A lubricant, a friction pair having the lubricant and a method for controlling COF between the friction pair are provided. The friction pair includes a first friction part (1) and a second friction part (2). Firstly a lubricant (4) is provided between the first and second friction parts (1, 2). Then a potential is applied on the first friction part (1) via the lubricant (4). And COF is controlled by controlling the potential. The lubricant (4) contains propylene carbonate and a surfactant.

A lubricant, a friction pair having the lubricant and a method for controlling COF between the friction pair are provided. The friction pair includes a first friction part (1) and a second friction part (2). Firstly a lubricant (4) is provided between the first and second friction parts (1, 2). Then a potential is applied on the first friction part (1) via the lubricant (4). And COF is controlled by controlling the potential. The lubricant (4) contains propylene carbonate and a surfactant.

A greasing mechanism for a main electric motor of a vehicle includes a greasing tube that is filled with a semi-solid lubricant and has an indicator member within the greasing tube. The indicator member has a specific gravity that is smaller than that of the semi-solid lubricant and moves in a greasing direction from a first position due to pressure of the semi-solid lubricant during greasing. The greasing mechanism includes a retaining part that has a shape that stops at a second position the indicator member moving during greasing. An indicator window arranged in a portion of the greasing tube including the second position is formed from a component that is at least partially transparent to visible light.

A greasing mechanism for a main electric motor of a vehicle includes a greasing tube that is filled with a semi-solid lubricant and has an indicator member within the greasing tube. The indicator member has a specific gravity that is smaller than that of the semi-solid lubricant and moves in a greasing direction from a first position due to pressure of the semi-solid lubricant during greasing. The greasing mechanism includes a retaining part that has a shape that stops at a second position the indicator member moving during greasing. An indicator window arranged in a portion of the greasing tube including the second position is formed from a component that is at least partially transparent to visible light.

A contaminant sensor (1) for detecting magnetizable contaminants (7) present in a lubricant flow is disclosed. A permanent magnet (3) is arranged movably inside a sensor housing (2). A sensor element (6, 11, 13), e.g. in the form of a distance sensor (6) or a pressure sensor (11), is arranged to detect a displacement of the permanent magnet (3) inside the sensor housing (2), and an indicator is arranged to generate an alert signal when a displacement and/or a rate of change of displacement of the permanent magnet (3) inside the sensor housing (2) exceeds a pre-defined threshold value. The permanent magnet (3) is arranged to move inside the sensor housing (2) in response to magnetizable contaminants (7) collected on an outer surface of the sensor housing (2).

A contaminant sensor (1) for detecting magnetizable contaminants (7) present in a lubricant flow is disclosed. A permanent magnet (3) is arranged movably inside a sensor housing (2). A sensor element (6, 11, 13), e.g. in the form of a distance sensor (6) or a pressure sensor (11), is arranged to detect a displacement of the permanent magnet (3) inside the sensor housing (2), and an indicator is arranged to generate an alert signal when a displacement and/or a rate of change of displacement of the permanent magnet (3) inside the sensor housing (2) exceeds a pre-defined threshold value. The permanent magnet (3) is arranged to move inside the sensor housing (2) in response to magnetizable contaminants (7) collected on an outer surface of the sensor housing (2).

In a valve member, supply and discharge apertures of fluid are formed at a body having a fluid space E. A one electrode Da including a contact T is provided at an aperture edge of the supply aperture and/or a peripheral part of an aperture edge of the body. The body includes another electrode Db, and stores a valve member made of a conductor and opening and closing the supply aperture, and a coil spring made of a conductor and urges the valve member. A guide member made of a conductor is attached onto the valve member. The guide member is formed to secure a flow path of the fluid from the supply aperture to the discharge aperture while being slidable in the fluid space E, has a reception surface facing one end face of the fluid space E while receiving the fluid from the supply aperture.

In a valve member, supply and discharge apertures of fluid are formed at a body having a fluid space E. A one electrode Da including a contact T is provided at an aperture edge of the supply aperture and/or a peripheral part of an aperture edge of the body. The body includes another electrode Db, and stores a valve member made of a conductor and opening and closing the supply aperture, and a coil spring made of a conductor and urges the valve member. A guide member made of a conductor is attached onto the valve member. The guide member is formed to secure a flow path of the fluid from the supply aperture to the discharge aperture while being slidable in the fluid space E, has a reception surface facing one end face of the fluid space E while receiving the fluid from the supply aperture.

Methods of evaluating mixing are disclosed relating to the preparation and mixing of materials. Materials prepared may transition from heterogeneous mixtures to homogenous mixtures while the current of a motor is monitored. Quantities relating to the rate of change of power or the rate of change of entropy may be calculated in evaluating the sufficiency of mixing. Methods of evaluating lubricant degradation are also disclosed.

Methods of evaluating mixing are disclosed relating to the preparation and mixing of materials. Materials prepared may transition from heterogeneous mixtures to homogenous mixtures while the current of a motor is monitored. Quantities relating to the rate of change of power or the rate of change of entropy may be calculated in evaluating the sufficiency of mixing. Methods of evaluating lubricant degradation are also disclosed.