Abstract: The present invention relates in general terms to the use of saponins or sapogenols, particularly those extracted from a plant, preferably from soya or Medicago, in cosmetology and for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for treating the skin in order to increase the amount of collagen IV in the dermo-epidermal junction. It further relates to novel cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions which promote an increase in the amount of collagen IV in the dermo-epidermal junction, and to a method of cosmetic treatment using a saponin or a sapogenol. The invention is applicable in cosmetics, preferably in an anti-wrinkle treatment, and in pharmacy in the treatment of diseases associated with a deficiency of the dermo-epidermal junction resulting from an insufficient amount of collagen IV.

Abstract: The invention relates to products which are to be bound specifically to the membrane of a keratinocyte by means of a ligand-receptor bond.These products carry at least one ligand consisting of an oside residue selected from .alpha.-L-rhamnose, .alpha.-D-galactose and .alpha.-D-galactose-6-phosphate.By virtue of this specificity, it is possible to prepare cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions having an improved efficacy in particular, for example for regeneration of the epidermis, for the treatment of psoriasis or for renewed hair growth.

Abstract: A double voltage alternator circuit having two alternators, each associated with one of two batteries connected in series, and two alternator excitation current control circuits each of which receives a d.c. voltage from an auxiliary rectifier bridge associated with the corresponding alternator, also has a single warning lamp connected between that terminal of a first one of the batteries which is not directly connected in series to the other battery and (a) the auxiliary rectifier bridge associated with that other battery, through an avalanche diode which enables current to pass through the lamp when the voltage at its terminals is greater than a predetermined value, and (b) to the auxiliary rectifier bridge associated with the first battery, through a uni-directional circuit element such as a diode which prevents current from flowing between the two auxiliary rectifier bridges. The invention enables fault indication in a double voltage circuit to be given using a single lamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition based on hydrated lipidic lamellar phases or on liposomes.In this composition, pregnenolone or a pregnenolone ester, such as, in particular, pregnenolone acetate, sulfate or palmitate, is at least partially incorporated in the said hydrated lipidic lamellar phases or the said liposomes.This composition can be applied in particular in the cosmetic or pharmaceutical sector, especially the dermatological sector, for the preparation of compositions with regenerating or revitalizing activity.

Abstract: A cosmetic or dermatological composition comprising an extract of kola seeds substantially free of methylxanthine. Other embodiments include a composition comprising liposomes or hydrated lipidic lamellar phases containing an extract of kola seeds having a methylxanthine content or containing an extract of kola seeds substantially free of methylxanthine. Methods for treating cellulitis deposits present on body parts by application of the compositions of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An alternator has a rotary inductor carrying permanent magnets rotatable about field windings of a fixed armature and supported on a hollow shaft. The shaft forms a housing for a cooling fan and optionally also an electronic power switching device for rectifying and regulating the alternator output. The fan inside the shaft thus cools the switching device. A separate fan incorporated in a radially outer portion of the inductor rotor cools the field windings of the armature.

Abstract: An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine comprises a magnetic c having a plurality of arms lying at an angle to each other, a primary inductive winding on one of said arms and a secondary high voltage winding on another of said arms.The primary and secondary windings are on adjacent arms and have intersecting axes, with a plane through one end of one of said windings perpendicular to the axis of said one winding intersecting both ends of the other winding.