Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an initial lubrication of a moving component including an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an ultrasonic output signal from the moving component and a processor for operating on the output signal. The processor determines if there has been an initiation of a lubrication operation. After identifying the initiation of the lubrication operation, the processor monitors the ultrasonic output signal received from the ultrasonic sensor to detect a momentary increase in the amplitude of the ultrasonic output signal above a level that indicates a need for lubrication, and which is indicative of an initial interaction between a lubricant and the moving component. Upon detecting the momentary increase in the amplitude, the processor tracks a progress of the lubrication operation by detecting for a sustained decrease in the amplitude of the ultrasonic output signal received from the ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: A bearing lubrication system includes an ultrasonic signal detector affixed in proximity or in contact with a set of bearings and a control unit. The control unit including (a) a lubrication dispenser fixed to a structure connected with the set of bearings and having an output for dispensing lubricant to the set of bearings through a controllable valve; and (b) a transceiver affixed in proximity to the set of bearings, said transceiver transmitting the ultrasonic signal to a location remote from the set of bearings. A hub computer is at the remote location that receives the ultrasonic signal from the transceiver. When the hub computer determines that the ultrasonic signal is above a local predetermined threshold the hub computer generates a local valve open/close signal and sends it back to the transceiver of the control unit.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): [in which: X is a group of formula >CR1R2 or >SO2; Y is a group of formula >NH or >CR1R2; Z is a group of formula >C?O or >CH2 or a direct bond; R1 is hydrogen and R2 is hydrogen, carboxy or hydroxy; or R1 and R2 together represent an oxo group, a methylenedioxy group or a hydroxyimino group; R3 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R4 represents two hydrogen atoms, or an oxo or hydroxyimino group; R5 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or halogen; R6 is hydrogen, lower alkoxy or carboxy; R7 and R8 are each hydrogen, lower alkyl or halogen; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof can be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of acute or chronic neurodegenerative diseases or conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Chorea, Multiple Sclerosis or the sequelae to acute ischaemic events such as heart attack, stroke or head injury and for protection against ischaemic damage to tissues of peripheral organs.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): [in which: X is a group of formula >CR1R2 or >SO2; Y is a group of formula >NH or >CR1R2; Z is a group of formula >C?O or >CH2 or a direct bond; R1 is hydrogen and R2 is hydrogen, carboxy or hydroxy; or R1 and R2 together represent an oxo group, a methylenedioxy group or a hydroxyimino group; R3 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; R4 represents two hydrogen atoms, or an oxo or hydroxyimino group; R5 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or halogen; R6 is hydrogen, lower alkoxy or carboxy; R7 and R8 are each hydrogen, lower alkyl or halogen; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof can be used for the treatment or prophylaxis of acute or chronic neurodegenerative diseases or conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Chorea, Multiple Sclerosis or the sequelae to acute ischaemic events such as heart attack, stroke or head injury and for protection against ischaemic damage to tissues of peripheral organs.