Abstract: An apparatus for providing an isolated ground of a horn activation circuit of a steering wheel assembly comprising an airbag module, the apparatus comprising: an insulator for receiving and engaging a wire, wherein the wire and the insulator are configured to engage at least one securement member of the steering wheel assembly, wherein the airbag module is movably secured to the insulator for movement between a first position and a second position wherein the horn circuit is completed as the airbag module moves from the first position to the second position; and a wire harness electrically communicating with the wire and at least one contact portion of the airbag module, the at least one contact portion making contact with the wire as the airbag module moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteophilic implant having improved osteointegration characteristics. The implant consists of titanium or a titanium alloy and is suitable for the implantation in bones. The implant is provided with a rouge, hydroxylated and hydrophilic surface which is at least sealed in a gastight and liquidtight covering. The interior of said covering is provided with an inert atmosphere, preferably consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and/or inert gas and/or is at least partially filled with purified water which optionally contains additives. The invention also relates to a method for producing the same.

Abstract: Mercaptoalkanoylamino lactam acids are recrystallized by treatment with an agent that minimizes the formation of disulfides. Suitable agents are bismercaptans, phosphine or phosphite reducing agents, zinc metal powder, and sodium hydrosulfite.

Abstract: Mercaptoalkanoylamino lactam acids are recrystallized by treatment with an agent that minimizes the formation of disulfides. Suitable agents are bismercaptans, phosphine or phosphite reducing agents, zinc metal powder, and sodium hydrosulfite.

Abstract: An aircraft seat has a frame assembly onto which is attached a shaped front cover by means of clips, each having a socket component and a plug component. The plug and socket components are repeatedly engageable and disengageable, enabling the front cover to be repeatedly removed from and refitted to the frame assembly, for example for cleaning of the front cover. The clips ensure accurate and precise fitting and location of the seat cover with respect to the frame assembly.

Abstract: N-protected-L-homocysteine disulfide of the formula ##STR1## or an activated form thereof is reacted with (S)-2-amino-6,6-dimethoxyhexanoic acid, methyl ester to give the disulfide intermediate of the formula ##STR2## Cleavage of the disulfide bond followed by acid catalyzed cyclization produces the N-protected lactam of formula III which is useful for preparing the pharmaceutically active compound omapatrilat.

Abstract: A process to produce terephthalic acid is provided, the process including the steps of: providing a feed stream comprising a dialkyl substituted aromatic and in an organic acid solvent: contacting the feed stream with an oxidant, the oxidant containing at least 50% by volume oxygen and at an oxygen partial pressure of at least 1 psia, at a temperature between about 80.degree. C. and about 130.degree. C.

Abstract: Combining pyrimethanil with an organic acid having a volatility of less than 2 Pa at 20.degree. C. results in a product which has valuable physical and biological properties.

Abstract: In a loop holding mechanism (31), loop engaging pins (39) which are carried by pin blocks (38) are arranged successively to engage at a feed end (310) of the mechanism loop portions of yarns formed at opposite side edges of a multi-axial yarn structure being formed. The pin blocks (38) at each side of the mechanism (31) advance in abutting relationship along an advancement track (32) to a delivery end (311) of the mechanism (31) where they are returned along a return track (34) and again engaged in the successively formed loop portions.

Abstract: A method for calibrating the center point of a tool attached to a robot face plate or other machine uses a calibration block having vertical and horizontal faces. The position of the tool center point is determined by moving the tool from a starting position to touch one of the faces, recording the location of the face plate and returning the tool to the starting point. This is repeated for the other surfaces. Then the tool center point can be calculated from the recorded locations. Also disclosed is a calibration block having a centering area with four walls arranged to form a parallelogram and a leveling area with four walls arranged to form an x, y coordinate axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of novel imidazole substituted hydroxamic acid derivatives, and compositions useful thereof as inhibitors of matrix degrading metalloproteinases, in particular collagenase.

Abstract: Apparatus for efficiently exciting an electrodeless lamp to produce visible light. A source of microwave energy is coupled to a cylindrical cavity which encloses an electrodeless lamp. The cylindrical cavity includes a sidewall and end wall which is made from a metallic mesh which passes light produced from the electrodeless lamp. The electric field intensity within the cylindrical cavity is increased in the region above the lamp center. The increased electric field intensity produces a more uniform temperature across the bulb service, increasing the rate of plasma heating of gas molecules in the lamp.

Abstract: In a device and method for increasing the solids content of an image formed from a liquid developer, absorption material is contacted with a toner dispersant laden image, and the absorbed dispersant is vacuumed out of the absorption material. The absorption material preferably is a conductive cover on a porous roller biased with an electrical charge which is the same as the charge of the toner particles, such that the resulting electric field repels the toner particles from the absorption material so that minimal toner particles are transferred to the absorption material.

Abstract: A protective layer for a metal substrate is metallurgically bonded to the substrate and contains (as a percentage by mass) 35 to 50% chromium, up to 10% of which can be replaced by molybdenium, and at least iron, the proportion of iron being at least 25%. The minimum hardness is 800 HVO.1, obtained by a structure having a minimum content of 5% by volume as sigma phase. The sigma phase is obtained by heat-treatment of the coated substrate. The protective layer is particularly resistant to corrosion and also has good resistance to erosion and wear.