Abstract: A film transducer for a pump is described, comprising at least one holding part arranged fixed, a displaceable switch unit and at least two electroactive composite film units which each have at least two electrodes. The electroactive composite film units are each assigned to the holding part and the switch unit. The electroactive composite film units have an actuation direction in which the electroactive composite film units lengthen when actuated, wherein the actuation direction lies in a plane spanned by the electroactive composite film units. Furthermore, a pump and a method for operating a pump are described.

Abstract: A film transducer for a pump is described, comprising at least one holding part arranged fixed, a displaceable switch unit and at least two electroactive composite film units which each have at least two electrodes. The electroactive composite film units are each assigned to the holding part and the switch unit. The electroactive composite film units have an actuation direction in which the electroactive composite film units lengthen when actuated, wherein the actuation direction lies in a plane spanned by the electroactive composite film units. Furthermore, a pump and a method for operating a pump are described.

Abstract: A linear valve drive for connection to a valve body which has a valve seat is described, wherein said linear valve drive comprises a drive housing, a valve closure element and a piezoelectric actuator which is arranged within said drive housing. Said valve closure element is displaceable in the axial direction between an open position and a closed position by means of said piezoelectric actuator and an interposed actuating device. Said piezoelectric actuator is supported on said actuating device via its side directed towards the valve closure element. Said linear valve drive comprises an adjusting device which is configured such that an idle stroke of said linear valve drive is adjustable. A valve is also described.

Abstract: A linear valve drive for connection to a valve body which has a valve seat is described, wherein said linear valve drive comprises a drive housing, a valve closure element and a piezoelectric actuator which is arranged within said drive housing. Said valve closure element is displaceable in the axial direction between an open position and a closed position by means of said piezoelectric actuator and an interposed actuating device. Said piezoelectric actuator is supported on said actuating device via its side directed towards the valve closure element. Said linear valve drive comprises an adjusting device which is configured such that an idle stroke of said linear valve drive is adjustable. A valve is also described.

Abstract: A door latch assembly of a motor vehicle is provided for selectively engaging a striker between latched and unlatched positions. The door latch assembly includes a ratchet for receiving and engaging the striker. The door latch assembly also includes a pawl movable between a locked position, in which the pawl abuts the ratchet into engagement with the striker, and an unlocked position, in which the pawl and the ratchet are spaced apart from one another so that the ratchet releases the striker. In addition, the door latch assembly includes an electromagnet disposed adjacent the pawl for generating a magnetic field to alter the force required to move the pawl out of the unlocked position and into the locked position.

Abstract: A latching assembly for a side door of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The motor vehicle includes an electrical system and an electric power source. The side door includes a pawl which is used in the unlatching of the side door. The latching assembly includes a housing that is fixedly secured to the side door for securing the latch assembly thereto. The latching assembly also includes a primary motor fixedly secured to the housing and electrically connected to the electrical power source through the electrical system to receive electricity from the electric power source. The primary motor converts the electricity into a rotational force. The latching assembly also includes a lever that is operatively connected to the primary motor to receive the rotational force and to translate the rotational force into a linear force to move the pawl to an unlatched position.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of angiotensin II receptor antagonists for treating people in whom type 2 diabetes mellitus has been diagnosed or who are suspected of prediabetes, for preventing diabetes or for treating metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in patients with normal blood pressure.

Abstract: A power sliding door assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a door structure constructed and arranged to be mounted on a motor vehicle for movement between closed and opened positions and a drive assembly mounted on the door structure. The drive assembly includes a rotatable gear engageable with a gear track provided on the vehicle. The rotatable gear is drivable in a one direction to effect movement of the door towards the opened position and drivable in an opposite direction to effect movement of the door structure towards the closed position. A drive shaft is coupled with the drive assembly and is constructed and arranged to rotatably drive the rotatable gear.

Abstract: According to an illustrative example of the invention, a suspension strut of a motor vehicle comprises a protective bellows for the piston rod. This protective bellows protects the piston rod in all positions of the piston rod between an axially innermost operational position and an axially outermost operational position. When the piston rod approaches its axially outermost operational position, the folding bellows is elongated. When the piston rod approaches its axially innermost position, substantially no compression of the folding bellows occurs.