Abstract: The network of the inventnion, of the type with star cabling, comprises a distribution center to which are connected by cable subscribers each having a remote control unit. The center comprises a video bus connected to the various program sources, this bus being connected to selection modules (M1 to MN) the number of which is equal to that of the subscribers and which are remotely controlled by these subscribers. A microcomputer monitors the legality of the connections established.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a pad (20) pressed against the wall of a borehole (12), the pad comprising a plurality of detecting devices (42, 43, 44, 45) disposed in alignment along the longitudinal direction of the borehole. Each detecting device includes a housing (112, 113) having complementary ends fitted with electrical connectors. The end of one housing (112) is extended by first skirts (117, 118) suitable for interfitting between second skirts (121) of the complementary end of the housing (113) of an adjacent detecting device. An annular element (111) and screws (120, 122) fixed to complementary ends together thus constituting a rigid pad (20) which can be disassembled.

Abstract: A connector assembly for printed circuit boards, comprises a first connector element with a first housing of insulating material and regularly arranged male signal and ground contacts connectable to a printed circuit board, and a second connector element with a second housing of insulating material, which can be inserted with an insertion side into the first housing, and with regularly arranged female signal and ground contacts with a connection element. These female contacts will contact the corresponding male contacts when the second housing is received in the first housing. The second connector element is provided with a plurality of outer conductors, each of said outer conductors mainly enclosing at least one signal contact in a circumferential direction and each of said outer conductors being adapted to contact the adjacent ground contacts of the/each corresponding signal contact of the first connector element.

Abstract: A device for measuring the brightness of a surface includes a light source to send an incident beam onto the surface and a polarizer and two analyzers one for analyzing the reflected light and the other for analyzing the diffuse reflection from the surface at a selected point of incidence; light-sensitive photodetector means are provided to receive light from the analyzers; the incident light impinges on the surface under examination at an angle of between 0.degree. and 90.degree. with the incident beam polarization being perpendicular to the plane of incidence; the analyzers are located to differentiate between parallel and perpendicular polarization to provide differences in the assessment of specular and diffuse brightness.

Abstract: There is disclosed a scroll-type machine particularly suited for use as a refrigerant compressor and incorporating an improved lubrication system for the drive.

Abstract: The method for the inlaying of color video images consists on the one hand in generating a switching signal, or dividing key, applying a gain on the image points belonging to the contour of the subject to be inlaid, in proportion to the distance value (DIST) between the color of the point and that of the back-ground, and on the other hand in carrying out a mixing of the source image and a new background image which is a function of the value of the dividing key signal at the point in question and such that the values of the source signal and of the new background signal are fixed at constants over the width of the contour.

Abstract: A grip for the performance of tensile tests on elongated specimens such as steel wires, wherein at least the face of the grip which has an engagement with the elongated specimen is provided with roughnesses. These roughnesses are virtual pyramids in shape, which at no point show an angle which is smaller than 100.degree.. For preference the roughnesses have the form of truncated pyramids with an upper surface area of at least 0.0025 mm.sup.2. Wear and breakages in the grip are considerably reduced.

Abstract: A turbocharger includes a compressor wheel and shaft assembly in which a threaded connection is provided between the shaft and the compressor wheel. A pair of pilot surfaces on the shaft and on the compressor wheel are located on either end of the threaded sections of the shaft and compressor wheel, and are displaced radially from the threads. Accordingly, the piloting functions which assure concentricity between the shaft and compressor wheel are kept entirely separate from the attachment function provided by the threads, thereby permitting the concentricity between the compressor wheel and shaft to be held to tighter tolerances than would be possible if the threads also performed a piloting function.

Abstract: In a deflection apparatus which corrects for inside barrel distortion, a horizontal deflection winding and a retrace capacitance form a retrace resonance circuit during a retrace interval. A trace capacitance forms a trace resonant circuit with the deflection winding during the trace interval. A circuit branch, that includes a second capacitance and an inductance, is coupled to the deflection winding, during the trace interval. The circuit branch forms a second resonant circuit with the trace capacitance having a resonance frequency that is higher than a frequency of a deflection current in the deflection winding. A current in the circuit branch, that is modulated in a vertical rate, modulates the deflection current in a manner to reduce inside barrel distortion.

Abstract: A process for producing unagglomerated single crystals of aluminum nitride of low oxygen content having a size of at least 10 microns suitable for the reinforcement of metal, ceramic and polymeric matrix composite materials, and especially metal matrix materials. The process involves producing a reaction mixture of alumina (or a precursor), carbon (or a precursor), and an alkali metal oxide (or precursor such as a carbonate) as a crystal growth promoter or catalyst. The alkali metal oxide is present in an amount required for the formation of crystals of the required size, preferably in the range of 10-60 microns. The reaction mixture is subjected to a preheating step under nitrogen at a temperature in the range of 1600.degree.-1700.degree. and is then subjected to a heating step under nitrogen at a temperature in the range of 1800.degree.-1950.degree. C. This two-stage heating process ensures that the resulting crystals are of low oxygen content and thus good thermal conductivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a color image by transfer of at least one distinctively colored color image from a corresponding support therefor onto a single carrier support using a transfer cylinder for each color image for receiving on its periphery in a fixed location the image-carrying support and transport means carrying a register strip provided with register holes and attached to the leading end of the carrier support along a path tangential to the transfer cylinder periphery, the transfer cylinder including registering pins movable radially thereon between a retracted inoperative position and an operative projected position projecting outside the cylinder periphery for engagement with the register holes as the register strip arrives at the cylinder. After registration, the image-carrying support and carrier support are pressed together progressively along their length to transfer the image to the carrier support. The sequence is repeated at the transfer cylinder for each color image.

Abstract: A valve comprising a valve body (1) provided with two openings (2, 3) each fitted with a flange (4, 5) for connection to pipework, and a moving valve member (6) for closing one of the two openings (3), said opening including a valve seat (26) whose profile corresponds to that of the valve member, said valve member (6) including means (14, 8, 9, 24) for displacing it towards its seat, the valve being characterized by the fact that said valve member (6) or its seat (26) is made of a shape memory alloy treated in such a manner that the shape memory effect is reversible, said piece (6, 26) made of shape memory alloy including channels (27, 31) enabling it to be fed with fluids for changing its state, thereby causing the said piece (6, 26) made of shape memory alloy to expand or contract as appropriate.

Abstract: A counter/divider dividing an input frequency (F1) by 2.sup.q+n +1/2, comprises a first divider by 2.sup.q (30) receiving the signal to divide of a frequency F1 and provides 2.sup.q+1 outputs at the frequency F1/2.sup.q out of phase the ones to the others of 360.degree./2.sup.q+1 ; a multiplexer (32) having a control terminal (34) and sequentially providng at its output (33) each of said 2.sup.q+1 outputs each time a control signal is applied; and a second divider by 2.sup.n (31) receiving the output (33) of the multiplexer and providing the desired output (34) of the counter/divider, this output being applied to the control terminal of the multiplexer.

Abstract: o-Hydroxyohenyl-s-triazines containing suitable functional groups are incorporated in polymers by copolymerisation, copolycondensation, copolyaddition or by polymer-analogous reaction. The modified polymers so obtained have excellent stability to degradation induced by light, oxygen and heat. They can also be used as stabilisers.

Abstract: An electrochemical battery having high energy per unit mass, and in particularly a lithium and thionyl chloride battery, comprising a stack (10) of positive and negative electrodes within a housing (2) closed by a cover (3), two metal terminals connected respectively to said positive electrodes and said negative electrodes passing through the stack and emerging from said cover, the battery being characterized by the fact that one of said terminals (24) is in the form of a hermetically closed tube (30) lined internally with a capillary structure, filled with a heat-conveying fluid, and passing through the bottom (7) of said housing to be in contact with a cooling means (33), said terminal thus constituting a heat pipe for said battery.

Abstract: The relay base of the invention comprises a receive antenna connected to a receiver coupling member associated with receiver members connected to respective digital processing units. The digital processing units are connected to transmitter members via link lines each of which is associated with one of the digital processing units and all of the transmitted members via parallel connections, each transmitter member including a switching member causing one of the link lines to be put into communication with the associated transmitter member.

Abstract: A variable capacity rotary screw compressor having a rotor housing including a bore, an inlet, an outlet, a slide valve recess and rotors. Passive and active slide valves are mounted in the recess. Individual passive and active slide valve balancing units are connected to the passive and active slide valves respectively. A prime mover is connected to selectively regulate the position of the active slide valve. A first conduit is connected between the housing inlet and the passive and active slide valve balancing units and includes a first valve operable to either open or close the first conduit. A second conduit is connected in fluid communication between the outlet and the passive and active slide valve balancing units and includes a second valve operable to either open or close the second conduit. A first sensor provides a first signal proportional to suction pressure. A second sensor provides a second signal proportional to discharge pressure.

Abstract: A method for obtaining Global Positioning System (GPS) information for a required point on the earth's surface, the method comprising: positioning a GPS receiving antenna on a known point, beginning to record received GPS signals and thereafter continuously recording the signals, removably mounting the antenna on a rotary wing aircraft, moving the aircraft to a position proximate the required point, removing the antenna from the aircraft and positioning the antenna on the required point.

Abstract: Process for the production of a composite of metal oxides, according to which a metal alcoholate is hydrolysed in the presence of metal (hydr)oxide particles in order to convert the metal alcoholate into a metal (hydr)oxide gel enveloping the metal (hydr)oxide particles. Powders of a composite of metal oxides obtained by this process and ceramic materials obtained by sintering a powder of this type.