Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-vehicle key, comprising a key housing (2, 3), in which an emergency key (5) is stored. The key housing (2, 3) has a cover shell (2) and a divided base shell (3) which is configured as two base-shell sections (3a, 3b). The emergency key (5) is fixed to one of the base-shell sections (3a) by its key head (7), whilst the other base-shell section (3b) has a shaft recess (8) for the key shaft (9).

Abstract: An electromechanic film intended for transforming electric energy into mechanical energy and transforming mechanical energy into electric energy. The film (1) is dielectric and formed of cells (3), the ratio of the height and width of which cells is between 3:1 and 1:3. By joining two such films together and controlling them in such a way that in the first film (1) the electric field strength decreases and in the second film (1) the electric field strength increases, a bending acoustic element is provided.

Abstract: A trigger switch module suitable for use with various household appliances and instruments is capable of generating a signal needed by a microcontroller via a human-machine interface, so that the trigger switch module has stable signal level output pins for a microprocessor or a logic gate to make judgment easily. The trigger switch module can be triggered to output a signal through a non-direct contact of the switch at low voltage and low power consumption. All components of the trigger switch module are enclosed in a top casing that is completely watertight and dustproof to ensure stable capacity of the switch. The trigger switch module combines the functions of conventional switches but eliminates drawbacks thereof. A touch panel made of plastics, metal, glass, ceramic or other insulating material may be provided with the top casing to ensure safe and durable use of the trigger switch module.

Abstract: When a key is rotated, it is moved in order of an ON position, an R position, an N position and a D position so that the range of an automatic transmission is switched. Moreover, when the key 13 is pressed in the ON position and the N position, it is moved to a START position so that power is applied to a starter. In this case, it is possible to carry out an operation for starting an engine and an operation for switching the range of the automatic transmission by manipulating the same key in a different direction. Therefore, the operation for starting an engine and the operation for switching the range of the automatic transmission can be carried out easily.

Abstract: A method for switching on an inductive load, in particular an ignition coil, whose current is intended repeatedly to reach a predefined variable end value at a respectively predefined variable time, includes measuring the time interval between the switching-on action and reaching at least one predefined intermediate value. This time interval and the at least one predefined intermediate value are used to calculate the anticipated time from switching on until the end value is reached. A following switching-on action is carried out at the calculated time before the respectively predefined time.

Abstract: System and methods for coordinating the control system of a switched power capacitor with an integrated resonance protection function. The coordination system coordinates the function of a switched power capacitor's primary control system and resonance protection system to avoid duplication of tasks and on/off operation deadlock. The coordination system adjusting calculations made by the primary control system in response to a determination of a harmonic resonance condition by the resonance protection system.

Abstract: In order that the circuit arrangement ensures a high availability of the protective functions of all necessary passenger protection devices, it includes multiple double-layer capacitors connected in series and an electrolytic capacitor, which obtains its charge from the double-layer capacitors, which have a higher capacitance but a lower nominal voltage than the electrolytic capacitor. The electrolytic capacitor exclusively supplies the triggering voltage necessary for the trigger power modules of the protective devices.

Abstract: An interlock circuit for a working vehicle having a vehicle body, a working implement attached to the vehicle body, a clutch mechanism for connecting and disconnecting power to the working implement, and a shifting device for determining a traveling direction of the vehicle body. The interlock circuit has a check function to check a backward operational run in which the vehicle body travels backward with the clutch mechanism engaged, and a release function to permit a backward operational run by canceling the check function. The check function checks the backward operational run based on a signal indicating an on/off state of the clutch mechanism and a signal indicating a traveling direction of the vehicle body determined by the shifting device. The release function maintains the check function off continuously by operating a release switch when the clutch mechanism is engaged, and the signal indicating a traveling direction of the vehicle body indicates forward or neutral.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for restricting the ability to input information into an input/output device mounted within a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, an output of an input/output device is movable between first and second positions. When the output is in the second position, the input of the device is preferably enabled, allowing an occupant of the vehicle to enter information into the device. When the output is not in the second position, however, the input of the device is preferably disabled such that information cannot be entered into the device. The device preferably determines the position of the output relative to a driver and/or passenger seat of the vehicle to determine whether disablement of the input is appropriate.

Abstract: A system, capacitor having auxiliary cells, and associated methods for starting an engine is provided. The capacitor is an enhanced-power capacitor that provides enhanced cranking power. The capacitor is isolated from the battery and the rest of the engine's electrical system at preselected times. The capacitor is electrically connected to the alternator when the engine is running and is charged by the alternator. When the engine is not running, the capacitor is electrically isolated to prevent the capacitor discharging by powering accessory devices; the battery can power devices while the capacitor remains electrically isolated. During starting, the capacitor provides all the power supplied to the starter solenoid. If the battery is too weak to energize the electrical system during starting, an override allows the capacitor to provide power for all starting functions.

Abstract: A system for supplying electricity to a motor vehicle using a capacitor having a maximum value greater than the maximum value of a rechargeable battery. A transformer provides discharging of the capacitor from its maximum voltage down to the maximum voltage of the battery in order to provide excess energy in a short period of time to effectively charge the battery and simultaneously increase the service life of the chargeable battery.

Abstract: A circuit for switching on a partial circuit includes a first switching element (T1), a second switching element (T2 to T6), an activation circuit for the first switching element, a first diode (D1), a second diode (D2), and a third diode (D3). During operation, when the partial circuit is being switched on, first switching element (T1) is activated and second switching element (T2 to T6) is assigned no activity. The activation circuit for the first switching element (T1) includes a storage capacitor (C1) and a DIAC coupled to a control electrode of the first switching element (T1). First diode (D1), second diode (D2), and third diode (D3) are arranged such that stored energy in storage capacitor (C1) is more effectively utilized for activating the first switching element (T1), thus allowing use of a smaller capacitance for the storage capacitor (C1).

Abstract: A mode switch assembly of an automobile having an impact/load absorbing apparatus includes a housing disposed in a center facia panel in an automobile, a circuit board installed in the housing, on which a switch having a shaft is installed, a support portion for supporting the circuit board a distance from the housing, a knob on the shaft and protruding from the center facia panel, and an impact/load absorbing unit so the knob and the shaft retract with respect to the center facia panel, breaking at least one side of the circuit board or the housing, when an impact/load is applied to the shaft through the knob.

Abstract: An arrangement of equipment for a motor vehicle is designed to perform a variable number of functions such as to assist and/or enhance driving. The arrangement comprises at least one plurality of electronic components based equipment elements (1). According to the invention, remote processing members which are common to the entire set of equipment elements are provided. The electronic components have specific functions according to each equipment element and act as additional processing members, whereby it is possible for each equipment element to carry out one or several given functions of the arrangement by combining them with the common processing members. The invention also relate to a dashboard for a motor vehicle which is provided with the arrangement of equipment.

Abstract: Instead of a relay block which is present in bus bar circuits in a conventional electric junction box, semiconductor switching devices 14 are provided, and a power distributing unit PD which is independent of a bus bar circuit unit JB is structured by concentrating these semiconductor switching devices 14, output terminals 12 of this power distributing unit PD being connected to appropriate bus bars 32 of the bus bar circuit unit JB. The power distributing unit PD and the bus bar circuit unit JB are incorporated in a common housing 40.

Abstract: To improve the protection against short circuits, a method for transmitting data and a data transmission system including switching over the line polarity of a two-wire bus, after a line short circuit has been detected, such that data transmission can still be continued. In addition, a line potential check is performed and, in dependence thereon, a decision is made as to whether or not an overloaded driver remains permanently switched off.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electric power transmission and distribution system including transmission components each having several parallel, insulated transmission conductors laid against each other, and the ends of which are connected by a terminal block fitted with a tap-off device. This system includes at least one distribution component, having parallel distribution conductors spaced apart from each other, and one at least of the two ends of which is connected to a tap-off device, with no additional means of electrical protection against current overloads. The cross-section of the distribution conductors is smaller than the cross-section of the transmission conductors.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for gating a power supply. A gating command terminal is capacitively coupled to an on/off switch. A gating command signal is provided at the gating command terminal. The gating command signal is operable to activate the on/off switch. An off signal is generated at an output terminal of the on/off switch in response to an off state of the on/off switch being activated. An on signal is generated at the output terminal in response to an on state of the on/off switch being activated.

Abstract: A modular emergency stop device including a switch unit and a control unit. The switch unit includes a switch which converts from a normal state to an emergency state when an emergency stop is necessary and a housing for the switch. The control unit includes a controller which controls a power source for a machine and a housing for the controller. The switch unit's housing and the control unit's housing are adapted to be selectively coupled together and uncoupled from each other. The switch is operably coupled to the controller when the housings are coupled together whereby the controller may appropriately control the machine's power source when the switch is converted to the emergency state. To replace the switch, the switch's housing is uncoupled from the controller's housing to remove the switch unit and a new switch unit is coupled to the controller's housing.

Abstract: In a method for operating an actuating device in a motor vehicle including the steps of measuring an actuating force exerted by the actuating drive, comparing the actuating force to a limit force, and reversing the actuating drive if the limit force is exceeded, provision is made that, while the motor vehicle is being driven, the measured values of the actuating force are filtered, prior to the comparison operation, in accordance with a first method, to suppress rapid changes in the actuating force on the basis of the path covered by the actuating drive, and, while the motor vehicle is at rest, with the engine turned off, in accordance with a second method where rapid changes are suppressed to a lesser extent than in the first method, or not filtered at all. A device for carrying out the method is specified.