Abstract: A process for synthesis of dimethyl ether is proposed, in which a feed gas mixture (E) containing carbon dioxide and/or carbon monoxide and hydrogen is guided through reaction tubes (1) of a cooled shell and tube reactor (10) that are equipped with a first catalyst and a second catalyst, in which the carbon dioxide present in the feed gas mixture (E) and/or the carbon monoxide present in the feed gas mixture is at least partly reacted over the first catalyst with the hydrogen present in the feed gas mixture to give methanol, and in which, in the same shell and tube reactor (10), the methanol is at least partly converted over the second catalyst to dimethyl ether.

Abstract: A self-checkout system may include a proximity device detecting or getting detected by a mobile device of a user of a mobile payment service in the proximity of a point-of-sale of a shop supporting the mobile payment service, the user of the mobile device being a customer, a cashier system automatically recognizing shopping items of the customer when approaching the cashier system, and generating shopping information, and a server device confirming payment of the recognized shopping items by the mobile payment service upon matching between a first transaction identifier, generated by the server device based on the shopping information received from the proximity device and the cashier system, and a second transaction identifier, delivered by the mobile device and received from the mobile device or the proximity device and the cashier system, and to supply a payment confirmation to the one of the proximity device and the cashier system.

Abstract: An apparatus for level measuring in a flexible tank with a level sensor for non-contact detection of the level of the liquid in the tank, which detects the surface of the liquid across a flexible wall of the tank, and means for holding the level sensor in a position above the flexible wall of the tank.

Abstract: A security element for the identification and authentication of objects is disclosed. The element is connected by a self-adhesive label to an object. It has features that effectively prevent non-destructive detachment of the security element from an object. The security element has an optical code for identification. Furthermore, it is provided with random production-governed features by means of which authentication is made possible: upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, a scattering region of the security element brings about a characteristic scattering signal. The method of using the security element is disclosed for the identification and authentication of objects and also for protection against forgeries, and a method for the identification and authentication of objects on the basis of the security element.