Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for monitoring a detection region of a working element (100). The apparatus has at least one camera for continuously monitoring the detection region, and an evaluation unit (53), into which image information generated by the camera is read. In the evaluation unit (53), a comparison of the image information to reference images, and/or a color-feature analysis, allows the detection of endangered objects within at least one protection zone in the detection region. If at least one endangered object is detected inside the protection zone, the evaluation unit (53) disables the working element (100). In contrast, if no endangered object (54) is located inside the protection zone, the evaluation unit (53) enables the working element (100).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for monitoring a detection region (6) of a working element. The apparatus has at least one camera (5) for continuously detecting the detection region (6), and an evaluation unit, into which image information generated by the camera (5) is read. In the evaluation unit, a comparison of the image information to reference images, and/or a color-feature analysis, allow(s) the detection of endangered objects within at least one protection zone (7) in the detection region (6). If at least one endangered object is detected inside the protection zone (7), the evaluation unit disables the working element. In contrast, if no endangered object is located inside the protection zone (7), the evaluation unit enables the working element.

Abstract: A photoelectric barrier and operation thereof, the barrier having at least two pairs of transmitters/receivers each operating synchronously. Each of the two transmitters transmits a light signal having a specific identifier, the signal being in the form of a double pulse separated by a pause, which double pulse consists of two pulse groups each separated by a pause, and each receiver then evaluates a light signal of the associated transmitter as correctly received when at least one of the two pulse groups is recognized as valid by means of the associated identifier, in which the duration of the pulse groups and the pauses between them are established so that at most one pulse group of one double pulse of the one transmitter is superimposed with one pulse group of one double pulse of the other transmitter.

Abstract: A safety switch arrangement having a first supply line; a first computer unit coupled to the first supply line, the first computer unit having a first operating voltage; a first pair of bidirectional lines, one of the first pair of bidirectional lines having a first switch; a first actuator coupled to the first computer unit by the first pair of bidirectional lines, the first actuator having a first switch, which has first semiconductor elements; a second supply line; a second computer unit coupled to the second supply line, the second computer unit having a second operating voltage; a second pair of bidirectional lines, one of the second pair of bidirectional lines having a second switch; a second actuator coupled to the second computer unit by the second pair of bidirectional lines, the second actuator having a second switch, which has second semiconductor elements; a working device coupled to the first and second actuators and having an operating state, the first and the second actuators controlling the op