An input buffer chooses, in accordance with first control clocks, to output an input data signal or output a high-impedance signal. One bracket includes an elongated cantilevered mast and a retention lip, the beam angled upwardly from the bracket and adapted to receive a sleeve formed along one edge of the flag inserted thereover and having a deflectable free end that is forced downwardly into captivated relation with the lip. A mask layer is applied to the insulation layer. A current supply line which supplies an electric current to the upper electrode and the auxiliary electrodes are made conductive with each other by forming a through hole in an insulation layer. The tensioning system is adapted to introduce a tensioning load to the covering material after and while the covering material is received in the clipper mechanism. The pipeline stages include at least an arbitration stage to obtain a path through the network, a transfer stage during which a data packet is transmitted, and an acknowledge stage during which successful transmission of a packet is indicated by the target.