Abstract: A device for monitoring air pressure in the tires of a vehicle includes devices for determining the wheel speed or other characteristic variables for the speed of the tires of the vehicle, a device for calculating differential variables on the basis of the wheel speed variables, a device for evaluating the differential variables with respect to a setpoint value deviation and for generating a warning signal if the setpoint value deviation exceeds a threshold value, and a device for directly measuring the air pressure in the tire of a wheel and for transferring an air pressure characteristic variable to the evaluation device. A warning signal is generated if the deviation of the air pressure characteristic variable with respect to a setpoint value exceeds a corresponding threshold value. A method of monitoring tire pressures is also provided.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a compact mounting arrangement for an automobile drive unit consisting of a combustion engine and a transmission. According to the invention, the crankshaft of the combustion engine and an auxiliary shaft driven by said crankshaft extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the cylinders of the combustion engine are subdivided into at least two rows forming an angle in relation to each other, wherein one of said cylinder rows is disposed in a horizontal or substantially horizontal manner.

Abstract: A device for monitoring air pressure in the tires of a vehicle includes devices for determining the wheel speed or other characteristic variables for the speed of the tires of the vehicle, a device for calculating differential variables on the basis of the wheel speed variables, a device for evaluating the differential variables with respect to a setpoint value deviation and for generating a warning signal if the setpoint value deviation exceeds a threshold value, and a device for directly measuring the air pressure in the tire of a wheel and for transferring an air pressure characteristic variable to the evaluation device. A warning signal is generated if the deviation of the air pressure characteristic variable with respect to a setpoint value exceeds a corresponding threshold value. A method of monitoring tire pressures is also provided.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle with a chassis having a suspension device and a damping device according to which, for greater safety, the suspension and/or damping device is stiffened and/or blocked at least for individual wheels when an acceleration signal is applied. The invention also relates to a device with a construction for carrying out the method. The damping device is configured by a hydraulic shock-absorber for each wheel of the motor and at least one shock-absorber can be hydraulically stiffened or blocked via electronically controlled valves. The valve can be controlled by means of a control device connected to at least one acceleration sensor.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle with a chassis having a suspension device and a damping device according to which, for greater safety, the suspension and/or damping device is stiffened and/or blocked at least for individual wheels when an acceleration signal is applied. The invention also relates to a device with a construction for carrying out the method. The damping device is configured by a hydraulic shock-absorber for each wheel of the motor and at least one shock-absorber can be hydraulically stiffened or blocked via electronically controlled valves. The valve can be controlled by means of a control device connected to at least one acceleration sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an automotive vehicle for activating a safety device in response to an impact force exceeding a predetermined level. The apparatus includes elongated structure mounted to the body of a vehicle with one end recessed from the periphery of the body and movable relative thereto in response to such an impact force. The elongated structure is operatively connected, as by a cable, with the safety device to activate the latter in response to movement.

Abstract: A pneumatic control system is disclosed for an automatic transmission for a vehicle of the type having a mechanical planetary gear train with hydraulically actuatable gear elements. A manual control valve dependent upon the position of the transmission gear select lever conveys a pressure medium, for actuating a gear shift element associated with the selected gear when said lever is moved to one of the forward gears of the transmission, through a pressure medium line connected between the manual control valve and the gear shift element. The control system comprises a main control valve dependent upon the position of the accelerator pedal for exhausting the fluid in the gear shift element for disengaging the gear shift element in operating states of the vehicle at least when the vehicle is stationary, the transmission gear select lever is moved to the drive position (D), and the accelerator pedal is released.

Abstract: A rear window for an automotive vehicle has imbedded at an upper portion thereof resistance-heating wires for the electrical heating of the window. A window wiper is provided to sweep the window which has a lower portion free from the heating conductors. In its rest (inoperative) position the wiper lies against a portion of the window provided with additional heating elements for rapidly heating the rest position of the wiper to free the wiper, if frozen to the window, to enable the wiper to be brought into play without delay.

Abstract: A .[.pneumatic.]. .Iadd.hydraulic .Iaddend.control system is disclosed for an automatic transmission for a vehicle of the type having a mechanical planetary gear train with hydraulically actuatable gear elements. A manual control valve dependent upon the position of the transmission gear select lever conveys a pressure medium, for actuating a gear shift element associated with the selected gear when said lever is moved to one of the forward gears of the transmission, through a pressure medium line connected between the manual control valve and the gear shift element. The control system comprises a main control valve dependent upon the position of the accelerator pedal for exhausting the fluid in the gear shift element for disengaging the gear shift element in operating states of the vehicle at least when the vehicle is stationary, the transmission gear select lever is moved to the drive position (D), and the accelerator pedal is released.