Abstract: In a method for monitoring the condition of a vehicle driver, the markings (3) of the lane in which the vehicle is moving are detected and a direction of travel which the vehicle has to follow in order to stay in the lane is determined. In this case, the vehicle driver is assisted in staying in the lane by the steering wheel being automatically centered. If the vehicle exactly follows the determined direction of travel over a certain period of time, this is a sign that the vehicle driver is not actively steering the vehicle, and a warning signal is generated.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring the condition of a vehicle driver, the markings (3) of the lane in which the vehicle is moving are detected and a direction of travel which the vehicle has to follow in order to stay in the lane is determined. In this case, the vehicle driver is assisted in staying in the lane by the steering wheel being automatically centered. If the vehicle exactly follows the determined direction of travel over a certain period of time, this is a sign that the vehicle driver is not actively steering the vehicle, and a warning signal is generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a flitch into sheets of veneer. The method and apparatus include providing a drive mechanism which causes relative motion of a knife in contact with the flitch. The relative motion is relatively slower during one part of the cutting stroke and is relatively faster during another part of the cutting stroke.

Abstract: A conveyor conveys sheets and deposits the sheets at a location to be stacked. The conveyor includes a sensor for determining the presence of a sheet before the sheet arrives at the location. A controller is coupled to the sensor and responsive to sensor inputs for controlling a movable support for projecting into a projected orientation to receive the sheets as the sheets exit the conveyor. The movable support moves to a retracted orientation to assist a stack to be withdrawn therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 210, 310) for surfacing a flitch (12) by cutting material from its radially outer surface (14) to prepare the flitch (12) for veneer slicing or other uses is disclosed. The apparatus (10, 210, 310) comprises a cutterhead (18, 218, 318) and a cutterhead mover (24, 224, 324) to move the cutterhead (18, 218, 318) on the flitch (12) circumferentially thereabout for the cutterhead (18, 218, 318) to cut material from the radially outer surface (14) of the flitch (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a flitch into sheets of veneer. The method and apparatus include providing a drive mechanism which causes relative motion of a knife in contact with the flitch. The relative motion is relatively slower during one part of the cutting stroke and is relatively faster during another part of the cutting stroke.

Abstract: A method for creating a maintenance algorithm for a fleet of vehicles, with which maintenance information can be collected and displayed in each vehicle of the fleet. In the fleet vehicles, sensor data that are indicative of a stress on components in the vehicles are used to derive stress variables. The ascertained stress variables are stored in the vehicles for a predetermined period and, if a wear-related event occurs, wear variables that characterize a wear-related event are additionally ascertained. The stress variables and the wear variables are transmitted to a central location or station, in which the previous maintenance algorithm is checked with the use of the stress and wear variables, and, if applicable, an improved maintenance algorithm can be derived. The maintenance algorithm serves in establishing and indicating a time when the vehicle should be serviced.

Abstract: A method for creating a maintenance algorithm for a fleet of vehicles, with which maintenance information can be collected and displayed in each vehicle of the fleet. In the fleet vehicles, sensor data that are indicative of a stress on components in the vehicles are used to derive stress variables. The ascertained stress variables are stored in the vehicles for a predetermined period and, if a wear-related event occurs, wear variables that characterize a wear-related event are additionally ascertained. The stress variables and the wear variables are transmitted to a central location or station, in which the previous maintenance algorithm is checked with the use of the stress and wear variables, and, if applicable, an improved maintenance algorithm can be derived. The maintenance algorithm serves in establishing and indicating a time when the vehicle should be serviced.

Abstract: A single processor system features independent multiple watchdog units allocated to a processor unit of the system, the watchdog units operable to monitor for system faults and, upon detecting a fault, further operative to place the processor system into a predetermined fault reaction state. The multiple watchdog units are each provided with respective different watchdog calls which are output to the processor unit depending upon program execution.

Abstract: A hydraulic power steering system for non-tracked vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, has a steering adjustment of the steered vehicle wheels which takes place of a hydraulic actuating assembly which can be connected by a change-over valve with one respectively of two or several hydraulic circuits. In normal operation, the circuits operate in parallel and functionally in the same direction so that, in the event of a disturbance, a change-over can take place to another hydraulic circuit without any interruption. For controlling the actuating assembly, each hydraulic circuit comprises a servo valve which is operated as a function of a desired-actual value comparison of the steering angle by a control and automatic control device, which is connected with an actual steering angle value generator operated by the steered vehicle wheels and a desired steering angle value generator controlled by way of the steering handle operated on the driver side.

Abstract: In a method of determining the traction of motor vehicle wheels on wet pavements, a surge force generated by a water film on the pavement in front of at least one of the vehicle wheels is measured and from the measured surge force value and the instantaneous vehicle speed a critical speed at which the vehicle wheel will aqua-plane is determined and this critical speed is displayed to the driver or it is used to control a vehicle drive unit to keep the vehicle speed below the critical speed.

Abstract: A method of controlling ignition of an internal combustion engine as a function of engine RPM includes the steps of revolving a magnet wheel and inducing with the revolving magnet wheel in an induction coil an initial voltage. At least one delay element is provided and the delay element is switched on and off upon engine RPM. A transformed voltage is deduced from the initial voltage via the at least one delay element and the ignition is tripped when the transformed voltage surpasses a preset threshold. The device for performing the method has a magnet wheel rotating with the crankshaft of the engine and an induction coil coordinated therewith wherein an initial voltage is induced in the induction coil by the magnet wheel. A plurality of switchable RC members connected to the induction coil are provided. The switchable RC members have a first capacitor and the RC members are switched on and off depending on engine RPM.

Abstract: A magnetic ignition system for an internal combustion engine has a magnet wheel revolving with the crankshaft of the engine. At least one permanent magnet rotates with the magnet wheel. A stationary armature with a coil is provided. The permanent magnet induces a voltage in the coil, and the voltage is supplied to an energy storage. The magnet wheel has a magnet support made of a magnetically conducting material. A section of the magnet support that is in magnetic shunt is magnetically saturated.