Abstract: The invention is directed to azoxycyanobenzene derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## wherein n is 0-3; each R represents halogen, nitro, cyano, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, or haloalkoxy; and each R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represents an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, or aralkyl group. The compounds may be used as fungicides.

Abstract: Compounds of the following formula are provided: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or aralkyl group,A and B both represent a nitrogen atom, or represents a group CR.sup.5 and B represents a nitrogen atom or a group CR.sup.6 ;R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 each independently represent a hydrogen or halogen atom, a hydroxy or cyano group or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aralkyl, aryl, alkylamino, alkylthio or alkoxy group; andl represents an integer from 1 to 3.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for the preparation of pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acids by the continuous oxidation of substituted quinolines.

Abstract: The invention relates to fungicidal compositions which comprise a carrier and, as active ingredient, a dihalotriazolopyrimidine derivative of general formula (I) in which R represents an optionally substituted branched or straight-chain alkyl or alkoxy group or an optionally substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, or heterocyclyl group, and Hal represents a fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom; and their use as fungicides. Certain of these dihalotriazolopyrimidine derivatives are novel and a process for the preparation of these compounds is also provided.

Abstract: Spiroheterocyclic compounds having fungicidal activity are disclosed having the formula: ##STR1## in which X is O or CH.sub.2 ; R.sup.1 is hydrogen or optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or aralkyl; R.sup.2 is optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, aryl or aryloxy, or together with the ring to which they are attached represents a polycyclic hydrocarbyl group; A and B both represent nitrogen, or A represents the group CR.sup.5 and B represents nitrogen or CR.sup.6 ; 1 is an integer from 1 to 3; m is zero or an integer from 1 to 6; and n represents zero or an integer from 1 to 3.

Abstract: A surgical fastener is comprised of a center span with two locking arms extending therefrom, each locking arm containing an indentation adapted to receive a locking point and an indentation adapted to receive a locking nub. An inner bendable member extends from the center span terminating in a staple point member, the staple point member terminating in a tissue piercing point. An outer bendable member extends from the staple point member parallel to the inner bendable member, terminating in a locking point and locking nub. In the closed position the locking point of the outer bendable member locks into the indentation in the locking arm, to lock the staple in the closed position. In the open position the locking nub of the outer bendable member locks into the locking nub indentation in the locking arm to hold the staple in the open position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a lubricant coating to surgical needles utilizes a belt coating system with two endless belts. The endless belts have confronting running sides and are rotated in opposite directions for feeding the surgical needles therebetween. The needles are fed between the confronting running sides and are pressed lightly between the endless belts, whose surfaces have been wetted with the lubricant solution. The needles are cured after coating.

Abstract: An aqueous silicone coating composition containing a reactive siloxane polymer and a non-reactive dimethylpolysiloxane in an aqueous carrier having an effective amount of at least one dispersing agent to disperse the siloxanes throughout the aqueous carrier. Also provided is a method of lubricating substrates by applying an aqueous silicone coating composition to the substrate and curing the silicone thereon, as well as lubricated surgical needles prepared by that method.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the preparation of an indanylamine compound of general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents an optionally substituted alkyl group, and R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl group, the process including the steps of hydrogenating a compound of general formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are as described above and R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 independently represent a halogen atom, a hydroxyl, nitro or cyano group, or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarboxy or alkylamino group provided that R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 represent different atoms or groups, and subsequent rearrangement and derivatization of the product thereof. Compounds of general formula I may be used to prepare preferred stereoisomers of fungicidal N-indanyl carboxamide compounds.

Abstract: A method of combating undesired plant growth at a locus is disclosed, the method comprising applying to the locus a compound of general formula: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together represent an optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl chain;R.sup.3 represents an optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated homocyclic or heterocyclic group; and Z represents a group --COOR.sup.4 where R.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom, a cation or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aryl group, or Z represents a group --CHO.The use of a compound of general formula I as a herbicide and a herbicidal composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of azoxycyanide compounds of the general formula ##STR1## in which R represents an optionally substituted aryl or heterocyclyl group, which comprises treating a compound of the general formulaR--N.dbd.O (II)in which R is as defined above, with cyanamide or a metal salt thereof and a compound of the general formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.1 represents an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl group and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl group or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together represent a group ##STR3## where m is 2, 3, 4 or 5, k is 0 or 1 and each of R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and X represents a chlorine, bromine or iodine atom or a cyano or --SO.sub.2 R.sup.5 group where R.sup.5 represents a hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl group. Compounds of general formula I exhibit biocidal activity.

Abstract: An electrosurgical cord adapter assembly designed for use in conjunction with an electrosurgerical device includes an electrically connecting portion for receiving and electrically connecting an electrical pin of the electrosurgical device and an electrical cord, and an insulating boot with two opposing lateral sides integrally formed with the electrically connecting portion and having a closed back end and an open front end. The boot is designed to cover electrically conductive parts on a handle assembly or surgeon-manipulable portion of the electrosurgical device. Alternatively, the electrical cord can be integrally formed with the electrically connecting portion.

Abstract: A reusable endoscopic surgical instrument includes a handle assembly attached to a slender shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes inner and outer shafts, with the inner shaft being rotatable by operation of the handle assembly to rotate a surgical tool operably connected to the distal end of a pushrod disposed within the inner shaft. The handle assembly includes first actuating mechanism for actuating the pushrod to operate the surgical tool and a second actuating mechanism for rotating the inner shaft. The outer shaft is axially slidable with respect to the inner shaft to cover a flush port system in the handle assembly for cleaning and improved sterilizability of the instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of water dispersible and water soluble carbohydrate polymers and biologically active macromolecules of growth hormones, somatomedins, growth factors, and other biologically active fragments which are suitable for parenteral administration. The present invention also relates to a method for increasing and for maintaining increased levels of growth hormone in the blood of treated animals for extended periods of time, increasing weight gains in animals, and increasing milk production of lactating animals by the administration of the compositions of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to materials for medical or veterinary use that possess considerably improved properties with regard to friction. The invention also relates to the production of such materials from existing materials that possess suitable bulk properties, but inappropriate frictional properties. This invention also relates to a hydrophilic coating material that provides improved frictional properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to certain azoxycyanobenzene derivatives of the general formula. ##STR1## in which R represents an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl or heterocyclyl group; R.sup.1 represents a halogen atom, nitro, cyano or optionally substituted alkyl, alkoxy, aryl or aryloxy group; and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom, nitro, cyano or optionally substituted alkyl or alkoxy group; process for their preparation, compositions containing such compounds and their use as fungicides.

Abstract: A purse string suturing instrument is provided for quickly and effectively forming a purse string suture in tubular tissue through relatively small cannulas placed in the body. The instrument includes a pair of elongated jaws, each having a row of spaced-apart uniform-size teeth. The jaws are hinged together at one end to clamp the tubular tissue therebetween. The two rows of teeth are offset with respect to each other so that they mesh when the jaws are closed. The jaws are inserted through a cannula and positioned to close around the tissue to be sutured. The rows of teeth then bend the tissue between them into a wavelike configuration. A pair of needles, the ends of each being connected to a single length of suture, is then inserted through passageways provided through the teeth. An encircling series of stitches are thus formed in the wall of the tubular tissue to create a purse string suture. The needles and the suturing instrument are then withdrawn through the cannula.

Abstract: A linear surgical stapling instrument includes a magazine for holding a plurality of undeformed surgical staples, and an upper jaw carrying the magazine and having opposed distal and proximal ends. An anvil is formed with staple-deforming pockets, and a lower jaw carries the anvil and has opposing distal and proximal ends respectively configured to mate with the distal and proximal ends of the upper jaw thereby to place the magazine and the anvil in confronting relation. A staple driver is carried in the upper jaw for driving staples held therein toward the anvil. Further, the upper and lower jaws are configured such that, when their respective distal and proximal ends are mated, a gap exists between the jaws in an intermediate region between their respective distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A buttressing pledget is manufactured from a synthetic elastomeric material. The elastomeric material can be nonporous, radiolucent, and/or a silicone rubber. The buttressing pledget can be made radiopaque by the addition of a suitable material, such as barium sulfate. The pledget can be combined with a surgical suture or ligature.

Abstract: A laparoscopic suturing device includes a suturing needle and a driver for manipulating the needle. The suturing needle features a helically-wound front-end portion with a needle point at its proximal end for penetrating tissue and a rear-end portion connected to the driver. The slender design of the suturing device is ideally suited for minimally-invasive surgery.