Abstract: A method for handling an electronic request between two entities with the aid of an intermediary entity as well as uses of the method are disclosed. A first entity sends a request intended for a second entity via an open, first communication network such as the Internet to an intermediary entity, which then forwards the request as a text message such as an SMS message via a secure, second communication network such as a GSM network to the second entity, which indicates acceptance of the request by sending a text message back to the intermediary entity, or rejects the request by e.g. not responding. The intermediary entity then either confirms that the request has been accepted if the second entity has responded within a maximum response time or otherwise indicates rejection of the request by the second entity by sending a corresponding text message to the first entity.

Abstract: A method for handling an electronic request between two entities with the aid of an intermediary entity as well as uses of the method are disclosed. A first entity sends a request intended for a second entity via an open, first communication network such as the Internet to an intermediary entity, which then forwards the request as a text message such as an SMS message via a secure, second communication network such as a GSM network to the second entity, which indicates acceptance of the request by sending a text message back to the intermediary entity, or rejects the request by e.g. not responding. The intermediary entity then either confirms that the request has been accepted if the second entity has responded within a maximum response time or otherwise indicates rejection of the request by the second entity by sending a corresponding text message to the first entity.

Abstract: A ball cock including a housing of a thermoplastic material. The housing is composed of two parts which are integrally connected to each other. A ball plug is made integrally with a pivot of plastics material. The pivot is mounted in a bore extending transversely of the passage opening of the housing. A seal is provided for sealing the pivot to the outside. The plane of separation of the two housing parts extends transversely of the passage opening and through the axis of rotation of the pivot. The two housing parts have recesses at least in the region of the seal for the pivot. The recesses receive a component which is integrally connected in a tight manner with the housing parts.

Abstract: A shut-off valve assembly includes a housing which has a spherical plug arranged in a chamber. The housing has an internal thread into which a support element for a sealing member is screwed. On the outer end face of the support element is supported a flange bushing by means of a retaining nut. The pitches of the internal thread and of an external thread for the retaining nut are directed in opposite directions, so that the support element cannot be loosened when the retaining nut is unscrewed.

Abstract: An actuating device operated by a pressure medium, such as compressed air, acting within a housing, can be secured to a valve by a mounting member attached to the valve. The actuating device includes a first piston guided in a cylinder part positioned on one side of the center part of the housing. A toothed rack is attached to the first piston and is in meshed engagement with a pinion shaft located within the center part of the housing. The pinion shaft is connected by a coupling part to the valve shaft. The same actuating device can be used for a larger valve by placing a second piston in another cylinder part on the opposite side of the center part from the first piston with a toothed rack attached to the second piston and in meshed engagement with the pinion shaft. The first and second pistons act in opposite directions and double the torque acting on the pinion shaft as compared to the torque delivered by the first piston.