Abstract: A method of forming a film on a substrate. In accordance with the invention, an adhesion layer is formed on the substrate. The adhesion layer is chemically bonded to the substrate and has a textured surface. The film is then formed on the textured surface of the adhesion layer.

Abstract: A flash optical performance monitor for monitoring DWDM channels is disclosed. The monitor is to assess the spectral quality of an optical signal received and to determine from changes in the spectral quality, relative to a known spectral quality indicative of an acceptable signal, an estimate of signal quality. The flash optical performance monitor comprises a spectroemetric transducer for performing a spectral decomposition of the optical signal received, and for transforming the decomposed optical signal into electrical-domain data, a memory for storing advanced digital signal processing routines, and a processor in connection with the wavelength optical unit and with the memory. The processor receives the advanced digital signal processing routines and the electrical spectral data, and applies the advanced digital signal processing routines to the electrical spectral data. Also a method for monitoring a quality of data transmission of at least one optical channel is disclosed.

Abstract: A female element for a quick connection for removably joining pipes of fluid under pressure and which is adapted to receive a male element. The female element includes at least one locking member movable within a guide channel that extends transverse with respect to an axis of fit of the male and female elements and which member has one end which is configured and adapted to be cooperatively engaged in a peripheral groove of the male element. The locking member is also provided with a tab which projects radially with respect to a body of the female element and which is cooperatively engaged by two portions of a control ring that is movable over the body of the female element in order to move the locking member within the guide channel between an inner locking position and an outer release position.

Abstract: A device for converting light from, for example, a laser, VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) or light emitting diode/diodes to a plane of propagation, comprising a collimated or focused light emitter, characterized in that a full or a portion or several portions of a rotational symmetrical double reflecting component is fixedly provided coaxially in the path of beams from the collimated or focused light emitter so that the light is deflected in a desired angled plane of propagation which extends up to 360° around the double reflecting component.

Abstract: An arrangement for an apparatus (1) for application of roof covering (2) and comprising a wagon (4) moveable by aid of wheels (3) intended to join together two unrolled rolls of roof covering in connection to a joint (5) on top of each other lying covering layers (6, 7) by aid of a hot air aggregate (8) supported by said wagon (4), which via a nozzle (9) blows hot gas into said joint (5) at the same time as the wagon (4) is moved forwards and at least one operating pressure roller (10) included in said wagon (4), which is intended to press together the covering layers (6, 7) lying on top of each other.

Abstract: A device for closing a container and a container equipped with such a device, wherein the device includes: a first portion forming a closure element; a second annular portion positioned around a neck; a third portion forming a tamper-evident tab linking the first portion to the second portion, and which is connected to the first and second portions by frangible means so that the tamper-evident tab must be removed upon first use so as to release the closure element; and storage means for allowing the insertion of the tamper-evident tab therein once the tamper-evident tab has been separated from the first and second portions.

Abstract: A connection for flow of a fluid, comprising first and second bodies, female and male connection elements that are respectively pivoted on the first and second bodies and hollow and complementary such that the male connection element may be seated within the female connection element, and wherein an angle of pivoting of each of the male and female elements is limited relative to a median position thereof.

Abstract: The process for controlling an electronic power component for piloting an opening and/or closure of this component. The piloting process includes a plurality of steps for controlling the application of a succession of different commutation voltages on a control electrode of the electronic power component between an instant when the piloting process begins and an instant when either the opening or the closure of the electronic power component is to stop. Passage from one commutation voltage to a successive commutation voltage in this piloting process is automatically effected as soon as a corresponding condition of passage is satisfied. The process further includes a step of interrupting the piloting process and immediately triggering off a process for safeguarding the integrity of the electronic power component if the component does not react to a commutation voltage within a predetermined time for the commutation voltage.

Abstract: Body restraint systems for vehicles that include buckles for latching and retaining latch plates associated with safety belts. The buckle of each system includes a pair of oppositely biased latching mechanisms that are operative in such a manner that a force applied to release one latching mechanism from a latch plate inserted within the buckle creates an opposite and equal force against the opposite latching mechanism to thereby positively retain the latch plate within the buckle in a locked position. Release of a latch plate can only occur upon the simultaneous movement of both of the oppositely biased latching mechanisms toward one another by application of manual force and thus release of the latch plate cannot occur by inertial forces that may be encountered in a vehicular accident.

Abstract: Sign 1 has frame 13 attaching to base 9 and supporting character plates 4. Casing 11 attaches to frame 13 and holds character plates 4 against frame 13. Light assembly 15 and base 9 backlight character plates 4. Backlight is diffusion chamber 17 sidelit by light assembly 15. Casing 11 hides access to the mount and is not easily removable. Light assembly 15 is externally powered and is activated by external messages and by low ambient light. An Emergency Alarm message causes flashing in one color and intermittent activation of sound. For non-emergency, alternate light mode is used with constant sound. Transmitter 1501 transmits messages for the sign 1. The transmitter 1501 learns emergency telephone numbers for dial detection on a telephone line, in addition to standard emergency telephone number. Emergency button 1507 can begin transmission of emergency alarm message. Transmitter 1501 may have other alarm inputs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to digital signature operations using public key schemes in a secure communications system and in particular for use with processors having limited computing power such as ‘smart cards’. This invention describes a method for creating and authenticating a digital signature comprising the steps of selecting a first session parameter k and generating a first short term public key derived from the session parameter k, computing a first signature component r derived from a first mathematical function using the short term public key, selecting a second session parameter t and computing a second signature component s derived from a second mathematical function using the second session parameter t and without using an inverse operation, computing a third signature component using the first and second session parameters and sending the signature components (s, r, c) as a masked digital signature to a receiver computer system.