Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a safety module for connection to an automation device or automation system which is provided for control of safety critical and non-safety critical processes and/or plant components. The module includes a communication board that includes a processing unit which is connected via an input/output bus slave and an external input/output bus connected to a central processing unit, and one or more secure processing units arranged on one or more circuit boards having safety oriented input/output circuits for safety oriented functions. A serial communication master is connected via communication links to at least one of the circuit boards so that the at least one circuit board receives messages sent by the communication board, transmits safety oriented messages from and/or to the processing unit of the communication board via one of the secure processing units.

Abstract: A method comprising, in combination: receiving a unique identifier from a consumer; receiving a list of at least one item to be purchased corresponding to a pending transaction; identifying a consumer account associated with the unique identifier; applying at least one accrued point of the consumer account to determine a redemption possibility; and providing a redemption possibility to the consumer. A system comprising, in combination: a point-of-sale (POS) device, further comprising a reader configured to receive a unique identifier and a display configured for providing information to at least one of a merchant and a consumer; an account management system, further comprising an account database containing information regarding at least one consumer account; wherein the POS device and the account management system are communicatively connected to transmit at least one of a unique identifier and a redemption possibility.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a safety module for connection to an automation device or automation system which is provided for control of safety critical and non-safety critical processes and/or plant components. The module includes a communication board that includes a processing unit which is connected via an input/output bus slave and an external input/output bus connected to a central processing unit, and one or more secure processing units arranged on one or more circuit boards having safety oriented input/output circuits for safety oriented functions. A serial communication master is connected via communication links to at least one of the circuit boards so that the at least one circuit board receives messages sent by the communication board, transmits safety oriented messages from and/or to the processing unit of the communication board via one of the secure processing units.

Abstract: A lamella collimator, in particular for a beam therapy appliance, is provided. The lamella collimator has a plurality of lamellae, which can be moved by a motor or motors in a movement direction in order to preset a countour of a beam path on an X-ray beam. Each lamella has a position measurement apparatus with a movable measurement element, which is attached directly to the respective lamella.

Abstract: A method comprising, in combination: receiving a unique identifier from a consumer; receiving a list of at least one item to be purchased corresponding to a pending transaction; identifying a consumer account associated with the unique identifier; applying at least one accrued point of the consumer account to determine a redemption possibility; and providing a redemption possibility to the consumer. A system comprising, in combination: a point-of-sale (POS) device, further comprising a reader configured to receive a unique identifier and a display configured for providing information to at least one of a merchant and a consumer; an account management system, further comprising an account database containing information regarding at least one consumer account; wherein the POS device and the account management system are communicatively connected to transmit at least one of a unique identifier and a redemption possibility.

Abstract: A data capture system captures transaction data and a unique identifier of a recipient and combines the information to form a total transaction data set. The total transaction data set is associated with demographic information about the recipient and the total information is reserved for review by providers or recipients respectively to analyze the transactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multileaf collimator having a plurality of leaves mounted displaceably in an adjusting direction for establishing a contour of a beam path. Each displaceably mounted leaf is assigned at least one linear drive having at least one piezoelectric actuator for displacing the leaf in the adjusting direction. Because the piezoelectric actuator can be driven precisely, an improved radiation therapy can be achieved, particularly in the case of a radiation therapy device having a multileaf collimator of said kind, owing to precise establishing of the contour.

Abstract: A lamella collimator, in particular for a beam therapy appliance, is provided. The lamella collimator has a plurality of lamellae, which can be moved by a motor or motors in a movement direction in order to preset a countour of a beam path on an X-ray beam. Each lamella has a position measurement apparatus with a movable measurement element, which is attached directly to the respective lamella.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multileaf collimator having a plurality of leaves mounted displaceably in an adjusting direction for establishing a contour of a beam path. Each displaceably mounted leaf is assigned at least one linear drive having at least one piezoelectric actuator for displacing the leaf in the adjusting direction. Because the piezoelectric actuator can be driven precisely, an improved radiation therapy can be achieved, particularly in the case of a radiation therapy device having a multileaf collimator of said kind, owing to precise establishing of the contour.

Abstract: A linear drive for driving a moveably mounted object comprises at least one piezoelectric actuator that can be driven by a control device. The piezoelectric actuator has a piezoelectric element held by a holding body and a transducer coupled to said element. A mechanical frictional engagement is embodied for transmitting a driving force between the transducer and the object requiring to be moved. The control device controls the piezoelectric actuator in such a way that, exploiting the mass inertia of the object, the object will be moved compliantly by the transducer during an excursion of the piezoelectric element in the direction of motion and, in the opposite direction, the transducer will slide across the object. A simple and economic linear drive is realized in that way. The transducer is coupled purely passively by the frictional engagement. It is not necessary to provide an additional device for coupling.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the mixing of particulate filling such as pieces of nougat or fruit into a consumer ice mass. The arrangement includes a housing with at least one supply opening for said consumer ice mass and at least one inlet to a cavity in the housing for said filling material, and a outlet opening. The arrangement also has a rotor with one or more rotor blades for the mixing-in of said consumer ice mass and filling material by rotation, where the rotor blades create a number of cells in said cavity, and where they are provided with one or more through-going openings.

Abstract: A method of connecting flexible first band structure to a tracheostomy neck plate, the neck plate having a first wing projecting laterally, the method including providing first anchoring structure including a clip on the wing, the band structure connectible to the anchoring structure; and providing first adjustable hook and pile connections for retaining the band structure adjustably connected relative to the anchoring structure.

Abstract: A method of connecting flexible first band structure to a tracheostomy neck plate, the neck plate having a first wing projecting laterally, the method includes: providing first anchoring structure including a first clip connectable to the wing, the band structure connectible to the first anchor; the first anchor configured to be anchored to the neck plate via the clip and a first opening through the wing, and the first anchor having a first section offset relative to the clip; and providing a first lock in association with the section, for holding the anchor in anchored relation to the wing, and releasable to free the first anchor from the wing.

Abstract: The method of connecting flexible first band structure to a tracheostomy neck plate, the neck plate having a first wing projecting laterally, the includes providing first clip structure configured to embrace the wing, the band structure attached to the clip structure; displacing the clip structure relative to the wing, to embrace the wing; and providing a detent connection on at least one of the clip structure and wing to releasably interconnect the clip structure and wing in response to said relative displacing of the clip structure to embrace the wing.