Abstract: The invention relates to the field of feeding devices, in particular for feeding rockets on the ground. A feeding device (4) of the invention comprises at least two mutually complementary feeding connectors (5, 6), a breakable connection member (15) connecting these two feeding connectors (5, 6) together and presenting a breakable section (15c) between these two feeding connectors (5, 6), and a force transmission member (16) connected to said breakable section (15c) in such a manner as to transmit a breaking load thereto in order to unlock the connection between the two feeding connectors (5, 6). During unlocking, a breaking load transmitted by the force transmission member (16) thus serves to break the breakable section (15c).

Abstract: A method of designing a valve presenting an orifice of section that depends on the position of the valve member of the valve, which section can thus be controlled. The method includes determining a desired variation relationship for the flow section of the valve, which relationship defines a desired variation in the section as a function of time; setting a predetermined movement relationship for the valve member; and defining the shape of the fluid flow orifice in such a manner that, at each instant, if the valve member moves in compliance with the predetermined movement relationship, the flow section remains equal to the desired section. The method makes it possible to design a valve that is simple to control.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of feeding devices, in particular for feeding rockets on the ground. A feeding device (4) of the invention comprises at least two mutually complementary feeding connectors (5, 6), a breakable connection member (15) connecting these two feeding connectors (5, 6) together and presenting a breakable section (15c) between these two feeding connectors (5, 6), and a force transmission member (16) connected to said breakable section (15c) in such a manner as to transmit a breaking load thereto in order to unlock the connection between the two feeding connectors (5, 6). During unlocking, a breaking load transmitted by the force transmission member (16) thus serves to break the breakable section (15c).

Abstract: A method of designing a valve presenting an orifice of section that depends on the position of the valve member of the valve, which section can thus be controlled. The method includes determining a desired variation relationship for the flow section of the valve, which relationship defines a desired variation in the section as a function of time; setting a predetermined movement relationship for the valve member; and defining the shape of the fluid flow orifice in such a manner that, at each instant, if the valve member moves in compliance with the predetermined movement relationship, the flow section remains equal to the desired section. The method makes it possible to design a valve that is simple to control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve device comprising a valve body defining a fluid flow duct having a throttle element disposed therein and turned about its axis by actuator means via a drive shaft, the throttle element having an internal cavity defined by a circular wall that is open in its bottom portion. The circular wall also presents, over a portion of its periphery, an opening of varying shape so as to define a fluid flow passage in the duct that is variable between a fully-open position in which the opening co-operates in full with the duct, and a fully-closed position in which said circular wall closes the duct. The device further includes an annular sealing gasket disposed in the flow duct, said gasket being in contact with the wall of the internal cavity in the throttle element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve device comprising a valve body defining a fluid flow duct having a throttle element disposed therein and turned about its axis by actuator means via a drive shaft, the throttle element having an internal cavity defined by a circular wall that is open in its bottom portion. The circular wall also presents, over a portion of its periphery, an opening of varying shape so as to define a fluid flow passage in the duct that is variable between a fully-open position in which the opening co-operates in full with the duct, and a fully-closed position in which said circular wall closes the duct. The device further includes an annular sealing gasket disposed in the flow duct, said gasket being in contact with the wall of the internal cavity in the throttle element.

Abstract: A method is disclosed by which pharmacies and physicians are encouraged to select appropriate and effective medications but dissuaded from selecting higher priced medications where more economical versions are available as alternatives, but where physicians and patients can also select such higher priced medications if they so choose and are prepared to pay that higher price. Under this system a single representative price (capitation rate) is calculated by a prescription payment plan manager for a group of related medications, usually including both branded and generic, and that price is paid to a pharmacy for all prescriptions of that group of medications fulfilled under the plan. The representative prices for different groups, including their minimum levels, are periodically reviewed and updated as appropriate.

Abstract: The invention provides a control valve device enabling the positioning precision of its abutment to be reduced without reducing the overall control precision of the valve. For this purpose, the valve device comprises a valve body defining a fluid flow duct in which there is disposed a shutter element turned by an actuator by means of a drive shaft. The shutter element is formed by a skirt presenting a notch forming an opening in the wall of the skirt. The notch is shaped in such a manner as to define a variable flow passage in the duct as a function of the angular position of the shutter element between an open position in which the notch co-operates in full with the duct, and a closed position in which said skirt closes the duct.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby consumers enrolled in a prescription benefit plan can obtain prescription medication fulfillment at any participating pharmacy of their choice, regardless of whether the fulfillment is by a retail pharmacy or a mail order pharmacy, and whether the quantity of medication prescribed is for administration over a short period (acute care) or a prolonged period (maintenance). The plan of this invention operates by having the plan manager substantially equalize the financial effects of the discounts and services fees allowed to participating pharmacies such that both retail and mail order pharmacies are compensated in a manner which encourages them to accept all consumers and fill all prescriptions. Compensation is preferably adjusted periodically by the manager to retain pharmacy incentives. Consumers obtain choice of pharmacies, plan payers have pleased employees and members and pharmacies obtain income from the entire spectrum of consumers.

Abstract: The invention provides a control valve device enabling the positioning precision of its abutment to be reduced without reducing the overall control precision of the valve. For this purpose, the valve device comprises a valve body defining a fluid flow duct in which there is disposed a shutter element turned by an actuator by means of a drive shaft. The shutter element is formed by a skirt presenting a notch forming an opening in the wall of the skirt. The notch is shaped in such a manner as to define a variable flow passage in the duct as a function of the angular position of the shutter element between an open position in which the notch co-operates in full with the duct, and a closed position in which said skirt closes the duct.