Abstract: Techniques for determining a characteristic of a flame are provided by the present invention. Provided are methods as well as devices. A flame is monitored across a contiguous spectral range to detect light emitted by the monitored flame. The contiguous spectral range is segmented into a plurality of discrete ranges, and detected light across each of the one or more of the plurality of discrete ranges is respectively processed to determine at least one characteristic of the flame.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring operation of a flame ignitor are provided. In one embodiment, multiple inputs are received. The inputs are received from at least one of a first group of inputs and a second group of inputs. The first group includes a flame rod voltage, a stop signal for deactivation of the flame ignitor, a fuel supply interruption signal, and an air supply interruption signal. The second group includes a start signal for activation of the flame ignitor, and a flame proven signal indicating presence of a flame produced by the flame ignitor. If inputs from the first group are received, a cause of a failure of the flame ignitor is determined. If inputs from the second group are received, a reliability of the flame ignitor is determined.

Abstract: The use of silica for controlling the thermal degradation of bicarbonate of an alkaline, alkaline-earth metal or bicarbonate of ammonia with an average particle size less than or equal to 100 &mgr;m is disclosed. The resulting bicarbonate and silica mixtures may be used in cosmetics and detergents, and more particularly in formulae for toothpaste.

Abstract: A device for housing a smart card is provided which consists of a compartment for receiving the card and a support onto which the card is secured, the device further including elements that allow the support to be temporarily fixed onto the receiving compartment, the receiving compartment being part of an item of electronic equipment or a storage wallet.

Abstract: A synchronized broadcast network comprises a main transmitter transmitting an audio source signal to a plurality of receiver/transmitter units remote from each other and from the main transmitter, the receiver/transmitter units broadcasting the audio signal using frequency modulation. In the main transmitter the audio source signal is digitized by sampling it at a predetermined sampling frequency. A digitized signal representing the sampled audio signal is transmitted to the receiver/transmitter units. In each receiver/transmitter unit a reference signal representing the sampling frequency is derived from the received digitized signal and the received digitized signal is passed through a succession of digital processing stages including a stage in which a carrier derived from the reference signal is digitally modulated and a stage in which the result of the digital modulation is digital-to-analog converted.

Abstract: A hinge has an electrical connection contained therein. A first component (1) of two half-shells (11, 12) includes two hollow cylindrical projections (101, 121) having facing end faces provided with respective cylindrical cavities (102, 122) each having one-half contained in a respective one of the half-shells. A second component (2) includes a hollow cylindrical protuberance (201) with two reduced diameter cylindrical ends (202, 203). The projections and the protuberance are designed to axially interfit so as to constitute the hinge connection effected by engagement of the reduced diameter cylindrical ends (202, 203) within respective cylindrical cavities (102, 122). The two components include radial openings for passing portions of the electrical connection between the first and second components.

Abstract: A molded plastics framework for an above-ground swimming pool which includes an endless molded base member having post sockets and a continuous cove integral therewith. The base member is made up of a plurality of identical molded modules which are connected together end to end to make up the endless base member. Molded plastics posts are secured in the base socket and extend upwardly in a spaced apart manner and receive an endless ledge made up of molded ledge segments connected end to end above the posts.