Abstract: A touch control switch suitable for connection between a lamp load and a supply circuit in a lighting installation for alternating current and comprising a semiconductor switching element with a gate electrode, a counting circuit with a forward stepping input and a digital control output connected to the gate electrode of the semiconductor switching element via a trigger pulse generating circuit for controlling the conduction of the semiconductor switching element in dependence on the condition of activation of the digital control output, and a control pulse shaping circuit having an output connected to the forward stepping input of the counting circuit and a first and second input terminal for connection to a first and second, respectively terminal of the supply circuit via a touch sensitive impedance.

Abstract: A handbag holder folds into a compact form smooth and free of surface projections. A flat region is provided for messages. Folding support and hook arms are fitted snugly with light friction so as not to come open unless intended. Ears on the arms are flush with the body when closed, and may be grasped for opening. The support arm is fixed with a swivel top having a rubber friction foot for resting on a table, and the hook arm is grooved to receive the strap of the handbag. The support arm is movable relative to the swivel top so as to permit the handbag holder to be used on tables with a thick ledge or top.

Abstract: The invention is related to a handling hook assembly comprising a hook member having a long arm connected to a short arm by a curved hook member portion. The respective free ends of said arms are located at a distance from each other, so as to define between them a gap through which a carrying sling, or the like, can be introduced into said hook member. A locking lever is pivotally mounted onto said hook member at a location near the free end of the long arm, which locking lever is angularly displaceable between an open position wherein the locking lever clears the gap, and a locking position wherein the locking lever closes said gap. Hooking means are provided on the locking lever and at said free end of the short arm for positive locking engagement between said lever and said free end of the short arm when said lever is in said locking position.

Abstract: Aquarium hood apparatus having a base member with an aquarium filtration housing supported in partially depending relation to the base member, the housing having side walls, end walls, a bottom and an open top with a partition within the housing spaced from one end wall defining a water exit chamber for discharging water through an opening in the one end beneath the plane of the base member, the partition having the upper edge thereof spaced below the open end of the housing. A disposable filtration cartridge is disposed longitudinally between the partition and the other end wall to define a first fluid receiving chamber and a cleansed fluid chamber, the latter being in fluid communication with the first chamber, the height of the partition permitting overflow from the fluid receiving chamber into the first chamber in the event of clogging of the filter.

Abstract: A space is cooled by gasifying or vaporizing a first, preferably liquid substance in a first container located in said space. The gas or vapor thus formed is conducted into a second container located outside the space and containing a second substance generating a lower gas pressure than said first substance at the same temperature, preferably by being chemically bound thereby. Said gas or vapor is absorbed by the second substance, which shall possess the quality of forming a porous, substantially rigid body in its container after heating or regeneration in vacuum. The second substance is comprised of sodium sulphide, at least as its major ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel 2,5-dihalophenyl-.beta.-substituted sulfone compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein Q is selected from ##STR2## and wherein: X designates chlorine or bromine,Y designates hydrogen, chlorine, or bromine,Z designates chlorine, bromine, phenyl, halophenyl or --COOR whereinR is a lower alkyl group of up to and including 4 carbon atoms,Z' designates chlorine, bromine or --COOR, wherein R is a lower alkyl of up to and including 4 carbon atoms, provided that whenY is hydrogen, Z' designates --COOR, as herein defined,and to pesticides and especially fungicides containing a compound as defined above as active ingredient. The above compounds are also effective antifungal agents when incorporated in polymeric compositions.

Abstract: Improved method for in situ visual examination of cardiovascular system comprises feeding a catheter having at least one afferent fiber-optic bundle for transmitting light from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal end thereof and at least one efferent fiber-optic bundle for returning light from the distal end to the proximal end, into the cardiovascular system until the distal end is in the vicinity of the region of cardiovascular system to be examined; illuminating the region by illuminating the proximal end of the catheter; injecting a clear physiologically innocuous fluid in front of the distal end of the catheter to increase clarity of blood in the region being examined; and observing the image returned to the proximal end of the efferent fiber-optic bundle. Fiber-optic catheter system and improved catheter for carrying out method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A controller for regulating the energy consumption of a closed, variable capacity heating or refrigeration system comprises means for sensing at least two parameters, each indicative of the most energy efficient system capacity based on the parameter sensed, means for selecting the signal indicative of the most energy efficient system capacity and for providing an output signal indicative thereof, and means for comparing the output signal from the selecting means with the actual capacity of the system and for generating a signal indicative of the change in capacity necessary to adjust the actual system capacity to the most energy efficient capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for signal distortions in an input digital signal, such as a pseudo video scan line having a television video scan line format and capable of comprising a complete self-contained packet of digital information sufficient to provide an entire video displayable row of video data characters, said signal comprising a plurality of ones and zeroes defining the digital information therein, the pseudo video scan line having associated peak-to-peak signal levels respectively defining the ones and zeroes wherein the signal distortion in the signal comprise the respective peak-to-peak signal levels associated with at least some of the plurality of ones and zeroes differing from the respective peak-to-peak signal levels associated with others of this plurality, the peak-to-peak signal levels resulting from zero-to-one and one-to-zero transitions in the signal, provides a compensated output digital signal from the distorted input digital signal having the same information content wherein the p

Abstract: Compounds having the formula: ##STR1## wherein (a) when R.sup.1 is --COCH.sub.3 or --COCH.sub.2 OH,R.sup.2 is --OH, R.sup.3 is --OCH.sub.3 and R.sup.4 is --H;(b) when R.sup.2 is --COCH.sub.3 or --COCH.sub.2 OH;R.sup.1 is --OH, R.sup.3 is --H and R.sup.4 is --OCH.sub.3 ;and which are useful in treating certain mammalian tumors, are prepared from 9,10-anhydro-N-trifluoroacetyl daunorubicin, a known compound.

Abstract: A novel method for producing hydroquinone and quinone derivatives by a regio- and stereo-specific coupling reaction of hydroquinone derivative having a terminal activated (poly)prenyl side chain with a prenyl derivative. This method can provide in good yield various hydroquinone and quinone derivatives having any prenyl length of the side chain.

Abstract: An airway for insertion into the mouth and pharynx for assisting intubation comprising an elongate body having a straight section joined to a curved section and a face plate secured to the straight section at its free end. The body of the airway has an elongate U-shaped central channel open at the top and a pair of elongate open-sided U-shaped channels on either side of the central channel. The upper defining wall of one of the open-sided channels has an opening therein through which a tubular member inserted in the channel may be guided for accommodating suctioning of the nasopharynx. A tubular member may be intubated in the other side channel for simultaneously suctioning the hypopharynx.

Abstract: 7-[2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2-(syn)-methoxyiminoacetamido]cephalosporanic acid derivatives of the formula; ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 NH is an amino group which may optionally be protected; COOR.sup.2 is a carboxyl group which may optionally be esterified; X is oxygen, sulfur or an imino group which may optionally be substituted; B is hydrogen or a hydroxyl, amino, thiol or hydrocarbon group which may optionally be substituted, or a salt thereof, are novel, .beta.-lactamase-resistant and low-toxicity compounds which display excellent activity against a broad spectrum of microorganisms including Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Proteus rettgeri, Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundii. Thus, these compounds can be used for antibacterial agents in therapeutical purpose.

Abstract: An improved hermetic clutch for driving a shaft and adapted for securement to a non-rotating supporting structure includes first and second elongate annular members, the second being concentrically disposed within the first with the shaft coupled to one of the members for rotation therewith. Means are provided for electromagnetically coupling the members for imparting rotation to the one member upon mechanical rotation of the other. The assembly also includes a "can"-shaped hermetic seal disposed between the two members and fixedly secured at its open end to the supporting structure, and means mechanically coupled to the stationary support and the seal for preloading the seal in axial tension to enhance the structural integrity thereof. Means are also provided for supporting each of the members for rotation relative to the seal, and for maintaining concentricity therebetween.

Abstract: An improved air conditioning system comprises a first medium in heat exchange relation with an air stream, means for controlling the temperature of the first medium to effect sufficient heat exchange to control the temperature of the air stream, a second medium having thermal storage capacity, thermal conducting means interposed between said first and second media for effecting heat exchange therebetween, the thermal conducting means being thermally coupled to a means for exchanging heat with the air stream, and a means for controlling the flow rate of the air stream through the heat exchange means in order to controllably apportion heat exchange between (a) the first medium and (b) the air stream and the second medium.

Abstract: A vertical-blind-like modular assembly, in which each of the blinds may be individually replaced in situ without disassembling the entire assembly, and in which the plurality of blinds making up the assembly will maintain their substantially parallel alignment even during attempted pivotal movement while an obstruction prevents such pivotal movement of any one of the plurality of blinds, includes a spring biased slip clutch member which is common to all of the blinds. Each of the blinds is respectively removably mountable on a blind carrier by means of a blind holder which includes a hook-like portion insertable through an aperture in the blinds. When a fabric blind is used, the aperture may be reinforced by use of an insert having an aperture which is alignable with the aperture in the blinds. Each blind carrier includes a bevel gear arrangement which is keyed to a common shaft which is, in turn, driven by a common worm gear arrangement cooperable with the common slip clutch.

Abstract: N-Acylated 17-Aza-PGF.sub.2.alpha. compounds have been prepared.

Abstract: Daunomycin derivatives of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is a lower alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R is hydrogen or a trifluoroacetyl group are useful in treating certain mammalian tumors.