Abstract: A data packet switching node that temporarily stores data packets received from at least one source network adapter and transmits them to at least one destination network adapter comprises a data packet flow control system to control the data packet flow. The data packet flow control system comprises identifier to determine the at least one destination adapter of each received data packet. Then, means coupled to the storage allow computing a data packet flow value representing the traffic for the at least one destination adapter. The data packet flow value is transmitted simultaneously to the at least one source network adapter and to the at least one destination network adapter each time a data packet for the at least one destination network adapter is stored into the storage.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a re-synchronization system that operates in a switching arrangement receiving a plurality of incoming data packets. The switching arrangement is made of an active switch card that transmits the incoming data packets and a backup switch card that may be re-activated by an operator after replacement. The re-synchronization system is implemented in each switch card. When the backup switch card is re-activated, both switch cards receive the incoming data packets and the system of the invention allows to re-synchronized both switch cards by controlling the transmission of the incoming data packets out of each switch card until the same data packets are transmitted. The re-synchronization system further comprise storage for storing the incoming data packets and detector for detecting a re-synchronization information among the incoming data packets.

Abstract: A file manager (and method) provided for locating a file identified by a path referring to a logical unit and an identifier, includes a table associating the file with a priority list of physical units. The file manager can be incorporated into the controller of peripheral devices in a computer system or an operating system of the computer system.

Abstract: Data transmission system comprising a plurality of Local Area Networks (LANs)(10-1 to 10-4) interconnected by a hub (12) including the same plurality of LAN adapters (16-1 to 16-4) respectively connected to the LANs and a packet switch (14) comprising at least a packet switch module interconnecting all LAN adapters wherein a packet transmitted by any adapter to the packet switch includes a header containing at least the address of the adapter to which the packet is forwarded. At each cross point is located a memory block for storing any data packet received from the input port corresponding to the cross point and which is to be forwarded to the output port corresponding to the cross point.

Abstract: A system for establishing wireless connection between a peripheral device and an intelligent device in a multi-computer environment having a plurality of intelligent devices is disclosed. The system is in part included within the peripheral device which is preferably a mouse device and also is included within the intelligent device which is preferably a computer system. Specific routines of the system allow a user to work with any of the intelligent devices using only the one mouse device.

Abstract: A method and a system for framing variable-length packets in a data communications system are disclosed. The successive variable-length packets carrying users' data, are formed in a stream of chained packets comprising a header. Two CRC's are computed. One over the data and another one over the header however, including also the data CRC of the immediate previous packet, thus chaining successive packets in a steam of such packets. The invention also assumes that encryption is performed independently over header and corresponding CRC's and, on the other hand, over the data of current packet. The invention allows to better adapt the transportation of multi-media users' data in packets of variable-lengths while securing transport by chaining successive packets, thus preventing that accidental or malicious deletion and insertion of packets occur and remain undetected.

Abstract: Automatic speed adaptation system in a Local Area Network (LAN) between a hub (10) including a hub adapter (20, 24, 28) and at least a workstation (12, 14, 16) including a workstation adapter (18, 22, 26) for exchanging data over a link connected between the hub adapter and the workstation adapter at a rate based on a frequency which is inversely proportional to the length of the link. Each adapter comprises a clock generator for generating a clock having a frequency between F1 and F2 and processing means for transmitting at least a check frame from the hub adapter to the workstation adapter at a rate based on a frequency VCLK generated by the clock generator under the control of the processing means and selected as being the frequency corresponding to the length of the link, and for transmitting an acknowledge frame from the workstation adapter to the hub adapter thereby ascertaining that the selected frequency is the right frequency resulting in the best quality of transmission.

Abstract: An elongated cutting tool (10, 110) intended to plunge cut a blind form in a bone using a plurality of teeth (30, 130) arranged on the tool. At least one of the teeth is an undercut tooth (30, 130) having a cutting edge (470, 570). The undercut tooth (30, 130) has a profile defined substantially along a primary relief angle (480, 580) measured from a vertical reference plane (477, 577) passing though the cutting edge (470, 570) and by a positive rake angle (485, 585) measured from a horizontal reference plane (472, 572) passing through the cutting edge (470, 570). The undercut tooth (30, 130) has a parabolic, non-circular relief (490, 590) along which bone chips are guided substantially away from the bone being cut, thereby avoiding capturing debris in the teeth and, consequently, avoiding overstressing the bone during cutting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) with two wireless communication hubs (USB hubs). One of these hubs is connected to a first host computer, and both USB hubs are connected to a plurality of I/O devices. Each USB hub includes a wireless adapter and an antenna connected to the wireless adapter. The wireless adapter of each USB hub comprises a transmitting/receiving unit for transmitting data via the antenna to the wireless adapter of the other USB hub or receiving data via the antenna from the wireless adapter of the other USB hub. The wireless adapter also comprises a wireless dual port, which is automatically configured upstream or downstream when the first host computer is connected to one of the USB hubs.

Abstract: Process for controlling frames transporting data from a transmitting Terminal (DTE 1) to at least a receiving Terminal (DTE 2) through a plurality of consecutive nodes including a start access node (NODE 1) connected to said transmitting Terminal and at least an end access node (NODE 6) connected to said receiving Terminal and intermediary nodes (NODE 2 to NODE 5), with each data frame comprising one or several protocol layers respectively associated with one or several communication protocols of controlling the frame flow at each node; such a process consisting in adding to each data frame a Data Manipulation Layer (DML) defining the parameters necessary for managing the manipulation (compression and/or encryption) of each field of the data frame located after the DML, and adding to each data frame a Control message for transporting a control protocol defining new parameters to be used by some ones nodes for managing the communication flow through the consecutive nodes.

Abstract: A modular orthopedic prosthesis has a body with a generally triangular cross-section near one end, allowing its angular corners to bite or incise into the surrounding bone cavity for rotational stability. A stem, which may be either unitary or modular in structure, is received within a through-bore of the body, having a proximal neck and distal shaft. A connecting sleeve receives the stem and is, in turn, received within the bore of the body, then actuated to lock the stem and body together.

Abstract: Hardware device for parallel processing a determined instruction of a set of instructions having a same format defining operand fields and other data fields, the execution of this determined instruction being represented as an algorithm comprising a plurality of processes, the processing of which depending on decisions. Such a device comprises means (22-30) for activating the processing of one or several processes (32-38) determined by the operand fields of the instruction, decision macroblocks (12-20) each being associated with a specific instruction of the set of instructions, only one decision marcoblock being selected by the determined instruction in order to determine which are the process(es) to be activated for executing the determined instruction.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shield device for printed circuit boards (PCBs) which, in one embodiment, is made of conductive material and comprised of two parts. In another embodiment, the device is a singular element. In both examples, press-fit or compliant pins may be used to electrically couple the device to the PCB's ground layer. Alternatively, projecting pins or flat conductive plates can be used to provide this coupling. The device is also adjustable to accommodate PCBs of varying thicknesses. The device provides for added PCB stiffness while assuring prevention of electromagnetic radiation from the PCB's edge.

Abstract: A switchover system and method is described. The invention preferably operates in a data packet switching system for transmitting through a switching arrangement data packets that comprise at least a data packet identifier. The switching arrangement comprises at least an active switch card associated to a backup switch card. And the active switch card and the backup switch card receive simultaneously at least a data packet and transmit it to a network adapter device. The switchover system comprises active and backup means for respectively storing at an active and backup data packet address the transmitted at least data packet. It also comprises switchover detecting means coupled to the active and backup storing means for detecting a switchover event, and control means coupled to the active and backup storing means and to the switchover detecting means for setting the backup storing means when a switchover event is detected.

Abstract: A method of hormone replacement therapy is disclosed comprising the step of administering continuously to a post-menopausal or estrogen deficient female in need of such therapy a combination of estrogen in an effective hormone replacement amount and a progestogen which is a potent sulfatase inhibiting progestogen in an amount which is both an effective endometrium protective amount and an effective breast protective amount.

Abstract: A method of contraception is described comprising the step of administering to a menstruating female a cycle of contraceptive therapy, said cycle of therapy including, for at most 35 successive days, the administration of a combination of an estrogen and a progestogen in a contraceptively effective daily dosage wherein said progestogen is a potent sulfatase inhibiting progestogen and said cycle of therapy including 4-8 days in which said progestogen is administered in the absence of estrogen administration following said at most 35 successive days.

Abstract: A method of contraception is disclosed comprising the step of administering to a menstruating female a cycle of contraceptive therapy, said cycle of therapy including the continuous administration for the length of the cycle of a potent sulfatase inhibiting progestogen in a contraceptively effective and breast protecting dose, in the absence of the administration of an estrogen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hardware device for parallel processing a determined instruction of a set of programmable instructions having a same format with an operand field defining the execution steps of the instruction corresponding to the execution of micro-instructions, comprising decision blocks (12—20) being each associated with a specific instruction of the set of programmable instructions, only one decision block being selected by the determined instruction in order to define which are the specific micro-instructions to be processed for executing the determined instruction, activation blocks (22-30) respectively associated with the decision blocks for running one or several specific micro-instructions, only the activation block associated with said selected decision block being activated to run the specific micro-instructions, and a micro-instruction selection block (46) connected to each activation block for selecting the specific micro-instructions to be executed.

Abstract: A method of contraception is described comprising the step of administering to a menstruating female a cycle of contraceptive therapy, said cycle of therapy including, for at least 42 successive days, the administration of a combination of an estrogen and a progestogen in a contraceptively effective daily dosage wherein said progestogen is a potent sulfatase inhibiting progestogen and said cycle of therapy including 4-8 days which are free of estrogen administration following said at least 42 successive days.

Abstract: A rotary surgical reamer assembly for removing bone and tissue from a joint to facilitate the installation of a prosthetic device. The assembly includes a hollow reamer body having an opening and a base portion. The base portion includes a first pivoting link member, a wall with a surface defining a central cavity, and a plurality of spaced apart cutting sites defining apertures through said wall. A shaft is configured to be demountably attached to a rotary source of power. The shaft has a rotary axis and a second pivoting link member coupled to the first pivoting link member. The axis of the shaft forms an angle to the base portion. A mechanism adjusts the angle of the hollow reamer body from an un-deployed position to a deployed position.