Abstract: A micromechanical component placed on a substrate face includes at least one cell. A counter-electrode of a cell capacitor is placed under a cavity. The counter-electrode can be made from a first part of a lower conductive layer. An optionally circular membrane used as an electrode of the capacitor is placed above the cavity. The membrane is homogeneous, has a substantially uniform thickness, and can be part of an upper conductive layer preferably supported by a second part of the lower conductive layer. A caustic channel used to remove the sacrificial coating in order to form the cavity is laterally connected thereto. The channel has a vertical dimension equal to the vertical dimension of the cavity. A closure is adjacent to the channel and disposed outside the membrane. The component can be used as a pressure sensor, and can have several cells each adjacent to six other cells. A process for fabricating a micromechanical component is also provided.

Abstract: A method of determining an intactness of a configuration having a plurality of sensor groups, includes the steps of forming, for all of the sensor groups, associated test signals by summing up electric signals of all respective other ones of the sensor groups. All the test signals are compared with one another; and it is selectively determined that an intactness exists, if the test signals are all substantially equal to one another, and it is determined that the intactness does not exist if the test signals are not substantially equal to one another. The configuration is provided such that each sensor group can be disconnected so as to exclude its signal from the aggregate signal. The configuration is preferably provided in a CMOS circuit on a single semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A recess is produced in a material layer by creating at least a first and a second structure in various steps. The layers define each other laterally and extend to the bottom of the recess. The first structure and the second structure are so narrow that they can be made by creating conformally produced layers that have an independent thickness and are smaller than the depth of the recess. The conformally produced layers are formed in an appropriate deposition process. A covering structure can be produced on top of the first and second structure. An opening can be made in the covering structure, through which the first structure and the second structure can be removed in an etching step.

Abstract: In an SOI substrate, an active zone is completely surrounded by a trench filled with insulating material. Disposed adjacent to the trench is a first doped zone which is formed, in particular, by out-diffusion from a doped layer disposed on the wall of the trench. The first doped zone and a second doped zone form a p-n junction of a photodiode.

Abstract: A method of mounting an electronic power component to a cooling element includes finishing at least a bonding area of the cooling element with a finish for use during soldering, forming an indentation in the bonding area of the cooling element, placing adhesive in the indentation, attaching the power component to the cooling element using the adhesive, and thereafter soldering the power component to the cooling element. The finishing melts during soldering and the adhesive prevents shifting of the power component on the cooling element during soldering. Alternatively, the power component is attached to a printed circuit board by adhesive bonding prior to soldering.

Abstract: A brewing device for a domestic espresso maker includes a brewing chamber adapted to be filled with coffee grounds. The brewing chamber has on its outlet side a filtering means and on its inlet side a piston entering the brewing chamber along the wall thereof and closing the chamber, so that water arriving from a source of pressure is forced into the brewing chamber. The water subsequently flows out of the brewing chamber at the end close to the filtering means as an espresso beverage. In the path of flow of the water, a safety device responsive to a critical pressure in the pressure system is provided between the source of pressure and the brewing chamber. In the presence of pressures prevailing under normal operating conditions, the outlet orifice is outside the brewing chamber; in the presence of a pressure exceeding a critical value, a displacement of the piston relative to the wall of the brewing chamber occurs, such as to cause the outlet orifice to become part of the brewing chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrorheological liquid Which consists of an organic polymer as the polarizable disperse phase, an electrically non-conductive, non-aqueous continuous phase and a dispersing agent, and in which the disperse organic polymer has an average particle diameter of between 0.2 and 30 .mu.m and a relative half width value of the particle diameter distribution of below 0.8.

Abstract: In an electroviscous liquid comprising a non-aqueous liquid as a dispersion medium, a dispersed particulate polymer and a dispersant, the improvement wherein the polymer contains polyether and (meth)acrylate units.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sealing an electrical connection between an anode structure for cathodic protection against corrosion and a connecting cable with an electrically insulating jacket, an annular body of elastic material, such as rubber for example, which surrounds in a sleeve-like manner the junction between an insulation-stripped end of the connecting cable and a socket on a current feed pin of titanium for the anode structure. By radial compression of a terminal body of plastically deformable material thrust onto the annular body the annular body is pressed at its one end onto the insulating jacket in the end area of the connecting cable and at its other end onto the outer surface of the current connecting pin of the anode structure, in a liquid-tight manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electroviscous liquids consisting essentially of(I) a polymer or polymer mixture,(II) an electrolyte dissolved in (I),.(III) optionally an additive miscible with the solution of (I) and (II),(IV) optionally a viscosity-increasing additive reacting with (I);(V) a dispersant and(VI) a non-aqueous dispersion medium.

Abstract: The infusion beverage maker (1) is composed of a tank (3) supplying water which connects via a water pipe (4) to a continuous flow heater (5). A hot water line (10) emanating from the continuous flow heater (5) terminates into a supply port (11) arranged above the filter unit (12), the said filter unit (12) being detachably mounted on the housing (2) of the infusion beverage maker (1). Fixed to the bottom side (41) of the filter unit (12) is a valve assembly (43) forming a valve (18) and controlling the discharge of the infusion beverage into a storing receptacle (27). For every type of infusion beverage to be prepared, there is provision of one separate filter unit (36) each which, in case of need, can be substituted for the previously used filter unit (12).

Abstract: A system-integrated motion sensor is provided for monitoring and adjusting EVF system. The motion sensor is based on the concept that, with the aid of electrodes (4,5) that are already present and which are used for the viscosity control of the EVF in a hydraulic system, an electric current signal is simultaneously produced which is directly related to the rate of flow of the EVF between the electrodes. The electrodes are either stationary or can be displaced with respect to each other. Thus the motion sensor consists of the electrodes with the intermediate EVF layer and a circuit connected to the electrodes for measuring the electric signal produced by the motion. The measured signal thus obtained can advantageously be used for adjusting or controlling the viscosity of the EVF layer. For this purpose the measured signal is compared with a preadjusted value and the difference is used for controlling a high-voltage device which provides an output voltage dependent on the control voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-chamber bearing, in particular for motor vehicles, which has hydraulic damping, the liquid-filled chambers of which have rubber elastic peripheral walls and are connected to each other by a line which is provided in a rigid intermediate plate. According to the present invention, a so-called active bearing is provided which can be rapidly adapted to the operational conditions in each case by filling the chambers with an electroviscous liquid, the viscosity of which may be controlled by applying an electrical field in the area of the line which passes through the intermediate plate.

Abstract: Electroviscous fluids are disclosed which are composed of aluminum silicates particles in an electrically non-conductive liquid and a suitable dispersing agent. The atomic ratio of Al/Si on the surface of the aluminum silicate lies within the range of 0.15 to 0.80.

Abstract: The electroviscous suspension is based on a mixture of aqueous silica gel with silicone oil as the liquid phase to which a dispersant is added. The dispersant consists of amino functional or silicon-functional polysiloxanes having a molecular weight above 800. The concentration of the dispersant is from 1 to 30% by weight and preferably from 5 to 20% by weight, based on the silica gel particles. Electroviscous suspensions such as these are distinguished by the fact that they are highly compatible with elastomeric materials, non-sedimenting, non-inflammable and physiologically acceptable. In addition, they are heat- and freeze-resistant over a wide temperature range and are largely unaffected by temperature and pressure in their viscosity.

Abstract: A multipurpose kitchen machine is proposed which, in order to increase its usefulness, in addition to its working container has at least one inner container insertable into said working container, said inner container increasing the efficiency of food processing, especially for small batches, by adjustment to individual tool shapes, and facilitates separate processing of different food batches. A special lid can be used to seal both the inner container when placed in the working container and both containers individually.

Abstract: Laser light of different wavelength can be produced by exciting sparingly water soluble fluorescent compounds of which the .alpha..alpha. m value is less than 0,300 and of which the molecular symmetry is either of symmetry group C.sub.s or of a higher symmetry group than this, the fluorophor having to form a rigid system if the compound belongs to symmetry group C.sub.s, the compounds being present in concentrations of between 10.sup..sup.-1 and 10.sup..sup.-5 mol/l in organic solvents.