Abstract: Continuous feed, chemical switching unit for supplying an uninterrupted flow of chemical fluid to a processing system including a control unit and a reservoir for containing a predetermined volume of chemical fluid wherein the reservoir is in hydraulic communication with a processing system. A plurality of float level sensors are provided within the reservoir for locating the fluid level in the reservoir wherein at least one level sensor provides an interlock to the processing system when energized to halt the processing system operation, and the other level sensors communicate reservoir level information to the control unit. The switching unit also includes a plurality of replaceable chemical fluid bottles for storing the fluid, e.g. a first active bottle and a second standby bottle, wherein the bottles are in independent hydraulic communication with the reservoir. Each fluid bottle has associated therewith an inert-gas actuated isolation valve for isolating the bottle from the reservoir.

Abstract: A knock control system and method for operation of a spark ignition internal combustion engine having short-term regulation with a relatively large regulating action, such that when knocking events occur, the value for an actual ignition point is reset in the retard direction from a predetermined characteristic diagram value. In the absence of knocking events, the actual ignition point is advanced to the predetermined characteristic diagram value. Long-term adaptation is carried out such that the predetermined characteristic diagram value is reset from the knock limit by an adaptation value when knocking events occur during a change between a first operating condition to a second operating condition so that the short-term regulation is referred to a new predetermined ignition point value associated with the second operating condition. There is a switch-over to a smaller regulating action after an adaptation has been effected and after a minimum number of knockless ignitions have been desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcement assembly for a sheet metal component in a vehicle bodywork by a second reinforcement piece formed as an extruded light metal section which is additionally secured thereto. The sheet metal component to be reinforced runs straight in a first spatial direction and is curved only in the other two spatial directions. According to the invention, the extruded light metal reinforcement piece is shaped to conformingly fit the curved surfaces of the sheet metal component. The sheet metal component and the reinforcement piece are preferably adhesively secured together. A preferred use of the invention is for reinforcing the sheet metal vehicle floor tub in the high peak stress region of the rear safety belt anchor points. The arrangement of the invention provides an effective reinforcement for heavy loads with good force transmission.

Abstract: The invention relates to the bodywork of a passenger car having an electronics housing formed integral therewith. The bodywork includes an A post, a front suspension strut mount disposed in front of and more towards the longitudinal center of the vehicle than the A post, and a front fender brace. According to the invention, a front suspension strut bearer connects the front suspension strut mount to a middle portion of the A post at about the height of the apron wall. A generally triangular pocket-like space is formed by the curved outward suspension strut bearer, the front fender brace, and the underlying wheel arch. According to the invention, the walls of this pocket-like space form a housing well suitable for use as an electronics housing. The housing walls are firmly secured to the adjacent parts of the bodywork.

Abstract: An egg-shaped elastomeric ball having a unique combination of texture, size, weight and composition features such that it can be thrown and bounced in a controllable manner, after the user develops a certain level of skill. Methods of manufacture and use in exercise, entertainment and sports are also described. The eggball has a major to minor axis ration on the order of 1.3 to 1.6, and more preferably in the range of 1.4 to 1.5, a major axis dimension in the range of about 23/4 to 31/4", a mass on the order of from 60 to 120 grams, and preferably in the range of from 80 to 100 grams, and an exterior surface that while smooth, is textured and can be characterized as sanded or frosted. The durometer is between 30 and 40 and preferably from about 33 to 37. In the preferred embodiment, the surface texture is sanded, so that the exterior of a transparent composition has a translucent frosted look.

Abstract: Air conditioning (AC) system for motor vehicles comprising two fans connected in a series circuit whereby the first fan provides only a part of the air required for admission into the passenger compartment, and the remaining contribution to the desired quantity of air is provided by the second fan. Under normal operating conditions, where all openings such as windows, doors and sunroof (if any) are closed, both fans are independently regulated by a main controller device in such a manner that the air on the passenger compartment experiences a slight overpressure in order to permit the rapid entry and exit of air flow through the passenger compartment and a uniform air circulation therein. A manometer is included in the AC system to provide air pressure differential data (between the passenger compartment and the outside) to the main controller.

Abstract: In a light-metal vehicle body, a girder assembly joins a first longitudinal girder member located in a forecarriage region of the vehicle body to a second, laterally offset, and generally longitudinally oriented side sill member. The girder assembly includes a pair of open shell-shaped, light-metal castings which form a single, hollow section enclosure when brought together along their mutual open face regions. The concave interior surfaces of the shell-shaped casting are provided with a plurality of spaced integrally formed stiffening rib members. The stiffening ribs are oriented transverse to the curving longitudinal center axis of the girder assembly which curves in conformance with the Z-shape configuration. The stiffening ribs of each shell-shaped castings are arranged in coordinate pairs such that they formed a series of substantially continuous webs along an interior cross section of said girder assembly.

Abstract: Emulsifier compositions comprising a mixture of quebracho, a surfactant, water, and a pH adjusting reagent for dry and aqueous anionic emulsifiers for producing universal bitumen-in-water emulsions. These emulsifiers are particularly useful in producing stable, anionic asphalt-in-water emulsions that are universal, i.e., they can be used as is or with a wide variety of fillers, additives, pigments and the like, including fine particulate materials, without premature breaking. In the preferred emulsifier, crude, spray-dried quebracho is mixed with an alpha olefin sulfonate containing 10 to 20 carbon atoms, and the pH is preferably adjusted to pH 10 producing an anionic emulsifying agent. The pH may be adjusted from pH 4.5 to pH 11.5. Asphaltic emulsions made with the quebracho emulsifier exhibit enhanced stability, increased viscosity, high ionic headroom and decreased drying times.

Abstract: The addition of from about 0.1 to about 25 parts by weight of quebracho per 100 parts of bitumens (particularly asphalt), coal tar, or other high boiling tars containing mixtures of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons modifies the characteristics of the treated product to enhance its performance as hot-melt adhesives, coatings, sealants, roof-coatings, and road-coatings as compared to the base bitumen. The improved characteristics obtained by the addition of quebracho include: increased softening point, lower penetration number, and higher viscosity. The quebracho may be mixed directly with the tars or put into a water solution, using sodium hydroxide if necessary, and then added to hot tars with the water being driven off.

Abstract: A longitudinal bearer joint assembly for joining the abutting ends of two axially aligned, extruded light-metal bearer members of a front end longitudinal bearer assembly in a passenger car bodywork. The two bearer members are designed with different cross sectional profiles and wall thickness dimensions to favorably control deformation of the front end longitudinal bearer assembly. The bearer joint assembly includes a pair of half shell portions which surround and conform to the abutting ends of the two axially-aligned bearer members. The half shell portions include vertical contact surfaces which are mutually offset about a neutral axis in a vertical plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conical central pillar assembly for the bodywork of a passenger car, especially a bodywork having a space-frame bearing structure constructed from extruded light metal section bearers and cast light metal joining elements. According to the invention, the central pillar assembly includes a substantially plate-like base section wall having a multi-layer, multi-chamber extruded section disposed thereon. The section chambers in the outermost layers are selectively cut at various heights in step wise fashion in order to produce a desired conical cross section with a wide base portion and narrow top portion. Additional cuts are made in the outermost section chambers to form recesses for accommodating door locks, hinge assemblies and the like. An additional piece, preferably in the form of a light metal casting or a sheet metal stamping, is provided and forms an outer cover for at least a bottom portion of the central pillar.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) test architecture and technique which can be used in conformity with the IEEE 1149.1 test standard and configured on a single chip. This chip can be remotely controlled via a PC or workstation to generate stimulus and collect response data to fully test an IC which matches the foot print of the test chip. The specified technique uses the IEEE test standard with additional logic on a single chip which permits at speed test functional test of ICs. The test chip can be connected to a PC or workstation via the four (4) channel Test Access Port. By remotely controlling the test chip from the PC or Workstation, stimulus and response data can be generated to completely test any Integrated circuit having a foot print matching the IC of the test chip. In one embodiment, the test chip is mounted on a probe card for at speed functional test of wafers. In another embodiment, the test chip is placed in a socket or adapter for at speed package level test.

Abstract: A bearer joint for a vehicle bodywork, and in particular a longitudinal front bearer joint, and a method for placing a aluminum bearer member on the bearer joint in the vehicle bodywork. The bearer joint comprises a cast aluminum connector for joining together a first forward bearer member and a second rearward bearer member. The connector includes a tubular aluminum recess or socket for receiving the rearward end of the first aluminum bearer member which is fixed thereto by a transverse weld seam at the front receiving edge of the socket. A plurality of offset thickened regions with through holes are provided to the periphery of the socket. To replace a damaged front bearer member, the weld is cut and the damaged front bearer is withdrawn from the socket. A repair kit is provided which includes a replacement front bearer member and a platelike insert sized to fit within an end of the replacement bearer member.

Abstract: An improved door pillar assembly for a passenger car coachwork formed as a substantially vertical extruded light metal hollow-section member and having an outer wall to which longitudinally spaced upper and lower hinge lugs are adjustably secured for swivel connection of a vehicle door. The extruded hollow section member includes a pair of inner transverse ridge members which extend along the longitudinal dimension and divide the hollow interior into three transversely spaced cage sections. Each of the outer cage sections further includes a longitudinal channel formed into the inner surface of the common wall to which the hinge lugs are adjustably secured. An upper and lower pair of slots are provided in the outer wall and are aligned with respect to the channels for receiving the mounting hardware (i.e., bolts) for the hinge lugs whereby the hinge lugs can be selectively positioned within the slots prior to tightening to provide a desired height adjustment.

Abstract: A cast light metal joining element and method of assembly with adjoining extruded light metal hollow section bearer member of a space frame type vehicle body. The joining element or casting includes at least two spaced apart, location points disposed along a surface wall thereof. The location points permit the casting to be held in a corresponding fixture at a desired positionally correct spatial orientation to facilitate the fitting and connection of adjoining frame elements with greater ease, accuracy and smaller tolerances. In one embodiment, the location points include integrally formed conical studs and/or conical depressions. In another embodiment, the location points include through-holes, either straight cylindrical or conically tapered. The studs, depressions and/or holes also served a dual function in providing a positive locking connection to add on components which have corresponding matingly engagable connection surfaces.

Abstract: A center pillar in a motor vehicle constructed of two light metal extruded sections including a first extruded section having one vertical side cut at an acute angled .alpha. over its length and a second extruded section of a uniform cross section. The cut side of the first extruded section is mated to a vertical side edge of the second extruded section in such a way to produce a center pillar having a gradually tapering thickness from bottom to top. The first extruded section includes a bend region at a lower terminal end portion thereof which diverges from the first extruded section and which is cut at an acute angle for smooth transitional connection to a bottom disposed lengthwise connecting member. A plate member is provided for covering the gap created by the divergence of the first extruded section relative the second extruded section.

Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged sill member of a vehicle bodywork, wherein the sill member is formed as an extruded hollow section member which is disposed connected between two cast light-metal node elements. A damaged girder portion of an extruded hollow section sill member is severed at a distance from each node element, and is removed. A girder stub portion of the original hollow section sill member remains attached to each node element. Short sleeve inserts are slidably inserted into the open ends of each of the girder stub portions such that a portion of a sleeve insert extends into an associated stub portion and another portion of the sleeve insert projects out of the associated stub portion. A replacement girder portion is inserted between the open ends of the girder stub portions.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved welded joint in a vehicle bodywork for connecting two mutually perpendicular extruded aluminum pieces such as a longitudinal bearer or sill and an upstanding B post. According to the invention, the bottom end of the B post is inserted within an opening in the sill for a positive locking engagement and includes a transverse weld seam which connects the B post to the opening along a first outward facing wall portion of the B post. In addition, a connecting member in the form of a flat plate is placed along the inward facing wall of the B post and is joined at a vertical side edge to the B post by a first weld seam and has a bottom side edge oriented flush with the upper sill surface in the lengthwise direction of the sill and is joined thereto by a second weld seam.

Abstract: Low particulate slit valve system and method for controlling the closure pressure applied to a slit valve. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a barrier having a slit valve aperture, a valve seat surrounding the aperture, a closure movable towards and away from the valve seat, a sensing mechanism for determining the pressure differential on the two sides of the barrier, a processing unit responsive to the pressure differential and operative to produce a control signal, and a valve actuator responsive to the control signal and operative to control the force applied to the closure. The method of the invention includes determining a first fluid pressure on a first side of the barrier, determining a second pressure on a second side of the barrier, and applying a closure pressure to the closure which is related to the pressure differential between the first fluid pressure and the second fluid pressure.

Abstract: A front end bearing structure for the bodywork of a vehicle of the type including a pair of spaced apart left and right side front longitudinal bearer members, each having an upstanding, substantially perpendicular support member for supporting a suspension strut mount at a location above its respective front longitudinal bearer member. Each suspension strut mount is also supported at a front end portion thereof by an additional slanted supporting bearer member which is extended upwardly and rearwardly from a connection point on each front longitudinal bearer member at a point in front of the location of the juncture of the perpendicular support member and front longitudinal bearer member. In this way, each slanted supporting bearer member forms a closed triangular framework with its respective front longitudinal bearer member and perpendicular support member. The angle subtended by the slanted supporting bearer member and the longitudinal bearer member is preferably about 45.degree..