Abstract: A switched-mode AC-DC converter intended to deliver a DC output voltage Vout between a first output terminal and a second output terminal, the converter comprising at least one conversion chain intended to convert an AC input voltage applied between an input terminal and a neutral point, the conversion chain comprising: a first output capacitor comprising one terminal connected to the first output terminal and another terminal connected to a second terminal of the input switch, a second output capacitor with the same capacitance as the first output capacitor and with a higher capacitance than the capacitance of the link capacitor, the second output capacitor comprising one terminal connected to the second output terminal and another terminal connected to the second terminal of the input switch.

Abstract: A switched-mode AC-DC converter intended to deliver a DC output voltage Vout between a first output terminal and a second output terminal, the converter comprising at least one conversion chain intended to convert an AC input voltage applied between an input terminal and a neutral point, the conversion chain comprising: a first output capacitor comprising one terminal connected to the first output terminal and another terminal connected to a second terminal of the input switch, a second output capacitor with the same capacitance as the first output capacitor and with a higher capacitance than the capacitance of the link capacitor, the second output capacitor comprising one terminal connected to the second output terminal and another terminal connected to the second terminal of the input switch.

Abstract: The invention provides a frame (12) of a hack-saw (10) and, particularly, the handle formation (14), defines shoulder formations (22) that define a linear edge (24) on opposite sides of the extension formation (16), the operative external edge (26) of the extension formation (16) extending perpendicularly with respect of the shoulder formations (22). As such, the frame (12) of the hack-saw (10) can be used as a conventional L-square.

Abstract: A process as disclosed for constructing a furnace for open chambers for baking carbonaceous blocks, comprising arranging a plurality of chambers in a series or in two parallel series, each chamber being defined by lateral partitions and transverse partitions, disposing the plurality of chambers within an independent concrete casing formed by a floor and lateral wall portions having disposed thereof a plurality of vertical buttresses and compressively prestressing the vertical buttresses in the vertical direction. A horizontal force may also be applied to the upper part of the transverse partitions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for optimizing combustion in a furnace which has open chambers, referred to as a ring furnace, for the baking of carbonaceous blocks, the furnace comprising a plurality of preheating, baking and cooling chambers which are aligned in series, each chamber being formed by the alternating juxtaposition of hollow heating partitions in which the combustion gases circulate and compartments in which the carbonaceous blocks to be baked are stacked, the combustion gases being extracted by a suction pipe connected by delivery tubes to each of the heating partitions of the first natural preheating chamber.

Abstract: A digital data pack transmission system is especially--but not exclusiveluseful in videotex or teletext transmission (i.e. videotext or teletext data is transmitted during intervals between segments of video signals). The inventive system uses a continuous transmission carrier. A plurality of data packs are individually included in each block of data which is periodically transmitted. Dummy packs are used to fill the blocks, if less than a full complement of packs is required. The time periods available for the transmission of blocks of data are exactly equal to or a little longer than the maximum length of the transmitted blocks. The beginning of each data block has a synchronization bit pattern which is constituted by a "bit sync" byte followed by a "byte sync" byte. Except for the synchronizing pattern, the signals are scrambled before transmission and descrambled upon receipt and recognization of the data.

Abstract: The heating apparatus according to the invention concerns open circulatory-firing baking furnaces comprising an assembly of chambers which are heated by gases which circulate in hollow partitions (7, 19, 25) which divide the chambers into compartments. The hot gases are produced by fuel injection means (13, 17) which are placed in the upper part of the partitions.In accordance with the invention, instead of the fuel injectors (13, 17) being placed in the same direction as the flow of combustion-supporting gas, the injectors (26, 29) are placed countercurrent, which permits the temperature distribution and the accuracy of the control action to be substantially enhanced.The apparatus is applied in particular to baking carbon anodes which are used in aluminum electrolysis cells.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting a bis-(diol) terephthalate to dimethyl terephthalate, by interchange in a methanol medium in the presence of magnesium methylate as catalyst. In this way dimethyl terephthalate may be regenerated from scrap of polyterephthalate or copolyterephthalate filaments or films, for the purpose of manufacturing fresh polyterephthalates or copolyterephthalates which can then be used for the manufacture of, for example, filaments or films.

Abstract: Artificial habitats for rearing aquatic fauna and the like. The habitats comprise a plurality of structures deposited on the bed of a body of water. Each structure comprises longitudinal members of thermoplastic material characterized by a helicoidal shape and a density from 1.2 to 2.0 g/cm.sup.3.