Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analysing an automation system, in particular a driver assistance system in a vehicle, an emulator for at least partial virtual operation of an automation system of an installation, and a system for analysing an automation system of an installation. An environment scenario for the installation, in particular a traffic scenario, is simulated. A response signal to be detected by at least one environment sensor, in particular an ultrasound response signal, is derived from the perspective of the at least one environment sensor on the basis of the simulated environment scenario. The response signal is output to the at least one environment sensor by means of an emulator, wherein the at least one environment sensor generates sensor io data on the basis of the output response signal. In addition, the automation system and/or the installation are/is operated by means of the generated sensor data and preferably further sensor data of real and/or simulated sensors.

Abstract: A method of making a coil spring wherein the external surfaces of the convolutions have cylindrical major portions and flats which abut the neighboring convolutions when a spring is compressed flat under load. This reduces the likelihood of radial displacement of one or more convolutions under load and the likelihood of a reduction of the axial length of the coil spring when in its unstressed condition subsequent to being repeatedly compressed flat under load. The external surface of each convolution can be provided with one or two flats, and the planes of the two flats preferably make a small acute angle if the coil spring is caused to assume an arcuate shape when in actual use.

Abstract: A damper between coaxial input and output members in the composite flywheel of a motor vehicle has a pair of elongated arcuate coil springs which alternate with the radially outwardly extending arms of a flange-like component. The arms have first sides which stress the adjacent first end convolutions of the springs during rotation of the two members relative to each other in a first direction (e.g., when the engine drives the wheels), and second sides which stress the adjacent second end convolutions of the springs during rotation of the two members relative to each other in a second direction (e.g., when the vehicle is coasting). At least one side of at least one arm is different from at least one other side; for example, the at least one side can have one or more projections or a recess for the radially outermost part of the adjacent end convolution.

Abstract: A coil spring wherein the external surfaces of the convolutions have cylindrical major portions and flats which abut the neighboring convolutions when a spring is compressed flat under load. This reduces the likelihood of radial displacement of one or more convolutions under load and the likelihood of a reduction of the axial length of the coil spring when in its unstressed condition subsequent to being repeatedly compressed flat under load. The external surface of each convolution can be provided with one or two flats, and the planes of the two flats preferably make a small acute angle if the coil spring is caused to assume an arcuate shape when in actual use.

Abstract: An apparatus which can transmit torque between the crankshaft or the camshaft of a combustion engine and the input shaft of a variable-speed transmission in the power train of a motor vehicle employs a damper having a rotary input member normally receiving torque from the engine, an output member rotatable with and relative to the input member and normally transmitting torque to the transmission, and a set of arcuate coil springs which yieldably oppose angular movements of the input and output members relative to each other with a first force which increases in response to increasing angular movements of the input and output members relative to each other and with a second force which is generated by centrifugal force and increases in response to increasing RPM of the engine.

Abstract: A bearing which can be used between two coaxial flywheels has an inner race, an outer race, one or more annuli of antifriction bearing elements between the two races, a metallic or plastic enclosure which surrounds the peripheral surface of the outer race and a portion of the internal surface of the inner race and has a wall extending along first axial ends of the races. The wall has an outwardly bulging pocket for confinement of lubricant in addition to that which is confined in the space between the inner and outer races. Such space is sealed at the second axial ends of the races by a ring which is installed between the two races or surrounds a portion of the peripheral surface of the outer race and sealingly engages the inner race.

Abstract: A bearing which can be used between two coaxial flywheels has an inner race, an outer race, one or more annuli of antifriction bearing elements between the two races, a metallic or plastic enclosure which surrounds the peripheral surface of the outer race and a portion of the internal surface of the inner race and has a wall extending along first axial ends of the races. The wall has an outwardly bulging pocket for confinement of lubricant in addition to that which is confined in the space between the inner and outer races. Such space is sealed at the second axial ends of the races by a ring which is installed between the two races or surrounds a portion of the peripheral surface of the outer race and sealingly engages the inner race.

Abstract: Apparatus for engaging, disengaging and otherwise regulating the operation of an automated friction clutch in a motor vehicle has a pedal which can be depressed in the same way as the clutch pedal in a vehicle without an automated clutch. The speed of movement and/or the position of the pedal is monitored by a sensor which transmits appropriate signals to a circuit serving to engage, disengage and/or otherwise operate the clutch by way of a hydraulic system by taking into consideration one or more additional parameters, such as the RPM of the engine, the RPM of the input shaft of the variable-speed transmission and/or others. If the circuit and/or the hydraulic system is out of commission, the clutch is operated by a bypass power train which is independent of the circuit. Depression of the pedal is resisted by a biasing element in imitation of resistance which is encountered by the clutch pedal in a vehicle not embodying an automated friction clutch.