Abstract: A method for generating a low-voltage power supply for an electrical control device, the method includes switching a first power supply unit to one of an active mode and an idle mode by inputting an activation/deactivation input to the first power supply unit, wherein the activation/deactivation input is input by one of connecting a low-voltage switching signal to the first power supply unit and disconnecting the low-voltage switching signal from the first power supply unit, wherein the low-voltage switching signal is generated at an output end by an additional power supply unit, at least in the idle mode of the first power supply unit, and wherein the low-voltage signal is one of connected and disconnected from the activation/deactivation input of the power supply unit using a low-voltage switch. The invention further relates to a low-voltage power supply circuit of an electrical control device for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: An A-pillar for a motor vehicle running from a vehicle roof in the direction of a vehicle floor and having a curved profile over at least one longitudinal section, has an essentially solid circumferential surface and is of essentially hollow configuration in an inner region. The A-pillar in its curved longitudinal section has a reinforcement strut which passes through a hollow cross section of the A-pillar. The reinforcement strut runs from a rear wall region of the A-pillar to a front wall region. The reinforcement strut may have an elliptical or a circular recess along an upper and a lower boundary line. The A-pillar thus achieves high strength at reduced weight.

Abstract: An A-pillar on a motor vehicle is provided with a windshield flange for the securing of a windshield. The A-pillar is of single-part design in the region of the windshield and a wall region forming the windshield flange bounds a hollow cross section of the A-pillar. The windshield can be integrated indirectly in the A-pillar, which leads to a reduction in viewing angle obscuration.

Abstract: The invention allows a user of a program-controlled household appliance to obtain comprehensive information concerning different working process parameters by having the appliance include a display device for acoustic signals or optical characters and a memory area of the program control device, which is configured for saving set program parameters and measurement and operational values of the actuators and sensors participating in the program that is running. For such a purpose, the display device contains a display element (field), which is activated upon completion of the working process and contains the comment “Log”, indicating the option of issuing information relating to measurement and operational values that have been saved prior to and/or during the last completed working process.

Abstract: The optical indicator unit of a program-controlled household appliance includes one or more indicator elements for the display of information in plain text. Each indicator element includes a matrix with 5×8 pixels for the display of a character. Each indicator element is assigned a functional element/actuator belonging to the household appliance. The element/actuator and also at least one operating state of the element/actuator is represented in the indicator element by an initial letter or a symbol. Depending on a size of the display, a plurality of actuators can be indicated at the same time. The invention can be applied particularly well in testing and in servicing.