Abstract: In a method of operating a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine with a combustion chamber in which a fuel mix with fresh gas is provided via intake ports and combustion exhaust gases are discharged through exhaust ports which can be opened by intake valves and, respectively, exhaust valves which are actuated by a valve operating mechanism, wherein an operating mode with external ignition, in which the fuel mix is ignited by a spark plug, is provided in part of the load range of the internal combustion engine, and an operating mode with compression ignition, in which the control of the gas exchange valves is altered so as to retain combustion exhaust gases in the combustion chamber for participation in the formation of the fresh mix is provided in another load range of the internal combustion engine, during a change in the operating mode the valve lift of at least one of the gas exchange valves is altered.

Abstract: A device for controlling electrical systems of a means of transportation that is encapsulated within a housing provided with an external interface and that has a microcomputer for executing control programs and storage means on which control programs for actuating an electrical component and signals of the component can be stored, the signals being exchanged via an internal interface by actuation software of the electrical component. According to the invention, a test module is provided within the housing and at the internal interface of the component, which test module evaluates the signals of the component which are exchanged via the interface, in order to test the satisfactory functioning of an internal component or of the control program.

Abstract: The invention relates to two methods for forming a fuel/air mixture of a directly injecting internal combustion engine with a spark ignition. In the first method, the fuel injection is configured in a homogeneous operating mode of the internal combustion engine in such a way that a first and a second part amount are introduced in the intake stroke, and a third part amount is introduced in the compression stroke, wherein the ignition of the fuel/air mixture which is formed takes place after the end of injection of the third part amount. In the second method, the fuel injection is configured in a stratified charge operating mode of the internal combustion engine in such a way that a first, a second and a third part amount are introduced into the combustion chamber during the compression stroke of the internal combustion engine, wherein the injection of the second part amount is ended at a crank angle which lies in a range between 15° CA before the ignition time to 4° CA after the ignition time.

Abstract: A device for producing an essentially T-shaped hollow profile or a hollow profile provided with at least one branch. The device may have a multipart mold which is intended for internal high pressure forming, in which a hollow profile having at least one initially dome-like branch can be produced. The device may also have a tool at the branch, this tool being designed for opening the branch at the end face after the forming operation. The tool is designed as a cutting device having a parting slide displaceable essentially transversely to the axis of the branch.

Abstract: An improved hybrid transmission including two electric motor/generator modules and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motor/generators and to an engine is provided. Novel structural and packaging schemes enhance the function and efficiency of the transmission. More precisely, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for retaining a clutch hub and providing hydraulic fluid to actuate a clutch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for initiating safety measures for a motor vehicle in which a transceiver unit of the motor vehicle emits an electromagnetic field into a predefined, close surrounding area of the motor vehicle, if a second motor vehicle is located in the predefined, close surrounding area of the first motor vehicle a transceiver unit of the second motor vehicle transmits a response signal which is received by the transceiver unit of the first motor vehicle. According to the invention it is proposed that safety measures for the first motor vehicle are initiated before the occurrence of the accident event as soon as the response signal is received.

Abstract: A belt tensioning unit has a reversible clamping device which is controlled by a sensor system which is capable of recognizing potentially dangerous or accident-prone driving situations. In the event of danger, the belt is tensioned with sufficient force in order to draw the occupant into a desired sitting position prior to a possible collision or to retain the occupant in this position.

Abstract: A safety device is provided for a motor vehicle having a driver's seat whose sitting position can be adjusted by a seat adjustment drive, and a steering wheel whose steering wheel position can be adjusted by a steering wheel adjustment drive. A control unit evaluates the data which is relevant for the safety of a driving mode, and actuates the steering wheel adjustment drive with timing such that, before an anticipated accident event occurs, a movement of the steering wheel into an optimum steering wheel position for the driver in terms of safety equipment is initiated as a function of the current sitting position of the driver's seat.

Abstract: During welding with high output power, the gaps between the pieces being joined may not exceed a maximal gap width. A process for laser beam welding is provided, which on the one hand ensures maintaining (not exceeding) a maximal gap width between the sheets and on the other hand makes possible a maximal utilization of the achievable welding speed. The sheets, prior to welding, are first spot welded, wherein they are clamped only during this spot welding in order to ensure the maintenance of a maximum gap width.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automobile infrared-night viewing device comprising an infrared camera used to receive image data representing the surroundings of the automobile. Said device also comprises an image processing unit which is connected to the infrared-camera and which processes the image data supplied by said camera in such am manner that a continuous image section from the supplied image data is selected and said selected data is retransmitted to a display. Said display then completely or almost completely reproduces the selected data, thereby renouncing any other further representations of the image data. Preferably, the selection of the image data is made according to the speed of the vehicle, the surroundings of the vehicle or the driver.

Abstract: A composition comprising an extract of a deep sea fish; and an extract of rooibos aspalathus linearis); and optionally an extract of bearberry (arctostaphylos uva-ursi) as active components thereof; and optionally one or more fillers or ancillary agents conventionally used in the formulation of compositions is provided. Upon administration, the composition has beneficial effect in relation to the cosmetic treatment of age-related dermatological symptoms, such as wrinkled and/or aged skin as well as hair loss.

Abstract: An improved hybrid transmission including two electric motor/generator modules and a plurality of planetary gear sets operatively connectable to the motor/generators and to an engine is provided. Novel structural and packaging schemes enhance the function and efficiency of the transmission. More precisely, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for applying an adjustable load to internal rotating components of the hybrid transmission to maximize efficiency thereof.

Abstract: In a centrifugal oil separator in an internal combustion engine including a centrifuge housing which is placed in a rotationally fixed manner onto a rotating centrifuge shaft, the centrifuge housing is manufactured from plastic and a metal bushing is integrated into the centrifuge housing and is slipped onto the centrifuge shaft.

Abstract: A radiation-curable composite layered sheet or film comprising at least one substrate layer and one outer layer, said outer layer being composed of a radiation-curable composition having a glass transition temperature of more than 40° C.

Abstract: A joint-site structure for a shaft/disk composite workpiece, in particular for joining a shaft 1 to a connection flange 2 of a hub part of the disk by means of friction welding. A respective defined gap 4, 4? is incorporated between shaft 1 and connection flange 2 of the hub part in front of and behind a joint site 3, this gap 4, 4? preventing the spread of the material softened during the friction welding. The joint-site structure is used, for example, during the joining of a crankshaft and a hub part of a drive wheel.