Abstract: In a method and apparatus for detecting shock absorber damage, features of a shock absorber are determined by analyzing a signal of an antilock braking system rotational wheel speed sensor.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having direct injection and spark ignition, charging air is introduced in stratified charge operation through one of two valve-controlled intake channels into a cylinder having a roof-like cylinder head end and a piston having a piston head with a recess oriented toward the intake side. The charging air is introduced forms a swirl flow, into which fuel is introduced. To avoid fuel accumulation on the recess wall, a strong swirl flow with a compact swirl core is achieved through a flow-optimized filling channel, with the swirl core being held in a fixed position in a rotor recess at the latest in the second section of the stroke of the piston toward top dead center such that fuel introduced into the swirl core with a relatively late end of the injection is supplied to an ignition device due to the piston movement toward top dead center.

Abstract: In the case of a multi-function operating device for motor vehicles, a single bidirectional rotary switch having stop positions and axial movability is used to designating function groups and to select them by means of an enter function arrangement and subsequently, within the respective function group, select the pertaining function in the same manner. The sole operating element in the form of the rotary switch can be operated without any problems and permits the desired selection or operating function at any time and without drawing attention away from the traffic situation.

Abstract: A control system for stabilizing the rolling of a vehicle, having control elements arranged between vehicle wheel carriers or wheel suspension members and the vehicle body to generate forces approximately in a vertical direction. The control system is activated only when threshold values for the lateral acceleration of the vehicle and for the steering wheel turning angle are exceeded. When the control system is activated, the control elements generate a rolling moment at the vehicle body counteracting the rolling motions caused by driving conditions and at first completely, or for the most part, only at the rear wheel axle. In a transition period, which depends on vehicle parameters, the control system will then change the rolling moment distribution between the front wheel axle and the rear wheel axle to a given fixed rolling moment distribution.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor for the automatic triggering of occupant protection systems in vehicles comprises a liquid which is moved in a housing as a function of the acceleration, with a detector which responds to a critical acceleration value. The housing is a level tube which is aligned relative to the acceleration to be determined and contains both the liquid and an indicating medium. The detector responds to the position of the indicating medium, as it moved in the liquid as a function of the acceleration.