Abstract: The electronic architecture carries out the management of the functions of a vehicle, the functions being implemented via a set of sensors and actuators, the architecture comprising at least: a central computer; a real-time communication network; a set of interface modules, each module: aggregating signals from at least one of the sensors and sending the signals to the central computer via the communication network; and/or distributing control signals to at least one of the actuators; the central computer driving the actuators according to the signals from the sensors, the control signals for the actuators being sent to the interface modules via the communication network.

Abstract: The invention deals with a method of preparing a lithium-ion accumulator comprising a positive electrode and a negative electrode which are disposed on either side of an electrolyte, the positive electrode comprising, as active material, a lithium-based material, a method comprising the following steps: a) a step of depositing lithium salt on the surface of the positive electrode, before placement in the accumulator; b) a step of assembling the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the electrolyte; and c) a step of forming a passivation layer on the surface of the negative electrode with the lithium ions arising from the decomposition of the lithium salt by applying a first charge to the abovementioned assembly.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission for variably producing a transmission ratio is comprised of first and second motor/generators and a differential mechanism constructed by two double-pinion planetary gearsets. The two double-pinion planetary gearsets are coaxially arranged and commonly employ common pinions. The differential mechanism includes at least four rotating members which are interlinked so that rotating conditions of all of the rotating members are determined when rotating conditions of two of the rotating members are determined. Four of the rotating members are connected to an input from a prime mover, an output to a driveline, first and second mover/generators, respectively.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method using a system (10) for heating or cooling air in a motor vehicle passenger compartment provided with a windscreen, by input into the passenger compartment air which has passed through an exchanger (12) comprised in a refrigerant loop. The invention is characterized in that it comprises steps which consist in measuring the temperature of the air leaving the exchanger (12), measuring the humidity of the air leaving the exchanger (12), determining the dew point of the air leaving the exchanger (12) based on said temperature and humidity, determining the windscreen temperature, comparing the dew point with the windscreen temperature and stopping the heating of air in the passenger compartment when the dew point is higher than the windscreen temperature.

Abstract: A method for matching an emitting valve identifier with that of a wheel in the memory element of an on-board vehicle computer, including steps of specific excitation of the valve and reception of a specific frame sent in response; decoding and analysis of the frame and recognition of the valve identifier; presentation of the identifier to an operator; matching of wheel and valve identifiers and inputting of the identifiers into the memory element. In the method the presentation is performed using a diagnostic tool, the diagnostic tool receiving at least the valve identifier and status data by the on-board receiver.

Abstract: An assisting device for unfolding an inflatable airbag, located at the junction of at least two fitting elements of a motor vehicle body parts. The first of the two fitting elements is fixed and the second of the two fitting elements is configured to be deformed under the pressure exerted by the inflatable airbag when it moves. A guiding surface of an outlet zone of the inflatable airbag is oriented towards an end portion of the second fitting element and is located at the outer limit of a co-operating zone between the first and second fitting elements.

Abstract: An adjustable seat for a motor vehicle including a substantially horizontal seating element, on a rear part of which is articulated a back. An adjusting device adjusts the position of the seating element of the seat relative to the vehicle structure and locks and unlocks the adjusting device. A reinforcing device, separate from the adjusting device, absorbs at least part of the impact loads provoked by a longitudinal shock, in particular at the front of the vehicle so that, at the time of impact, the deformation of the adjusting device is reduced, thereby reducing the tilting movement, in particular forward, of the adjustable seat about a rocking axis with global transverse orientation.

Abstract: A composition for purifying exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine capable of consuming fuel with lean air-fuel ratios includes elements adsorbing the NOx present in the exhaust gases, in the presence of excess oxygen and releasing the adsorbed NOx when the oxygen concentration of the exhaust gases decreases. The NOx adsorbing element includes in combination: a first composition comprising a support and an active phase, the active phase being based on manganese and at least another element A selected among, alkalines and alkaline-earths, the manganese and element A being chemically bound; a second composition including a support and an active phase based on manganese and at least another element B selected among alkalines, alkaline-earths and rare earths, the second composition having or being capable of having a specific surface area of at least 80 m2/g after being calcined at 800° C., and furthermore, a reducing and/or three-way catalyst function is incorporated in the NOx adsorbing element.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine exhaust device. The device includes a conduit element through which exhaust gases flow. The conduit element includes a housing for mounting a measurement sensor such as an oxygen probe. The housing is formed by a hole extended by an insert produced directly through the conduit element.

Abstract: A tool for producing expanded camshafts. The tool includes at least one modular die made up of segments that are joined together and that are provided with opposing slides for centering and aligning the cams around the axis of the shafts.

Abstract: A support for a spare tire for the tailgate of an automobile. The support is configured to receive an anchoring disk of the spare tire and is positioned in the thickness of the tailgate between an internal lining panel turned toward the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and an external body panel, so that the spare tire is flush with the extension of the external panel. The support is carried by an internal tubular frame of the tailgate that carries the hinge and locking mechanisms of the tailgate on the body shell structure, and to which the internal lining and external body panels are anchored.

Abstract: A device and method for emergency calling of an assistance center by a vehicle provided with an on-board system that includes a location module for estimation and recording of the location of the vehicle and a sensor for estimation of the number of passengers in the vehicle. The last location and the estimated number of passengers are memorized in a memory of a central unit. The on-board system includes a second sensor interconnected with the central unit and adapted to detect the occurrence of an accident and an on-board communication module that is also interconnected with that central unit. When an accident is detected, the central unit is adapted to communicate to the assistance center a message that includes both the last location of the vehicle and the number of passengers on-board.

Abstract: The injectors (6i) allocated to the cylinders are supplied with fuel by a common injection train and their opening time is calculated and controlled by a computer. According to the invention, a) any possible overlap in the opening time of at least two injectors (6i) is detected, b) in the absence of an overlap, the fuel pressure in the train outside the opening time of the injector concerned is determined, c) if an overlap is present, the pressure of the fuel when the injector concerned is opened is determined and d) the measurement established is corrected according to a predetermined variation in the pressure of the fuel caused by the injector(s) opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device (12), comprising a seat belt (14) with a strap (16), an intermediate part (32, 34) of which can be in a stored position and in an operating position in which it extends along a part of the body of the passenger, and a bag (40) which can be inflated to hold back a passenger in case of collision. The bag is held by a support (42) which can be moved between a stored position and an operating position in which the support (42) and the inflated bag (40) extend along a part of the body of the passenger. The invention is characterized in that the support (42) of the inflatable bag (40) is embodied as a flexible strip which is independent of the strap (16) of the seat belt (14) and an intermediate part of which extends along a part of the body of the passenger when the airbag is in the operating position.

Abstract: A method for fitting a cylinder assembly into an internal combustion cylinder housing includes the steps of gripping the connected rod-pin-piston assembly with a gripper or clamp and lowering the connected rod-pin-piston assembly, gripped by the gripper or clamp, onto the head surface of the engine cylinder. The connected rod-pin-piston assembly is then inserted into the engine cylinder being thrust by an actuator passing through the gripper or clamp.

Abstract: An arrangement for connecting an auxiliary electrical system associated with a subassembly to a main electrical system, wherein the subassembly is mounted on a structural element of a vehicle body along a main vertical mounting direction, and including an auxiliary electrical connection element borne by the subassembly and a main element borne by the structural element. The auxiliary element is fixed and borne by the subassembly, and the main element is mounted switching between an inoperative position whereto it is elastically returned and a connecting position whereto it is automatically moved by the subassembly. The arrangement is useful, e.g., for mounting a motor vehicle seat.

Abstract: A ventilating, heating, and air conditioning device for a motor vehicle passenger compartment which includes air intake orifices and an associated air intake conduit which supplies at least one fan which forces an intake air stream through two heat exchangers towards a distributor. Outlets are connected by discharge pipes to associated orifices distributed inside the passenger compartment. The fan, heat exchanger, and distributor are controlled to selectively diffuse air streams inside the passenger compartment with variable flow rate and temperature. The distributor is transversely arranged in a central position and longitudinally behind a row of seats, and the distributor outlets are at the vehicle floor level.

Abstract: A hinged handle, such as a breaker bar for an interior of an automobile vehicle. The hinged handle includes an arch hinged on at least one mechanism configured to fasten the arch on a support. The fastening mechanism includes an expandable pin and a stud engaged in the pin and that is movable between a first position in which the stud is idle and a second position in which the stud causes the pin to expand. The arch of the handle can be pivoted to strike the stud, causing the stud to move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a motor vehicle seat (1) characterised in that it comprises in its seating portion (3) a part (6) controlling the deceleration of the pelvis of the passenger seated thereon, particularly during a frontal impact, consisting of an element in aluminium foam. The invention is applicable to motor vehicle seats.

Abstract: A device for purification of exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine capable of achieving combustion of a fuel with lean air-fuel ratios. A NOx-adsorbing mechanism is installed in the exhaust line of the engine. That NOx-adsorbing mechanism can absorb the NOx present in the exhaust gases in the presence of excess oxygen and can release the absorbed NOx when the oxygen concentration of the exhaust gases decreases. The NOx-adsorbing mechanism does not contain any composition capable of acting as an NOx reduction catalyst, and especially no precious metal, and further a three-way catalyst is installed in the exhaust line downstream from the NOx-adsorbing mechanism.

Abstract: An impact-impeding structure includes a pane which extends along a plane and has a front and a rear side, and an impact-impeding frame for the pane. The frame may include an outer frame member and an inner frame member received in the outer frame member, the frame members being provided at least at one of the front and rear sides of the pane with impact-impeding elements, and defining with one another a labyrinthine gap situated at a region of the impact-impeding elements and including a plurality of steps extending at least substantially parallel to the plane. The parts of the gap which interconnect the steps extend at an angle deviating from the normal to the plane of the pane and may have different widths which may decrease from the exterior to the interior of the frame arrangement.