Abstract: A knob for furniture consists of a knob head (2), on the underside of which a knob base (3) protrudes. The knob head and base include a hollow cavity(s) resulting in a reduction of material requirements in the manufacture of the knob. Within a central cavity (5) in the knob base (3), there is a threaded hole (7) to accommodate a fastener screw (8). The threaded bore is disposed at a distance from the underside end of the knob base creating the cavity which results in the material savings during manufacture.

Abstract: A knob (1) for furniture includes a knob top (4), on the under side of which a separate knob base (5) is connected. The knob top (4) and the knob base (5) are concentric and enclose an interior hollow space (6). A threaded bore (9) is formed in a central shaft (8) extending from the inner wall (7) of the knob top (4). A fastener (2) extends through a central hole (16) of the knob base (5) and is screwed into the threaded hole (9). The central protrusion (8) may be extended to be received with in the opening of the base (5).

Abstract: A billing and payment method and system for networks incorporating long latency in their systems architectures is provided. As a result of this method and system, it is possible for customers and users to experience virtual real-time access to a network incorporating long latency in its systems architecture and for the network operator to incorporate operating procedures and controls and customer payment procedures and financial controls customarily available in real-time environments. In particular, the present invention is advantageous where reconciliation of accounts and verification of account balances cannot be done in short amounts of time due to high latency of the transmissions. Also, pre-paid and/or post-paid debit and/or credit cards can be used for purchases of goods and services in an environment whereby real-time verification of balances would not otherwise be possible.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for analyzing code execution and software performance characteristics are disclosed. Samples of code during run-time can be displayed as both a top-down tree of calls from a particular function and a bottom-up tree of calls to the particular function. Data mining techniques, including filtering and focusing, remove code that is not of interest and display code that is more relevant to performance analysis. In particular, functions contained in libraries such as system libraries can be stripped from view. The cost associated with an excluded function can be propagated to a calling function, in either the top-down or bottom-up tree. The principles of the present invention can find particular usefulness with respect to analyzing crashlogs.

Abstract: Computerized system and method for coordinating business information flow to permit a provider of goods or services to prepare a project proposal including a price quote for a project requested by a customer.

Abstract: A safety system for a motor vehicle having an internal-combustion engine. Independent quantities are used for the engine control and for the monitoring of the engine control. Control of the internal-combustion engine is performed, for example, by way of an operating parameter characterizing the engine load. Preferably, monitoring of the engine control is integrated into a traction control system, in which case the desired value for a quantity characterizing the vehicle propulsion, such as the output torque, is transmitted by the engine control to the monitoring system, while the actual output torque is determined in the traction control system from the rotational wheel speed. If a fault is recognized in the traction control system during the continuous comparison of desired values and actual values, a signal is transmitted back to the engine control unit, to influence the engine control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety system for a motor vehicle having an internal-combustion engine. Independent quantities are used for engine control and for monitoring the engine control. Control of the internal-combustion engine is performed, for example, by way of an operating parameter characterizing the engine load, while monitoring of the engine control is performed by means of the output torque. Preferably, monitoring of the engine control is integrated into a traction control system, in which case desired and actual values for a quantity characterizing the vehicle propulsion, such as the output torque, are transmitted by the engine control to the monitoring system and are compared there for recognizing a fault. If a fault is recognized in the traction control system, a signal is transmitted back to the engine control unit, to influence the engine control.

Abstract: In an air supply arrangement for an internal combustion engine, particularly for motor vehicles having devices for cooling the engine and for supplying exhaust gas secondary air to the exhaust system of the engine, a single air pump driven by an electric motor is provided for supplying air to the engine cooling system and to the exhaust system and devices for switching the air flow supplied by the air pump to either the engine cooling system or the engine exhaust system are provided. A control unit is also provided which controls the electric motor depending on the amount and pressure of the air needed for the cooling system and the engine exhaust system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety system for a motor vehicle having an internal-combustion engine. Independent quantities are used for the engine control and for the monitoring of the engine control. The control of the internal-combustion engine takes place by way of an operating parameter indicative of the operating condition of the internal-combustion engine--such as the engine load. In contrast, the monitoring of the engine control takes place by means of a quantity indicative of vehicle propulsion, such as the vehicle output torque, which is determined on the basis of a rotational wheel speed. The desired values for the engine control and for the monitoring are determined from the accelerator pedal position. The detection of the corresponding actual values is based on independent input quantities.

Abstract: An immersion lamp for a photochemical reactor with a discharge tube fitted in an outer bulb through which an inert gas flows having a lamp bulb with axially opposite mechanically stable electric terminals is held and contacted in a holder in the outer bulb, and the outer bulb is tubular and has at least one open end projecting into a hollow space in a connector head to provide electric contact and a secure mechanical support; the open end of the outer bulb is surrounded by at least one elastic seal which is surrounded axially by two inelastic metal plates laid on it having cut-outs for the passage of the end of the outer bulb and screws; the pressure exerted by said screws deforms the elastic seal radially to such an extent that it seals against both the outer wall at the end of the outer bulb and the inner wall of the hollow space and secures the outer bulb centrally in the connection head.

Abstract: The decanting basket (1) comprises a holding bracket (6) adapted to hold an electrical battery (7), and an electrical source of light, namely an incandescent lamp (4). The latter is connected with the battery holding bracket (6) by way of a cable (5). The cable comprises an off-switch so positioned on the underside of the basket, to keep the circuit interrupted while the basket rests on a support surface, and to close the circuit as soon as the basket is lifted off its support surface, to have the incandescent lamp (4) transilluminate the neck of the bottle while the wine is poured out therefrom. This makes it simple to decant clear, clean wine, and to stop decanting as soon as a deposit appears in the neck.