Abstract: The spacer has a cell memory, means for allocating a theoretical emission time to each cell, means of control for managing the cell memory, with the aid of an associated pointer memory, in such a way that the cell memory includes, for each virtual connection for which it contains cells, a list of locations where these cells are stored in first-in first-out mode, sorting means for ordering data elements each comprising a virtual connection identity and a sort key consisting of the theoretical time of emission of the cell contained in the start of list relating to said virtual connection, and for selecting at least one data element having a minimum sort key. Each cell emitted is contained in the start of list relating to a virtual connection identified in a data element selected by the sorting means.

Abstract: A method of making a powder for covering an ingot mold for the continuous casting of steel, in particular steels with ultra-low carbon content. The powder comprises a base powder and particles of at least one metal nitride, its free carbon content being between 0 and 1% by weight, the method comprising forming a slip of raw materials for the basis powder, at least one metal nitride and water and atomizing the slip to form a mist and drying the mist to form granules having diameters lying between 20 &mgr;m and 800 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An integral metal spacer for insulated glass units and method of fabricating the spacer. The spacer defines a substantially closed cross-section contour having a bottom surface, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of generally abutting inner surfaces. A gap may be defined between the adjacent inner surfaces. The three interior corners are defined by fully mitered sidewalls. A pair of bridges are provided to integrally interconnect the inner surfaces of adjacent spacer segments. The method of fabricating includes taking a roll of flat metal stock and completely punching all corner and other structures therein while the stock is planar; severing the punched stock into individual spacer members; roll-forming the individual members into a finished linear spacer piece; applying desiccant during roll-forming; applying sealant; thereafter folding the elongate member into a square spacer thereby locking the desiccant therein.

Abstract: A vibrating screed for processing a floor layer, more particularly a so-called vibrating beam, of the type including a vibrating board (2), a vibrating mechanism (3) cooperating with the vibrating board, and a handle (4) whereby the vibrating mechanism comprises an eccentric (7) seated in bearings (5-6) and a motor (8) for driving the eccentric, wherein the bearings and the eccentric are fixed in a split body by means of a clamping mechanism on the split body.

Abstract: A vibrating device for processing a floor layer. The device includes a vibrating board, a vibrating mechanism and a handle. The handle is attached to the vibration board with at least one clamping coupling. The clamping coupling includes at least two connecting elements, each having conical parts wherein one of the conical parts is adapted to fit within another of the conical parts. The clamping coupling further includes a tensioning device that is arranged to axially tighten the conical parts against each other.

Abstract: An integral metal spacer for insulated glass units and method of fabricating the spacer. The spacer defines a substantially closed cross-section contour having a bottom surface, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of generally abutting inner surfaces. A gap may be defined between the adjacent inner surfaces. The three interior corners are defined by fully mitered sidewalls. A pair of bridges are provided to integrally interconnect the inner surfaces of adjacent spacer segments. The method of fabricating includes taking a roll of flat metal stock and completely punching all corner and other structures therein while the stock is planar; severing the punched stock into individual spacer members; roll-forming the individual members into a finished linear spacer piece; applying desiccant during roll-forming; applying sealant; thereafter folding the elongate member into a square spacer thereby locking the desiccant therein.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid (HMB) in commercially viable amounts is disclosed. The reaction mixture cycles through an external heat exchanger while the primary reactant is added in a warmer so as to control and maintain a low temperature for the reaction mixture. The manufacturing process herein disclosed increases yield while decreasing reaction time from the synthetic processes currently practiced.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid (HMB) in commercially viable amounts is disclosed. The reaction mixture cycles through an external heat exchanger while the primary reactant is added in a warmer so as to control and maintain a low temperature for the reaction mixture. The manufacturing process herein disclosed increases yield while decreasing reaction time from the synthetic processes currently practiced.

Abstract: An adjustable clasp comprises a retainer body having an elongate cavity within which slides a strap having saw teeth. The retainer body includes a main generally non-deformable body from which extends a flexible tongue provided with pawls projecting into the cavity to engage the teeth of the strap, and at least one resilient wing facing the flexible tongue and engagable under pressure to disengage the pawls from the teeth of the strap. The retainer body has guide members on the main portion and second guide members close to the opposite end of the main body, to maintain the strap close to the pawls. The second guide members include a contact portion extending from the resilient wing at its end opposite the main portion of the retainer body.

Abstract: An attachment surface for an implantable device has a random irregular pattern formed through a repetitive masking and chemical milling process. Additionally, an attachment surface for an implantable device has a random irregular pattern formed through a repetitive masking and electrochemical milling process. The electrochemical milling process is particularly well suited for use with substrate materials which have high chemical inertness which makes them resistant to chemical etching. Surface material is removed from the implant surface without stress on the adjoining material and the process provides fully dimensional fillet radii at the base of the surface irregularities. This irregular surface is adapted to receive the ingrowth of bone material and to provide a strong anchor for that bone material. The unitary nature of the substrate and surface features provides a strong anchoring surface with is resistant to cracking or breaking.

Abstract: Various vascular filters are provided. In one aspect, a vascular filter is provided that includes a tubular sleeve and a core positioned in the sleeve that is axially deployable therefrom. A shape-memory wire is spiraled around the core and has a first portion unfurled from the core to define a hoop. The hoop is expandable from a retracted shape to a expanded shape when the core is deployed from the sleeve. A filter is provided that has a first end coupled to the core and a rim coupled to the hoop. The integration of the hoop with the shape-memory wire provides for excellent tip flexibility with enhanced resistance to structural failure.

Abstract: In order to sort data elements each including a sort key, storage means are organized according to a binary tree of 2n−1 nodes which are each able to contain an element and are distributed in n successive stages numbered from 0 to n−1, stage q containing nodes 2q to 2q+1−1. The elements are dispersed within the tree in such a way that each element contained in a node i has a smaller sort key than those of the elements contained in nodes 2i and 2i+1. The trees managed by m successive controllers each associated with a stage or with several consecutive stages of the tree (2≦m≦n), with n−1 interface registers between successive stages, among which those located between the controllers are pipeline registers allowing parallel working of the controllers so as to modify the contents of the tree upon exchange or insertion command propagated from stage 0 to stage n−1.

Abstract: An improved reeling device including a reel driven by an electric motor. The device further includes a hose having first and second ends and two electric conductors running along the entire length of the hose between the first and second ends of the hose. The hose is wound on the reel. The first end of the hose is connectable to a tool, and the second end of the hose is connected to the reeling device. The conductors at the second end of the hose extend from the hose such that one of the conductors is in communication with the motor and the other conductor is attached to a part of the reel device. A switch is connected to the conductors at a proximity of the first end of the hose and the switch is arranged to complete an electrical circuit.

Abstract: An acoustic silencer nozzle for ventilation and exhaust fans. The nozzle provides at least two converging exhaust paths, each of which extend through an area that is adjacent acoustically absorbing media or resonating chambers. In this manner, the noise is reduced at the nozzle or outlet portion and provides a tight plume of high velocity discharge flow. Preferably, the nozzle has at least one opening that allows for ambient atmospheric air to mix with the exhaust gases at the outlet of the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid (HMB) in commercially viable amounts is disclosed. The reaction mixture cycles through an external heat exchanger while the primary reactant is added in a warmer so as to control and maintain a low temperature for the reaction mixture. The manufacturing process herein disclosed increases yield while decreasing reaction time from the synthetic processes currently practiced.

Abstract: A seat back headrest support includes a socket having an axial bore which receives a rod of a headrest frame. An enlarged head is formed at one end of the socket with a spring biased latch carrier mounted to the head. A latch pin, rotatably mounted to the carrier, is urged radially against the rod. The pin engages the rod to maintain the headrest in an adjusted heighth position. A cap having a peripheral skirt covers the head and the latch carrier while an opening in the skirt permits access to the latch carrier for manual release of the pin from engagement with the rod.

Abstract: A roller screen is provided with an assembly for adjusting the spacing between the rolls simultaneously. The assembly includes an elongated bar is provided adjacent one end of the rolls and has a plurality of wedges slidably mounted thereon. Bearing support plates slidably mounted in a frame have v-shape wedge portions slidably engaging adjacent side surfaces of the wedges on said bar. In a preferred embodiment a plurality of computer assisted hydraulic cams selectively move the bar upwardly and downwardly to adjust engagement of the wedges and the spacing between the rolls. Preferably a spacing adjustment assembly is provided at both of the opposite ends of the rolls in the roller screen.

Abstract: A wheel cover retention system includes a plurality of apertures for registration with wheel lug nuts. A lug nut cap coupling member is carried in each aperture. The cap includes external threads which engage internal threads of the aperture and internal threads which engage external threads formed on the lug nut. The rotation of the caps relative to the wheel cover advances the caps into engagement with the lug nuts and continued rotation locks the caps in threaded engagement with the lug nuts. In an alternate embodiment, a threaded collar is snap fit into each aperture with the collar being locked against rotation and axial movement relative to the wheel cover. The external threads of the cap engage the threads of the collar. Limited translational movement of the collar within the aperture is permitted so that the caps can be adjusted relative to the wheel cover to facilitate registration of the caps with the lug nuts.