Abstract: A butt joint deep penetration laser welding method is used for joining facing end sections of flat steel products, each having a carbon content CS<0.02%. In order to improve such a method such that an improved weld quality in terms of geometry and strength is achievable with it, at least one carbon-containing carrier material is inserted into a butt joint gap between the end sections, the carbon content of which is CT?20·CS, preferably CT?100·CS, and/or carbon is inserted into the butt joint gap or applied to at least one end section, such that the volume of the carbon inserted into the butt joint gap corresponds to 1% to 20% of the volume of a melt produced by a butt joint deep penetration laser welding process.

Abstract: In a method for operating a valve, e.g., a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle which is activated with the aid of an actuator, the actuator is activated using a control variable which has a predetermined control period. The control period is formed as a function of a setpoint value for a closing delay time of the valve which characterizes a time difference between an end of the control period and a closing point in time of the valve.

Abstract: An activation signal for activating a solenoid valve, in particular, a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine, has a pickup phase and a holding phase. The pickup phase has a comparatively high current and a maximally permissible duration, and the holding phase has a comparatively low current and a minimally permissible duration (MHD). The minimally permissible duration (MHD) of the holding phase is at least periodically dependent on a nominal total duration (GAD) of the activation signal.

Abstract: In a method for operating a valve, e.g., a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle which is activated with the aid of an actuator, the actuator is activated using a control variable which has a predetermined control period. The control period is formed as a function of a setpoint value for a closing delay time of the valve which characterizes a time difference between an end of the control period and a closing point in time of the valve.