Abstract: A method of treating a surface of at least one part by individual sources of an electron cyclotron resonance plasma is characterized by subjecting the part(s) to at least one movement of revolution with regard to at least one fixed linear row of elementary sources. The linear row or rows of elementary sources are disposed parallel to the axis or axes of revolution of the part or parts.

Abstract: A coating includes a thin film which is intended to protect a corrodible part against corrosion and, to some extent, against wear and friction. The coating essentially includes a composition containing silicon, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen such that: the atomic hydrogen concentration, measured using the ERDA technique, is 20 ±5 atoms %; the atomic silicon concentration, measured using the Rutherford backscattering (RBS) technique, is between 15 and 28 atoms %; the ratio of the atomic concentrations of nitrogen and carbon (N/C) is greater than 0.9; and the hardness of the material is less than or equal to 2100 daN/mm2.

Abstract: A cathode sputtering target includes: between 30 and 40 atomic % of a metal, between 2 and 10 atomic % of nitrogen, and between 35 and 50 atomic % of oxygen. The remainder up to 100% is constituted by at least one element selected from the group that comprises phosphorous (P), boron (B), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), gallium (Ga), sulphur (S) and aluminium (Al). Also provides a method of manufacturing a thin film from the target, and an electrochemical device comprising the thin film.

Abstract: A device for generating a cold plasma in a vacuum enclosure includes a cathode body having hollow chambers for confining the plasma. Magnets are placed around each hollow chamber for creating a magnetic field forcing electrons to rotate about the field lines. The cathode body cooperates with an element for circulating a coolant to extract the heat generated by an intense ion bombardment at each of the hollow chambers.

Abstract: A thin layer is deposited on a surface having a roughness profile whereof the parameters and mean period are determined for improving the tribological performance, so that the ratio A between the square of the mean period of the profile (PSM) in ?m and the roughness profile (Pa) in ?m, as defined by French standard ISO 4288, is equal to or greater than 5×105 ?m.

Abstract: According to the method, drops of an adhesive material are deposited on one of the plates, with the drops being spaced from one another. A grid having a predefined thickness lower than that of the drops is applied to the plate receiving the drops. A perpendicular and uniform pressure is applied to at least one of the plates, so that the drops (3) spread and come into contact with the opposing sides of the two plates. The spacing of the drops is defined so that after spreading under the pressure applied, air is not trapped between the drops.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superficial treatment method by electrolysis of ferrous surfaces to enhance friction or tread and seizing resistance features, wherein the surfaces provide the electrolysis anode, the electrolysis bath includes a sulphur species, primarily contains water and also contains a chloride salt and a nitrogen species in quantities which facilitates the sulphuration reaction of the surfaces.

Abstract: Friction part in a lubricated medium working at contact pressures above 200 MPa and having a contact surface that is textured and subjected, before or after texturizing, to a case hardening treatment for a tribological function, wherein the surface is subjected to operations for producing a periodic network of micrometric cavities having predefined shapes and sizes and a period adapted to the width of the contact surface in order to promote passage to elastohydrodynamic lubrication regime.

Abstract: This guide member in the form of a ring (1) for mounting a pin (2) with friction and articulation and/or sliding capacity, the member being suitable for mounting in the bore of a support, is characterized in that: the ring and/or the pin is subjected, at least at its friction surface, to a surface hardening treatment by diffusion or by structural transformation, followed by finishing surface treatment for reducing the tendency to jamming and to reduce the friction coefficient; the friction surface of the ring (1), consisting of its bore (1a), has arrangements suitable for acting as a lubricant reserve; the outer periphery of the ring is joined to an element made from a deformable flexible material (3) suitable for being engaged in the bore of a support.

Abstract: An implantable device for attracting diseased cells or foreign substances circulating within bodily fluid channels is disclosed. The device comprises a frame, an attachment means for maintaining the frame in a localized position in a body vessel, and at least one attractant on the frame, where the attractant is capable of attracting a diseased cell or a foreign substance. The device may also include a therapeutic agent The device may be used for diagnosis, disease containment or treatment. The device may also be used for attracting and localized treatment of diseased cells and foreign substances.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and apparatus for measuring and analyzing leg effort. The apparatus includes a motorized treadmill secured to two superimposed upper and lower assemblies that are mounted in combination with measurement sensors. The apparatus may be used for analyzing the forces exerted while running, for example, by means of the lower assembly, or walking, by means of both the lower and upper assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating comprising a thin film which is intended to protect a corrodible part against corrosion and, to some extent, against wear and friction, said coating essentially comprising a composition containing silicon, carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen such that: the atomic hydrogen concentration, measured using the ERDA technique, is 20±5 atoms %; the atomic silicon concentration, measured using the Rutherford backscattering (RBS) technique, is between 15 and 28 atoms %; the ratio of the atomic concentrations of nitrogen and carbon (N/C) is greater than 0.9; and the hardness of the material is less than or equal to 2100 daN/mm2.

Abstract: The assembly operating in oily conditions comprises an axle (2) mounted rotating or pivoting in a ring. The axle (2) and/or the ring (1) are subjected to a hardening surface treatment by diffusion or by structural transformation followed by a finishing surface treatment and a treatment suitable for reducing the tendency to jamming and for reducing the sensitivity to corrosion, the bore of the said ring and/or the axle having arrangements for acting as a lubricant reserve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-lubricating guiding element which is characterised in that the body (1) thereof is made from a material with high resistance to wear and/or seizing and corrosion. According to the invention, each of the ends of the bore (1a) is equipped with at least one groove (1b) and (1c) which is intended to prevent the lubricant from leaving the friction zone. In addition, the bore (1a) comprises oriented slots (1d), at least between the grooves (1b) and (1c), which open into at least one of said grooves and which are used to store lubricant.

Abstract: A titanium-copper-nickel based alloy is used for the formation of at least one resistive thin film on a polymer substrate. The alloy comprises 50 to 80% by weight of titanium, 10 to 25% by weight of copper and 10 to 25% by weight of nickel. The thin film has a thickness between about 100 and 160 nanometres.

Abstract: Ferrous alloy parts are immersed in a bath of an aqueous solution, without passage of an electric current. The solution comprises caustic soda at concentrations of between 400 and about 1000 f/l, sodium thiosulphate at concentrations of between 30 and about 300 g/l, and sodium sulphide at concentrations of between 60 and about 120 g/l. The solution is heated to a temperature between about 100° C. and 140° C. for a period of between 5 and about 30 minutes.

Abstract: A roof construction for a vehicle has a large-surface roof opening which is surrounded by vehicle-body-side member sections and which can be closed by at least one movable forward roof section and an adjoining tail gate. The forward roof section is displaceable toward the rear of the vehicle and under the tail gate by way of laterally arranged vehicle rails extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and by way of driving devices. In order to simplify and shorten assembly work at an assembly line, the at least one movable roof section, the assigned guide rails, the tail gate and the driving devices are accommodated by a surrounding carrying frame and, together with the carrying frame, form a prefabricated module. Together with the insertion of a surrounding sealing element, the prefabricated module is connected with the vehicle-body-side member sections.