Abstract: Pyridine-N-oxide-substituted salicylaldehyde and salicylic acid derivatives of the general formula I ##STR1## where R is a formyl group, a CO.sub.2 H group or a radical which can be hydrolyzed to CO.sub.2 H and the other substituents have the following meanings:R.sup.2 is halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy or alkylthio;X is nitrogen or CR.sup.13, R.sup.13 being hydrogen or halogen or together with R.sup.3 forming a 3- to 4-membered alkylene or alkenylene chain in which at least one methylene group is replaced by oxygen;R.sup.3 is halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy or alkylthio, or R.sup.3 is linked with R.sup.13 as indicated above to give a 5- or 6-membered ring;Y is oxygen or sulfur;R.sup.14 -R.sup.

Abstract: Cyclic acetals of the formula I ##STR1## where the substituents have the following meanings: R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are hydrogen, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl or phenyl; additionally R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together are an unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkylene chain;Y is oxygen or sulfur;A has the meaning as given in claim 1;a process for preparing the acetals I and their use for the production of crop protection compositions are described.

Abstract: Glycol aldehyde and lactic acid derivatives and their sulfur analogs of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 have the meanings given in the specification, X is oxygen, sulfur or a single bond, and Y is a C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 -alkylene or C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 -alkenylene chain where in each case a methylene group may be substituted by an oxo group (.dbd.O), environmentally compatible salts of the compounds I, methods of preparing the compounds I, and their use as herbicides.

Abstract: Thiocarboxylic acid derivatives useful as herbicides or plant growth regulators are of the general formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted alkenyl or alkynyl or unsubstituted or substituted phenyl;R.sup.2 is halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy or alkylthio;X is nitrogen or CR.sup.6, where R.sup.6 is hydrogen or, together with R.sup.3, forms a C.sub.3 - or C.sub.4 -alkylene chain or C.sub.3 - or C.sub.4 -alkenylene chain in which a methylene group is replaced with oxygen;R.sup.3 is halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy or alkylthio or R.sup.3 is bonded to R.sup.6 as stated above to give a 5-membered or 6-membered ring;R.sup.

Abstract: In a pedal crank mechanism at least one curved coupling spring is provided for resiliently coupling the pedal crank and the sprocket wheel and is resiliently backed by at least one backing member carried by the sprocket wheel or by the pedal crank. The curved coupling spring engages the backing member at retaining means which are carried by the sprocket wheel or by the pedal crank, or at a point spaced from said retaining means. From the zone in which said coupling spring is backed by the backing member, the coupling spring extends so as to progressively increase its radial distance from the backing surface of the backing member.

Abstract: The shock absorber comprises a metal strip which includes a bend and two legs extending from said bend and including an angle at said bend. Said legs are profiled in cross-section opposite to each other at said bend so that the strip is formed with folds at said bend. Said legs are adapted to be forced toward each other so as to reduce said angle and to dislocate at least part of at least one of said folds. The guide rail assembly comprises a guide rail, a stationary support and said shock absorber, one of the legs of which is connected to said guide rail and the other of the legs of which is connected to said support.