Abstract: A mulitfunction switch, especially a mirror adjustment switch for motor vehicles, containing a housing (4, 6), and an actuating element (36) which protrudes from the housing. Said actuating element is mounted on a supporting peg (12, 28) in such manner that it can pivot around two approximately vertical pivoting axes situated one on top of the other and actuates, according to pivoting, one of four switches (46), said switches being arranged at equal angle distances around the peg. The peg (12, 28) is rotationally fixed to the actuating element (36) and can rotate around a housing-fixed rotational axis. At least one additional switch (56) is provided whose function is determined by the rotational position of the peg. Housing-fixed shaped areas (40) determine the ability of the actuating element (36) to pivot by means of the interaction of said shaped areas with shaped surfaces (48).

Abstract: An electric switch apparatus includes a stationary base plate (2) and an actuating part (6) carrying an electrical conductor member (8) displaceable between at least two positions relative to the base plate. The base plate carries a plurality of elongate resilient contact members (14) adapted to engage the electrical conductor member (8). The conductor member includes a flat metallic electrically conductive material which is selectively brought into contact with the fixed resilient contact members held on the base member when the actuating part is displaced between said first and second positions. A first predetermined electrical connection between the fixed contact members is established when the actuating part is held in the first position. A second predetermined electrical connection between the fixed contact members is established when the actuating part is moved to the second relative position.

Abstract: A method is provided of producing a solar cell having a semiconductor layer within which, in a direction of thickness, a p-n barrier layer is present, and which can be irradiated with light from at least one side. The cell has contacts for electrical contact of the semiconductor layer on respective sides of the p-n barrier layer. The semiconductor layer is produced by reducing the size of semiconductor material to powder, heating the powder, and sintering the heated powder in a sintering press to form the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A switch has a casing and a switching member displaceably positioned in the casing and having switching contacts. An actuating element, connected to the switching member, for actuating the switch is provided. A holding member is provided. A printed circuit board with a printed circuit, connected to the switching contacts, and with electronic components is provided. The printed circuit board is mounted inside the holding member. A light source is electrically connected to the printed circuit board for illuminating the actuating element. The light source is mounted on an outer side of the holding member. The holding member together with the printed circuit board and the light source form a pre-assembled unit inserted into the switching member such that the light source faces the actuating element.

Abstract: A method of reducing the peak load of energy supply network systems to which a number of consumer units, each of which has several consumers, are connected. The power consumption of the consumer units can be limited to a predetermined limiting value. At least some of the consumers of a consumer unit are operated one by one in a sequence controlled by a preselectable coordination program if the power consumption of consumers that are switched on has reached the predetermined limiting value. An apparatus for limiting the power consumption of a consumer unit that includes several consumers and is fed from an energy supply connection, comprises a coordination means that is connected to separating switches which are linked to at least some of the consumers and controls the separating switches via a program in such a way that the power consumption of the energy supply connection does not surpass a predetermined limiting value.

Abstract: Underground powerplant system for the generation of energy, in particular electrical energy, comprising a coal fired steam generator, whose steam drives a turbine which delivers electrical energy. The coal-fired steam driven electrical generation system of the invention is installed underground in a coal mine. Waste fly ash (with or without sorbent) bottom ash and slag can be disposed in the abandoned or exhausted mining area. Ambient mine water can be employed in one or more of the process operations.

Abstract: An optoelectronic component with luminescence-emitting properties has an optoelectronic element with a body having at least a section that is at least partially light-transparent for allowing emission of luminescence. The component further has a member having at least a portion that is at least partially light-transparent. The portion of the member encloses the section of the body of the optoelectronic element, whereby the section and the member are in contact with one another by areally resting on one another. Preferably, the member may be injection-molded onto the section of the body. In the alternative, the member may be glued onto the section of the body.

Abstract: A contact-type switch is provided that includes a housing and, disposed in the housing, a plunger having a long-stroke configuration. Essentially immediately after a shifting out of an outer end position and in a direction that is essentially in the direction of a central axis of the housing, the plunger breaks at least one switch contact that is disposed in the housing. A specific displacement path or dead travel is carried out by the plunger between its outer end position and the position where the switch contact is broken. Both the plunger and a region of the housing where the plunger enters the same have an essentially at least five-sided cross-sectional configuration, with this entry region forming a first guide for the plunger.

Abstract: An electric light, especially for illuminating the interior of a motor vehicle. The light includes a sensor that is at least electrically connected with the light and that, without a switch, senses the opening of at least one door that leads to the interior of the vehicle. After the opening of the door has been detected, a signal is delivered to a switching mechanism that turns on the electric light for a predetermined and possibly selectable period of time.

Abstract: A contact switch arrangement is provided where from a nonoperative position two switch positions can be assumed via actuatable rocker-type switch units. Such a switch arrangement is especially provided for operating windows in motor vehicles. The arrangement includes a housing that also serves to accommodate switch elements. Provided in the housing are at least two separate switch element arrangements, each of which is actuatable via a separate rocker-type switch.

Abstract: An electric light, especially for illuminating the interior of a motor vehicle. The light includes a sensor that is at least electrically connected with the light and that, without a switch, senses the opening of at least one door that leads to the interior of the vehicle. After the opening of the door has been detected, a signal is delivered to a switching mechanism that turns on the electric light for a predetermined and possibly selectable period of time.

Abstract: An arrangement for recognizing, via brake lights provided on a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, whether or not the vehicle is slowing down, whereby the brake lights can be turned on upon activation of a vehicle brake. A sensor mechanism is provided that delivers a signal and/or a succession of signals having a value that corresponds to the deceleration state of the vehicle at any given time. The brake lights are electrically activated in a manner that corresponds to the value of the signal at least upon activation of the vehicle brake.

Abstract: A contact switch having two switch positions that are attainable from a rest or unoperated position via a movable rocker-type button. The contact switch is particularly suitable for the operation of motor vehicle windows, and includes a housing that also accommodates switching elements that include switch springs that are provided with switch contacts. Actuating elements are provided that are articulatedly connected to the button and extend essentially perpendicular to the switch springs, with the actuating elements, as push members, acting upon the switch springs, which are essentially planar.

Abstract: A ring-shaped arrangement of individual work locations. Tables which are preferably trapezoidal are arranged in a ring, in the middle of which is disposed a region which is free of table tops, and in which can be disposed common supply lines or the like. The individual work locations, which are arranged around the central region, are respectively separated from an adjacent table by a vertical partition in which is disposed a material-transfer opening. The supply of material to the individual work locations can be effected from supply bins disposed on a shelf supported above the ring-shaped table top on the upper edges of the radially directed partitions. If it is a question of small parts, the latter can be transferred to the work location via conveying tubes, which lead from the supply bins on the shelf to the table top of the individual work locations.

Abstract: A ring-shaped arrangement of individual work locations. Tables which are preferably trapezoidal are arranged in a ring, in the middle of which is disposed a region which is free of table tops, and in which can be disposed common supply lines or the like. The individual work locations, which are arranged around the central region, are respectively separated from an adjacent table by a vertical partition in which is disposed a material-transfer opening. The supply of material to the individual work locations can be effected from supply bins disposed on a shelf supported above the ring-shaped table top on the upper edges of the radially directed partitions. If it is a question of small parts, the latter can be transferred to the work location via conveying tubes, which lead from the supply bins on the shelf to the table top of the individual work locations.

Abstract: A windshield wiper having two strips of rubber-like material mounted in a separate holder, one on each side of the actual wiper blade, to store and distribute a cleaning fluid over the windshield surface. Each strip is formed with a series of ribs inclined at a shallow angle to the length of the strip, these ribs forming channels which in operation sweep away dirt particles from the windshield before these reach the blade itself. In this way, abrasion of the wiper blade by dirt particles is considerably reduced.

Abstract: A delay switch working pneumatically includes a piston and cylinder arrangement with the cylinder compartment being in communication with the outside air through a non-return valve and a throttle bore connected in parallel. The switch contacts include a contact spring connected to the piston and a portion of the inner cylinder wall which is made at least partially conducting. The piston is connected to an axially directed actuating pin through a first compression spring and is supported in the cylinder by a second compression spring which is weaker than the first compression spring. The cylinder may include a metallic sleeve which forms one switch connection and which has an insulating insert which the compact arrangement of a contact spring engages in the off state. In this arrangement, a second switch connection is electrically connected with the contact spring by way of the second compression spring.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch with an actuating bar which has movable switch contacts connected thereto so as to be movable therewith, and is axially movable in a switch housing against the thrust of a return spring. The actuating bar has associated therewith a locking device including a connecting link guide and a guiding pin. When the actuating bar is moved from its starting or rest position into a first switch position, the locking device holds the actuating bar in this first switch position, and when the actuating bar is subsequently actuated, the locking device releases the actuating bar from the first switch position. As a result thereof, the return spring returns the actuating bar to its starting or rest position. The switch also includes stationary switch contacts arranged on the switch housing and operable to be electrically conductively engaged by the movable switch contacts when the actuating bar is in its first switch position.

Abstract: A windshield wiper having a wiper blade formed with a wiping edge and attached to one or more spring bows or bails along which wiper blade on at least one side of the wiping edge facing the windshield to be wiped there is provided a pad adapted to store a cleaning fluid and evenly to release the same onto the windshield during the wiping operation. The pad is attached to a backing strip provided with fastening means projecting towards the spring bows or bails and facing each other from opposite sides of the backing strip in paired juxtaposition while the fastening means cooperate with the clip means extending across the back of the wiper blade.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade and an attachment therefor in which a body of porous material is supported on the blade at each side of the wiping edge thereof and which bodies engage the windshield when the wiper blade deflects laterally when in use. The porous material is laden with a cleaning agent which assists in cleaning the windshield. The bodies may be interconnected and form a single body and are detachably connected to the wiper blade.