Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to turn steerable wheels (12) of a vehicle comprises a hydraulic power-assisted steering gear (16). An electric motor (92) actuates the steering gear (16). A pump (84) supplies the steering gear (16) with hydraulic fluid. A vehicle speed sensor (102) senses vehicle speed and provides a vehicle speed signal. A controller (104) is responsive to the vehicle speed signal for controlling the pump (84). The controller (104) activates the pump (84) to supply hydraulic fluid to the steering gear (16) when the vehicle speed signal indicates a vehicle speed below a predetermined value and the controller (104) deactivating the pump (84) when the vehicle speed signal indicates a vehicle speed above the predetermined value.

Abstract: An amplification system and method is provided that reduces peaks associated with an input signal, and provides correction, in one or more spectral bands, to signal distortion and out-of-band emissions that result from the peak reduction. The correction signal that removes signal distortion and OOB emissions associated with the peak reduction can be calculated or electronically derived. The correction signal can be combined with the peak reduced signal prior to or after amplification of the peak reduced input signal.

Abstract: A method for determining a region of interest on an object includes the step of producing an image of the object. The method also includes the step of identifying regions of adjacent pixels on the image. The method also includes the step of identifying which of the regions of adjacent pixels are positioned within a predetermined distance of each other on the image. The method also includes the step of grouping in a cluster regions determined as being positioned within a predetermined distance of each other. The method further includes the step of identifying the cluster as a region of interest on the object.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a belt spool (12) rotatably mounted in a frame (10) and a coupling disc (32) rotatably mounted relative to the belt spool. With a rotation relative to the belt spool, the coupling disc can bring about a locking of the rotation of the belt spool in unwinding direction of the safety belt. The belt spool has a first friction element (22) and the coupling disc has a second friction element (66). The first and second friction elements are positioned such that they are able to connect the belt spool and the coupling disc with each other with a friction fit.

Abstract: The belt retractor for an occupant restraint system has a frame, a belt spool having a pair of flanges and rotatably mounted in the frame and a locking mechanism for selective blocking of the belt spool. A wheel member provided with an external toothing is mounted on one flange of the belt spool. A locking pawl is biased by a spring that engages with the wheel member. During the normal operating state of the belt retractor, the locking pawl is held by means of a solenoid so that it is disengaged from the wheel member.

Abstract: An assembly unit includes an airbag module, a vehicle steering wheel, horn contacts for a vehicle horn, and attachment devices by means of which the airbag module is attached to the steering wheel. A first detachable attachment device is provided which comprises a first holding part provided on the airbag module and a second holding part provided on the steering wheel. The holding parts engage with each other and allow pivoting of the module in a direction towards the steering wheel in order to close a second attachment device. The second attachment device is a detachable latching connection and the airbag module, in its attached state, is able to be moved axially in order to close the horn contacts.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes first and second plates (44 and 84) extending parallel to each other and movable relative to each other. A locking mechanism (140) prevents movement between the first and second plates (44 and 84). The locking mechanism (140) has a first position applying a force to urge the first and second plates (44 and 84) toward each other to prevent movement between the first and second plates. The locking mechanism (140) has a second position to permit relative movement between the first and second plates (44 and 84). A surface treatment on one of the first and second plates (44 and 84) and between the first and second plates resists relative movement between the first and second plates when the locking mechanism (140) is in the first position. The surface treatment lubricates relative movement between the first and second plates (44 and 84) when the locking mechanism (140) is in the second position.

Abstract: A gas bag module comprises a module housing (12) and a covering cap (14), a side wall (15) being provided on at least one of the module housing (12) and the covering cap (14). An outer wall (16) of the covering cap defines a front side of the module and an outer wall (18) of the module housing (12) defines a rear side of the module, whereby an outlet direction (R) is given that runs from the rear side to the front side of the module. The module housing (12) has first fastening elements (20) and the covering cap (14) has second fastening elements (22) which can be brought into engagement with the first fastening elements.

Abstract: An air vent is provided that is capable of delivering a distributed divergent air flow with a predominant direction of flow that can be changed within a wide range of mutually perpendicular directions. In one embodiment, the air vent has an outlet grid that is generally ball shaped and that is rotatably mounted at an end of an air duct for rotation about its center. Each of the multiple outlet openings of the grid points to a direction that is different from pointing directions of all other outlet openings so that a divergent air flow is obtained. By rotating the ball shaped grid about its center, the predominant direction of air flow can nevertheless be changed in a within a wide range.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for locating a transmission signal from a radio transmission emitter device, such as a cell phone, in a rescue area. A pilot signal is employed to lock onto a transmission signal of one or more radio transmission devices located in a rescue area. A signal separation routine extracts desired transmission signals from emitter devices located in the rescue area from other signals coexisting on similar frequency bands and interfering with the desired transmission signals. An estimated location of transmission signals from emitter devices located in the rescue area is determined based on one or more transmission signal location techniques. The area is searched based on the estimated location of the transmission signal. If the emitter transmitting the transmission signal is not found, devices in the system are moved and the location estimation is repeated.

Abstract: A drive (10) for a device for raising a hood of a vehicle includes an energy storing unit which drives an actuating member (32) of a lifting mechanism coupled to the hood. The drive (10) further includes an electromotor (16) by which the accumulator can be set into a tensioned state, and a locking element which in a rest position holds the energy storing unit in the tensioned state. In addition, a carrier (26) is provided, movable in a linear manner by the electromotor (16) and capable of being coupled selectively to the energy storing unit. The carrier (26) by a first movement tensions the energy storing unit and by a second movement releases the locking element.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve (10) includes a housing (20) defining an air flow passage (34). A flap (90) overlies the air flow passage (34). At least a portion (92, 94) of the flap (90) is movable, in response to an air pressure differential acting on opposite portions of the flap, between an open condition venting air from one side (18) of the valve (10) to a closed condition blocking flow of air from a second side (19) of the valve. The flap (90) has a plurality of mounting openings (104, 106). The housing (20) has a plurality of generally T-shaped mounting posts (70, 72) projecting from the housing. A snap connection is provided between the flap (90) and the mounting posts (70, 72) to secure the flap to the housing (20) with the mounting posts extending through the openings (104, 106). The mounting posts (70, 72) are the only structure holding the flap (90) on the housing (20).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle comprises a housing (14) that defines a fluid chamber (24). A rack bar (26) extends longitudinally through the housing (14) and is connectable with the steerable wheels of the vehicle. The rack bar (26) is movable relative to the housing (14) for turning the steerable wheels. A piston assembly (34) is fixedly attached to the rack bar (26) and sealingly engages the housing (14). The piston assembly (34) divides the fluid chamber (24) into first and second chamber portions (40 and 42). A fluid source (80) directs fluid toward one of the first and second chamber portions (40 or 42) for creating a differential pressure between the first and second chamber portions (40 and 42). The piston assembly (34) and the rack bar (26) move relative to the housing (14) in response to the differential pressure. The piston assembly (34) includes structure (132) for dampening fluid pulsations emanating from the fluid source (80).

Abstract: An amplifier system is provided that switches between a linear mode of operation, an envelope tracking mode of operation and a polar mode of operation. The amplifier system switches between modes of operation based upon a characteristic of an input signal relative to a first threshold level and a second threshold level. A mode selector selects the operation mode by transmitting an amplitude modulated signal plus a variable headroom voltage to a supply terminal of a power amplifier during the envelope tracking mode, an amplitude modulated signal to the supply terminal and phase modulated input signal during the polar mode and a substantially constant amplitude signal to the supply terminal during the linear mode.

Abstract: An amplification system and method is provided that reduces peaks associated with an input signal, and provides correction, in one or more spectral bands, to signal distortion and out-of-band emissions that result from the peak reduction. The correction signal that removes signal distortion and OOB emissions associated with the peak reduction can be calculated or electronically derived. The correction signal can be combinded with the peak reduced signal prior to or after amplification of the peak reduced input signal.

Abstract: A removably mountable ornament assembly as a temporary or permanent fitting to a wall and/or ceiling is provided. The ornament may be a cornice or skirting board, and a bracket is provided for releasably engaging and mounting the cornice or skirting board to a wall and/or ceiling. The arms of the bracket each terminate in mating portions that releasably engage respective complementary channels in the cornice. The ornament assembly provides an alternative to traditional plaster cornices and may be mounted to cover an existing cornice or moulding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray head for spreading liquid or semi-liquid products, preferably foodstuff. A product feeder (5) is provided to feed or convey a product (2) through a feed conduit (3) from a product container (4) to the spray head (1) and spraying nozzles (18) are provided to spread the product (2) when it is discharged from the spray head (1). The spray head (1) comprises three separate members, namely an upper coupling member (7), a lower coupling member (8) and a nozzle member (9) provided therebetween. The upper coupling member (7) is connected to the lower coupling member (8) and to the feed conduit (3). The nozzle member (9) and/or the upper coupling member (7) define, when the upper and lower coupling members (7, 8) are interconnected, distributing spaces (13) for distributing product (2). The spraying nozzles (18) of the nozzle member (9) are provided to open and to close.

Abstract: A pull (12) includes an elongate flexible member (34) having two end portions. The first end portion (36) is secured to the rear surface (20, 106) of the front structure (16, 102) of a movable member (14, 100) of a piece of furniture made of wood. The flexible member (34) has an intermediate portion (39) extending from the first end portion (36). The intermediate portion (39) extends over an upper region of the front structure (16, 102) of the movable member (14, 100). The flexible member (34) has a manually gripable rigid part (40) at the second end portion (38). The manually gripable rigid part (40) lies against, without being secured to, the front surface (20, 106) of the front structure (16, 102) of the movable member (14, 100). The manually gripable rigid part (40) is pulled to open the movable member (14, 100).

Abstract: An assembly comprises a gas generator with a flange and a generator holder, on which the flange is fastened. The generator holder has a cylindrical peripheral wall, the peripheral wall at least partially surrounding the gas generator peripherally. At least one clamping extension is provided in the peripheral wall, which is formed by partial lateral deformation of the peripheral wall. The clamping extension is delimited by at least one slit in the peripheral wall. The slit runs substantially in peripheral direction and defines a side of the clamping extension, the side of the clamping extension constituting a stop for the flange.

Abstract: A gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system, which gas bag can be transferred from a folded condition into a deployed condition and comprises a first chamber which has an inflation opening, and a second chamber which is in flow connection with the first chamber. The first chamber is generally elongate in the deployed condition and the second chamber is connected with the first chamber at a side face of the first chamber, so that the gas bag is asymmetrical. A limiting strap is provided which extends across an outside of the second chamber and across part of an outside of the first chamber.