Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the preparation of lactams of Formula I. It is further directed to new advantageous intermediates of Formula II and the use thereof. By the cyclization of compounds of Formula II, compounds of Formula I are obtained.

Abstract: In a device for fastening active components (18) to the bar (6) of a warp knitting machine, the bar (6) has transverse channels (24) each of which is intended to receive a guide section (25) of the active component (18), and a longitudinal groove (20) for receiving holding sections (21) of the active component (18). The longitudinal groove (20) has an uncovered insertion opening area. The transverse channels (24) are arranged next to it. The holding sections (21) are wedged into the longitudinal groove (20) by means of the force of a spring (22). A tool (29) for removing and installing the active components (18) has a first driver (34) carried by an operating handle (31), which driver is fitted to a first stopper (35) on the active component (18) and contributes towards extracting the holding part (21) from the longitudinal groove (20). The result of this is a structure without play, with precise positioning and minimal weight.

Abstract: A helium or air filled latex balloon includes a lamp in its interior connected to an external power source by an electrically conductive cable passing through the balloon inlet port and neck. The cable comprises wires encapsulated with Kynar, a polyvinylidene fluoride, a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer that exhibits tacky surfaces and excellent properties for providing a weatherproof tight seal between the wire cable and the balloon. The neck is sealed with curling ribbon, by knotting or clips and the like. Air filled balloons may be supported by a stiff music wire or straw and helium filled balloons may be tethered by the cable. A power source illuminates the lamp via the cable.

Abstract: A purifying catalyst for the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine of an automobile, for example, is disclosed which excels in the purifying ability in quick response to the atmosphere of the exhaust gas largely varying with changes in the operating condition of the engine involving such phases as idling, acceleration, constant-speed drive, and deceleration. The purifying catalyst contains rhodium, palladium, a cerium compound, and a refractory inorganic oxide as catalytic components carried on a refractory carrier and comprises at least two catalyst layers, namely a catalyst layer containing the cerium compound and a catalyst layer containing palladium.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for obtaining optically active L-.alpha.-aminocarboxylic acids from the corresponding racemic D,L,.alpha.-aminocarboxylic acids. The following steps are involved: (a) the D,L,.alpha.-aminocarboxylic acids are acetylated; (b) the N-acetyl-L-.alpha.-aminocarboxylic acid present in the mixture of N-acetyl-D,L,.alpha.-aminocarboxylic acids thus obtained is broken down enzymatically into the L-.alpha.-aminocarboxylic acid; (c) the L-.alpha.-aminocarboxylic acid is separated from the mixture, a quantity of a solution of N-acetyl-D(L)-.alpha.-aminocarboxylic acids and a quantity of acetate equivalent to the L-.alpha.-aminocarboxylic acid being retained; and (d) the N-acetyl-D(L)-.alpha.-aminocarboxylic acid is racemized and recycled for enzymatic breakdown. Known extraction processes involving steps (a) to (d) have the disadvantage of producing large quantities of salt.

Abstract: A buccal aerosol spray or capsule using a polar solvent has now been developed which provides biologically active compounds for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal aerosol spray of the invention comprises: polar solvent 5-50%, active compound 1-40%, flavoring agent 0.05-5%. The soft bite gelatin capsule of the invention comprises as comprising as fill composition: polar solvent 75-99%, emulsifier 0-20%, active compound 0.03-35%, and flavoring agent 0.05-60%.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for the continuous production of basic cyclic optically active .alpha.-amino acids of general formula (I) by continuous racemate splitting via diastereomeric salt pairs with re-racemisation of the residual amino acid or amino acid derivative in the mother liquid with the aid of an optically active acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a screen-type spirometer having an improved pneumotachometer, which has a simple structure and a low manufacturing cost and is convenient to use. According to the present invention, the pneumotachometer includes a hollow housing having an annularly shaped ring and a first respiratory tube integrally formed with the annularly shaped ring. The first respiratory tube can be inserted into a mouth of a person to be examined. The pneumotachometer also includes a second respiratory tube which can be engaged with the housing and be inserted into the mouth of the person. The first and the second respiratory tubes have a tapered portion, which is inclined at 10 degrees, respectively in order to stabilize a fluid flow of respiratory gases passing therethrough. O-shaped first and second sensing units for sensing a differential pressure of the respiratory gases passing through the pneumotachometer are disposed within the housing.

Abstract: With known methods of racemizing N-acetyl-D(L)-.alpha.-amino carboxylic acids in the non-aqueous state by heating them to temperatures above room temperatures, significant quantities of by-products are formed, especially acetyl dipeptides. By converting at least a proportion of the N-acetyl-D(L)-.alpha.-amino carboxylic acids to corresponding N-acetyl-D(L)-.alpha.-amino carboxylic acid salts before or during the heating, it is possible to increase the sojourn time of the educt which is to be racemized at higher temperatures without any evident increase in the quantity of by-product formed (in particular acetylated dipeptides). Also disclosed is the production of optically active amino acids by enzymatic splitting of racemic compounds.

Abstract: This invention discloses an adsorbent ideal or the removal of nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.x : nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide), particularly nitrogen dioxide, from an exhaust gas containing the nitrogen oxides at low concentrations and a method for efficient removal of nitrogen oxides, particularly nitrogen dioxide, from an exhaust gas containing the nitrogen oxides at low concentrations by the use of the adsorbent. The adsorbent either comprises at least one noble metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Au, Ru, Rh, and Pd and/or a compound thereof supported on a carrier or comprises the noble metal component and an oxide of at least one heavy metal selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb, which may be supported on the carrier, if necessary.

Abstract: An aqueous iminocarboxylic acid salt solution composition the iminocarboxylic acid salt of which has a structure of the formula (II): ##STR1## wherein R is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group and Y is a sodium atom, a potassium atom, or an ammonium group, contains an aspartic acid backbone moiety whose molar ratio of the isomers, i.e. D form/L form, is in the range of 1/0 to 0.7/0.3 or D form/L form, in the range of 0/1 to 0.3/0.7, and accounts for a concentration in the range of 40 to 70% by weight and a method for handling the composition while keeping the pH value thereof kept in the range of 7 to 12.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing ice cubes. It has a freezer unit (6) with a plurality of freezing regions (7) accessible from the outside of said unit (6) for one ice cube (1) each, a device (9) for supplying the freezing regions (7) with an excess of water to produce clear ice and a dispensing region (1)) for ice cubes (1) released from the freezer unit (6). Between the freezer unit (6) and the dispensing region (19) there is a device (18) for putting two ice cubes (1) together to form a composite cube (1(A+B)). Said device (18) has adjacent storage devices for the ice cubes (1) to be put together which can be moved together in order to place the ice cubes (1) with plane damp surfaces together, where the path between the combining device (18) and the dispensing region (19), and the dispensing region (19) itself, are cooled to a temperature below 0.degree. C.

Abstract: A handle release assembly includes a supporting bracket having two end portions each formed with a leg containing a first passage, a cover fixedly mounted on the supporting bracket and having two end portions and a mediate portion containing a second passage, two drawing bars each having one end portion extending through the first passage of the supporting bracket to be fixedly attached to the respective end portion of the cover and containing an elongate guiding slot, a pressing block slidably mounted in the second passage and having two end portions, and two pivot blocks each pivotally mounted in the cover and each having a first end portion formed with an ear pivotally connected with the respective end portion of the pressing block and a second end portion formed with a rod received in the guiding slot of the first end portion of the respective drawing bar.

Abstract: There is provided a novel series of synthetic analogs of hGH-RH(1-29) NH.sub.2. These analogs inhibit the activity of endogenous hGH-RH, and therefore prevent the release of growth hormone. The stronger inhibitory potencies of the new analogs, as compared to previously described ones, results from replacement of various amino acids.

Abstract: There are provided foamable, foamable polyvinyl halide resin masses containing: A) 1 to 25 parts relative to 100 parts of polyvinyl halide, of a polymerizate obtainable through the emulsion polymerization of i) up to 20 to not more than 75 parts of methylmethacrylate, ii) 25 to 80 parts of one or more C.sub.2 -C.sub.18 alkylmethacrylates, iii) 0 to 5 parts of one or more vinyl unsaturated monomers copolymerizable with (i) and/or (ii, wherein the components (i)-(iii) together yield 100 parts and are polymerized with up to a further 100 parts of usual additives for emulsion polymerization, wherein the emulsion polymerizate is single stepped and has a viscosity number of >700 cm.sup.3 /g and wherein copolymers are excluded which contain iv) MMA per se, or less than 20 or more than 75 parts of MMA together with either v) one or more acrylic acid esters, and/or vi) ethyl methacrylate, n-butyl-methacrylate, or ethylhexyl methacrylate. The resin mass further includes: B) 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of cyclic 4-oxoamidines. Such substances are precursors of active substances having biological action. The process according to the invention forms a further method of obtaining this class of compound.By reacting condensation products of aldehydes and aminonitriles or amino acid amides with oxidizing agents, the desired cyclic 4-oxoamidines are obtained according to the invention in good to very good yields.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for the preparation of optically active amino acids and amino acid derivatives of the general formula (I), wherein *, X and R.sup.1 to R.sup.4 have the meaning given in the description. Starting from commercially obtainable (-)-menthol or (+)-menthol, the enantiomerically pure compounds of the formula (I) are obtained in high yields. The method is particularly suitable for the preparation of sterically demanding amino acids and amino acid derivatives.

Abstract: Catheter for echographic imaging within a cavity, comprising a proximal end situated to the outside of the patient, a distal end situated close to the tissues which are to be investigated, and a body connecting these two ends, the distal end comprising a guide wire and a capsule which is transparent to ultrasound and in which are accommodated a fixed piezoelectric transducer and a mirror for deflecting the ultrasonic wave and driven by means of rotation accommodated in the said capsule, this catheter being characterized in that the said mirror (30) is placed directly, without torque transmission shaft, on the surface of the rotor (34) of a microactuator constituting the said means of rotation.