Abstract: Light sources are simulated by using a surface normal perturbation method. A mesh representing the surface of an object and containing surface normals is provided. A light source vector representing the orientation of the surface toward a light source is generated. Based on light intensity adjustments input by a user, the surface normals are perturbed in a lighting equation to simulate a change in light intensity on the surface without rotating the surfaces relative to the scene.

Abstract: A spare-wheel carrier for a motor vehicle is pivotable at a body of the motor vehicle and arranged in a region of a tailgate of the motor vehicle. The spare-wheel carrier includes at least one sensor configured to detect at least one position of the spare-wheel carrier and to transmit the at least one position to a control unit. The control unit is configured to enable and block at least one function of the motor vehicle in accordance with the position of the spare-wheel carrier.

Abstract: A method for improving a heat and mass transport in a diffusion layer of a fuel cell is provided. The diffusion layer is connected to a bipolar element which has a plurality of channels for carrying an operating medium. A pressure difference is generated in at least two adjacent channels for carrying the operating medium in order to achieve a convective heat and mass transport. A fuel cell having an improved heat and mass transport in a diffusion layer is also provided.

Abstract: A process and a system are used for controlling the mixture composition for an Otto engine with an NOx storage catalyst during a regeneration phase. The process includes controlling, to the value of one, a ?-value (?M) of an exhaust gas fed to the NOx storage catalyst during a regeneration phase as a function of a ?-value (?K) of an exhaust gas emitted by the NOx storage catalyst. The system includes a control device for controlling, to the value of one, a ?-value (?M) of the exhaust gas fed to the NOx storage catalyst during the regeneration phase as a function of the ?-value (?K) of the exhaust gas emitted by the NOx storage catalyst.

Abstract: A method for integrated representation of the parameters of an adaptive cruise control device includes the steps of: (a) alphanumerically representing a set, desired speed on a pictorial horizon of the display device; (b) pictographically representing a motor vehicle if a distance sensor group has detected a motor vehicle driving ahead; (c) alphanumerically representing a detected speed of the motor vehicle within the pictographic representation and in accordance with the representing step (b) if the detected speed is less than the set, desired speed; and (d) symbolically representing a traffic lane, a dynamic bar being displayed in the traffic lane, a length of the dynamic bar symbolizing the position relative to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for motor vehicles includes two wiper blades which rotate in the same direction and are driven by a crank linkage mechanism. The wiper system is arranged to enable independent positioning of the two wipers and which is economical and simple to install. The system uses two drive rods, one rotatably connecting the crank and a first wiper and rigidly connected to a connecting member. The end of the connecting member is rotatably connected to the second drive rod which is connected to a second wiper. The rotatable connections are preferably ball and socket connections.

Abstract: A process for monitoring the operation of a system for the aftertreatment of exhaust gas utilizes respective temperature sensors assigned to catalysts in the exhaust gas system. In addition, a sensor for detecting the NOx content in the exhaust gas is assigned to a reduction catalyst. The detected values, or functions thereof, are in each case compared with the definable reference values and when these definable limit values are exceeded, a corresponding defect information is triggered.

Abstract: A safety device for a motor vehicle includes a multi-chamber airbag, which is inflatable by at least one gas generator activatable when a vehicle is impacted. The airbag includes at least one feeler, or tactile, airbag, which may be quickly inflated using only a small quantity of energy and which is provided with a touch, or tactile, function. The feeler airbag may be inflated and introduced into an inflation area of at least one second airbag chamber and identifies, by touch, an obstacle in the inflation area, such as an out-of-position occupant. A touch recognition device is connected to the feeler airbag and emits a control signal, which is utilized at least during the inflation phase. The gas generator includes a control device for the inflowing amount of gas, the control device being connected to the touch recognition device and preventing, or at least reducing, a further inflation function of the gas generator when receiving the control signal.

Abstract: In the fuel cell arrangement disclosed in the specification, a fuel cell stack having a methanol reformer is connected in parallel with an electrical energy storage device, a charge condition detector detects the charge condition of the electrical energy storage device, and a control unit controls the operation of the fuel cell in accordance with the charge condition of the electrical energy storage device.

Abstract: A bulkhead separating an engine compartment from a driver compartment of a motor vehicle is provided with an intentional buckling zone. The buckling zone is arranged so that a frontal impact moves the bulkhead and a bearing mount for pedal levers in such a way that the pedal levers are moved away from the operator. In one embodiment the buckling zone is produced by weakening the bulkhead material by making it thinner or providing holes or tucks in the material. When the buckling zone buckles in a frontal collision the bearing mount pivots upwardly, moving the pedal levers away from the vehicle operator.

Abstract: In the disclosed locking plug arrangement, a locking plug consists of a cylindrical body molded from synthetic material and having an integral peripheral sealing lip and one or more integral laterally projecting catches and a cast housing with a bore to receive the plug body in sealing relation and with a transverse passage to receive a projecting catch.