Abstract: The present invention relates to a reliable method of prediction of infectious peritonitis in humans, wherein the level of pancreatic stone protein/regenerating protein (PSP/reg) is determined in serum or plasma, and a high level is indicative of the development and the severity of peritonitis, allowing the classification of patients according to risk.

Abstract: In a method or device for function-monitoring an actuator in a process engineering plant, said actuator comprising a valve and an actuating drive for actuating said valve. A positioner is provided for setting a position of the valve, the positioner comprising a controller module. A predefined activation test signal is generated and applied to the controller module to position the actuator into a predefined function condition. A control signal is generated by the controller module for signalling the actuating drive in accordance with the activation test signal and an output control signal is sensed and monitored as compared to a reference control signal.

Abstract: A method for distributing computer configurations to at least one client from a server, comprising the following steps: Network-booting a first operating system for the clients from a server, automatically loading a virtual machine having an elective second operating system on the basis of the booted (first) operating system while taking into consideration one or more of the following parameters: user login, network address. Consequently, providing a full fat client (standard PC) functionality under an elective operating system on a (diskless) client hardware by using exclusively volatile storage media (on the new thin client system).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the controlling the position of a pneumatic actuator comprising: a pneumatically adjustable actuating element (5); a pneumatic actuating drive (6) for adjusting the actuating element (5); an electro-pneumatic position controller (1) for pneumatically driving the actuating drive (6) as a function of a position controller set point and a controlled variable; and at least one main pneumatic power amplifier (10) with bypass throttle for amplifying the power output of the position controller (1) and for pneumatically driving the actuating drive (6). In addition, a pilot control pneumatic power amplifier (9) with a bypass throttle for preamplifying the pneumatic power output of the position controller (1) is installed between the position controller (1) and the main power amplifier (10).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the controlling the position of a pneumatic actuator comprising: a pneumatically adjustable actuating element (5); a pneumatic actuating drive (6) for adjusting the actuating element (5); an electro-pneumatic position controller (1) for pneumatically driving the actuating drive (6) as a function of a position controller set point and a controlled variable; and at least one main pneumatic power amplifier (10) with bypass throttle for amplifying the power output of the position controller (1) and for pneumatically driving the actuating drive (6). In addition, a pilot control pneumatic power amplifier (9) with a bypass throttle for preamplifying the pneumatic power output of the position controller (1) is installed between the position controller (1) and the main power amplifier (10).

Abstract: In a method or device for function-monitoring an actuator in a process engineering plant, said actuator comprising a valve and an actuating drive for actuating said valve. A positioner is provided for setting a position of the valve, the positioner comprising a controller module. A predefined activation test signal is generated and applied to the controller module to position the actuator into a predefined function condition. A control signal is generated by the controller module for signalling the actuating drive in accordance with the activation test signal and an output control signal is sensed and monitored as compared to a reference control signal.

Abstract: A method and a device test the operating safety of a process control device with a control element and an actuator to move the control element, as well as a position controller in a safety circuit. A control unit is connected with the position controller and is coupled to the actuator such that the actuator can be operated to move the control element from an initial condition to a final condition in the event of an incident with the aid of a controlling of the actuator by the control unit. A measurement device acquires measurement signals indicating movement of the control element from the initial condition. The position controller comprises a control signal generator to generate a control signal for partial movement of the control element in a test cycle for the process control device, and to transmit the control signal via a signal connection from the position controller to the control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a positioner with a first input for an input variable W for prescribing a desired value, a second input for a controlled variable X, an output for a manipulated variable Y, and an actuator, which, dependent on the input variable W and the controlled variable X, generates an output signal for forming the manipulated variable Y, whereby the control method comprises detecting, during continuous monitoring, of an abnormal status of the signal representing the controlled variable X generating of an error signal that acts on a changeover unit. When an error signal of the error detection device is present, the method deactivates the actuator with respect to the signal of the positioner that represents the manipulated variable Y, and activates a controller by the changeover unit.

Abstract: The use of 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide for the determination of the glomerular filtration rate in humans.