Abstract: A percutaneous stimulating device 10 comprises a self-contained permanent or long-term unit for neuromodulation in the management of chronic pain and for cosmetic applications in accordance with the invention. It comprises a stimulating zone 12 with one or more electrodes 14, and an integral control unit 16 electrically connected by means of suitable wires 18 to the stimulating zone. The control unit 16 is arranged to supply an electrical stimulating signal to the electrode(s) 14. The device is in the form of a closed cylinder having a diameter of 1.2 to 1.5 mm and is no more than 70 mm in length so that it can be located and inserted into a patient using a stimulating needle, which is subsequently withdrawn from the patient when the device is in place. The invention extends to a method for long term pain management by means of neuromodulation using the percutaneous device in accordance with the invention to supply a stimulating signal at between 2 and 50 Hz.

Abstract: A container, such as a flask or a flexible tube, provided with a cap, the container including a side wall and a plastic head with a neck and a shoulder linking the neck to the side wall. The cap is provided with a circular cylindrical skirt on its inner surface with one or more first screwing means. The wall of the neck is substantially shaped like a prism where the cross-section is globally a polygon having a symmetry of order n about an axis A substantially parallel to the generatrix of the prism, n being an integer strictly greater than 1, and the neck is provided on its outer surface with n second screwing means, uniformly distributed about the axis A. The assembly of n second screwing means of the neck co-operates with the first screwing means of the cap.

Abstract: An arrangement for depicting a linear optical marking on a surface, including a radiation source emitting light, such as laser radiation, as well as a first lens arranged in the beam path having a first and a second surface penetrated by the radiation, of which one surface features a parabolic or elliptical trace at least partially in cross section, formed of curved sections of different radii, the trace extending symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry of the lens, along which runs the beam directed in parallel, preferably by means of a second lens. In order to achieve a uniform power distribution along the line, it is proposed that the first surface formed of sections with different radii faces the radiation.

Abstract: A fuel supply device comprises a fuel pump, a set plate, a control circuit, and an electrical wiring member. The fuel pump is disposed within a fuel tank. The set plate closes an opening of the fuel tank. The set plate comprises a controller chamber isolated from the fuel tank. The control circuit is disposed within the controller chamber. The control circuit controls the fuel pump. The electrical wiring member connects the control circuit and the fuel pump. The electrical wiring member is arranged from an interior of the controller chamber to an interior of the fuel pump and is passed through the set plate. A part of the electrical wiring member is exposed to the atmosphere. Furthermore, the exposed part is disposed within a range from the interior of the fuel tank to the interior of the controller chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing crystallized silicon according to the EFG process by using a shaping part, between which part and a silicon melt, crystallized silicon grows in a growth zone. Inert gas and at least water vapor are fed into the silicon melt and/or growth zone, by means of which the oxygen content of the crystallized silicon is increased. From 50 to 250 ppm of vapor water is added to the inert gas, and the inert gas has an oxygen, CO and/or CO2 content of less than 20 ppm total.

Abstract: Analog to digital conversion characterized in that the square wave (z(t)) obtained as a result of modulation in an asynchronous Sigma-Delta modulator (ASDM) is subjected to conversion by counting the periods (T0) of the reference clock (RG) during subsequent pulses of the square wave by means of the counting module (CTM), and then each word obtained representing the number of periods of the reference clock counted during each given pulse of the square wave is recorded and stored in the intermediate buffer (TBUF). The duration of the serial transmission of the digital word obtained as a result of counting the periods of the reference clock during previous pulse of the square wave is simultaneously controlled by the control module (CM), and as soon as this transmission is completed, the content of the intermediate buffer (TBUF) is transferred to the transmitting buffer (TDR) of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an annular tribological component in the form of a seal or a sliding bearing of a brittle material. In order to attain the necessary sealing action even with a segmented construction, without expensive reprocessing being necessary in connection with the manufacture of segment surfaces bounding on one another, it is proposed that the annular component be formed of segments made by breaking a ring element and that the segments be assembled such that fractured surfaces fitting one another lie one upon the other.

Abstract: The present invention includes a rotational angle sensor having a magnetic detection device. The magnetic detection device includes a sensing section that can detect a change of a magnetic field produced by at least two magnets attached to a rotary member. A housing member is molded integrally with the magnetic detection device and a support member. The support member may serves as a protective member for protecting at least the sensing section of the magnetic detection device or may serve as a positioning member configured to enable at least the sensing section to be positioned relative to the positioning member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mounting structure having a flange and a plurality of hook portions formed integrally with a piping member. The flange can contact a first surface of an element having a through-hole formed therein. The hook portions extend from the flange for inserting into the through-hole and can resiliently deform in a radial direction with respect to the axis of the flange. Each hook portion has a hooking end that can engage a second surface of the element opposite to the first surface.

Abstract: Turf (1) for playing sport, for recreation and/or for ornamental purpose comprising a flexible not biodegradable support (5) having a plurality of holes (6) for allowing the drainage of water through the support (5) same. To the flexible support (5) fibres (20) are connected of artificial material in order to form a turf of artificial blades extending from the upper side of the support (5). The fibres (20) are then kept substantially vertical by granular filling material (25), can be made of rubber granules (26). The turf (1) is therefore completed by living vegetable material put into the granular material by means of sowing, transplantation of portions of plants (15) or a combination thereof. Finally, the living vegetable material in the form of seeds (27), or of portions of plants (15), is watered and dressed as known in the art. The turf can be easily carried, rolled up, turned over without spreading the granular material, and laid in a desired moment on a desired support surface for immediate use.

Abstract: A dust filter of an evaporated fuel treatment device is taught that preferably include a filtration member for filtering air introduced to an atmosphere introduction path, and a casing receiving the filtration member therein. The dust filter being disposed on the atmosphere introduction path of the evaporated fuel treatment device. The filtration member has an arcuate shape in cross section, and wherein the filtration member is arranged and structured such that air flows in a radial direction thereof, so as to be filtered.

Abstract: A process for friction stir welding at least a first part made of metal alloy A with at least a second part made of a dissimilar metal alloy B, in which the first and second parts are placed side by side, and a joint is made between the first and second parts using a rotating tool moving at a speed referred to as the travel speed. The tool travel speed has at least two alternated modes in continuous service, a first mode wherein a first average travel speed S1 and a second mode wherein a second average travel speed S2 is used, the speeds S1 and S2 being significantly different, typically at least 30% of the highest travel speeds, with the slowest advance speed being zero. The assemblies welded according to the invention are particularly advantageous for the fabrication of panels or structural sections used in the manufacture of transport vehicles.

Abstract: A vertical casting process for an intermediate product, including the steps of (a) preparation of at least two aluminum based alloys, particularly a first alloy with composition P and a second alloy with composition T, (b) casting of the first alloy with composition P to a required height HP, and (c) casting of an additional required height HT of the alloy with composition T. The object of this invention is the manufacture of monolithic structural elements with working properties that are variable in at least one direction, and particularly bi-functional or multi-functional structural elements capable of performing at least two functions that are traditionally performed by two different parts.

Abstract: A wheelbarrow having two wheels mounted on an axis which is allowed to swivel, thereby allowing the axle to tilt with the terrain while the tray and handles remain substantially level. The wheel assembly is coupled to stop-limits to prevent the excessive tilting of the wheels with respect to the tray and handles.

Abstract: A method and control device for controlling the position of a marine seismic streamer spread and the ability for controlling individual marine seismic streamers both in shape and position relative to other marine seismic streamers and thereby counter effects from crosscurrent or other dynamic forces in a towed spread behind a seismic survey vessel. The system includes sensor means for determining information to control the streamer and a control device 10, including a housing 11 mechanically and at least partly electrically connected in series between two adjacent sections of the streamer 13, at least three control members 20 projecting from the housing 11, and control means adjusting the respective angular positions of the control members 20 so as to control the lateral and vertical position of the streamer 13.

Abstract: A cooling water passage structure of internal combustion engines is provided which can contribute to a scale-down of the external form of the engine and also can prevent deformation of the cylinder bores. The cooling water passage structure comprises a water jacket for the flow of cooling water provided on the peripheries of a plurality of cylinder bores; and a lateral suction passage 9a, 9b integrally formed with a side wall of a cylinder block 2 having bolt holes formed for fastening a cylinder head 3. The lateral suction passage runs through by the cylinder bores at a height in the vicinity of the water jacket bottom and is arranged on the outside of, and perpendicular to the bolt holes. On the rear surface of the cylinder head 3 is mounted a water passage block 15 and on the front end part of the cylinder block 2 is provided a water pump housing 10.