Abstract: A headrest for a vehicle seat includes an upholstered support surface for supporting an occupant's head and a neck rest. The neck rest is pivotable between a flat position and an angled position by a friction hinge such that an end region of the neck rest forms a part of the upholstered support surface in the flat position and the end region of the neck rest stands angled in relation to the upholstered support surface and delimits the upholstered support surface in the angled position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a functional film structure and a method of manufacturing the same. The functional film structure has a sensor button arranged on a film substrate and can be formed into a three-dimensional shape by thermal forming processes such as vacuum deep-drawing or high-pressure moulding. The functional film structure is preferably flexible and preferably has transparent and illuminated sections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method and an apparatus for manufacturing an analogue audio storage medium wherein digital audio data is converted into topographical data representing an analogue translation of the digital audio data, and a laser beam is selectively applied to a substrate to form a physical imprint of the topographical data on the surface of the substrate to create an analogue audio storage medium. The medium may be directly playable on a conventional playback device such as a record player and/or used to mould further playable mediums. The invention thereby enables more efficient manufacturing of e.g. vinyl records and consistently ensures a much higher quality of analogue audio.

Abstract: A hydraulic switching assembly for a motor vehicle, having a hydraulic pump (1) which guides a hydraulic medium from a reservoir (2) via hydraulic lines (3) and at least one magnetic valve assembly (4) including a magnetically actuatable switching valve (5), to a switching element (6) in order to hydraulically actuate the switching element (6) between two switching positions. A pressure accumulator (7) and a first check valve (8a) are mounted in a supply line (3a) upstream of the switching valve (5) in order to realize a reliable temporary supply of oil pressure to the switching element (6).

Abstract: A variable valve train (1) of a combustion engine for applying a load on two equally acting gas exchange valves (2, 3) for each cylinder of the combustion engine is provided, including a switchable valve train element (4, 5) with an outer part and an inner part ((6, 7), (8, 9)) that can move relative to each other allocated to each of the two gas exchange valves (2, 3). The outer and inner parts ((6, 7), (8, 9)) are selectively connectable to each other by an associated coupling slide mechanism (10, 11). The valve train (1) further includes a control shaft (12), on which a control cam (13, 14) is applied for each coupling slide mechanism (10, 11), and the control cams contact an outer end face (15, 16) of the respective coupling slide mechanisms (10, 11) for displacement thereof in one direction, and the two control cams (13, 14) can rotate separately from each other on the common control shaft (12).

Abstract: A module of a variable valve drive of an internal combustion engine is proposed that includes a push rod mounted longitudinally in a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. The push rod is actuated by a linear actuator that includes an armature that makes contact, at least indirectly with the push rod, to displace it in a first longitudinal direction. A switchable rocker arm with a coupling slide arranged transversely to a longitudinal extent or side of the rocker arm corresponds to an actuating finger that extends from the push rod. The coupling slide includes a slide part that projects laterally from the rocker arm and can be acted upon by a free end of the actuating finger. Kinetic energy of the push rod is dissipated or converted at least partially via a separate damper in the first longitudinal direction before it reaches a final position.

Abstract: A method for processing a holding plate (10) of a clamping device (in particular clamp wafer chuck) for holding a component, in particular a wafer, wherein the holding plate (10) has a SiC-based surface (12) on which at least one protruding, SiC-based surface element (13) is formed, includes the steps of locally limited heating of the holding plate (10) in a predetermined surface section and creating the surface element (13) at the predetermined surface section by chemical vapor deposition, in particular by means of laser CVD. Applications of the method exist in repairing a holding plate (10) of a clamping device or manufacturing a holding plate (10) of a clamping device. Furthermore, a holding plate of a clamping device for holding a component, in particular a wafer, is described.

Abstract: Panel-shaped components are used for interior construction, e.g., for covering walls, ceilings and/or fabricating lightweight walls. Connecting elements are used during the assembly of such wall components. A connecting element is suitable for connecting several such wall components with each other, thereby greatly simplifying the assembly of wall components above all with respect to handling, and increasing the stability of such a wall. For this reason, such a connecting element has two U-shaped profiles offset to each other, which can accommodate at least two wall components, preferably plasterboards, whose narrow sides abut against each other. The non-positive connection between the connecting element and a wall component is established according to the invention using pop rivets or the known drywall screws.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device for a switchable valve drive component, including a first locking body and a second locking body which can be brought into engagement with one another or out of engagement in order to couple to one another or to uncouple two component parts arranged movably with respect to one another, wherein at least one of the two locking bodies has at least one curved surface. In order to increase the wear resistance of the locking device, provision is made for at least one of the two locking bodies to have a plurality of curved surfaces of which the respective curvature is described by radii of identical length having constructional center points spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method and an apparatus for manufacturing an analogue audio storage medium wherein digital audio data is converted into topographical data representing an analogue translation of the digital audio data, and a laser beam is selectively applied to a substrate to form a physical imprint of the topographical data on the surface of the substrate to create an analogue audio storage medium. The medium may be directly playable on a conventional playback device such as a record player and/or used to mould further playable mediums. The invention thereby enables more efficient manufacturing of e.g. vinyl records and consistently ensures a much higher quality of analogue audio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element, comprising a thermoplastic or photo-sensitive replication lacquer layer, non-periodic randomly arranged (randomized) structures in the sub-micrometer range being incorporated into the replication lacquer layer and having an angle-independent optical effect, such as a color effect, and to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A 3-D camera for obtaining an image of at least one surface of at least one object. The camera comprises a light source, arranged to illuminate the object, wherein a light beam emitted from the light source defines a projection optical path. The camera also includes at least one first aperture having a first predetermined size, interposed in the projection optical path such that the light beam passes through it. An image sensor receives light back-scattered by the object, the back-scattered light defining an observation optical path. At least one second aperture having a second predetermined size, is interposed in the observation optical path such that the back-scattered light passes through it. In one example embodiment of the invention, the first predetermined size is greater than the second predetermined size, and at least one optic is arranged in both the projection and observation optical paths.

Abstract: A hydraulic switching assembly for a motor vehicle, having a hydraulic pump (1) which guides a hydraulic medium from a reservoir (2) via hydraulic lines (3) and at least one magnetic valve assembly (4) including a magnetically actuatable switching valve (5), to a switching element (6) in order to hydraulically actuate the switching element (6) between two switching positions. A pressure accumulator (7) and a first check valve (8a) are mounted in a supply line (3a) upstream of the switching valve (5) in order to realize a reliable temporary supply of oil pressure to the switching element (6).

Abstract: A variable valve train (1) of a combustion engine for applying a load on two equally acting gas exchange valves (2, 3) for each cylinder of the combustion engine is provided, including a switchable valve train element (4, 5) with an outer part and an inner part ((6, 7), (8, 9)) that can move relative to each other allocated to each of the two gas exchange valves (2, 3). The outer and inner parts ((6, 7), (8, 9)) are selectively connectable to each other by an associated coupling slide mechanism (10, 11). The valve train (1) further includes a control shaft (12), on which a control cam (13, 14) is applied for each coupling slide mechanism (10, 11), and the control cams contact an outer end face (15, 16) of the respective coupling slide mechanisms (10, 11) for displacement thereof in one direction, and the two control cams (13, 14) can rotate separately from each other on the common control shaft (12).

Abstract: A method for processing a holding plate (10) of a clamping device (in particular clamp wafer chuck) for holding a component, in particular a wafer, wherein the holding plate (10) has a SiC-based surface (12) on which at least one protruding, SiC-based surface element (13) is formed, includes the steps of locally limited heating of the holding plate (10) in a predetermined surface section and creating the surface element (13) at the predetermined surface section by chemical vapor deposition, in particular by means of laser CVD. Applications of the method exist in repairing a holding plate (10) of a clamping device or manufacturing a holding plate (10) of a clamping device. Furthermore, a holding plate of a clamping device for holding a component, in particular a wafer, is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of general building construction, comprised predominantly of panel-shaped supporting and non-supporting elements. These panel-shaped components are used for interior construction, e.g., for covering walls, ceilings and/or fabricating lightweight walls. Connecting elements are used during the assembly of such wall components. The present inventive connecting element is suitable for connecting several such wall components with each other, thereby greatly simplifying the assembly of wall components above all with respect to handling, and increasing the stability of such a wall. For this reason, the inventive connecting element has two U-shaped profiles offset to each other, which can accommodate at least two wall components, preferably plasterboards, whose narrow sides abut against each other. The non-positive connection between the connecting element and a wall component is established according to the invention using pop rivets or the known drywall screws.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device for transferring heat from a heat source to a heat sink includes at least one thermoelectric leg pair having a first leg including an n-type semiconductor material and a second leg including a p-type semiconductor material. The first leg and the second leg are electrically coupled in series. A resistive element electrically couples the first leg and the second leg between the heat source and the heat sink.

Abstract: A method for connecting a first component (1) of a vehicle seat to a second component (2) of the vehicle seat includes applying a first glue (3) to the first component (1). The first component (1) is at least temporarily fastened to the second component (2) by a fastener. The first glue (3) is cured by supplying heat, such that the first component (1) is permanently connected to the second component (2). The fastener is a second glue (4). A vehicle seat is also provided including a first component (1) and a second component (2). The first component (1) is connected to the second component (2) in a main connection region (5) by a first glue (3). The first component (1) is connected to the second component (2) in an auxiliary connection region (6) by a fastener comprising a second glue (4).

Abstract: A carrier structure (100), particularly for optical components, includes a carrier body (10) which is formed from ceramic with hollows (11), and at least one cover layer (21, 22) which is formed from glass, arranged on at least one surface of the carrier body (10), and is connected to the carrier body (10) by means of at least one bond connection (23, 24) produced by means of anodic bonding. Methods for producing the carrier structure (100) and the use of the carrier structure as a mirror body, carrier for optical components and/or mechanical carrier for dynamically moved components are also described.

Abstract: In a photovoltaic module (1) comprising a plurality of electrically interconnected solar cells (2) embedded in an encapsulation film(5) at least on one side and arranged at a distance from one another, and, if appropriate, a rear-side film (6) and a light-transmissive cover plate, light-guiding films forming prism-like structures (4) are integrated in regions of the photovoltaic module (1) that are free of solar cells (2) and the prism-like structures (4) and complementary air and gas pockets (8) are arranged alternately. The prism-like structures (4) of the light-guiding films are arranged in such a way that light impinging on the light-guiding, prism-like structures (4) is guided in the direction of the solar cells (2).