Abstract: A circuit with which errors in the triggering circuit can be very reliably detected has a transistor bridge circuit in whose shunt arm a triggering arrangement and a capacitor are arranged. A measured current source is connected to the transistor bridge circuit. A controller controls the transistors and the measured current source during a monitoring cycle so that the capacitor is charged by a measured current. A sample-and-hold circuit controlled by the controller measures, after the capacitor has been charged, a first voltage drop across the triggering circuit and, after the measured current has been turned off, a second voltage drop across the triggering circuit so that the controller can determine the resistance of the triggering arrangement and the capacitance from these two voltages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for adjusting the alignment of a beam characteristic of a distance sensor, in particular of a proximity radar for a motor vehicle. An apparatus for positioning a motor vehicle, preferably a headlight aiming device, is joined to the target object for the distance sensor. Also provided is a service unit with which measured values or data of the distance sensor can be read out. On the basis of at least one predefined criterion, the measured values or data are analyzed in such a way that necessary displacement directions of the distance sensor can be displayed by way of the service unit. Preferably the capability of the distance sensor to determine angular positions of detected target objects is utilized. Otherwise adjustment is performed to predefined reception levels.

Abstract: An overload protective device for integrated components that responds rapidly to transient local temperature increases to protect the respective component from overload or overheating. The protective device includes an ohmic measuring resistor made of metal, aluminum in particular, that is integrated into the component. Temperature increases and power loss in individual transistor cells can thus be detected reliably.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrostatic atomization of liquids, particularly fuel, has a nozzle, which has a nozzle body of electrically conductive material, connected to ground potential, with a nozzle opening for the emergence of a volume of liquid under pressure and has an electrode in the nozzle body, coaxially opposite the nozzle opening, which electrode is at a high-voltage potential. To avoid a corona discharge of the electrically charged liquid volume emerging from the nozzle opening, which would limit the magnitude of the possible electric charging of the liquid volume in the nozzle and thus the degree of atomization, nonelectrical means are provided toward the nozzle opening for atomizing the liquid volume as it emerges from the nozzle, and these means are embodied such that the mechanical breakaway forces they produce in the liquid volume are effective sooner than the forces of electrostatic repulsion prevailing between the liquid droplets.

Abstract: A device for monitoring operational condition of electrical consumers in a motor vehicle, particularly of heater plugs of a diesel engine, includes inductances connected in series between respective heater plugs and their d.c. supply. Alternating or pulsating current is supplied to a connection point of the inductances with the d.c. supply, and potentials across the inductances and the heater plugs are simultaneously evaluated to indicate a defective heater plug.

Abstract: A series-wound electric motor is disclosed in which a triac or thyristor is placed in series with the armature winding and one of the field coils. Two control voltages and a reference voltage can be tapped off various points on the electric motor. By utilizing appropriate control circuitry, the current in the armature winding may be turned on and off, while current flow through the field coils can continue to flow. In this fashion, the speed of the motor can be accurately regulated within a permissible range of operating speeds, while maintaining a high efficiency comparable to the efficiency of an unregulated series-wound motor.