A method and device for the contactless detection of flat objects, particularly in sheet form, such as paper, films, foils, plates, and similar flat materials or packs. Specifically nitrogen is removed from the combustion cycle, either being replaced by a noble gas as a working gas in a combustion engine. Then, the metal particles have an average particle size of 1 to 50 nm. The processor determines a Fourier transformation of the cogging torque according to a number of Fourier coefficients from the band-pass filters, a cogging torque at a preset rotor position, and a cogging current according to the Fourier transformation of the cogging torque. The operation liquid storage section is between the vaporized gas supply channel and the gas collection channel in order to aggregate and liquefy recovered gas and is installed such that both channels fluidly communicate with each other. The inflatable protective cushion is characterized by a substantially arcuate inflated profile such that the impact portion of the cushion extends in curved relation at least partially around the dash panel during a collision event.