Abstract: An adhesion promoting method and a corresponding composition for improving the performance of silicone elastomers at high humidity are disclosed. The improved adhesion promoter comprises: (a) an epoxy functional silane; and (b) an acid. The acid may be phosphoric acid or any organic acid. Acetic and citric acids are preferred. The inclusion of the epoxy functional silane and acid in a standard silicone elastomer system provides greatly enhanced stability and adhesion under conditions of high humidity.

Abstract: A method of reducing coefficient of friction of a silicone release coating and a corresponding a low coefficient of friction release coating composition are disclosed. The low coefficient of friction release coating composition includes: (a) an epoxy functional polyorganosiloxane; (b) a fine particle silicone resin; and (c) a photoinitiator.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle including an electric motor connected to drive a wheel of the vehicle. The electric motor receives a supply of electric current from a power source; a power electronics device and superordinated controller regulate the current supply based upon signals received from a driver or operator of the vehicle. A sensor for sensing data indicative of an accident or impending accident is connected to the superordinated controller in which the sensed data is compared to predetermined limit values to determine if an accident situation exists. Upon determining that an accident situation exists, the superordinated controller activates a circuit breaker to disconnect the electric power supply and thereby interrupt the supply of electric current to the electric motor.

Abstract: A process for changing the speed of a vehicle with driving wheels and with a continuously adjustable speed/torque characteristic in the drive train, in particular a vehicle with electric motor drive, corresponding to a change in the position .alpha.(t) of an accelerator pedal carried out by the driver of the vehicle, in which every position .alpha.(t) of the accelerator pedal is associated with a determined drive output P.sub.v (.alpha.)=f.sub.1 (.alpha.).times.P.sub.max (where P.sub.max =maximum drive output of the vehicle) and/or driving torque M.sub.v (.alpha.)=f.sub.1 (.alpha.).times.M.sub.max (where M.sub.max =maximum driving torque of the vehicle) which is desired in the sense of a predetermined value and acts on the vehicle. To provide a process and a device for implementing the process permitting the driver to change the actual speed of the vehicle to a different desired value in the most uncomplicated and reliable manner, the predetermined value P.sub.v (t) and/or M.sub.

Abstract: A passenger automobile or truck contains a unit which is formed by an internal combustion engine and a generator and which powers electric motors coupled with driving wheels of the vehicle via an energy distributor in the form of power electronics. An accumulator which can likewise be coupled with the electric motors via the energy distributor is provided as an additional power source. An electronic control unit receives driving signals from an accelerator pedal, in particular a position signal and a speed signal. The position signal of the throttle is interpreted as a request for a determined permanent output to be supplied by the internal combustion engine.The internal combustion engine is revved up to a new operating point in an "optimal" manner (e.g. with favorable fuel consumption), for example when a higher output is requested, while the generator is entirely or partially uncoupled from the load. Energy for accelerating the vehicle is provided in the meantime by the accumulator.

Abstract: In a drive arrangement of a motor vehicle in which the wheels of the motor vehicle are driven by separate electric motors and the electric motors are powered via a d.c. voltage intermediate circuit by a generator arrangement driven by an internal combustion engine, the speed of the internal combustion engine and individual wheels is sensed by speed sensing circuits which respond to pulse signals of commutator circuits of the generator arrangement and electric motors. The commutator circuits generate the pulse signals depending on position transmitters which are arranged at the generator arrangement and at the electric motors. In this way, the speeds can be sensed with great accuracy exclusively on the basis of already existing components of the drive arrangement. In particular, the speed sensing means cooperate with an antilock braking system (ABS) and a drive slip regulating system (ASR).

Abstract: A motor vehicle including a unit (2) consisting of an internal combustion engine, a generator supplying current to electric motors (12, 16) coupled with driving wheels (14, 18) over an energy distributor/power electronics system (8) and a battery which is supplied with energy by the internal combustion engine/generator unit via the energy distributor (2). An electronic control system (20) controls the energy distributor (8) as a function of a driving signal according to boundary conditions, for example, according to the least possible specific fuel consumption. A temporary increase in the power required to drive the motors can be supplied by the battery (22). In the event that the increase in power lasts for longer periods, the internal combustion engine, which as far as possible operates in a state that ensures low fuel consumption, is accelerated in order to cover the demand for high power.

Abstract: Steering is actively assisted in a turning motor vehicle including a hybrid drive having both an internal combustion engine and a generator unit. The inner and outer wheels are each associated with an individual drive which is controlled in accordance with the steering angle of the steered wheels. Specifically, the torque differential is adjusted such that the percentage actual wheel differentials approach the percentage reference wheel speed differentials. A substantial reduction in the force which must be applied via the steering system to adjust the steering wheels, as compared to an absence of torque differential, is achieved because the outer wheel is driven at a higher output than the inner wheel when making a turn.

Abstract: The drive arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine (1) with at least one controlling element (29), an electric generator arrangement (3) driven by the internal combustion engine (1), at least one electric motor (11) which is powered by the generator arrangement (3) and drives the motor vehicle, and an electronic control unit (19) which, depending on the setting of an accelerator pedal (23), controls at least an actuating drive (27) and the electrical output generated by the generator arrangement (3) and/or the electrical output received by the electric motor (11). The arrangement contains a device for detecting an actual value of the speed of the internal combustion engine (1) and component for detecting an actual value of the electrical output generated by the generator arrangement (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a critical driving torque and information representing the coefficient of friction at the wheel grip limit for a vehicle having a plurality of driven wheels. It is suggested that torque control devices be assigned to at least two of the driven wheels so that the ratio of the driving torques of the two driven wheels can be varied, wherein torque sensing device generate a torque signal corresponding to the magnitude of at least the greater of the driving torques of the driven wheels. A wheel slip sensing device is associated with the driven wheels and detects an increase in the slip of the wheel with the greater driving torque beyond a predetermined limit. The information on the coefficient of friction is generated depending on the magnitude of the detected driving torque of the wheel whose slip exceeds the limit.