Abstract: The invention is directed to a three-dimensional polymer network for encapsulating a pharmaceutical ingredient, the polymer network comprising (a) at least one first polymer; and (b) at least one cross-linking agent. The three-dimensional polymer network is remarkable in that the at least one first polymer comprises a first polyuronate derivative, the first polyuronate derivative being modified with a hydrophobic moiety; and in that the at least one cross-linking agent is calcium chloride and/or a cyclodextrin derivative.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a three-dimensional polymer network for encapsulating a pharmaceutical ingredient, the polymer network comprising (a) at least one first polymer; and (b) at least one cross-linking agent. The three-dimensional polymer network is remarkable in that the at least one first polymer comprises a first polyuronate derivative, the first polyuronate derivative being modified with a hydrophobic moiety; and in that the at least one cross-linking agent is calcium chloride and/or a cyclodextrin derivative.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container for storing and planting seeds, bulbs or tubers, the container comprising a housing made of a non-water soluble material, wherein the housing comprises a first compartment for receiving a seed, bulb or tuber, wherein the first compartment is essentially free of water, and a second compartment arranged below the first compartment, for receiving nutrients promoting growth of the seed, bulb or tuber. Still in accordance with the present invention, the container comprises a separation layer between the first and the second compartments, wherein the housing has a rounded shape at its bottom and the container has a center of gravity arranged such that the container is adapted to erect itself when it is deposited on a supporting surface in a tilted manner.

Abstract: A joined connection for components by an interference fit of a bush (10) in an opening of a housing (1), wherein the opening of the housing (1) has stepped inner diameters (3 to 5) and the bush (10) has stepped outer diameters (12 to 14), the diameter magnitudes of which are configured so as to decrease in a direction of the joined connection. At least one of the outer diameters (12 to 14) has flattened portions (18) distributed over the circumference.

Abstract: A system for capacitive detection of seat occupancy in a vehicle comprises a sensing electrode and a shielding electrode arranged in substantially parallel layers. A spacer is arranged between the sensing electrode and the shielding electrode to keep the sensing electrode and the shielding electrode at a certain distance from each other. The spacer comprises an inner textile layer and at least one of the electrodes comprises a film-based electrode.

Abstract: A transmitter electrode (10) for a capacitive sensing device comprises a conductive sheet material (12), said conductive sheet material comprising a first connecting point (16) for connecting the electrode to an electronic sensing unit. According to the invention the conductive sheet material comprises at least one second connecting point for connecting the electrode to an electronic sensing unit, said second connecting point (16?) being arranged at a certain distance from said first connecting point so that said conductive sheet material forms a conductive path between said first and second connecting point. The first and second connecting point (16, 16?), which in use are both connected to the electronic sensing unit, enable to check the integrity of the transmitter electrode and the connection lines used to connect the transmitter electrode to the electronic sensing unit.

Abstract: A transmitter electrode for a capacitive sensing device comprises a conductive sheet material, said conductive sheet material having an outline defining the sensing area of said transmitter electrode. According to the present invention, said conductive sheet material comprises at least one cut-out, said cut-out being arranged within said sensing area of said transmitter electrode.

Abstract: A transmitter electrode for a capacitive sensing device comprises a conductive sheet material, said conductive sheet material comprising a first connecting point for connecting the electrode to an electronic sensing unit. According to the invention the conductive sheet material comprises at least one second connecting point for connecting the electrode to an electronic sensing unit, said second connecting point being arranged at a certain distance from said first connecting point so that said conductive sheet material forms a conductive path between said first and second connecting point. The first and second connecting point, which in use are both connected to the electronic sensing unit, enable to check the integrity of the transmitter electrode and the connection lines used to connect the transmitter electrode to the electronic sensing unit.

Abstract: A seat occupancy detection system for a vehicle comprises a seat antenna electrode arrange in a seat of a vehicle a floor antenna electrode arranged in a foot area associated with the seat and a driver and evaluation circuit, which is operatively connected to the seat and floor antenna electrodes and which includes means for determining capacitive coupling of the seat and floor antenna electrodes with an object. The seat occupancy detection system further comprises at least one additional floor sensor arranged in the foot area, the floor antenna electrode and the additional floor sensor being individually operable by the driver and evaluation circuit.

Abstract: A system for capacitive detection of seat occupancy in a vehicle comprises a sensing electrode and a shielding electrode arranged in substantially parallel layers. A spacer is arranged between the sensing electrode and the shielding electrode to keep the sensing electrode and the shielding electrode at a certain distance from each other. The spacer comprises an inner textile layer and at least one of the electrodes comprises a film-based electrode.

Abstract: A foil-type switching element includes a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil arranged at a distance from each other by means of a spacer, the spacer including at least one recess defining an active area of the switching element. At least two electrodes are arranged in the active area of the switching element between the first and second carrier foils in such a way that, in response to a pressure acting on the active area of the switching element, the first and second carrier foils are pressed together against the reaction force of the elastic carrier foils and an electrical contact is established between the at least two electrodes.

Abstract: A foil-type switching element comprises a first carrier foil having a first electrode arrangement applied thereon and a second carrier foil having a second electrode arrangement applied thereon, said first and second carrier foils being arranged at a certain distance by means of a spacer in such a way that said first and second electrodes face each other in an active area of said switching element. At least said second electrode arrangement comprises a resistive layer which faces said first electrode arrangement. In response to a pressure acting on said switching element said first and second electrode arrangements are pressed together, the shape and/or the size of a mechanical contact surface between said first and second electrode arrangements being given by a mechanical response function depending on the amount of pressure applied. According to the invention, said resistive layer has a shape such that an electrical response function of said sensor is decoupled from said mechanical response function.

Abstract: A foil-type switching element comprises a first carrier foil having a first electrode arrangement applied thereon and a second carrier foil having a second electrode arrangement applied thereon, said first and second carrier foils being arranged at a certain distance by means of a spacer in such a way that said first and second electrodes face each other in an active area of said switching element. At least said second electrode arrangement comprises a resistive layer which faces said first electrode arrangement. In response to a pressure acting on said switching element said first and second electrode arrangements are pressed together, the shape and/or the size of a mechanical contact surface between said first and second electrode arrangements being given by a mechanical response function depending on the amount of pressure applied. According to the invention, said resistive layer has a shape such that an electrical response function of said sensor is decoupled from said mechanical response function.

Abstract: The process comprises the determination of the position, particularly the distance between a passenger or driver and the deployment center of the respective airbag and controlling the deactivation of said airbag or a modulation of its deployment as a function of said position or said distance in order to avoid or reduce the risks of accidents due to the inflation of the airbag when the passenger occupies an abnormal position.