Abstract: The invention relates to a security-protected system for positioning by satellites, comprising a constellation of satellites (11) sending out positioning signals under the control of a set of ground stations (14). A user receiver of the said positioning signals comprises means for sending, to a ground station, a request calling for a key which is necessary for interpreting them, advantageously accompanied by a recopy of the positioning signals received. User servicing ground stations comprise means for receiving this request, calculating the position of the user and verifying whether the user possesses a privileged status, and means for addressing the said key to the user receiver, in the event that the verification is positive, this key further comprising means for interpreting the positioning signals with the aid of the key so as to deduce his own position therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are ester-containing fluid compositions, methods of making such compositions, and methods of using such compositions. The fluid compositions comprise a mix of branched and linear ester compounds, and the fluid compositions are characterized by certain performance limitations. The preferred method of making the fluid compositions enables the ester mix to be made in a one step process with little finishing required to obtain desirable performance characteristics.

Abstract: A structural cryogenic tank wall has an outer skin and an inner skin between which is a cavity containing a thermally insulative structure. The cavity is empty of any gas and contains at least one sensor for continuously verifying that the vacuum is maintained in order to monitor the structural integrity of the outer and inner skins and sealing of the cryogenic tank.

Abstract: A network for exchanging transactions between operators, includes a plurality of nodes, each of which includes a same number of inputs and outputs connected to operators or other nodes, and a mechanism for routing several transactions with a same destination towards different respective outputs, wherein each node comprises a routing table which associates one of the outputs of the node to each destination of a transaction.

Abstract: A testable electronic system includes testable elements having standardized test interfaces for organizing the elements in chains which behave like shift registers to ensure the exchange of test information. Each element are either a component including an identifier characterizing the behavior of the test of the component and accessible by the test interface of the component, or a switch for organizing a chain in sub-chains which can be individually selected through channels of the switch. The system includes master switches which define respective sub-sets of elements, a specific channel of each master switch being reserved to access an identifier characterizing the test organization of the associated sub-set.

Abstract: A weight scale in particular a bath room scale contains strain gauges. To make the scale of simple design while being reliable and precise a single bar has at its ends a load receiving plate and support base. At least two strain gauges are fastened to the bar and are sensitive to bending of the bar. At least one another strain gauge is fastened to the bar, this being sensitive to twisting of the bar.