Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and extending a change interval for an operating fluid of a unit, particularly for an engine of a motor vehicle, uses at least one directly or indirectly recorded operating variable which represents the qualitative condition of the operating fluid. An evaluation of the at least operating variable and a continuous calculation of the change interval therefrom is performed by a computing and control unit. The calculated change interval is related to a specified unit service interval and, if the change interval expires before the service interval, a regeneration signal for the removal of a certain quantity of the spent operating fluid and the replacement of the quantity with a fresh operating fluid is produced as a function of the difference therebetween.

Abstract: A servo-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system has a helical-toothed rack and a helical-toothed pinion cooperating therewith. On the transmission of forces between the pinion and the rack, a torque relative to the longitudinal axis of the rack acts on the rack. The resulting rotation of the rack is utilized to control the servomotor via a lever arrangement.

Abstract: In air-spring legs with a pressure chamber in each case for motor vehicles, in which the respective pressure chamber can be subjected to different pressures via a connector leading to the outside, a minimum pressure is to be ensured in the respective pressure chamber irrespective of external influences. This minimum pressure is also to be present in the case of a demounted or not yet mounted spring leg in the pressure chamber thereof. For this purpose, the connector of the pressure chamber of the air-spring leg has in each case an automatically operating pressure relief valve which can be designed to maintain a minimum pressure which can be predetermined for the chamber, and by means of which pressure relief valve the connector is open at a pressure which is acting from the interior of the pressure chamber or from the outside and is above the minimum pressure and, at a pressure below it, is closed.

Abstract: A braking pressure control device for a hydraulic two-circuit brake system with a pneumatic braking force amplifier and an antilock brake system (ABS) that operates on the feedback principle, in which a switching valve is provided for each brake circuit. Each switching valve is switchable from a position connecting the brake circuit with a pressure outlet of the braking device into a position that shuts off this pressure outlet from the brake circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for defining the initiation sensitivity of an automatic braking procedure, in which method the threshold value for the initiation of an automatic braking procedure is reduced as a function of the pedal distance which has been traversed. The object of the invention is to ensure that in the event of actuation of the brake shortly after the automatic braking procedure has terminated, the automatic braking procedure is again initiated rapidly and easily. For this purpose, the initiation threshold value for the automatic braking procedure is reduced within a time period after the satisfaction of the interruption criterion.

Abstract: A hydraulically supported power steering system is disclosed for motor vehicles including a double-acting hydraulic displacement unit or piston/cylinder unit for generating an auxiliary hydraulic force. For this purpose, the displacement body working spaces or piston working spaces can be acted upon by controllable hydraulic pressure or relieved of hydraulic pressure by means of associated conduits controlled by a servo-valve. The displacement unit or piston/cylinder unit also undertakes the function of a steering damper by means of damper valves arranged on the conduit connections. The damper valves include a perforated disc type of support part which can be clamped in the manner of a spacer ring between a bearing surface of a connecting mouthpiece arranged on a housing of one of the servo-valve and the displacement unit and an opposite bearing surface of a connecting part of a conduit, said connecting part being detachably connected to the connecting mouthpiece.

Abstract: A stowage-space arrangement for vehicles with a folding roof, especially for convertibles with a solid roof that can be folded in two parts, includes a stowage space which is arranged between side walls of the body and into which at least one rearward roof part of the folding roof can be retracted. The rearward roof part includes a rear-wall area which slopes obliquely relative to the roof surface. To allow the rearward roof part to be made longer and to provide an improved facility for stowing luggage in the interior space of the vehicle, the stowage space has at its bottom end a large-size floor area which, with the folding roof stowed, is covered by the rear-wall area of the rearward roof part. A free space that can be used as a luggage space is provided above the rear-wall area of the retracted roof part.

Abstract: Method for tire pressure warning in a motor vehicle in which, instead of direct pressure measurement, the tire pressure is monitored indirectly by recording the dynamic rolling circumference of the tire and, in this way, to dispense with sensors, in particular if wheel speed sensors have already been installed in the vehicle.The method works on the basis of a wheel speed balance, within which speed scaling factors are determined. By comparing these scaling factors in pairs, determining the maximum deviation and checking whether a particular threshold value has been exceeded, a reliable tire pressure warning can be implemented with little outlay, in particular in the case of a wheel speed balance for each axle.

Abstract: A constructional unit for the region of the scuttle and the cockpit of a passenger car, particularly of a small two-seater, reduces the production costs and saves weight. The constructional unit is formed from two composite parts which consist of deep-drawn sheet metal, preferably of steel, and of plastic, preferably PA 6/GF 30, injection-molded thereon. One composite part forms the scuttle as the front end wall of the passenger space, and the other composite part forms the dashboard carrier. The sheet-metal component of each composite part is shaped to allow for extensive forceflux during the absorption of the operating load within the composite part and at the connection points with the body. Bores or the like at specific locations constitute points for anchoring the plastic injection-molded on in relation to the sheet-metal part. The injection-molded on plastic is shaped to form a ribbing stiffening the sheet-metal parts and also suitably shaped receptacles for various add-on parts.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling an automatic selector device of a change-speed gearbox has two selecting connections engageable alternately by selecting actuators operated by pressure medium can be actuated into two non-transient and two transient selector conditions. This alternate engageability is provided by an electronic control unit by way of just one electromagnetic control valve. The arrangement also uses three pressure systems and two multi-way valve arrangements.

Abstract: A control panel assembly for an air conditioning system in a motor vehicle with continuously freely accessible primary actuation elements is provided with selectively accessible secondary actuation elements arranged in an installation shaft recess in the front panel section of the control panel. The recess is covered with a cover element which can be moved about a horizontal axis of rotation. In order to provide access to the secondary actuation elements, an opening movement of the cover element uncovers the installation shaft recess with the control panel of the secondary actuation elements being simultaneously moved into a position which is accessible to the vehicle.

Abstract: In a method of injection fuel for Diesel engine comprising a high pressure injection pump with a fuel supply line for supplying high pressure fuel to fuel injection nozzles wherein a fuel control line extends between the pump and a low pressure fuel supply line for discharge in excess fuel thereto under the control of a magnetic valve which is closed to end the discharge of excess fuel and initiate pumping of fuel, the magnetic valve is opened at the end of fuel pumping at a point corresponding to a piston stroke length h after the upper dead center of the piston such that, when communication between the pump and the low pressure fuel line is established, pressure pulses in the low pressure fuel line are avoided.

Abstract: An instrument panel with knee restraint for motor vehicles has a pair of deformation bars which can be deformed in a defined manner with respect to three zones, a load-distributing panel, and a large-surface-area impact-absorption member arranged in front of the load-distributing panel. In order to achieve an inexpensive knee restraint which does not require a redesign of the instrument panel configuration when the knee restraint is mounted on the instrument panel, the deformation bars are arranged on that side of the instrument panel remote from the vehicle interior and are supported, by one leg on the rear surface of the instrument panel and another leg on the transverse carrier fixed to the bodywork. The impact-absorption member is a shell-like carrier part positioned on that side of the instrument panel facing the vehicle interior. A cavity is defined and completely filled by an energy-absorbing insert, e.g. consisting of foam, which forms the energy-absorption element.

Abstract: A system for controlling actuating members in the doors of motor vehicles has at least one electromotive actuating drive and at least one actuating element (switch, button) in the door of the motor vehicle, as well as a control unit located in the vehicle itself. The system employs only a two-wire connection between control unit and actuating drive. The control unit, in addition to an ordinary pole-reversing and evaluation circuit, furthermore contains a source of alternating voltage as well as means for connecting the alternating voltage and a decoder. At least two passive components (resistor, capacitor, coil) of different size are provided to be connected by the actuating element in parallel with the actuating drive into the two-wire connection.

Abstract: A short range ultrasonic distance warning system is used as a parking aid in a motor vehicle. The entire system is active in the case of reverse gear being selected and low speed, and is deactivated automatically at higher speed. If reverse gear is not being selected, only the system part for front space monitoring is active at low speed of travel, while the system is once again automatically kept inactivated at higher speed. This implements a parking aid which is convenient and avoids unnecessary system activations.

Abstract: A method ensures that, even under wet conditions, the unrestricted intended braking effect is always achieved on wheels of a vehicle brake system. At the same time, the service life of the brake system is not to be influenced appreciably. When a sensor device detects that wet conditions influencing the braking effect are present and it has been detected that the braking effect of a brake could be impaired, a temporary braking operation is carried out on at least that particular brake, in such a way that the deceleration of the vehicle cannot be perceived by the driver.