Abstract: A process for producing a Monascus pigment by growing a microorganism of the genus Monascus in an aqueous nutrient medium under aerobic conditions. The microorganism is grown at a pH-value in the range from 4 to 7 in a first medium which promotes its growth; a first biomass is obtained; the first biomass thus obtained is transferred to a second medium which stimulates the production of pigment; the pH is adjusted to a value in the range from 2 to 4; the growth process is continued for a period of 2 to 7 days at a temperature in the range from 20.degree. to 35.degree. C. and pigment is extracted with a solvent from the second biomass obtained.

Abstract: A polishing machine comprises a vertically movable surface on which is mounted a driving motor for rotating a support supporting on an axis of oscillation the gearbox an electric motor associated with an eccentric means urging the said motor to pivot on the axis of oscillation, the output shaft of the motor being provided with a spindle carrying a work tool normally occupying an eccentric position relative to the axis of the support. The machine has application in the polishing of the internal impression of a mould.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an antimicrobial composition comprising an extract of lytic enzymes from Physarum. These lytic enzymes are particularly effective antimycotic agents when used in conjunction with conventional antimycotic agents.

Abstract: A flexible connector for connecting a circuit breaker in a panelboard wherein the connector comprises a plurality of thin metal straps which are fused together at each end. One end includes an aperture to receive a bolt for bolting to the bus bar of a panelboard. The other end of the flexible connector includes the stationary contact of the circuit breaker, and this end is trapped in the circuit breaker with the stationary contact in position for engagement with the movable contact of the breaker. The flexible connection extends outwardly from the breaker and may be doubled under, so when bolted to the bus bar of the panelboard, the bolted end of the connection lies under one end of the circuit breaker. In a modification a jaw member is included at an intermediate point between the stationary contact end and the bolt receiving end of the connector.

Abstract: Methionine.sup.5 -enkephalin sulfoxides and sulfones having agonist activity at opiate receptors are disclosed herein. These sulfoxides and sulfones are useful as analgesics, non-addicting narcotic antagonists and anti-diarrheal agents.

Abstract: The cut-out device comprises a saturable absorbing medium and a monochromatic filter disposed between two amplifying media in the path of laser light pulses. The cut-out device forestalls amplification of light spontaneously emitting in one amplification medium by the following amplification medium, thereby reducing energy losses from pumped amplifying media prior to the passage of a laser pulse.

Abstract: A maximum liquid level control valve for limiting the flow of liquid petroleum gas into a tank having a valve body, a float pivotally attached to the valve body, a closure flap, a spring acting between the valve body and the closure flap, and a cam device movable by the float. The control valve which is mounted to a flange welded to the side wall of the tank has a valve seat and a passage for liquid to flow through the valve body into the tank. The closure flap is movable toward the valve seat to a closed position and away from the valve seat to an open position. The closure flap is movable to the closed position under incoming liquid pressure. When the liquid level in the tank is below the maximum liquid level, the cam device acts on a stem which is attached to the closure flap. With the cam acting on the stem, the closure flap cannot be moved to the closed position in response to incoming liquid pressure.

Abstract: A gas laser device includes, in succession along an optical axis, a gas laser excited by a travelling wave, a convergent lens, two parallel-sided optical prisms adhering to one another in a symmetrical position in relation to the axis, and another convergent lens. The arrangement is such that two divergent elementary beams produced by the laser are brought together to have substantially less divergence.

Abstract: Plowshares and double moldboards which form listers are attached to shanks connected to a toolbar or frame drafted behind a towing vehicle. Rotatable stabilizing discs, or colters, are rigidly affixed to the shanks behind the moldboards and plowshares. The discs engage solid soil behind the moldboards, thereby impeding lateral movements of the plowshares and moldboards and stabilizing the listers.

Abstract: A universal Cardan joint coupling device for pivotally connecting an off-shore oil-field working articulated column to a base member resting or anchored on the sea bed, wherein the improvement consists in that at least one of the pivot axes of said joint is connected to two supports rigidly connected to said base member and provided on either side of said joint, by means of two lock-bolt means aligned and displaceable along said axis and adapted to cooperate with bolt-clasps or keepers provided in said supports.

Abstract: This automatic level comprises an optical compensator for non-horizontality, an image erecting device and an optical focusing system. The compensator, the image erector and the focusing system consist of an assembly of three reflecting element disposed in the fashion of a "Crova" prism, two of said reflecting elements being disposed on a support suspended from the case of the apparatus by means of a pair of flexion bars so selected that said two reflecting elements rotate through an angle equal to one-half the angle formed by the optical axes of the objective and eyepiece of the level with respect to the horizontal when the case departs slightly from its horizontal position, the distance between said objective and one of said two reflecting elements being equal to the distance between other of said two reflecting elements and the reticule, and the third and intermediate reflecting element is movable in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A method for determining the degree of the wear condition of a piston ring in sliding contact with a cylinder wall of an internal combustion engine. The piston ring has a defined magnetic property which property in sliding contact with the wall may be varied by a chromium plating. The reluctance of a magnetic field of an inductive sensor located in the cylinder wall is varied as the piston ring reciprocates and wears. The reluctance variation is compared with a predetermined reference level of the magnetic property for an acceptable degree of wear for the ring.

Abstract: The storage unit, to be used in conjunction with direct-feed plants for manufacturing cigarette packets, comprises a duct inclined to the vertical for feeding the cigarettes to the hopper of the packeting machine and a plurality of chambers extending perpendicularly to said duct, each having an end wall movable to change the volume of the related chamber. Drives are connected to each movable wall and are controlled by means responsive to the cigarette pressure sensed inside the inclined duct.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a cylindrical first member to a second member which may comprise: a tubular body attachable to the second member and adapted to receive one end of the first member; a gripping assembly carried by the body and movable from a radially expanded position, in which one end of the first member may be axially received and displaced from the body, to a radially contracted position gripping the exterior of the first member and preventing its axial displacement from the body; an annular seal assembly carried by the body and movable from a relaxed position, in which one end of the first member may be axially received therein, to a compressed position, sealingly engaging the first member; and an actuating assembly carried by the body and operable to move the gripping and seal assemblies to their contracted and compressed positions, respectively.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing having thin-walled inner and outer races. To the inner surface of the inner race is secured a sleeve of resilient material. This sleeve may have a plurality of ribs in contact with the tube guide of the gear box. A single blind annular recess or plurality of substantially axial full length or blind recesses is disposed in the thickness of each sleeve, substantially in the area of each rib. Self-alignment of the release bearing is obtained by deformation of the walls between the ribs and the recesses or by radial compression of the ribs or both. The ribs may be substantially radially inclined and preferably there are at least six such ribs. Alternatively, the sleeve has an inner cylindrical portion, either unitary or axially split, in contact with the tube guide.

Abstract: An annular seal is clamped in the active position of closure between statary knife-edges on the rotor of a rotating machine and movable knife-edges of a support member which can be displaced between an active position of magnetic coupling with the rotor and an inactive position of withdrawal from the rotor. The magnetic means have a second stable state of attraction in which the movable support member remains separated from the rotor in the inactive position.

Abstract: A device for cutting a roll of foil into lengths in a packet cigarette packer, comprises one or more couples of continuous feed wheels for the foil roll along and between fixed guides and a couple of cutting blades placed opposite each other below the feed wheels of which one at least possesses continuous rotatory movement round an axis parallel to the same feed wheels. A pad of absorbent material in cylindrical form supported freely turning round its own axis is set parallel to the axis of rotation of the turning blade in position such that during its rotatory movement the turning blade comes into contact with the cylindrical pad of absorbent material pre-soaked in vaseline oil, a lubricant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-frequency furnace whose wall is formed by superposed wall-forming members. This furnace includes in particular an inner tubular wall comprising a zirconia tube (38), an alumina washer (39) laid on the zirconia tube and a silica tube (40) laid on the washer. There is a large groove (41) in a top plate (37) to accommodate the silica tube (40). The furnace also includes an outer tube (36) of silica. This structure makes it possible to accommodate differential expansion of the zirconia and the silica in two separate steps. The axial difference is accommodated at the groove (41) while the radial difference is accomodated at the washer (39). Leakage of inert gas pumped into the chamber during operation can then be maintained within acceptable limits throughout the temperature range. Application to the production of optical fibers.