Abstract: A coupling comprising a first member defining a socket, a second number such as a tube defining a spigot inserted into an open end of the socket, and a locking device received within an annular gap defined between an inner wall of the socket and an outer wall of the spigot. The locking device comprises circumferentially spaced load-bearing members, each load-bearing member extending within the annular gap from a first end which is relatively close to the open end of the socket and a second end which is relatively remote from the open end of the socket. Each load-bearing member is resiliently biased such that the first end engages the socket and the second end engages the spigot, and each load-bearing member is dimensioned such that it acts substantially as a beam in compression to resist withdrawal of the spigot from the socket.

Abstract: A device for use in association with roof gutters and downpipes for the purpose of removing debris and like items from rainwater as it flows into the downpipe. The device comprises a box compartment having an upwardly facing inclined inlet over which a primary screen is located, and a lower outlet connected to a downpipe through which the filtered water passes. Debris is washed over the inclined screen to the exterior of the device. More than one screen of varying mesh size may be provided.

Abstract: A separate mat for rent comprising a mat body made up of a mat portion having mat piles implanted on the front surface of a base fabric and an elastomer backing blended with a magnetic powder on the back surface, and a thick frame-like-peripheral portion of an elastomer; and a base which supports the mat body and has a magnet rubber spread on a support surface. In the mat body, the back surface of the outer periphery of the mat portion and the upper surface of the peripheral frame of the mat are superposed one upon the other and joined together as a unitary structure. The base rubber is inserted in the back side of the mat body. Therefore, no step is formed between the mat body and the base yet the two are adhered very strongly. Besides, no wrinkles develop on the mat surface and homogeneous adhesion is accomplished. The mat is further excellent in fixing performance and stability, and can be easily attached or detached, and is very light in weight compared with the mats of the unitary structure.

Abstract: A pump/injector includes a high pressure pump which delivers fuel to an inwardly opening fuel injection nozzle. Also provided is a spill valve which is connected to the pumping chamber of the pump and through which the pumping chamber is filled with fuel from a source by way of a first non-return valve. Connected intermediate the spill valve and the non-return valve is a branch passage to the spring chamber of the nozzle and the pressure in the spring chamber when the spill valve is opened to terminate delivery of fuel is controlled by a valve.

Abstract: A cooling fan for dissipating heat requiring relatively little electrical power to operate. The fan includes a fan blade, constructed from flexible metal or plastic, anchored at one end and having a permanent magnet mounted at the other end. An external drive mechanism, such as a position sensor or an oscillator, provides a drive pulse to the coil. The fan blade is placed in motion by energizing a coil which is disposed about a core constructed of magnetically permeable material and positioned adjacent the magnet. Upon energization of the coil, the magnet mounted on the blade reacts to the magnetic field generated by the coil, causing the blade to move away from the coil. When the magnet, due to the flexibility of the fan blade, moves back towards the coil, a voltage is induced in the coil by the magnet, thus causing current to flow through the coil to apply a kick or power pulse of magnetic energy to the magnet. This process continues as the blade moves from side to side.

Abstract: A device for releasably holding a door or window comprising two components. The first component (1) is attached to the door or window and the second component (7) is attached to the floor or wall. The two components are releasably engageable with each other. One of the components has a means (10) to cushion the opening force of a door or window, limited movement of an opened door or window, and cushion and direct the engagement of one component with the other. This device has the advantages of releasably holding a door or window and cushioning the door or window during engagement.

Abstract: Methyl iodide is employed as a soil fumigant for the effective control of plant pathogens, nematodes, bacteria and weeds. Methyl iodide is employed in substantially the same manner as is customary for use of methyl bromide, and is at least as effective as methyl bromide when used in comparable amounts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a corresponding plant for the purification of gases, in particular flue gases, using a foam-forming reaction medium with which dirty gas is contacted in a reaction chamber, in which the foam is broken after the reaction between dirty gas and the reaction medium, the reaction medium recovered by the breaking and the settling sludge are separately collected and the purified gas is withdrawn. This invention is intended to enable the substances removed from the gases to be purified to be separated, when dirty gas having a temperature of <60.degree. C.

Abstract: A multiplier for least significant bit first multiplication of a multiplicand coded on n bits by a multiplier coefficient includes a processor which, for each bit of the decimal part of the multiplier coefficient between the least significant bit and the most significant bit, calculates the sum of rank n+1 obtained from partial products of the bit in question with the n bits of the multiplicand and from corresponding sums calculated for the preceding bit or bits of the multiplier coefficient. This prevents internal overflow of the multiplier.

Abstract: A direct drive servovalve wherein a limited angle force motor is interconnected with a spool valve to convert rotary motion of the drive motor rotor to linear motion of the spool for the control of fluid from a source thereof to a load. The permanent magnets utilized in the rotor of the drive motor are positioned in such a manner that a resultant magnetic force is generated so as to urge the rotor against a bearing which supports the rotor shaft so as to substantially eliminate any radially play or sloppiness in the motor rotor.

Abstract: A network, in particular a telecommunication network, with surveillance sensors and a diagnostic system comprises equipment for conveying signals to network users, sensors for supplying data on network operation and a diagnostic system processing this data to establish diagnostics designating causes of degraded operation. The diagnostic system performs diagnostic evaluation to request secondary data if a previously established diagnostic is insufficient.

Abstract: A portable box comprises memory able to store at least one item of reference data, and a comparator able to compare the said reference data item with an item of game data input by the player via a communication interface, one of these two data items being a value generated in a random way. An item of win information dependent at least on the result of the said comparison is stored in the memory, and box encryption structure are able, in response to a predetermined item of payment request information (IDP) received, to establish a first encrypted win value from the said win information item. A station, external to the box, comprises a system input/output interface able to cooperate with the interface of the box, and system processing structure, able, in the presence of a payment request originating from the player, to read the said win information item contained in the memory of the box.

Abstract: The phase-locked loop includes means (3) for generating an internal signal (SIN) drawn from the output signal of the voltage-controlled oscillator (2), and a phase comparator (4) able to compare the phase of the internal signal (SIN) with that of an external signal received (SSY), and the output of which is looped back onto the voltage-controlled oscillator (2). It further comprises a device (6) accelerating the synchronization of the internal and external signals, including processing means able to receive, from the phase comparator (4), a predetermined indication representative of the non-coincidence of the internal and external signals, and, in response to this predetermined indication, to deliver control information in response to which the generation means (3) modify the phase of the internal signal in order to force the latter substantially into phase with the external signal (SSY).

Abstract: A heat exchanger which can prevent the increase of an internal resistance by baffle plates, can make the gradient of a heat exchange rate between an inlet side and outlet side more gradual, and can make uniform a temperature distribution of a fluid flowing outside.

Abstract: A sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS, monitor which monitors the infant to determine oxygen desaturation and movement. No alarm indication is produced if movement is detected, a low alarm condition is produced if desaturation occurs while movement is detected and a high condition is produced if desaturation is occurs and no movement is detected. A video monitor is provided to bring the image of the infant into the presence of the caregiver when either alarm is produced. The substantially reduced number of false alarms, due for example to motion artifacts, improves the level of alarm response over the long term that can reasonably be provided by parents and caregivers.