Abstract: A compensating element having first and second modules is disclosed. A locking mechanism which can be switched between a first and a second operating state is provided. The first module is connected firmly to the second module in the first operating state. The first operating state defines a zero position between the first and the second module. The first and the second module are connected to one another in the second operating state by a spring mechanism in such a way that they are movable relative to one another. The compensating element has a midaxis, and the first and the second module are arranged at least partially next to one another in the direction of the midaxis. A measuring system is also disclosed with which the relative position between the first and the second module can be measured. The first or second module includes an externally visible luminous surface. A luminous state of the luminous surface is dependent on the relative position measured by the measuring system.

Abstract: A method is for operating a manipulator that has a movement device, a compensating device, and a tool. In the method, a relative displacement of the compensating device, with respect to a target position, is sensed during setting-up and is taken into account in a subsequent control of the manipulator.

Abstract: A compensating element having a first and a second assembly, wherein a locking mechanism is provided which can be switched over between a first and a second operating state. In the first operating state, the first assembly is connected fixedly to the second assembly and, in the second operating state, the first and second assemblies are connected to each other via a spring mechanism in such a manner that they are movable relative to each other. The locking mechanism includes an electric motor that can be used to switch over between the first and the second operating state. A locking ring is or is not braced against at least three balls depending on its rotational position with respect to a center axis. The locking ring is connected in terms of rotary drive to the electric motor via a torsion spring which is elastic with respect to the center axis.

Abstract: A compensating element having a first and a second assembly, wherein a locking mechanism is provided which can be switched over between a first and a second operating state. In the first operating state, the first assembly is connected fixedly to the second assembly and, in the second operating state, the first and second assemblies are connected to each other via a spring mechanism in such a manner that they are movable relative to each other. The locking mechanism includes an electric motor that can be used to switch over between the first and the second operating state. A locking ring is or is not braced against at least three balls depending on its rotational position with respect to a center axis. The locking ring is connected in terms of rotary drive to the electric motor via a torsion spring which is elastic with respect to the center axis.

Abstract: A method is for operating a manipulator that has a movement device, a compensating device, and a tool. In the method, a relative displacement of the compensating device, with respect to a target position, is sensed during setting-up and is taken into account in a subsequent control of the manipulator.

Abstract: A compensating element having first and second modules is disclosed. A locking mechanism which can be switched between a first and a second operating state is provided. The first module is connected firmly to the second module in the first operating state. The first operating state defines a zero position between the first and the second module. The first and the second module are connected to one another in the second operating state by a spring mechanism in such a way that they are movable relative to one another. The compensating element has a midaxis, and the first and the second module are arranged at least partially next to one another in the direction of the midaxis. A measuring system is also disclosed with which the relative position between the first and the second module can be measured. The first or second module includes an externally visible luminous surface. A luminous state of the luminous surface is dependent on the relative position measured by the measuring system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing components using a powder that has been melt-atomised in an inert gas atmosphere from an aluminium or Al alloy with integrated hard materials, in particular from MMCs (metal matrix composites), reinforcing particles being added to the molten and atomised metal, in particular aluminium or an aluminium alloy, during or consecutive to the spraying process, and subsequently the powder particles being compressed by way of an SPS method in order to produce a component or a semi-finished product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aluminium-based alloy comprising the following weight percent of constituents: between approximately 15% and 30% silicon, at least 1% nickel, in addition to at least one of the two constituents iron or titanium, the sum of the fractions of nickel, iron and titanium totalling at least 3%. The invention also relates to a moulded part consisting of said alloy.

Abstract: A method for producing a cast combination of cylindrical hollow profiles and for casting said combination into a cylinder block or crank housing of an internal combustion engine, wherein cylindrical hollow profiles consisting of a light-metal alloy and containing inlaid hard phases that have been manufactured by successive stages of spray compacting, hot extrusion and hot forming are arranged in a row, the distance between the axes of the hollow profiles corresponding to the cylinder bore center distance of the cylinder block and a light-metal alloy without inlaid hard phases is cast around said profiles. The cast combination is then positioned in a mould that forms the cylinder block and a light-metal material is cast around said combination.

Abstract: A method for producing, by forming techniques, an undercut profile in the outer circumferential face of cylinder liners to be cast in place in a crankcase, characterized by the introduction of a bracing inner core into the cavity of a cylinder liner, the introduction of the cylinder liner equipped with bracing inner core into a first forming die equipped on its working faces with a serrated profile, the pressing of the first forming die against the outer circumferential face of the cylinder liner, thus producing a complementary profile in the outer circumferential face, the introduction of the cylinder liner equipped with bracing inner core into a second forming die equipped on its working faces with a smooth surface, and the pressing of the second forming die against the outer circumferential face of the cylinder liner equipped with the complementary profile.

Abstract: A method for producing, by forming techniques, an undercut profile in the outer circumferential face of cylinder liners to be cast in place in a crankcase, characterized by the introduction of a bracing inner core into the cavity of a cylinder liner, the introduction of the cylinder liner equipped with bracing inner core into a first forming die equipped on its working faces with a serrated profile, the pressing of the first forming die against the outer circumferential face of the cylinder liner, thus producing a complementary profile in the outer circumferential face, the introduction of the cylinder liner equipped with bracing inner core into a second forming die equipped on its working faces with a smooth surface, and the pressing of the second forming die against the outer circumferential face of the cylinder liner equipped with the complementary profile.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for a vehicle comprises a support tube structure which is to be mounted to a vehicle and which removably carries a hitch ball bar. An engagement structure is provided which firmly locks the ball bar to the support tube structure with the aid of a safety bolt which is axially movably disposed in the ball bar and adapted to project from its end within the support tube structure and to lock the ball bar in the support structure in rattle-free engagement therewith. Preferably, the safety bolt is operable by a mechanism extending through the ball bar and the hitch ball so that the safety bolt cannot be actuated when a trailer tongue is disposed on the hitch ball.