Abstract: The method allows to obtain, starting from an initial S-random interleaver permutation stored in memory devices and having a size N, a final S-random permutation having a smaller size K<N by successive pruning operations which yield the final permutation, through an iterative process which is performed by using electronic processing devices, and in which in successive steps selected elements are eliminated in accordance with predetermined criteria. The final permutation is generated using a reference vector having a dimension or size equal to that of the initial permutation. Said reference vector is generated by said processing devices in such a way that for each pruning step, if the element has been eliminated on the basis of a predetermined criterion, one element of the reference vector is generated in such a way that the value and the position thereof in the reference vector are indicative of the value of the element eliminated.

Abstract: A local positioning system comprises a plurality of sensor elements that may communicate with mobile units in a wireless fashion. The responsiveness of the mobile units is measured by yes/no answers and averaged so as to provide a measure of the distance of a mobile unit to a specified sensor element. Based on this measure and the known positions of the sensor element, the position of the mobile unit is estimated, for instance by a model of ideal springs.

Abstract: A suspension system for a wheeled vehicle is provided, the suspension system being adapted to support at least one wheel of the vehicle and comprising at least one shock absorbing device adapted to be activated as a result of the motion of the at least one wheel in a substantially vertical direction, the suspension system further comprising electrical power generating means in fluid connection with the at least one shock absorbing device so that the activation of said at least one shock absorbing device results in electrical power being generated. Furthermore, the suspension system comprises means for absorbing at least partially the electrical power generated, the absorption of electrical power resulting in the stiffness of said at least one shock absorbing device being varied as a function of the electrical power absorbed.

Abstract: An electromechanical module is provided allowing performance of both the driving and the braking function on a single wheel. The electromechanical module according to the present invention comprises in particular electromechanical driving means and electromechanical braking means controlled by a single control unit, so that electrical power may be supplied to each of said electromechanical driving and braking means. Moreover, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, electrical power may be collected from said driving means and supplied to said braking means.

Abstract: An actuating system 1 for a wheel brake system of a motor vehicle, wherein the braking action is obtained by means of a rotatable cam element 2 fixed to the motor shaft 8 of an electric motor, with said rotatable cam element 2 abutting against an actuating member 4, so as to laterally displace said actuating member 4, resulting in the braking pads 5 being pressed against the friction element or brake disk. Recovery or adjustment of the backlash or gap arising due to the wear of the brake pads. The motor-cam group or assembly is displaced so as to keep the brake pads 5 in light contact with the friction element or disk but without exerting any unwanted braking action.

Abstract: Optical transducers are provided for detecting forces such as, rotation and transversal forces acting on them, wherein, for the purpose of detecting the forces, optical signals are transmitted through an optical path, for instance defined by an optical fiber. Moreover, polarization scrambling means are provided together with polarizing means, with the polarization scrambling means being adapted to render the polarization of the optical signals entering the optical path either parallel or perpendicular to the axis of polarization of the polarizing means. The polarization of optical signals transmitted through the transducer is further modified as a result of forces acting on the transducer so that the optical signals exiting the transducer can be used for the purpose of detecting the forces.

Abstract: A local positioning system comprises a plurality of sensor elements that may communicate with mobile units in a wireless fashion. The responsiveness of the mobile units is measured by yes/no answers and averaged so as to provide a measure of the distance of a mobile unit to a specified sensor element. Based on this measure and the known positions of the sensor element, the position of the mobile unit is estimated, for instance by a model of ideal springs.

Abstract: An optical displacement transducer includes a transducing element comprising at least a first optical fiber, having a first end face substantially aligned along an axis and positioned with a small gap between said first end face and a second end face of a reception assembly, the transducer further comprising at least a light source coupled for transmission to first optical fiber and at least a photo-detector coupled for reception to the second optical fiber. The first end face and the second end face are displaceable along the axis and relatively with respect to each other, in order to follow the displacement of points associated to the first end face and second end face. The transducer is effective in detecting axial displacement simply and low cost.

Abstract: Optical transducers are provided for detecting forces such as, rotation and transversal forces acting on them, wherein, for the purpose of detecting the forces, optical signals are transmitted through an optical path, for instance defined by an optical fiber. Moreover, polarization scrambling means are provided together with polarizing means, with the polarization scrambling means being adapted to render the polarization of the optical signals entering the optical path either parallel or perpendicular to the axis of polarization of the polarizing means. The polarization of optical signals transmitted through the transducer is further modified as a result of forces acting on the transducer so that the optical signals exiting the transducer can be used for the purpose of detecting the forces.

Abstract: Optical transducers are provided for detecting forces such as, for example rotational and transversal forces acting on them, wherein, for the purpose of detecting said forces, optical signals are transmitted through an optical path defined by optical fibers. Moreover, optical means are provided, adapted to modify the transmission of the optical signals through the optical path, as a result of forces acting on them. The resulting optical signals exiting the transducer are then used for the purpose of detecting the forces acting on the transducer.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided that includes a multifrequency generator supplying signals of at least three different frequencies to an electrode assembly, the capacitance of which is detected for a plurality of different frequency points. In this way, the capacitance of the electrode assembly, which is influenced by a substance present in the vicinity of the electrode assembly, may be reliably identified. Preferably, the conditions of a road surface may be reliably monitored.

Abstract: A novel technique for information processing is provided, in which the decoding of channel encoded data is enhanced by using an inherent correlation of the data. It is demonstrated that the correlation is highly robust with respect to bit errors introduced by the transmission channel. Thus, the correlation represents additional information in decoding the data, thereby relaxing constraints in view of power supply and computational resources at the transmitter side and/or the transmission channel for a given desired quality of service.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring simultaneously and in a reliable manner both the level of molten metal in a casting mold and the depth of molding powder floating over the molten metal, wherein an electromagnetic open cavity is formed on the upper inlet aperture of a casting mold and electromagnetic signals are introduced into the cavity by means of an emitting device. The electromagnetic signals exiting the cavity are then detected and a relationship is established between the detected properties of the electromagnetic cavity and the level of molten metal and depth of molding powder.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided that includes a multifrequency generator supplying signals of at least three different frequencies to an electrode assembly, the capacitance of which is detected for a plurality of different frequency points. In this way, the capacitance of the electrode assembly, which is influenced by a substance present in the vicinity of the electrode assembly, may be reliably identified. Preferably, the conditions of a road surface may be reliably monitored.