Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an installation for destroying munitions containing toxic agent. The process comprises equipping the munitions with a pyrotechnic fragmentation device and submerging in a pool which is filled with a liquid for neutralizing the toxic agent, closing the pool with a lid so that the pool is sealed with respect to toxic emanation, and igniting the pyrotechnic device so that the munitions is fragmented and releases the toxic agent into the pool. After the fragmentation of the munitions is neutralized with the neutralizing liquid, the pool is reopened for another cycle of destruction. The advantage is of completely destroying the munitions in a single operation cycle without the risk of contamination. The invention is applicable to the destruction of munitions containing chemical or bacteriological toxic agents.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine includes a pair of cylinder banks, a pair of exhaust passages connected to the cylinder banks, respectively, a common exhaust pipe where the exhaust passages join each other at their downstream ends, a pair of catalytic converters provided in the exhaust passages, respectively, a pair of main air-fuel ratio sensors provided in the exhaust passages upstream of the catalytic converters, respectively, a pair of auxiliary air-fuel ratio sensors provided in the exhaust passages downstream of the catalytic converters, respectively, and a catalytic converter provided in the common exhaust pipe. The system derives an air-fuel ratio feedback control correction value for each of the cylinder banks based on outputs of the auxiliary air-fuel ratio sensors.

Abstract: A polymeric film comprises a substrate layer of polymeric material and a coating layer formed from a composition comprising a layer mineral and a cross-linking agent. The coating layer comprises greater than 10% and less than 90% by weight of the layer of the layer mineral and greater than 10% and less than 90% by weight of the layer of a resin derived from the cross-linking agent. The coating layer preferably additionally comprises a copolymer of ethylene with a vinyl monomer. The polymeric film can have oxygen barrier properties, and the layer mineral coating layer exhibits improved adhesion to the polymeric substrate. The polymeric film is particularly suitable for use as a packaging film.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition containing alpha-lipoic acid, dihydrolipoic acid, metabolites of alpha-lipoic acid (inter alia bisnortetralipoic acid and tetranorlipoic acid), optical isomers R- and S- forms of alpha-lipoic acid in oxidized and reduced form together with a vitamin, especially vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The compositions are useful for producing analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cytoprotective, anti-ulcer, antinecrotic, neuroprotective, detoxifying, anti-ischemic, liver function regulating, anti-allergic, immune-stimulating and antioncogenic effects.

Abstract: A flat-corrugated combined sheet 16 is obtained from a flat sheet 10 and corrugated sheets 12 and 14 which are welded together. The combined sheet 16 is rolled, so that a catalyst carrier 18 of a honeycomb structure to which an exhaust gas is contacted is obtained. At a middle part of the catalyst carrier 18, the flat sheet 10 has a section 10-1 free of corrugated sheet, and is formed with louvers 21, so that, in the rolled state, a turbulence generating section 30 is created. At a location upstream from the turbulence generating section 30, the flat sheet 10 has spaced sections 10-2 free of corrugated sheet, so that, in the rolled state, low flow-resistance sections 22 are created. The dissipation of heat of the exhaust gas is reduced at the sections 22, so that the temperature of the exhaust gas introduced into the turbulence generating section 30 at locations downstream from the low flow-resistance sections 22 is high, thereby promoting an activation of the catalyst at the section 30.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inhibiting the adverse effect of an ambient time varying field having an electric component and/or a magnetic component on a living system. To provide protection, the field to which the system is exposed is caused to be one wherein at least one of the characteristic parameters of said field to which the living system is exposed is changed within time intervals of less than 10 seconds. Living systems which are benefitted include humans.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spacious operation cabin of a construction machine which has a large opening for a door, and which prevents the door from jutting out of the turning radius of the cabin when the door is opened. The outer side (2a) of the operation cabin (2) opposite to a working equipment boom installed on a turntable (1) is formed into an outwardly curved arc including the door (3), and the door (3) is adapted to be freely slidable with rails and rollers which are appropriately positioned. The position of the door (3) when it is opened is controlled to be within the turning radius (R) of the turntable.

Abstract: A device and method for performing particle separation. Separation and purification of biological macromolecules are important steps in basic molecular biology research and biotechnology product development. Throughout the years researchers have worked on developing different and better techniques. The present invention is directed to a new technique for separation of charged particles by applying a magnetic field parallel to the axis of rotation during centrifugation. Magnetocentrifugation performed according to the present invention thus enhances the separation of charged particles under centrifugation by adding a magnetically induced force, namely a Lorentz force, in addition to centrifugal, buoyant, and frictional forces. The technique of magnetocentrifugation may be utilized for separating particles with similar densities but different charges, and may be used for free as well as immobilized charged macromolecules such as proteins and DNA.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a semiconductor type pressure sensor capable of preventing an occurrence of a thermal output value, thereby improving a linearity of the output with respect to a change in the temperature. The sensor includes housing 8 provided with a pressure detecting chamber 3, a pressure receiving diaphragm 2 arranged to be adjacent the liquid confined in the pressure detecting chamber 3, and a pressure detecting element 4 arranged in the pressure detecting chamber 3 so as to receive the pressure of the liquid. The diaphragm 2 includes at a location adjacent its fixed end a corrugation 2c, which is made of a pair of convex and concave portions 2a and 2b, and a flat portion 2d. A ratio of the distance between the convex and concave portions 2a and 2b, and the radius R of the diaphragm 2, and a ratio of the flat portion 2d and the radius R of the diaphragm 2 are set to respective desired ranges.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing and monitoring system for a medical fluid infusion system has an IV spike with a pressure sensor which contacts fluid in an infusion container such as an IV bag or bottle. When an adequate amount of fluid is in the container, the resulting pressure on the sensor is at a relatively high level; however, when the fluid reservoir is nearly depleted, the pressure on the sensor falls to a low level, thereby activating the sensor and associated control circuitry which operates an alarm or warning indicator. In lieu of the pressure sensor, the device may use a resistive or capacitive sensor. When the liquid level falls below the electrical sensor, its state changes, and the alarm circuitry is activated.

Abstract: A spark plug for use in an internal combustion engine comprises a central electrode made of a base metal and an earth electrode. A tip portion is provided on the central electrode. The tip portion includes a noble metal tip layer for defining a spark discharge gap between the noble metal tip layer and the earth electrode, and an alloy layer provided between the noble metal tip layer and the central electrode. The tip portion is provided with grooves to be divided into a plurality of sections. The tip portion has an outer peripheral wall flared towards the earth electrode, and a width of the grooves gradually increases from a bottom thereof to a surface of the noble metal tip layer for defining the shark discharge gap.

Abstract: A vented fluid collection system including a collection apparatus for use with a device in communication with a mammalian organ or body lumen having a fluid to be sampled therein. The fluid collection apparatus has a blunt cannula having a bore defined therein and a wall defining a small collection chamber in communication with the bore. A fluid sample passes through the bore and is stored in the collection chamber. A vented membrane is disposed at an opening in the wall to allow gas to pass therethrough but prevents fluid collected in the collection chamber from passing therethrough. A shroud surrounds and protects the cannula and a cannula cap may be mounted to the shroud to enclose the cannula. In an alternative design of the fluid collection apparatus, the bore acts as the collection chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hitherto unknown compounds of formula or their tautomeric forms, the attachment to the pyridine ring being in the 3- or 4-position, in which R', R" are the same or different and stand for hydrogen, halogen, or trifluoromethyl, hydroxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or alkoxy, nitro, or cyano groups. Alkylene stands for a straight or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 carbon chain, which may be substituted by hydroxy or halogen, nitro or cyano groups. X stands for oxygen, for --S(O).sub.n -- where n stands for an integer from 0 to 2, or for .dbd.N--R.sub.1 where R.sub.1 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl. R stands for hydrogen or for one or more C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or alkoxy, hydroxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, cyano, carboxamido, sulfamoyl or nitro radicals. The present compounds are of value in the human and veterinary practice as selective serotonin receptor antagonists.

Abstract: This invention relates to micro-driving members for performing alignment of optical fibers and the like. Backlash is eliminated by forming constituent elements as integral components, thereby improving driving precision. Each micro-driving member includes a base portion in which an insertion hole for an urging means is formed, a support portion integral with the base portion and opposing the insertion hole, an urged portion urged by the urging means, and a table portion for supporting a driving target. The table portion has one side connected to a first horizontal flexible portion extending from the support portion, and the other side which is open.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a piping installation for supplying a low temperature fluid such as liquid nitrogen from a main pipe (17) of transporting the low temperature fluid to predetermined equipments (2, 4, 6), for example a cooling apparatus, by way of branch pipes (18, 19), is characterized in that a thermally insulated pipe having a small outer diameter is used for the branch pipes (18, 19). By reducing the diameter of the branch pipes (18, 19) of the piping installation, the occupation of them in a space can be reduced, whereby spaces (3, 5) where they are installed can be effectively utilized. By reducing the diameter of the branch pipes (18, 19), furthermore, the quantity of the low temperature fluid which has been hitherto discharged wastefully can be decreased.

Abstract: A label printing apparatus includes a liquid crystal display unit for displaying an input character string and a message corresponding to each operation stage, a printing unit for printing a character string on each label, a storage unit for storing each data, and a CPU for performing each processing and control. Label information specifying sizes and the like of various types of labels, sheet numbers corresponding to the label information, character size information defining character sizes, and the like are stored in the storage unit. The CPU specifies label information corresponding to the sheet number and selects a maximum printable character size from a character size table as an initial value on the basis of a printing area. The character size is changed so that the horizontal length of an input character string falls within the printing area. The character size is further changed so that all the characters of the character string extending in all the lines fall within the printing area.

Abstract: Stable composition of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BIT) in dipropylene glycol having lower pH and lower viscosity than known compositions. The BIT is present as an alkali metal salt obtained by reacting 0.75 to 1.07 moles alkali metal hydroxide with one mole BIT.

Abstract: A binding wire guide mechanism in a binding machine has a bend guide member which is provided at the outlet of a straight guide member. The bend guide member has a wire receiving surface which receives a wire fed through the straight guide member in such a manner that the wire abuts obliquely against the surface. The angle of abutment of the wire with respect to the wire receiving surface is made adjustable. As the front end portion of the wire is bent while abutting against the wire receiving surface, the remaining portion of the wire is also bent; that is, the wire is continuously bent, thus forming a wire loop. The bend guide member is short, providing a free space at the front. Therefore, the wire can be positively wound around the articles with ease, which contributes to an improvement of the operating performance of the binding machine.

Abstract: A fluid compressor includes a piston which has a vertical longitudinal axis. A plurality of working chambers are provided between a cylinder and the piston, and are constituted by upper working chambers and lower working chambers which separated from each other by a center portion of the piston. Fluid is sucked in the lowermost one of the upper working chambers and the uppermost one of the lower working chambers, respectively, and is compressed while being conveyed. The diameter .phi. D3 of a lower shaft portion of the piston and the diameter .phi. D4 of an upper shaft portion of the piston have a relationship .phi. D3 <.phi. D4 in order to apply an upward thrust force to the piston.

Abstract: Water soluble salt or acid forms of a transition metal phthalocyanine of formula ##STR1## where M is a transition metal, X is H, alkyl, alkoxy, halide or X's together form --C.sub.4 H.sub.4 --, each R is a ligand with a solubilizing group, and Q is N or --CY-- where Y is H, alkyl, alkoxy or halide, are surprisingly active in tests indicating photodynamic properties. Novel compounds, preparative methods and pharmaceutical compositions are included.