Abstract: A method for evaluating and/or compensating the acceleration offset in a combined accelerometer and gyroscope, wherein the evaluation or compensation is based on a quadrature signal delivered by the accelerometer.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope includes a proof mass (1); a spring suspension system (5, 6, 7, 8; 9) for suspending the proof mass; an electrical drive mechanism for vibrating the proof mass along a drive axis (x); and electrodes (2, 3) for building together with at least a part of the proof mass (1) a capacitance system for detecting moves of the proof mass along a sense axis (z) perpendicular to the drive axis. The gyroscope is arranged so that quadrature forces generate displacements of the proof mass without substantially displacing the neutral point (10) of the proof mass along the sense axis (z). This may be achieved by tilting the proof mass while keeping its neutral point at a constant position along the sense axis, or by applying a constant electrostatic force.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope comprising: a proof mass (1); a spring suspension system (5, 6, 7, 8; 9) for suspending the proof mass; an electrical drive mechanism for vibrating the proof mass along a drive axis (x); electrodes (2, 3) for building together with at least a part of the proof mass (1) a capacitance system for detecting moves of the proof mass along a sense axis (z) perpendicular to the drive axis. The gyroscope is arranged so that quadrature forces generate displacements of the proof mass without substantially displacing the neutral point (10) of the proof mass along the sense axis (z). This may be achieved by tilting the proof mass while keeping its neutral point at a constant position along the sense axis, or by applying a constant electrostatic force.

Abstract: A method for evaluating and/or compensating the acceleration offset in a combined accelerometer and gyroscope, wherein the evaluation or compensation is based on a quadrature signal delivered by the accelerometer.

Abstract: A method for preparing optionally substituted {N-[1-(S)-carbalkoxy-3-phenylpropyl]-S-alanyl-2S,3aR,7aS-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid} and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein a racemic mixture of optionally substituted trans-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid is reacted with the N-carboxyanhydride of {N-[1-(S)-alkoxycarbonyl-3-phenylpropyl]-L-alanine}, which is optionally substituted on the phenyl ring, in a suitable inert solvent, and subsequently the resulting optionally substituted {N-[1-S-carbalkoxy-3-phenylpropyl]-S-alanyl-2S,3aR,7aS-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid}, preferably trandolapril, is isolated, and polymorphic forms A and B of trandolapril.

Abstract: This switching device comprises at least one cell made up of a moving structure consisting in a flexible cantilever beam (14) and an integral screen (16) attached to said beam, being able to move between two end positions (A, B) and of actuating electrodes (20) for subjecting said structure to forces of attraction to control its movements. The electrodes (20) are located on each side of the beam (14) in such a way as to follow its exact shape when it is in one of its two end positions. A regular movement of the moving structure and a reliable operating of the switching device are thus obtained This invention may be used in optical switching applications.

Abstract: This switching device comprises at least one cell made up of a moving structure consisting in a flexible cantilever beam (14): and an integral screen (6) attached to said beam, being able to move between two end positions (A, B) and of actuating electrodes (20) for subjecting said structure to forces of attraction to control its movements The electrodes (20) are located on each side of the beam (14) in such a way as to follow its exact shape when it is in one of its two end positions. A regular movement of the moving structure and a reliable operating of the switching device are thus obtained This invention may be used in optical switching applications.

Abstract: The obturators can be actuated in order to modulate an incident beam (L). Microshutters (5) are attached to a substrate by means of fastenings opposing resistance to their rotation away from a rest position. The microshutters (5) are placed on optical paths (X--X) so as to be able to interrupt them or establish them. They are fitted out with reflecting surfaces (7) so as to deflect the light when they are in the blocking position. On each optical path (X--X) a supplementary reflecting surface (8), a diaphragm (6) and a focusing means (4) are placed. Thus, in line with its position, each microshutter can focus the light on the diaphragm (6) so as to allow it to pass or to deflect it in order to block it. The application thereof is in the transformation of a beam (L) into a modulated beam (Lm).

Abstract: The process notably consists of assembling by welding by means of a connecting layer (16) a first (10) and a second substrate (12) of a semiconductor material, of thinning the second substrate (12) and, for each of the transducers, of structuring this second thinned substrate (12) to form a network of orifices (24) and of defining the contour of the fixed electrode of the transducer, of etching the first substrate (10) to form the diaphragm (28) of the transducer, and of eliminating the part of the connecting layer (16) which is located between the diaphragm (28) and the network of orifices (24) to separate this diaphragm (28) from the fixed electrode.The invention has applications in the manufacture of transducers such as microphones.

Abstract: A device sensitive to a magnetic field (B) comprising a flap attached to a support by torsion hinges and a conductor. The conductor carries a current I and thus generates under the effect of a magnetic field a force which tends to cause the flap to turn about its hinge axis. The measurement of this rotation or of the compensation required to nullify the effect of the magnetic field (B) constitutes a measure of this magnetic field. Embodiments are disclosed having multi-turn conductors or ferromagnetic coatings instead of conductors on the flaps.

Abstract: A device comprising a field effect transistor having a floating gate 20 formed on a first surface of a substrate 10 over gate oxide 13a and source and drain regions 11, 12. A responsive layer 15 is provided on the second surface of the substrate and is capacitatively coupled to the floating gate via a thin insulating membrane 13b at a location away from the transistor. The device is applicable in the biomedical domain.

Abstract: Integrated accelerometers comprising a flap (2) fixed to a carrier (1) by two attachment means (3) which are disposed symmetrically and in line with one side of the flap. An electrode (5) deposited on a plate (4) permits acceleration to be measured by measuring the corresponding variation in capacitance between the flap (2) and the electrode (5).