Abstract: Structural members are disclosed herein. One example of the structural member includes a composite structure and a filler incorporated therein. The filler at least dampens any of sound wave propagation through the composite structure or vibration of the composite structure. The filler includes particles of a shape memory alloy having an Austenite finish temperature (Af) that is lower than a temperature encountered in an application in which the structural member is used so that the shape memory alloy exhibits stress-induced superelasticity. Also disclosed herein are other examples of structural members.

Abstract: Magnetorheological (MR) fluids are disclosed herein. An example of the MR fluid includes a carrier fluid, magnetic particles disposed in the carrier fluid, and non-magnetic particles disposed in the carrier fluid. The non-magnetic particles are particles of a shape memory alloy having an Austenite finish temperature (Af) that is lower than a temperature encountered in an application in which the MR fluid is used so that the shape memory alloy exhibits stress-induced superelasticity.

Abstract: A method for assisting the driver of a motor vehicle is provided. The method includes prescribing a desired driver behavior parameter that describes a desired driver behavior, determining an actual driver behavior parameter that describes an actual driver behavior, and determining a deviation parameter that describes a deviation between the desired driver behavior parameter and the actual driver behavior parameter. The method also includes prescribing a first threshold value for the deviation parameter, raising an error counter if the deviation parameter exceeds the first threshold value, and lowering the error counter if the deviation parameter falls below the first threshold value. The method includes determining an evaluation parameter that describes a change in the error counter over time, prescribing a lower threshold value for the evaluation parameter, and initiating a reaction that affects the behavior of the motor vehicle and/or driver if the evaluation parameter exceeds the lower threshold value.

Abstract: A motor vehicle combination is provided. The motor vehicle combination includes a towing vehicle. The towing vehicle is embodied as passenger car. In addition, the motor vehicle combination includes at least one trailer. The at least one trailer can be mechanically connected to the towing vehicle. In addition, the motor vehicle combination comprises a bidirectional communication unit, which is designed for exchanging data between the towing vehicle and the at least one trailer.

Abstract: Hollow superelastic shape memory alloy particles are disclosed herein. An example of the hollow superelastic shape memory particle includes an outer shell of a shape memory alloy having an Austenite finish temperature (Af) that is lower than a temperature encountered in an application in which the particle is used so that the shape memory alloy exhibits stress-induced superelasticity. The hollow superelastic shape memory particle also includes an interior hollow portion at least partially surrounded by the outer shell.

Abstract: A gasbag for a pneumatic personal protection device on a motor vehicle is provided. The gasbag has a membrane at least locally comprising an inner layer and an outer layer that exhibits a higher tolerance to a frictional load than the inner layer.

Abstract: A device for assisting the driver of a vehicle in the process of parking is provided. The device includes sensors for detecting obstacles in an environment of the vehicle, at least in an environment in front and in back of the vehicle, and a display for indicating the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle identified in the environment. The display includes a first means, with which the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle identified in front of the vehicle can be displayed on a windshield of the vehicle, and a second means, with which the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle identified in back of the vehicle can be displayed on a rear window of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for storing a fluid, the pressure vessel including an annular inner boss having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface forming a passage adapted to receive a utility device therein, wherein the inner boss includes a liner channel formed intermediate the inner surface and the outer surface, a vessel liner having a portion thereof disposed in the liner channel of the inner boss, and an outer boss secured to the outer surface of the inner boss.

Abstract: A device and a method for generating artificial driving noises for a motor vehicle, and to a computer program for carrying out the method is provided. Environmental conditions, objects and/or other road users are recorded via an environmental sensor unit. Depending thereupon and, as required, depending upon vehicle-internal information driving noises are generated with special properties. In this way other road users can be alerted to otherwise quietly driving vehicles.

Abstract: A device for the controlled parking of a motor vehicle on the basis of a stored path trajectory is provided. The device includes at least one road marking sensor for detecting road markings on the roadway of the path trajectory. The device records the position of the road markings relative to the path trajectory and when retracing the path trajectory finds the recorded road markings by means of the road marking sensor and corrects the driving path as necessary on this basis. This results in more accurately controlled parking during the parking operation.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A storage compartment arrangement for a motor vehicle, in particular an automobile, is provided. The arrangement can include a storage compartment, a storage compartment cover displaceable by a drive, a key and a control device, which is configured to co-operate with the key and to displace, in particular to close, the storage compartment cover on the basis of an actuation of the key.

Abstract: A vehicle seat for a vehicle that comprises a seat structure and at least one seat rail arrangement is provided. At least one adapter device is provided between the seat structure and the at least one seat rail arrangement in order to ensure a sliding motion and/or pivoting motion of the vehicle seat. Also provided is a vehicle, as well as a method for manufacturing a vehicle seat.

Abstract: A method for augmenting a graphic displayed on a surface inside of a vehicle using a rear seat entertainment projection (RSEP) system includes generating the graphic for display on the surface inside the vehicle. When the graphic is displayed on the surface, an input that causes a reaction to the graphic displayed upon the surface is obtained, and the graphic displayed on the surface is augmented based on the reaction to the graphic.

Abstract: Methods and systems for depowering a rechargeable battery in a rapid, yet controlled, manner. The methods comprise (i) providing a depowering medium comprising expanded graphite (and optionally, one or more dispersible non-ionic electric conductors) dispersed in a substantially non-ionic aqueous medium; (ii) contacting terminals of the battery with the depowering medium; and (iii) maintaining contact between the depowering medium and terminals for a period of time sufficient to depower the battery. The systems comprise (i) the depowering medium; and (ii) a container configured to receive a battery and the depowering medium such that the battery body is contacted with the depowering medium prior to the terminals.

Abstract: A method for controlling brakes acting through frictional connection, in particular for a vehicle having an energy conversion device which is configured to convert movement energy into storable energy during a braking operation, is provided. The method comprises sensing a runtime value which has elapsed since a last operation of the brake and comparing with a time constant, sensing a braking operation with a braking force and comparing with a predetermined braking force value, and, if the braking force exceeds the predetermined braking force value and the runtime value is longer than the time constant, initiating a brake regeneration during which on a first axle a first braking force component is increased and a second braking force component on a second axle is reduced, so that a sum of the braking force components reaches the braking force.

Abstract: A seal structure is disclosed for forming a substantially fluid tight seal between a UEA and a plate of a fuel cell system, the seal structure including a sealing member formed in one fuel cell plate, a seal support adapted to span feed area channels in an adjacent fuel cell plate, and a seal adapted to cooperate with a UEA disposed between the fuel cell plates, the sealing member, and the seal support to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the UEA and the one fuel cell plate. The seal structure militates against a leakage of fluids from the fuel cell system, facilitates the maintenance of a velocity of a reactant flow in the fuel cell system, and a cost thereof is minimized.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a motor vehicle air conditioning system is provided. The heat exchanger includes at least one inner tube and an outer tube, which at least regionally envelops an inner tube to form a gap through which a heat exchanger medium can flow. The inner tube can include two at least regionally wound and nested tube sections.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for actuating at least one torque transmitting device in a transmission includes a sump, a pump in communication with the sump, and an accumulator. A first control device and a second control device control the communication of hydraulic fluid between the pump, the accumulator, and the torque transmitting device.