Abstract: A fixed convergent collecting concentrator is provided. The concentrator contains two spaced-apart, co-axial, approximately horizontal, concentric plates with approximately circular shape centered on a vertical axis. The space between said plates is separated by vertical partition walls radially disposed about the axis thereof. The walls connect to the plates to form several sectors such that, irrespective of the direction of the wind, certain sectors collect and concentrate the air flow which enters the respective sectors. Each sector is connected to an intermediate tube which is in fluid communication with an accumulating tube, thus forming a system of tubes which is oriented in a common direction, optionally towards the ground. A turbine or other engine adapted for energy conversion being placed inside the concentrator or tubes.

Abstract: A method and a system applying data mining techniques and artificial intelligence algorithms, namely neural networks, operating via an Internet data exchange site, allowing portfolio management companies to access an on-line, standardized questionnaire (Request for Proposal) and present their capabilities. The method then analyses a large number of these questionnaires and classifies managers, categorizing them and ranking their capabilities. In addition, sponsors such as pension funds, endowments, and private clients can submit their offer for the management of their assets. The site provides a Request for Proposal that is modular and continuously adapted to new financial market conditions, legal considerations and Sponsors needs. Once completed by each manager, the questionnaire is maintained in a central database allowing each manager to have an up-to-date and on-line version of questionnaire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for implementing a secure quantum cryptography system using two non-orthogonal states. For each qubit, the to emitter station prepares a quantum system in one of two non-orthogonal quantum states in the time-basis to code bit values. Intra- and inter-qubit interference is then used to reveal eavesdropping attempts. Witness states are used to help reveal attacks performed across the quantum system separation.

Abstract: A method in a network of the delivery of files from a server computer (101) to a client computer (102) in which the client computer is polling the server computer looking to see in the server if at least one new file associated with this client computer is available. If yes, then the client computer is downloading the files associated with this client computer at specific intervals. The client computer is all by itself polling the server computer at specific intervals and it itself controls the downloading of the updates which occurs at times during which the downloading does not disturb the working of the client computer.

Abstract: A modular indicator of information relating to an article on display is provided. The indicator is made up of a plurality of display units which can be fixed each to the following other along a longitudinal axis of composition. Each display unit is made of a material translucent to light and configured in a substantially prismatic shape to gather incident tight into a first surface and reflect the incident light toward a front face of the display unit of a second surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to said front face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vegetable peeler having two gripping surfaces connected to each other by a peeling blade as well as a cross-piece. According to the invention, the two lateral gripping surfaces and the interconnecting cross-piece are forming a holder, the dimension of the legs (L) of the U-shaped holder being shorter in peeling direction (A) than the distance (B) between the gripping surfaces. In this way, direct guiding the peeling blade is enabled without any lever arm. The peeling blade, when used, is directly between the fingers and, therefore, can be guided in an extremely precise, handy and safe way.

Abstract: A preferred acetabular reamer is disclosed for cutting a bone socket, defining an apex and rotatable about a drive axis. The reamer has a domed support portion adjacent the apex and a plurality of cutting members, which may be of the cheese grater or bladed type, each pivotally mounted on the support portion. A hub structure including a sleeve portion is movable along the axis toward and away from the apex. A plurality of spokes operatively connects the cutting members and the hub, respectively. Actuation of the hub, in turn, radially collapses the spokes causing the cutting members to assume an insertion profile during passage of the reamer through a surgical incision, and then radially expands the spokes causing the cutting members to assume a larger, cutting profile while reaming the bone socket. A surgical kit and method employing the inventive reamer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating true random numbers by way of a quantum optics process uses a light source to produce a beam which illuminates a detector array. The detectors of the array are associated with random numbers values. Detection of a photon by one of the detectors yields a number whose value is equal to that associated with the detector. This procedure is repeated to produce sequences of true random numbers. The randomness of the numbers stems from the transverse spatial distribution of the detection probability of the photons in the beam. If the array is made up of two detectors, the true random numbers produced are binary numbers. The process can be sped up using an array having pairs of two detectors. Using an array having more than two detectors also allows generating true random numbers of dimension higher than two. The primary object of the invention is to allow generating true random numbers by way of a quantum optics process.

Abstract: The apparatus has an elongate and vertically running carrier (90) for pressure sensors (50), which precedes a group of levers (71 ). The cross section of this carrier (90) is arcuate, so that it has two flanks (93, 94 ). During the testing of a leg garment (80), this carrier (90) simulates the region of the shin. The apparatus has, furthermore, moldings or stays (88) which are carried by the levers and which simulate the rear face of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The width of these stays corresponds to the width of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The apparatus also comprises two longitudinally running groups (50) of pressure sensors, one of which is in each case assigned to outside of one of the flanks (93, 94) of the carrier (90). The leg garment (80) to be tested, in order to test it, is slipped over this apparatus in such a way that it lies on the outer faces both of the carrier (90) and of the stays and exerts pressure on the pressure sensors (51).

Abstract: A flexible torque-transmitting coupling assembly and method is disclosed, as well as flexible surgical reamers having such assemblies. The reamers employ a fitting with radially flexible member, e.g., a split collet or a super-elastic collar that receives an elongated tubular shaft of super-elastic alloy. A compression sleeve is applied to the collet, in one embodiment, while the collar is located within a counter-bore of the fitting in another embodiment. Relative motion between the shaft, fitting and collet (or collar) induces a super-elastic activation in the shaft to form the desired coupling.

Abstract: A web snippets capture, storage, and retrieval system is comprised of a snippet capture and storage method operating on a computer. The system has snippet selection means which selects a snippet, snippet processing means which processes the snippet so selected, and snippet storage means which stores the processed snippet in memory in a format which can be displayed upon demand by a user. Preferably, snippet organization means saves the snippet in association with a category, further in association with a project or theme. A user prompting means prompts the user for a comment, which if provided by the user, the storage means stores in displayable form in association with the snippet. Identifying means store identifying characteristics of the snippet. Such identifying characteristics includes, for example, date and time of creation, size of snippet in relation to source document, source location of snippet, URL of the snippet and optionally the user who added the snippet.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and methods are provided for collecting information on the geographic positions of several moving or immobile objects simultaneously. A plurality of large scale printed circuits having charge transfer capacitance sensing properties are linked by a communication network in order to form a coherent sensing surface for the collection and reconnaissance of positioning and movement information. The positioning and movement information gathered can be used as input information by media control systems.

Abstract: A surgical instrument holder has a shank having a coupling end, a handle attached to an opposite end of the shank, a coupling device, and a locking mechanism. The coupling end has an interface thereon for receiving an instrument. The locking mechanism has an annular locking component, a spring, a ring which slides on the shank, and a locking device. The annular locking component is mounted so as to slide along the shank. The locking device cooperates with the locking component so as to lock the instrument onto the interface. The spring biases the locking component in a locking direction and bears on the ring. The ring is disengageably lockable to the shank via a connection device so as to enable quick disassembly for cleaning and component sterilization.

Abstract: A browsing method encoded on a computer-readable medium is provided. The method creates customized summaries of web pages and comprises multiple steps. In a first step, from a thematic or project-based listing of URL links, a selected URL link is activated. In a second step, a tour creation dialog is opened. In a third step, the user is presented with a menu option that enables the user to identify an existing tour or create a new tour. In a fourth step, if the user identifies an existing tour, the URL so selected is added into this existing tour. In a fifth step, if the user chooses to create a new tour, an input window is presented to the user that prompts the user to input a tour name. In a sixth step, once the user inputs the tour name, the new tour is saved.