Abstract: This disclosure is for a rod-type prosthesis that, once surgically implanted, can be expanded non-invasively and repeatedly by an externally applied magnetic field. It applies to patients with a bone disease of a limb where a section of the bone must be surgically removed. If the patient is still at a growing age, current medical practice requires repeated surgical interventions to periodically implant longer and longer rods to match the normal growth of the other limbs. Similarly, in the case of adult patients a repeated lengthening of the prosthesis is often required. The present invention avoids the need for these repeated surgical interventions since the rod prosthesis can be non-invasively lengthened when the need arises.

Abstract: An assay device processing instrument comprises a plurality of processing modules. A transport system transports an assay device to each processing module, the transport system being adapted to transfer the assay device from the transport system to the module to enable the transport system to transport another assay device while the first is processed by the processing module. A control system controls operation of the transport system such that each assay device is transferred between the modules in a predetermined sequence, and such that a number of assay devices can be processed in different modules simultaneously.

Abstract: An assay device processing instrument comprises a plurality of processing modules. A transport system transports an assay device to each processing module, the transport system being adapted to transfer the assay device from the transport system to the module to enable the transport system to transport another assay device while the first is processed by the processing module. A control system controls operation of the transport system such that each assay device is transferred between the modules in a predetermined sequence, and such that a number of assay devices can be processed in different modules simultaneously.

Abstract: A device for inflating an airbag comprising a container for a compressed gas of a sealing device, which closes the container during normal operation and is provided in a gas release nozzle connected to the container in a gas tight manner, and a throttle opening, via which the released gas flows in a throttled manner out of the container via an emission opening and the gas release nozzle, whereby the throttle opening is formed through reshaping of a container wall part.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating an airbag has a vessel for containing compressed gas. The vessel has a gas outlet aperture. A support element is located in the gas outlet aperture with a sealing element next to the side of the support element that faces the interior of the vessel. A locking element is disposed in a locking position between a side of the support element that faces away from the interior of the vessel and a first abutment that is rigid with respect to the vessel. The support element is further supported by a second abutment that is rigid with respect to the vessel. A gas releasing device moves the locking element from the locking position to open the gas outlet aperture.

Abstract: A device for regulating the amount of inflation gas supplied to an airbag of a motor vehicle has a cylindrical member with at least one inflation aperture therethrough. An adjustable annular shutter with at least one shutter aperture is rotatably mounted around the axis of the cylindrical member. The amount of inflation gas which is supplied via the inflation aperture is adjustable through alignment of the shutter aperture with the inflation aperture.

Abstract: A three-point seat belt system for a motor vehicle front seat has a belt tightening drive fastened to the front seat. The belt tightening drive engages an anchoring point of the seat belt fastened to the vehicle seat. The drive element of the belt tightening drive is securely connected to a belt webbing part, which derives from the lap belt and is guided through a belt webbing guide fastened to the seat substructure.

Abstract: A device for inflating an airbag comprising a container for a compressed gas of a sealing device, which closes the container during normal operation and is provided in a gas release nozzle connected to the container in a gas tight manner, and a throttle opening, via which the released gas flows in a throttled manner out of the container via an emission opening and the gas release nozzle, whereby the throttle opening is formed through reshaping of a container wall part.

Abstract: A three-point seat belt system for a motor vehicle front seat has a belt tightening drive fastened to the front seat. The belt tightening drive engages an anchoring point of the seat belt fastened to the vehicle seat. The drive element of the belt tightening drive is securely connected to a belt webbing part, which derives from the lap belt and is guided through a belt webbing guide fastened to the seat substructure.

Abstract: An inflator for inflating an airbag has a vessel for containing compressed gas. The vessel has a gas outlet aperture. A support element is located in the gas outlet aperture with a sealing element next to the side of the support element that faces the interior of the vessel. A locking element is disposed in a locking position between a side of the support element that faces away from the interior of the vessel and a first abutment that is rigid with respect to the vessel. The support element is further supported by a second abutment that is rigid with respect to the vessel. A gas releasing device moves the locking element from said locking position to open the gas outlet aperture.

Abstract: A device for regulating the amount of inflation gas supplied to an airbag of a motor vehicle has a cylindrical member with at least one inflation aperture therethrough. An adjustable annular shutter with at least one shutter aperture is rotatably mounted around the axis of the cylindrical member. The amount of inflation gas which is supplied via the inflation aperture is adjustable through alignment of the shutter aperture with the inflation aperture.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing apparatus comprises a support member which supports a movably mounted dispensing member. The support member is movable between first and second positions. A single drive system causes the dispensing member to move relative to the support member to a number of dispense positions while the support member is in its first position and causes the support member to move to the second position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has an adjustable backrest connected to a driving device that can be activated in the event of a rear end collision. The backrest is inclined forwardly during the rear end collision and then performs an opposing rearward movement decelerated by an energy absorber.

Abstract: A device for protecting against a side impact in a motor vehicle has a gas cushion which in the undeployed state is arranged in the trim of a vehicle door and in the inflated state extends beyond the lower edge of the window of the door, whereby the gas cushion is supported by at least two inflatable supports on the vehicle door which extend beyond the lower edge of the window of the door.

Abstract: By reacting 1-5.5M nitric acid with from 45 to 170 mmol of primary C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkanol per l of nitric acid, an improved preparation is obtained for the local treatment of changes in skin and mucous membrane and of infections of the skin and mucous membrane. The preparation comprises 1-5.5M nitric acid, not more than 170 mmol of C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 -alkanoic acid per l of solution, and nitrate reduction products in a concentration corresponding to from 0.1 to 6 mg of nitrite per ml of solution. The preparation is notable for a good activity and a low risk of side effects.

Abstract: A locking device for securing at least first and second members which are movable relative to each other in response to a force acting thereon, in a locked rest position, with a release mechanism for releasing the members from their locked position, includes a locking element providing at least first and second support locations at which respective ones of the first and second mutually relatively movable members bear against the locking element to hold them in a locked condition. The co-operation of the locking element and one of the mutually relatively movable members provides a pivot axis about which the locking element is pivotable under the effect of an unlocking moment, to provide a release action. The device further includes a stationary stop means against which, in the locked position, the locking element bears due to the unlocking moment applied thereto.

Abstract: A buckle for a safety belt of a vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, the locking member of which is designed as a cylindrical revolving body and which is located with its axis of rotation in the belt tongue entry path, the revolving body having a recess in alignment with the insertion paht and the locking member having a control arm operable by the ejector for the purpose of locking and which ensures that the locking membler has locked and unlocked position.

Abstract: A device for the tensioning of a safety belt of a vehicle, for eliminating belt slack, in the event of an accident hasa sensor (2, 28, 29, 30) which acts in the event of an extreme change in speed (shock load) by virtue of its inert mass, and a traction cable connected to the safety belt, cable being actuated by gas pressure released from a gas reservoir (2), gas reservoir forming part of said inertial mass.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a prepolymer amide, by hydrolytically polymerizing a lactam/water mixture of a C.sub.12 -aminocarboxylic acid lactam at a temperature in the range from 240-360.degree. C. and a steam pressure in the range of 30-180 bar, and wherein the water content of the lactam/water mixture is in the range of 7.5-30% by weight.

Abstract: A process produces a free flowing, silicic-acid-filled, powdered elastomer wherein the silicic acid employed has the properties set out below:(a) SiO.sub.2 content: about 82-91.5% by weight;(b) metallic oxides: about 0.5-3% by weight;(c) loss on ignition (DIN 55 921/2--measured at 100.degree. C.): about 8-15% by weight;(d) moisture (DIN 53 198--measured at 105.degree. C.): about 2-10% by weight;(e) surface area of the primary particles according to BET: about 40-250 m.sup.2 /g;(f) dibutyl phthalate absorption (ASTM D 2414-79) based on measured weight: about 170-290%.(g) linear average of numerical distribution of secondary particles: about 10-2,000 nm;(h) linear average of volume distribution of secondary particles: about 3-30 um;(i) proportion of secondary particles with a diameter of less than 1 um: about 0.01-5% by weightwherein the percentages of parameters (a) to (c), added up together, must yield 100% by weight.