Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for performing a high throughput test to determine the presence of PrPsc in a tissue sample taken post mortem from brain, the test comprising the workflow of (A) sample preparation, (B) sample treatment, (C) sample analysis, (D) controls, and (E) classifying the results of the analysis as positive or negative. The invention is further directed to preparing a treated biological sample suspected of containing PrPsc such that it is suitable for specific detection of PrPsc, if present, the method comprising the steps of (a) homogenizing the sample; followed by (b) digesting the sample proteolytically by adding to the homogenate Proteinase K and incubating the sample; followed by (c) adding a peptidic protease inhibitor to the incubated mixture of step (b), thereby obtaining a treated biological sample suitable for specific detection of PrPsc, if present. The invention further provides a conditioned microwell plate.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt tensioner comprises a traction element that transmits a tensioning force to a seat belt strap. The traction element may be formed for example of a flexible rope or a wire, or a thrust element which can transmit traction and thrust forces. A force limiting unit, which limits the retaining force exerted by the seat belt strap on a passenger has a functional element coupled to the traction or thrust element, which is displaceable by means of a displaceable piston element in the effective direction of the tensioning force. The vehicle belt tensioner according to the invention includes means for the parallel application of tensioning force to both the piston element and the traction or thrust element, concurrently.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for restraining passengers in a retaining passengers in a vehicle upon impact with an obstacle, a possible accident is initially sensed. Thereafter, at the latest, whenever the vehicle first contacts the obstacle, or whenever vehicle deceleration exceeds a threshold, a force acting in the direction of impact is exerted upon the passenger via a seat belt system. The force is introduced by bilateral tensioning of a lap belt of a seat belt system, from both sides at a force of at least 2000-4500 N. The latter is maintained for a retaining phase of at least 20 ms along a displacement path of the passenger.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the operation of a reversible belt retractor to release a belt extraction lock of a restraint belt in a motor vehicle, the lock can be activated by an acceleration sensor. After the belt retractor has been triggered as a consequence of a hazardous situation having been detected and after the hazardous situation has been recognized as being over, the operation of the belt retractor is controlled by a release signal at a release time in order to bring about the release of the belt extraction lock to shift it from a blocking state into a comfort-providing state. The release time is determined by a sensor model algorithm based on a model of the acceleration sensor from at least one variable characterizing the running dynamics.

Abstract: The invention relates to restraint system for a passenger of a vehicle who sits on a vehicle seat that can be placed in different positions. Said restraint system comprises an interior that is defined by a housing (1) and at least on gas bag, and at least one triggerable outlet (36-38) which is disposed on the housing (1) and can be closed by means of a closing element (3) that is movable from a closed position into an open position such that an internal pressure in the interior can be adjusted in accordance with passenger load-relevant parameters during an accident.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a method of preparing nucleic acids, particularly RNA, from a whole blood sample. The nucleic acids purified by the method of the invention are particularly suited for detection of nucleic acid marker molecules. Preferred are markers for the diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). Such diagnosis is based on the detection, by means of real-time PCR, of certain mRNAs of the TSE-infected organism. Said mRNAs specifically originate as splicing variants and are isolated from whole blood by the method of the invention.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle restraint system that is capable of being placed in different positions, consisting of an interior defined by a housing and at least one airbag, at least one gas generator for delivering gas to the interior in order to inflate the airbag, at least one controllable outlet provided on the housing which may be closed by a closing element, such that an internal pressure in the interior may be adjusted according to parameters relevant to passenger load during an accident. A restraint system, which is easy to construct and can be manufactured cost-effectively, is provided by an adjustable stop element limiting the opening movement of the closing element, which is coupled to the vehicle seat such that the stop element is displaced according to parameters relevant to passenger load, in order to adjust the outlet cross section defined by the closing element located in its closed position.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a reversible seatbelt pretensioner of a vehicle, characteristic variables of the accelerator pedal and brake are acquired and monitored with respect to a reaction of the driver to a critical situation in the form of release of the accelerator pedal and subsequent actuation of the brake. When a reaction of a driver to a critical situation is identified, the seatbelt pretensioner is activated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for actuating a reversible vehicle occupant protection means in a motor vehicle having a driving state sensor system and a reversible vehicle occupant protection means. The reversible vehicle occupant protection means can be triggered before the collision time and as a result moved into an effective position. For this purpose, the driving state data are monitored with respect to a state of emergency braking, and when the state of emergency braking is detected the vehicle occupant protection system is actuated. In addition, a state of oversteering and a state of understeering are determined by the data processing device. The reversible vehicle occupant protection system is actuated when the data processing device detects the state of emergency braking and/or the state of oversteering and/or the state of understeering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for actuating a reversible vehicle occupant protection means in a motor vehicle having a driving state sensor system and a reversible vehicle occupant protection means. The reversible vehicle occupant protection means can be triggered before the collision time and as a result moved into an effective position. For this purpose, the driving state data are monitored with respect to a state of emergency braking, and when the state of emergency braking is detected the vehicle occupant protection system is actuated. In addition, a state of oversteering and a state of understeering are determined by the data processing device. The reversible vehicle occupant protection system is actuated when the data processing device detects the state of emergency braking and/or the state of oversteering and/or the state of understeering.

Abstract: Method for actuating a reversible belt pretensioner for pretensioning a belt webbing, unwound from a belt reel, of a seat belt in a motor vehicle, the belt pretensioner having a drive which acts on the belt reel, and the seat belt having, as a belt extraction lock, a locking device which acts on the belt reel in the unwinding direction and whose locking can be released only if the belt reel is rotated about a certain angle of rotation in the winding-on direction. After a triggering of the belt pretensioner caused by a hazardous situation and if a variable indicative of the belt force indicates a decrease in the belt force, an opening mode is initiated in which the belt pretensioner drive is actuated in order to open the blocking device in such a manner that, at the beginning of the opening mode, the belt reel rotates about the specific angle of rotation in the winding-on direction.

Abstract: A belt tensioning unit has a reversible clamping device which is controlled by a sensor system which is capable of recognizing potentially dangerous or accident-prone driving situations. In the event of danger, the belt is tensioned with sufficient force in order to draw the occupant into a desired sitting position prior to a possible collision or to retain the occupant in this position.

Abstract: A method and device for the removal of balls from a supply is disclosed. The device has a horizontal plate having one or a plurality of circular orifices of identical size in the form of transcurrent orifices running vertically from the upper side to the lower side. The plate on its upper side exhibits a depression around each orifice, in conjunction with which the base of the depression are curved, the periphery of the depression exhibits an elliptical, oval or spindle-shaped form at the level of the surface of the plate, the mid-point of the orifice in each case lies on the mid-point of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis of the periphery of the depression, and the base of the depression is inclined towards the mid-point of the orifice along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the operation of a reversible belt retractor to release a belt extraction lock of a restraint belt in a motor vehicle, the lock can be activated by an acceleration sensor. After the belt retractor has been triggered as a consequence of a hazardous situation having been detected and after the hazardous situation has been recognized as being over, the operation of the belt retractor is controlled by a release signal at a release time in order to bring about the release of the belt extraction lock to shift it from a blocking state into a comfort-providing state. The release time is determined by a sensor model algorithm based on a model of the acceleration sensor from at least one variable characterizing the running dynamics.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a method of preparing nucleic acids, particularly RNA, from a whole blood sample. The nucleic acids purified by the method of the invention are particularly suited for detection of nucleic acid marker molecules. Preferred are markers for the diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). Such diagnosis is based on the detection, by means of real-time PCR, of certain mRNAs of the TSE-infected organism. Said mRNAs specifically originate as splicing variants and are isolated from whole blood by the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the assessment of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) using a sample from a living individual. The assessment is based on the use of an RNA marker molecule in a sample of whole blood. The RNA encodes a hypothetical cystein protease. The invention is further directed to the detection of the marker molecule by means of real-time PCR. The invention provides the use of the nucleotide sequence as a marker in the assessment of TSE, a method for assessing bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a bovine animal as well as kits to practice the invention.

Abstract: A device is provided for determining vehicle-occupant-related variables in a vehicle, which comprises a seatbelt with a seatbelt deflector which can be set with respect to its position. A sensor can be provided for sensing the position of the seatbelt deflector.

Abstract: A method for actuating a reversible vehicle occupant protection device in a motor vehicle having a driving state sensor system and a reversible vehicle occupant protection device. The reversible vehicle occupant protection device can be triggered before the collision time and as a result moved into an effective position. For this purpose, the driving state data are monitored with respect to a state of emergency braking, and when the state of emergency braking is detected the vehicle occupant protection system is actuated. In addition, a state of oversteering and a state of understeering are determined by the data processing device. The reversible vehicle occupant protection system is actuated when the data processing device detects the state of emergency braking and/or the state of oversteering and/or the state of understeering.

Abstract: Method for actuating a reversible belt pretensioner for pretensioning a belt webbing, the belt pretensioner having a drive which acts on the belt reel, and the seat belt having, as a belt extraction lock, a locking device which acts on the belt reel in the unwinding direction and whose locking can be released only if the belt reel is rotated through a specific angle of rotation in the winding-on direction. After the triggering of the belt pretensioner, the drive of the belt pretensioner for opening the locking device is actuated in an opening mode such that firstly, in a winding-on phase, the belt reel rotates through the specific angle of rotation in the winding-on direction. In a subsequent holding phase, the drive of the belt pretensioner is actuated for a predefinable holding time TH such that the belt reel is held in its angular position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hazard-prevention system for a vehicle. The vehicle has devices for sensing driving state variables, for sensing ambient data and for sensing the driver's activity, and a data processing device. The data processing device is provided for processing the sensed data and for actuating a safety device in accordance with a predefined control strategy. According to the invention, the vehicle has a device for identifying the driver, and the data processing device derives a driver load factor related specifically to the driver from the driving state variables, the ambient data and the data relating to the activity of the driver, and said driver load factor is used to adapt the control strategy.