Abstract: The invention relates to a microprocessor having a plurality of components which are selected from registers (14,16), arithmetic logic units (30,32), memory (36,38), input/output circuits and other similar components where the plurality of components are interconnected in a manner which allows connection between some of the components to be varied under program control.

Abstract: An auction system and method, which identifies at least one lot to be auctioned, having a plurality of units within the lot and associated auction parameters; transmits a remaining quantity of units within the lot from a central server to a plurality of remote locations; receives bid identifications for remaining units within the lot at the contemporaneous offering price from the plurality of remote locations; and decrements the offering price over time. The decrement may be adaptive to a bid activity pattern, and the bid activity pattern may be stored in a database. A local server may be provided to communicate between the central server and remote locations while changing the format of the information communicated. The packets preferably include compressed information, and preferably include quantity remaining information for a plurality of auction lots.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of a liquid or gaseous medium, in particular water or air, using UV radiation, comprises a UV radiation source (24), with an axial longitudinal direction and an essentially perpendicular, in particular radial direction of irradiation (R), with several layers of transmissive treatment chambers (K1-K4), serially arranged one on the other in the radiation direction (R), separated from the UV radiation source (24) and from each other by a transparent, UV-transmissive separating layer (T1-T4) which is UV transparent. The chambers, beginning with a first treatment chamber (K1), adjacent to the UV radiation source, form a flow channel for the medium running in the longitudinal direction of the UV radiation source (24), the flow channel emptying (26) into the subsequent treatment chamber (K2, K3, K4) that is at a greater distance from the UV radiation source (24) in the direction of irradiation (R).

Abstract: An endodontic file (2) for use with a dental instrument has at least one cord (6) and a wire (8) wound around at least a major portion of the cord and having an abrasive outer surface (10). A handle having a gripping section is provided for gripping the end of the file and is coupled to the file by a coupler that may be made of a vibration absorbing material.

Abstract: An apparatus for retarding and/or changing the direction of travel of a sailing vessel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a watercraft (10) with moveable flaps (12A, 12B, 12C) internal ballast tanks, solenoid banks (20) and explosive activated nut and bolt clamps. The watercraft (10) is manually navigated or navigated by remote control. A method of utilizing the watercraft (10) to retard and/or change the direction of travel of the sailing vessel is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, and apparatus for carrying out the methods, are disclosed for synchronizing a plurality of RF transmitters that are supplied with a common digital information signal for carrier modulation and subsequent transmission on a common channel throughout a prescribed region, whereby the digital signal receivers within the region may receive transmissions on the channel from more than one transmitter. The method involves inserting reference signals into the data sent to the transmitters in order to place them into known states at specific times relative to the digital signals sent to them for transmission. As a result of this method, the digital signals transmitted by each of the transmitters will be identical to one another so that the receivers will be able to identify one received signal as the main signal and the others as echoes.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for providing multi-directional training of the body allows a user to exercise the mid-section, hips, legs, ankles and connective tissues enjoining all the muscles in these areas. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a main frame, two foot platforms and hanging members for attaching the foot platforms to the main frame. The exercise apparatus is designed to be free standing or to be mounted onto other supporting structures. In another embodiment, a movable upright bar is connected to a supporting frame for training the upper body of the user. The apparatus has multiple interchangeable parts, attachments and accessories for allowing several types of exercises.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting power from the wind, mounted on a vertical support or pole, has two linear “power harvesting devices” arranged in V-shaped configuration with the apex of the “V” mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane about the vertical support. The two power harvesting devices move under the influence of incoming wind to orient themselves such that the apex of its “V”-shape structure always faces the incoming wind. The power harvesting devices are each provided with blades attached for movement with a linear endless drive conveyor. With the apex of the “V” facing the wind, the blades are oriented to intercept this wind and to cause movement of the conveyor drive to which they are attached.

Abstract: A connection element for connecting a sheet pile to a carrier element, with a base strip (16) to be fastened to a carrier element (14), is provided with an interlock profile (20) for engaging the sheet pile (14). The interlock profile (20) exhibits a lock chamber (28) that is defined by the base strip (16), a support strip (24) that protrudes from the base strip (16) and a hook strip (26) that protrudes from the base strip (16), whereby the hook strip (16) exhibits a straight extending transition section (32) protruding from the base strip (16) and a hook section (34) that follows said transition section and points in the direction of the support strip (34).

Abstract: A superfinishing system and method, wherein an abrasive is employed to process a workpiece, and wherein the system simultaneously mounts a plurality of workpieces in a diagonal turret, or mounts a plurality of different types of workpieces in a plurality of chucks for different operations thereon, or performs a plurality of different operations on the same workpiece without remounting. The system improves throughput by allowing flexibility in the operation and multitasking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a throughflow device for measuring platelet function of primary hemostasis, aggregation and/or coagulation and/or viscosity of the blood. A reservoir (8), from which blood can be taken for measurement and transported through an aperture (7), is arranged in a housing (2). A stirring device (10,11,12,13) is provided in the reservoir (8) and can be moved in such a way that a stirrer part (11) of the stirring device (10,11,12,13) mixes the blood which is located in the storage chamber (8) during measurement and maintains it in a state of motion.