When people in the office talk about temperature sensors they are almost certainly talking about part of a car emission control system. The engine control system adjusts the fuel and air-flow to the combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine depending on its temperature. If the temperature sensor is faulty, then the engine will not run correctly, if it runs at all.
Older drivers may remember the manual choke control that you pulled out to start the engine when it was cold, and how this was superseded by the automatic choke. Somehow the manual choke never went wrong, unlike its new and allegedly better replacement.
Temperature sensors are one of the most frequently replaced parts in an automobile.
Temperature sensors away from the world of motoring are designed to measure the temperature at different stages of a chemical or other industrial process and feed back that data to a control center. Pyrometers are specialist temperature measuring devices with a very fast response time and a very high operating temperature range.
Pyrometers may have a response time as low as 5 milliseconds and can measure the temperature without contact with the material. These features mean that a pyrometer is essential where a manufacturer wants to measure the temperature of a rapidly moving steel rod or even of a molten steel stream.
A pyrometer works by analysing the thermal radiation emitted by a hot object.
All black bodies emit radiation of the same frequency at the same temperature. An optical pyrometer the frequency emitted by an electrically heated filament is matched with the frequency of the radiation emitted by the hot object/material under test. When the two match they are the same temperature. The temperature of the filament is obtained by referring to tables of data and operating conditions.
In a radiation pyrometer the radiation emitted from the object/material under test is detected using sensor such as a thermocouple.
socialphobiaworld
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tech Tips For Summertime Road Trips
As people start to plan their vacations, many are choosing to hit the highway rather than travel by plane. But as many experienced travelers could tell you, a great road trip is often made before you leave-by making sure you have the right items to ensure a more entertaining and enjoyable vacation.
You have a map. You packed your snacks. But have you thought about the tech gear you might need for the road? Read on.
Satellite Radio
Anyone who's taken a road trip knows the frustration of fumbling with the radio tuner and finding nothing but static between cities. With satellite radio, travelers can enjoy crystal-clear, commercial-free music wherever they go. SIRIUS satellite radio, for example, offers 120 channels of music, sports and entertainment and several different receiver options for the car.
iPod Accessories
New iPod accessories make it easy to take your favorite playlist on the road. The Digital Lifestyle Outfitters TransPod, for example, lets travelers play their iPod through the car stereo, while simultaneously charging the battery.
With the JBL On Tour Portable Speaker, you can take your tunes to the beach, your hotel room or any other destination along the way. Other accessories such as Accurian skins and cases help keep your iPod safe and scratch-free during your trip.
Digital Cameras
Memories are what matter, so you'll need a good digital camera and photo printer to share them. Digital photography bundles such as the Kodak C340 come with everything you need for on-the-spot picture taking and printing. The camera offers point-and-shoot simplicity and easily connects to the included printer to create brilliant photo postcards.
Another option is the sleek Casio EXZ60, which packs a lot of power into a superslim package. It offers 6.0 MP resolution, an anti-shake feature and can easily fit into your pocket.
Portable DVD Players
RadioShack offers a wide variety of portable DVD players, including an all-in-one portable TV/DVD player/radio/alarm that is perfect for road trips. It features a 7" wide LCD screen for clear viewing of your favorite TV shows and movies, and the alarm is a nice backup if you sleep through your first wake-up call!
Portable Navigation
Nothing ruins a road trip faster than getting lost in an unfamiliar city. If you're directionally challenged, you might pick up a handheld navigation device such as the Magellan RoadMate 760 Portable GPS Receiver. This model offers voice prompting, a 3-D visual indicator and a SmartDetour feature to help find alternative routes around traffic-all around the U.S., Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Canada.
vocaleyes
You have a map. You packed your snacks. But have you thought about the tech gear you might need for the road? Read on.
Satellite Radio
Anyone who's taken a road trip knows the frustration of fumbling with the radio tuner and finding nothing but static between cities. With satellite radio, travelers can enjoy crystal-clear, commercial-free music wherever they go. SIRIUS satellite radio, for example, offers 120 channels of music, sports and entertainment and several different receiver options for the car.
iPod Accessories
New iPod accessories make it easy to take your favorite playlist on the road. The Digital Lifestyle Outfitters TransPod, for example, lets travelers play their iPod through the car stereo, while simultaneously charging the battery.
With the JBL On Tour Portable Speaker, you can take your tunes to the beach, your hotel room or any other destination along the way. Other accessories such as Accurian skins and cases help keep your iPod safe and scratch-free during your trip.
Digital Cameras
Memories are what matter, so you'll need a good digital camera and photo printer to share them. Digital photography bundles such as the Kodak C340 come with everything you need for on-the-spot picture taking and printing. The camera offers point-and-shoot simplicity and easily connects to the included printer to create brilliant photo postcards.
Another option is the sleek Casio EXZ60, which packs a lot of power into a superslim package. It offers 6.0 MP resolution, an anti-shake feature and can easily fit into your pocket.
Portable DVD Players
RadioShack offers a wide variety of portable DVD players, including an all-in-one portable TV/DVD player/radio/alarm that is perfect for road trips. It features a 7" wide LCD screen for clear viewing of your favorite TV shows and movies, and the alarm is a nice backup if you sleep through your first wake-up call!
Portable Navigation
Nothing ruins a road trip faster than getting lost in an unfamiliar city. If you're directionally challenged, you might pick up a handheld navigation device such as the Magellan RoadMate 760 Portable GPS Receiver. This model offers voice prompting, a 3-D visual indicator and a SmartDetour feature to help find alternative routes around traffic-all around the U.S., Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Canada.
vocaleyes
Tactical Driving Tips
The winter and driving shopping season is right around the corner. We need to remember that in the winter, with snow and freezing conditions, our driving tactics need to change. Accidents will occur on the snow and ice that wouldn't on dry pavement. This article will cover the important things to remember and how to drive safely.
The most important thing that everyone needs to remember is that you cannot stop as fast on icy or snow covered pavement. You need to drive slower which will give you more time to slow down. When you need to come to a stop anywhere give yourself more time by starting to slow down earlier than usual. When driving behind other vehicles make sure that you leave a
bigger distance between you and the vehicle in front. This way you will have more time to slow down and also react to unexpected stops.
Slow down everywhere and anything that you do. Take turns slower, drive on straight roads slower and slow down alittle even on slight curves in the road. Anytime you have to turn that steering wheel ease of the gas appropiately. You need to be deliberate in all your actions. Anytime that you need to push
on the pedals, gas or brake, do it easily and steady. When making a turn ease that steering wheel slowly and don't make fast jerky movements.
Always be aware of your road conditions. Even when it is not snowing the road will ice up in places where there is moisture. This will happen more during the overnight hours when it is colder and there is no sunlight. Sometimes a spot will look just wet but is is actually ice, "black ice" as we know it. Be aware of bridges and overpasses. These road surfaces are always colder and therefore freezes up first. If you do find yourself
on ice just coast, don't brake or turn the wheel, until you pass over it.
Drive defensively. Always be on the lookout for other motorists that are making all of the mistakes. Approach intersections cautiously looking for other skidding vehicles. Keep an eye in your rear view mirror for vehicles hitting you from behind. Keep enough distance away from everyone so you don't become part of their accident.
Even after taking all your precautions you will eventually find yourself involved in a sliding situation. When you do, DON'T PANIC! Take your foot of the gas and don't hit the brakes. You then want to steer your car into the skid. People always hear that but don't know what to do anyway. If you are driving straight and the rear of your vehicle is sliding to the left and the
front of the vehicle to the right, then you need to countersteer your car to the left. If the car corrects itself then straighten the wheel back out. Sometimes the car will over correct itself and now it is sliding the other way. If this happens just countersteer again in the opposite direction.
Follow these tips and hopefully you won't become the next accident statistic. People with suv's are not immune to these rules. Remember not to drink and drive, stay off of your cell phone and always wear your seatbelt.
amcharts.com
The most important thing that everyone needs to remember is that you cannot stop as fast on icy or snow covered pavement. You need to drive slower which will give you more time to slow down. When you need to come to a stop anywhere give yourself more time by starting to slow down earlier than usual. When driving behind other vehicles make sure that you leave a
bigger distance between you and the vehicle in front. This way you will have more time to slow down and also react to unexpected stops.
Slow down everywhere and anything that you do. Take turns slower, drive on straight roads slower and slow down alittle even on slight curves in the road. Anytime you have to turn that steering wheel ease of the gas appropiately. You need to be deliberate in all your actions. Anytime that you need to push
on the pedals, gas or brake, do it easily and steady. When making a turn ease that steering wheel slowly and don't make fast jerky movements.
Always be aware of your road conditions. Even when it is not snowing the road will ice up in places where there is moisture. This will happen more during the overnight hours when it is colder and there is no sunlight. Sometimes a spot will look just wet but is is actually ice, "black ice" as we know it. Be aware of bridges and overpasses. These road surfaces are always colder and therefore freezes up first. If you do find yourself
on ice just coast, don't brake or turn the wheel, until you pass over it.
Drive defensively. Always be on the lookout for other motorists that are making all of the mistakes. Approach intersections cautiously looking for other skidding vehicles. Keep an eye in your rear view mirror for vehicles hitting you from behind. Keep enough distance away from everyone so you don't become part of their accident.
Even after taking all your precautions you will eventually find yourself involved in a sliding situation. When you do, DON'T PANIC! Take your foot of the gas and don't hit the brakes. You then want to steer your car into the skid. People always hear that but don't know what to do anyway. If you are driving straight and the rear of your vehicle is sliding to the left and the
front of the vehicle to the right, then you need to countersteer your car to the left. If the car corrects itself then straighten the wheel back out. Sometimes the car will over correct itself and now it is sliding the other way. If this happens just countersteer again in the opposite direction.
Follow these tips and hopefully you won't become the next accident statistic. People with suv's are not immune to these rules. Remember not to drink and drive, stay off of your cell phone and always wear your seatbelt.
amcharts.com
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Stay On the Road To Safety In All Conditions
Sometimes, whether or not you're a good driver is less important than the weather you're driving in. Of the nearly 6.2 million traffic accidents that occur a year, approximately one million are weather-related, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Fortunately, newer vehicles are now equipped with sophisticated technology solutions to help drivers navigate through a variety of weather conditions safely.
Before you get caught in the next storm or even rain shower, take time to think through the poor weather conditions you may encounter and what you need to do to stay safe.
• Take a Brake: If you've ever had your brakes lock up on slippery surfaces, you know why to look for vehicles with Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS). With this technology, drivers can apply maximum brake pressure without fear of locking up the tires or skidding out of control.
• Burnin' Rubber: To keep your wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces, look for vehicles with Traction Control Systems (TCS). This technology prevents wheels from spinning during acceleration on normal or slippery surfaces by applying brakes to all four wheels. The newest version of this technology, called All-Speed Traction Control, decreases excess engine power to give you the best acceleration on slippery surfaces.
• The Straight and Narrow: You're less likely to go off the road or lose control of your vehicle after swerving to miss something ahead in a vehicle with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP). This system keeps vehicles moving in the intended direction of travel by applying selective throttle and braking to the appropriate wheels to get the vehicle back on course. This is especially important when driving on mixed surface conditions, such as snow, sleet, ice or gravel, but works on all surfaces.
• Stop, Drop and Roll: If vehicle rollover is a concern, look for vehicles with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM). If driving conditions approach a rollover scenario, ERM applies a burst of full-braking power to the appropriate wheel to help stabilize the vehicle.
While the latest technology systems operate automatically, it is important for drivers to understand their vehicle's safety and technology features according to leading safety experts at the Chrysler Group.
"Taking the time to understand the latest safety technology available in new vehicles will give consumers the knowledge they need to face the varying weather conditions," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President Product Development, Chrysler Group. "These features will help drivers and passengers stay safe and will help reduce the number of weather-related traffic accidents that occur on the road."
provideocoalition.com
Fortunately, newer vehicles are now equipped with sophisticated technology solutions to help drivers navigate through a variety of weather conditions safely.
Before you get caught in the next storm or even rain shower, take time to think through the poor weather conditions you may encounter and what you need to do to stay safe.
• Take a Brake: If you've ever had your brakes lock up on slippery surfaces, you know why to look for vehicles with Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS). With this technology, drivers can apply maximum brake pressure without fear of locking up the tires or skidding out of control.
• Burnin' Rubber: To keep your wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces, look for vehicles with Traction Control Systems (TCS). This technology prevents wheels from spinning during acceleration on normal or slippery surfaces by applying brakes to all four wheels. The newest version of this technology, called All-Speed Traction Control, decreases excess engine power to give you the best acceleration on slippery surfaces.
• The Straight and Narrow: You're less likely to go off the road or lose control of your vehicle after swerving to miss something ahead in a vehicle with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP). This system keeps vehicles moving in the intended direction of travel by applying selective throttle and braking to the appropriate wheels to get the vehicle back on course. This is especially important when driving on mixed surface conditions, such as snow, sleet, ice or gravel, but works on all surfaces.
• Stop, Drop and Roll: If vehicle rollover is a concern, look for vehicles with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM). If driving conditions approach a rollover scenario, ERM applies a burst of full-braking power to the appropriate wheel to help stabilize the vehicle.
While the latest technology systems operate automatically, it is important for drivers to understand their vehicle's safety and technology features according to leading safety experts at the Chrysler Group.
"Taking the time to understand the latest safety technology available in new vehicles will give consumers the knowledge they need to face the varying weather conditions," said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President Product Development, Chrysler Group. "These features will help drivers and passengers stay safe and will help reduce the number of weather-related traffic accidents that occur on the road."
provideocoalition.com
Speeding Ticket – The Legal Basics You Need To Know
If you have chosen to fight your speeding ticket in court, then you’ll need to know the basics of how to act while you’re in court. With this in mind, I’ve prepared for you some basics of how to behave in court.
Here they are:
Make sure you are well dressed. If you are dressed inappropriately, it will be seen as an insult to the court…and this is NOT going to help your case.
ALWAYS be polite and courteous to everyone there. This includes the judge, the prosecutor, and the police officer. Also, remember that these people know each other very well. Always be nice to these people.
The idea of innocent until proven guilty is for the movies. It doesn’t work like this in real life. Remember the only thing separating you and a conviction is evidence.
If you admit to anything in the court room, the charge against you can be changed at a moments notice. You can be found guilty if it comes from your own mouth. If anyone in the court room (judge, magistrate or prosecutor) asks you anything whatsoever about the ticket, be courteous…and say you would prefer not to testify against yourself.
Remember that the proof required in criminal cases is beyond reasonable count. The key word in all of this is reasonable. If you don’t challenge the evidence, it will be presumed reasonable by everyone in the court room.
Remember that you are being charged for a specific speed. Not just for driving fast. The prosecution will try to show evidence that you were driving a specific amount over the limit, not that you were simply driving “fast”.
You do not need to try and prove your innocence. You simply need to prove that the prosecutions evidence is either unreliable, or is inadmissible. This is an important distinction which you need to keep in mind.
bakersfieldvoice.com
Here they are:
Make sure you are well dressed. If you are dressed inappropriately, it will be seen as an insult to the court…and this is NOT going to help your case.
ALWAYS be polite and courteous to everyone there. This includes the judge, the prosecutor, and the police officer. Also, remember that these people know each other very well. Always be nice to these people.
The idea of innocent until proven guilty is for the movies. It doesn’t work like this in real life. Remember the only thing separating you and a conviction is evidence.
If you admit to anything in the court room, the charge against you can be changed at a moments notice. You can be found guilty if it comes from your own mouth. If anyone in the court room (judge, magistrate or prosecutor) asks you anything whatsoever about the ticket, be courteous…and say you would prefer not to testify against yourself.
Remember that the proof required in criminal cases is beyond reasonable count. The key word in all of this is reasonable. If you don’t challenge the evidence, it will be presumed reasonable by everyone in the court room.
Remember that you are being charged for a specific speed. Not just for driving fast. The prosecution will try to show evidence that you were driving a specific amount over the limit, not that you were simply driving “fast”.
You do not need to try and prove your innocence. You simply need to prove that the prosecutions evidence is either unreliable, or is inadmissible. This is an important distinction which you need to keep in mind.
bakersfieldvoice.com
Specialty Motor Oil Protects Cars From Effects of Ethanol
Ethanol demand is rising. If you fuel your car in the U.S., you are putting ethanol in your gas tank because regular gasoline now contains at least 10 percent ethanol. And many gas stations are replacing their mid-grade gasoline with E85, which is 85 percent ethanol.
The strategy seems to be working. According to Bob Dinneen, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, the U.S. has already reduced its fuel consumption considerably.
The increased use of ethanol is good news in terms of energy independence and environmental friendliness. However, its use can form acids and lead to oxidation of internal engine parts if you do not use the right motor oil.
Lubrilon, a specialty automotive oil, was specifically formulated for use with all ethanol-blended fuels. Lubrilon multi-viscosity motor oils are SAE and API licensed for use in all gasoline engines, and are engineered to help combat the acids formed when burning any modern ethanol fuel blend, including gasoline and E85.
While the name Lubrilon may be new to the average consumer, it is recognized by specialty shops, racing fans and aircraft mechanics across the U.S. Throughout its 30-year history, the Lubrilon name has been known for its lubrication products for the automotive, racing and aviation industries.
The original formula, an engine protection treatment, is still available today. That formula has been determined by university and government testing laboratories to be a one-time, permanent engine protection that virtually eliminates wear. It's the only product of its kind on the market.
macheist.com
The strategy seems to be working. According to Bob Dinneen, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, the U.S. has already reduced its fuel consumption considerably.
The increased use of ethanol is good news in terms of energy independence and environmental friendliness. However, its use can form acids and lead to oxidation of internal engine parts if you do not use the right motor oil.
Lubrilon, a specialty automotive oil, was specifically formulated for use with all ethanol-blended fuels. Lubrilon multi-viscosity motor oils are SAE and API licensed for use in all gasoline engines, and are engineered to help combat the acids formed when burning any modern ethanol fuel blend, including gasoline and E85.
While the name Lubrilon may be new to the average consumer, it is recognized by specialty shops, racing fans and aircraft mechanics across the U.S. Throughout its 30-year history, the Lubrilon name has been known for its lubrication products for the automotive, racing and aviation industries.
The original formula, an engine protection treatment, is still available today. That formula has been determined by university and government testing laboratories to be a one-time, permanent engine protection that virtually eliminates wear. It's the only product of its kind on the market.
macheist.com
Speaking Up About Vehicle Safety
If you think there's no use in complaining, think again. Consumer complaints about vehicle safety have sparked a number of auto recalls that have helped keep American roads safe.
How many complaints does it take to initiate a recall investigation? There is no set number. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every consumer complaint counts.
The NHTSA is perhaps most recognized for its "5-star government crash test ratings." However, the agency also oversees and manages the recall of defective vehicles. While most recalls are initiated by manufacturers, NHTSA-influenced or -initiated recalls typically result in a greater number of individual vehicles being recalled each year.
To encourage consumer input, the agency uses every available avenue. Efforts to get unsafe vehicles off the road are fueled by calls to the DOT Vehicle Safety Hotline, complaints sent by mail, and reports filed via the Web site at www.safercar.gov. Visitors to the site can fill out an online complaint form, at their convenience, and with relative ease of use.
Every phone call, Internet report or complaint letter to NHTSA is carefully reviewed by vehicle safety experts and the complaint is posted (with names and personal identifiers removed to protect privacy) on the agency Web site.
The agency's technical staff members continuously monitor all complaints to determine trends and next steps. As soon as a trend is suspected and the issue poses a potential safety risk, the agency opens an official recall investigation, with the ultimate goal of saving lives caused by motor vehicle failure and crashes. It could be your vehicle safety complaint that signals agency engineers to open an investigation.
The group says that people having problems with their vehicles that they think are safety related shouldn't hesitate to complain. Direct input from consumers is invaluable to the agency's ability to fulfill its mission and improve service when it matters most: when lives are at stake.
flaminglips.com
How many complaints does it take to initiate a recall investigation? There is no set number. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every consumer complaint counts.
The NHTSA is perhaps most recognized for its "5-star government crash test ratings." However, the agency also oversees and manages the recall of defective vehicles. While most recalls are initiated by manufacturers, NHTSA-influenced or -initiated recalls typically result in a greater number of individual vehicles being recalled each year.
To encourage consumer input, the agency uses every available avenue. Efforts to get unsafe vehicles off the road are fueled by calls to the DOT Vehicle Safety Hotline, complaints sent by mail, and reports filed via the Web site at www.safercar.gov. Visitors to the site can fill out an online complaint form, at their convenience, and with relative ease of use.
Every phone call, Internet report or complaint letter to NHTSA is carefully reviewed by vehicle safety experts and the complaint is posted (with names and personal identifiers removed to protect privacy) on the agency Web site.
The agency's technical staff members continuously monitor all complaints to determine trends and next steps. As soon as a trend is suspected and the issue poses a potential safety risk, the agency opens an official recall investigation, with the ultimate goal of saving lives caused by motor vehicle failure and crashes. It could be your vehicle safety complaint that signals agency engineers to open an investigation.
The group says that people having problems with their vehicles that they think are safety related shouldn't hesitate to complain. Direct input from consumers is invaluable to the agency's ability to fulfill its mission and improve service when it matters most: when lives are at stake.
flaminglips.com
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