Abstract: A method and a device for allocating an authentication device to a base station, with the base station delivering a search signal which is received by the authentication device and is compared with a previously stored reference signal assigned to a base station. If the search signal matches a reference signal, the authentication device sends a response signal. If they do not match, the authentication device checks whether the search signal matches another previously stored reference signal allocated to another base station.

Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking a door lock provided with a door handle on an object, in particular a motor vehicle, has a transmitter unit arranged on the object and a transponder unit assigned to a user. Different methods of operating the device are made possible by designing the door lock as an electromechanical lock which can be locked and unlocked optionally by a manually operable key and/or a button arranged on the inside or electronically by the transmitter and transponder units, and operation is ensured even in the event of a failure of the electric power supply.

Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking a door of a motor vehicle. The device includes a transmitting unit located on the motor vehicle and at least one transponder with an access authorization code assigned to a user. To allow flexible adjustment to different situations, the information exchanged between the transmitting unit and transponder contains not only an access authorization code but also a driving authorization code. In addition to the transponder, at least one additional storage device is provided in or on the vehicle for storing the driving authorization.

Abstract: A steering wheel (10) is proposed, especially for controlling a motor vehicle, which is provided with a device that detects the elastic deformation of the sheath of the steering wheel (10) caused by its being gripped by the driver, and which controls vehicle-specific functions on the basis of this deformation. To that end, a fiber-optical sensor is mounted on the steering wheel (10). This sensor has an optical fiber (14), into which a transmitter (16) injects a light signal (16.1), which is received by a pickup (18). Exertions of pressure or force on the optical fiber (14) cause a change in polarization of the light signal (16.1), which is evaluated by an evaluation circuit (15) to form a driver signal (20.x).

Abstract: A ventral intervertebral implant is used between two vertebral bodies of a spinal column. The implant has an upper and a lower contact surface and at least one anchor pin projecting beyond at least one of the contact surfaces. An instrument is provided for engagement with the implant and which extends as many anchor pins as are provided relative to the contact surfaces. The instrument is removable from the implant.