Abstract: The invention relates to a terminal block for connecting electrical conductors, with a first clamping spring element (20) and a second clamping spring element (30) for clamping the electrical conductors, wherein the first and second clamping spring elements (20, 30) are vertically offset from each other, and with an operating element for opening the clamping spring elements against the spring force, wherein a first operating element (40) is provided for the first clamping spring element (20) and a second operating element (50) for the second clamping spring element (30), wherein the first and second operating elements (40, 50) can be actuated independently from each other.

Abstract: A coupling with two sleeves facing in opposite directions for the plugs of two shielded data cables that are to be connected to each other is in particular configured as an RJ 45 coupling. A printed circuit board (10) carries a contact assembly for each of the sleeves and connects the corresponding contacts (12) with each other. Two partial shells (14) made of an electrically insulating material envelop and hold the printed circuit board (10). An electrically conductive housing (40) is essentially U-shaped, with its longitudinal axis extending in the plug-in direction of the sleeves. The partial shells (14), together with the printed circuit board (10) they envelop, are insertable in the housing (40) as modules and can be attached firmly in the housing (40). An electrically conductive sheet metal cover (60) covers the modules on the open side of the housing (40) and engages with molded contacting prongs (62) in the sleeves for the purpose of contacting the shields of the plugs inserted into the sleeves.

Abstract: An instrument, method, use and software program to obtain information rapidly about microorganisms that may spread uncontrolled in hospitals, water supply, food or when used in bio terrorism are described. Vibrational spectroscopy provides data to a computer linked to one or more databases. Comparison of the spectral data and information retrieved from the databases is used to identify and classify the microorganisms, applying suitable algorithms, which algorithms are self-generating and self-adapting to new spectroscopic data. The system may alert for the detection of an outbreak or to take disinfection measures. Changes in the traditional taxonomic division of microorganisms have no influence on the instrument. It does not rely on an a priori knowledge about the taxonomic classification of the microbial strain, is straightforward and easily integrated in routine microbial procedures.

Abstract: A welding robot (1) comprising a stand (2) pivotally receiving a trunk-forming portion (3) having one end (5) of an articulated arm (6) pivotally mounted thereon, the arm having an opposite end (7) provided with a clamp (8) fitted with welding electrodes, the robot including an electrode grinder (9) mounted on a portion (3) of the robot that is situated in a zone that is accessible to the clamp.

Abstract: Operating device such as a mouse for operating a computer or the like. This device consists of a flat bearing surface on which a bulbous part has been arranged. This bulbous part consists of three (curved) surfaces, a surface for the palm of the hand for supporting the metacarpus/carpus, a central surface for supporting the proximal phalanges of the fingers and a distal surface for supporting the medial and distal phalanges. According to the present invention, the distal surface is made at an angle of approximately 75° with respect to the bearing surface. As a result of this angle there is optimum support for the fingers over the entire contour and it is possible to prevent RSI-like phenomena by preventing lifting movements of the fingers, which in the long term give rise to RSI-like phenomena.

Abstract: A connecting element (1), with a housing (2), with attachment means (3, 4, 5) for attaching the housing (2) to a support rail (9), preferably for attaching a top-hat rail (9), and with two connections (10, 11) in the housing (2) for cables (12, 13), particularly for telecommunication and/or data cables, such that each connection (10, 11) defines the direction of feed (18, 19) for the given cable, and the connections (10, 11) are so positioned that the feed directions (18, 19) for the cables (12, 13) enclose an angle smaller than 180°.

Abstract: A connecting element (1) for shielded data and/or telecommunications cables (2, 3), with a metal housing (10) and with at least one connector jack (15, 16), where contact means (20, 21) are provided for contacting the metal housing (10) with a plug housing (6, 7), particularly with the plug housing (6, 7) of an RJ-45 plug (4, 5), and where at least one spring tab (20, 21) forming a single piece with the metal housing (10), or with a part (8, 9) of the metal housing, is provided as the contacting means (20, 21).

Abstract: An energy tracking and reporting system can receive data inputs from multiple sources regarding one or more properties. A central database receives the information and correlates the information for numerous outputs. Information received by the central database can include, for example, property location, property size, property type and property use. Also, occupancy information, energy sources, utilities servicing the property, weather, ISO, environmental guidelines, and the traded or other standard price for the utilities can be stored. The system can calculate a number of factors from the data and return values to the central database. The system can track data trends and store additional information for budgeting, user reporting and certification compliance reporting. Modules can analyze the market rates, calculate efficiency benchmarks, analyze the data stored on the central database and provide the user with multiple tables and charts analyzing all of the factors that tie into energy usage.

Abstract: The invention concerns a structure for maintaining a body part, the structure consisting of assembled frame members, at least one of the frame members being a tubular beam (1) provided on the outside with at least a groove (7) extending longitudinally. The invention also concerns a template for drilling said beam.

Abstract: A process is provided for conversion of a feedstock, in particular a hydrocarbon feedstock such as methane or natural gas, in which a reactive mixture containing the feedstock is prepared and fed to a reaction zone. A reaction is initiated in the reactive mixture within the reaction zone so as to generate a conversion wave of increased temperature and pressure. The conversion wave is allowed to pass through the reaction zone, from where converted feedstock is recovered. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided. The process operates with a high conversion and selectivity to desirable products and is particularly suitable for the conversion of methane to carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: Proton conductive fullerene materials are incorporated in minor amounts into various polymeric materials to enhance the low relative humidity proton conductivity properties of the polymeric material. The resulting proton conductors may be used as polymer electrolyte membranes in fuel cells operative over a wide range of relative humidity conditions and over a wide range of temperatures from below room temperature to above the boiling point of water.

Abstract: A virtual private network includes an internet protocol (IP) network and a public switched telephone network (PSTN). An enterprise gateway is operably connected to the IP network. The enterprise gateway is operably connected to a switch of the PSTN through a direct access line (DAL). The set-up signaling for virtual private network calls and the calls themselves are transported across the internet protocol network and the public switched telephone network through the direct access line.

Abstract: An electric sparking drill and a method for using the same to drill a hole in a workpiece where at least one of a voltage applied to an electrode, the conductivity of a liquid applied between the electrode and the workpiece during drilling, and a gap between the electrode and the workpiece are controlled to create the desired hole in the workpiece. The electric sparking drill and a method for using the same to drill a hole in a workpiece also improve the hole operation and/or the quality of the hole made by operating at the arcing voltage, including a touch stop function, including a sacrificial electrode, and/or including a guide member function.

Abstract: Roof structures including safety stanchions for mounting directly to the roof of a building are disclosed. One disclosed safety stanchion has a cross-shaped base for mounting the stanchion on the surface of a roof or glass skylight supported by crisscrossing rafters and purlins. Another roof structure includes safety stanchions having inelastically deformable and replaceable components, crisscrossing rafters and purlins for supporting a roof surface and a structural member for supporting the rafter(s). This roof structure defines an opening extending through the rafter for receiving the stanchion's rigid elongated base which extends through the opening and is attached at its lower end to the structural member supporting the rafter(s).

Abstract: Safety stanchions for supporting a safety cable and the like are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment includes a tapered tubular post having a lower end for attachment to a support base at an oblique angle and an upper end for supporting the safety cable. A unique base or base assembly for mounting a stanchion upon a structural member such as an I beam is also disclosed. Various unique safety stanchion apparatus and methods for mounting safety stanchions to concrete floors, beams and girders and other concrete structures are also shown.

Abstract: Safety stanchions for supporting a safety cable and the like include a tapered tubular post having a lower end for attachment to a support base at an oblique angle and an upper end for supporting the safety cable. A unique base or base assembly for mounting a stanchion upon a structural member such as an I beam is also provided. Various unique safety stanchion apparatus and methods for mounting safety stanchions to concrete floors, beams and girders and other concrete structures are also provided.

Abstract: Method for screening for a non-hormone agent potentially useful to treat a hormone disorder The method involves contacting a potential agent with a system containing a cellular component and a translation factor. The component and factor interact with one another in an intact normal cell in a manner responsive to the hormone to cause a modulation of translation in the cell. The method involves determining whether the agent causes a modulation of translation by the component and the factor analogous to that which occurs in intact cells in response to the hormone.

Abstract: A safety stanchion for supporting a safety cable includes a tapered tubular post having a lower end for attachment to a support base at an oblique angle and an upper end for supporting the safety cable. The post preferably has a wall thickness of less than 0.125 inches, is frustoconically shaped and is made out of an energy absorbing, elastic-like steel such as A595 grade steel which in cooperation with the post's wall thickness and tapered, preferably frustoconical, shape is believed to render the post capable of in elastically deforming before it fails. A unique base or base assembly for mounting a stanchion upon a structural member such as an I beam, H beam or other structural beam having flange portions is also provided.