Abstract: A safety switching apparatus for safely switching on an electrical load includes for this purpose, the functionality of two non-forcibly guided changeover switches and, in particular, their normally closed contacts, which can be monitored during a starting process without using a microcontroller. The normally closed contacts are each arranged in a separate diagnostic circuit, which are connected in parallel with respect to a test voltage. The diagnostic circuits are each monitored by a diagnostic current detection device. The excitation coils of the changeover switches can each be short-circuited via a short-circuit device if a diagnostic current continues to flow in the respective diagnostic circuit for a predetermined time period after an activated starting process.

Abstract: A safety switching apparatus for safely switching on an electrical load includes for this purpose, the functionality of two non-forcibly guided changeover switches and, in particular, their normally closed contacts, which can be monitored during a starting process without using a microcontroller. The normally closed contacts are each arranged in a separate diagnostic circuit, which are connected in parallel with respect to a test voltage. The diagnostic circuits are each monitored by a diagnostic current detection device. The excitation coils of the changeover switches can each be short-circuited via a short-circuit device if a diagnostic current continues to flow in the respective diagnostic circuit for a predetermined time period after an activated starting process.

Abstract: A communication system for current-modulated transmission of data via a current loop—into which a master device and at least one slave device are looped. The at least one slave device has a switching means that is actuable by an evaluation and control unit and that is configured to short a current loop in the closed state, wherein the evaluation and control unit is configured to temporarily close and then reopen the switching means during a system configuration detection phase. An evaluation and control unit of the master device—is configured to detect when the at least one slave device is looped into the current loop.

Abstract: A communication system for current-modulated transmission of data via a current loop—into which a master device and at least one slave device are looped. The at least one slave device has a switching means that is actuable by an evaluation and control unit and that is configured to short a current loop in the closed state, wherein the evaluation and control unit is configured to temporarily close and then reopen the switching means during a system configuration detection phase. An evaluation and control unit of the master device—is configured to detect when the at least one slave device is looped into the current loop.

Abstract: A micro-engagement platform system and method for creating and launching micro-engagements is disclosed. The platform enables creation of a set of one or more micro-engagements, which are short snippets of information exchanged as part of an overall goal of customer engagement; couples micro-engagements to intended customers on their mobile device via messaging; collects responses that a customer sends immediately or at a later point in time; initiates the next micro-engagement in the sequence after getting a response from the customer to the previous micro-engagement as part of the overall goal. The platform chooses from one of a plurality of modes of delivery for that snippet of information; modes can be SMS, mobile browser or ore or more mobile apps.

Abstract: A cap for protecting from rot and other deterioration the lowermost portion of a wood construction member supported by an elevated base. The cap has four lateral faces and a top face with a rectangular aperture formed by four flexible web portions which press against the member. The dimensions of the lateral faces are selected so that the lateral face bottom edges have a desired above-ground clearance.