Latest news with #THS
Motor 1
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The 2026 Toyota RAV4's Hybrid System Is Brilliant. Here's Why
Toyota's Hybrid System (THS) doesn't get enough credit. On the market for nearly two decades, THS is one of the most elegant pieces of engineering the car world has ever seen. But it's a system that isn't terribly well understood. Knowing how it works, at least vaguely, is key to fully appreciating THS, and appreciating the brilliance of Toyota making the hybrid system standard across the range of new RAV4s. Here's how it works: THS eschews a traditional transmission to get power to the wheels. Instead, it has two electric motor-generators meshed to a planetary gearset, which sits where a traditional transmission would normally go. As a quick refresher, a planetary gearset consists of a sun gear at the center, planet gears that 'orbit' the sun, and a ring gear around the planets. Some planetary gearsets, like Toyota's, use a separate planet carrier to connect all the planet gears. Photo by: Toyota Motor-Generator 1 (MG1) is the smaller of two, and it's connected directly to the engine and the sun gear of the planetary gearset. It works as a starter for the engine, and in tandem with the engine, as a generator to charge the battery. Motor-Generator 2 (MG2) is larger, and it's connected to the ring gear of the planetary gearset, which itself is connected to the differential. Most of the time, MG2 drives the wheels on its own, but since the engine/MG1 are connected to the same planetary gearset, it too can drive the wheels. So, the engine can operate in series or in parallel with MG2, which gives this system its 'series-parallel' classification. It's complicated, and it isn't. The operating principle is hard to understand—I myself had to do a lot of reading and video-watching before I understood it—but the hardware is very simple. An engine designed to run at efficient RPMs, some electric motors, and a couple of gears. That's it. A conventional automatic transmission might have four or five planetary gearsets on its own. And for all-wheel drive, Toyota just adds a small electric motor working on its own at the rear. This simplicity is a huge part of why THS cars have proven so reliable. Yes, it's Toyota, which takes reliability very seriously, but a relative lack of components means fewer things to break, too. The battery is simple, too. Traditionally, THS cars used old-school Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries, but now, Toyota's moved to more modern lithium-ion. These are much smaller batteries than you'd find in a plug-in hybrid or a full EV. Toyota hasn't told us the RAV4's battery size yet, but the new Camry uses a 1.0-kWh battery. Which is tiny, meaning less weight and fewer gnarly minerals used to make it. Photo by: Toyota Photo by: Toyota The upshot of all this is a system that's reliable, cheap, efficient, and clean. Toyota hasn't given us full specs for the 2026 RAV4 yet, but we can compare hybrid and gas-only 2025 RAV4s to see the upshot of the hybrid system. Going hybrid ups fuel economy from 29 to 39 MPG overall, and reduces C02 emissions from 320 to 224 grams per mile. Big gains. Now multiply that across the additional hundreds of thousands of hybrid RAV4s Toyota will sell annually and you start to get an idea of how big a deal this is. What I love as much as the clever engineering of THS is the fact that it asks nothing of the owner. You fill it up with gas like a regular car—just less often—and you drive it like it's a regular car. No need to change your driving style, or your lifestyle. It's worth noting that Toyota is not the only automaker to offer a hybrid system like this. Honda's two-motor hybrid system is similar and similarly effective, and Ford has also done Toyota-type hybrids for decades. But, Toyota was the pioneer, and it's bold enough to go hybrid-only for two of the most popular cars on the planet, the Camry, and now, the RAV4. An older version of the THS. Photo by: Toyota But in a way, it's not bold. This is an extremely effective and extremely well-proven system, and ultimately, it's a better product. If someone came to me debating a regular RAV4 vs a hybrid model, I'd say without hesitation to go hybrid. It's a no-brainer, and now, Toyota's made the choice for you. It's the right one. More on the RAV4 2026 Toyota RAV4 Debuts With Hybrid-Only Power and a New Sporty Trim The 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR sport Has Real Sports Car Cred Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Deathly decision to boost profits killed thousands in infected blood scandal
A new ITV documentary reveals the terrible truth about Britain's biggest medical disaster, the infected blood scandal From 1970 until the early 1990s, an estimated 30,000 people across the UK were unknowingly involved in the infected blood scandal that was buried for decades. The story of the "worst treatment disaster" in the history of the NHS is set to be explored in a new documentary, The British Blood Scandal: Poisoned at School, following survivors of the 'hushed-up' scandal, and will detail their battle for the truth and justice. Most victims had hereditary bleeding disorder haemophilia - whereby a person's blood doesn't clot properly - and were reassured that a new blood-clotting product, known as Factor VIII, would give them a better chance at a normal life. Instead, they were infected with life-threatening diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C through contaminated blood products provided by the NHS. In 1974, in an effort to address the shortage of Factor VIII, the NHS began importing blood products sourced from America where donors were paid. This encouraged them to lie about their medical past. These imported products were therefore often sourced from high-risk populations, including prisoners and individuals with substance abuse issues. As a result, the blood products were highly susceptible to contamination with deadly viruses, further exacerbating the risks for patients relying on them for treatment. By 1976, concerns were emerging within the NHS about the safety of these imported blood products. Internal memos and reports highlighted the potential risks of contamination, particularly with viruses like Hepatitis C, then known as non-A/non-B hepatitis. However, these warnings are largely ignored, allowing the distribution of dangerous blood products to continue unchecked. The UK government failed to achieve self-sufficiency in blood products, leading to increased dependency on imported Factor VIII concentrate. This product, sourced from large donor pools, carries a heightened risk of viral contamination. The failure to address these risks effectively sets the stage for the widespread infections that would soon follow. In 1982, the US reported the first death of a man with haemophilia who'd been infected by AIDS. Other warnings followed in 1983 in The Lancet and from the WHO, stating that haemophilia patients should be warned of the risks. At this time, The Haemophilia Society (THS) released statements reassuring those with bleeding disorders that Factor VIII treatments were safe. The organisation later 'apologised unreservedly' for these reassurances, which 'while well-intentioned and based on expert advice, have subsequently been shown to be damaging to the community and false'. The British government, as well as leading clinicians, failed to heed warnings and didn't take appropriate action to switch back to safer products. Meanwhile, as per THS, pharmaceutical companies and clinicians also did not appropriately inform patients about the risks. As chair of the inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff, put it when handing down recommendations: "Wrongs were done at individual, collective, and systematic levels." It only took one contaminated sample to infect the entire batch. Heat treating the products could have reduced risks, but this would have cut profit margins due to the product quantity being reduced. By comparison, Canada, which also received infected blood products, made 'humanitarian payments' to victims beginning in the late 1980s, and by the 1990s, a public inquiry had been held and compensation paid. Several organisations and individuals, including the Canadian Red Cross, also faced criminal charges. A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: "This was an appalling tragedy, and our thoughts remain with all those affected. We are clear that justice needs to be delivered for the victims and have already accepted the moral case for compensation. "This covers a set of extremely complex issues, and it is right we fully consider the needs of the community and the far-reaching impact that this scandal has had on their lives. The Government intends to respond in full to Sir Brian's recommendations for wider compensation following the publication of the Inquiry's final report on 20 May 2024." The 2,527-page report from the Infected Blood Inquiry, published last year on May 20, found the scandal 'could largely have been avoided' and there was a "pervasive" cover-up to hide the truth. It identified a "catalogue of systemic, collective and individual failures" that amounted to a "calamity". Former prime minister Rishi Sunak issued a "wholehearted and unequivocal" apology to the victims, saying the publication of the report into the disaster was 'a day of shame for the British state'. Speaking to reporters on a trip to Austria the following day, Mr Sunak said: "What has happened over decades has been a failure on multiple levels and it is important that yesterday was a day for the community to be heard, and they have waited an incredibly long time for justice and the truth. "That is why I, rightly as Prime Minister, offered an unequivocal apology to everyone affected by this appalling scandal. The infected, the affected, everyone impacted in the community, they have fought under considerable pressure facing prejudice over many decades. "Anyone reading the report will have found it harrowing, indeed devastating, and I am glad that yesterday was a moment for reflection on everything that has happened, and their voices could be heard and they received the apology that they so rightly deserved." Asked if there should be criminal prosecutions of those found to have done wrong during the course of the scandal, Mr Sunak said: "As I said yesterday, anyone, people, individuals, where there is evidence of wrongdoing, of course there must be justice and accountability for that. "But the report is very long, it is very comprehensive, and what I am committed to is the government will now take the time to go through it properly and rigorously before responding in Parliament, and, of course, any individual cases will be a matter for the relevant authorities.' Following the publication, some victims of the scandal have restarted legal action against the government, with their lawyer claiming there was a "misfeasance in public office". It was put on hold in November 2018 but has been relaunched, with around 500 victims putting their name to the lawsuit.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
THS Maple Holdings Provides Corporate Update
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2025) - THS Maple Holdings Ltd. (TSXV: YAY) (the "Company" or "THS"), a leading producer and global distributor of maple syrup and maple-flavoured products, is pleased to provide this update on several new developments that support its strategic growth plans and international recognition. Amendment to Bank Credit Agreement The Company recently signed an Amendment to its Credit Agreement, originally executed September 1, 2020, as referenced in its Filing Statement, with its long-standing financial institution partner (a Schedule A Canadian Bank). When in effect, the Amendment will increase the available credit limit by 67% and create greater flexibility for THS to achieve its goal of diversifying geographically and seasonally. In addition, it will allow the Company to further optimize its production schedule and better plan its annual purchase of maple syrup. The interest rate will remain at the prime rate charged by the Bank. "THS has been banking with the same institution since the Company began almost 50 years ago. We are proud that such an important stakeholder has confidence in our strategic plans in the maple syrup and related products industry", commented David Beutel, Chair of THS Maple Holdings Ltd. "This Amendment will allow the Company to supply additional customers during our traditionally high season. In addition, it will help us to take advantage of developing markets, which will spread our production throughout the year, to increase our operating margins". International Expansion and Diversification Accelerates One of the Company's key growth objectives is to diversify its customer base to retailers around the world. Maple syrup and maple-flavoured products are becoming well known and appreciated symbols of Canada. THS brands are recognized in many countries due to the millions of travelers who have returned home with gifts and products made by the Company. The first few months of the calendar year is the traditional "trade show season" in the premium maple and gifts industries. The Company's representatives have attended many of those shows and, partly due to the global trade environment that has been upended by American policies, sales brokers and retailers in other countries are eager to shift to Canadian suppliers. "One of the few silver linings to the current climate of global trade uncertainty is that international retailers, currently working with maple product providers in the US, are looking for alternatives," stated Tom Zaffis, President and CEO of THS. "We are excited to announce the signing of new purchase orders in five countries new to THS in the past 3 months, taking our international reach to over 25 markets outside of Canada. As recently as 3 years ago that number was only 5-7 countries." In recognition of its success in international markets, the Company was recently awarded the Alizés Award, given annually to a Canadian Company by Groupe Export and Farm Credit Canada (FCC), for "Excellence in Agri-Food Exports" in the International Expansion section. US-based Warehouse and Distribution Center As communicated in the Company's second quarter earnings release (Feb 27, 2025), THS opened its first warehouse and distribution center in Vermont in the latter half of 2024. Its new brand, New England Maple Farms, is resonating well with American retailers resulting in orders from several new customers in airports, department stores and gift shops. With operations domestically in the US, the Company can take advantage of improved logistics, reduced delivery times and costs and meet any "Buy American" mandates. THS expects to report its third quarter (period ending March 31, 2025) financial results on or about May 28, 2025. About THS Maple Holdings Ltd. THS Maple Holdings Ltd. (TSXV: YAY), through its operating company Turkey Hill Sugarbush Ltd., is a leading packager and global distributor of maple syrup and maple-flavoured products. Headquartered in Granby, Quebec, the Company sells over 300 unique products through its four brands, Turkey Hill, Echo Mountain, Herman's 76 and New England Maple Farms. For additional information, please contact:David BeutelChairman, THS Maple Holdings Ltd.(647) 401-8834david@ CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this press release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events, goals, or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this press release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: information about the Company's business and operations, the optimization of the Company's production schedule; the benefits of the Company's banking arrangements; the advantage of developing markets; the spreading of production to increase operating margins; the diversification of its customer base; the advantage of improved logistics; and the timing of the reporting of its third quarter. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, THS assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Washington Post
06-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
TreeHouse: Q1 Earnings Snapshot
OAK BROOK, Ill. — OAK BROOK, Ill. — TreeHouse Foods Inc. (THS) on Tuesday reported a loss of $31.8 million in its first quarter. The Oak Brook, Illinois-based company said it had a loss of 63 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for restructuring costs and non-recurring costs, were 3 cents per share. The results topped Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for a loss of 21 cents per share. The food maker posted revenue of $792 million in the period, also surpassing Street forecasts. Four analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $789.6 million. _____
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Total Health Solutions celebrates move to new Trussville office
The following article is by Chris Basinger, news editor of the Trussville Tribune: TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (Trussville Tribune) — Total Health Solutions is welcoming the community to its new office, just a stone's throw away from its previous one. Though it was a short move, the new space is three times the size of their previous office, opening up the opportunity to treat more patients and expand wellness services. The Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of the new office, located at 3220 Edwards Lake Parkway, Suite 108, with a ribbon cutting last month. THS is a direct primary care provider where patients pay a monthly membership fee to receive primary care services instead of going through health insurance. 'I think it's an answer to the expense of medicine. People can't afford insurance,' said Dr. Eddie Thomas, who is the physician at THS. 'This is not an insurance replacement by any stretch, but for people who don't have insurance, it gives them access to healthcare at a reasonable cost.' Trussville first responders facing off in Miracle League game Thomas, a UAB medical school graduate who has practiced medicine for over 33 years, developed a passion for the direct primary care model because he says it allows him to build personal relationships with patients by spending quality time with them. 'I did the 25 patients a day for 20 years and it's like triage, so [here] I get to spend a lot more time with people and there's no rush to get everyone in and out,' Thomas said. 'We don't want anybody to ever feel like a number,' he added, saying that he is always available to patients after hours and on weekends. THS specializes in both internal medicine and weight loss, and patients are able to come in the same day to see their doctor. 'People can come in an unlimited amount of times. There's no co-pays or deductibles, I mean, by the time you go to urgent care twice you've already paid up for a year for a membership here,' Thomas said. 'If people have insurance, great, if they don't, then it's a lot better fit for them because it's $70 a month and for that they get their physical exam, they get all their physical exams labs including EKG and circulation tests. We have medication here that we sell and dispense that is as cheap or cheaper than a drugstore because we go directly to the pharmaceutical clearing house.' For more information about Total Health Solutions, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
