Abstract: Improvements over existing data collection interfaces disclosed herein include, among other things, additional logic blocks (and associated timers, state machines, and registers) to off-load data collection and data processing prior to waking a microprocessor from a sleep mode. For example, an improved data collection interface collects a predetermined number of sensor values from a sensor while maintaining active a single communication session with the sensor over a pin of the interface. The microprocessor remains in the sleep mode for an entire duration of the single communication session. The data collection interface can reduce the likelihood of false starts of the microprocessor by using the logic blocks to verify that data meet preconditions prior to interrupting the microprocessor. The data collection interface can reduce the overall power consumption of a chip in which the microprocessor is integrated by a factor of at least about 2× (i.e., 50% reduction in power consumption).

Abstract: Improvements over existing data collection interfaces disclosed herein include, among other things, additional logic blocks (and associated timers, state machines, and registers) to off-load data collection and data processing prior to waking a microprocessor from a sleep mode. For example, an improved data collection interface collects a predetermined number of sensor values from a sensor while maintaining active a single communication session with the sensor over a pin of the interface. The microprocessor remains in the sleep mode for an entire duration of the single communication session. The data collection interface can reduce the likelihood of false starts of the microprocessor by using the logic blocks to verify that data meet preconditions prior to interrupting the microprocessor. The data collection interface can reduce the overall power consumption of a chip in which the microprocessor is integrated by a factor of at least about 2× (i.e., 50% reduction in power consumption).

Abstract: A wave energy converter includes a housing having a forward end and an aft end. Three upstanding air chambers are located in the housing and three corresponding water accommodating ducts extend aft from the air chambers and terminate in aft water accommodating openings for accommodating water into and out of the air chambers as the housing oscillates by pitching in response to passing waves. An air accommodating duct communicates with the air chambers through a manifold for accommodating air into and out of the air chambers as the water level falls and rises within the air chambers as the housing oscillates. A self-rectifying turbine in the air accommodating duct powers an electrical generator. A first stabilizing plate extends forwardly and downwardly from the forward end of the housing for controlling the oscillating motion of the housing.

Abstract: A wave energy converter (1) comprises a housing (2) extending between a forward end (3) and an aft end (4). Three upstanding air chambers (15) are located in the housing (2) and three corresponding water accommodating ducts (16) extend aft from the air chambers (15) and terminate in aft water accommodating openings (17) for accommodating water into and out of the air chambers (15) as the housing (2) oscillates by pitching in response to passing waves. An air accommodating duct (21) communicates with the air chambers (15) through a manifold (20) for accommodating air into and out of the air chambers (15) as the water level (19a) falls and rises within the air chambers (15) as the housing (2) oscillates. A self-rectifying turbine (22) located in the air accommodating duct (21) powers an electrical generator (24) for generating electricity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a garment that is made up from a pair of shorts and an outer layer. The pair of shorts has a shorts upper end, a shorts lower end, a front face, a rear face, a first side and a second side. The outer layer covers substantially all of the pair of shorts. The outer layer has a first side edge, a second side edge, an outer layer upper end and an outer layer lower end. The outer layer extends in order from the first side of the pair of shorts around the rear face of the pair of shorts, around the second side of the pair of shorts and around substantially all of the front face of the pair of shorts. A rear part of the outer layer upper end is attached to the shorts upper end along substantially all of the rear face of the pair of shorts. Means are included for fastening the outer layer to the front face of the shorts. The garment may be used as a school uniform. The outer layer may be made to resemble a kilt.

Abstract: A method for measuring the performance of a large computer network is defined. The method provides a method of defining and characterizing the population of interest and interesting sub-populations; a method of providing a sampling list of nodes that represent the population; measuring the performance of destinations in the sampling list; recording raw data therefrom; reducing the raw data and providing presentations of information indicative of one or more of the sub-populations in ways that address questions of interest.

Abstract: Syringe of the type comprising a hollow cylindrical body 11 having a bottom closing part 14 bearing a connecting joint for a needle and in which there is arranged in a sliding manner a piston 12 driven by a stem 17 and fitted with a sleeve 13 sliding on the outside of said body 11. Said sleeve 13 is provided with first engagement means 26 designed to engage with said body 11 and prevent movement in one direction and second engagement means 25 designed to engage with the drive stem 17 of said piston 12 to similarly prevent movement in the other direction.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a syringe for hypodermic injections having a needle and including a barrel defining a chamber in fluid communication with the needle, a guide member disposed within the chamber, a plunger disposed within the chamber and between the guide member and the needle, the plunger having a stem extending through the guide member, and first means for allowing movement of the guide member relative to the barrel in one direction and for preventing return movement of the guide member and second means for allowing movement of the plunger relative to the guide member and for preventing return movement of the plunger, the second means including lost motion means to permit limited return movement of the plunger so that the user can determine that injection into a vein has been achieved.