Abstract: A device for connecting two tubular pipe sections. A sealing device is arranged between the pipe sections. At their ends, the pipe sections in each case have a flange-type end piece. The pipe sections are held together by a spring device using a pre-tensioning force, the spring device having a mid-section extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the pipe sections. The spring device has a spring element, from whose transverse sides of the mid-section, which extend at right angles to the longitudinal axes of the pipe sections, spring limbs extend. Forming an at least approximate U-shape with the mid-section, the spring limbs extend at least partially over the periphery of the pipe sections, the spring limps each having a centrical cut-out that is adapted to the outside diameter of the pipe sections and in which a pipe section is accommodated in each case in the mounted state of the spring element.

Abstract: In an arrangement for interconnecting two exhaust pipe sections of a motor vehicle exhaust system with a vibration dampening structure disposed between the two pipe sections, a first one of the pipe sections has a coupling member radially extending therefrom and the second pipe section has a coupling structure connected to the coupling member in a circumferentially elastic fashion so as to permit limited relative rotation between the two pipe sections.

Abstract: An active sound damper for compensating interference noise radiated by an interference noise source through a radiation opening of the interference source. The radiation opening of the interference noise source defines a radiation plane and has a center. The sound damper includes a speaker for radiating compensation sound for reciprocally effecting one of a weakening and a cancelling of the interference noise by interfering with the interference noise, the speaker having a speaker cone and defining a longitudinal axis. The speaker is further adapted to be mounted on the radiation opening such that its longitudinal axis is disposed to transversely intersect the radiation plane at the center of the radiation opening and such that the speaker cone radially surrounds the radiation opening.

Abstract: A device for reducing contaminants, particularly for motor vehicles, includes a housing, a catalyst body disposed therein with its periphery spaced from the housing wall and an intumescent mat disposed in the gap between the housing wall and the catalyst body. The intumescent mat is a mat of a heat-resistant fiber mat with embedded expansion particles whose volume increases when a certain expansion temperature is reached that is produced by the hot exhaust gases. By providing an additional heating element in the gap between the housing and the catalyst body, the intumescent mat can be heated to the expansion temperature.