Abstract: A control system for and method of controlling a vertical position of at least one electrode of an arc furnace, where the arc furnace comprises a furnace transformer having a primary, input side and a secondary, output side which is electrically connected to the at least one electrode, the control system comprising: at least one current-measuring device for measuring a current as drawn by the arc furnace; a voltage-measuring device for measuring a voltage as applied across the arc furnace; and a control unit for dynamically determining a setpoint for the vertical position of the at least one electrode based on the measured values of current and voltage, and providing an actuating output for driving a lifting arrangement to adjust the vertical position of the at least one electrode so as to follow the dynamically-determined setpoint.

Abstract: The present invention describes a car anti-theft system. Specifically, the present invention has an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) patterned onto a visible surface of a vehicle. Vehicle theft is recognized when an unauthorized driver fails to enter a predetermined code, resulting in lighting of OLED. Lighted OLED may be seen by passers-by who may then alert police that a car is in the process of being stolen. Alternatively and additionally, OLED's may be integrated into primary car alarm systems so as to add an additional, visual, layer of car protection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enabling a protection path within a network to be monitored are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for sending traffic on a path within an optical network system that has a plurality of nodes and a plurality of fibers includes identifying a circuit path within the optical network system which is associated with a first node and includes at least one fiber. The method also includes sending a signal that includes embedded path trace information on the circuit path from the first node on the fiber, and determining when the signal is received from the first node by a second node over the fiber. Finally, the method includes broadcasting path trace information to the plurality of nodes when it is determined that the signal is not received by the second node over the fiber.

Abstract: A vehicle steering mechanism includes an electrical power assist device connected with the steering shaft by an adjustable coupling, thereby to permit accurate perfect alignment between the output shaft of the power assist device and the steering shaft on the steering axis of the mechanism. One or more transverse connecting members may be provided between the flange portions of the swivel plate and the front face of the housing of the power assist device.

Abstract: A network element receives frames from multiple ring networks. Each ring network linked to the network element is supported by a designated support program. The received frames are monitored for conditions indicative of a failure in one of the ring networks. Upon detection of a failure condition, the designated support program for the failing ring network is determined and notified. The designated support program then addresses the failure condition by, for example, switching to a backup link. In one example, the multiple ring networks are SONET BLSR networks.

Abstract: A vehicle steering mechanism includes an electrical power assist device connected with the steering shaft by an adjustable coupling, thereby to permit accurate perfect alignment between the output shaft of the power assist device and the steering shaft on the steering axis of the mechanism. One or more transverse connecting members may be provided between the flange portions of the swivel plate and the front face of the housing of the power assist device.

Abstract: A device for assembling a steering column bracket with a steering gear shaft, comprising a clamping bolt cooperating with a clamping nut disposed in one of two branches of the bracket, the clamping nut being held in place against rotation and translation by an antirotation elastic member and having a radial protrusion. An axial prepositioning abutment is fastened to the bracket. When the radial protrusion of the clamping nut is pressed against the axial prepositioning abutment, the clamping nut is partly withdrawn along its axis to allow the bracket to be engaged over the end of the shaft. At the end of tightening the clamping bolt in the clamping nut, the clamping bolt neutralizes the antirotation function of the antirotation elastic member in order to allow the clamping nut to escape from the axial prepositioning abutment and immobilize the bracket on the shaft.

Abstract: A device for assembling a steering column bracket with a steering gear shaft, comprising a clamping bolt cooperating with a clamping nut disposed in one of two branches of the bracket, the clamping nut being held in place against rotation and translation by an antirotation elastic member and having a radial protrusion. An axial prepositioning abutment is fastened to the bracket. When the radial protrusion of the clamping nut is pressed against the axial prepositioning abutment, the clamping nut is partly withdrawn along its axis to allow the bracket to be engaged over the end of the shaft. At the end of tightening the clamping bolt in the clamping nut, the clamping bolt neutralizes the antirotation function of the antirotation elastic member in order to allow the clamping nut to escape from the axial prepositioning abutment and immobilize the bracket on the shaft.