Abstract: The invention relates to a hose (7) featuring an integrated system for detecting damage and comprising a hose wall (2, 4) in which at least one transponder (8) is embedded. The hose (7) is characterized in that an antenna (12) is also embedded in the hose wall (2, 4) so that an electromagnetic coupling (10) can be established between the antenna (12) and the transponder (8), the magnitude and/or quality of the electromagnetic coupling (10) being a measure of the degree of damage to the hose wall (2, 4).

Abstract: A battery includes at least one integrated first heat exchanger element that forms an integral part of the battery and is formed in one piece with the battery. The heat exchanger element can end flush with the surface of the battery, but it can also protrude from or be recessed into the surface of the battery. A coolable battery system includes at least one such battery and a second heat exchanger element for each battery that can be reversibly brought into thermal operative contact with the first heat exchanger element. A method for cooling such a battery in the coolable battery system, in which the first heat exchanger element of the at least one battery is brought in thermal operative connection with the second heat exchanger element, includes maintaining the second heat exchanger element at a lower temperature level than the first heat exchanger element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose (7) featuring an integrated system for detecting damage and comprising a hose wall (2, 4) in which at least one transponder (8) is embedded. The hose (7) is characterized in that an antenna (12) is also embedded in the hose wall (2, 4) so that an electromagnetic coupling (10) can be established between the antenna (12) and the transponder (8), the magnitude and/or quality of the electromagnetic coupling (10) being a measure of the degree of damage to the hose wall (2, 4).

Abstract: A battery includes at least one integrated first heat exchanger element that forms an integral part of the battery and is formed in one piece with the battery. The heat exchanger element can end flush with the surface of the battery, but it can also protrude from or be recessed into the surface of the battery. A coolable battery system includes at least one such battery and a second heat exchanger element for each battery that can be reversibly brought into thermal operative contact with the first heat exchanger element. A method for cooling such a battery in the coolable battery system, in which the first heat exchanger element of the at least one battery is brought in thermal operative connection with the second heat exchanger element, includes maintaining the second heat exchanger element at a lower temperature level than the first heat exchanger element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for activating a security system in a vehicle including a first and second vehicle sensor (4). The sensor include, respectively, a measuring value sensor (4.1) which can detect acceleration and structure-borne noise, and a central unit (2) which evaluates the signals of at least two vehicle sensors (4) and activates the security system according to the signals. The first and second vehicle sensors have a first direction of sensitivity for at least one measuring value sensor (4.1), which is used to detect acceleration, and a second direction of sensitivity for at least one measuring value sensor (4.1) which is used to detect structure-borne noise.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for activating a security system in a vehicle including a first and second vehicle sensor (4). The sensor include, respectively, a measuring value sensor (4.1) which can detect acceleration and structure-borne noise, and a central unit (2) which evaluates the signals of at least two vehicle sensors (4) and activates the security system according to the signals. The first and second vehicle sensors have a first direction of sensitivity for at least one measuring value sensor (4.1), which is used to detect acceleration, and a second direction of sensitivity for at least one measuring value sensor (4.1) which is used to detect structure-borne noise.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a circuit arrangement for driving an occupant protection system gas generator whose ignition process can be influenced by a magnetic field; this is based on a switching control principle, with the load coil generating the magnetic field being itself used as a component part of the switching control. For a fast reduction of the magnetic field and thus for accelerating the ignition process, a resistor may by connected into the free-wheeling branch, which is bridged in normal operation. Alternatively, it is possible to effect a return feed of the energy stored in the coil into the self-sufficiency capacitor.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a circuit arrangement for driving an occupant protection system gas generator whose ignition process can be influenced by a magnetic field; this is based on a switching control principle, with the load coil generating the magnetic field being itself used as a component part of the switching control. For a fast reduction of the magnetic field and thus for accelerating the ignition process, a resistor may by connected into the free-wheeling branch, which is bridged in normal operation. Alternatively, it is possible to effect a return feed of the energy stored in the coil into the self-sufficiency capacitor.

Abstract: A subassembly, intended for use in motor vehicles in particular, consisting of a one-piece or multi-part housing, a plug unit with connecting pins formed integrally with the housing, and a circuit board to accommodate components, wherein the circuit board is configured and arranged in such a way that the connecting pins of the plug unit are guided directly onto or into the circuit board.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus determine the frequency or the period of the natural characteristic oscillation of a vehicle, and therefrom determine the mass of the vehicle and provide a warning if a dangerous oscillation condition exists which could lead to a tipping or rollover of the vehicle. The evaluation is carried out while the vehicle is driving. The apparatus includes a sensor such as a rotation rate sensor, a timer, an evaluating unit, and a warning unit. The method involves measuring the time interval between two characteristic features of the oscillation measured by the sensor, such as zero crossings, minimum points or maximum points of the angular velocity of the oscillation, and then calculating the period and/or the frequency of the oscillation from the measured time interval. Then the moment of inertia and/or the mass of the vehicle can be determined from the period or frequency.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the recognition of insulation defects in a circuit adapted for connection to a low-ohmic current source or sink having off-load voltage U.sub.n0, Towards this end the circuit is initially subjected, in a separated state, to a diagnostic voltage from a current limited current source or sink whose off-load voltage U.sub.h0 corresponds to exceeds or, respectively, is less than the voltage U.sub.n0. A decision is made as to the presence or absence of an insulation defect based on the current and/or voltage dependence during application of the diagnostic voltage. Finally, in the event that a defect is present, an error message is issued and the low-ohmic current source or sink is not connected to the circuit for self-diagnosis. Otherwise, the low-ohmic current source is connected to the circuit, or the sink, in sequential fashion for self-diagnosis testing. In this fashion even hidden insulation defects are recognized.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the automatic recognition and correction of an invalid data set stored in a programmable circuit memory which is part of a group of at least three identical stored data sets, wherein the data sets of the group are compared to each other, and in the event that one data set of the group does not agree with the remaining data sets of the group same is recognized as being invalid and the remaining agreeing data sets are recognized as being valid, and the invalid data set is corrected through replacement with a valid data set. The invention is also directed to a system adapted to carry out this method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collision-protection system for passengers of motor vehicles. In a manner which is known in principle, an airbag is automatically inflated in the event of an accident. In order to control the direction and speed of expansion, the airbag is wholly or partially encased by a tough, plastically deformable film, which is overstretched and torn open as the airbag is inflated.

Abstract: To trigger driver and passenger airbags as well as side airbags, the sensor signals generated by collision sensors will be fed into a central control unit for processing.

Abstract: A method and system for releasing an airbag in a motor vehicle utilizes an acceleration signal which is measured and processed for the formation of a release criterion. An impact causes an initial increase in the release readiness, which is cancelled after a short period of time if no release has taken place up to that time. In particular in the case of impact processes with moderate acceleration values, such as for example in an offset pole crash, there is the risk that the airbag is released so late that an occupant who has already been substantially displaced forwards towards the steering wheel is additionally endangered by the explosive opening of the airbag. The cancellation of the increased release readiness is controlled by a state variable which corresponds to the forward displacement of an occupant and is obtained by double integration from the acceleration signal with respect to time. The cancellation takes place when the forward displacement exceeds a critical value.

Abstract: A deformation sensor for a safety device for the protection of vehicle occupants against a side-on collision is disclosed. The deformation sensor is composed of two pressure-sensitive signal elements arranged in parallel and one behind the other, so that the deformation speed can be concluded from the time sequence of the sensor signals. The signal elements ace integrated into a protective strip of the vehicle mounted on the outside of the shell. This ensures a rapid response in the event of a collision, and moreover the assembly of the deformation sensor becomes much easier. The signal elements take the form of FSR foil pressure sensors (Force Sensing Resistor).

Abstract: A tripping device for a safety device, such as a lateral air bag for protecting vehicle occupants in the event of a side crash evaluates for the purpose of reliable tripping of the safety device in the event of a dangerous side crash and effectively avoiding spurious tripping, the signals of a deformation sensor arranged in the lateral region of the vehicle, and a transverse acceleration sensor arranged on the vehicle longitudinal axis. In the event of the presence of a deformation signal, an acceleration evaluator is started and the tripping sensitivity is increased. The deformation rate is determinable from the signal of the deformation sensor, and an increase in the tripping sensitivity is stronger in the event of a crash when the deformation rate is higher.

Abstract: A triggering mechanism for a side airbag has a deformation sensor for determining a rate of deformation. The deformation sensor is made up of a total of two pressure-sensitive sensor elements, which are attached on a firm carrier plate parallel to the outer skin inside the vehicle. Spacer elements support the carrier plate against a structural element running parallel to the outer skin. The pressure-sensitive surface of a first sensor element in this case faces the outer skin and the pressure-sensitive surface of a second sensor element faces the structural element. The spacer elements are designed, for example, using predetermined buckling points, clip elements, etc., in such a manner that they withstand a pressure on the support plate only up to a threshold and, if the threshold is exceeded, yield abruptly. This is so that, in the event of a deformation-induced force effect, the sensor elements respond one after the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a restraining system for occupants of a motor vehicle. The occupant is safeguarded by a safety belt and an airbag. So that the inflation pressure of the airbag can be controlled according to whether the occupant is strapped in or not, the gas generator of the airbag possesses a heater which switches on when the belt is not fastened and which is intended for increasing the inflation pressure which can be generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an occupant restraint system having an air bag which is automatically inflated by means of a gas generator in the event of an accident and, during this process, emerges from a housing or the like whilst opening a padded flap which normally closes the housing or the like. In this case, an intended tearing point arranged at the edge of the flap remote from the pivot axis is undone, which intended tearing point is shielded by a thick pad swelling from contact by the occupant to be protected.