Abstract: The present invention discloses a polymer blend of sulfonated polymer such as poly(ether ether ketone) and poly(amide imide) for use as an proton-conducting membrane. The poly(amide imide) is prepared by conducing a ring-opening and condensation reactions of diisocyanate and 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic anhydride (TMA). The polymer blend has a reduced methanol uptake and methanol permeability while maintaining good proton conductivity, and thus is suitable for use as a proton-conducting membrane of a fuel cell. The present invention also discloses a process for preparing the poly(amide imide).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical braking system, especially for a motor vehicle comprising a 12V/14V on-board supply system. Said braking system comprises a brake actuator unit provided with an electric motor for generating a braking force, and a power supply for the electric motor, said power supply comprising a first electrical energy source, especially an accumulator of an on-board supply system. The power supply of the electric motor also comprises at least one capacitive energy source which is mounted in parallel to the first energy source. The invention further relates to an electromechanical braking system and a motor vehicle, especially a private car, comprising an electromechanical braking system.

Abstract: In a method for joining at least two plate-shaped workpieces by a fastening tool and a device for operating the fastening tool, the fastening tool comprises a punch for exerting a punch force to perform a joining operation and a clamp for exerting a clamping force upon the workpieces at the joining area. During the joining operation the punch exerts a high punch force to perform the joining operation and the clamp exerts substantially no clamping force to allow for free material deformation in the joining area. After the joining operation both the punch and the clamp exert high forces at the same time to reduce any material deformations of the workpieces and to provide for compression of the workpieces in the joining area. Preferably the invention is used in a riveting tool for setting self-piercing rivets; as an alternative it may be used in a clinching tool.

Abstract: A composite bipolar plate for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is prepared as follows: a) compounding vinyl ester and graphite powder to form bulk molding compound (BMC) material, the graphite powder content ranging from 60 wt % to 95 wt % based on the total weight of the graphite powder and vinyl ester, wherein carbon fiber 1-20 wt %, modified organo clay or noble metal plated modified organo clay 0.5-10 wt %, and one or more conductive fillers selected form: carbon nanotube (CNT) 0.1-5 wt %, nickel plated carbon fiber 0.5-10 wt %, nickel plated graphite 2.5-40 wt %, and carbon black 2-30 wt %, based on the weight of the vinyl ester resin, are added during the compounding; b) molding the BMC material from step a) to form a bipolar plate having a desired shaped at 80-200° C. and 500-4000 psi.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for controlling the advance movement of a joining tool, the joining tool fixed to the robot is moved from an initial position to a pre-position wherein the die of the joining tool is spaced from the workpieces to be joined for a certain distance. This distance is detected by a distance detecting means in order to generate a corresponding distance signal. The joining tool is moved by the positioning means of the robot in response to the distance signal precisely to the operating position wherein the die is in engagement with the workpiece. This allows to compensate for tolerances of the position of the stationary workpiece.

Abstract: In a method for joining at least two plate-shaped workpieces by a fastening tool and a device for operating the fastening tool, the fastening tool comprises a punch for exerting a punch force to perform a joining operation and a clamp for exerting a clamping force upon the workpieces at the joining area. During the joining operation the punch exerts a high punch force to perform the joining operation and the clamp exerts substantially no clamping force to allow for free material deformation in the joining area. After the joining operation both the punch and the clamp exert high forces at the same time to reduce any material deformations of the workpieces and to provide for compression of the workpieces in the joining area. Preferably the invention is used in a riveting tool for setting self-piercing rivets; as an alternative it may be used in a clinching tool.

Abstract: Granule mixtures composed of a) 5 to 45% by weight of coated fertilizer granules (granules a), composed of a1) a core, comprising a customary fertilizer, and a2) a coat, comprising a coat polymer, and b) 55 to 95% by weight of non-coated fertilizer granules, comprising a customary fertilizer (granules b).

Abstract: Substituted aminoethane-1,1-bisphosphonic acids and aminoethane-1,1-alkylphosphinophosphonic acids, processes for their preparation and use thereofThe invention relates to compounds of the formula I ##STR1## in which R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are a hydrogen atom or (C.sub.5 -C.sub.5)-alkyl, m is the integer 0 or 1, x is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.10)-alkyl, mono- or polysubstituted, a 5- or 6-membered ring having one nitrogen atom and optionally a further nitrogen or oxygen atom; aryl having 6 or 10 carbon atoms, which can be substituted; or cycloalkyl, to processes for the preparation of the compound of the formula I; to pharmaceuticals, and to their use for the treatment of osteoporosis and degenerative joint diseases.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for testing final coating layer thicknesses on motor vehicle bodies by means of measuring probes moved along a body by way of automatic manipulators. A measuring probe (20), disposed in a guide member suspended on gimbals, is attached to the surface of the body by means of a suction cup (15), an inner stop ring (16) and a spring (21) which cooperate to ensure that the measuring probe is applied with a specific pressure.

Abstract: New agents for regulating plant growth, especially for reducing the height of plants, containing a mixture of a quaternary substituted thianium or ammonium salt and a phosphonic acid derivative.