Abstract: A vehicle trim element has a panel that includes at least one colored mask having solid areas and at least one aperture delimiting a pattern, and a colored screen transmitting light and closing each aperture of the mask. The mask and the screen are substantially of the same color so that the pattern is visible when the panel is backlit and substantially invisible in the absence of backlighting.

Abstract: A vehicle trim element has a panel that includes at least one colored mask having solid areas and at least one aperture delimiting a pattern, and a colored screen transmitting light and closing each aperture of the mask. The mask and the screen are substantially of the same color so that the pattern is visible when the panel is backlit and substantially invisible in the absence of backlighting.

Abstract: A trim element (1) of the invention comprises: a first wall (2) enabling the passage of light with an outer surface (3) intended to be visible from the passenger compartment (4) of the motor vehicle; a second wall (8) defining a space (9) with the first wall (2) and one surface (7) of which is capable of reflecting light rays; and a luminous element (6) positioned inside the space (9) so as to backlight the first wall (2). The luminous element (6) sends a beam of light rays (L) to the second wall (8). The surface (7) diffusely reflects light rays. An inner surface (11) of the first wall (2) has light-reflecting properties such that the incident light rays on said inner surface (11) are partially reflected to the second wall (8) and partially emitted across the first wall (2).

Abstract: The electric motor is part of an electro-mechanical actuating system that is especially applicable to power assisted automotive steering systems.A phase for monitoring the cooling of the electric motor is carried out when the motor is inoperative in order to produce a value for a restarting temperature. This value is used during an electrical motor thermal control phase when the motor is operative. This prevents the motor from exceeding a maximum permissible temperature.

Abstract: A drive motor for a motor vehicle screen wiping apparatus operates with repeated reversals of its direction of rotation, and is controlled by a control circuit which is connected to a transistor arranged in the power supply path for the motor, in series with it. The transistor is put into conduction at a time, and in a manner, such as to reduce the audible noise caused by the repeated reversals.

Abstract: In the control apparatus of the invention, the power steering can be activated or deactivated by at least one control signal. The invention is characterized in that the control apparatus includes a member for measuring at least one parameter for activation of the power steering system as well as a member for measuring at least one parameter for deactivation of the power steering system. The control apparatus also includes a member for performing a first test to detect whether at least one activation parameter meets an activation condition, and a member for activating the power steering in response to the first test. Additionally, the control apparatus utilizes a member for performing a second test to detect whether at least one deactivation parameter meets a deactivation condition, and a member for deactivation of the power steering in response to the second test.

Abstract: A steering mechanism with variable gear reduction controlled by the speed of the vehicle of the type is disclosed which includes an electric motor for driving an element for adjusting the gear reduction ratio and whose power supply is controlled by the speed of the vehicle, characterized by the fact that the steering column includes an input shaft (1) and output shaft (2) to which are rigidly connected input pinions (4) and output pinions (5) meshed with planet pinions (6, 8-7, 9) of a planet carrier (10) which extends axially by a hub (11) placed concentrically to one of the shafts (1, 2) on which is mounted an element (12) for driving and regulating the gear reduction ratio actuated by a variable speed electric motor (13).