Abstract: In a method for electrically contacting thin-film solar modules interconnected in integrated fashion, a number of solar cells forming a module are created by structuring a layer on a substrate to produce strip-shaped, side-by-side solar cells, and electrically conductive contact strips are laid over the electrode layers of the two outermost, individual solar cells. The conductive strips are held in place by a lamination using hot-melt adhesive foil at elevated pressure and temperature, in the same step wherein a backing is laminated with the solar module. If necessary, the contact strips can be attached by an electrically conductive paste or utilizing an ultrasonic welding process.

Abstract: A phase-modulated interferometer has improved control and signal processing. Superimposition signals capable of evaluation in a phase-modulated interferometer without a complicated sawtooth control of the phase modulator are attained, in that two sinusoidal control signals which have modulation frequencies (.omega..sub.1, .omega..sub.2) and are rigidly coupled with respect to phase and frequency are applied to the known phase modulator and a cosine signal which is used in a conventional manner for evaluating the phase displacement is filtered of the superimposition signal generated in the interferometer by an electronic bandpass filter. At the filter frequency (.omega..sub.F) of the bandpass filter, an odd-number harmonic and an even-number harmonic of the two modulation frequencies (.omega..sub.1, .omega..sub.2) have the same frequency, when the amplitudes (.phi..sub.1, .phi..sub.2) of the control signals satisfy the condition for the suitable operating point of the phase modulator.

Abstract: A phase-modulated interferometer with novel control and signal processing utilizes superimposition signals capable of evaluation in a phase-modulated interferometer without complicated control of the phase modulator. A sinusoidal control signal with a modulation frequency (.omega..sub.0) having an amplitude (.psi..sub.0) is supplied to a known phase modulator. Multiplicative mixing of the superimposition signal produced in the interferometer from the measuring and reference arm with a sinusoidal signal of a determined mixing frequency (.omega..sub.M) which is rigidly coupled with respect to phase and frequency with the control signal is effected. When the amplitude (.psi..sub.0) of the control signal satisfies the condition for a suitable operating point of the phase modulator, a cosine signal conventionally used for evaluating the phase displacement is filtered out in an electronic bandpass filter at whose filter frequency (.omega..sub.

Abstract: A brake power booster for automotive vehicles has a booster housing sealingly subdivided by one or more axially movable walls into one or more vacuum chambers and one or more working chambers, wherein a push rod is protected against dropping out of its assembled position, by integral retention features formed in a bowl-shaped insert member that receives the reaction plate. The insert member is received in a recess of the control valve housing and is held therein by a resetting spring which reacts against radially outwardly extending tabs on the insert member. Indentations, sheared-in depressions or radially inwardly extending tabs serve as alternate forms of the retention features.

Abstract: A tandem master cylinder in which the primary piston and the secondary piston are configured in the shape of plunger pistons which are captivated to each other in the longitudinal bore of the cylinder housing. A cylindrical bushing is provided in the housing longitudinal bore and accommodates sealing cups sealing off the two pistons. The two valves which control hydraulic fluid flow are actuatable independently of each other.

Abstract: An anti-locking automotive vehicle braking unit wherein to achieve a reduction of the costs of manufacture and of mounting with an increase of reliability in operation, a pneumatic device (39, 40) is provided for venting of the first power chamber (5) and/or evacuation of the second power chamber (6) of the vacuum brake power booster (1) in the event of a slip control action. This renders the boosting power of the vacuum brake power booster effective or ineffective in a direction opposed to the direction of actuation of the master brake cylinder (2).