Abstract: A method and system (100) for enhancing the determination of the presence of a surface breaking or subsurface defect with an object (114) under test are provided (FIG. 1). The method can include transferring ultrasonic energy to an object (114) under test and sensing images (514, 514?) of the object (114) under test before and after transferring ultrasonic energy to the object (114) with an infrared thermography camera (112). An increase in temperature gradients in the areas adjacent a defect (516, 516?) is shown in the images (514, 514?) produced by the camera (112), which indicates the presence of the defect (516, 516?). The temperature gradients in the area of the defect (516, 516?) and images of the defect (516, 516?) can be displayed to enable users to determine the temperature gradient and thus the extent of the defect (516, 516?). Digital images (514, 514?) of the before and after transferring ultrasonic energy can be superimposed (514?) to identify and illustrate the defect (516?).

Abstract: An apparatus for wavelength multiplexing optical signals, wherein the apparatus includes at least one optically conductive sleeve, at least one collimating lens positioned to receive a optical signal from the at least one sleeve, and at least one dichroic splitter positioned to receive the optical signal from the at least one collimating lens. A filter may further be positioned to receive the optical signal from the at least one dichroic splitter in order to further filter the optical signal. The apparatus for wavelength multiplexing is configured to provide optical isolation of at least 75 dB via the combination of the at least one dichroic splitter and filter elements.

Abstract: So that the electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell in the inlet area of the fuels does not dry out, a humidity circuit is provided on the cathode side and/or anode side, by means of which e.g. a fluid entering the cell on the cathode side is first humidified, so that the membrane itself no longer discharges any humidity to the fluid, but can absorb it if required and thus does not dry out.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a rectilinear motion circuit-breaker, for performing an open-close-reopen cycle, and operating on an operating rod of the circuit-breaker and including closing and opening springs. The opening spring operates on the operating rod. The closing spring operates on a crank end whose other end is connected to a shaft fastened to a flywheel and on which is mounted a closing cam cooperating with a roller on the operating rod. A closing pawl retains the closing spring in a compressed position, opening the closing pawl releasing the closing spring to rotate the cam, thereby closing the circuit-breaker and rearming the opening spring. A rearming motor couples to the shaft by a freewheel. A pawl triggers opening retaining the operating rod against force of the opening spring in the closed position of the circuit-breaker and is adapted to receive an opening command.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a microcomposite powder comprising: flat graphite particles GLP having sides from 50 to 1000 &mgr;m and a thickness from 5 to 50 &mgr;m, consisting of agglomerates of more elementary graphite particles joined together and superimposed so that their principal planes are mutually parallel, said particles being covered with particles of a fluoropolymer from 0.1 to 0.5 &mgr;m in size.

Abstract: A method and device for carrying out electrofiltration. Electrofiltration is a commonly known method, which is frequently used in industry for purifying suspensions, such as wastewater resulting from manufacturing processes. Conventional devices used for carrying out electrofiltration have the drawback that large amounts of expensive metals such as titanium, gold, iridium, platinum, and the like have to be used as counter-electrodes to the membrane electrodes. The method and device improve the filtration results compared to those of conventional filtration methods and modules without requiring the use of large amounts of expensive metals for the counter-electrodes. To this end, in the method the membrane electrodes are displaced, and a device carries out the method. The method and device can be used for separating substances.

Abstract: Flow regulators for implantable drug delivery devices (100) and drug delivery devices produced therewith. Implantable drug delivery devices (100) employing diffusion, osmosis, electrodiffusion, electroosmosis, or a combination of one or more of these for driving one or more drugs therefrom are provided with cover members (126, 128) for varying at least one of an effective cross-sectional area and transport characteristics through which fluids diffuse or osmose. The cover members may be remotely actuated from a location outside of an implantation site after implantation of a device.

Abstract: A coupler apparatus for use with tendon-receiving duct in a segmental precast concrete structure including a coupler body having an interior passageway for receiving the duct therein. The coupler body has a generally U-shaped channel formed at one end thereof. The coupler element has a connector element formed on interior thereof adjacent one end of the coupler body so as to allow the coupler element to receive a variety of implements for the formation of the precast concrete segment.

Abstract: The invention features devices and methods for treatment of pain. The drug delivery device is a drug delivery system adapted for whole implantation in a subject and to provide pain relief by delivery of fentanyl or a fentanyl congener (e.g., sufentanil) over a protracted period of time (e.g., at least 3 days or more than 3 days). The device comprises a housing defining a reservoir that contains a drug formulation, a pump operatively connected to the housing so as to facilitate movement of drug out of the reservoir and out of the device, and a thermal expansion element which defines a flow pathway comprising a thermal expansion channel to accommodate thermal expansion of formulation in the reservoir. The device can further comprise a valve positioned within the flow pathway so as to prevent movement of drug out of the reservoir prior to use.

Abstract: Septic systems are treated with alkane-utilizing bacteria. Alkanes such as butane are injected into septic system wastewater in order to enhance growth of alkane-utilizing bacteria which degrade wastes. Aerobic processes may be achieved by injecting an oxygen-containing gas into the septic system. Alternatively, anaerobic processes may be used. The alkane and oxygen-containing gas may be injected at any suitable stage of the septic system, such as injection into a septic tank, drainfield and/or grease or oil interceptor tank.

Abstract: A system and method for providing compliance verification information in the field of network security, is disclosed. The software system, which is designed to be modular, provides compliance verification information with respect to a security policy. Each level of verification may be performed on a local basis, with respect to a network device, or on a global basis, with respect to multiple network devices, such as a communications network.

Abstract: A method of modifying the geometric orientation of a digital image in an image acquisition apparatus adapted to acquire an image in one amongst several different orientations and to store said image in the form of a compressed file, comprises the steps of acquiring an image in a chosen orientation; identifying the chosen orientation; converting said image into a digital image; spectral transformation (E10) of the digital image, determination (E12-E15) of a geometric transformation to be applied to the image acquired as a function of the chosen orientation; application (E16-E18) of the geometric transformation determined to symbols associated with spectral coefficients issuing from the spectral transformation; recording (E20), in the compressed file, two indicators representing a normal or reverse order of the symbols respectively in two directions of the digital image; and coding (E21) of the digital image in the compressed file. Use notably in a digital photographic apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment device, in particular a front attachment device, for attaching a turbo engine (1) to an aircraft pylon including an upper brace (12, 12′) fitted with rigid fastening means to the pylon, a first (16) and a second (18) connecting rods, each connected to the engine, via a first ball joint connection (161, 181; 161′, 181′), on the one hand, and to the upper brace (12, 12′) via a second ball joint connection (165, 185; 165′, 185′), on the other hand. The device is characterised in that each connecting rod (16, 18) includes a third stand-by link (167, 187; 176′, 187′).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rear attachment suspension or device of a turbo engine (1) to an aircraft pylon including an upper brace (12) fitted with pylon fastening means, whereon are hinged by second ball joint connections (163, 183), three rocker bars transversal to the longitudinal axis of the engine, a first (16) and a second (18) rocker bars on both sides of the axis of the engine and a third rocker bar (17) between both of them, the rocker bars being themselves linked with the engine by first ball joint connections (161, 181). The suspension is characterised in that the first (16) and second (18) rocker bars each include a third (167, 187) stand-by link and in that the upper brace (12) is formed of a beam (120) fixed rigidly to the pylon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension of the turbo fan engine to an aircraft pylon, including a fitting (12) arranged to be attached to a pylon, a lever (15) fastened in its central portion (150) to the fitting via a linking means with a pivot pin (150P), and two thrust rods (20, 22) each connected by an end to the lever and including at the other end of the fastening means to the engine. It is characterised in that said linking means is composed on said central portion (150) of the lever, of two parallel branches (151, 152) apart from one another, and on the fitting, of a central fastening tab (133), whereas the fastening tab and both branches are held together by dint of said pivot pin (150P).

Abstract: A process for preparing alkyllithium compounds by reacting a sodium-lithium alloy with alkyl halides at temperatures of about 50 to 125° C.

Abstract: System for transporting and elevating coins in prize recreational machines, being of the type of prize recreational machine that functions by introducing coins and awarding cash prizes, in such a way that the system for transporting and elevating coins comprises a pair of continuous elastic transporter belts (4) and (5) guided by some cylindrical bodies, with at least one of the cylindrical bodies for guiding the pair of continuous transporter belts acting as a drive element due to the corresponding motor transmitting movement to it, in such a way that a first continuous elastic transporter belt (4) is mounted between a pair of cylindrical bodies (6) and (7) aligned in a vertical position, while the second continuous elastic transporter belt (5) is mounted between an upper cylindrical body (8) and a pair of lower cylindrical bodies (9) and (10).

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for printing an image on a substrate. An image is printed onto a carrier substrate that has been coated with a receptive layer having at least two layers: a transferable skin layer and an absorptive layer. The image is then transferred to a final substrate using heat and pressure.

Abstract: A system for recording information relating to a document, which is accessible via a computer communication network, operates by extracting key words associated with the document, associating a binary code with each extracted key word to form associations, storing the associations in a dictionary, and storing an electronic address (URL) of the document and the binary codes in association with each other in an information storage unit of a user.

Abstract: A method for acquiring and storing schedule event information in an interactive television system. The schedule event information includes events and a start time and date for each of the events. The method includes creating a window defined by a start time and date and an end time and date and receiving the schedule event information at a receiving station. The schedule event information is stored for events having a start time and date within the window. The method further includes automatically moving the window forward relative to the start time and date at a specified interval such that the end time and date of the window are always after a current time and date. A system for acquiring and storing schedule event information is also disclosed.