Abstract: Determining a state of charge (SOC) of a rechargeable battery includes using a first process to determine a first value for the SOC of the battery and using a second process to determine a second value for the SOC of the battery and deriving the SOC as a weighted average of the first value for the SOC and the second value for the SOC. During a charging cycle of the battery an input charge of the battery is determined from an input current flowing into the battery and a charging time. During a discharging cycle an output charge of the battery is determined from an output current flowing out of the battery, a discharging time and an actual capacity of the battery is the sum of the input charge over charging cycles minus the sum of the output charge over discharging cycles.

Abstract: Determining a state of charge (SOC) of a rechargeable battery includes using a first process to determine a first value for the SOC of the battery and using a second process to determine a second value for the SOC of the battery and deriving the SOC as a weighted average of the first value for the SOC and the second value for the SOC. During a charging cycle of the battery an input charge of the battery is determined from an input current flowing into the battery and a charging time. During a discharging cycle an output charge of the battery is determined from an output current flowing out of the battery, a discharging time and an actual capacity of the battery is the sum of the input charge over charging cycles minus the sum of the output charge over discharging cycles.

Abstract: The invention proposes a solenoid valve (10), in particular for automatic transmissions of motor vehicles. Solenoid valves (10) have the problem of vibrations that detract from shifting comfort. Integrating a throttle restriction (52) into the solenoid valve (10) on the part of the solenoid valve (10) oriented toward the consumer as proposed by the invention makes it possible to efficiently reduce such vibrations. In addition, the production costs are low, in particular because the throttle restriction (52) is provided In a filter cage (44) of the solenoid valve (10).

Abstract: The invention proposes a solenoid valve (10), in particular for automatic transmissions of motor vehicles. Solenoid valves (10) have the problem of vibrations that detract from shifting comfort. Integrating a throttle restriction (52) into the solenoid valve (10) at the end oriented toward the consumer as proposed by the invention makes it possible to efficiently reduce such vibrations. In addition, the production costs are low, in particular because the throttle restriction (52) is provided in a filter cage (44) of the solenoid valve (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides a deflectable needle system for use in performing diagnostic or therapeutic medical procedures. The needle assembly of the invention provides access to physiological sites which may be inaccessible by prior art needle systems due to an obstruction. The deflectable needle assembly includes a telescoping cannula, catheter and stylet. The catheter component of the assembly is curved at its distal end and axially rotatable within the lumen of the cannula providing simple maneuverability for accurate placement of the catheter at a chosen physiological site.

Abstract: An elastic robot body in which a number of actuators are integrated. If the actuators are triggered individually or in groups, they exercise a force on the material of the body, so that the latter changes its shape. Integrated sensors or switches measure the momentary position of the body. An imitation hand, comprising such a body, can move its sections in a human fashion.

Abstract: A roofing membrane has a quantity of water-retaining particles fixed in the upper surface of the membrane. A fleece web affixed to the membrane surface in a quilt-like manner may provide zones of selectable size for holding the particles in place. By varying the amount of the absorber particles, the water-retaining capacity of the roofing membrane may be varied to the particular intended use, such as on a flat roof or a sloped roof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical manipulator for remotely grasping and manipulating things in response to movements of a human hand controlling the device. Movements of human fingers can be transmitted to mechanical finger-like devices through mechanical cables and linkages. In one embodiment the linkages include a mechanical movement reduction device to translate large hand movements to smaller distal movements. Various structures are provided at the proximal and distal ends for sensing and replicating the movements of a human hand.