Abstract: A coupling for interconnecting at least two pipes (1) of a geothermal heat exchanger system, including at least one female coupling part (2) and at least one male coupling part (3) that can be inserted therein, with at least one fluid seal (4) being provided between the coupling parts (2, 3) for sealing the coupling parts (2, 3), especially in a fluid-tight manner. At least one, preferably annular or cylindrical, reinforcing element (5) supports at least one of the two coupling parts (2, 3), preferably at least the female coupling part (2), so that the coupling part (2, 3) is not radially deformed, preferably not radially expanded, and is produced of a material or material composition different from that of the coupling part (2, 3).

Abstract: A system for configuring earth probes (1) for receiving thermal energy from the earth and/or for discharging thermal energy into the earth, including a conductor system having a feed and a return line, which are connected to each other at the lower end of the earth probe (1), the system including probe modules (11, 12), which each form a section (15, 16) of the feed and/or return line of the earth probe (1) and which can be connected to each other at least by a positive and/or non-positive connection, preferably a plug-in connection, and a base piece (13), which forms a section of the conductor system of the earth probe (1). The section connects the feed line to the return line, and can be connected to the probe modules (11, 12) via at least one positive and/or non-positive connection, preferably a plug-in connection.

Abstract: A process reliably detects the change of the locking state of at least one lock with a logic with memory and display attached to a key. The process includes determining a rotation of the key associated with the lock within the lock, detecting a single or multiple rotation in unlocking or locking direction of the lock and simultaneously determining whether the detected rotation occurs in unlocking or locking direction of the lock. A signal is generated that indicates the unlocking or locking of the lock. This signal is stored in the memory of the logic, and the signal is displayed. A device for implementing the process includes one or several markers mounted near the lock, one or several sensors non-rotatably connected with the key for detecting these markers, a logic attachable to the key with a memory in which data can be stored whereby the logic can process the signals received from the sensors, and a display for displaying the locking state.

Abstract: A process for tamper-proof measuring of vehicle occupancy in passenger transportation device whereby a counting of the transported persons is carried out and whereby the counting of passengers riding in the people transportation device takes place by individually assigned detectors, characterized in that measuring is carried out in such a manner that a manipulation of the measuring with the purpose of increasing the number of passenger is impossible or at least made very difficult and that data acquired is processed, stored and whereby the measurement is executed several times or continuously and whereby the measuring device is disposed completely inside the vehicle. The present invention also provides a device for the execution of the process.

Abstract: A device detects whether persons are present on seats, for example of a vehicle. An electric monitoring arrangement with electrodes is associated to each person. The electrodes are provided for sensing the human body, in particular the thorax. Mainly the breathing is processed in an evaluation circuit.