Abstract: There is described a method for controlling a navigation device, such as a satellite navigation device like a GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO or other receiver, and a navigation device allowing this control method to be implemented. According to the invention, the operation of the navigation device is adjusted as a function of a measurement of the velocity (v) of the navigation device for the purpose of saving energy. In particular, the operating frequency (fck) of the processing unit (18) with which the navigation device is fitted is adjusted to a plurality of so-called reduced operating frequencies (fck2, fck3, fck4, fck5) lower than the normal operating frequency (fck1) as a function of the value of the velocity measurement (v). The invention is intended in particular to allow a navigation device to be integrated in a portable object of small volume powered by a battery or a rechargeable accumulator, such as a timepiece.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic multi-function wristwatch one of whose operating modes is a memory game which uses the time display means of the watch. In the preferred version comprising an analogue time display, the watch randomly generates a sequence of visual indications such as time values and displays it by means of the hands (3, 4). Then, the player attempts to repeat these indications by entering a sequence of answers by means of control keys (14-19) arranged facing the hour symbols (7) of the dial. These keys preferably comprise electrodes affixed under the watch glass. The watch displays successive sequences each comprising one or more indications more than the preceding sequence. It can also emit corresponding sequences of sounds. The watch/user interface can further comprise push-buttons (11-13) and an alphanumerical LCD display (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating an aqueous flow colonised by cells by applying a pulsed electric field, the intensity of the field being less than 1 kV/cm. It also relates to the application of this method to eliminating Legionella and to a method for destroying Legionella.

Abstract: The numerically controlled oscillator (8) is mounted in particular in a radiofrequency signal receiver which further includes means (3) for receiving and shaping the radiofrequency signals, a correlation stage (4) and a clock signal generator. The oscillator receives at one input a clock signal with a first frequency (CLK) which clocks the oscillator operations, and a binary word of several bits (Nb) to provide at one output at least an output signal (Mb) with a frequency determined as a function of said binary word and the clock signal. The oscillator includes a first accumulation stage (12) for a first number of most-significant bits (Ob) of the binary word and a second accumulation stage (12) for a second number of least-significant bits (Pb) of said binary word. The first accumulation stage is clocked at the first clock frequency (CLK) to supply the determined frequency output signal (Mb), while the second stage is clocked at a second clock frequency (CLK/N) N times lower than the first clock frequency.

Abstract: A power amplifier driver (16) provides control voltage inputs to power amplifier (14) at terminal (OUT). An output power control loop is implemented through directional coupler (20) and power amplifier driver (16). Power amplifier driver (16) implements a loop integration function utilizing transconductance amplifiers (60, 62) to convert a detection signal (DET) and a reference signal (REF2) to current for summing at node 58. Transconductance amplifiers (70,72) convert the error voltage generated at node (34) and bias voltage (Vmin) to current for summing at node (36) for subsequent conversion back to voltage by resistor (74). The error voltage at node (36) is buffered (26) to provide adequate current drive at terminal (OUT).

Abstract: A medical electrical lead, which may be useful in coupling an implantable medical device, is comprised of a first and second lead. The first lead has a first electrode coupled adjacent a distal end portion thereof. The distal end portion of the first lead is anchorable in the coronary sinus of a patient. The second lead is coupled with and moveable along the first lead. The second lead has a second electrode located thereon wherein the position of the first and second electrodes may be varied relative to one another by movement of the second lead along the first lead. A rubber tip holds the relative position of each electrode.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating an aqueous flow colonized by cells with a pulsed electric field applied to a flow, characterized in that the applied field is substantially parallel to the direction of flow and to its application to the transfer of nucleic acids (RNA, DNA, oligonucleotides) into cells, to the transfer of proteins to cells, to the extraction of cytoplasmic macromolecules and molecules contained in the cells, to cell fusion and the production of hybrids and/or to insertion of membrane proteins. It also concerns an electropulsing chamber, a method for destroying cells and a membrane permeabilization method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating an aqueous flow colonised by cells by applying a pulsed electric field, in which a colonised aqueous flow is subjected to an electric field of an intensity of 1 to 30 kV/cm, and to its application to destroying protozoa, in particular free living amoebas. It also concerns a method for destroying protozoa.

Abstract: A system for the estimation of the complex gain of a transmission channel is designed for parallel type modulators/demodulators that can be used in digital radio broadcasting. The system includes a given number N of sets of interpolators to estimate the gain on a useful symbol from known symbols constituting gain references evenly positioned in the transmitted signal, each set of interpolators being adapted to a particular situation of reception, ranging from a stable single-path channel to a channel with high temporal dispersion and high instability. The outputs of the interpolators are coupled to a selection device programmed to choose the set of interpolators that gives the weakest estimated noise during a specified length of time. Such a system may find application to digital radio transmission.

Abstract: A method and device for the equalization of data in a receiver, the data having traveled through a transmission channel, the received signal comprising one or more frames. The method determines at least one fictitious probe in the data block by using at least one part of the probes available in the frames before and after the frame considered. It also comprises a step for determining the intermediate impulse response associated with the fictitious probe or probes and the combination of said intermediate impulse responses.

Abstract: A method and device to equalize a signal received by a receiver after having traveled through a transmission channel, said signal comprising at least one data block and several probes located on either side of the data block. The method comprises at least one step in which the impulse response of the channel is estimated before and after a data block n in taking account of the probes (Probe n−1 and Probe n) located on either side of the data block n and also of the probes that precede and follow the Probes n−1 and Probe n, said probes being weighted and combined with one another.

Abstract: Method and device for the equalization of a signal received by a receiver, said signal comprising at least one known data sequence (or probe) and a data block located between a first Probe n-1 and a second probe Probe n. The method comprises a step of estimation of the phase rotation &thgr; of the signal received between the first probe Probe n−1 positioned before the data block to be demodulated and the second probe Probe n positioned after the data block to be demodulated.

Abstract: A wristwatch (1) includes a keyboard whose control keys (4) are distributed over the length of the wristband (3), a processing unit (19) for data introduced via the keyboard, at least one display device (6) for displaying time functions and/or data provided by the processing unit, and a power source for the electric power supply of the electronic components of the wristwatch. In order to allow the use of its keyboard, the wristwatch (1) is placed on a work surface, the length of the wristband (3) facing a user. The display of the alphanumerical characters (7a) occurs in the direction of the length of the wristwatch, i.e., rotated by 90° with respect to the usual time display (7b). At least one integrated encoding circuit (9) acts as a communication interface between the keys (4) of the keyboard and the processing unit (19) integrated in the case of the wristwatch. The encoding circuit is placed in the wristband (3) and communicates with the unit via one of the two electric supply wires of said circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous or semi-continuous casting of molten aluminium to form an ingot in the mould (8) of a casting machine, comprising a launder (4), a casting mould and feed means (2) which are coupled to the launder and extend into the casting mould, and wherein the feed means are connected to the underside of a tundish (3), said tundish is provided with an inlet member (10) for admitting molten aluminium from the launder (4) into the tundish and further with pressure-reducing means (5) for lowering the absolute gas pressure in that part of the tundish which is above the molten aluminium admitted into the tundish.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition including a therapeutically effective amount of at least one oligomannoside produced by chemical synthesis which is homologous to a wall oligomannoside of an infectious organism or pathogen, or a derivative thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: The portable instrument with a wristband (4) includes an electronic circuit and a rechargeable power source for supplying the electronic circuit with electricity. The wristband includes two electric contact portions (10,11) arranged on a same strand (4) of the wristband and conductive paths (8, 9) connecting the power source. The two electric contact portions (10, 11) are intended to be placed on two complementary conductive portions of an electric charger to allow the power source to be recharged. A loop (12) can be brought into a blocking position above the contact portions (10, 11) to cover and protect them.

Abstract: The inductive micro-sensor includes a flat micro-coil (2) formed on an integrated circuit (4) by long conductive segments Si with a high aspect ratio, each segment Si being arranged along a perpendicular direction with respect to the next segment Si+1 to form a spiral type structure with an overall square or rectangular contour. It is characterised in that each long segment Si is connected to the next long segment Si+1 by means of a short segment si forming, with the two long segments Si, Si+1, angles &agr; and &agr;′ greater than 90°.

Abstract: A dispensing head for dispensing a product from a receptacle associated with an actuatable dispensing element. The dispensing head comprises a first element defining a channel passing through the first element, and a second element. The first element may be configured to be coupled to the actuatable dispensing element. The first element may further define at least one inner outlet orifice. The channel may be configured to pass product from the actuatable dispensing element to the at least one inner outlet orifice. The second element may define at least one dispensing orifice. The second element may be configured to be displaced relative to the first element from a first position, where actuation of the actuatable dispensing element is prevented and the dispensing orifice is closed by the first element, to a second position, where actuation of the actuatable dispensing element is allowed and the at least one dispensing orifice is at least partly open and communicates with the at least one inner outlet orifice.

Abstract: The device (1) includes a mixer (4) which generates a signal (S4) having a frequency (F4) equal to the difference between two frequencies (F2, F3), which are those of two signals (S2, S3) each generated by a generator (2, 3) and which vary parabolically as a function of the temperature (T) with quadratic coefficients (&bgr;1,&bgr;2) that are different to each other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a blisk comprises the steps of cutting a disk to a rough shape comprising a hub with a plurality of blade blanks projecting radially therefrom, machining each blade blank by tangential milling using a tool with a rotation spindle perpendicular to the radial direction to make repeated radial passes, the tool being turned through a facet angle with respect to the disk between each pass. Each blade blank is thus milled to a blade having faceted surfaces. Preferably, the width of each facet is smaller that 5 mm, and adjacent facets subtend angles smaller than 5°, or even more preferably smaller than 3°.