Abstract: A partially-hollow rivet (1), for joining aluminum sheets (3) and (7) by using the self-piercing technique, is made of light metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the front (2) of the rivet base has a surface with a blunt shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a region of greater wall thickness in a longitudinal hollow section (1) which, to this end, is subjected to a radial and axial pressure and plastically deformed thereby. The hollow section (1) is secured in a matrix (2) corresponding to the section dimensions which has an enlarged cross section corresponding to the intended final dimensions of the hollow section (1) in the deformation region. The essential embodiment consists in that the deformation to attain an increased wall thickness (14) takes place in a region between the ends of the section. In addition, the wall thickness (19) can be increased at at least one of the ends of the section.

Abstract: A motor vehicle battery cooling arrangement wherein the battery is enclosed by a housing which includes an air inlet port connected to an air guide disposed in front of the vehicle's radiator and cooling fan and an air outlet port connected to the outside. When the vehicle is moving, air impacting at the air guide enters the air inlet port and exits the air outlet port thus cooling the battery. When the vehicle is stationary or when it is very hot and the fan is turned on, the direction of air flow through the battery housing is reversed as the fan induced air flow at the air guide produces a partial vacuum which sucks hot air away from the battery housing through the air inlet port. Cooler fresh air is drawn into the battery housing through the air outlet port. In an alternate embodiment, the air inlet port is connected to the front portion of the engine compartment and the air outlet port is connected to the scoop or shroud housing for the cooling fan located behind the radiator.

Abstract: A plastic fender is stiffly and immovably attached to the body of a motor vehicle. The fender includes an attachment flange and a washer to be positioned between the fender attachment flange and a screw head. The washer includes at least one spherical cup-shaped impression that is pressed into the fender, resulting in positive locking which prevents movement of the fender. Stiff attachment can also be provided by a steel rail embedded in the attachment flange or steel rails attached to the sides of the attachment flange or by embedding the flange in a relatively stiff retaining part.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a fuel additive into the fuel tank of an automotive vehicle comprising a pumping device including a pneumatically actuated displacement pump the pumping element of which is displaceable by pressure against the force of a pretensioned spring by means of a control valve and the control valve is preferably directly actuable by the lid of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A novel method of blow molding and fluorinating plastic containers carried out in essentially three steps, including blow molding of the container at a first predetermined pressure in a mechanically locked mold with an inert gas, testing the mold for pressure tightness at a second higher level of pressure with an inert gas, and thereafter introducing a fluorine containing gas into the mold at a third level of pressure.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device with a flat component made of fiber-reinforced synthetic material and an end power induction unit, in particular a leaf spring or transverse link for motor vehicles. The flat component essentially enters the power induction unit without a change in fiber direction and is contained therein by a clamp. The contact point on the power induction unit is displaced by a distance "a", asymmetrically to the fiber levels such that a resultant of perpendicular forces and forces acting parallel to the fiber direction cause a reduction in stress and momentary relief. The portion of the flat component in the power induction unit has a length, using the perpendicular projection of the point of application of force, that is at least two-thirds of the length from the point of application of force to the resultant in the fiber plane or at least corresponds to quantity "a".

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for automatically moving the tongue of a seat belt into a position in which it may conveniently be grasped by an operator for insertion into a buckle. The apparatus comprises an inflatable bellows engageable with the tongue and extensible into the position by the application of pressure. The bellows may be retracted by vacuum pressure or by integral resilient means in response to the tongue having been inserted into the buckle.