Abstract: The invention relates to a card (7) reading device (1) comprising a housing (10) equipped with a keyboard (5), a display unit (4), a slot (8) for inserting a card (7) into the housing (10) and a cover (2) adapted to be pivoted between an open and closed position for protecting the keyboard (5) and the display unit (4), when in the closed position. The cover (2) includes an integral flap (6) and is attached to the housing (10) by an articulating element (3) that allows it to pivot between the closed position and open position and be brought into position underneath the housing (10) in the open position. The flap (6), which covers the insertion slot (8) when the cover (2) is closed, serves as a support base when in the open position to incline the housing (10) when the reading device is placed on a support surface such as desk or table.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a process for optimizing the flow of data between at least one client application and at least one request management system that includes at least one object having states and values capable of being modified wherein the client application sends at least two successive requests for interrogating states or values of objects included in a management system. Communication between the client application and the management system takes place through a communication system. The process is characterized in that on initialization, the management system transmits to the client application, at the request of the client application, a set of objects that includes all or some of the objects included in the management system. In response to an interrogation request from the client application, the management system transmits to the client application any modifications that include the states and/or values of at least one object of this set that have been modified.

Abstract: The method comprises at least one cycle comprising the following steps: creating a request (87) designating a target object (81) to be accessed in the tree (80) representing system resources and having a scope of only one level below the target object, using an access protocol attribute of the target object (81) indicating its access protocol (Pc) to allow access to the target object, and obtaining via the request a response that includes at least the naming attribute of each object (82, 83) contained in the scope of the request, and if at least one object contained in the scope of the request has an access protocol different from that of the target object, the access protocol attribute of this object.

Abstract: A method and a device is disclosed for encoding/decoding digital data transmitted through a serial link, particularly of the so-called “8B/10B” type. A full encoded binary word includes 8 data bits and a 2-bit label. The logical state of a center bit triplet of the byte is detected. When all of the bits are in the same logical state, the center bit of the triplet is inverted prior to transmission. Otherwise, the byte is transmitted as is. The label is forced to the logical configuration “10” when there is a bit inversion, and to “01” in the opposite case. Upon decoding, this configuration is tested and the center bit received is selectively inverted as a function of the result of the test. In a preferred variant, the method also includes tests of the label and the triplet after decoding, when there has been a bit inversion in the encoding.

Abstract: An edge multiplier circuit comprises a chain of N phase-looped delay cells (130, 131, 132, 133, 134). An order of cells to be delayed is determined by action loops. A first action loop (116, . . . , 128) is utilized for values of j varying from 1 to N, each corresponding to a total delay equal to j times an elementary delay (Te) of a cell. The delay is applied to the chain of N delay cells. An action of the first loop comprises a second action loop (118, . . . , 127) for values of i varying from 1 to N, each corresponding to a rank of a cell in said chain. An action of the second loop calculates a delay error (a (j, i)) output from the cell of rank i relative to an ideal delay that distributes the total delay of the chain equally to each cell.

Abstract: A search and retrieval system includes a data terminal which displays icons representing properties in a given real-estate market on a digital map. The icons are selectable so that, when selected, information derived from an MLS or other database are displayed in association with the map. In one embodiment, the data terminal is equipped with a GPS receiver and data-enabled mobile phone. The GPS receiver receives location data which is used by a processor to display an icon representing a current location of the terminal within the map. The data-enabled phone links the terminal to a remote server or database of property information, which may also be displayed when property icons are selected on the map. The property information may include media (e.g., bitmap) data that provide a visual depiction of the property icons selected. By integrating all of these digital sources of information on one terminal, the efficiency and accuracy of the property buying experience is significantly enhanced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for anchoring a ligament to an osseous structure comprising a slender body (4) wherein one end (5) has a means (6) for fastening to the osseous structure and wherein the other end (7) has a loop (8) for at least indirectly attaching the ligament to it. This device is characterized in that the fastening means (6) comprises at least two hooks (9) extending in divergent directions and secant to the longitudinal axis (10) of the body (4) of the device, and each hook (9) is carried by the end of a slender branch, and the slender branches constituting the body of the device progressively diverge from one another beginning at the loop (8) with which they are associated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tunnel form comprising: two vertical forming walls (2) joined by a horizontal wall (3) in two parts (3A), and at the base of the form, means for adjusting the height of the position of the top edge (5) of the tunnel form relative to the reference surface (6), and means of support (7) at least indirectly with the reference surface so that it can be extracted from the tunnel after production. This tunnel form is characterized in that the aforementioned height adjusting means (4) are supported by props (9), each slide-mounted in a sleeve (10) attached to the base of the tunnel form.

Abstract: A method of making a microswitch module which comprises the steps of: charging a molten resin onto a loading surface of a microswitch; disposing an actuator element onto the molten resin charged onto the loading surface of the microswitch; and ensuring that the actuator element remains fixed while at least part of the the molten resin hardens into a layer of resilient material thereby providing a microswitch module wherein the actuator element is adapted to transmit a mechanical switching force to the loading surface of the microswitch through the layer of resilient material for actuating the micro switch. Additionally, a micro switch module comprises a micro switch; a layer of resilient material disposed on a loading surface of the microswitch; and an actuator element disposed on the layer of resilient material for transmitting a mechanical switching force therethrough to the loading surface of the microswitch for actuating the microswitch.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable carpet underlay manufactured from needle-punched fibers arranged to form a non-woven felt fabric, to which an acrylic latex pressure sensitive adhesive is applied by a dipping process that coats the surfaces of the fibers and fills the interstices between the fibers. The acrylic adhesive is applied to the felt substrate in a dip and squeeze operation, which passes a felt web through a trough of adhesive and then through an excess adhesive removal station, after which, a protective releasable polymer film is applied to the exposed adhesive surfaces prior to curing step. The acrylic adhesive is selected to exhibit sufficient tackiness to secure the carpet in place, but allowing for easy removal and not leaving a residue after removal of the carpet from the underlay or removal of the underlay from the underlying supporting floor surface.

Abstract: A position sensor for determining a set position thereof is disclosed. The sensor comprises a time-varying magnetic field generator. A movable electrically conductive element is positioned such that the time-varying magnetic field generates eddy currents therein. At least one pick-up is provided for generating a signal in response to the time-varying magnetic field. Movement of the conductive element relative to the pick-up alters the magnetic coupling between the magnetic field generator and the pick-up allowing the set position to be determined unambiguously.

Abstract: A method of manufacture and a piezoelectric transducer are provided having a housing whose interior contains a piezoelectric element having radially spaced surfaces which undergo relative shear and produce an electrical signal in response thereto, an outer radial surface of the piezoelectric element being soldered to the interior of the housing, and an inner radial surface of the piezoelectric element is soldered to the outer surface of a stress/strain transmitting element. The solder alloy used shrinks less than →2.5% solidification. The subassembly made up of the piezoelectric element and the stress/strain transmitting element is provided with a passage to permit escape of gas from a chamber above the piezoelectric member which may be present from vapors attendant soldering.

Abstract: A chip card includes a body of electrically insulating layers, one of which carries an open loop antenna having two ends. The body is equipped with a cavity for housing a micromodule adapted for connection to the antenna by two terminals. The micromodule includes an insulating substrate carrying, on a first side, a semiconductor component, and on a second side, several electrical contact pads. Two of the contact pads are disposed in a strip running through a center region of the substrate. The terminals are connected to the two contact pads through the substrate, and the two pads are respectively connected to ends of the antenna.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a predetermined image by means of a device (40) and a portable object (8), the device including data processing means, data memorizing means, and image processing means, and the portable object including data processing means, data memorizing means, a through window, and display means (17) capable of displaying an image in the window. The method comprises: placing the window of the portable object before the image processing means of the device in such a way that they cooperate optically with one another; producing a first image in the window; causing a second portable object image to be displayed by the display means of the portable object; and obtaining the predetermined image by superpositioning the first image and the second portable object image, one over the other, to obtain the predetermined image.

Abstract: An interconnection interface for transmitting digital data between a sending module and a receiving module connected to one another through point-to-point serial links, forming a global data link. Each of the modules are provided, firstly, with a multiplexing unit associated with each of the serial links disposed in the module's physical layer, so as to distribute data transmitted through the global link at a speed determined by the sending module to a given number of parallel links, with each of these parallel links conveying a part of the transmitted data at a speed higher than the sending module data speed; and secondly, with a demultiplexing unit associated to the parallel links conveying received data parts, so as to synchronously and integrally reconstitute these received data parts at a speed accepted by the receiving module.

Abstract: In a computer platform (PF) comprising at least one unit (M1, M2), each including at least one respective processor (PRO1-PRO2, PRO3-PRO5) and at least one respective interrupt controller (CI1, CI2), and an operating system (SE) including a basic kernel (NOY) for creating extension modules external to said basic kernel, at least one interrupt managing extension module (MEX1, MEX2) external to the basic kernel (NOY) is created in order to relieve the basic kernel of the management of interruptions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a device for modifying code sequences written into a first memory (2) of a medium. A central processing unit (1) executes code sequences and the first memory contains a main program comprising at least one code sequence executable by the central processing unit (1). The first memory also comprises a second, programmable nonvolatile memory (3), and a third working memory (4). A branch table TAB_DER contained in the second programmable memory contains at least one field containing reference data for a new code sequence stored in one of the memories. Branching instructions allow a deferred branch from the executed code sequence to the new code sequence written into one of the three memories. Instructions in the new code sequence allow the return to a point of the code sequence executed before the branch.

Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU) for supplying power to at least one electrical device (APP1-APP12), comprises at least one distribution point (P) for the power supply, and at least one female outlet (J1-J12) on its accessible side. The outlet is adapted to receive a male connector of a cable of an electrical device (APP1-APP12). The point (P) is electrically connected by a respective electrical cable to at least one manually resettable circuit breaker (BRK1-BKR6). The at least one circuit breaker comprises a respective push button (POU1-POU6) for resetting the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker (BRK1-BRK6) is connected by a respective electrical cable to the at least one female outlet (J1-J12). The circuit breaker (BRK1-BRK6) is located inside the unit and at least one reset mechanism capable of resetting the at least one circuit breaker is provided. Several circuit breakers may be supported in line and the reset mechanism is capable of resetting all of the circuit breakers simultaneously.

Abstract: Method and system provided for creating a dynamic playlist including meta-data having potential association with a respective content item configured to be played on a content player, and having dynamic addition of subtraction of playlist items. The system maintains a database of linkages between elements associated with content items as well as weighted linkages between elements and respective properties. The system is a hybrid content based and collaborative filtering system, wherein the insertion of a new item into the database results in the new item sharing preference weights and number of preferences associated with items pre-existing in the database.

Abstract: A gas/liquid transfer device for delivering a fixed quantity of pressurized gas/liquid to a dispensing device including a fixed volume chamber for receiving the pressurized gas/liquid, the chamber being in fluid connection with a system of controllable filling and emptying valves and a discharge connector. The discharge connector is disposed downstream of the emptying valve is arranged to be operatively coupled by an operator to a hand held dispensing device. The discharge connector is tamper-proof and configured to prevent a fixed quantity of pressurized gas to be discharged without the dispensing device being attached to the discharge connector. The timer is configured to impose a predetermined time interval between successive transfers of the pressurized gas/liquid.