Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochromic polymeric solid films, manufacturing electrochromic devices using such solid films and processes for making such solid films and devices. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention exhibit beneficial properties and characteristics, especially when compared to known electrochromic media. The electrochromic polymeric solid films are transformed in situ from a low viscosity electrochromic monomer composition by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and in so doing minimum shrinkage occurs. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention also perform well under prolonged coloration, outdoor weathering and all-climate exposure, and provide an inherent safety aspect not known to electrochromic media heretofore.

Abstract: A fan structure includes a fan head having a plurality of blades mounted for rotation. A mechanism is coupled to the fan head and is constructed and arranged to move the fan head along a surface of a sphere in a three dimensional pattern. At least one motor is constructed and arranged to cause rotation of the blades and movement of the mechanism. The mechanism thus provides both back-and-forth and up-and-down motion of the fan head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochromic polymeric solid films, manufacturing electrochromic devices using such solid films and processes for making such solid films and devices. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention exhibit beneficial properties and characteristics, especially when compared to known electrochromic media. The electrochromic polymeric solid films are transformed in situ from a low viscosity electrochromic monomer composition by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and in so doing minimum shrinkage occurs. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention also perform well under prolonged coloration, outdoor weathering and all-climate exposure, and provide an inherent safety aspect not known to electrochromic media heretofore.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a liquid, in particular a beverage, the system comprising a container forming a supply of liquid and fitted with a dispenser device for delivering various quantities of liquid, a base for supporting the container, and a fixing device for fixing the container on the base, the system being characterized in that the fixing device comprises means of complementary shape secured respectively to the container and to the base, and co-operating with each other to enable at least relative rotary movement between the container and the base to secure them to each other or to release them from each other depending on the direction of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochromic polymeric solid films, manufacturing electrochromic devices using such solid films and processes for making such solid films and devices. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention exhibit beneficial properties and characteristics, especially when compared to known electrochromic media. The electrochromic polymeric solid films are transformed in situ from a low viscosity electrochromic monomer composition by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and in so doing minimum shrinkage occurs. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention also perform well under prolonged coloration, outdoor weathering and all-climate exposure, and provide an inherent safety aspect not known to electrochromic media heretofore.

Abstract: Electrochromic devices and processes for preparing the same are provided which do not require a separate process step of ion intercalation by employing an electrochromically-inert reducing or oxidizing additive in the electrochemically active material or the electrolyte of the electrochromic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochromic polymeric solid films, manufacturing electrochromic devices using such solid films and processes for making such solid films and devices. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention exhibit beneficial properties and characteristics, especially when compared to known electrochromic media. The electrochromic polymeric solid films are transformed in situ from a low viscosity electrochromic monomer composition by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and in so doing minimum shrinkage occurs. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention also perform well under prolonged coloration, outdoor weathering and all-climate exposure, and provide an inherent safety aspect not known to electrochromic media heretofore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for producing a large number of identical parts from a bar of material by electrochemical machining without the intervention of an operator. The apparatus comprises a spindle for supporting the bar and periodically feeding it in the direction of its axis, and an electrochemical machining assembly comprising cathodes for shaping the leading end portion of the bar to form the part. After the part has been shaped, it is electrochemically cut from the bar, and the bar is advanced longitudinally by the spindle in order to proceed with the machining of the next part.

Abstract: An obturating device including a body (11) with a recess (8) at one end engageable by a spanner, and a screw thread (2) at the other end for engaging a complementary screw thread (7) in an opening (6) of a housing (3). A locking ring (31) biased by a spring in the obturating device (1) and a complementary locking ring (47) in the opening have asymmetrical teeth which interlock when screwing-in is complete and snap together to prevent loosening of the rings. The tooth flanks that engage one another on loosening are nevertheless sufficiently angled to enable forced unscrewing using a spanner. A skirt (14) protects the mechanism and acts as an abutment in the fully screwed-in position. The obturating device enables locking and unlocking, requires no direct manual operation and is particularly suitable for endoscope insertion openings in aircraft engines.

Abstract: A pipe coupling comprising a first and second pipe and a nut cooperating with the thread joint of one of the end pieces of one of the pipes by drawing against the latter a second endpiece belonging to the other pipe. A movable locking member, biased by a spring, comprises a shaped portion which in a locking position, fits onto a complementary shaped portion of the nut, thereby preventing the latter from turning in relation to the endpiece onto which it is screwed. The locking element is slidingly mounted on a support member which is fitted onto the first pipe so as to extend about the thread joint, wherein a sufficient radial distance is maintained with the latter to allow for the passage of the nut. The coupling is suitable for fitting, and even retrofitting,to standard couplings, especially of the nipple-nut type.

Abstract: A photochromic device is provided which allows the user to leave the device in a high transmissive state even when exposed to a source of radiation and to control the degree of darkening achieved while exposed to the source of radiation.

Abstract: There are provided methods to control mono-cotyledenous weed species in the presence of crops and particularly in the presence of cereal crops. Also provided are 4-(2,6-disubstituted-phenoxy)coumarin derivatives useful as herbicidal agents and methods to prepare same.

Abstract: Electrochromic devices and processes for preparing the same are provided which do not require a separate process step of ion intercalation by employing an electrochromically-inert reducing or oxidizing additive in the electrochemically active material or the electrolyte of the electrochromic devices.

Abstract: There are provided methods to control monocotyledenous weed species in the presence of crops and particularly in the presence of cereal crops. Also provided are 4-(2,6-disubstituted-phenoxy)coumarin derivatives useful as herbicidal agents and methods to prepare same.

Abstract: An electrochromic device is disclosed having a conducting electrode opposing a counter conducting electrode with an electrochemically active polymeric layer disposed on an opposing surface of one of said electrodes and an electrolyte containing at least one redox active material contactingly disposed between the electrochemically active layer and an other opposing surface of one of said electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes is transparent. Also disclosed is an electrochromic device that exhibits low light transmission or reflectivity with no applied potential or after removal of an applied potential.

Abstract: There are provided methods to control mono-cotyledenous weed species in the presence of crops and particularly in the presence of cereal crops. Also provided are 4-(2,6-disubstituted-phenoxy)coumarin derivatives useful as herbicidal agents and methods to prepare same.

Abstract: A photochromic device is provided which allows the user to leave the device in a high transmissive state even when exposed to a source of radiation and to control the degree of darkening achieved while exposed to the source of radiation.

Abstract: There are provided methods to control monocotyledenous weed species in the presence of crops and particularly in the presence of cereal crops. Also provided are 4-(2,6-disubstituted-phenoxy)coumarin derivatives useful as herbicidal agents and methods to prepare same.

Abstract: An ion conducting polymer composition is described which exhibits electrical conductivities of at least 10.sup.-6 S/cm and has good optical properties and is easily processable. The composition comprises a PEO-based block copolymer and a dissociable lithium salt. The invention also includes a laminate formed from the ion conducting polymer composition, and related methods of forming.

Abstract: This invention relates to a crop-selective, herbicidal agent 1-{[o-(cyclopropylcarbonyl)phenyl]sulfamoyl{-3-(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidiny l)urea, a method for the preparation thereof and a method for selectively controlling undesirable plant species in the presence of crops with the crop-selective sulfamoyl urea derivative.