Abstract: The present description concerns a method of controlling an analog-to-digital converter, wherein most significant bits are determined by successive approximations implementing a first digital-to-analog converter and a second digital-to-analog converter. Further, least significant bits are determined by a time-to-digital conversion by applying a first ramp to the output of the first converter with a third digital-to-analog converter and by applying a second ramp to the output of the second converter with a fourth digital-to-analog converter. The variation direction of the first and second ramps is determined by the comparison of the outputs of the first and second converters at the end of the successive approximations.

Abstract: A turbine housing assembly includes a tubular piston disposed in a bore of a turbine housing and axially slidable between a closed position and an open position for blocking a nozzle by an amount dependent on axial positioning of the piston. A bypass control member is disposed in the turbine housing and is slidable between a no-bypass position closing a bypass passage and a open bypass opening the bypass passage. The piston is structured and arranged to slide relative to the bypass control member for a part of a full stroke of the piston from the closed position toward the open position thereof, and then to engage the bypass control member and cause the bypass control member to slide together with the piston as the piston further slides toward the open position thereof such that the bypass control member is moved toward the bypass position.

Abstract: A preform for attaching a holding member to an optical lens comprises a base constrained to rotate with the optical lens to be machined by a low melting point metal coupling layer cast in situ and a superstructure capped by a drive tool. The edge of the base is inwardly offset relative to the superstructure. This enables the coupling layer to form around it a bearing surface that can be gripped by the drive tool. The preform is used to attach holding members to optical lenses, in particular ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: A device for connecting a general traction cable and a bicycle, particularly applicable to ski-lifts, for hauling uphill bicycles or like machines, and in particular bicycles used for cross-country or off-the-highway cycling, outside the winter season. The device includes a towing part which is connected to the traction cable via an individual traction cable or individual traction bar. A towed part is connected to the bicycle and a safety device is provided for coupling the two towing and towed parts, with automatic connection by engagement of one of these two parts in the other. This coupling device includes, taking into account the effect of a tension regulator device, a disconnecting device operating on the towed part and releasing the cycle when the rider so desires and possibly in an automatic safety mode. The coupling device also includes an automatic disconnection device operating on the towing part and releasing the cycle when it deviates from the normal path or when it falls on the ground.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing and packaging soft cheese with a bloomed or washed rind, the cheese is packaged in a wrapper comprising a moisture-absorbing inside layer on the side in contact with the cheese and a moisture-proof outside layer. The cheese is then placed in a hermetically sealed box which is then pasteurized.

Abstract: A psychrometer or pick-up for measuring the content of water in a gas flow comprises a first sensor or probe for measuring the dry temperature of the gas and is arranged directly in the flow of gas, a second sensor or probe for measuring the wet temperature of the gas and is surrounded by a sheath of a material capable of absorbing a volatile liquid, the second sensor or probe with its sheath also being arranged in the flow of gas, a pair of screens mounted on opposite sides of the second sensor and the sheath for protecting the sheath against thermal radiation, and a wetting device, preferably formed by a dosing pump connected to a nozzle, for injecting successive doses of a predetermined amount of the volatile liquid directly into the interior of the sheath and onto the screens to prevent excessive and insufficient moistening of the sheath and the screens.