Abstract: An isolated dual power source system for isolating a first power source of a vehicle, connected to an engine starter, from a second power source of the vehicle which has an electrical circuit for distributing electrical power among the consumers, includes first and second switches for selectively connecting the first and second power sources to the electrical circuit, respectively. The system may include a controller that independently and operatively connects to the first and second switches to control operation thereof for selective and respective isolation from the electrical circuit. A third switch connecting the second power source to the starter may be used to selectively provide power thereto and bypass the first power source to start the engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device comprising a bistable nematic liquid-crystal matrix screen with anchoring breaking, characterized in that it comprises: components (40) capable of switching between an off state and an on state, these components being placed respectively between a drive electrode (47) associated with each pixel and a display state control link (45); and means capable of applying, to the input of each aforementioned component (40), via the state control link (45), input signals comprising at least two phases separated by a controlled time interval, namely a first phase during which the input signal has an amplitude sufficient to permit breaking of the anchoring of the liquid crystal on the associated pixel, then a second phase during which the amplitude of the input signal is controlled in order to select one of the two bistable states of the liquid crystal, the time interval between the two phases being adapted in order to break the anchoring of the liquid crystal on the s

Abstract: A pipe formed from a concrete cylinder has an end ring with a ferrule which can be snuggly mounted on one end of the pipe and a skirt axially adjacent to the ferrule for receiving a mail endpiece of another pipe. The ferrule is expanded as it is mounted on the cylinder and exerts a compressive force against the outer peripheral face of the cylinder for forming a secure seal. A rib may be disposed on an inner annular surface of the ferrule and an adhesive may be applied for enhancing the seal between the cylinder and the ferrule.

Abstract: A ballast layer for a field emissive device includes a very thin layer of strongly doped nanocrystalline silicon and one or more moderately doped layers of an amorphous silicon-based material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe or the like comprising a concrete cylinder (2) having fitted onto one annular end (3) thereof a coaxial female end ring (4) comprising a skirt (6) defining a female endpiece (54) and a ferrule (5) for fastening to the cylinder (2). The ferrule (5) is in a state of circumferential elastic tension providing sealing relative to the cylinder (2) by applying pressure thereto which is distributed circumferentially in continuous manner. Sealing between the female end ring (4) and the cylinder (2) is thus reinforced.

Abstract: A web-based method and system for applying a legally enforceable signature of a user on an electronic document. The user accesses a web environment from a secure electronic system having verified his identity. Once in this web environment, the user is presented with a web-based representation of the document, and with legal disclosure and consent information related to the signing process. The user must agree with all of the information presented to him before his signature is applied to the document. A process log of the signing is kept for future reference.

Abstract: A method and system for a proponent to enable a correspondent to securely and electronically sign a document are disclosed. A proponent server is provided with a proponent application including secure approval tools for verifying or signing the document. A correspondent application is installed on a terminal of the correspondent. The correspondent application allows the correspondent to access the proponent application from his terminal, and use the approval tools for verifying or signing documents selected by the proponent. The document may then be securely transmitted back to the correspondent and securely printed at either end.

Abstract: The variable-flow feeder (1) of the invention is meant to be fitted in particular onto a milk bottle and comprises at the end of its nipple (2) a slit (3) with two arms (3a, 3b) subtending between them an angle, and is characterized in that the angle subtended by the two arms of the slit (3) is an obtuse angle .GAMMA. between 165.degree. and 95.degree. of which the vertex lies on the feeder axis, in that the lengths l.sub.1 and l.sub.2 (l.sub.1 >l.sub.2) of the slit arms form such a ratio l.sub.1 /l.sub.2 that it falls between a value of 1 and .delta., the value of .delta. increasing from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 4.5, when the angle .GAMMA. decreases from 165.degree. to 95.degree., said arms of the slit (3) being determined by cutting lines which do not remove material and issuing at their non-adjacent ends into a hole (4b, 4c) of small cross-section.