel, and a component force detector to detect a component force on the wheel. The hub is rotatably supported around the axle with respect to the mount. The cylinder has a first end fixed to the mount and a second end connected to the hub with a hub bearing disposed therebetween. The component force detector is disposed on the cylinder in the sensing unit. The hub bearing includes an inner race fit on a sensitive unit and an outer race fit on the hub. A position of the outer race is adjustable in an axial direction of the axle with respect to the inner race.

Abstract: A hub for two-wheeled vehicles with a hub body and method of manufacturing, wherein the hub body is rotatably supported on the axle via at least one bearing. The hub body includes a first forged component and a second forged component, wherein the first and second forged components are connected with one another through at least one sleeve and wherein both of the forged components have a plurality of fastening flanges protruding outwardly for fastening spoke units.

Abstract: An industrial cart has an accessory mounted thereon. A locking mechanism is provided for securing the cart and accessory together. The locking mechanism can be disengaged to remove the accessory from the cart.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises an overlay wherein the overlay is positioned above the belt plies but beneath the tread, and at least one overlay end is folded and extends inwards toward the center line of the tire.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for retreading a tire, which include providing a tire carcass for retreading, the tire carcass having a pre-existing tread layer including one or more voids extending into the tread layer thickness from an outer side. A bonding layer is applied along an outer side of the pre-existing tread layer, the bonding layer substantially filling the voids arranged along the outer side of the pre-existing tread layer to provide an outer surface for receiving a pre-cured tread layer. The pre-cured tread layer is applied along an outer side of the bonding layer such that the bonding layer is arranged between the pre-cured tread layer and the pre-existing tread layer. The pre-cured tread layer is bonded to the tire carcass to form a retreaded tire having a retreaded tire tread. Grooves are then formed in the retreaded tire tread along a ground-engaging, outer side of the retreaded tire tread.

Abstract: A tire provided with a plurality of land portions formed by a main groove extending along a tire circumferential direction, wherein the main groove is formed with one intra-groove recessed in a tire inner direction from a surface of the main groove, the intra-groove comprises: a first circumferential groove portion extending along the tire circumferential direction on the first groove wall; a first inclined portion extending from the first groove wall toward the second groove wall on a groove bottom of the main groove; a second circumferential groove portion extending along the tire circumferential direction on the second groove wall; and a second inclined portion extending from the second groove wall toward the first groove wall on the groove bottom of the main groove.

Abstract: A system for measuring the grip between a vehicle wheel tire and a road surface comprising a fiber optic (19) provided with FBG sensors (21) affixed to the internal surface of the tire, which record data regarding the state of state of residual grip Grs of the tire to the road. The fiber optic (19) has an end part (20) which, through an optical joint (5, 6) transmits the data to an instrumentation of the vehicle, making it pass through a spectrum analyzer (12), a data processing system (14), which implements the residual grip identification algorithm Grs. The residual grip information is sent to a display that is visible by the driver and/or to active control systems for driving the vehicle.

Abstract: An assembly includes a rotary joint spindle and a rotary joint body rotatably disposed on and in fluid communication with the rotary joint spindle. The rotary joint body is housed by a hub cap and provided adjacent an end of a spindle. A pressure relief valve is disposed between the hub cap and the rotary joint body. The pressure relief valve selectively provides a seal between the hub cap and the rotary joint body.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and demounting a tire on and from a rim of a vehicle wheel. The apparatus comprises at least one fitting or removal tool for mounting and demounting the tire, and a control unit for controlling movement of the fitting or removal tool. A load measuring device measures the load applied on the tool while mounting or demounting the tire. A counterpart method comprises moving the fitting or removal tool towards or away from the vehicle wheel for mounting or demounting the tire to and from the rim, capturing the load applied to the tire by the fitting or removal tool, calculating the load applied to the tire by the fitting or removal tool while mounting or demounting the tire, and controlling movement of the fitting or removal tool on the basis of the load applied to the tire by the tool.

Abstract: A hitch ball assembly generally includes a ball member and a body connected to the ball member. A passageway extends longitudinally within the body and at least one locking member may be in communication with the passageway to lock the hitch ball in place. An elongated member within the passageway is biased to engage the locking member. The body further includes an opening arranged transverse to the passageway. A release mechanism is positioned within an opening in the body transverse to the passageway. The release member is in communication with the elongated member to move the elongated member between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to eliminate transient swaying of a towed vehicle imparted upon the towed vehicle during a towing operation by decoupling the towing and towed vehicles rotationally from each other. In one embodiment this is accomplished through the use of a doubly hinged tow bar and to steer the towed vehicle based upon the relative angular deflections of the two vehicles while subtracting out transient rotations of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch adapter system with damping effect for controlling back and forth movement or bumping on the hitch receiver and the prime mover. The hitch adapter system with damping effect includes a lower support member having a planar bottom wall and adapted to be in communication with a prime mover; an upper support member having a planar main wall and disposed above and movable relative to the lower support member and adapted to be in communication with a trailer; a linkage assembly pivotably interconnecting the lower and upper support members; and a buffer assembly retarding and cushioning the movement of the upper support member relative to the lower support member.

Abstract: There is provided an amphibious vehicle including a plate aluminum planing boat hull (10) having a transverse collision bulkhead (12) and a pair of recesses (13) disposed each side of the stem (14). Transom portions (17) are located at either side of a central pod (21). The collision bulkhead (12) and the transom portions (17) support respective pairs of extendable strut and wheel assemblies (24) each comprising a mounting bracket (25) and a coil spring over shock absorber assembly (27). Spaced suspension rods 31 extend through the bottom of the bracket to provide for suspension travel to stop (35). The upper ends of the suspension rods are secured to a header assembly (36) which forms the upper mount for a wheel strut assembly (37) consisting of double acting hydraulic ram (40) secured to a strut casing (44) of square section passing through a bearing pack assembly (46) mounted to the suspension rods (31).

Abstract: A leaf spring arrangement for a motor vehicle axle includes a leaf spring which is made of a fiber composite and has ends, each end having a flat underside to provide a joining surface. Bonded flatly by an adhesive against the underside of each end of the leaf spring in an area of the joining surface is a mount for attachment onto a further axle component. The mount has an opening for receiving a metallic bearing or screw bolt.

Abstract: A gas spring end member is dimensioned for securement along an associated suspension member having an associated planar surface and at least an associated first side surface. The gas spring end member can include a base wall disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis and a bracket wall that extends longitudinally-outwardly from the base wall. The bracket wall can be adapted for operative connection to the associated suspension member such that the gas spring end member can be supported thereon with the base wall disposed in longitudinally spaced-apart relation to the associated planar surface of the associated suspension member. A gas spring assembly including such an end member can be included. A suspension system and a method of installation including such a gas spring assembly can also be included.

Abstract: A suspension assembly between a sprung element and an unsprung element includes load-carrying spring arranged in parallel with a negative stiffness element between the sprung element and the unsprung element. The spring is configured with a positive spring rate to support a static load of the sprung element. The negative stiffness element is configured with a negative spring rate and to exert a force opposing the spring rate of the spring. The negative spring rate has a magnitude that cancels the positive spring rate at a zero deflection point of the suspension assembly.

Abstract: In a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing, a silicone grease whose base oil is a silicone oil, whose coefficient of kinematic viscosity at 25° C. is not less than 100 cSt and not more than 500,000 cSt, and which contains a thickener so as to set its worked penetration to not less than 200 and not more than 400 is interposed at sliding interfaces between, on the one hand, an upper surface of a lower annular flat plate-shaped portion defining a bottom surface of a lower annular recess and a lower surface of an upper annular flat plate-shaped portion and, on the other hand, an upper surface and a lower surface of a thrust bearing piece which are respectively brought into sliding contact with the upper and the lower surface.

Abstract: A gas spring and gas damper assembly (200) can include a gas spring and a gas damper. The gas spring can include a first end member, a second end member and a flexible wall that at least partially forms a spring chamber. The gas damper can include first and second damper elements (278, 280) as well as a damper element assembly that are telescopically interconnected with one another. The damper element assembly can include an outer side wall portion that at least partially defines a cavity and a biasing element extending into the cavity. A suspension system and a method of assembly are also included.

Abstract: An air spring for air suspension system comprises a piston assembly and a damper assembly. A plurality of crush ribs are spaced apart from one another located within an internal cavity defined by the piston assembly and extending in an axial direction. A striker cap is located proximate to a first end of the damper assembly. There is a first interference fit between the damper assembly and the striker cap and there is a second interference fit between the striker cap and the crush fins, such that the piston assembly and the damper assembly are rotationally fixed relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air outlet comprising a housing, an operating element arranged on the visible side of the air outlet, a first air-guiding element and a closure element, wherein the operating element has a handle and a lever-like rotary element, wherein the pivot point of the rotary element is arranged on the handle, wherein the rotary element is mechanically coupled to the closure element via a first coupling in order to adjust the intensity of the air that can flow out from the air outlet, wherein the handle can be moved in a first direction and is mechanically coupled to the first air-guiding element via a second coupling in order to adjust the outflow direction of the air that can flow out from the air outlet, wherein the outflow direction lies in a first plane having the first direction, wherein the first coupling is operatively connected to a first lever, wherein the pivot point of the first lever is arranged on the second coupling, wherein the second coupling has a second lever, wherein the

Abstract: A sun visor mirror may include a mirror housing fixed to a sun visor main body, a mirror inserted into and seated on the mirror housing, a locking mechanism including a locker and an operating spring, locking the mirror in a state being inserted into and seated on the mirror housing and releasing the mirror by a user manipulation, and an operating unit provided between the mirror housing and the mirror, having an elastic member, operating the mirror popping-up out of the mirror housing due to an elastic force of the elastic member and rotating at a released state.

Abstract: A sliding roof system is shown having a pair of guide rails, a slide in each guide rail, the slide being displaceably mounted therein, a functional component which is displaceably received in the guide rail and can be fixed in a raised position by means of a latching hook, the latching hook being shiftable between a release position and a latching position, the latching hook when in the latching position engaging in an opening of the guide rail, and a cover which can be opened from a closed position by displacement of the slide, a retaining lever being provided which can mechanically hold the latching hook in the latching position, wherein the retaining lever is adapted to be pivoted about a pivot pin between the release position and the retaining position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly with continuous seal, includes a hinge shaft, a fixed hinge part and a rotatable hinge part, a fixed frame part and a rotatable frame part, which respectively comprises a parallel profile element and a seal that is affixed continuously to the profile element of the rotatable frame part and configured so that it bridges the distance between the two profile elements in the closed position.

Abstract: A method for mounting or removing a power supply container of a drive motor of a motor vehicle that is secured to the motor vehicle using a bolt acted on by a piston. The method includes: acting on the piston to move the pistons relative to the bolt so as to disengage the bolt; and rotating the bolt such as to lock or unlock the bolt and lock or unlock the battery.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain for a vehicle includes an input shaft rotating in response to a power received from an engine. output shaft is arranged parallel to the input shaft. A first motor generator is configured to transmit and receive a power to and from the output shaft. A second motor generator is configured to transmit and receive a power to and from the input shaft. A first clutch structure enables or disables transmission of the power between the first motor generator and the output shaft. A second clutch structure enables or disables transmission of the power between the input shaft and the output shaft. A third clutch structure enables or disables transmission of the power between the second motor generator and the input shaft.

Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle is disclosed. The powertrain includes an engine, a motor-generator and a starter mechanism. The powertrain also includes a first energy storage device disposed in a parallel electrical relationship with a motor-generator and an auxiliary electric system. Additionally, the powertrain includes a first switching device selectively transitionable between a first open state to electrically disconnect the first energy storage device from at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system, and a first closed state to electrically connect the first energy storage device to at least one of the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system. Electrical communication between the motor-generator and the auxiliary electric system is independent of the first switching device being in the first open and closed states.

Abstract: This invention proposes a hybrid power driving device including an electric motor, an Internal Combustion engine, an automated mechanical transmission, a clutch, a main reducer and a differential, where the automated mechanical transmission includes first to sixth gear wheels forming meshing pairs, 2 synchronizers, an input transmission shaft connected with the engine, an input transmission shaft connected with the motor, and an output transmission shaft. This device provides for the motor with two gears, and provides for the engine with four gears, which can meet the practical demands of the engine and the motor. Compared with the existing parallel hybrid power coupling mechanism, the inventive device has a simple structure, a low cost, good shifting comfortability, and a high operation efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated power electric unit mounted on an electric vehicle, comprising a first power electric unit, a second power electric unit arranged over the first power electric unit in a vertical direction of the vehicle, a channel that connects the first and second power electric units so as to flow the air, and a breather provided in the second power electric unit to cause inner and outer sides of the second power electric unit to communicate with each other.

Abstract: An external active air flap for a vehicle engine room includes a fixed flap fixedly installed at a front side of a vehicle and protruding in a forward-backward direction of the vehicle, which acts as a radiator grill. A hinge shaft is disposed inside and along the fixed flap in a left-right direction of the vehicle. A movable flap is disposed on an upper surface of the fixed flap, and a back end of the movable flap is connected with the hinge shaft. The movable flap rotates about the hinge shaft to open and close an opening of the external active air flap by a pressure of external air flowing into the vehicle.

Abstract: An engine is mounted on a body frame extending from a steering head pipe toward a vehicle rear side slightly downward and an air cleaner is disposed above the engine. An intake duct device includes an intake duct which leads traveling air taken from a front surface of a cowling to the air cleaner so as to make the traveling air pass along both side surfaces of the steering head pipe. The intake duct is made of a separate component from the body frame, is two-divided into a front intake duct and a rear intake duct so as to surround the steering head pipe from front and rear sides, and is fixed to the body frame by fastening.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a tail trim using a clad metal plate, and a tail trim made of a clad metal plate, which thus enables decrease in weight and improved corrosion resistance, and which further enables increased heat resistance. The method includes rolling two washed metal materials to obtain an initial clad metal plate, and then heat treating and further rolling the initial clad metal plate to obtain a final clad metal plate; pressing the final clad metal plate, thus forming a main tail trim and a housing, the housing including a tail trim upper cover and a tail trim lower cover; and subjecting the main tail trim and the housing to tungsten inert gas welding, thus manufacturing the tail trim.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling a fuel filler system for use in a vehicle are provided. The fuel filler system includes a closure device assembly and a fuel filler tube. A circumferential rim extends radially outwardly from a first end of the fuel filler tube. The rim has a non-planar cross-sectional shape. The fuel filler system also includes at least one catch member that extends from an inner surface of the closure device assembly. A seal member encircles a portion of the closure device assembly, and is axially spaced apart from the at least one catch member. After the closure device assembly is coupled to the fuel filler tube, the circumferential rim is axially captured between the at least one catch member and the seal member.

Abstract: An ROV includes a body frame, first and second seats each including a seating portion, an engine disposed rearward relative to the seating portions and supported by the body frame, a transmission including a drive shaft and a main shaft configured to rotate by receiving a driving force from a crankshaft, and a transmission case provided as a component separate from the engine and spaced away from the engine and in which the transmission is contained. At least a portion of the transmission case is disposed between the seating portions and above a lower end of the seating portion and a lower end of the seating portion.

Abstract: A transmission includes provisions to mount two accessory drive units and to transmit power to the accessory drive units from an engine. The accessories are driven by an accessory drive gear that is coupled to a torque converter impeller as opposed to a turbine such that power is provided to the accessories regardless of the selected gear state or vehicle speed. The accessory drive gear also transmits power to an off-axis transmission pump. In one embodiment, power is transferred to the accessories via idler gears that is supported by the transmission housing and is present even when no accessory is installed. In another embodiment, the idler gear is supported by the accessory drive unit and is only present when the accessory is installed.

Abstract: A safety shutdown system for a vehicle has a device for detecting a panic-level force applied to a vehicle control with a first state indicative of no detected panic-level forces, and a second state indicative of detected panic-level force. This device is coupled to disable a powerplant of the vehicle when in the second state. In particular embodiments the apparatus for detecting has a hydraulic cylinder coupled to a brake line and detects panic-level force on a brake pedal of the vehicle; and in embodiments the apparatus for detecting is adjustable. In other particular embodiments, a second device disables the powerplant of the vehicle upon detecting panic-level force on an accelerator pedal of the vehicle.