Abstract: The novel compound 1,4-diisopropyl-2,5-diketopiperazine can be hydrolytically cleaved to prepare N-isopropylglycine, which can be reacted with formaldehyde and prosphorous acid to produce N-isopropyl-N-phosphonomethylglycine. The latter compound can be dealkylated in the presence of base to produce N-phosphonomethylglycine, a well known herbicide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for preparing a compound having the formula ##STR1## which comprises sulfonating a compound having the formula ##STR2## with a complex having the formula ##STR3## and cyclizing the resulting compound having the formula ##STR4## by treatment with a base.

Abstract: Compounds of the general formula ##STR1## wherein two of the residues R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 represent C.sub.10-30 -alkyl residues with at least 8 C-atoms in a straight chain, at least one of these residues being substituted by at least 2 C.sub.1-3 -alkyl residues and the sum of the C-atoms in the two residues being greater than 20; and the third residue is a residue --P(O)(O.sup.-)OR.sup.4 in which R.sup.4 represents a lower-alkyl or C.sub.5-7 -cycloalkyl residue which is substituted by a quaternary ammonium group or a C.sub.5-7 -cycloalkyl residue which contains a di-(lower-alkyl)-substituted nitrogen atom,are useful for the manufacture of colloidal solution systems. The compounds of formula I can be prepared starting from glycerol derivatives as described in more detail in the specification.

Abstract: The invention relates to 5,6-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines of the formula ##STR1## wherein R, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.7, which may be identical or different, each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms;R.sup.1 represents a cyano, hydroxycarbonyl, or alkoxycarbonyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a primary or secondary, substituted or unsubstituted, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic, aromatic, or heterocyclic aminocarbonyl group;R.sup.4 and R.sup.8, which may be identical or different, each represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy or alkylthio group having up to 4 carbon atoms, or an NR.sup.9 R.sup.10 group;R.sup.5 and R.sup.6, which may be identical or different, each represent a hydroxy atom or an alkoxy or alkylthio group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or together represent an --O--CH.sub.2 --O--, --O--CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--, or --O--CH.dbd.CH--O group;R.sup.

Abstract: The novel guanidine derivative compounds having a molecular structure consisting of an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain wherein the guanidino group ##STR1## is bonded with the primary carbon atoms existing at the both ends thereof, and having an amino group bonded with the center carbon atom of the molecular chain.These novel compounds can be effectively utilized as the fungicide possessing a high fungicidal activity against plant diseases without substantially imparting damage to the plants.

Abstract: A novel process is described for preparation of biotin comprising preparation of substituted 3H, 5H-imidazo[1,5c]tetrahydro thiazoles by contacting the boron trifluoride adduct of an appropriate thiazoline with the metallic derivative of an ester enolate, reducing the ester, hydrolyzing the thiazolidine moiety and hydrolyzing or oxidizing the resultant compound. Intermediates obtained in the preparation of biotin by the above process and alternate procedures for preparing said intermediates are also presented. A novel process for preparation of d-biotin is also given.

Abstract: A fluoran compound represented by general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a straight or branched alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, a cyclohexyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.2) alkyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a phenyl group which may be substituted by chlorine, an alkoxyalkyl group, a benzyl group which may be substituted by chlorine, or a hydrogen atom;, R.sub.2 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a phenyl group which may be substituted by chlorine, a benzyl group which may be substituted by chlorine, a lower alkoxy group or a lower alkoxyalkyl group; R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom, a fluorine atom or a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and n is 2.

Abstract: A process for preparing pyromellitic dianhydride by dehydration of pyromellitic acid is disclosed. The dehydration is conducted in solid state by indirect heating. The characteristic feature of the process is that when the most part of pyromellitic acid was converted to the dianhydride, the remaining pyromellitic acid is dehydrated while regulating the temperature of the heating medium between 200.degree. C. and 235.degree. C. By this process, pyromellitic dianhydride with excellent quality, good color and free flowing property can be obtained easily, smoothly, and rapidly. A very simple apparatus can be used in the process and the apparatus can be constructed from cheap materials.

Abstract: Novel chroman compounds which have excellent antioxidant activity and/or analgesic activity or serve as precursors for such active compounds are provided. There are also provided uses of these active compounds as an antioxidant and/or analgesic.

Abstract: A method for preparing dibutyl tin difluoride which comprises reacting dibutyl tin chloride and ammonium difluoride to form dibutyl tin difluoride; dissolving the dibutyl tin difluoride in an appropriate solvent to form a solution; adding a refractory powder having a predetermined particle size to the solution to act as a recrystallization initiator; rapidly cooling the solution to recrystallize the dibutyl tin difluoride; washing the recrystallized dibutyl tin difluoride at least once with a suitable solvent; and recovering a final dibutyl tin difluoride product having spherical grains averaging 15-25 microns in size which are free of alkaline-earth and alkali impurities. The products produced by this process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is partially hydrophilicized silica gel which has hydrophobic groups such as octadecylsilyl group on the pore inside and silanol groups or hydrophilic organic groups on the surface. Also disclosed herein is a process for producing such silica gel.The silica gel has many applications as an adsorbent and catalyst carrier by virtue of the hydrophobic group and silanol group or hydrophilic organic group which are coexistent with each other. The silica gel is produced by performing plasma treatment on silica gel having hydrophobic groups on the entire surface including the pore inside, whereby eliminating the hydrophobic groups on the external surface and causing the silanol groups to appear.

Abstract: A polyurethane resin composition, which comprises (A) a urethane prepolymer composition containing 0.5 to 15.0% by weight of an active isocyanate group which is prepared by reacting a polyoxyalkylene ether polyol and/or polyester polyol and an excess amount of a polyisocaylante compound, and (B) as an adhesion-promoting agent 0.05 to 5.0% by weight of a reaction product of an amine compound containing at least one alkoxysilyl group of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same or different and are each a alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and n is 0, 1 or 2, and an excess amount of a carbonyl compound. Said polyurethane resin composition has excellent adhesion properties and can show also excellent adhesiveness to metals which are hardly adhered with the conventional compositions and is useful as an adhesive, sealant and coating agent in various technical fields.

Abstract: New organic compounds containing a phosphorus heterocycle of the phosphonite type, in which the phosphorus atom is connected on the one hand to an oxygen atom and on the other hand to an oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen atom, characterized by comprising two of such heterocycles, the two phosphorus atoms being connected by a hydrocarbon group. Preparation of these diphosphonites by the action of a tetrahalogeno- or tetraminodiphosphine upon a diol or an alcohol carrying a phenol, thiol, enol, acid or amine function.

Abstract: An organo phosphoric acid dithioester is produced by reacting either O-ethyl.S-normalpropyldithiophosphoric acid salt and substituted ethylmercaptoethyl halide or O-ethyl.S-normalpropylthiophosphoric acid halide and substituted ethylmercaptoethylmercaptans. Said organo phosphoric acid dithioester has excellent insecticidal activity against a wide variety of insects.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I or II ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are hydrogen, alkyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, benzyl or tolyl, or are a --CH.sub.2 --CHR.sup.3 --CH.sub.2 --S--CO--R.sup.4 radical, R.sup.3 is hydrogen or methyl, R.varies.is alkyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, benzyl or tolyl, X is alkylene, --S--, --SO--, --SO.sub.2 -- or substituted alkylene, in which R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are hydrogen or alkyl, and n is an integer from 1 to 10, can be used as latent hardeners for epoxy resins.The compositions containing epoxy resins and these hardeners are particularly suitable for use as single component adhesive formulations. The cured products have good hot water resistance.

Abstract: Carbamate esters are produced by reacting at ambient or elevated temperature an amine with carbon monoxide and an alcohol in the presence of a protonic acid, a dehydrating agent, for example a molecular sieve, and a catalyst comprising (a) at least one metal selected from the group palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and cobalt, and (b) at least one of the metals copper, molybdenum and iron, the components (a) and (b) being in the form of elemental metals or compounds thereof. The presence of the dehydrating agent reduces the formation of by-product carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A colorless liquid crystalline compound having at least one 6-membered ring and non-cyclic end groups in the molecular skeleton, said 6-membered ring containing two or more carbon atoms, at least one of which is directly bonded to a methylene group of a non-cyclic group having an alkoxy group at another end has a wide mesomorphic range. When said colorless liquid crystalline compound is mixed with a liquid crystal composition, the resulting mixture also has an enlarged mesomorphic range and in almost all cases has a reduced viscosity.

Abstract: A procedure for producing stearyl-.beta.-(3,5-dibutyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate and bis-(.beta.-(3,5-dibutyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-methylcarboxyethyl)sulphide. In the procedure, a titanate-catalysis exchange esterification reaction is carried out with propionic acid ester conforming to formula (IV) and stearyl alcohol or thiodiglycol. ##STR1## where Bu is an n-butyl, secondary butyl, isobutyl or tertiary butyl group and R.sub.2 is a methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl group.

Abstract: A method for producing .alpha.-(p-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid or its alkyl esters which is characterized in that starting materials are inexpensive, processes are easy to be done and products are highly pure. The method comprises the steps of (I): catalytically cracking 1,1-bis(p-isobutylphenyl)ethane at temperatures in the range of 200.degree. to 650.degree. C. in the presence of a protonic acid catalyst and/or a solid acid catalyst to produce isobutylbenzene and p-isobutylstyrene; and (II): reacting said p-isobutylstyrene with carbon monoxide and water or alcohol at temperatures in the range of 40.degree. to 150.degree. C. in the presence of a metal complex carbonylation catalyst to produce .alpha.-(p-isobutylphenyl)propionic acid or its alkyl ester; or (III): reacting said p-isobutylstyrene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen at temperatures in the range of 40.degree. to 150.degree. C. in the presence of a metal complex carbonylation catalyst to produce .alpha.

Abstract: Methyl isocyanate can be separated in high yields from a gas-phase mixture of the isocyanate and water by sequentially condensing a major portion of the water, adsorbing essentially all the remaining water from the mixture, and liquefying the methyl isocyanate.

Abstract: A phenol derivative represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a secondary or tertiary hydrocarbon residue of having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 is a hydrocarbon residue having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, X is ##STR2## wherein R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 each is an alkylene group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, Z is an n-valent group and n is an integer of 1 to 8.This compound is effective to prevent the oxidation of organic materials.

Abstract: A novel, one-pot procedure for the preparation of N-acryloyl-.alpha.-amino acids involves the steps of:(i) reacting a ketone, an ammonium salt, and a cyanide salt in water, optionally in the presence of ammonium hydroxide and a co-solvent, to form an aminonitrile;(ii) acryloylating the aminonitrile in aqueous media to afford an acrylamidonitrile; and(iii) hydrolyzing with aqueous acid the acrylamidonitrile to provide the N-acryloyl-.alpha.-amino acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyoxyalkylene quaternized salts as phase transfer catalysts for liquid/liquid phase cyclopropanation, substitution or addition reactions involving a normally liquid or solvent soluble olefinically unsaturated hydrocarbon and the process in which said quaternary compound is utilized. The involved quaternized salts are defined by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl having 8 to 30 carbon atoms, blends thereof or alkyl-substituted phenyl of 10 to 24 carbon atoms;n has a value of from 2 to 14 and includes mixtures within said range;R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen atoms or one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is methyl;R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently hydrogen, an alkyl radical of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or phenyl or one of R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 is an .beta.-ethyl-alkali metal sulfonate;A is a phosphorous or a nitrogen atom; and halo is a chlorine or bromine ion.

Abstract: Herbicidal and plant growth regulating 3-alkoxyamino- and 3-polyalkoxyamino-2'-chloro-4-nitro-4'-trifluoromethyldiphenyl ethers of formula I ##STR1## wherein each of A, A', A" and A'" is an identical or different C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkylene radical which may be straight chain or branched; n is a value from 1 to 5; each of n', n" and n'" is zero or a value from 1 to 5; R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl radical or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkylcarbonyl radical, which alkyl radicals may be substituted by halogen or cyano, or is a benzoyl or phenylsulfonyl radical which may be substituted by halogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkoxy or nitro, or, if A-O is not oxyethylene and/or if the sum of n+n'+n"+n'" is greater than 1, R is also hydrogen; R.sub.1 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 alkoxyalkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkylcarbonyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 haloalkylcarbonyl, which radicals R and R.sub.

Abstract: Described are methylthioionene derivatives defined according to the structure: ##STR1## wherein n is 0 or 1; wherein the dashed lines each represent a carbon-carbon single bond or a carbon-carbon double bond with the proviso that when the dashed line at the 3'-4' position is a double bond, n represents 0 and uses thereof in augmenting or enhancing the aroma or taste of foodstuffs.

Abstract: Ketones are prepared by isomerization of aldehydes at elevated temperatures over zeolites.

Abstract: A process of producing higher ketones comprises the step of contacting under suitable conditions a feed comprising (a) at least one C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 aliphatic ketone, (b) at least one C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 aliphatic aldehyde and, preferably, also (c) carbon monoxide with a catalyst composition comprising (i) copper or an oxide thereof and (ii) zinc oxide. Preferably, the feed ketone is methyl ethyl ketone, the feed aldehyde is propanal, and the product comprises at least one C.sub.7 ketone.

Abstract: A novel ligand for use in hydroformylation reactions wherein at least one olefin having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms is contacted in a reaction zone at a temperature of from about 20.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C. and a pressure of from about 50 psig to about 800 psig with hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and a catalyst containing rhodium, the ligand having the formula ##STR1## wherein: n is 1-4;each R is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloaliphatic, halogen, alkanoyl, alkanoyloxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxyl or cyano;each R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is independently selected from alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkaryl or cycloaliphatic;each R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is independently selected from hydrogen and the R.sub.1 substituents; andeach Y is independently selected from the elements N, P, As, Sb and Bi.

Abstract: A process for producing m-phenoxybenzyl alcohol which comprises reacting chlorobenzene with m-hydroxybenzyl alcohol in the presence of a copper compound as a catalyst and a base, characterized in that chlorobenzene is added to a polar solvent having a higher boiling point than chlorobenzene, the amount of chlorobenzene being 0.05 to 4.0 times the weight of the polar solvent; at least one compound selected from alkali hydroxides, alkali carbonates and alkali bicarbonates is used as the base in an amount of 1.0 to 2.0 gram-equivalents per mole of m-hydroxybenzyl alcohol; and the reaction is carried out at a temperature of 140.degree. to 200.degree. C. while removing the generated water as an azeotrope with chlorobenzene.

Abstract: The production of a 1-hydroxy-2-lower alkoxyalkyl benzene, e.g. 2-(1'-methoxyethyl) phenol, is carried out by reacting phenol with a lower acetal or ketal, e.g., 1,1-dimethoxyethane at an elevated temperature in the presence of an H-ZSM-5 zeolite, as catalyst.

Abstract: A catalytic process for producing 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol by gas phase hydrogenation of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl trifluoroacetate using oxide catalysts formed of copper and zinc and containing 0 to 10 percent chromium oxide.

Abstract: A process for production of sorbitol from 50-98.5 DE hydrolyzed starch solution by hydrogenation over a nickel catalyst at a pH of from 3.0 to 7.0, 120.degree. to 160.degree. C. and 500 to 2000 psig (35 to 140 Bars) until the reducing sugar value is below 5 percent; removal of nickel catalyst, acidification to pH 1.0 to 2.5 and hydrogenation of the acidified solution over a ruthenium catalyst, 100.degree. to 180.degree. C. and 500 to 2000 psig, until hydrogen uptake is substantially complete, and removal of the ruthenium catalyst.

Abstract: Alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons including ethyl benzene are isomerized to xylenes utilizing a catalyst consisting essentially of ZSM-23 zeolite, platinum (or other metal such as palladium, nickel, gold, zinc, or gallium) and an alumina support.

Abstract: A gallium arsenide solar cell is disclosed having an aluminum gallium arsenide window layer in which fine metallic contact lines extend through the aluminum gallium arsenide window to electrically contact the emitter layer, and a plurality of metallic grid lines disposed on the window layer cross the contact lines, thereby making electrical contact to the metallic contact lines. A flat metallic strip extending along one of the edges of the solar cell electrically couples the grid lines to one another. Consequently, two separate metals can be used, one with good ohmic contact properties for the grid lines and another with good adhesion and current conducting properties for the current collecting bars. Additionally, the metallic contacts lines can be made very narrow to reduce the contact area to the emitter thereby reducing the recombination current in the emitter.

Abstract: A thin-film solar cell has a two-layered transparent electrode formed on a transparent substrate, a photoelectric conversion section formed on the transparent electrode, and a back electrode formed on the photoelectric conversion section. The first layer of the transparent electrode is formed on the transparent substrate and is constituted of crystal grains having a large average diameter, while the second layer thereof is formed on the first layer and is constituted of crystal grains having a small average grain diameter. The sharp pointed tips of the coarse crystal grains of the first layer are covered by the fine crystal grains of the second layer so that the side of the transparent electrode in contact with the photoelectric conversion section presents a relatively smooth surface with rounded irregularities. Each layer is separately deposited on the respective transparent substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar cell provided with an anti-reflection layer on the surface intended for incident light. The invention consists in the front interconnector being applied directly to the anti-reflection layer of insulating material, so that the charge carriers have to tunnel through this anti-reflection layer.

Abstract: An aerial terminal for telecommunication cables characterized by its construction which includes a substantially weathertight chamber for receiving a segment of the telecommunication cable and permitting individual wire pairs to be separated therefrom. This chamber is known as the splicing housing. The aerial terminal further includes a terminal housing which communicates with the splicing housing so that individual wire pairs may be operatively connected to a telecommunication terminal block for ultimate connection to individual subscriber lines. In addition to the general construction of the aerial terminal for ease of installation and access for the purpose of connecting individual subscriber lines to the telecommunication cable, the aerial terminal includes unique sealing sleeves for protecting the cable most effectively from adverse weather conditions. Unique locks are also disclosed for preventing unauthorized entry into the aerial terminal.

Abstract: Solid state memory devices employed in crash survivable flight data recorders must be thermally insulated to prevent loss of stored data if the aircraft burns. To provide adequate thermal isolation at minimal size, the solid state electronic memory devices (26) are encapsulated in a synthetic organic wax or pentaerythritol (28) that exhibits a phase transition at a temperature: (a) above the normal operating temperature of the memory unit (10); and below the maximum acceptable peak temperature for the memory devices (26). The synthetic organic wax of pentaerythritol (28) is surrounded by a thermal liner (18) constructed of solid thermal insulating material. A metal enclosure (12) houses and protects the thermal liner (18), the synthetic organic was or pentaerythritol (28) and the memory devices (26).

Abstract: Framework for electrical components comprises a metal plate with insulated major surfaces and conductor patterns on opposite sides thereof. Synthetic resin mounting projections are secured to plate by resin passing through holes. Synthetic resin eyelets in holes may be plated to electrically connect conductor patterns on opposite sides.

Abstract: A printed circuit board having an electrically insulative substrate, an electroconductive layer formed on the electrically insulative substrate, and a resist layer formed on the electroconductive layer which has a row of openings whose distances between adjacent ones increase from one end to the other end of the row.

Abstract: A flexible shielded cable. The cable includes an elongate flexible metal conductor and a layer of a flexible dielectric material disposed about the conductor. The cable has a flexible metallic shield positioned about the dielectric with the shield including a copper foil having overlapping edges and a copper braid about the foil. A layer of metal bonds together the overlapping edges, bonds the braid and the foil and closes the openings of the braid. A method of forming a metallic shield is also disclosed.

Abstract: A backplane power distribution system characterized by generally uniform current densities so as to be capable of handling very high levels of current. This is achieved with a stepped backplane construction. For example, in a system having, in order, a first conductive layer, a first dielectric layer, a second conductive layer, and a second dielectric layer, the second conductive and dielectric layers extend transversely beyond the first conductive and dielectric layers to present a substantial exposed area of the second conductive layer. Typically, a rectangular metal bus bar is bolted to the backplane to make contact with the exposed area, and power supply connections to the bus bar are made in any convenient manner.

Abstract: A digitizing tablet system having a stylus which is inductively coupled to a grid is disclosed. The grid includes a first plurality of narrow uniformly sized and spaced U shaped loops of conductive material disposed to define a first coordinate axis of the grid and a second plurality of narrow uniformly sized and spaced U shaped loops of conductive material disposed to define a second coordinate axis of the grid. One end point of each loop in each plurality of loops is connected to a common conductor which serves as one output terminal for that plurality of loops. The other end point of each loop in the same plurality of loops is connected to a multiplexor whose output is connected to a conductor which serves as the other output terminal for that plurality of loops. Voltage signals induced in the loops when the stylus is positioned above the grid and a coil in the stylus is energized are processed to generate data signals corresponding to the position of the stylus relative to the grid structure.

Abstract: A collector device for trolley-assisted vehicles having a pantograph operating circuit acting to deenergize the pantograph operating electromagnetic valve, when a driver inadvertently intends to leave the vehicle while pantographs are in the working position by automatically bringing the pantographs down to leave overhead contact wire thus to avoid electric shock accident.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard is comprised of first and second dielectric layers having circuit patterns including a plurality of first and second electrical contact pads disposed on opposing surfaces thereof. The layers are maintained together such that corresponding first and second electrical contact pads overlie one another forming switch sites. A spacer is disposed in a discontinuous pattern around the first contact pads, the spacer normally maintaining corresponding first and second contact pads spaced from each other, while permitting electrical engagement therebetween upon application of an actuation force to one of the layers at a switch site.

Abstract: A vacuum operable, snap-action assembly utilizing a metal disc and flexible diaphragm structure to move a switch between first and second positions is disclosed. The switch and disc assembly are provided in a protective housing and are responsive to a pressure differential across the disc and diaphragm structure.

Abstract: A float switch construction for monitoring liquid levels, comprising a float housing having a float member which is movable therein between raised and lowered positions. In the housing there is a fixed contact member and an asymmetric, elongate movable contact member, the latter having a laterally offset portion constituting a gravity-responsive mass. The housing has an electrically conductive bearing which mounts the movable contact member for both turning and pivotal movement and for conducting current to or from it. The float member and movable contact member are freely turnable with respect to one another, and have cooperable engaging portions for causing the movable contact member to pivot in response to movement of the float member. The fixed contact member has contact portions disposed annularly for engagement by the movable contact member in response to its pivotal movement irrespective of the angular orientation of the float housing.

Abstract: Dual-in-line switch comprises a housing assembly having a plurality of side-by-side slide housings therein. The slide housings each have a spring means therein which bears against a pivoted contact bar which overlaps the first and second switch conductors and is pivoted on one of the conductors. When the slide housing is moved, it causes rocking of the contact bar to change the condition of the switch. The spring means in the slide housing comprises two bellows springs, each of which has a fixed end which bears against the interior wall of the slide housing and a free end. The free ends are integral with each other and bear against the rockable contact bar.

Abstract: An illuminated pushbutton switch has a translucent button aligned with a lamp, a stationary contact, and a sinuous spring urging the button to its released position, the spring being bifurcated and straddling the lamp to allow a clear illumination path. The spring serves as the movable contact of the switch and engages the stationary contact when the button is depressed.

Abstract: A heating method and heating apparatus for uniformly or substantially uniformly heating a predetermined portion of main and branch pipes including a welded joint therebetween of a main-and-branch-pipe assembly, thereby relieving the residual stress in the welded joint between the main and branch pipes. The defects and problems encountered in the conventional residual-stress-relief treatment processes can be substantially overcome such as complication in winding fabrication at the branch pipe which results in bad control of temperature; a mock-up test being needed for fabrication of an inductor; and existence of a non-heated zone resulting in unbalance of the stresses so that the effects of the residual stress-relief treatment are reduced.