Abstract: A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system having a housing adapted to be mounted beneath a vehicle instrument panel, a gas bag arranged in the housing, a gas generator in flow connection with the gas bag, a covering connected with the housing, and a device for displacing the housing in a direction opposite the vehicle interior during inflation of the gas bag. The covering extends over the housing and the cover and the instrument panel form a continuous surface. The covering opens after activation of the gas generator to permit the gas bag to emerge from the housing. The displacement of the housing opens the covering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module cover, comprising at least one opening portion for closing an outlet opening, and a predetermined tear line along which the cover is opened in a restraint situation and which defines one opening portion of the cover. The gas bag module further comprises at least one first hinge portion provided on the cover the opening portion remaining connected with the cover via the first hinge portion when the cover is opened. The opening portion has at least one second hinge portion which divides the opening portion into partial sections and allows a movement of the partial sections relative to each other. Further, the invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel which is equipped with such a gas bag module cover.

Abstract: An airbag cover for an airbag unit in a motor vehicle is adapted to be torn open along predetermined lines on sudden inflation of the airbag to swing open in one or more parts along hinge lines. The cover is composed of two or more layers. A full-length tear line intended as a predetermined breaking line is provided only in the first layer on the side of the airbag.

Abstract: A process for preparing copolymers based on vinyl esters and ethylene and, if desired, further comonomers in the form of their aqueous dispersions, having a solids content of greater than 65% and a Brookfield viscosity (20 s−1) of less than 10,000 mPa·s, by means of free-radically initiated polymerization of one or more monomers selected from vinyl esters and ethylene and, if desired, further monomers copolymerizable therewith, in the presence of one or more protective colloids, polymerization being conducted in the presence of from 2 to 15% by weight of seed latex, based on the amount of vinyl ester, said process comprising

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module comprising a gas bag which has, with respect to its inflated sate, a front wall including a middle portion. The middle portion features a depression in an inflated state of the gas bag, by a restraining means being provided which engages the middle portion and at least partly prevents the same from moving in a direction out of the gas bag module. The restraining means is formed such that it is able to release the middle portion after an initial restraint.

Abstract: Connection arrangement for detachably connecting a first component with a second component, the first and second components having aligned openings. The arrangement includes a retaining bolt including an internal opening. At least one side wall opening and an external ring-shaped retaining groove is provided. The retaining bolt is adapted to be connected to the first component. A retaining-spring arrangement is provided having at least one leaf-spring arm and being adapted to be connected to the second component. The ring-shaped retaining groove of the retaining bolt is adapted to extend through the aligned opening of the second component. A free end of the at least one leaf-spring arm is engagable with the ring-shaped retaining groove. A movable disengaging element is provided and is adapted to disengage the at least one leaf-spring arm from the retaining groove of the retaining bolt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel comprising a hub, a steering wheel rim and at least one spoke connecting the hub and the steering wheel rim. At least one of the steering wheel rim and the spoke has a skeleton and a sheathing surrounding the skeleton. The steering wheel further comprises at least one decorative element and at least one clamp element at which the decorative element is latched. The clamp element at least partly encompasses the sheathing.

Abstract: The invention relates to gas bag restraint system for use in motor vehicles, the system comprising a gas bag, a cover for the gas bag, a guiding sheet metal and a deployment opening for the gas bag. Upon deployment of the gas bag the cover is swiveled outwards to uncover the deployment opening. A guiding sheet metal is provided which forms at least part of the cover and is bent during swiveling. The guiding sheet metal exerts, in a position completely swiveled, a resistance to the gas bag when deploying so as to predetermine a deployment direction of the gas bag.

Abstract: An unloading and erecting apparatus has a frame fixed to a magazine holding a stack of flattened cartons, an outer horizontal guide on the frame, an outer horizontal slide horizontally displaceable on the outer horizontal guide and carrying a nonstraight outer vertical guide. A drive motor connected to the outer horizontal slide horizontally displaces same. A vertical guide on the frame carries a vertical slide and another drive motor connected to the vertical slide vertically displaces same. A shaft pivotal about a generally horizontal axis transverse to the forward direction on the vertical slide is fixed horizontally relative to the outer horizontal slide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the steering angle of a steered wheel of a vehicle and a system to carry out this method. A control unit (9) controls an adjustment drive (5, 7) to alter the steering angle of the steered wheel, upon an alteration to a position of a steering member (13). The extent of the alteration to the steering angle is dependent on whether an obstacle for the vehicle is detected or not by means of a distance meter (17) coupled with the control unit (9). If an obstacle is detected at high speeds, then steering angle alterations are possible which would not be permitted by the control unit at normal driving operation. Thereby, in emergency situations the driver is to be given the possibility of being able to drive past the obstacle by a steering response characteristic which is more intense.

Abstract: A radially adjustable lens mounting with a mounting ring, a lens and a large number of leaf spring elements each of which is firmly attached to the mounting ring at one end, the other end being in contact with a ring groove formed by the peripheral surface of the lens. The lens mounting allows a frictionless and tilt-free adjustment of the lens and holds the lens in a manner that is stable over a long time and is independent of thermal and mechanical stresses.

Abstract: A steering wheel is proposed which includes a steering wheel skeleton consisting of a hub, spokes and a steering wheel rim, and an airbag module housed therein, which for actuation of the horn is displaceable against a return force parallel to the steering wheel axis. The steering wheel has at least two upwardly open fork-like support sites (2) having locating holes (3) extending approximately perpendicularly to the steering wheel axis. The fork-like support sites (2) are embodied in the steering wheel skeleton (1). Downwardly angled mounting shackles (7) have elongated holes (8) extending in the direction of the steering wheel axis are embodied on or attached to a generator support (5) of the airbag module (6) in a way corresponding with the support sites (2). The airbag module (6) is joined to the steering wheel skeleton (1) by retaining pins (4) inserted in the locating holes (3) and through the elongated holes (8).

Abstract: A gas bag restraint system includes a multi-stage inflator and a gas bag in flow connection therewith. The gas bag comprises a first and a second fabric part which are at least approximately congruent, and a fabric strip which is stitched to an edge of the first fabric part and to an edge of the second fabric part. At least one burst seam is provided which in an intact condition forms a fold as a result of which the volume of the gas bag is reduced as compared to a condition in which the burst seam is destroyed. The fold formed by the burst seam is arranged in the fabric strip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reducing the danger of injury to the foot and leg areas of a person sitting on a seat arranged inside a vehicle in the case of an accident related deformation of the footwell. The footwell is lined with a floor covering (19) which is made of an acoustic dampening layer (22) and a carpet (23) which is laid thereon. The device compromises a foot cushion (24) assigned to the footwell. At least one gas generator (20) assigned to the foot cushion suddenly feeds gas into said cushion upon a triggering signal, whereby the foot cushion (24) momentarily fills out the relevant footwell with given dimensions before the front wall intrudes into the vehicle passenger compartment. According to the invention, the foot cushion (24) is constructed between the acoustic dampening layer (22) and the carpet (23) of the floor covering (19), whereby the gas is guided from the gas generator (10) and into the space between the acoustic dampening layer (22) and the carpet (23).

Abstract: A clutch between the combustion engine and the manual multiple-gear-ratio transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle is disengaged or otherwise adjusted in response to a signal from a control unit which processes signals transmitted by sensors serving to monitor the positions and/or the extent of movements of one or more mobile components of the manual transmission. A signal to disengage or to otherwise adjust the clutch is generated when the monitored position(s) of and/or the magnitude(s) of force(s) acting upon one or more mobile components indicate that the operator of the motor vehicle intends to shift the transmission into or from a selected gear ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle occupant protection system, comprising a gas bag which has at least one inflatable chamber defined by a wall. The protection system further comprises a tensioning strap which fixes the gas bag in position in an inflated state. The tensioning strap is fully looped around the wall of the chamber and fastened to the wall and to the vehicle in such a manner that inflating the chamber causes a displacement of the tensioning strap and a tightening of the tensioning strap.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a clutch which is controlled by an electronic clutch management system. When the vehicle is in gear with the engine running and is stationary or almost stationary with no gas being given, the system causes the clutch to become engaged just enough to make the vehicle creep.