Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle comprising an antihydroplaning system, particularly for improving the wheel adhesion despite the presence of a sheet of water on the road. Output signals from sensors for detecting body and chassis vibrations, ambient temperature and other parameters are analyzed to determine when hydroplaning is occurring or about to occur, and to activate antihydroplaning measures.

Abstract: The damping of the fiber coil of a fiber gyroscope is automatically corrected or newly determined in a microprocessor by repeating a calculation program in which a previously known damping factor of the fiber coil is replaced by a more recently determined damping factor. The calculation program is repeated until the calculated damping factor converges toward a fixed value. In this way, changes in the damping factor, e.g. due to aging of the fiber coil, due to splicings in the fiber coil, are ascertained and automatically corrected.

Abstract: A support mechanism for room dividers is constructed to support room divider curtain rods, for example, to divide an aircraft cabin into several cabin sections. For this purpose a carrier crossbeam is formed of two beam elements hinged to each other in scissors fashion so that the beam elements can buckle downwardly when an interlocking device is released through an operating handle. The end of each beam element is formed as a wall engaging member, such as a T-shaped mounting foot. Each beam element has an extension, whereby a hinge plate is connected between the beam element and its extension. The operating handle which operates the interlocking device is arranged at the end of the extension. At least one locking device and operating handle units, preferably two such units, are used.

Abstract: A semiconductor image sensor having a CCD-structure, includes sensor elements arranged in a linear or in a two-dimensional array suitable for a parallel or serial read-out of information. An avalanche diode is arranged between a p-layer and a high resistance n-layer on a light inlet side of the semiconductor device. The charge carriers coming from the avalanche diode are transferred to a CCD-structure in response to an electrical control signal applied to the p-layer and the n-layer of the image sensor. This construction forms an optical shutter that is controllable by pulses of short duration within the range of about 1 to 10 ns.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating signals from a fiber optical gyro employs a 3.times.3-coupler which makes it possible to ascertain a precise Sagnac-Signal in spite of the fact that the fluctuations of the optical characteristics of the fiber coil are unknown. Thus, a high precision is assured, while simultaneously reducing the quality requirments for the optical components of the system.

Abstract: A pipe section, especially an elbow pipe section, is cast to have an internal heat insulation lining so that the pipe section can withstand temperatures up to about 2500.degree. C. The internal heat insulation is first formed as a hollow casting core of carbon fiber composite material which, after curing, is inserted into a casting mold to function as the casting core which then becomes the internal heat insulation of the pipe section as the result of the casting of the pipe section, whereby the carbon fiber composite material is bonded to the interior surface of the pipe section.

Abstract: A goniometric device for measuring an angle such as the angle of rotation of the steering wheel in a motor vehicle is useful for providing a backlash-free reduction ratio of the angular movement to be measured. For this purpose an elastic torque rod is used to one end of which the angular movement is applied and the other end of which is rigidly fixed. The angular movement of a tap is taken off at a tap location between the two ends. The reduction ratio depends on the ratio between the two distances from the tap to both ends of the torque rod.

Abstract: A high temperature multi-layer thermal insulation is constructed especially for insulating spacecraft. For this purpose the insulation is formed of a plurality of porous material layers, such as ceramic fiber layers, separated from each other by highly reflective gas permeable foils. The insulation has an outer hot side and an inner cold side. The ceramic fibers are so arranged that the layer density increases from the outer side toward the inner side while the fiber diameter decreases from the outer side to the inner side. Compared to conventional heat shield type insulations of spacecraft, the present insulation is relatively lightweight and is able to better discharge again at lower flight altitudes any heat stored in the insulation at higher transient re-entry altitudes.

Abstract: A valve for sealing a conduit under pressure has an armature (12) cooperating with two springs, a permanent magnet, and a solenoid coil. The force of the permanent magnet is used to cock a spring and thereby stored primarily as a spring force when the valve is in any of its two end positions. THe spring force is slightly smaller than the permanent magnetic force of the permanent magnet, and this slightly smaller spring force is effective on a valve stem through a sleeve in a direction opposite to that of the permanent magnetic force. The permanent magnetic force is, for example, stored in a Belleville spring and additionally in a helical or conical spring which provides an extra valve biasing force. In order to open the valve, the solenoid coil (9) of an electromagnet is energized to counteract the force of the permanent magnet to an extent slightly below the stored spring force.

Abstract: A magnetic impact sensor for motor vehicles with a safety system such as an airbag or belt tensioner for an occupant restraint system, has a circuit breaker arranged in an electrical trigger circuit of the safety system for inflating the airbag or tightening the belt by closing the trigger circuit in response to an acceleration or deceleration effective beyond a prescribed time duration. For this purpose a magnet in combination with specially shaped pole pieces forms two magnetic circuits the magnetic conductances of which are influenced by the position of a ferromagnetic ball that moves in response to an impact relative to the pole pieces to thereby open or close the circuit breaker. Normally, in the absence of an impact the ball is in a first position that keeps the circuit breaker open. When an impact occurs the ball moves into a second position to close the circuit breaker and thus the trigger circuit.

Abstract: A spark erosion machine tool is equipped with a drive head carrying, at an angle to its moving direction, a plurality of drive slides, with a stationary work piece holder, and with a plurality of movable spark erosion electrode mounting bucks. The drive slides (4) cooperate with the mounting bucks (20) for converting the movement of the drive head into a movement of the spark erosion electrodes. For example, when the drive head is a ring, its axial movement relative to a round work piece, such as a combustion chamber of a jet engine, is converted into radial movements of the erosion electrodes for plunge cutting cooling slots or openings into the outer jacket of the combustion chamber. Thus, many slots can be cut simultaneously. The movable mounting bucks (20) carry electrode holders (16) and the bucks are movably supported on guide rods (25) in the stationary work piece holder. The electrodes with their holders are guided in slots (14) of the work piece holder.

Abstract: A laser warning sensor having a directional resolution capability based on a pulse frequency encoding of the directions at which laser light beams are received, is equipped with a plurality of light signal delay units. The directional or angular information is encoded by closed loop fiberglass light conductors, one of which is part of each light signal delay unit, each closed loop has a different length so that the respective signal delay signifies the respective directional information. The closed loop light conductors transform received light pulse signals into pulse sequences or pulse trains each having a given frequency. The respective frequencies are separated by filters in an electronic evaluating circuit which receives its input signals from a photodiode which receives the output light signals from all delay units.

Abstract: Distances are measured by a measuring element operating on an optical basis by sensing light reflections caused by the bending in unison of at least two parallel light conductors. The measuring element has two parallel photoconductors of different lengths extending from a sensor inlet of a carrier, e.g., in the form of a sheath. The effective length of each conductor is determined by a respective mirror at the effective conductor end. Through the introduction of light into the shorter photoconductor and by the bending of the light conductors, light is coupled over to the second photoconductor. The extent of bending is measured by ascertaining the intensity and travel time of the reflections from both conductors. A reflection only from the shorter light conductor indicates that there is no bending or deflection of the two light conductors and hence no distance is being measured.

Abstract: A plurality of separate projectiles is held together in a multiple shell or cluster shell, in the form of a stack. At least two parallel springy flat bands (7) extend lengthwise around the stack. The flat bands (7) are looped around the front end and the free band ends engage the rare end of the stack with hooks (9). A tensioning element engages and holds the hooks (9) and thus the bands (7) tightly to the stack. After the shell is fired the tensioning element is served, e.g. by a cutter (19) so that the flat bands (7) spring or flare open to release and distribute the separate projectiles. The release means is equipped to either cause release immediately after the shell has left the firing tube (4) or with a delay. A front end plate (16) and a rear end plate (17) may be arranged at the ends of the stack. Intermediate plates (26) may be arranged between adjacent projectiles.

Abstract: A broadband nonlinear drive control network for linear amplifiers with several amplifier channels has a first branch (Z1) with an adjustable amplitude limiter (A) connected to a signal source (S) through an impedance inverter (B), whereby an increasing impedance is produced at the signal source (S) when the limiter is activated. A variable resistor (C) is connected to the signal source (S) in a second branch (Z2). The resistor (C) begins to conduct only above an adjustable high frequency signal voltage. The amplitudes at the limiter (A) and at the resistor are tuned to each other so that the load impedance at the signal source (S) remains constant. Linear branch signal combinations provide the drive control voltages for the individual channels (K2 . . . Kn). A portion of the power output of the branch (Z1) directly drives the amplifier channel (K1).

Abstract: A laser warning receiver or detector for the detection of extraneous light not emanating from the laser to be detected. Thus, extraneous light is differentiated from incoming laser light. The laser radiation coming from a laser to be detected is detected on the basis of its time coherent radiation. Simultaneously, the wave length as well as the pulse form or shape are analyzed in spite of any presence of incoherent radiation components.

Abstract: A combination engine for a flying craft capable of flying at speeds within a wide range from subsonic speeds to hypersonic speeds, is equipped with a rocket engine section that is independent of an atmospheric air supply, and a turbo air jet engine section having a compressor which is driven by a turbine that is also independent of an external air supply. The combination may further include extra fuel supply nozzles for operation as a ram jet which uses the same flow channel as the turbo air jet engine section. A gas generator equipped with two valving mechanisms is arranged coaxially with the rocket engine section. The valving mechanisms are controllable to open the gas generator chamber to the rocket combustion chamber while closing off gas flow to the turbo air jet section or vice versa. Either section can work alone or in parallel and simultaneously with the other section.

Abstract: A laser diode in the form of a chip with a heat sink connected to an electronic control circuit, is positioned in front of a light conductor for emitting light into the light conductor. The light conductor (103), such as a fiber (101) of a glass fiber cable (102), passes through a hole in the wall of a housing (100) for the electronic control circuit. The light conductor end is precisely adjusted in the Z-direction of an X-Y-Z-coordinate system, and rigidly held in the adjusted position in a bore or slot (17a) of a mounting block (17). The laser diode (10) with its chip (11) and its heat sink (12) are held in a roughly adjusted position in a milled recess (17c) of the mounting block (17) relative to the tip of the light conductor by a compression leaf spring (14) which permits an adjustment of the laser diode with its chip and heat sink in the X- and Y-direction for a precise adjustment. A displacement gripper tongue mechanism is then used for a precise position adjustment in the X- and Y-direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for motor vehicles in the form of an impact protection arrangement, wherein the pot-shaped housing of the sensor for the activation of the ignition device of the gas generator, has a form fitting with the flange of the gas generator housing, and is attached to it in such a way that part of the gas generator housing is contained in the sensor housing, thereby forming an air gap which is electromagnetically shielded against interfering influences. An example embodiment is described and shown in the figures of the drawings.

Abstract: The amplification efficiency is increased in a system for linear amplification of signals, especially in satellite transponders, by connecting at least three amplifier impedance inverter units in parallel to each other between an input signal control network and a common load. The reactive loading of the individual amplifiers is compensated by shunt susceptances at the output ports of the individual amplifiers.