Abstract: An object sensing device and method for a motor vehicle utilizes one or more transmitter/receiver pairs to obtain a reflex signal from an object from an object situated in front of the motor vehicle in terms of the driving directions. In a first operating mode for clear visibility, a reflex signal is emitted for the object when it is standing still or driving more slowly relative to the motor vehicle containing the device. In a second operating mode for poor visibility the reflex signal is additionally emitted when the object is sensed as coming toward the motor vehicle.

Abstract: In a radio signal receiver for motor vehicles with a radio receiver with an RDS decoder for digital signals, convertible via a table into traffic information, the signals can be forwarded from the decoder via a data link to a navigation system provided with a route data storage which generates the traffic information from the signals.

Abstract: In a method for avoiding a collision of a motor vehicle and an obstacle, in which the output signal of a ranging device with several scanning beams emitted in a fan shape toward the front, is received by a receiver and analyzed by an analysis unit connected thereto, the transmitting frequency for scanning beams on the inside of the curve is selected to be higher than for scanning beams on the outside of the curve.

Abstract: A door lock for motor vehicles having a control element which is driven by an electric motor, is controlled by an electronic control unit and can be moved, upon a control signal emitted by a transmitter, into a position which at least prepares the opening of the door lock. An energy accumulator, which is independent of the wiring of the motor vehicle and which, as required, can be connected to a signal receiver, is assigned to the electronic control system so that the signal receiver will then activate the control element directly.

Abstract: In a method for avoiding a collision of a motor vehicle with an obstacle, in which the output signal from a distance measuring device with a plurality of scanning beams emitted fanwise in and beside the motion path of the motor vehicle is fed to an evaluation unit, the output signal from a steering angle sensor is additionally fed to the evaluation unit. The motion path of the motor vehicle is calculated in the evaluation unit and the obstacle is evaluated in terms of the motion path of the motor vehicle. The obstacle is taken into account only if it enters the motion path of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A seat occupancy switching device for motor vehicles having a sensor responding to seat occupancy and an analysis circuit which emits a signal when a seat is occupied. The sensor is a lateral-force-sensitive cable which is arranged in the area of the seat surface. This cable provides a plurality of signal changes occurring continuously during seat occupancy. The analysis circuit registers each change of the sensor output signal as seat occupancy information. This analysis circuit includes a processor that receives the sensor output signal, and a monostable-circuit step.

Abstract: A device for detecting the condition of the surface and adjacent edges of a road by means of electromagnetic radiation. A transmitter emits measuring beam pulses of electromagnetic radiation directed in a linear area of the road. Back scattered radiation from reflection of the measuring beam pulses by features of the road surface and adjacent areas are received and transformed into a time sequence signal. A signal processing and analysis unit analyzes the time sequence signal to identify features and surfaces of the road and their distance from the vehicle.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor for the automatic triggering of occupant protection systems in vehicles comprises a liquid which is moved in a housing as a function of the acceleration, with a detector which responds to a critical acceleration value. The housing is a level tube which is aligned relative to the acceleration to be determined and contains both the liquid and an indicating medium. The detector responds to the position of the indicating medium, as it moved in the liquid as a function of the acceleration.

Abstract: An image-reproducing arrangement for motor vehicles, in which a real image is represented as virtual image in the field of vision of the vehicle user by means of a lens and the windshield following the lens in the path of the light rays; the real image and the lens are thereby arranged at the upper edge of the windshield. Only a mirror element is located between the lens and the windshield within the area of the surface of the instrument panel. This mirror element requires a relatively small amount of space and by reason of the relatively large distance from the lens element offers the possibility to match the virtual image falling into the eye of the vehicle user to the respective prevailing conditions.

Abstract: An arrangement for the recognition of obstacles for motor vehicles with a transmitter and a receiver for electromagnetic radiation which are directed to an examination area (close range) that commences in direct proximity of the motor vehicle; a second receiver is provided which together with the transmitter is directed to a second examination area (distance or long range) which commences at a considerably greater distance in front of the motor vehicle than the close range. As a result thereof, interfering reflections at water droplets (fog) can be far-reachingly excluded.

Abstract: In a security installation for motor vehicles with a stationary transponder installed at the motor vehicle for producing a coded interrogating signal, with a portable transponder for receiving the coded interrogating signal and for transmitting a coded response signal and with a coded signal comparator which in case of matching of the coded response signal with an expected coded signal produces an unlocking signal, the switching signal is produced with the aid of a manually actuatable switch arranged at the motor vehicle which is connected with an actuating member provided already for the use of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing ignition systems of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles, in which an ignition voltage signal on the primary side for one ignition operation or averaged for several ignition operations is compared with a should-be signal and the electrode distance of a spark plug is determined in that the should-be signal is taken at the beginning of a service interval and under an operating condition which at least approximately equals the actual operating condition at the point of time of the test.

Abstract: A security installation with a portable transmitter and a receiver arranged at the object to be protected for an IR, respectively, UHF code signal which is changeable at least in part; alone the code signal of the transmitter can be changed upon random command and can be written into the associated storage device of the transmitter.

Abstract: A service-interval display for motor vehicles, which generates a signal when a limiting parameter value is reached. Total fuel consumption serves as the basic parameter instead of the distance travelled, previously employed. Other parameters may serve to modify the generation of the signal to cause an earlier or later warning to be displayed.

Abstract: In an anti-theft apparatus for vehicles with wireless transmission of the code signal, the latter is suitably overlapped outside of the vehicle by a secondary signal which is not to be received in or on the vehicle. This results in an effective protection against interception of the code signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the filling quantity of lubricating oils in drive installations comprising a timing member which activates a filling level pickup only after a predetermined time of several minutes following the shutoff of the drive installation, this pickup yielding an output signal only if two superimposed sensing elements transmit different responses. This provides a precise information regarding the actual quantity of lubricating oil. The output signal may be dependent upon an operating temperature cyclic filling may be effected at appropriate timed periods.

Abstract: The signalling device provides a signal indicating the need for a maintainance service when a limit value of a given magnitude is reached. This magnitude is a function of the total number of revolutions of an output shaft or any other rotary part and optionally of one or a plurality of additional operation parameters.

Abstract: A service interval display unit for a motor vehicle for alerting the operator of required maintenance wherein actual distance traveled by the vehicle is monitored, and as a factor in determining the service interval, operating parameters such as engine speed, coolant temperature, oil temperature, and/or fuel consumption rate are taken into consideration on a weighted basis to assert earlier a service signal in the display unit when the engine experiences increased periods of higher loads. The display unit includes a series of indicators which are successively extinguished upon attainment of subintervals during the maintenance cycle and warning lights which are energized after attainment of the service interval. Additional warning lights also are provided for emphasizing the expiration of the service interval when the vehicle is operated successive fixed distance intervals beyond the regular service interval.

Abstract: A test installation for motor vehicle operating elements which change compared to a starting condition and which trigger an indicating device when reaching a limit value; a number of change intervals related to a change-influencing parameter and equal among each other are coordinated to the changes of the operating elements and one indicating device each is coordinated to the intervals of equal value of the operating elements; of the several operating elements, that operating element triggers the indicating device and also a warning indicating device which as the first one reaches the limit of its associated change interval, respectively, its limit for the predetermined overall change.

Abstract: A service-interval display for motor vehicles, delivers a signal after a fixed distance has been traversed, the fixed distance (D) is divided into several fixed service distance intervals (i.sub.d) of equal length, and a plurality of individual signal elements, each of which changes its switch status at the end of successive intervals, is assigned to each of these intervals. The number of signal elements activated is an indication of the incremental approach to arrival at and travel beyond the fixed distance (D).