Abstract: The invention relates to a device for touch/proximity detection, especially a capacitive switch device, which is designed to set switching states by approaching the switch device or by touching the switch device, in order to perform, for example, switching actions on an instrument. The invention also relates to a switch device, especially a switch device on a capacitive basis, for a cooktop, for operating the cooktop.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting the presence, position or the approach of an object in an observation area, the circuit has a sensor electrode assembly with an electrode that forms part of a capacitor system whose capacitance relative to a reference potential (e.g. ground) is dependent on the presence, position or approach of objects in the observation area. An evaluation circuit coupled to the sensor electrode detects a phase shift of the capacitance of the condenser system. An LC network is coupled to the capacitor system, and an oscillator connected to the electrode applies a frequency to the system formed by including the electrode and the LC network at a frequency within the range of a parallel resonance frequency of the LC network.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric circuit arrangement for generating or receiving an output signal or switched condition definitive for the effective locking condition of a door system, especially a motor vehicle door system. The object of the invention is to provide a circuit arrangement with which an output signal definitive for the locking condition of a door system can be furnished, the generation of which signal takes the intentions of a user or the instantaneous situation into account in improved manner.

Abstract: A sensor system has a support that extends along an observation zone, a row of detection subassemblies arranged one after another on the support and having subcircuits for capturing detection events within respective observation subzones defined by the respective detection subassemblies, and a base circuit on the support. The detection subassemblies are controlled with an alternating voltage having a frequency that forms a carrier frequency based on which a signal dialog occurs between the subcircuits and the base circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for protected operation of dangerous motor appliances, especially gardening appliances, such as hedge or edge clippers, power saws and lawnmowers. The object of the invention is to provide solutions by which advantages in terms of operating safety are achieved during operation of motor appliances, especially hand-held gardening and forestry appliances as well as power tools. In an initially abstract description, this object is achieved according to the invention by an appliance safety system for averting dangerous operating situations in the use of motor-powered appliances. This system comprises field-preparing means for generating a capacitive spatial alternating field and detecting means for detecting a condition that can be classified as dangerous and/or shutdown by detecting relevant electric-field effects during penetration of an object into the zone being sensed by each field.

Abstract: The invention relates to an input device for a user to perform switching, control and other input and selection operations. Input devices of this type are known in particular in the form of switches, sliders and touch screens on electrical equipment and other controls, e.g. in the vehicle field. The object of the invention is to create solutions that make it possible to create with a large degree of freedom of design an input interface that is advantageous for a user, particularly one that is easy to operate intuitively.

Abstract: A presence analysis system for objects carried by a user has a signal-transmitter provided on the object to be observed in terms of its presence for transmitting an object or signal-transmitter specific signal and a receiver for receiving signals including the object or signal-transmitter specific signal. A capacitative link formed by the person or clothing of the person conducts the signal from the transmitter to the receiver. An analysis unit coupled with the receiver generates an output signal indicating the presence or absence of the object by analysis of the signals received.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit device and a method for detecting the presence of an object in the vicinity of a motor vehicle. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions which allow monitoring the vicinity of a motor vehicle with regard to the presence of an object. In particular, the aim of the invention is to provide solutions which allow detecting the approach of human body parts to danger-relevant structures, such as for example soft top devices, window openings, door openings and trunk lids, and taking the appropriate safety measures. According to the invention, this problem is solved by a motor vehicle that comprises a detection circuit with a first electrode system, a second electrode system and an alternative current generator for generating a potential difference between the two electrode systems, the first electrode system being arranged in the lower region of the vehicle for inputting the shift current events in the region supporting the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device for producing signals that provide information as to whether an object, especially the limbs of a person, are present in an area of observation. The aim of the invention is to provide a sensor device which allows generation of measuring signals that have high informative value with respect to the presence of an object in an area of observation. For this purpose, a sensor device comprises a support structure extending along an area of observation. A plurality of detection sections is configured one after the other on the support structure for detecting detection events in the zone of observation defined by the respective detection section. The invention provides a monitoring circuit which allows an area of observation, extending along a boundary zone of some length, subdivided into small sections, for example a closing edge, to be monitored in an especially precise manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical circuit arrangement for generating signal events for initiating or carrying out switching, adjusting or releasing processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and to the components thereof for carrying out signal processing operations including a synthetic aura which is suitable for presence detection and which the invention is to provide solutions enabling improvements in handling and user security to be obtained synergetically while producing comfort-increasing keyless access circuit systems. This aim is achieved, according to a first aspect of the invention, by means of a system for carrying out signal processing operations, taking into signals which are indicative of an area intrusion. Said system comprises means for generating the signals which are indicative of an area intrusion, based on electrical field interaction effects and circuit provisions, for automatic initiation of operations according to signals which are indicative of an area intrusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric circuit arrangement for generating or receiving an output signal or switched condition definitive for the effective locking condition of a door system, especially a motor vehicle door system. The object of the invention is to provide a circuit arrangement with which an output signal definitive for the locking condition of a door system can be furnished, the generation of which signal takes the intentions of a user or the instantaneous situation into account in improved manner.