Abstract: A drive circuit for a motor having a plurality of phases, comprising an input for a DC signal and a plurality of phase outputs, the circuit being arranged to provide at each of the phase outputs, in use, current to one phase of the motor, in which there is provided a converter for each phase output, each converter being arranged to take as an input a DC signal and output an signal having an AC component with a higher voltage magnitude than that of the DC signal input to the converter. Typically, the converters comprise ?uk converters.

Abstract: A motor drive circuit comprises positive and negative input terminals for connection of the motor circuit to a DC supply, a DC link filter connected between the input terminals: an electric motor having at least two phases, a plurality of motor drive sub-circuits, each connected to a respective phase of the electric motor and which each control the flow of current into or out of the respective phase of the motor that has been drawn from the supply through the DC link filter, and a switching means provided in the electrical path between the DC link filter and the electric motor drive sub-circuits, the switching means being movable between a closed position in which it connects the DC link filter to the motor drive sub-circuits, and an open position which isolates the DC link filter from the motor drive sub-circuits.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for monitoring the quality of a data link in a 100 Mb Ethernet physical layer device. A link quality monitor detects operational values of data link parameters such as digital equalizer C1 coefficient, digital adaptive gain control, digital base line wander, recovered clock long-term frequency offset, and recovered clock frequency control. When an operational value of a data link parameter exceeds a high or low threshold value, the link quality monitor sends a drop link signal to cause the current data link to be dropped and a new data link established.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a motor having a plurality of phases, comprising an input for a DC signal and a plurality of phase outputs, the circuit being arranged to provide at each of the phase outputs, in use, current to one phase of the motor, in which there is provided a converter for each phase output, each converter being arranged to take as an input a DC signal and output an signal having an AC component with a higher voltage magnitude than that of the DC signal input to the converter. Typically, the converters comprise ?uk converters.

Abstract: A motor drive circuit comprises positive and negative input terminals for connection of the motor circuit to a DC supply, a DC link filter connected between the input terminals: an electric motor having at least two phases, a plurality of motor drive sub-circuits, each connected to a respective phase of the electric motor and which each control the flow of current into or out of the respective phase of the motor that has been drawn from the supply through the DC link filter, and a switching means provided in the electrical path between the DC link filter and the electric motor drive sub-circuits, the switching means being movable between a closed position in which it connects the DC link filter to the motor drive sub-circuits, and an open position which isolates the DC link filter from the motor drive sub-circuits.

Abstract: An anti-balling system for a crampon (10) to prevent balling and snow accumulation during snow and ice climbing includes a plate (46, 50) attached to the bottom of the crampon. The plate can be rigid and can have a lower surface (54, 58) formed of a material configured to prevent sticking of snow or ice to the lower surface of the plate. The plate can include at least one loop (62) integrally formed at a front of the plate to receive a front point (38) of the crampon. The plate can have a loop or window (96 or 232) to receive the center strap (22 or 220) of the crampon. The plate can be attached with bail ends (222 and 224) of a bail (214). The lower surface of the plate can include a plurality of protrusions (100) extending therefrom forming a plurality of raised section (104) and a plurality of edges (108) forming a nonskid surface configured to prevent the lower surface of the plate from sliding with respect to another object.

Abstract: An end protector for a working element of a road grading machine or the like. The working element includes a body portion having a plurality of holes therein for holding picks that work a road surface. The end protector is held in place through the use of a vacant pick hole of the working element by a fastening element that extends through the hole.

Abstract: A nucleotide acid sequence is provided encoding a protein having NAALAdase like activity NALADase activity has been found to be decreased in schizophrenic brain tissue. Its encoded protein can be used to screen for glutamate peptidase modulators.

Abstract: An anti-balling system for a crampon (10) to prevent balling and snow accumulation during snow and ice climbing includes a plate (46, 50) attached to the bottom of the crampon. The plate can be rigid and can have a lower surface (54, 58) formed of a material configured to prevent sticking of snow or ice to the lower surface of the plate. The plate can include at least one loop (62) integrally formed at a front of the plate to receive a front point (38) of the crampon. The plate can have a loop or window (96 or 232) to receive the center strap (22 or 220) of the crampon. The plate can be attached with bail ends (222 and 224) of a bail (214). The lower surface of the plate can include a plurality of protrusions (100) extending therefrom forming a plurality of raised section (104) and a plurality of edges (108) forming a nonskid surface configured to prevent the lower surface of the plate from sliding with respect to another object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a full length cDNA sequence that codes for a G-protein coupled receptor, as well as the complete gene and the encoded protein. The present invention provides a recombinant cell line expressing these receptors at appropriate levels such that novel compounds active at these receptors may be identified for therapeutic use. The receptor sequence described in this invention is a member of a novel GPCR receptor sub-family which has no known endogenous ligand. This cDNA can be used to identify novel compounds active at the receptor for therapeutic intervention especially in the field of CNS disorders, more in particular for the treatment of bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). The nucleotide sequence of this gene could he used for diagnostic purposes in psychiatric patients and susceptible populations.

Abstract: An end protector for a working element of a road grading machine or the like. The working element includes a body portion having a plurality of holes therein for holding picks that work a road surface. The end protector is held in place through the use of a vacant pick hole of the working element by a fastening element that extends through the hole.

Abstract: An elongate roof bolt includes a bolt body having an axially extending central bore and defining a leading end. The leading end includes a pair of axially extending abutment elements formed by machining. Each abutment element includes an abutment face for engagement with a drill tip on opposite sides thereof, to transmit rotary forces during drilling. The drill tip extends across the leading end of the bolt body and is bonded to the abutment elements by welding, soldering or brazing. The bore opens out of said bolt bonded adjacent said leading end.

Abstract: A carabiner includes an elongate extension formed generally into a prolate loop having a curved spine with an upper end and a lower end, an upper finger extending forwardly and downwardly from the upper end of the spine to terminate in a free end, a lower finger extending forwardly and upwardly in the shape of a hook to terminate in a free end, and an elongate pivot finger pivotally attached at a lower end to the free end of the lower finger to pivot between a closed position, in which an upper end of the pivot finger contacts the free end of the upper finger, and an open position, in which the upper end of the pivot finger is pivoted away from the free end of the upper finger toward the spine. The spine includes a fin or rib extending rearwardly therefrom, with the fin having a contact surface against which a person's thumb may rest when gripping the spine from the rear. This allows the person to orient, by feel, the carabiner for subsequent use.