Abstract: A clutch for a motor vehicle has a sensor device (7) for detecting the limit of wear of friction linings (6), with an electric switch (11) having an electric conductor (13). The electric conductor (13) is severed by a rotatably mounted switching part (14) when the limit of wear is reached. Before the limit of wear has been reached, the switching part (14) is biased by a blocking part (15) into a position remote from the electric conductor (13). It is possible thereby to determine the limit of wear with particular exactitude.

Abstract: An optical operational amplifier is disclosed. The operational amplifier has a first photodiode with an anode and a cathode. A second photodiode with an anode coupled to the cathode of the first photodiode, and an anode coupled to the cathode of the first photodiode to form an output terminal. A resistor is coupled in parallel with the first and second photodiodes. The inputs to the operational amplifier are light sources which generate different currents in the first and second photodiodes. The output voltage from the output terminal is a function of the difference in currents across the first and second photodiode. The output voltage is amplified in proportion to the value of the resistor. The basic optical operational amplifier configuration may be used in a variety of useful circuits. One example is the use of the amplifier in a position sensing device which determines position of a light beam by the output of photodiode sensing elements.

Abstract: An egg incubating tray (1) for receiving eggs (3) which are to be incubated, comprises separate rigid supporting means (6) for each egg (3), the supporting means (6) delimiting an opening (2) on the underside and being formed such that an egg (3) which is supported in a stable incubating position by the supporting means (6) is situated partly in the opening (2) and can be turned regularly in the supporting means (6) in accordance with a predetermined schedule, about the longitudinal axis (4) of the egg (3), by means of turning means (10) which act on the said egg part (5) situated in the opening (2), in which the supporting means (6) for each egg (3) comprise two curved supports (6a, 6b) arranged apart from one another, the opening (2) being located between the two curved supports (6a, 6b).

Abstract: An ice collection bin includes an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior chamber used to collect ice or other frozen particles. The level of frozen particles in the interior chamber is controlled by a level sensor assembly. Sensor pockets disposed in the bin protect the components of the level sensor assembly from damage that can occur in connection with the use of the ice collection bin to store frozen particles. An ice collection system is also provided, and includes the ice collection bin, a frozen particle making machine, an elevated frame that elevates the ice collection bin, and a cart for storing or transporting frozen particles.

Abstract: In the case of a cleaning device (1) a washer jet (9) is arranged on a piston rod (6) which can be moved by means of an electromotive drive unit (3). A heating element (10), which is connected to a hollow cylinder (2) which is in a fixed location, is situated, in its illustrated position of rest, in the direct vicinity of the washer jet (9) and in this manner makes it possible for the washer jet (9) to be heated thereby preventing it from freezing up when ambient temperatures are critical. No electrical contacts are required on the moveable part of the cleaning device (1) because of the connection of the heating element (10) in a fixed location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel delivery unit for use in fuel tanks of vehicles, having a pump with a housing (2) and at least one outlet opening (3) arranged laterally thereon, having a reservoir (1) which can be filled with fuel and into which the pump can be inserted with little lateral installation space and from whose filling volume fuel is delivered to the outlet opening (3), and a line (15), in particular a rising line, which can be connected to the outlet opening (3), wherein at least the one line (15) can be connected to the outlet opening (3) by means of a releasable, pressure-sealed plug-in connection (S), it being possible for the outlet flow to be deflected in the region of the plug-in connection (S) by means of an elbow (6a).

Abstract: In the case of a method for checking the width of the measuring air gap of a magnetic speed sensor, square-wave output signals are generated from the measurement signals of the sensor by means of at least one prescribable threshold value. The pulse duty factor of the output signals is held within a prescribed range in the case of an acceptable gap width. In the case of amplitudes of the measurement signal outside prescribed limits, the pulse duty factor deviates in a reliably measurable fashion from the prescribed range. A circuit has the means for carrying out this method.

Abstract: A filling level sensor for generating electrical signals as a function of the filling level, in which a regulator is integral to a guider of a carrier part, (6). An actuator of the regulator is connected to a mounting arm. (9) via a coupling element (8). As a result, the mounting arm (2) can bend transversely with respect to its direction of movement without the actuator (9) lifting off from a fixed resistor network (7) of the regulator (5).

Abstract: A novel control circuit for magnetizing and demagnetizing an electric permanent chuck includes a single alternating current source with a selected frequency and phase. A circuit that generates electrical pulses is coupled to the alternating current source to produce pulses at a multiple of the frequency of the alternating current source. The pulse generating circuitry also sets the phase of the pulses relative to the phase of the alternating current source at a predetermined value. The pulses are then applied to the gates of one or more silicon controlled rectifiers (“SCRs”) which control current flow through the electric permanent chuck. By adjusting the phase of the electrical pulses, the amount of current and average DC voltage applied to a coil of the electric permanent chuck through an SCR can be controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a broadcast receiver, comprising a control circuit (7) for applying encoded messages, derived from a broadcast signal, to at least one storage device (12, 28), for receiving control data, derived from the encoded messages, from at least one storage device (12, 28), and for forming the messages from the control data in a form suitable for a display device (13) and/or a speech synthesizer circuit (14). In order to reduce the data file, given control data is stored under a respective escape code in at least one storage device (12, 28). The control data contains, for example phonetic notations of different languages. After reception of control data containing at least one escape code, the control circuit (7) applies said escape codes to a storage device (12, 28) for further processing of the control data stored under the escape code.

Abstract: The invention relates to a navigation system for a vehicle, including an arithmetic circuit (1) which is arrangedto evaluate traffic information received,to calculate a first route without taking into account the traffic information and a second route while taking into account the traffic information,to determine the position of the vehicle by means of at least one sensor signal, and also including an output device (6) for outputting route information supplied by the arithmetic circuit (1). In order to enhance the user friendliness of such a system, the arithmetic circuit (1) is also arrangedto supply the output device (6) with selection information offering a second route as an alternative for the first route, andto supply route information concerning the route taken after output of the selection information.

Abstract: A bridging agent for improving the bond between incompatible component layers of laminates comprising one or more N-substituted melamine compounds. The bridging agent is comprised of an N-substituted melamine, an N-substituted melamine formaldehyde resin, a hybrid N-substituted melamine resin, or mixtures of these resins. The bridging agent improves bonding between laminate layers known not to bond well together such as between a styrenated polyester top coat and a melamine impregnating resin. As a result of improving the bond between the incompatible component layers, the bridging agent improves the blister resistance and cove forming characteristics of the laminate. The bridging agent can be used to improve bonding both with and without an overlay paper layer.

Abstract: In the case of a filling device for a motor vehicle fuel tank, a distributing element extends from a filling nozzle to an anti-surge tower of the motor vehicle. When there is a low volume flow of fuel in the filling nozzle, the distributing element supplies all of the fuel to the anti-surge tower. When there is a large volume flow, the greater part of the fuel passes directly into the fuel tank. It is thereby ensured that during an initial filling or emergency filling with a jerrycan, virtually all of the fuel passes into the anti-surge tower.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling the interior temperature in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, in which the actual interior temperature detected by a radiation sensor is fed to a control loop which sets the interior temperature as a function of the measured temperature and a prescribed temperature. In an arrangement for controlling the interior temperature in which the noise disturbance from the fan motor is eliminated and reliable control of the interior temperature is ensured nonetheless, the radiation sensor is arranged on a printed circuit board which carries the control loop, such that a sensitive surface of the radiation sensor detects the thermal radiation which impinges on an outer surface, facing the vehicle interior, of a housing enclosing the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a housing, a plurality of conductive terminals supported within the housing, and a flange extending outward from the housing. The flange has a plurality of selectively removable portions to permit the connector upon removal of one of the portions to be adapted for use in a particular angular mounting position.

Abstract: In a feed pump designed for feeding fuel in a motor vehicle and having two feed chambers (11, 12) located opposite one another, of which one is connected to an inlet port (18) and the other to an outlet port (19), the feed chamber (11) connected to the inlet port (18) has a calming region (21) which a compression region (22) adjoins. Fuel entering the feed pump is thereby first calmed. Subsequently, in particular, gas bubbles present in hot fuel are dissolved due to the vapour pressure in the fuel being exceeded.