Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a parameter of a safety configuration of a safety system for a machine includes providing a virtual model of the machine in a virtual environment. The method includes simulating a scattering of particles from the virtual model of the machine and acquiring simulation data. The method includes determining spin changes of the particles, each associated with a location at the time of the spin change. The method includes filtering the determined spin changes according to a set of filter criteria. According to a first filter criterion, filtering is performed for ones of the spin changes that are greater than or equal to a defined threshold value. The method includes determining mechanical hazard locations based on the locations that are associated with the filtered spin changes. The method includes determining the parameter of the safety configuration based on the determined mechanical hazard locations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for executing a safety function is particularly applicable to monitoring a safety area of a technical installation. An imaging unit acquires an event that triggers the safety function within a defined working area. A controller carries out a safety-related reaction depending on the triggering event. A test unit is configured to verify the operability of the imaging unit and includes a processing unit and a projection unit. The projection unit projects a pattern with defined properties into the working area. The processing unit evaluates the image data acquired by the imaging unit to detect the projected pattern within the acquired image data. Further, the processing unit extracts the specific properties of the detected projected pattern, and compares the specific properties of the detected projected pattern with the defined properties.

Abstract: A tampering detection system for a dispensing nozzle of a dispensing system in which the dispensing nozzle is inserted into a connecting piece of the dispensing system comprises a flat, tactile sensor comprising at least two pressure sensitive and individually evaluable sensor segments. The sensor is arranged between the connecting piece and the dispensing nozzle and extends along an inner circumference of the connecting piece in a connecting region for the dispensing nozzle. The tamper detection system further comprises an evaluation unit connected to the sensor segments to detect a pressure acting on each of the sensor segments.

Abstract: A safety device for monitoring a technical installation with a pressure-sensitive sensor. The pressure sensitive sensor having a plurality of first and second electrodes, wherein each first electrode overlaps each second electrode in an associated coupling site. Furthermore, each first electrode is spaced apart from the associated second electrode in the associated coupling site by a pressure sensitive material. Upon application of a force at the coupling site, an electrical resistance between the associated first and second electrode changes. A measuring circuitry coupled to said plurality of first and second electrodes successively determines the electrical resistance at associated coupling sites. For determining the electrical resistance at a coupling site via the associated first and second electrode, the measuring circuitry connects the further first and second electrodes to a terminal for receiving a defined potential to enable isolated measurement of the electrical resistance at the coupling site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for executing a safety function is particularly applicable to monitoring a safety area of a technical installation. An imaging unit acquires an event that triggers the safety function within a defined working area. A controller carries out a safety-related reaction depending on the triggering event. A test unit is configured to verify the operability of the imaging unit and includes a processing unit and a projection unit. The projection unit projects a pattern with defined properties into the working area. The processing unit evaluates the image data acquired by the imaging unit to detect the projected pattern within the acquired image data. Further, the processing unit extracts the specific properties of the detected projected pattern, and compares the specific properties of the detected projected pattern with the defined properties.

Abstract: A tampering detection system for a dispensing nozzle of a dispensing system in which the dispensing nozzle is inserted into a connecting piece of the dispensing system comprises a flat, tactile sensor comprising at least two pressure sensitive and individually evaluable sensor segments. The sensor is arranged between the connecting piece and the dispensing nozzle and extends along an inner circumference of the connecting piece in a connecting region for the dispensing nozzle. The tamper detection system further comprises an evaluation unit connected to the sensor segments to detect a pressure acting on each of the sensor segments.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement comprises: an electronic switch; at least one relay including a relay coil; a shunt resistor; a voltage supply device to supply an operating voltage to the at least one relay, wherein the electronic switch, the relay coil of the at least one relay, and the shunt resistor are electrically connected in series to one another between the operating voltage and ground; a current regulator to drive the electronic switch with a pulse width modulation to adjust a control current that flows through the relay coil; at least one sensor to generate sensor data indicative of shocks, impacts or vibrations acting on the at least one relay; and an evaluating unit to evaluate the sensor data, wherein the current regulator is configured to adjust the control current based on the sensor data evaluated by the evaluating unit.

Abstract: Multilayer tactile sensor with a first layer that comprises a first electrode, a second layer that comprises a second electrode and an intermediate layer of pressure-sensitive material that is disposed between the first and second layers and that spaces apart the first electrode from the second electrode. The sensor further comprises a fastening means for fixing the first and second electrodes relative to each other. At least the first electrode is made of electrically conductive yarn and extends along a defined longitudinal direction. The fastening means comprises at least a first seam that extends in the longitudinal direction and that comprises at least one thread that is fed repeatedly multiple times through the pressure-sensitive material in order to fix the first electrode in a defined position.

Abstract: A safety device for monitoring a technical installation with a pressure-sensitive sensor. The pressure sensitive sensor having a plurality of first and second electrodes, wherein each first electrode overlaps each second electrode in an associated coupling site. Furthermore, each first electrode is spaced apart from the associated second electrode in the associated coupling site by a pressure sensitive material. Upon application of a force at the coupling site, an electrical resistance between the associated first and second electrode changes. A measuring circuitry coupled to said plurality of first and second electrodes successively determines the electrical resistance at associated coupling sites. For determining the electrical resistance at a coupling site via the associated first and second electrode, the measuring circuitry connects the further first and second electrodes to a terminal for receiving a defined potential to enable isolated measurement of the electrical resistance at the coupling site.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement comprises: an electronic switch; at least one relay including a relay coil; a shunt resistor; a voltage supply device to supply an operating voltage to the at least one relay, wherein the electronic switch, the relay coil of the at least one relay, and the shunt resistor are electrically connected in series to one another between the operating voltage and ground; a current regulator to drive the electronic switch with a pulse width modulation to adjust a control current that flows through the relay coil; at least one sensor to generate sensor data indicative of shocks, impacts or vibrations acting on the at least one relay; and an evaluating unit to evaluate the sensor data, wherein the current regulator is configured to adjust the control current based on the sensor data evaluated by the evaluating unit.

Abstract: Multilayer tactile sensor with a first layer that comprises a first electrode, a second layer that comprises a second electrode and an intermediate layer of pressure-sensitive material that is disposed between the first and second layers and that spaces apart the first electrode from the second electrode. The sensor further comprises a fastening means for fixing the first and second electrodes relative to each other. At least the first electrode is made of electrically conductive yarn and extends along a defined longitudinal direction. The fastening means comprises at least a first seam that extends in the longitudinal direction and that comprises at least one thread that is fed repeatedly multiple times through the pressure-sensitive material in order to fix the first electrode in a defined position.