Abstract: A preload indicating washer assembly that operates in the elastic region for a rated compression is disclosed. Because it operates in the elastic region, the preload indicating washer assembly resumes its original shape when the compression is decreased or removed. The washer assembly elastically deforms again to the same extent as its original deformation when the predetermined compression is restored. Thus the washer assembly will indicate the proper fastener preload when used for multiple loading cycles or in multiple locations.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: Phenylalanine enamide derivatives of formula (1) are described: wherein R1 is a group Ar1L2Ar2Alk- in which: Ar1 is an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group; L2 is a covalent bond or a linker atom or group; Ar2 is an optionally substituted arylene or heteroarylene group; and Alk is a chain —CH2—CH(R)—, —CH?C(R)— or ?in which R is a carboxylic acid (—CO2H) or a derivative or biostere thereof; X is an —O— or —S— atom or —N(R2)— group in which: Rx, Ry and Rz which may be the same or different is each a hydrogen atom or an optional substituent; or Rz is an atom or group as previously defined and Rx and Ry are joined together to form an optionally substituted spiro linked cycloaliphatic or heterocycloaliphatic group; and the salts, solvates, hydrates and N-oxides thereof.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention discloses podophyllotoxin producing endophytic fungi isolated from Podophyllum species. The invention provides methods for identifying podophyllotoxin producing endophytic fungi and methods for recovering podophyllotoxin from such fungi.

Abstract: A method of joining a ceramic matrix composite rocket nozzle to a metal manifold is provided, wherein a silicon nitride insert is disposed inside the ceramic matrix composite rocket nozzle and the metal manifold to provide a joint therebetween. The silicon nitride insert is preferably co-processed with the ceramic matrix composite rocket nozzle such that the ceramic matrix provides a bond between the rocket nozzle and the insert. The metal manifold is then secured to the silicon nitride insert, preferably using brazing, to form a joint assembly.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of joining a ceramic matrix composite rocket nozzle to a metal manifold is provided, wherein a silicon nitride insert is disposed inside the ceramic matrix composite rocket nozzle and the metal manifold to provide a joint therebetween. The silicon nitride insert is preferably co-processed with the ceramic matrix composite rocket nozzle such that the ceramic matrix provides a bond between the rocket nozzle and the insert. The metal manifold is then secured to the silicon nitride insert, preferably using brazing, to form a joint assembly.

Abstract: Phenylalanine enamide derivatives of formula (1) are described: 1

Abstract: An enantioselective multi-stage process is described which uses as a starting material an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated olefin of formula (1):Ar--CH.dbd.C(R.sup.4)COAux (1)where Ar and R.sup.4, which may be the same or different, is each a monocyclic or bicyclic aryl group optionally containing one or more heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen atoms; and Aux is the residue of a chiral (R- or S-) auxiliary.In the process, the olefin is converted to a chiral triarylethane which is of use in medicine.

Abstract: Metalloproteinase inhibitors are provided which are selective inhibitors of the action of gelatinase, and may be of use in the treatment of cancer to control the development of tumour metastases.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (1) are described wherein R represents a --CONHOH, carboxyl, carboxyl ester, or --P(O)(X.sup.1 R.sup.8)X.sup.2 R.sup.9, where X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are the same or different and each is oxygen or sulphur, R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl, aryl or aralkylthioalkyl group; R.sup.2 represents an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, aralkoxy, or aralkylthio group, or an amino, substituted amino, carboxyl, or carboxyl ester group; R.sup.3 represents hydrogen or alkyl; R.sup.4 represents hydrogen or alkyl; R.sup.5 represents an optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group optionally interrupted by one or more --O-- or --S-- atoms or --N(R.sup.7)-- groups, where R.sup.7 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, or --(Alk).sub.n R.sup.6 where Alk is an alkyl or alkenyl group optionally interrupted by one or more --O-- or --S-- atoms or --N(R.sup.

Abstract: A rotating cylindrical sputtering target surface as part of a magnetron has cylindrical shields adjacent each end of the target that are shaped at their respective inner edges to maximize etching and to prevent condensation and subsequent arcing that undesirably occurs when certain materials, particularly dielectrics, are being sputtered. If two or more rotating targets are employed in a single magnetron system, each is similarly shielded. In an alternative form, the target is provided with a single cylindrical shield that is cut away for a significant portion of the distance around the cylinder to provide an opening through which a sputtering region of the target is accessible, while maintaining shielding of the target end regions. This alternative single shield is similarly shaped at portions of its inner edges adjacent to the opening to maximize etching and to prevent undesired condensation and subsequent arcing.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents a --CONHOH, carboxyl (--CO.sub.2 H) or esterified carboxyl group;X represents an amino (--NH.sub.2), or substituted amino, hydroxyl or substituted hydroxyl group; and their use as metalloproteinase inhibitors.

Abstract: A two-stage cryosorption pump has a first stage at a higher temperature and a second stage at a lower temperature. Sorption surfaces of reticulated vitreous carbon formed on the second stage have high rigidity and exceptionally high void volume.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for movement through a field is adapted to perform a number of functions including severing plant stems from the roots, placing the severed plants in windrows, and preparing soil for planting. The apparatus includes a wheel-mounted frame for attachment to a tractor, a pair of flat discs with notched peripheries mounted for rotation about parallel axes and hydraulic motors for imparting rotation, through drive shafts, to the discs in opposite directions. The discs and their supporting structure are mounted for selectively adjustable movement to vary the spacing of the axes of rotation, thereby placing the disc peripheries in either overlapped or spaced relation. The variable positioning of the disc peripheries governs the function performed by the apparatus and may be augmented by using discs of different diameters as well as by adjusting the spacing of the rotational axes.

Abstract: A computer digital logic circuit utilizing an encoded Read Only Memory (ROM) and multiplexor elements is used to translate top-level shift control signals, such as arise from instruction translation, into the low-level control of selecting data input to, and controlling the shift count in, a shif matrix during a generalized computer shift operation. ROM size is held to only 64 addresses.times.16 bits per addressed cell in controlling selectable circular, selectable sign fill, single precision or double precision (dual pass) shifting in a sixteen bit shift matrix because the ROM is addressed with only part of the top-level shift control signals. Remaining top-level signals select among encoded outputs of the ROM in four multiplexor circuit elements to produce low-level gating control signals, called preselector control, which ultimately enable selection among two registers' data and sign fill data inputs to the shift matrix. The ROM directly produces the shift count control of the shift matrix.

Abstract: The upper run of a tomato harvester shaker chain is oscillated by a plurality of rotating arms which contact the chain along each side. Each arm is driven by a separate hydraulic motor, alternate motors along each side, and the motors driving the arms directly opposite one another on the two sides, being of different size or capacity to provide varying oscillatory speeds both along and across the chain. The motors along the two sides of the chain are connected in separate hydraulic series circuits, the flow rate through each circuit, and hence the speed of the motors thereof, being selectively controlled by variable speed control valves. Also, a hydraulic flow divider is preferably provided in the line between the pump and hydraulic motors to supply different proportions of the total flow to the groups of motors in each series circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in conjunction with prior art machines for harvesting tomatoes, and the like. The prior art harvesting machine includes a pair of counter-rotating discs for picking up vines and fruit and delivering them rearwardly to an upright feed conveyor. The present invention comprises an endless, overhead, feed-assist belt with outwardly extending cleats having a forward, lower end extending over the discs and a rear, upper end supported in spaced relation to the upright feed conveyor, preferably about half way up the length thereof. The structure and physical arrangement of the feed assist belt provide improved efficiency of the machine by decreasing the amount of lost fruit and reducing the tendency of the machine to become clogged by vines or weeds.

Abstract: A trailer for attachment to a towing vehicle while supporting in locked engagement elongated apparatus such as a harvesting machine elevator having flanged members extending along each side thereof. Rigid frame means are supported on a pair of wheels at one end and provided with a tongue which may be telescopingly retracted to reduce the length of the trailer for loading into and transport upon another vehicle. A pair of support members, upon which the flanged portions of the transported apparatus rest, extend laterally across the front and rear of the frame means. Two pairs of locking members are provided, one member of each pair being disposed at each end of the two support members. The locking members are rotatable to position a fixed lug above the upper surface of the associated support member thereby firmly securing the flanged member of the transported apparatus between the support member and lug.