Abstract: A vehicle roof having a frame device of a roof module and having a guide rail attached to the frame device for movable mounting of a vehicle component, in particular of a sunroof cover, wherein the guide rail is arranged on a frame part of the frame device with a seal placed in between, and in that a reference point is provided for positioning the guide rail at a defined installation spacing between the guide rail and the frame part, and the reference point is formed on the frame part, is defined on the frame part or is assigned to the frame part.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a vehicle involves determining a plurality of position hypotheses by comparing landmark objects detected by a sensor system of the vehicle with landmark objects stored in a map, in particular in a map section. By analyzing all position hypotheses and filtering out all false information using probabilistic analysis, a position hypothesis with an integrity value is determined. A position hypothesis with a position accuracy sufficient in a predetermined way for determining the position of the vehicle is determined by filtering according to predetermined limit values.

Abstract: A method for determining measured values using at least two different measuring methods involves, with each of the measuring methods, determining provisional measured values and suppling data for an integrity of the determined provisional measured values. The determined provisional measured values are merged to give combined measured values and information on the integrity of the combined measured values is determined. Depending on the data concerning the integrity of the determined provisional measured values and the combined measured values and depending on a period of time during which the determined provisional measured values and the combined measured values in each case meet specified requirements regarding their integrity, it is decided which of the measured values are supplied for further processing.

Abstract: A method for landmark-based localization of a vehicle involves forming a plurality of position hypotheses for a vehicle position based on a forming of associations between sensor landmark objects detected by sensor and map landmark objects stored in a digital map. A most likely vehicle position is ascertained as the localization result on the basis of a probabilistic filtering of the position hypotheses, and a guaranteed position area is ascertained, in which a predefined error upper limit is not exceeded. This is performed several times with different set-ups of the probabilistic filtering. The localization result with the smallest guaranteed position area is selected as vehicle position if the guaranteed position areas overlap fully in pairs.

Abstract: A method for landmark-based localization of a vehicle involves forming a plurality of position hypotheses for a vehicle position based on a forming of associations between sensor landmark objects detected by sensor and map landmark objects stored in a digital map. A most likely vehicle position is ascertained as the localization result on the basis of a probabilistic filtering of the position hypotheses, and a guaranteed position area is ascertained, in which a predefined error upper limit is not exceeded. This is performed several times with different set-ups of the probabilistic filtering. The localization result with the smallest guaranteed position area is selected as vehicle position if the guaranteed position areas overlap fully in pairs.

Abstract: A method for determining measured values using at least two different measuring methods involves, with each of the measuring methods, determining provisional measured values and suppling data for an integrity of the determined provisional measured values. The determined provisional measured values are merged to give combined measured values and information on the integrity of the combined measured values is determined. Depending on the data concerning the integrity of the determined provisional measured values and the combined measured values and depending on a period of time during which the determined provisional measured values and the combined measured values in each case meet specified requirements regarding their integrity, it is decided which of the measured values are supplied for further processing.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a vehicle involves determining a plurality of position hypotheses by comparing landmark objects detected by a sensor system of the vehicle with landmark objects stored in a map, in particular in a map section. By analyzing all position hypotheses and filtering out all false information using probabilistic analysis, a position hypothesis with an integrity value is determined. A position hypothesis with a position accuracy sufficient in a predetermined way for determining the position of the vehicle is determined by filtering according to predetermined limit values.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle system of a vehicle which is equipped to carry out an automated driving operation involves localizing the vehicle and approving the vehicle system for activation depending on a result of the localization. The vehicle is localized with at least two different localization methods. The at least two localization methods include at least one landmark-based localization method and one localization method based on at least one global navigation satellite system. The vehicle system is only approved for activation if it is confirmed with each of the applied localization methods that the vehicle is located on a route section approved for automated driving operation.

Abstract: A method for operating a driver assistance system of a vehicle involves, for determining a position of the vehicle in a digital environment map, detecting environment data for the vehicle using an on-board sensor system and matched with map data stored in the environment map. A position of the vehicle in a real environment is determined using position data of the vehicle from an on-board satellite receiver. Accuracy of the determined position of the vehicle is determined based on the position data and environment data matched with the environment data. Accuracy is predicted with which the position of the vehicle in the environment map can be determined for a predetermined section of road ahead of the vehicle. Fully automated operation of the vehicle is enabled when the determined accuracy and the predicted accuracy for the predetermined section of road ahead of the vehicle are greater than at least one accuracy threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the emulsion polymerization of free-radically polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated main monomers, and optionally further auxiliary monomers copolymerizable therewith, wherein the polymerization comprises a polymerization reaction phase starting with the first addition of an initiator or starting with the first addition of monomers, whatever is later, and ending with the completion of the addition of the initiator or the completion of the addition of total monomers, whatever is later, wherein the reaction temperature is increased during said polymerization reaction phase from a start temperature in the range of about 30° C. to about 85° C. to an end temperature in the range of about 60° C. to about 160° C., and wherein the polymerization temperature is increased for at least 25% of the duration of said polymerization reaction phase.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for post-threshing inspection and sorting of tobacco lamina is described and which includes a separation conduit which receives a source of post-threshed tobacco lamina and other contaminants for inspection and sorting, and wherein a source of pressurized air causes the tobacco lamina to move along the separation conduit past an inspection station where it is optically inspected to identify undesirable tobacco lamina or other contaminants; and a downstream reject station is provided which responds to a sorting signal provided by the inspection station and which removes unwanted or undesirable tobacco lamina and other contaminants from an air stream so as to provide a resulting product which is substantially free from contaminants or other defects.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for post-threshing inspection and sorting of tobacco lamina is described and which includes a separation conduit which receives a source of post-threshed tobacco lamina and other contaminants for inspection and sorting, and wherein a source of pressurized air causes the tobacco lamina to move along the separation conduit past an inspection station where it is optically inspected to identify undesirable tobacco lamina or other contaminants; and a downstream reject station is provided which responds to a sorting signal provided by the inspection station and which removes unwanted or undesirable tobacco lamina and other contaminants from an air stream so as to provide a resulting product which is substantially free from contaminants or other defects.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the separation of foreign bodies from a material flow, in particular a tobacco stream. Method is characterized in that at least a portion of the material from the material flow is conveyed into the area of a foreign-body detection device in the form of a partial material flow, whereby foreign bodies are identified by the foreign-body detection device in the partial material flow and subsequently removed from the partial material flow, whereby the partial material flow is formed by a separation step by an air flow upstream from the foreign-body detection device. Apparatus is characterized in that a material flow conveyor and a separation device arranged diagonal to the material flow conveyor are provided by which a partial material flow can be separated from the material flow. A foreign-body detection device is arranged after the separation device and after this, a foreign-body separation device.

Abstract: Container of the tobacco-processing industry for tobacco material and process for storing containers and weighing tobacco material held in container. The container includes a lid surface and a base surface. The lid surface is smaller than the base surface, and at least one of the lid surface and the base surface is closable. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system having an in-line cleaning system is disclosed. Also, a system and method for monitoring operation of the beverage dispensing system is enclosed. The monitoring system includes sensors dispersed on monitoring points of the beverage dispensing system and a controller for analyzing information measured by the sensors and rendering conclusions regarding operation of the beverage dispensing system. The controller analyzes the sensed information against threshold values defined for the monitoring points from which the information originates. The threshold values are defined based on user specifications regarding system operation and operating parameters therefore. If the sensed information does not conform to the user specifications, as indicated based on analysis against the threshold parameters, such non-conformity is reported to a responsible user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for segregating foreign objects out of a tobacco stream. The tobacco stream is fed into a conveyor and conveyed past a foreign-object detecting device which detects a foreign object in the tobacco stream. A diverter is arranged in the conveyor to divert the tobacco stream downstream of the detector. A mechanical valve arrangement in the region of the diverter transfers a portion of the tobacco stream containing the detected foreign object out of the tobacco stream such that the tobacco stream containing the foreign object is not diverted and the remainder of the stream is diverted.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the separation of foreign bodies from a material flow, in particular a tobacco stream. Method is characterized in that at least a portion of the material from the material flow is conveyed into the area of a foreign-body detection device in the form of a partial material flow, whereby foreign bodies are identified by the foreign-body detection device in the partial material flow and subsequently removed from the partial material flow, whereby the partial material flow is formed by a separation step by an air flow upstream from the foreign-body detection device. Apparatus is characterized in that a material flow conveyor and a separation device arranged diagonal to the material flow conveyor are provided by which a partial material flow can be separated from the material flow. A foreign-body detection device is arranged after the separation device and after this, a foreign-body separation device.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a method for removing foreign matter from tobacco to be processed. With known apparatuses, a stream of material substantially consisting of tobacco is guided over and through several components connected one behind the other, namely, delivery device, apparatus for removing foreign matter, vibrating element, conveying element for accelerating the stream of material, and an optical testing element. This takes up a large amount of space. Furthermore, the manufacturing costs for such apparatuses and the corresponding methods are high. The object of providing a compact and more cost-efficient apparatus is achieved by the fact that the apparatus for removing the foreign matter is arranged directly above the conveying element which accelerates the stream of material. Several components can be saved as a result, so that the space requirements as well as the manufacturing costs fall. The same applies to the corresponding method.

Abstract: Particles of non-smokable material are segregated from a flow of a mixture of smokable and non-smokable materials by subjecting the flow to a first segregating treatment which divides the flow into a first stream consisting practically exclusively of smokable material, and a second stream constituting a relatively small percentage of the flow and containing substantially all of the non-smokable material and the remnant of smokable material. The second stream is treated for a second time, preferably at the discharge end of a pneumatic conveyor system including at least one conduit, to segregate the non-smokable material from the remnant of smokable material which latter can be admitted to the first stream. The segregating device which divides the flow into the first and second streams is or can be utilized to treat the second stream, i.e., to segregate smokable material of the second stream from the non-smokable material of the second stream.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting foreign bodies within a continuously guided product stream. The method includes forming a fan-shaped light beam from collimated irradiation light, irradiating the product stream across its width with the fan-shaped light beam, and detecting at least a portion of detection light emanating from the product stream. The irradiating and detecting take place at least partially along a same optical beam path. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.