Abstract: An interactive graphical application program combines a graphical command language and a control program to enable a user to graphically select and generate an automation sequence to control an automation application. A computer system stores a first program containing flow sequences and a set of controls representing possible hardware for use in the automation application. Structure is graphically displayed depicting each sequence step and transition to the next step in accordance with user selections. The first program is automatically linked with the controls to enable an application software program to be generated in response to user commands.

Abstract: The use of cholesteric, liquid-crystalline compositions comprisinga) at least one chiral, liquid-crystalline, polymerizable monomer of the formula I,[Z.sup.1 -Y.sup.1 -(A.sup.1).sub.m -Y.sup.2 -M.sup.1 -Y.sup.3 -].sub.n -XIby means of which a cholesteric, liquid-crystalline phase with a pitch of less than 450 nm can be obtained,orb) a mixture ofb.sub.1) at least one achiral, liquid-crystalline, polymerizable monomer of the formula IIZ.sup.2 -Y.sup.4 -(A.sup.2)-.sub.o -Y.sup.5 -M.sup.2 -Y.sup.6 -(A.sup.3).sub.p -Y.sup.7 -Z.sup.3 lIandb.sub.2) at least one chiral additive by means of which a cholesteric, liquid-crystalline phase with a pitch of less than 450 nm can be obtained,where the variables are as defined in the description, as UV filters in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations for protecting the human skin or human hair against sunlight, alone or together with UV-absorbent compounds which are known per se for cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: An optical module includes a holding body for an optical component. The holding body is accommodated in a housing and provided with a flange. A plastic U-shaped latching device is held on the holding body and includes a base part having tongues with catches. In order to provide the module with a high reverse bending strength with reference to the tongues, the latching device is held on the flange with the aid of nose-like attachments of the housing in a transition region between the respective tongue and the base part.

Abstract: The electro-optical module has a substrate with a mounting surface that is free from depressions. A surface-mounted component unit is disosed on the mounting surface. The component unit contains as integral components an electro-optical component and a lens which are aligned directly with one another. The surface serves, furthermore, as a reference plane for assembling a receptacle for an optical fiber plug.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for interactively developing a graphical, control-flow structure and associated application software for use in a machine vision system using a computer system without the need for a user to write any code. Preferably, the method and system "marry" the ActiveX control standard and the Grafcet/IEC 1131 standard. The structure includes a control sequence having a plurality of steps or nodes, transitions, and links or flow lines which interconnect the nodes and transitions. Hardware operating parameters are stored which correspond to possible hardware for use in the machine vision system. The hardware operating parameters define a set of standard controls having properties. Commands are received from the user of the computer system to select a first control program corresponding to a desired component of a user interface, desired hardware operating parameters corresponding to desired hardware and second control programs corresponding to desired machine vision algorithms.

Abstract: An electroluminescent arrangement contains one or more organic layers, at least one of which is obtained by thermal or radiation-induced crosslinking and contains at least one charge-transporting compound which can carry crosslinkable groups per layer, one of the layers being completely or partially composed of a crosslinkable fluorescent compound which emits fluorescent light in the wavelength range from 400 to 800 nm.

Abstract: Mixtures of liquid-crystalline compounds comprising at least two different substances of the formula I ##STR1## where Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2, independently of one another, are polymerizable groups,Y.sup.1 and Y.sup.2, independently of one another, are each a direct bond, --O--, --COO--, --OCO-- or --S--,A.sup.1 and A.sup.2, independently of one another, are spacers, andR.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are conventional substituents,and novel compounds of the above formula where at least two of Z.sup.1, Z.sup.2, Y.sup.1, Y.sup.2, A.sup.1 and A.sup.2 are not identical, are described. The novel mixtures and compounds are suitable, inter alia, as base material for color-effect materials and piezomaterials, preferably in chirally doped form.

Abstract: A process for coating or printing substrates with a coating or printing composition comprises applying a polymerizable material containing liquid-crystalline, polymerizable monomers which carryat least two polymerizable groups for coating andat least one polymerizable group for printing,to the substrate, and subsequently carrying out the polymerization, where the coating composition or the printing composition comprisesa.sub.1) a chiral liquid-crystalline monomer andb) a polymeric binder and/or monomeric compounds which can be converted into the polymeric binder by polymerization, or, in the case of emulsion coatings and printing inks, a dispersion auxiliary d),or the coating composition or the printing composition comprisesa.sub.

Abstract: Chiral nematic polyesters comprise as alcohol component chiral diol structural units and as acid component dicarboxylic acid residues comprising mesogenic groups. The polyesters are particularly suitable for surface coating.

Abstract: A polymerizable, chiral compound of the formula (I):(Z--Y.sup.1 -A-O--CO--O-M-Y.sup.2).sub.n X (I)where:A, M, Y.sup.1 and Y.sup.2, X, n and Z are as defined herein; and which compound is suitable for use in electro-optical displays or as chiral dopes for nematic or cholesteric liquid crystals for the production of layers which reflect in colors.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for quickly developing application software for use in a machine vision system using a computer system. Hardware operating parameters are stored which correspond to possible hardware for use in the machine vision system. The hardware operating parameters define a set of custom controls having properties. Commands and a set of instructions are received from a user of the computer system to select a first custom control program corresponding to a desired component, desired hardware operating parameters corresponding to desired hardware and a second custom control program corresponding to a desired machine vision algorithm. The first custom control program is linked with the desired hardware operating parameters to the second custom control program to form the application software.

Abstract: A fly and insect trap for attachment to a depending light bulb has an enclosure of translucent material for installation around the light bulb, the enclosure having an upwardly open top defining an opening for receiving the bulb into the interior of the enclosure with the top spaced outwardly from the bulb to form therebetween an inlet gap for the entry of flies and insects into the interior of the enclosure. A retainer is secured to the enclosure within the enclosure and beneath the opening and resiliently engageable with the bulb for suspending the trap from the bulb.

Abstract: The method of cleaning soil contaminated with contaminants includes comminuting contaminated soil to form a comminuted contaminated soil; filling the comminuted contaminated soil into a countercurrent extractor from above under an inert gas atmosphere so that the comminuted contaminated soil moves as a travelling bed downward through the countercurrent extractor; feeding a solvent, advantageously acetone, into a lower portion of the countercurrent extractor so that the solvent flows upward through the travelling bed to form a decontaminated soil at the bottom of the extractor and a contaminant-charged solvent portion taken from a middle portion; supplying a conveying liquid to the lower portion of the countercurrent extractor so as to transfer the decontaminated soil from the countercurrent extractor to a filter device having a belt filter; and separating the decontaminated soil in the filter device into a cleaned soil and a reusable conveying liquid.

Abstract: An improved heat-resistant surface contaminant containment boom is described, which has a floatation section incorporating refractory materials and spacing materials providing an air-gap around an inner float assembly which can be formed of less heat-resistant and more flexible materials. Further, the boom provides a water wicking action which draws water into the boom to be converted to steam. Provision is made for the steam to escape from the boom removing heat therefrom allowing the float assembly within to remain at a cooler temperature.

Abstract: Hardenable foam compositions comprising oxygen-releasing foaming agents, a hardener consisting of an alkali silicate solution, a fine particle solid material which reacts with said hardener, namely an oxide mixture consisting of SiO.sub.2 and Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 extracted from a filter dust, an electrofilter ash from high-temperature power plants, and calcinated bauxite or amorphous silica, to which reaction accelerators are added, are improved, firmer, faster hardening foams. Reducing agents, in particular sulphur compounds with a reducing action are preferred. Oxidizing agents or fine particle substances such as soot or color pigments are effective.

Abstract: A liquid siphon for emptying containers such as drums includes a main suction pipe, of a relatively large diameter, and an auxiliary suction pipe, of a relatively small diameter, which auxiliary suction pipe is coextensive with the main suction pipe and extends slightly beyond the main suction pipe. At the location where the siphon is attached to a hose, a stopcock is provided which is used to close the main suction pipe when the siphon begins to draw air so that the auxiliary suction pipe along pulls liquid from the container. In this way residual liquid is removed from the container.

Abstract: An improved resilient torsion arrangement. The torsion arrangement is comprised of a wire-like body member having an upper portion formed in a first predetermined open geometrical configuration, a transverse portion extending across the first predetermined open geometrical configuration, and a lower portion having a second predetermined open geometrical configuration. The upper portion and the lower portion are resiliently movable toward, or away from, each other to put the transverse portion into torsion. The torsion in the transverse portion provides the resilient force resisting movement of the upper portion toward the lower portion. Proper selection of the relationships between the upper portion and the lower portion and configuration of the transverse portion can provide predetermined relationships between the force required to move the upper portion toward, and away from, the lower portion and the separation between the upper portion and the lower portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for strengthening geological formations in underground mining or underground construction work by the introduction of reaction mixtures which react to form polyurethane plastics into the formations which are required to be strengthened, wherein the reaction mixtures are based on(a) a polyisocyanate component,(b) a polyol component and(c) at least one auxiliary agent or additive, characterized in that component (c) contains a cyclic polydimethylsiloxane in the molecular weight range of 222 to 740 and in a quantity of about 0.01 to 5.0% by weight, based on the total weight of components (a) and (b).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the strengthening of geological formations in underground workings and mines by the introduction of reaction mixtures which react to form polyurethanes into the formations which are to be strengthened, the reaction mixtures being based on(a) a polyisocyanate component,(b) a polyol component and(c) an ester,the ester having a hydroxyl number of about 10 to 630 and an acid number of at most 10 and obtained from (i) an acid component having a carboxyl functionality of at least 1.5 and containing a polymerized fatty acid having at least 12 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof with unpolymerized saturated or unsaturated fatty acids having at least 12 carbon atoms and (ii) a polyol component containing at least one polyhydric alcohol, the ester being present in a positive amount of up to 5% by weight, based on the weight of component (b).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for strengthening geological formations in underground mining or other operations introducing into the formation which is to be strengthened mixtures of a polyisocyanate component (a) and a polyol component (b) which react together to form polyurethanes, characterized in that the polyol component (b) is based on mixtures of (i) organic polyhydroxyl compounds having hydroxyl numbers of about 100 to 600 and (ii) dihydric alcohols having a molecular weight of 62 to about 150, component (ii) being present in an amount of about 0.01 to 20% by weight, based on the total quantity of component (b).