Abstract: An object sensing system comprises an array of emitters (3) and detectors (4). The emitters are arranged with overlapping fields of illumination such that each illuminates at least part of a space within which objects are to be sensed. Each detector is positioned to detect radiation reflected from the emitters towards it from any object in the space. The emitters are energized in a sequence such that the space is illuminated by each emitter in turn. The sequential energization of the emitters is correlated with an output of each detector to sense an object and its range within the space.

Abstract: A device for attaching the end of a strap-like member (14), notably a bracelet, to an object, notably a watch, comprising a housing (1,16,31) provided with two latch pins (3,18,33) adapted to be received in facing recesses of the object. At least one of these pins is able to occupy two positions, a first position in which it protrudes from said housing to come to engage in one of the recesses of the object, and a second position in which it is retracted. A rotatable or push-piece type movable control member (10,20,35) solid with a cam (10b,20a,35b) engaging with the inner end (39,18b,34) of one of the pins (3,18,33) and applied against this cam (10b,20b,35b) by biasing means (14,19,32), can be actuated to bring this pin (3,18,33) into the retracted position against the pressure exerted by the biasing means (4,19,32).

Abstract: A spring manufacturing machine enhances an efficiency of operation. A desired one of wire passages in wire feeding rollers is aligned with a wire passage in an auxiliary wire guide and a wire passage in a final wire guide by adjusting a position of a forward and rearward movable table with respect to a front wall of a machine frame.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical current sensor comprising a magnetic circuit (3), with an air gap (3a), a winding (4) on the magnetic circuit in which a current to be measured flows, a magnetic field detector (5) arranged in the air gap, and a support plate (2) carrying an electrical circuit (6) configured to amplify an output signal from the magnetic field detector. The support plate (2) comprises a main part (21) and a lateral extension (23), the entire unit having an area cut away from the overall rectangular shape of the plate. The turns (4a) of the winding (4) are arranged at that area in such a way that the thickness of the sensor depends on the transverse dimensions of the winding.

Abstract: Novel diazaanthracenes of formula wherein the dotted line in the central ring indicates that either the central ring is aromatically unsaturated, and in this case either R.sup.3 or H is absent from the 10-position and either R.sup.4 or H is absent from the 5-position, or the central ring is saturated and R.sup.3 and H and R.sup.4 and H are present, and the corresponding 5,10-diones, N-oxides, N-halides, N-amine, salts, dimers, Diels-Alder adducts, carbene adducts and complexes with transition metal compounds display valuable antibacterial, anticancer and antifungal properties. The compounds of formulae (I) and (II) in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are both methyl groups can be obtained by subjecting 3,5-lutidine to the effect of a strong reducing agent, for example molten sodium.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering treatments to pre-packed boxes of produce, comprising: a main frame defining a space sized and configured to receive a plurality of vertically stacked, pre-packed boxes of produce, each box having at least one pair of through hand holes located in opposing ends thereof, a first injector frame moveably mounted to the main frame opposite one of the two opposing sides of the vertically stacked boxes and a second injector frame moveably mounted to the main frame opposite the other of the opposing sides of the vertically stacked boxes; a plurality of spray injectors in fluid communication with a solution holding tank and with means to pump solutions from said holding tank to said spray injectors, the spray injectors being adjustably mounted on the injector frames, with a spray injector positioned in alignment with each hand hole exposed on each of the two opposing sides of the vertically stacked boxes; means to move the injector frames between a first position in which the spray inje

Abstract: Elevated levels of Inhibin-A in maternal serum or plasma have been shown to indicate the presence of Down's Syndrome. The assay method comprises the use of a monoclonal antibody specific for at least part of the inhibin-A .beta. sub-unit (.beta.A), and another monoclonal antibody specific for at least part of the Inhibin-A .alpha. sub-unit. The .beta.A antibody is used to capture Inhibin-A from the test sample, and the .alpha. sub-unit antibody is used as the detection antibody and is linked to a detectable marker. The method is carried out in the first or second trimester as a screening test to select patients for subsequent diagnostic testing.

Abstract: A means for spark erosion of workpieces. A workpiece carrier (20) and a carriage (30) including a tool support (32) are movable in controlled fashion with respect to each other along the three axes of a three dimensional coordinate system (X, Y, Z) in the work space (46) of an erosion machine (10). One of the axes (Y) of movement of the carriage (30) is parallel to the axis (A) of the workpiece carrier (20). Workpiece holds (60) of a magazine (50) are movable into the work space (46), one of them each being positioned with its axis parallel to said axis (Y) of the carriage (30) in a transfer position (P). A gripper (40) is disposed on the carriage (30), spaced from the tool support (32), for exchanging workpieces (W) between the magazine (50) and the workpiece carrier (20).

Abstract: A steering assistance device for a castor comprises a cam portion (39) having a lobe (41) which is fixed to the bottom of the fixing bolt of the castor and which is surrounded by a closed portion (43) of a capture device (42). The lobe (41) is engaged in an arcuate recess (49) of the capture device (42) in the dead center position of the castor. The capture device (42) is formed of a plastics material and its sides and ends are resilient slats. The arcuate recess (49) is in one end and the two sides (50 and 52) carry inwardly projecting arms (51 and 53).

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a saw blade holder (24), a grinding slide (30) which carries a profiled grinding wheel (38) and is movable to and fro in a strokewise manner with respect to the saw blade holder (24), and a feed slide (40) by means of which a saw blade (10) in the saw blade holder (24) can be advanced in a stepwise manner. A dressing template (50) is arranged at the apparatus in a normally inoperative position and can be moved in intervals into an operative position in which the grinding wheel (38) is dressed by plunging into the dressing template (50). The feed slide (40) can be put out of operation during the dressing intervals. The stroke of the grinding slide (30) is adjustable prior to the next plunging motion into the saw blade (10) corresponding to the radius decrease of the grinding wheel (38) effected by dressing. This simplifies the dressing operation of the grinding wheel (38) and shortens the time required for each dressing operation.

Abstract: Bag sealing apparatus comprises a compressed air source which pumps air through a supply pipe towards an opening in a bag. Bag material is advanced by rollers from a roll. The material is in the form of two layers open at one side. The supply pipe extends between the layers through the open side and the open side is sealed by heat sealing by two side members. Each of the rollers defines a circumferential recess and the two recesses together receive the supply pipe. The apparatus further comprises heat sealing elements for sealing the opening in the bag and spring mounted clamp parts for clamping the bag downstream of the sealing elements to reduce fluid back pressure from the downstream bag.

Abstract: An image, eg of an advertising or promotional nature, is depicted in an inverse perspective form on a playing field (10) for a sporting event. The playing field is imaged by means of a video camera (12) whose line of sight (14) corresponds to the line of sight used in transforming the image to its inverse perspective form, and the output of the camera then broadcast or diffused in a television broadcasting or diffusion service.