Abstract: A pharmaceutical kit for treatment of retinitis pigmentosis and a method of producing the same, the kit comprising the enzymes glutathione peroxidase, prolidase, glucose-6-phosephate dehydrogenase and, optionally, aldose reductase in aliquot parts and interactive quantities appropriate for administering the enzymes in accordance with a predetermined time sequence.

Abstract: Auxiliary forceps are provided for video-assisted minimally-invasive surgery, such as hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery, the forceps being intended for operation by a surgeon's non-dominant hand inserted through an incision for entering a patient's natural body cavity. The forceps comprises a plurality of actuating plates hinged elastically to one another and having a size and shape suitable for operation when held by the tips of two fingers. The forceps also has a plurality of jaws extending from each actuating plate, and a member for temporarily connecting the forceps to the surgeon's hand so as to maintain the forceps at an adjustable distance from the hand of not greater than a predetermined value. In addition, a structure is provided for housing the jaws relatively close to one another, within which the jaws are engaged during operation when the forceps is not in use.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for unrolling and pre-stretching stretch film as the film is fed from the assembly to goods/products to be wrapped or packed. The assembly comprises a first member for controlling the unwinding of the film from a spool, and a cutter arranged downstream of the control member for lacerating the film, the assembly further comprising a second member, downstream of the cutter, for preventing return of the film in a direction opposite to that in which the film leaves the assembly. A cutting procedure, according to another aspect of the present invention, comprises the steps of: following an initial stop of the film during which it is cut, the first, control member is unlocked so as to permit the laceration zone of the film to pass downstream of the second, return preventing member. The film then comes to a new stop to complete the cut following relative motion between the assembly and the goods/products to be wrapped or packed.

Abstract: A group for controlling a second-stage regulator for scuba divers. The regulator comprises a regulator body with an inlet conduit for connection to a first-stage regulator which supplies a breathable gaseous mixture at a constant pressure and an outlet conduit for connection to a mouthpiece of the user. The group comprises a first bushing defining an intermediate chamber with a bottom wall wherein a central hole is formed, a poppet loosely engaged within the hole, the end of the poppet being connected to lever means, a second bushing engaged in the first bushing and defining an inlet chamber and a third bushing engaged in the second bushing and defining a regulator seat at one of its ends. The head of the poppet engages tightly in the seat and an elastic member is provided coaxial to the poppet in the intermediate chamber for maintaining the head against the regulator seat.

Abstract: A recessed lighting fixture with a device for quickly mounting or dismounting the lamp is disclosed. The device comprises an annular body having a front edge defining an aperture with dimensions generally greater than the diameter of the lamp. Flexible retaining members extend radially from the front edge at the aperture, suitable for holding the body at the lamp laterally. At least a pair of radial projections extend internally from the edge and define a span having a width generally smaller than the diameter of the lamp, such that the edge rests against the radial projections and is biased against them by the flexible retaining members.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for adjusting the length of a strap on a mask for aquatic activities. The mask comprises a frame for supporting one or more lenses and a plurality of fork-shaped portions extending from either side of the frame. Each portion contains a pivot about which a portion of a strap end is wrapped, the portion having a plurality of stop ribs on one side. The adjustment device comprises a stop lever housed in each portion and a tooth extending from the lever for engaging one of the ribs. The lever has a substantially U-shaped member and a tongue extending from the base of the member such that the tongue is coplanar with and cantilevered in the lever. On a side opposite the tooth, a head extends from the tongue, against which a wedge-shaped portion of a button abuts, sliding with respect to the fork-shaped portion on a plane generally parallel to the U-shaped member.

Abstract: A process for large-scale production of CdTe/CdS thin film solar cells, films of the cells being deposited, in sequence, on a transparent substrate, the sequence comprising the steps of: depositing a film of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) on the substrate; depositing a film of CdS on the TCO film; depositing a film of CdTe on the CdS film; treating the CdTe film with CdCl2; depositing a back-contact film on the treated CdTe film. Treatment of the CdTe film with CdCl2 comprises the steps of: forming a layer of CdCl2 on the CdTe film by evaporation, while maintaining the substrate at room temperature; annealing the CdCl2 layer in a vacuum chamber at a temperature generally within a range of 380° C. and 420° C. and a pressure generally within a range of 300 mbar and 1000 mbar in an inert gas atmosphere; removing the inert gas from the chamber so as to produce a vacuum condition, while the substrate is kept at a temperature generally within a range of 350° C. and 420° C.

Abstract: A system, method and display for monitoring the performance of an aircraft during the take-off maneuver that includes the steps of monitoring the progress of the take-off maneuver by acquiring data representative of the aircraft's motion at a plurality of points during the maneuver, generating a function that best fits the acquired data, and using the generated function to predict future progress of the maneuver.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator jacket for a scuba diver is disclosed. The jacket comprises a back portion having two opposite sides. Side portions extending from the opposite sides are provided for laterally enveloping the diver's trunk and for connecting to one another generally on the diver's chest. Each of the side portions include a main pocket and a weight pocket, the weight pocket having a top opening, being arranged externally relative to the main pocket, and accommodating a bag containing weight elements. A closure element is also provided for closing the top opening of the weight pocket. In addition, the main pocket forms a compartment for concealing a closure element of its top opening. On the outside of the weight pocket, engagement elements are arranged either for engaging complementary engagement elements on the closure element, or for engaging complementary engagement elements associated with the weight-containing bag for holding the bag in a selected position within the weight pocket.