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Auto Darkening Welding Helmets are the best welding helmets to protect a welder’s eye from flash damage in welding applications. Auto Darkening welding helmet filters offer the same level of protection as a standard welding helmet filter. Auto darkening filters detect the flash of the arc and darken so fast the eye cannot detect it. Remember welder’s flash is the cause of 6% of construction related injuries and purchasing a good auto darkening welding helmet will go a long way to prevent needless injuries. Remember an auto darkening filter still protects your eyes from UV and IR light even when it is not darkened.

Here are some common terms and definitions to help you decide which features you want in an auto darkening welding helmet:

Delay Adjustment: allows user to adjust the amount of time before the lens transitions back to light state

Sensitivity Adjustment: allows user to fine tune unit depending on ambient light or arc intensity; allows low amp, DC TIG welding other units cannot do

Solar Battery Life Extender: extends welding hours; solar cell increases economical operation-decreases battery replacement cost and downtime

Intellisense: allows unit to detect welds less than 5 amps

3N1: 3 modes of operation grind (clear state), weld (shade 8.5-12.5) and oxyfuel gas cutting (shade 5); one hood for every welding process.

HTLS Lightstate: shade 3.75 clear state, the clearest PI filter available; allows good color and visibility for hood down set up in low ambient light settings

Independent Redundant Sensors: if one sensor is blocked or damaged, the unit’s performance will not be damaged; enables welder to work in tight areas.

Auto Off: manually shut down unit when not in use, or automatic shut-off after 20 minutes non-use; maximizes battery life.

ClimaSensor Technology: tests the ambient air temperature three times per minute and automatically adjusts to ensure true shade when welding

EMI Coating: special coating designed to shield and protect electronics against extreme electromagnetic interference. Jason has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve the automotive and industrial industries. - Automotive Tools.

Source: ArticleSphere.

The other day, I put a scare into both myself and a driver when I almost stepped out in front of her hybrid car. She was shaken up and looked stunned that an adult would be so careless. I was just embarrassed.

But as I told a friend about it the next day, I found that it’s more common than I thought. He had done the same thing a few weeks earlier. Then, someone else told me about a woman who was putting groceries in the trunk of her car and didn’t even realize that a hybrid vehicle nearly backed into her!

Hybrid cars are so popular that auto manufacturers are having a hard time keeping up with the demand. The ones already on the market include Toyota Prius, Toyota Camry, Toyota Highlander, Lexus, Honda Civic, Honda Accord and the Ford Escape.

They use both gas and batteries to operate. At higher speeds, they run on gasoline just like any other car. However, at lower speeds (such as less than 20 mph), hybrids are powered by batteries. At the slower speeds, these battery-powered cars have virtually no noise compared to their motorized counterparts that have a running engine.

As great as they are for the environment, the problem is, you can’t always hear them coming!

Pedestrian groups say the lack of noise poses a new hazard to people,especially those who are blind or don’t hear very well. While these groups are still in favor of the benefits that hybrid cars offer - a cleaner, greener environment and less noise pollution - they say these new safety concerns need to be addressed and are working with manufacturers to come up with solutions.

Meanwhile, it’s up to us.Both drivers of hybrid cars and pedestrians need to be reminded that things are a little different than they used to be.

* Whether you are driving or walking - Be aware of what’s going on around you and never make someone else responsible for your safety!

* Remember and practice proper safety measures when crossing the street. Use crosswalks, look both ways, and don’t walk out from between cars.

* Be extra alert if you are talking on your cell phone or having a heated conversation.

* Be clearly visible to the driver. Make sure they see you. Crossing the street from between two parked cars makes it difficult and is extra risky. That goes double if it’s after dark.

* Look for signals on automobiles that can tell you they are in operation. Look for reverse lights. Look for headlights. Cars manufactured within the last few years come with daytime running lights. If the lights are on, that can be a signal that the driver is getting ready to pull out.

* Always make sure you have emergency contact information with you, whether you’re driving or walking.

Hybrid cars are here to stay and lots of us like that idea, but everyone needs to take extra precautions to safeguard themselves as pedestrians. If you driv one yourself, just remember pedestrians can’t necessarily hear you coming, so be extra alert when they are present. Valerie Nay is the founder of Emergency Contacts and writes a free monthly newsletter full of valuable information to help you and your family stay safe.

Source: ArticleSphere.

As any mechanic knows, the ability to offer a comprehensive service to customers, being able to offer repairs and care for all aspects of a motor vehicle maintenance program is key to being able to retain customers. Air Conditioning is more or less standard across all models these days, and while in the past, AC maintenance was a highly skilled and niche market, it is now an essential side of the business and key to any workshop’s continued success.

In order to ensure that refrigerant is recovered properly from a car’s air conditioning system during servicing, a workshop must use an automotive AC machine. These devices prevent the release through venting of CFC gases. EPA guidelines require that when a car is being serviced, the Freon, or CFC12 that is used as the coolant should be collected and recycled in order that it is not released into the environment where it can potentially damage the ozone layer.

The refrigerant used in most motor vehicle air conditioning systems is based on chlorofluorocarbons, which have been linked with causing damage to the ozone layer, and as such, the control of these substances is of particular concern to the environmental protection agency. Whenever a car air conditioning system undergoes maintenance, proper care must be taken to protect the environment from the release of CFCs, and this is best done by using automotive AC Machines.

By reusing Freon gas rather than allowing it to be vented into the atmosphere, the environment is protected. However, when the refrigerant is collected from a car’s air conditioning it can be contaminated with water, oil and any of the other liquids that are used in cars. By using automotive AC machines, it is possible to process the refrigerant and remove any of the other fluids from it, allowing it to be reused, either in the same system as it has been drained from, or alternatively, in another car altogether.

There are a whole range of different refrigerant recovery machines on the market to suit all types of workshop, from small operations through to large commercial garages that deal with many different types of car, and need to be able to offer a complete service to clients.

Choosing the right automotive AC machines for your needs can be a daunting task, and too many people simply opt for the cheapest model available, rather than making an informed decision about the best product for their needs. EPA requirements aside, the most important factor when choosing the correct automotive AC machine for your business, is the capacity of the machine to deal with the range of vehicles that you currently work on. You need to choose a machine that can connect easily with all the different types of car that your workshop deals with, and which has enough capacity to recover and treat the refrigerant left in the system to remove any impurities.

Basic automotive AC machines such as the Pro Set Oiless Portable Recovery Recycle Unit are flexible enough to reprocess coolant from a fairly wide range of sources, remove any contaminating oils and other liquids, and release the Freon in perfect condition for reuse.

There are other machines in a similar price bracket that are reliable enough for every day use, and yet still compact enough not to require a vast amount of space in your workshop. Automotive AC Machines such as the Inficon Vortex refrigerant recovery machine are ideally suited to occasional use, and are very compact.

If offering AC repairs and servicing is key to your business, then having the right tools for the job is essential. Getting it right at the beginning when you choose an AC coolant recovery machine often means choosing a model from the Cool Tech range. These robust and highly regarded specialist tools are at the centre of any serious AC shop, and thanks to their efficiency and great value for money, will pay for themselves over and over again. Jason has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve the automotive and industrial industries. - Air Compressors.

Source: ArticleSphere.

The name Robinair is synonymous with quality and respect in the automotive air conditioning industry. They produce a full line of air conditioning service products and are used by professional mechanics worldwide. One of their best known products in their top of line high quality vacuum pumps is the Robinair 15600. This model is the choice of professional air conditioning mechanics and auto shops worldwide.

Robinair 15600 is the industry standard.

The most common air conditioning vacuum pump is the Robinair 15600. This versatile vacuum pump is a 6 cfm, 2 stage vacuum pump that is most often found in the automotive service shops. For the professional automotive shop, the 6 cfm is minimum size vacuum pump you need. This size can handle vehicle air conditioning systems ranging from a car all the way to buses and RVs. The Robinair 15600 has the cfm to removc moisture and air from most vehicle air conditioning systems. This unit has the power reach a 600 micron vacuum in under 60 minutes on most air conditioning systems. A weaker unit takes more than twice that amount of time. Also, the latest A/C systems are built to much tighter specifications and getting a good solid vacuum has never been more important. The reason is the modern systems are far less tolerant to contaminants and moisture build up and this can cause long term damage. If moisture builds up in the lines, it can crystallize at expansion points in the air conditioning system. This is why pulling a good vacuum is critical. A good solid vacuum in the system will evaporate the moisture and prevent “freeze up”. Moisture causes many other problems. High moisture levels combined with refrigerants is very corrosive to air conditioning systems. You will not notice the effects of corrosion until its done some serious damage.

The Robinair 15600 is a good investment

It may be tempting to use an inexpensive Venturi type vacuum pump. This type a vacuum pump works off of shop air to produce a vacuum on an air conditioning system. They are cheap and relatively easy to use. However, they will not pull a proper vacuum and they leave damaging moisture behind. The Robinair 15600 vacuum pump is a 2 stage model that runs off of 110 volts. The 2 stage rotary design and high cfm rating on the 15600 insure you will get the required 600 microns of vacuum. (It can achieve this under 60 minutes saving you time as well.) Venturi type vacuum pumps are really made for the home garage mechanic and professional air conditioning service techs do not use them. A good 2 stage vacuum pump will pay for itself over time and produce far better results.

Robinair produces vacuum pumps with lower cfm ratings and they may be fine for your particular application. All of the Robinair vacuum pumps are 2 stage and built to the industry’s highest standards. But if your operating a automotive service shop or maintain a varied fleet of cars and trucks, the Robinair 15600 should have you covered for most air conditioning systems. Jason has been in the construction equipment and industrial sales business for over 10 years. He owns and operates Red Hill Supply to better serve the automotive and industrial industries. - Air Compressors.

Source: ArticleSphere.

If you’re one of those who drives a BMW 3 or 5 series or X5 built between 2002 and 2006 and are seeking a way to bring your car’s sound system up to date, consider a BMW Bluetooth retrofit for your automobile.

What Is Bluetooth?

You’ve probably heard of Bluetooth, but may not know exactly what it is, how it works or why you should equip your older vehicle with a BMW Bluetooth retrofit.

Bluetooth technology (named after a rather despotic Scandinavian king of the late Viking Age) is really a type of electronic protocol – an industry standard that allows different electronic devices such as personal computers, printers, cell phones, and a wide range of digital devices to connect to each other and exchange information without the need for cumbersome cables and wires. It operates in a manner that is similar to a short-range radio frequency.

Uses and Capabilities

Bluetooth is highly effective for small devices that are in close proximity (up to 100 meters apart, depending on whether the device is Class I, II or III). Because of this, a BMW Bluetooth retrofit is ideal for the small, enclosed environment of an automobile interior.

If you’re like many busy people, you have a mobile phone with you and activated most of the time – including drive time. However, use of a cell phone while driving is unsafe, and actually illegal in many places. By installing a BMW Bluetooth retrofit in your classic vehicle, you’ll enjoy “hands-free” communication when receiving an important call while behind the wheel. You won’t even have to remove your cell phone from your pocket!

Taking It To The Next Level

A BMW Bluetooth retrofit allows you to integrate your cell phone into your vehicle quickly and easily. One of the most useful aspects of this is the ability to activate your cell phone and dial a number using voice commands. If your phone is equipped with this capability, you can simply speak the number you wish to dial, and your BMW Bluetooth retrofit allows it to dial it for you – automatically!

In addition, newer phones and navigation systems can display information right on your vehicle’s own digital displays (i.e., the instrument cluster).

No More Missed Calls

You probably enjoy playing your radio or CDs while commuting. You’ll be glad to know that the BMW Bluetooth retrofit automatically mutes the music or other audio programming when receiving or making a call.

Get Started Now

The BMW Bluetooth retrofit is designed for simple installation using the original manufacturer wiring. It really is as simple as “plug and play,” and afterwards, you’ll be able to control all of your cell phone’s functions using nothing more than the steering wheel controls, radio knobs and of course, your own voice. Visit a reputable audio installer today and find out how easy and economical it is to update your vehicle with a BMW Bluetooth retrofit. Wayne Hemrick installs audio systems for BMW’s. Specializing in the BMW Bluetooth retrofit, Wayne provides advice on BMW Bluetooth installation. For those considering a BMW Bluetooth retrofit, Wayne’s advice will be helpful in understanding how the BMW Bluetooth kits work.

Source: ArticleSphere.

Hybrid Technologies will be presenting its advanced lithium Smart Car developed for NASA to the panel of Governors which includes elected officials and political figures at the National Governors Convention Forum on Alternative Energy.

Hybrid will be presenting its vehicles along with Chrysler, General Motors, and Ford Motor Company. The National Governors Convention invited the following advanced vehicles to the Summit:

-E85 Flexible-Fuel Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler, LLC.
-Flexible-Fuel Ford Hybrid Electric SUV , Ford Motor Company.
-Plug-in Hybrid Electric Chevy Volt, General Motors.
-Li-Ion Smart Car, Hybrid Technologies, Inc.

President of Hybrid Technologies, Holly Roseberry, stated “We are pleased to see Hybrid Technologies has been given the same platform as Ford, GM and Chrysler as they are amongst the world’s largest automotive corporations.”

Hybrid Technologies Smart Car Speed: Up to 70 mph Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds Range: 100+ miles Charge Time: 6-8 hours (220-240 VAC) for full charge Cycle Life: 1500+ full charges Electric Motor: 3 phase, brushless A/C motor - 43 kW peak (58 hp) Batteries: 10 (440 lbs / 181 kg) maintenance-free lithium ion packs Charger: Onboard 110 VAC or 220 VAC input

The National Governors Convention on December 13th, 2007 is part of NGA Governors’ Summit on Alternative Transportation Fuels and Advanced Vehicles. Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation’s governors and one of Washington, D.C.‘s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services ranging from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues, to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices.

[source: Hybrid Technologies]

(PressMediaWire) DETROIT - Six-time Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige, known as the “Queen of R&B,” will perform in GM Style, a car-and-star-studded affair on the Detroit riverfront, on Saturday, Jan. 12, leading up to the 2008 North American International Auto Show.

Similar to last year’s inaugural GM Style event, the invitation-only affair will feature the world debut of GM global concept and production cars, as well as favorites revealed during 2007, including the Chevrolet Beat and Saturn Astra Tuner. All the GM Style showcase vehicles will be introduced - fashion runway style - to live music. More cars and talent will be announced in the coming weeks.

Blige has sold 40 million recordings since the release of her debut “What’s the 411?” in 1991; her eighth album, “Growing Pains,” hits stores on Dec. 18. A native of Yonkers, N.Y., she was “discovered” in 1988 when she recorded an impromptu cover of Detroiter Anita Baker’s “Rapture” at a recording booth in a local shopping mall. In addition to her six Grammys, she has earned another 23 nominations.

“We’re thrilled that Ms. Blige will join our GM Style celebration, because she embodies the new spirit behind our cars and trucks,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, Global Design. “The combination of music and fashion is a natural fit with this event: Travel the world and tell people you’re a designer from Detroit, and chances are they’ll want to talk about great cars and great music.”

Musical stars won’t command all of the attention at GM Style, though. The Chevrolet Beat, conceived to evoke the mood of a speedy micro import tuner, comes to Detroit for the first time since its introduction last spring. The Beat was so popular among nearly 2 million online voters that it inspired a production car GM will build for markets outside of the U.S.

The Saturn Astra Tuner concept, revealed recently at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, comes to Detroit, too, and applies some of the latest bolt-on performance and appearance components - including eye-catching 19-inch wheels - to show what’s possible with Saturn’s all-new, European-bred subcompact.

The GM Style party will be held in a football field-size, climate-controlled pavilion on the Detroit River, just east of GM’s Global Headquarters at the Renaissance Center. In addition to kicking off the world’s largest auto show, which opens to the media the following day, GM Style kicks off a series of activities, called GMnext, leading up to the start of GM’s next 100 years. The corporation turns 100 on Sept. 16, 2008.

At the inaugural extravaganza last January, more than 1,200 media and invited guests filled the pavilion to see 17 global concepts and production vehicles accompanied by Hollywood stars such as Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson, actor Christian Slater and hip-hop mogul Jay-Z. The event was covered by national and international media and simulcast on gm.com.

“It was a fantastic stage for us to showcase our global design capabilities and a festive way to welcome media and guests to our global headquarters in Detroit,” said Welburn. “The event created a lot of enthusiasm and excitement for the great vehicles we introduced in 2007, and I expect that the momentum will continue through 2008 as we celebrate GM’s second century.”

About GM

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world’s largest automaker, has been the annual global industry sales leader for 76 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 280,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2006, nearly 9.1 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

Two versions of the brand-new Alfa 147 Ducati Corse have been presented at the Bologna Motorshow: a Special Series developed from the successful partnership between two great Italian names who have written memorable chapters in the history of international racing. At the end of the press conference the Managing Director of Alfa Romeo Automobiles, Antonio Baravalle handed over the keys of a new Alfa 147 Ducati Corse to the CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, Gabriele Del Torchio. Only a limited number of the special series will be produced.

The well-designed customisation is another distinctive feature of the new Alfa 147 Ducati Corse, such as the chromed exhaust, red brake calipers (optional), satin-finished grille and whiskers. Exclusive features on this version are the 18” alloys with specific finish and red edging, reminiscent of the world of road going bikes.
Other signs of the sporting connection can be found inside the car, such as the dark roof, black front dash and pillars, the specially designed seats upholstered in black fabric with red stitching and the Ducati Corse logo on the front head rests. The steering wheel, gear lever sleeve and hand brake cover also feature the red/black colour contrast. Inside the car there is also an aluminium pedal board, aluminium-effect gear lever knob, kick panel with the Ducati Corse logo, instrument panel with red background and the Ducati Corse logo that emphasises the car’s sporty character.

Source: > Here < 

Despite this prototype’s psychedelic look, what you are looking at is the next generation BMW 7-Series testing in Munich. Looking closely at these photos we can now see the most revealing glimpses of the all new styling with a new front grille and a wider and lower hood for a sportier look.

The new 7-Series will feature an 8-speed automatic transmission and the 4×4 xDrive. The gear lever returns to the centre console and we will see a more user friendly information and navigation system.

Engines will range from the 3.0 liter 272hp straight-6, new S65 414hp V8 first introduced in the E92 M3 and we may see a revamped version of the existing 6.0-liter N73 V12 engine.

Set to be launched as a 2009 model, the new 7-Series is likely to make its debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show – or could we be set for a surprise at Geneva?

 [UPDATE]

One of our sources, kindly informs us that this vehicle is definitey not the new 7-Series but instead the current E65 7-Series out testing new camouflage systems for future prototpes, as BMW recently admitted to Germany’s biggest tabloid, BILD magazine.  Normally, it’s us having the last laugh when we expose a prototype in testing, but this time BMW gets the last laugh on us.  As much as I would like to give BMW credit on making such excellent camouflage, the reality is that we should have identified this vehicle despite the bad information we received.

Source: > Here < 

Cox Auto Trader announced the creation
of a new combined print and online publishing unit: Cox
AutoTrader/AutoMart, which produces classified automotive advertising for
dealers and private sellers. This unit is comprised of AutoTrader,
AutoMart, AutoExtra and AutoMercado magazines, as well as other automotive
classified titles. Cox AutoTrader/AutoMart also includes AutoMart.com and
AutoExtra.com web sites. AutoTrader.com continues to operate as a separate
business unit under the Cox Auto Trader umbrella and is unaffected by these
changes.

The formation of the new Cox AutoTrader/AutoMart business unit will
allow its parent company, Cox Auto Trader, to leverage internal resources
more effectively, while offering customers the best of both free and paid
automotive advertising in print publications and online.

Joe George, a 17-year Cox Enterprises veteran who has most recently
served as vice president of business development and strategy for Cox Auto
Trader, will be president of Cox AutoTrader/AutoMart and will report to
Sandy Schwartz, president of Cox Auto Trader.

“Joe has a proven track record of success. Having served in executive
leadership roles for Manheim, AutoTrader.com and Cox Auto Trader, he is
well suited to lead this effort. I’m excited for Joe and for our
businesses,” said Schwartz. “Our new structure puts us in position to
better serve our customers by creating a streamlined and more effective
organization, which enables us to be the best print and online organization
in this competitive environment.”

All functional areas including sales, internet, finance, IT, marketing
and human resources will report to George. As he locates opportunities for
synergy within the new business unit, George will also work to identify
potential partnerships and business alliances with sister company
AutoTrader.com, as well as across all of Cox Enterprises’ subsidiaries.

“I am excited about the opportunity to reorient the businesses to meet
the demands of a changing environment,” said George. “Our new
organizational structure will grant us increased collaboration and prepare
us to take advantage of future opportunities in the marketplace.”

The formation of this combined unit marks a new way of doing business
for AutoTrader Publishing and AutoMart who traditionally operated with a
more decentralized approach. Bringing these businesses together as a joint
print and online publishing unit allows Cox AutoTrader/AutoMart to offer a
more complete automotive advertising, buying and selling solution for
dealers, private sellers, car buyers and researchers.

About Cox Auto Trader:

Cox Auto Trader is one of the world’s leading providers of online and
print automotive consumer information. Operating business units include
majority-owned AutoTrader.com and Cox AutoTrader/AutoMart. AutoTrader.com
is the internet’s leading auto classifieds marketplace and consumer
information web site with more than 3 million vehicle listings and over 13
million qualified buyers each month. Cox AutoTrader/AutoMart consists of
AutoTrader Publishing, a leading producer of classified automotive
advertising publications with nearly 350 automobile and light truck titles
and a total circulation of 3.5 million per week; and AutoMart, the leading
provider of print and online classified automotive advertising for dealer
customers with more than a million used car internet listings from dealers
combined with print publications in 72 separate markets.