Abstract: Hedge trimmers are provided. A hedge trimmer includes an elongated blade assembly; a housing comprising a base portion rotatably connected to a handle portion; a motor disposed in the housing and operable to actuate the elongated blade assembly; and an actuator disposed on the housing, wherein actuation of the actuator causes the motor to actuate the elongated blade assembly.

Abstract: A drain cassette for a dialysis unit has a fluid channel between venous and arterial connection ports, and a valve may controllably open and close fluid communication between a drain outlet port and the venous connection port or the arterial connection port. A blood circuit assembly and drain cassette may be removable from the dialysis unit, e.g., by hand and without the use of tools. A blood circuit assembly may include a single, unitary member that defines portions of a pair of blood pumps, control valves, channels to accurately position flexible tubing for an occluder, an air trap support, and/or other portions of the assembly. A blood circuit assembly engagement device may assist with retaining a blood circuit assembly on the dialysis unit, and/or with removal of the assembly. An actuator may operate a retainer element and an ejector element that interact with the assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for managing a transaction log which contains updates representing operations performed on a database replica in a network of disconnectable computers. The invention provides for compression of the log by the identification and removal of redundant updates. Log compression removes apparent inconsistencies between operations performed on disconnected computers, reduces storage requirements on each computer, and speeds up transaction synchronization when the computers are reconnected. The invention also provides for restoration of prior versions of database objects using the log.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for synchronizing transactions in a disconnectable network. Each transaction includes operations that were performed on a database replica on one computer while that computer was disconnected from another computer and hence from that other computer's replica. Transaction synchronization, which occurs after the computers are reconnected, transfers information from each computer to the other computer and applies updates to both replicas as appropriate. Transaction logs and clash handling tools may be used with the invention.

Abstract: Sheet glass (2) is rendered fire resistant such that it will not shatter under a build-up of heat to 900.degree. C., by providing a thin coating (1) on one or both its surfaces, the coating being stable and adherent to the glass at up to 900.degree. C., the coating preferably comprising an oxide, nitride, oxynitride or fluoride of a metal or of silicon, or a metal silicide, the sheet having been toughened by tempering before or after coating and having its edges (3) ground and polished before the tempering step to remove all imperfections therefrom.

Abstract: A fuel control unit forms part of a control system of a gas turbine aeroengine. The control unit is in communication with a main fuel line leading to the aeroengine and comprises a fuel accumulator, i.e. volume varied by free piston, which is controllable by the control system to take fuel from the fuel line to reduce temporarily but substantially the mass flow of fuel to the aeroengine. This is helpful in combating surge conditions in the aeroengine caused by temporary overfueling of the aeroengine by the fuel control system.

Abstract: Surge conditions in the compressor of a gas turbine aeroengine can be automatically controlled by a surge control system in which compressor outlet pressure is monitored and a signal P corresponding to it is processed in a surge detector to determine the ratio P/P and to compare the value of the ratio with a predetermined reference value, surge correction control signals being outputted whenever a surge is detected. Surge is controlled as these signals actuate various units linked with the surge detector, these units achieving bleeding off of air from the compressor, reduction of the mass flow of fuel to the aeroengine, and maintenance of fuel ignition for a predetermined period.