im Sinne des Erfinders
In the sense of the inventor. As intended. Usually in the negative: Das ist nicht im Sinne des Erfinders, that is not what was intended.
sinngemäß
According to the sense. A rule applied sinngemäß is applied to a new case in the way its meaning requires.
nach Sinn und Zweck
According to meaning and purpose. It is the standard question of German law when a rule must be interpreted.
Befehl ist Befehl.
An order is an order. Today it is used only critically or with irony, as the excuse of a person who did not think.
eigenmächtig
On one’s own authority, without permission. It is a word of reproach, and it marks where room to act ends.