Abstract: In a method for operating a spark-ignition, direct-injection internal combustion engine, wherein fuel is injected into a cylinder of the internal combustion engine and is ignited by a spark plug as a function of at least the load of the internal combustion engine, a crank angle is determined at which a first amount of fuel is injected into the cylinder during the intake stroke whereby a lean mixture is formed in the cylinder, subsequently, as a function of at least the load of the internal combustion engine, a crank angle is determined at which a second amount of fuel is injected, whereby a mixture cloud, which is richer than the lean mixture is formed in the lean mixture and a third amount of fuel is injected in the form of a stratified injection for forming a locally enriched and ignitable fuel/air mixture in the region of the spark plug close to an ignition time which is then ignited by the spark plug causing also combustion of the mixture cloud and the lean mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating a semifinished product (12) particularly a broad strip used for making motor vehicles, with a mixture (10), can be converted from a free-flowing state into a hardened state by chemically cross-linking said components. Said method encompasses the following steps: a.) the mixture (10) is applied to the semifinished product (12); b.) the mixture (10) is flash-hardened at a first temperature for a first period of time; c.) the flash-hardening process is interrupted; and d.) the mixture (10) is hardened at a second temperature for a second period of time, the second period of time being longer than the first period of time and/or the second temperature being greater than the first temperature. The invention further relates to a semifinished product (12) as well as a mixture (10), particularly a paint, for coating semifinished products (12).

Abstract: UHC lightweight structural steel with improved scaling resistance, comprising the composition in % by weight C: 1 to 1.6, Al: 5 to 10, Cr: 0.5 to 3, Si: 0.1 to 2.8, the remainder iron and customary impurities accompanying steel, and a method for producing components hot-formed from this in air, wherein hot-forming temperatures of from 800 to 1050° C. are used, depending on the Si content.

Abstract: Surface coating having a bright appearance on motor vehicle wheels made of light metal alloy castings or steel, which can comprise a plurality of layers, wherein it has at least one first layer composed of aluminum or aluminum alloy which is applied directly to the wheel surface, which has metallic brightness, and a method for producing a resistant bright coating on aluminum alloy or steel surfaces, which comprises the steps gas-phase deposition of aluminum or Al alloy to form a first dense and bright coating electrochemical oxidation of the surface of the first layer and formation of a nanoporous to microporous second layer of aluminum oxide having a thickness in the range from 50 to 1000 nm.

Abstract: In a bearing unit for a drive shaft mounted cantilevered in a housing by means of two rolling bearings and having a driving bevel gear wherein the drive shaft is mounted in the drive housing via a bearing bush and the bearing bush is axially supported at one end by a bearing bush support part and the rolling bearings are supported in the bearing bush spaced from the one end thereof so that, during heating, the bearing bush expands inwardly toward the driving bevel gear mounted on the shaft whereas the drive housing expands outwardly away from the driving bevel gear, the gear drive housing and the bearing bush consist of a light metal alloy and the bearing bush support part consists of an iron material.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection system of a vehicle having a plurality of adaptive protection system components assigned to a seat in the vehicle, is preset using data relating to the individual occupant of the seat. The identity of the occupant is determined for at least one seat, and a stored safety profile which is assigned to the identified person is retrieved. The protection system components which are assigned to the seat are then set using the safety profile.

Abstract: A suspension deflection system is provided that includes first and second spaced apart supports, an elastomeric body positioned at least partially in the region between the first and second supports, and a suspension engaging projection extending from the second support in a direction away from the first support. The elastomeric body includes first and second opposed body end surfaces coupled respectively to the first and second supports, and first and second body side surfaces extending between the body end surfaces. The body side surfaces are closer to one another at a location intermediate to the body end surfaces than at the first and second supports. The system conveniently and securely couples a suspension member of a vehicle engaged by the projection to a frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a deformable substrate with microstructured surface composed of applied material, wherein the applied material is configured as individual pixels which have been printed onto the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for assisting a driver when maneuvering a vehicle or vehicle-trailer combination (1) which has vehicle elements (2, 3) which can move with respect to one another. The method provides that the vehicle or vehicle-trailer combination is/are displayed in the straight-ahead position on a display unit (A) using a static display element (4) which corresponds to the straight-ahead position of the vehicle elements (2, 3) and in addition respectively using a dynamic display element (6, 7) which is assigned to the respective vehicle element (2, 3) and is determined as a function of an instantaneous or future position of the vehicle elements (2, 3) which can move with respect to one another. In this context, the dynamic display elements (6, 7) are displayed enhanced multiply and highlighted in terms of color.

Abstract: A device for monitoring an exhaust gas catalytic converter in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, includes a measuring apparatus that is arranged in the exhaust system in such a way that, in the greatest part of the operating range of the internal combustion engine, it assumes a temperature that is correlated with a temperature of the exhaust gas catalytic converter. The measuring apparatus has a temperature-sensitive component with a temperature-dependent characteristic component parameter that changes either abruptly at a predetermined transition temperature or temperature range, or continuously in a predetermined way as a function of the temperature. A control and evaluation unit connected to the measuring arrangement detects the characteristic component parameter and/or a change in the latter, and correlates it with an aging state of the exhaust gas catalytic converter.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices for operating fuel cells. According to the invention, the two functions “cooling” and “humidification” are combined in a functional unit (10) to adjust the temperature of the air (1) supplied as the reaction medium and to humidify it. Membranes (5) are used that consist of a temperature-resistant material.

Abstract: Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) made from perfluorosulfonic acid polymers, displaying proton conductivity at least in the presence of water, adequate for operation in a fuel cell, comprising at least one oxidation protection agent and additives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a fuel cell system in a mode of reduced power output. The fuel cell system comprises a fuel cell stack (BS) having at least one fuel cell (BZ) with an anode (A), a cathode (K), and a proton exchange membrane, anode and cathode inlets, anode and cathode outlets, and a hydrogen and air supply. In order not to adversely affect the life span of the fuel cell system, the air supply to the cathode (K) is interrupted during the changeover to the mode of reduced power output, and an electric voltage (U) of the fuel cell stack (BS) is reduced by means of a current pulse.