Abstract: A method of making a fender protective structure having a layer of resilient plastic/elastomer alloy having a delayed elastic response, comprising providing a mold, placing elastomer spacers in the mold, adding the plastic and elastomer to the mold under heat and pressure, and opening the mold and removing the spacers to create voids the alloy.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure having slits, which permits accurate forming of fine slits to cut or grind a targeted cell array alone and moreover is suitable for application to mass production, is to be provided. It is a method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure having slits and a plurality of arrays of numerous cells aligned in parallel; the slits communicating with external space and being formed along the arrays. Slits 5 are formed by protruding a slit forming member 4 toward a molded article 3 during the step of extruding the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A process for forming molded articles from particulate thermoplastic material, the process comprising:

Abstract: A method of relining a vessel that is used to carry out a direct smelting process that produces molten metal under conditions requiring molten bath temperatures of at least 1000° C. is disclosed. The vessel is of the type that has a floor that is refractory lined, a side wall that is at least partially refractory lined, and a top wall, and at least two access openings to the interior of the vessel. The relining method includes the steps of cooling down the vessel, gaining access to the interior of the vessel via the access openings, relining the vessel, and re-starting operation of the process in a period of time of 21 or less days.

Abstract: A molten metal vessel includes a first chamber for containing molten metal such as molten aluminum therein, a filtration chamber in which impurities contained in the molten metal are removed, and a second chamber for reserving clean molten metal to be supplied to a casting die. The molten metal flows from the first chamber to the second chamber through the filtration chamber. A pair of filters, preferably a pair of cylindrical filters, are disposed in the filtration chamber, so that the impurities contained in the molten metal can be filtered twice. The filters are attached to the bottom of the filtration chamber where molten metal oxides hardly develop, so that the filters are easily replaced with new ones for the maintenance purpose. A rod-shaped heater may be disposed in the cylindrical filters to keep the molten metal temperature in a strictly controlled range. Thus, the impurities are effectively removed from the molten metal through the filters which are easily replaceable.

Abstract: A shaft for use with molten aluminum using an impeller mounted on the shaft comprising a protective refractory sleeve resistant to attack by molten aluminum, the protective sleeve employing a reinforcing media and mounted on the shaft to extend above and below the molten aluminum surface when the shaft is in use.

Abstract: Vibration damping device for vehicles includes: a rigid housing member having an accommodation space and fixed to a vibrative member; and an independent mass member having a rigid mass body and an elastic body layer bonded on the outer surface of the rigid mass body. The independent mass member is non-adhesively disposed in the accommodation space such that an outer surface of the independent mass member is opposed to the inner surface of the housing member with a predetermined gap distance therebetween, to thereby permit displacement of the independent mass member relative to the housing member. The independent mass member and the housing member is brought into elastic impact against each other, upon application of a vibrational load, at respective abutting surfaces thereof which are opposed to each other in a vibrational input direction.

Abstract: A modular workpiece support reconfigurable to support a number of similar, but different profiled workpieces (such as the leading edge skin sections of an aircraft wing) comprises a base 32 defining a number of stations along the component. Each station comprises a clamp block 34, and a frame element 38 of predetermined profile may be clamped in the clamp block in either of two different orientations (for hand and opposite). Each frame element includes a number of suction cups 40, the suction being controlled by a valve 42. The workpiece support may be rapidly reconfigured for a symmetric component simply by unclamping and rotating the frame element through 180°. The workpiece support may also be reconfigured for different profiles by selecting the appropriate frame elements from a library thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a plate member such as a wafer by supporting the plate member with a plurality of support pins, and vacuum-sucking the plate member with a suction disk without allowing the suction disk to make contact with the plate member. Vacuum generated in a space between the plate member (51) and the suction disk (8) is introduced into a space between a hollow resilient body (3) via a conduit (11) formed in a lever (9), to drive the suction disk by expansion/contraction of the hollow resilient body, to attract the plate member without allowing the suction disk to make contact with the plate member, and to hold the plate member on the support pins (5). The suction disk has an outer ring area (49) on a suction surface (S) having at least one continuous groove surrounding the inner area of the suction disk. Vacuum is introduced into the inside of the suction surface (S) to suck the plate member.

Abstract: Apparatus for retaining a mail piece includes first and second elements, said elements having an open state in which the first element is spaced from said second element for insertion of a mail item therebetween into a required position and a closed state in which at least one of the first and second elements is displaced toward the other of the first and second elements to clamp the mail piece and further including mail piece retention means mounted on the first element and effective during displacement of the element to retain the mail piece in the required position to which it has been inserted.

Abstract: There are disclosed a pressing force adjustable roller unit, a sheet member or transport system in an image processing apparatus provided with the roller unit, and a sheet member supply system in which multi-transport can securely be prevented. In a holder to which a roller is attached via a holding shaft to move the roller in a load direction from a peripheral surface, a torsion spring is connected in a direction in which the holding shaft is pressed downward, a windup degree of a winding portion of the torsion spring is adjusted by engagement of an engaging arm projecting from the winding portion with a first or second stopper disposed on a holder side, and a roller pressing force can therefore be adjusted. There are also provided a hopper for piling sheets, a supply roller for picking up and feeding out the sheet, and a multi-transport preventing roller pair of a separation roller and a retard roller, so that the hopper can vertically move with respect to the supply roller.

Abstract: A device for holding sheets high in order to form gaps between sheets, during operation of a sheet pile-forming sheet-processing machine, includes vertically adjustable sheet interceptors for holding sheets high. The sheet interceptors being movable into a front pile-forming region so as to penetrate a depth therein which is so small that the sheet interceptors do not come into contact with a printed region of a sheet resting on the sheet interceptors; a sheet processing machine including the holding device; and a sheet-fed printing machine including the holding device.

Abstract: Device (1) for the longitudinal alignment of plate elements (2) within an infeed station of a machine working them. The aforementioned device is secured by two lateral brackets (9, 10) between which is settled a conveyor track for the said plate elements, comprising two plates (5, 6) folded downwise according to a line (7) non-perpendicular in the meaning of the shifting (3) of the said plate elements (2). The latter are moved downstream by means of at least two conveyor belts running around at least two pulleys (15, 16) secured between unmovable bearings (11-14) at the input of the said device. The device (1) has on its leading edge a protection plate (39) over which are flaps (30-32) movable and interdependent of a transverse shaft (24) connecting the leading edges of the two lateral brackets (9, 10). This shaft is moved by an alternate rotation between 0 and 45 degrees, synchronized with the production speed of the machine in order to allow the successive alignment of the said plate elements (2).

Abstract: A paddle wheel delivery for flat copies, which are delivered onto a belt surface of a delivery belt, the paddle wheel delivery including at least one paddle wheel formed of two paddle wheel disks mutually adjustable relative to one another. The delivery includes sickle-shaped regions inwardly movable by a relative movement of the paddle wheel disks, for converting a first pocket width of the paddle wheel pockets on the paddle wheels into a second pocket width of the paddle wheel pockets. Also included is a folder including the paddle wheel delivery; and a web-fed rotary printing machine including the paddle wheel delivery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying printed products in an imbricated formation with different spacings between the products, from a feed conveyor to the grippers on a removal conveyor. The printed products are introduced into the grippers in groups without any change in the spacing between successive printed products, and the conveying speeds of the feed conveyor and the removal conveyor are coordinated such that the portion of each group of products which projects into a gripper is less than the depth of the mouth of the gripper. Also, a deflection device at the transfer location serves to deflect the leading end of each group of products toward the approaching gripper. Alternatively, the grippers are controlled so that in the transfer location, a leading clamping part of the approaching gripper engages a trailing clamping part of the preceding gripper so as to guide the next group of products into the mouth of the approaching gripper.

Abstract: A hydrodynamically lubricating seal has a generally circular seal body defining a static sealing surface and having a dynamic sealing lip projecting from the seal body for establishing sealing relation with a relatively rotatable surface. When compressed against a relatively rotatable surface, dynamic sealing lip defines a hydrodynamic geometry which wedges a film of lubricating fluid into the interface between the seal and the relatively rotatable surface in response to relative rotation. The dynamic sealing lip geometry maintains interfacial contact pressure within the dynamic sealing interface for efficient hydrodynamic lubrication and environmental exclusion, which enhances lubrication and environmental exclusion while permitting relatively high initial compression and relatively low torque.

Abstract: A seal device for a shaft is provided which has a maintenance seal which can reliably seal around the shaft without compression by rotation or pressing force, and which eliminates the necessity of readjustment after replacement of the seal packings. A seal packing is retained in a packing case housed in a casing, and a maintenance seal is housed under the packing case. A pressurizing means resiliently deforms a resilient body fitted so as to form a sealed space. The pressurizing means supplies pressurized fluid into the sealed space and inflates the resilient body to press it against the shaft. The pressurized fluid is discharged after repair of seal packings.

Abstract: At least one walking member is detachably connectable to an in-line skate to enable the wearer of the in-line skate to connect the walking member to the in-line skate, thus enabling the wearer to walk while wearing the in-line skate. Two walking members can be provided on alternative sides of the in-line skate wheels to provide a more stable platform for the wearer of the in-line skate. Since the two walking members are removable, the walking members do not detract from the aerodynamic and functional performance of the in-line skate, and can be manufactured together with the skate or, alternatively, can be added to the skate after purchase.

Abstract: A mechanic's creeper (10) includes a pad (12) supported between a plurality of side rails (14) by a plurality of crossbars (15). The side rails (14) are of tear-shaped cross section such that no sharp edges are provided adjacent to the pad (12) held between the side rails (14). The pad (12), side rails (14), and crossbars (15) are held off the ground by a plurality of caster assemblies (20). The caster assemblies (20) are connected only to the bottom surface (16) of the side rails (14) such that no protrusion is created on the top surface (17) of the side rails (14). Specifically, each of the caster assemblies (20) is connected to an associated side rail (14) by a rivet nut (54) that communicates only with the bottom surface (16) of side rail (14). The caster assemblies (20) further include rolling elements (24, 26) and bearing races (32, 34) that allow the caster assemblies (20) to rotate about the axis of a kingpin (42).

Abstract: There is provided a suspension frame construction capable of increasing rigidity when a braking load, a lateral load, or an engine mounting load is applied to a suspension frame. In the suspension frame construction comprising an upper plate and a lower plate joined to each other to form the suspension frame; and front- and rear-side suspension lower arm support portions provided at both ends, right and left, of the suspension frame, the rear-side suspension lower arm support portion is formed by opposing the upper plate 8 and the lower plate 9 to each other at a fixed distance and a rear-side arm portion 10b of a suspension lower arm 101, 102 is pivotally supported between the opposed portion of the upper plate 8 and the lower plate 9, and a reinforcing wall portion 9f for connecting the upper plate 8 and the lower plate 9 to each other is provided on the proximal end side of the pivotally supporting portion.

Abstract: A trailing arm axle/suspension system includes rigid or spring beams for mounting the axle directly to the beam without any or minimal, respectively, additional mounting hardware or structure. An axle mounting plate is formed as part of the preassembled rigid beam or attached to the spring beam, and is formed with a recess that can range from significantly smaller than to generally the same size as the smallest axle which will be seated therein. The axle is extruded into the recess to eliminate clearance and create intimate contact between the axle and the axle mounting plate. The force typically deforms the axle from its normal cross-sectional shape, such as round, into a generally oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape. Such clearance-free intimate contact also creates a constant preload or compression between the axle and the axle mounting plate in the recess area.

Abstract: A glider fifth wheel attachment assembly includes a support frame including a pair of spaced guide rails and a pair of upright assemblies attached to the guide rails. Each upright assembly includes a lower sleeve portion for receiving a respective guide rail, an intermediate housing portion vertically above the sleeve portion, and an upper mounting portion vertically above the housing portion. A head assembly may be adjustably mounted between respective housing portions of the upright assemblies. At least one roller is positioned within each housing portion of the upright assemblies such that the at least one roller contacts an upper surface of an upper guide rail. In addition, the glider fifth wheel attachment assembly includes a latching assembly for releasably locking the glider fifth wheel attachment assembly between a first and a second position.

Abstract: Methods for controlling a vehicle system in which radiation is directed from a transducer into the passenger compartment and is reflected off or modified by an object in the passenger compartment and received by the same or a different transducer. When ultrasonic waves are used, one or more techniques are used to compensate for thermal gradients in the passenger compartment and/or enable the use of a single transducer to send and receive waves, for example, a tubular mounting structure for the transducers, electronic reduction of ringing of the transducer, mechanical damping of the transducer cone, shaped horns, grills and reflectors for the output of the transducers to precisely control the beam pattern, a logarithmic compression amplifier, a temperature compensation method based on change in transducer properties with temperature and/or a dual level network, one level for categorization and the second for occupant position sensing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator for a safety arrangement, in particular for a vehicle occupant restraint system, comprising a combustion chamber delimited by a combustion chamber wall and filled with propellant granule, and also a means arranged in the combustion chamber for holding down the propellant granule. The gas generator according to the invention is characterized in that the means for holding down the propellant granule comprises a disc-shaped holding face having grid holes, wherein the holding face is pressed into the combustion chamber and is connected in a form- and force-fitting manner with the combustion chamber wall, and is prestressed and presses elastically onto the propellant granule, the grid holes having a smaller diameter than the propellant granule.

Abstract: A polygon-shaped air bag comprised of fabric for use in vehicle restraint systems is disclosed. The air bag is constructed from fabric panels in the shape of congruent, n-sided equiangular polygons, where n may be between five and eleven, but is preferably six or eight. The individual panels may be in the form of a single polygon, or in the form of two abutting polygons. The use of polygon-shaped panels allows for economical fabric utilization and increased fabrication efficiency, compared with panels having a circular shape.

Abstract: An integrally woven airbag includes a hollow portion with two opposing sides formed in a first weave pattern and a single-cloth portion where the two opposing sides are woven together as a single cloth. The single-cloth portion is formed by a 3/n basket weave, where n is one in the boundary portion and is an integer greater than one in a portion of the single-cloth portion excluding the boundary portion. A cover factor of the single-cloth portion is at least 4100.

Abstract: A landing gear assembly for a semitrailer includes a pair of legs that may be simultaneously raised or lowered by turning a single crank. Each of the legs is configured to be able to be mounted in either an inboard or outboard configuration. This is achieved by providing both sides of each leg with no protrusions that extend beyond the space provided in the mounting bracket and the mounting hole used to connect the landing gear to the semitrailer. The gear assembly of the landing gear includes a unique floor base that receives and supports the input shaft. A cover is used to support the input ends of the input shaft and the output shaft. The cover is connected to the input side of the upper tube of the leg and allows the gear assembly to be easily assembled within the perimeter of the upper leg.

Abstract: Arrangement for a steering system (1) for a vehicle having a steering wheel (2) and a main shaft (3, 8, 10) which is connected to the steering wheel (2) and also suspended in the vehicle. The main shaft (3, 8, 10) is also connected to a steering gear which belongs to the steering system (1) and comprises an input shaft (12) for transmission of a rotary movement of the main shaft (3, 8, 10) to said steering gear. An end portion of said main shaft (3, 8, 10) facing the input shaft (12) is terminated by a first deformation (13) adapted for locking interaction with a second deformation (14) in the input shaft (12), by means of which said rotary movement is transmitted to the steering gear. A method is also disclosed for mounting a steering system (1) in a vehicle. By means of the invention, an improved mounting of a steering system (1) in a vehicle is provided, in particular a simple mounting and a secure connection between a main shaft and a pinion of a steering gear.

Abstract: A restraint presentation system is disclosed that includes a movable presenting member, such as an armrest or an actuating arm, that moves between a presenting position and a storage position and a restraint belt connected to a tensioning mechanism. The presenting member preferably has a concave shaped portion on a distal end thereof that captures a contact portion of the restraint belt to position the restraint belt in an operational position so as to be accessible to a vehicle occupant. The tensioning mechanism biases the restraint belt into a retracted position when the presenting member is in the storage position such that the contact portion of the restraint belt is in a co-linear relationship with the concave shaped portion of the presenting member.

Abstract: A connecting screw for a locking rail of a vertical belt adjuster is anchored in a threaded head of a sleeve element anchored in a vehicle pillar wall. The sleeve element can be positioned during installation by a guide element which envelops the threaded head and is disposed so as to clamp in notches of the threaded head.

Abstract: Variable confidential information (12) is printed over scrambling pattern (14) which is formed of thermochromatic ink. Information (12) cannot be read due to the presence of the underlying scrambling pattern. The information becomes readable when heat is applied to the thermochromatic ink and the optical properties of the thermochromatic ink are altered.

Abstract: A joint 50 for duplex pipes is to connect to a duplex 100 where an outer pipe 101, an inner pipe 102, and ribs 103 are unitized to be the duplex pipe 100 as one body through an extruding process or a drawing process, having a main body 110 which is provided at its one end to an end portion 101a of the outer pipe exposing the inner pipe 102 by partially eliminating the outer pipe 101, a wall face part 112 equipped at the other end of the main body 110 for penetrating the exposed inner pipe 102, and a connecting pipe 120 provided in the opening 113. An opening is formed at places to be determined in response to disposing conditions of the connecting pipes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector which has an inner displacement member. The flow is stopped by the connector, i.e. the connector is impervious, in a first position. In a second position of the displacement member, with a stop defining the position, flow apertures are released which release the flow into the flow carrying line.

Abstract: A drive device comprising at least one drive unit having two mutually spaced apart pressing bodies. On the pressing bodies mutual facing pressing faces are provided diverging in a drive direction and having between them a stroke unit engaging the pressing faces of both pressing bodies. Furthermore drive means are present by means of which a drawing together of the pressing bodies may be caused and, as a result of this a displacement of the stroke unit in the drive direction along the pressing faces for the purpose of producing a drive movement able to be externally employed.

Abstract: In a parallel hybrid vehicle employing a parallel hybrid system, using both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor generator for propulsion, a desired motor/generator torque is map-retrieved based on both the engine speed and throttle opening from a predetermined characteristic map in a fashion of feedforward processing. The signal indicative of the desired motor/generator torque is subjected to a low-pass filter that passes signals included in a frequency band lower than an oscillation frequency of powertrain torsional vibrations to remove the powertrain vibration frequency components. The map is preprogrammed so that the desired motor/generator torque is set at zero in a specified speed range lower than an engine idle speed.

Abstract: A vehicle door latch mechanism including a latch bolt adapted to releasably secure a striker. In use, the latch bolt is pivotably mounted to a chassis of the latch mechanism and movable between an open position and a closed position. The latch mechanism further includes a detent mechanism adapted to releasably maintain the latch bolt in the open position. By providing such a detent mechanism the need for a dedicated latch bolt, a return spring is eliminated.

Abstract: A set of angled gripper jaw tips. Each jaw tip has a gripping surface that is complimentarily angled to the other jaw tip. The gripping surfaces become substantially coplanar when closed together.

Abstract: The combination of a lockable, soft, flexible tonneau cover for the bed of a pickup truck or similar vehicle and a lockable tailgate. The preferred embodiment includes grooved front, side, and rear rails into which retainer belts on the perimeter of the tonneau cover are insertable to position the cover over the vehicle bed. The front and side rails are respectively attached to the tops of the front and side walls of the bed. The rear rail is mounted to extend and be suspended across the tailgate opening between the side rails. A catch is provided to selectively lock the rear rail in place and keep the rear rail and attached cover in the locked, down position over the bed. In the preferred embodiment, the catch for the rear rail is only accessible through the tailgate opening and the tailgate is lockable. Consequently, to unlock and remove the tonneau cover to expose the bed and its contents, the tailgate must first be unlocked and opened to provide access to the catch for the rear rail.

Abstract: A convertible motor vehicle roof with a roof column (4), especially a D-column, which can be moved into a stowed position by a bearing mechanism when the motor vehicle roof is being opened, the bearing mechanism (25) moving the roof column (4) forward on its bottom end with respect to the motor vehicle body and depositing it in its stowed position in a pivoting motion directed rearward around the bottom end of the column. The bearing mechanism (25) can have a linkage arrangement with a first four-bar mechanism (26) which essentially executes forward motion, and a second four-bar mechanism (27) which is combined with it and which executes the pivoting motion. The roof element (2) can be coupled with a pivoting capacity to the top end of the roof column (4).

Abstract: A vehicle body reinforcement structure includes a first reinforcement material 21 of hard resin disposed in a center pillar 17, a second reinforcement material 23 of hard resin disposed in a roof side portion 18 and a joint portion 26 formed on the first and second reinforcement materials 21, 23.

Abstract: A rear body of an automotive vehicle is provided which includes three parts: a front body structural element, an intermediate body structural element, and a rear body structural element which are made of casts and joined together. The rigidity of the rear body is increased from the rear body structural element to the front body structural element, thereby facilitating the ease of a collapse of the rear body structural element in response to input of a rear-end collision impact for ensuring a protective structural area at a front side of the rear body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module forming all or part of the rear end of a motor vehicle, and suitable for being fitted onto the side rails (L) and the rear side portions of the motor vehicle. The module comprises at least two releasable side portions and it is arranged to receive or it already includes items of equipment such as, for example, an impact-absorber beam (3) or a floor (6).

Abstract: The pillar structure to which the passenger cabin end of the hood ridge panel is connected, is arranged have different localized structural deformation resistances which buckle/deform in a manner which causes the hood ridge panel to reorient in response to a vehicle structure deforming force being applied to the front of the vehicle during a collision, and results in the force, which passes through the hood ridge panel, being redirected by a load-converting and transmitting member included in the pillar, up and along an upper rearwardly angled upper portion of the pillar. This force redirection produces sufficient resistance to induce compressive bucking in the structure forward of the passenger cabin and thus attenuate damage to the cabin structure.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a crank element of a openable motor vehicle roof, with a holding element which engages the crank element such that the crank element and the holding element can be moved relative to one another along a fin-like guideway on the crank element. The fin-like guideway is surrounded by a slide element which is formed on the holding element whereby the slide element can be rotated with respect to the holding element around an axis which is perpendicular to the plane in which the crank element and the holding element move.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle armrest has a guide strip with an inner end fixed on a pivot part and an outer end bearing elastically radially on the pivot part at an intermediate position passed by a latch-member pin before a body part pivoted on the pivot part reaches an upper end position. This guide is formed between its ends with a notch through which the pin can pass radially when the body part is generally in the lower position. It has between its ends a front surface engageable by the pin for outward deflection of the latch-member end as the intermediate position is passed and also has between its ends a back surface engageable by the pin to deflect the member out of radial engagement with the teeth on movement of the body part from the upper position back past the intermediate position toward the lower position.

Abstract: A vehicle braking pressure source device including (a) a master cylinder having a pressurizing piston cooperating with a cylinder housing to define a pressurizing chamber and a back-pressure chamber on front and rear sides of the piston, and an input rod which slidably extending through a rear end wall of the cylinder housing such that the piston is advanced by a brake operating force of a brake operating member transmitted thereto through the input rod, to pressurize a working fluid in the pressurizing chamber, (b) a communication passage for communication between the pressurizing and back-pressure chambers, (c) a control valve device disposed in the communication passage for controlling the communication between the pressurizing and back-pressure chambers through the communication passage, and (d) a control valve control device for controlling the control valve device, on the basis of at least one of an operating state of the brake operating member, a running state of the vehicle and a state of a road surfa

Abstract: A configuration containing a sensor for accident detection, a downstream control device, a downstream firing device and a firing element for a restraint device is described. The control device generates a control signal that is composed of a first current in one direction and a subsequent second current in the opposite direction. The firing device has an integration device for integrating the first current, and also an enable device, which is connected downstream of the integration device and serves for enabling firing of the firing element. The firing of the firing element is effected by the second current when or after a limit value of the integral of the first current has been reached.

Abstract: A power unit having a built-in battery to supply voltage from the battery over a long period of time by utilizing fully the capabilities of the built-in battery. The power unit supplies electric power to a load even when a battery with a higher battery voltage than the external power source voltage is used by charging the battery from an external power source even when the external power source voltage is lower than the battery voltage. By charging the battery when electric power is supplied to a load from an external power source, the power unit supplies electric power to the load from the battery when the supply of electricity from an external power source is cut off. The power unit includes a having converter to boost output voltage from the battery and to supply the voltage to the load when the battery is discharged and the external power source voltage is higher than the battery voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to D.C. power supplies and more particularly to overvoltage protection in one or more D.C. power supply circuits, where a plurality of D.C. power supplies may be connected together to supply power to an electronic system. In one embodiment a D.C. power supply circuit is provided which, when used with the plurality of D.C. power supply circuits connected in parallel, is capable of stopping only the power supply circuit having run into an overvoltage state with minimal effect on the other D.C. power supply circuits. Thus power to the load is continued.

Abstract: A control element, in particular a piezoelectrically operated fuel injection valve in an internal combustion engine, is charged, in order to compensate for stochastic reactions in the internal combustion engine, with a constant nominal voltage applied to a series circuit that includes a charge capacitor and a charge reversal capacitor, and it is discharged into the charge reversal capacitor to a prescribed voltage value. The remaining residual charge of the control element is charged into the charge capacitor via a limiter path.