Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining at least one process variable of a medium. The method includes steps of recording a first value for the process variable by means of a first method for determining the process variable and recording a second value for the process variable by means of a second method for determining the process variable. The method also includes steps of selecting at least one of the detected values for the process variable by means of a classifier and outputting the selected value for the process variable. The present disclosure further relates to a computer program designed for executing a method according to the present disclosure, and to a computer program product having a computer program according to the present disclosure.

Abstract: A method for validating a field device is disclosed. The field device includes a plurality of hardware and software modules and is provided with a first cryptographic signature on the manufacturer side. The first cryptographic signature identifies the device manufacturer or the original delivery state of the field device. The origin and integrity of the field device is validated on the customer side using the first cryptographic signature. Once the field device is adapted to a defined machinery, the field device is provided with a second cryptographic signature on the customer side. The second cryptographic signature identifies the adaptations of the field device made on the customer side as a machinery-specific desired state of the field device. At least one validation of the field device is carried out on the customer side using the second cryptographic signature during the period of installation of the field device in the defined machinery.

Abstract: A method for checking the authenticity of electronic modules is disclosed. Each electronic module is assigned a key pair confirming the identity of the electronic module, wherein each key pair consists of a public key and a private key, and wherein the public keys of the key pairs are stored in a list. The list is assigned to the field device, and: when an electronic module is exchanged or added, the field device checks: whether the exchanged or added electronic module has a key pair, and whether the public key of the exchanged or added electronic module is listed in the list of public keys, and whether the electronic module is in possession of the correct private key. Interaction of the changed electronic module with the field device concerning the functionality of the field device is permitted if the check is concluded with a positive result.

Abstract: A method for compensating for an error function is disclosed, wherein a field device has a sensor unit. The method includes transferring properties of the sensor unit to the field device. The properties contain information regarding process variables collected by the sensor unit. The method includes transferring the device status of the field device or the sensor unit to a plurality of field devices, and establishing a substitution system, wherein the properties of the sensor unit and the device status are known to the plurality of field devices, and the field devices independently determine which process variable of a sensor unit can substitute a process variable of another sensor unit with a predetermined degree of accuracy. The method also includes transferring the substitute variable to the higher-level unit in the event that at least one predetermined device status of a field device or a sensor unit arises.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for tamper-proof storage of data of a field device operated by means of automation technology, wherein the field device comprises a sensor and/or actuator and an electronic unit, the field device generating data. The method comprises steps of creating at least one transaction containing generated data of the field device and storing the transaction in a data block of Blockchain technology comprising a data field containing stored transactions and a hash value. The method also includes steps of linking the data block to previously created data blocks, storing the data block in a service platform and creating and storing a security data block in the service platform.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for tamper-proof operation of a field device in automation engineering, comprising: creating an order ticket via or using an order management system, wherein the order ticket contains data authorizing a defined service technician to perform a defined work order on a defined field device, transmitting the order ticket to the defined field device, logging-in of the defined service technician to the defined field device by means of the order ticket or by additional input of authentication data, checking the order ticket or the authentication data by means of the field device, if the check is positive, authorization is given to perform the defined work order, performing of the defined work order by the defined service technician on the defined field device, and automatic creation of a confirmation ticket relating to the defined work order or its performance on the defined field device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operating a field device of automation technology, comprising: establishing a wireless and/or wired communications link between the field device and an operating unit; establishing a communications link between an authentication card and the field device, using the operating unit, wherein at least the field device and the authentication card contain symmetric or asymmetric key information; and carrying out an at least unilateral authentication of the authentication card on the field device, as well as an operating unit for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a method and a system for the distributed storing of information in a plant of process automation having a plurality of field devices, the method including: reading data in the form of data bit sequences, both from a first field device as well as also from at least a second field device, by a logic unit; combining at least a first data bit sequence read from the first field device with at least a second data bit sequence read from the second field device by means of an XOR function executed by the logic unit for forming a first check bit sequence, wherein in the check bit sequence each position corresponds to an XOR operation of the corresponding locations of the first and second data bit sequences; and storing the check bit sequence in a third field device.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for authenticating a field device of automation technology with respect to a destination device. A telegram is created by the field device, which telegram includes a first data field and at least a second data field. The first data field includes information on the status of the field device and/or of the device components of the field device and/or information on the device parameterization/configuration, and a sequence counter or a time stamp. Security data are generated from the first data field via a cryptographic method, which security data are stored in the second data field. The telegram is transmitted from the field device to the destination device, wherein the destination device verifies the second data field as to authenticity or integrity upon receipt of the telegram, and wherein a first alarm is generated if the authenticity or the integrity of the second data field is not successfully verified.

Abstract: A cutting bit assembly for a mining machine includes a holder having a first surface, a second surface, and a bore extending therebetween, and a bit having a first end and a second end. The bit further includes a tip, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the tip and the shank. The shank is positioned in the bore of the holder and defines a shank axis. The shoulder engages the first surface of the holder. The shank includes a projection adjacent the second end. The cutting bit assembly also includes a retainer having a groove and a resilient member. The groove engages a portion of the projection. The resilient portion engages the second surface of the holder and biases the retainer along the shank axis and away from the holder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining at least one process variable of a medium, including steps of recording a sensor signal from a field device and determining a selected model from a set of at least two different models by means of a classifier. Each of the models is used for determining the process variable based at least on the sensor signal. The classifier is designed to select the selected model. The method also includes a step of determining the process variable based at least on the selected model and the sensor signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining at least one process variable of a medium. The method includes steps of recording a first value for the process variable by means of a first method for determining the process variable and recording a second value for the process variable by means of a second method for determining the process variable. The method also includes steps of selecting at least one of the detected values for the process variable by means of a classifier and outputting the selected value for the process variable. The present disclosure further relates to a computer program designed for executing a method according to the present disclosure, and to a computer program product having a computer program according to the present disclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for tamper-proof storage of data of a field device operated by means of automation technology, wherein the field device comprises a sensor and/or actuator and an electronic unit, the field device generating data. The method comprises steps of creating at least one transaction containing generated data of the field device and storing the transaction in a data block of Blockchain technology comprising a data field containing stored transactions and a hash value. The method also includes steps of linking the data block to previously created data blocks, storing the data block in a service platform and creating and storing a security data block in the service platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for authorized updating of first operating software of a field device which is used in an automation technology installation, wherein an authentication test of second operating software for the field device is performed, which second operating software is signed by means of a first private key associated with the installation, wherein, within the scope of the authentication test, the signature, generated by the first private key, of the second operating software is authenticated by means of a first public key associated with the installation, and wherein, in the event that the authentication test has been performed successfully, the first operating software located on the field device is at least partially replaced by the second operating software.

Abstract: A method for creating a preference menu for a field device is described, wherein the field device can be parameterized and configured by means of a large number of parameters. The method involves compiling a device specification for the field device indicated by the customer for an order and, optionally, further customer specifications as a preference menu, which incorporates a selection of preferred parameters, which are particularly relevant to the respective device specification for the field device, and storing the preference menu with a selection of preferred parameters in a memory of the field device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for authorized updating of first operating software of a field device which is used in an automation technology installation, wherein an authentication test of second operating software for the field device is performed, which second operating software is signed by means of a first private key associated with the installation, wherein, within the scope of the authentication test, the signature, generated by the first private key, of the second operating software is authenticated by means of a first public key associated with the installation, and wherein, in the event that the authentication test has been performed successfully, the first operating software located on the field device is at least partially replaced by the second operating software.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operating a field device of automation technology, comprising: establishing a wireless and/or wired communications link between the field device and an operating unit; establishing a communications link between an authentication card and the field device, using the operating unit, wherein at least the field device and the authentication card contain symmetric or asymmetric key information; and carrying out an at least unilateral authentication of the authentication card on the field device, as well as an operating unit for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A pick tool comprising a strike tip and a pick tool body, the pick tool body including a non-rotating strike tip at a first end of the pick tool body. A shaft is provided at a second end of the pick tool body, the shaft being configured to pass through an opening in a surface of a pick tool holder, the shaft being configured in use to be non-rotationally attached to the pick tool holder. The shaft projects from a pick tool abutment surface such that, when the pick tool is attached to the pick tool holder, the abutment surface abuts the pick tool holder surface. The abutment surface has an aspect ratio between its length and width of between 1.5:1 and 3:1. The pick tool body comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge being, in use, the edge that first contacts a formation, the trailing edge having an angle of less than 18° between a main axis of the pick tool and an axis from the strike tip to the abutment surface at the trailing edge.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for authenticating a field device of automation technology with respect to a destination device. A telegram is created by the field device, which telegram includes a first data field and at least a second data field. The first data field includes information on the status of the field device and/or of the device components of the field device and/or information on the device parameterization/configuration, and a sequence counter or a time stamp. Security data are generated from the first data field via a cryptographic method, which security data are stored in the second data field. The telegram is transmitted from the field device to the destination device, wherein the destination device verifies the second data field as to authenticity or integrity upon receipt of the telegram, and wherein a first alarm is generated if the authenticity or the integrity of the second data field is not successfully verified.

Abstract: A cutting bit assembly for a mining machine includes a holder having a first surface, a second surface, and a bore extending therebetween, and a bit having a first end and a second end. The bit further includes a tip, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the tip and the shank. The shank is positioned in the bore of the holder and defines a shank axis. The shoulder engages the first surface of the holder. The shank includes a projection adjacent the second end. The cutting bit assembly also includes a retainer having a groove and a resilient member. The groove engages a portion of the projection. The resilient portion engages the second surface of the holder and biases the retainer along the shank axis and away from the holder.