Abstract: A cover unit for a vehicle roof, which can be opened, has a cover plate, a reinforcing frame arranged therebelow, and a seal-receiving frame, injection molded around the outer periphery of the cover plate, the seal-receiving frame having an encircling groove for receiving a peripheral seal at its outer periphery. In a process for the manufacture of a such cover, an inwardly directed part of the peripheral seal directly serves as a core which forms the seal-receiving groove by which it is detachably interlocked with the seal-receiving frame.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement with a first string of solar cells which are connected together in series and a second string of solar cells which are connected together in series, the electric power generated by the solar cells being used to operate an ohmic or inductive load. In contrast to known circuits, in which series-connected strings of solar cells are connected in parallel and have roughly identical no-load voltages, it is provided according to the invention that the strings of series-connected solar cells generate different no-load voltages to adapt to the current/voltage characteristic of the load. Preferably, at least one reverse-current blocking diode is connected in series with the string which generates a lower no-load voltage than the other. The series connection with a lower no-load voltage can be selectively formed with solar cells of the same no-load voltage by a smaller number of solar cells, or with solar cells of different power by the same number of solar cells with a lower no-load voltage.

Abstract: A panel system with variable light transmissiveness is formed of two essentially parallel transparent panels, and a seal encircling both panels. A cavity, defined by the panels and the seal, communicates with a liquid reservoir, from which liquid can be conveyed into the cavity by a transport element for the purpose of changing the distance between the panels by changing the thickness of the liquid layer between the panels. In order to render the panel system suitable for usage in a cover of a vehicle sliding/lifting roof, the liquid reservoir and the transport element, which is driven by a pole-reversible electric motor, are supported at an inner cover plate, which has an undercut in an edge portion in which an electrical contact element for establishing a conductive connection between the electric motor and the vehicle battery is disposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle roof having a light-transmissive cover, which has at least one outside panel, and having a device for varying the light-transmissibility of the cover. A light-transmissive cover of flat construction and easy actuation, whose light transmissibility can be steplessly regulated over a wide range, is achieved by integrating a device of darkening elements into a transparent cover, which is of extremely flat construction, is lightweight, mechanically easy to activate, and has a short regulating distance. Especially advantageous is a device whose darkening elements are formed by two superposed polarization films that are movable relative to each other. Such a configuration facilitates a particularly flat construction, and the light transmissibility of the cover is practically steplessly adjustable in a range of 0%-100%.

Abstract: A process for the production of a cover unit with a seal for vehicle roofs in which a cover part, such as a glass cover part, a cover support and a profile part, having a replacement seal receptacle are inserted in a mold having an upper part and a lower part. The profile part is spaced from the cover part and the support leaving edge gaps which are filled by introducing an elastomer therein to connect this assembly to a cover unit. The profile part is attached and aligned, in a preferred embodiment, by attaching projections on the upper part and/or lower part of the mold depending on its position in the production of the cover unit. A peripheral seal can be molded on the profile part.This peripheral seal can be removed from the profile part, so that the seal receptacle of the profile part can be used to insert a replacement seal.

Abstract: Transparent pane for vehicles, in particular, a transparent cover for sliding roofs, lifting roofs and the like, with a transparent outer layer and a solar laminate lying flat against the inside of this outer layer. The active part of the solar laminate is formed of a first subsection lying in the outer edge area of the pane which is made of crystalline semiconductor material, and a second subsection that is made of an amorphous semiconductor material.