Abstract: Methods and devices for charging a user for access to a service accessible via a communication network are disclosed. At least two charging-related states are defined for the communication network. A tariff proposal entity associated with the user determines one or more tariff proposals for charging the user for accessing the service and sends the one or more tariff proposals to a rating entity. The rating entity analyzes the one or more tariff proposals in relation to a current charging-related state of the at least two charging-related states, wherein it is determined if at least one of the one or more tariff proposals complies with at least one tariff setting associated with the current charging-related state. The rating entity further selects a tariff of the at least one complying tariff proposals for charging the user for access to the service and initiates a charging of the user for access to the service according to the selected tariff.

Abstract: Methods and devices for charging a user for access to a service accessible via a communication network are disclosed. At least two charging-related states are defined for the communication network. A tariff proposal entity associated with the user determines one or more tariff proposals for charging the user for accessing the service and sends the one or more tariff proposals to a rating entity. The rating entity analyzes the one or more tariff proposals in relation to a current charging-related state of the at least two charging-related states, wherein it is determined if at least one of the one or more tariff proposals complies with at least one tariff setting associated with the current charging-related state. The rating entity further selects a tariff of the at least one complying tariff proposals for charging the user for access to the service and initiates a charging of the user for access to the service according to the selected tariff.

Abstract: A method of deforming an initial pipe having a circular cross-section into an U-shaped section and a device for carrying out the method wherein the inner surface of one half of the initial pipe rests in a positively engaging manner against the inner surface of the opposite half of the pipe, with the exception of lateral loop-shaped ear portions. The initial pipe is secured in its position by mandrels inserted in the ends of the pipe. Initially, the initial pipe is with its lower half at least over areas thereof supported by an abutment and the top half of the initial pipe is pressed in by a ledge-like top die with a convexly curved front portion located opposite the abutment until the top half of the initial pipe is pressed in until it makes contact with the diametrically oppositely located bottom half of the pipes so as to produce a U-shaped top half.

Abstract: A double walled pipe elbow with an intermediate space between an inner pipe and an outer pipe is formed by joining the ends of a straight inner pipe and a straight outer pipe. The two pipes are bent into a desired shape and then placed in a shaping recess in a shaping tool. Seal plugs are placed at the opposite ends of the pipe elbow. In the sealed condition, a pressurized medium is supplied through at least one end seal plug into the inner pipe and between the inner and the outer pipe for expanding the outer pipe into surface contact with the shaping recess.

Abstract: A die (2) formed of two halves (4, 5) is placed in a container (7) filled with an incompressible liquid. The die halves have a plane of contact disposed in parallel relation with and spaced from the axis of a hollow member to be deformed within a die cavity formed by the die halves. Mandrils (15) are forced into sealing contact with the open ends of the hollow member by hydraulic cylinders. A high deformation pressure is supplied into the hollow member and the mandrils are secured in sealing contact with the hollow member against such pressure.

Abstract: A safety steering column assembly for automobiles comprising a steering shaft of variable axial length for connecting a steering wheel with a steering gear mechanism. A portion of the steering shaft adjacent the steering wheel is surrounded by a guide and support tube in which a bearing for turnably supporting the steering shaft is mounted. The guide and support tube, in turn, is surrounded by a corrugated tube serving as an impact absorber in which the corrugations of the tube are compressed into a block to reduce the axial length thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a corrugated tube from a smooth walled starting tube comprises a pair of receiving mandrels aligned spaced from each other along a preferably vertical axis and movable toward and away from each other to be engaged in opposite end portions of a starting tube. The halves of split corrugation forming discs and the halves of an end member above the uppermost of the discs, coupled together for limited movement in axial direction, are respectively carried and guided for movement in axial direction by a pair of clamping jaws tiltable between an open position permitting to align a starting tube with the mandrels and a closed position closing the split discs and the split end member and fluid tightly clamping opposite end portions of the starting tube located about said mandrels respectively between one of the mandrels and the closed end member and between the other mandrel and the clamping jaws.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a tube with successive corrugations of different configuration from a tubular blank of uniform diameter mainly comprises a central pin having a shaft portion fixed only at one end to a stationary support and having at the other end a radially enlarged head portion cooperating with radially inwardly movable clamping and forming jaws to clamp a portion of a tubular blank therebetween. The apparatus includes further a tubular member guided on the shaft portion of the central pin and movable in axial direction by hydraulically operated members cooperating therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a tube with successive corrugations from a tubular blank of constant diameter comprises a central pin having a shaft portion fixed only at one end to a stationary support and having at the other end a radially enlarged head portion cooperating with radially inwardly moving clamping and forming jaws to clamp a portion of a tubular blank therebetween. The apparatus includes further a tubular member guided on the shaft portion of the central pin and movable in axial direction by hydraulically operated members connected thereto.