Abstract: An electrical motor rotatably drives a motor shaft, and a helical rib radially extends from the shaft. The helical rib supports a number of balls, and forms a channel to accommodate the balls. The balls are dropped from the helical rib when the balls reach the bottom of the helical rib. Several targets are affixed to the shaft. A sensor is located adjacent to and apart from the shaft, and is positioned in close proximity to the targets. The sensor senses each target as each target rotates past the sensor. The number of targets sensed per revolution of the shaft is equal to the number of balls dropped from the helical rib per revolution of the helical rib. A counter in data communication with the sensor displays the number of targets sensed, and thus displays the number or balls dropped from the helical rib.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting the validity of configuration data and recovering configuration data in a computer system. A layout of present configuration data is detected in the computer system. The present configuration data is stored in a memory device which may be a non-volatile random access memory (“NVRAM”) device. Next, a layout of updated configuration data for the computer system is detected. The updated configuration data is stored within program code, such as a BIOS, which includes an updated configuration for the computer system. Next, the layout of the present configuration data is compared to the layout of the updated configuration data in the computer system. If the layout of the present configuration data matches the layout of the updated configuration data, then it is determined that the present configuration data is valid configuration data for the computer system.

Abstract: A method and computer system are provided for recovering program code in a memory device. A determination is made as to whether current program code stored in a memory device in the computer system is valid. The current program code may be current BIOS code for the computer system. If it is determined that the current program code is invalid, code stored in the memory device is executed to copy an image file from a storage device to a main memory in the computer system. The image file includes recovery program code for the memory device. The current program code in the memory device is then updated with the recovery program code from the main memory. Prior to updating the current program code, a flag is set indicating that the current program code needs to be updated. A boot of the computer system is then initiated from the image file and upon detecting the flag, the boot of the computer system is interrupted.

Abstract: The switched power converter comprises a first rectifier module (11-1) connected to a first capacitor (11-2) that, in turn, is connected to an excitation module (11-3) that applies a voltage to some input terminals (PT-1, PT-2) of a piezoelectric transformer (PT).

Abstract: An apparatus is described wherein for a device for controlling the flow of fluid. A housing having an inlet for receiving the fluid, an outlet for discharging the fluid, and a bore connecting the inlet to the outlet is provided. A piston is disposed in the bore and has a through bore for permitting the flow of the fluid through the piston. A valve member is disposed in the bore of the piston and adapted to engage an internal surface of the piston to block fluid flow through the piston and therefore through the housing, the piston responding to an increase in pressure at the outlet as a result of the fluid flow for moving in a direction toward the valve member until the valve member engages the piston surface to restrict fluid flow. A stop member is disposed in the housing and extends into the bore of the piston for stopping movement of the piston after it engages the valve member.

Abstract: Pyrrole derivatives of formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom, a linear or branched C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, a C.sub.3-6 alkenyl group, a C.sub.1-4 alkoxymethyl group, benzyl, a phenyl group optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkyl radicals, a CO.sub.2 R group in which R represents a linear or branched C.sub.1-4 alkyl radical, phenyl or benzyl, or a CONR'R" group in which R' and R" each represent, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C.sub.1-4 alkyl radical,R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a linear or branched C.sub.1-4 alkyl group,and R.sub.3 represents a 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl or 1H-imidazol-4-yl group, and their addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable acids are useful in therapeutics as .alpha..sub.2 -antagonists, and .alpha..sub.1 -agonists.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for permitting a user to load an IUD into an IUD inserter within the confines of a tray and thereafter to safely insert the IUD into a patient's uterus to the proper depth while minimizing the risk of causing trauma to the uterine wall. An IUD inserter comprises an elongate shaft adapted to retain the arms of an IUD adjacent the distal end of the shaft, a slidable arm retainer mounted on the shaft adaptable to abut the outer portion of a patient's cervix, and a stop member adjustably mounted on the shaft so that the arm retainer is forced by the outer portion of a patient's cervix to abut the stop member as the IUD is advanced through the cervical canal of a patient to a preselected depth at the uterine fundus. An associated package permits an IUD having expandable arms thereon to be loaded into an arm retainer within the confines of the package immediately prior to insertion of the IUD into a patient's uterus.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes an upper and a midsole which is disposed in a conventional manner below the upper. The midsole includes an elastomeric material and has a number of spaced-apart horizontal tubes extending the width of the midsole which are encapsulated in the elastomeric material. The tubes are hollow and lay side by side in a direction either perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shoe, parallel to the axis, or in any other direction functional for foot and shoe mechanics. The elastomeric material has a hardness less than the tubes and fills the space between the tubes. To visualize the midsole, a transparent window may be utilized.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for permitting a user to load an IUD into an IUD inserter within the confines of a tray and thereafter to safely insert the IUD into a patient's uterus to the proper depth while minimizing the risk of causing trauma to the uterine wall. An IUD inserter comprises an elongated shaft adapted to retain the arms of an IUD adjacent the distal end of the shaft, a slidable arm retainer mounted on the shaft adaptable to abut the outer portion of the patient's cervix, and a stop member adjustably mounted on the shaft so that the arm retainer is forced by the outer portion of a patient's cervix to abut the stop member as the IUD is advanced through the cervical canal of a patient to a preselected depth at the uterine fundus. An associated package permits an IUD having expandable arms thereon to be loaded into an arm retainer within the confines of the package immediately prior to insertion of the IUD into a patient's uterus.