Abstract: A process for preparing a compound of the formula wherein R1, m, o and p are described below, which comprises adding a base of the formula wherein R2, R3 and R4 are as described below, to a solution comprising a compound of the formula wherein R1, m, o and p are as described below, and a halonitromethane of the formula O2NCH2X, wherein X is a halogen atom dissolved in a non-aqueous inert solvent. The compounds of formula III are useful as intermediates in the syntheses of azabicyclo quinoline carboxylic acids, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs, having antibacterial activity. This invention also relates to the base of formula IV wherein each R2 is butyl, R3 is hydrogen and each R4 is t-butyl.

Abstract: A method for preparing 4-nitrosoaniline, including reacting urea and nitrobenzene in a polar organic solvent in the presence of a base at a temperature of room temperature to 150° C. The method uses a relatively cheap urea and nitrobenzene as the raw materials, and also a relatively cheap base, thereby decreasing the manufacturing cost. Urea used as an amine donor is excellent in a reactivity to nitrobenzene, and a reaction intermediate is unstable as compared with 4-(4-nitrophenyl)benzamide to easily decompose into 4-nitroaniline and 4-nitrosoaniline. This allows a reaction time and a process time to be shortened. Moreover, the method is advantageous in that waste hazardous to the environment is not produced as a byproduct.

Abstract: A process for preparing a secondary or tertiary 2-methyl-1,5-pen-tanediamine of the formula I where R1 and R2 are H, C1-C20-alkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, aryl, C7-C20-arylalkyl, where the radicals R1 and R2 may bear substituents selected from the group consisting of C1-C20-alkyl, C1-C20-alkoxy, C6-C20-aryloxy and hydroxy, and R1 and R2 are not simultaneously hydrogen, or R1 and R2 are together an unsubstituted or C1-C20-alkyl- and/or C1-C20-alkoxy-substituted C3-C7-alkylene chain which may, if desired, be interrupted by one or two O or NR3 groups, where R3 is H or C1-C20-alkyl comprises reacting 2-methylglutarodinitrile with a primary or secondary amine of the formula R1R2NH and hydrogen at from 50 to 250° C. and pressures of from 0.5 to 35 MPa in the presence of an oxidic supported catalyst comprising one or more noble metals which has been treated with hydrogen at from 50 to 300° C. for at least 0.5 hour before use.

Abstract: A highly efficient method of producing alkyl mercaptan and/or dialkyl monosulfides which involves employing carbon dioxide as an internal coolant is described. Only negligible amounts of carbonyl sulfide were formed. In addition, relatively easy separation of carbon dioxide from the reaction mixture facilitates an efficient coolant recycle process, giving a simple and effective mode of temperature control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting alpha acid and isoalpha acids to tetrahydroisoalpha acid. The process comprises isomerizing an alpha acid to produce isoalpha acid and hydrogenating the isoalpha acid in the presence of a noble metal catalyst wherein, the noble metal catalyst is added incrementally or continuously throughout the hydrogenation step. The invention also relates to tetrahydroisoalpha acids made by the above process.

Abstract: A method wherein a methanol-containing waste gas stream, such as a pulp mill waste stream which contains methanol and other waste products, including methyl mercaptans, is passed in contact with a catalyst comprising a supported or unsupported bulk metal oxide catalyst in the presence of an oxidizing agent; preferably the gas stream is contacted with the catalyst, in the presence of the oxidizing agent, for a time sufficient to convert at least a portion of the methanol to formaldehyde (CH2O).

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of citral is provided by the catalyzed rearrangement of dehydrolinalool to citral. The rearrangement is carried out in the presence of a molybdenum compound of the general formula MoO2X2 wherein X signifies an acetylacetonate or halide ion, and a dialkyl or diaryl sulphoxide as the catalyst system, in the presence of an organic acid having a pK value in the range of about 4.0 to about 6.5 and in an apolar aprotic organic solvent.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the preparation of specific 1-substituted 2,4-dinitrobenzenes by reaction of 1-halogeno-2,4-dinitrobenzenes with mono-alkali metal salts of specific diols, in which the 1-halogeno-2,4-dinitrobenzene and the mono-alkali metal salt of the diol are simultaneously added and reacted.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of 5-bromo-2-fluorobenzeneboronic acid, which is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of a non-ester pyrethroid compound. The compound can be, for example, a fluoroolefin, which is useful as a pesticide.

Abstract: Perfluoropropylvinylether (FPVE) purification process with C1-C10 alcohols or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane. This method includes a first step of fluorinating 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene in a liquid phase by hydrogen fluoride in the presence of an antimony compound as a catalyst, or a second step of fluorinating 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene in a gas phase by hydrogen fluoride in the presence of a fluorination catalyst. If the first step is taken, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane can be produced with a high yield. If the second step is taken, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane can continuously be easily produced. Therefore, the second step is useful for an industrial scale production thereof. According to the invention, 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene may be produced by a method including a step of reacting 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane with hydrogen fluoride in a gas phase in the presence of a fluorination catalyst. This method is useful, because yield of 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene is high.

Abstract: A method of fluorinating an organic compound comprising reacting an organic compound with a fluorinating agent characterized in that a perfluorocarbon compound is present in the reaction medium. The perfluorocarbon compound may replace an amount of a solvent which would otherwise be required for the reaction to proceed efficiently. The perfluorocarbon compound is readily recoverable after reaction and may be re-used in subsequent reactions. Additives to the reaction medium, such as 18-crown-6, may increase the amoun of solvent which may be replaced. The method is beneficial where solvent consumption would otherwise be large, or where solvent recovery would otherwise be difficult.

Abstract: A catalyst composition suitable for the conversion of n-butane to butenes. The same catalyst composition that with chlorination is further suitable, when used in the conversion of n-butane, for the production of an increased amount of BTX (benzene-toluene-xylene) and greater selectivity to the production of isobutylenes than attained with the unchlorinated catalyst. A process for the preparation of catalyst compositions suitable for the conversion of n-butane. Use of the catalyst compositions in processes for the conversion of n-butane.

Abstract: There is provided a process for converting hydrocarbons which utilizes a zeolite bound zeolite catalyst that has enhanced performance when utilized in hydrocarbon conversion processes, e.g., catalytic cracking, alkylation, disproportionation of toluene, isomerization, and transalkylation reactions. The catalyst comprises a first zeolite having particles of greater than about 0.1 micron average particle size and a binder comprising second zeolite particles having an average particle size less than said first particles.

Abstract: For isomerising aromatic compounds containing eight carbon atoms in the presence of hydrogen, a mixture containing compounds with a boiling point of about 80° C. to 135° C. comprising at least one paraffin containing eight carbon atoms, at least one naphthene containing eight carbon atoms, at least benzene and at least toluene is added to the feed before introducing it into the isomerisation reactor R via line 1. These additions are made by a recycle via line 6 or by adding fresh compounds via line 11, or be a combination of fresh and recycled compounds via lines 6 and 11. Hydrogen is added via line 15.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for selective hydroisomerization of compounds with an n-alkane chain containing more than 10 carbon atoms, in which the compound to be treated is brought into contact with a catalyst comprising at least one hydro-dehydrogenating element and at least one molecular sieve having a one- or two-dimensional pore network, the accessible pore openings of which are delimited by 10 oxygen atoms, and a distance termed the bridging distance between the pores of less then 0.70 nm, and the zeolite is such that a catalyst which undergoes a standard n-heptadecane isomerization test has, for a conversion of 95%, a selectivity of at least 70% for isomerized products, and the catalyst contains at least 5% by weight of at least one hydro-dehydrogenating element selected from the group formed by non noble GVIII metals, GVIB metals, and niobium, and the catalyst preferably contains phosphorous. The sieve is preferably a NU-10, NU-23, NU-87, EU-13 or Theta-1 zeolite.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive article that includes a backing substrate and a discontinuous adhesive layer disposed thereon, wherein the backing substrate comprises a fibrous web and absorbent particulate material, and further wherein the article has an initial wet skin adhesion of at least 20 g/2.5 cm (0.08 N/cm).

Abstract: Medicinal pressure-sensitive adhesives, adhering to both dry and wet skin, characterized by a mixture of a) 20-50 wt-% of a hydrophilic (meth)acrylate copolymerizate containing tertiary amino groups, b) 20-50 wt-% of a hydrophobic (meth)acrylate copolymerizate containing carboxyl groups, c) 10-40 wt-% of one or more mono- or dicarboxylic acids, d) 0-10 wt-% of a polyol, and e) 0.02-0.5 wt-% of a cross-linking system reacting with at least one copolymerizate, whereby the sum of components a to e equals 100 wt-%, with a water-vapor permeability of ≧30,000 g·m−2·24 h−1, measured on a pressure-sensitive adhesive film with a thickness of 40 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a breathable fluid impervious backsheet. The disposable absorbent article preferably includes a fluid pervious topsheet, a breathable, fluid impervious backsheet secured to the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The breathable, fluid impervious backsheet exhibits substantially zero dynamic fluid transmission when subjected to an impact energy of about 1000 joules/m2, and exhibits a mass vapor transmission rate of at least about 2000 g/m2/24 hr.

Abstract: An absorbent product such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence pad or similar article, includes an absorbent body having an absorbent layer presenting a first surface and an opposite second surface. A first material layer is arranged in contact with the first surface of the absorbent layer. A second material layer is arranged in contact with the second surface of the absorbent layer. There is at least one bend indication in the form of a through slit or an elongated opening arranged in the absorbent layer. One of the surfaces of the absorbent layer is mutually joined with the material layer in contact therewith, within a region immediately surrounding the bend indication, on both sides thereof. The absorbent layer's opposite surface in this region is not joined to the material layer in contact therewith.

Abstract: Compositions and methods to aid in protecting the plant from invading pathogenic organisms are provided. The compositions of the invention comprise genes that influence the levels of nitric oxide in plant cells. Such genes include those encoding nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as well as natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (NRAMP) and NRAMP homologues. A pathogen inducible promoter or alternatively a constitutive, preferably a weak constitutive, promoter is used to control the desired level of disease control in the plant. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seed are also provided having enhanced disease resistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to the molecular cloning and expression of a gibberellin (GA) 20-oxidase gene and its use, for example in transgenic plants. Aspects of the invention include recombinant DNA which encodes a polypeptide exhibiting GA 20-oxidase activity, a recombinant polypeptide exhibiting GA 20-oxidase activity, and transgenic plants which express a GA 20-oxidase gene or reverse GA 20-oxidase sequences.

Abstract: Procedure for the production of transgenic seedlings starting from genetically transformed buds, the said seedlings belonging to the species Cucumus melo and containing at least one gene introduced through the intermediary of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, characterized by the culture in two successive stages of genetically transformed buds, the first of these steps taking place in a plant cell culture medium containing a cytokinin and more particularly 6-benzyl aminopurine (BAP), and the second, which is performed when the buds have attained a height of about at least 3 mm, taking place in a plant cell culture medium containing as macro-elements: KH2PO4 about 50 to about 100 mgL−1 MgSO4 about 75 to about 300 mgL−1 CaCl2.2H2O about 500 to about 2500 mgL−1 KNO3 about 750 to about 1200 mgL−1 NH4NO3 about 150 to about 200 mgL−1.

Abstract: A process is described for producing fertile hybrid seed or hybrid seed comprising fertile and sterile seed using male-sterile plants created by employing molecular techniques to manipulate anti-sense gene and other genes that are capable of controlling the production of fertile pollen in plants. Said plants are functionally male-sterile plants with pollen from male-fertile plants. Hybrid seed production is simplified and improved by this invention and can be extended to plant crop species for which commercially acceptable hybrid seed production methods are not currently available.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-naturally occurring seed plant that is characterized by delayed seed dispersal due to ectopic expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding an AGL8-like gene product. Further provided herein is a non-naturally occurring seed plant, such as an agl1 agl5 double mutant, that is characterized by delayed seed dispersal due to suppression of AGL1 and AGL5 expression in the seed plant. The invention also provides a substantially purified dehiscence zone-selective regulatory element, which includes a nucleotide sequence that confers selective expression upon an operatively linked nucleic acid molecule in the valve margin or dehiscence zone of a seed plant. Also provided by the invention are kits for producing a transgenic seed plant characterized by delayed seed dispersal, such kits containing a dehiscence zone-selective regulatory element.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the beneficial genetic transformation of plants based on transfer of genetic information mediated by mRNA rather than DNA. mRNA was extracted from the cotyledon and sprout of soybean and both mRNAs were separately used to treat corn kernels which were then planted. The results of protein extraction and analysis revealed that these corn kernels contained soy globulin. Furthermore, Southern and Western blotting techniques confirmed that this soy mRNA-induced soy globulin protein was encoded by soy DNA which was incorporated into the corn genome and transmitted to subsequent generations of corn.

Abstract: A process is described for producing fertile hybrid seed or hybrid seed comprising fertile and sterile seed using male-sterile plants created by employing molecular techniques to manipulate anti-sense gene and other genes that are capable of controlling the production of fertile pollen in plants. Said plants are functionally male-sterile plants with pollen from male-fertile plants. Hybrid seed production is simplified and improved by this invention and can be extended to plant crop species for which commercially acceptable hybrid seed production methods are not currently available.

Abstract: A novel soybean cultivar, designated 943180610333, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 943180610333, to the plants of soybean 943180610333 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing the cultivar 943180610333 with itself or another soybean variety. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar 943180610333 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A novel soybean cultivar, designated 932311329511218, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 932311329511218, to the plants of soybean 932311329511218 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing the cultivar 932311329511218 with itself or another soybean variety. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar 932311329511218 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A novel soybean cultivar, designated 616906, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 616906, to the plants of soybean 616906 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing the cultivar 616906 with itself or another soybean variety. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar 616906 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar is provided. The stringed instrument includes a body and a neck adjustably and releasably mounted on the body so that the action of associated strings can be customized to a user's liking and then locked into a selected position.

Abstract: A cord or cable lock for preventing a cord or cable from being accidentally pulled out of a socket of a musical instrument, due to tugs on the cable or cord, is disclosed. The cable lock is in the form of a strip which is curled or curved at one end to give a J-shaped profile to the cable lock. Near the end distal from the curved portion, the cable lock has a hole which allows the cable lock to be mounted to a musical instrument using a screw. The curved portion of the cable lock surrounds the cable and frictionally grips the cable to keep tugs on the cable from being transmitted to a plug at the end of the cable. Thus the plug is prevented from being pulled out of the socket in the musical instrument.

Abstract: This invention consists of a wind instrument mouthpiece primarily intended for trumpet or cornet, although it could be utilized for other wind instruments as well without departing from the concept of the invention. It features an angled shank as the preferred embodiment of the invention. The mouthpiece could also be constructed with a curved shank or with an angle at the juncture of the shank and the cup of the mouthpiece as alternative embodiments. The upswept angle of the mouthpiece allows the player to maintain a horizontal bell position while tilting their head downward. This mouthpiece configuration elevates the bell of the horn while in use which benefits the student musician both acoustically and aesthetically. The professional musician would benefit from using this mouthpiece during high register play during which time the demand on the players embouchure is shifted more to the upper lip resulting in a descending bell playing position.

Abstract: A variable pitch musical drum comprising at least one drumhead the pitch of which can be varied while the drum is being played by varying the volume of air inside the drum, by varying the rate of air flow into or out of the drum, or by a combination of these two principles.

Abstract: An electronic tone generation system comprises a plurality of portable handheld wireless transmitters, with each transmitter representing at least one music note and being operative to transmit a signal indicative of that at least one note. A receiver receives the signals from the transmitters, and control logic connected to the receiver is operative to determine the at least one note corresponding to a received signal and to determine at least one tone assigned to that at least one note. A tone generator produces tones in accordance with the determinations of the control logic.

Abstract: There is disclosed a musical sound signal generation apparatus for creating vacant channels by monaural sounding, in which a left/right balance is maintained and the total sound volume can be increased. When there is a key-on, and there is no vacant channel, a pair of channels for stereo sounding are selected, one channel of the pair of channels is released at a high rate, the panning coefficient of the other channel is changed, and a monaural sound is outputted from left and right output systems. Similarly, another pair of channels are selected, one channel of the pair of channels is released at the high rate, the panning coefficient of the other channel is changed, and the monaural sound is outputted from the left and right output systems. The L and R channels of the new key-on are assigned to two vacant channels.

Abstract: An electric guitar which is equipped with a piezo pickup wherein the lengths of the strings are not changed by the rotation of the main saddle body in connection with fine tuning and during tremolo performance. The electric guitar has a piezo pickup and has a main saddle body that is held so as to be rotatably adjustable in a back and forth direction about an axle. The main saddle body is held pivotally by a saddle holding member on a base plate on the guitar body. The base plate is installed so as to freely swing with respect to the surface of the guitar body to provide a tremolo effect. The top surface of the piezo pickup constantly contacts the string that is held by the main saddle body, at least during fine tuning, by rotatable adjustment of the main saddle body and in the possible swinging range of the base plate during a tremolo performance, thereby avoiding an out of tune situation during the tremolo performance.

Abstract: Partition member 34 is provided, which partitions the interior of glass container 31 into reduction reaction chamber 32 and oxidation reaction chamber 33 and which is made of a polymer electrolyte that conducts hydrogen ions; solar battery modules 35 are mounted on this partition member 34, for example in a matrix arrangement of five rows and three columns; a solar battery module 35 has a photocell array (photoelectromotive force: 2.0-2.4 V) consisting of four spherical solar battery elements (photoelectromotive force: 0.5-0.6 V) connected in series, anode 46, and cathode 48; solar battery modules 35 are mounted on partition member 34 so that anode 46 is in contact with the electrolyte of oxidation reaction chamber 33 and cathode 48 is in contact with the electrolyte of reduction reaction chamber 32; sunlight is shined on solar battery modules 35, and the photoelectromotive force electrolyzes the water and produces hydrogen gas from cathode 48 and oxygen gas from anode 46.

Abstract: A burner/emitter/recuperator assembly for providing a high temperature radiant emitting surface, includes an elongated fuel pipe in communication with a fuel source and extending toward the combustion chamber, and adapted to flow fuel from the fuel source to a nozzle end of the fuel pipe proximate the combustion chamber, a primary air pipe disposed around the fuel pipe and in communication with a relatively cool primary air source, a nozzle end of the primary air pipe being substantially coincident with the nozzle end of the fuel pipe, and a recuperator for preheating secondary air disposed around a distal portion of the primary air pipe and in communication with a secondary air source and a swirler downstream of the recuperator.

Abstract: The pipeline section of the gas-insulated pipeline has an insulating gas-filled encapsulation including a polymer pipe. A current conductor is arranged inside the capsule pipe and extends parallel to the latter's axis and is supplied with a high voltage. This current conductor is retained by insulators that rest on the inside surface of the capsule pipe. At least one of a plurality of post insulators has a support ring resting on the mantle surface of the current conductor. At least three evenly distributed and hollow support elements are molded peripherally in a star shape on the support ring, each of which has transversely to a longitudinal axis a profile that is constructed in the shape of an arch or trapezoid. The support elements each have a shell-shaped foot. Each shell-shaped foot has a thickness (d) which is smaller than a distance (a) between the current conductor and the inside surface of the capsule pipe and smaller than a length (l) in an axial direction of the capsule pipe.

Abstract: A Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) or other access opening of an electronic device is provided with a conductive cover which may be hinged or otherwise coupled to allow the cover to be moved from a covering position to an uncovering position. A highly conductive pathway is provided from the covering to the chassis or faceplate of the electronic device such as using a conductive washer in a hinge coupling. The conductive pathway is useful in reducing or preventing electromagnetic interface (EMI) from the access opening and in dissipating electrostatic discharge (ESD) before, during and after moving the cover to the open position and/or manipulation of the components behind the access opening.

Abstract: A pedestal closure assembly having a housing that defines an enclosed interior space and includes two side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, an upper portion and a lower portion. A mounting plate is supported by the housing in the interior space and serves to support electronic interconnection blocks. A grounding element to enable grounding of electrical equipment connected to any electronic interconnection block is also attached to the mounting plate. The lower portion of the housing has a scoop-shaped structure and a step structure to allow substantially vertically aligned installation and enhanced anchoring in a support medium such as earth, concrete and the like. The step portion may be formed on either the front wall or rear wall of the lower portion of the housing. The housing, mounting plate scoop-shaped structure and step structure is constructed of non-metallic material, such as high density polyethylene, or HDPE.

Abstract: A suspension clamp for suspending and clamping an elongate flexible member, the clamp having: (i) a saddle in which the elongate flexible member may sit, ii) a mounting to support the saddle with respect to a fixture, (iii) a closure latch to restrain the elongate flexible member in the saddle, and (iv) a resilient member mounted to the closure latch and having a bottom face adapted to clamp an elongate flexible member positioned within the saddle when the closure latch is closed.

Abstract: A clamp for a cable duct having, at its open side (23), in regions of the free ends (24) of the side walls, inward projecting, strip-shaped edges, with the clamp including connection portions (3) provided at opposite longitudinal ends (5) of the bridge section (2) of the clamp, which bridges the open side (23) of the cable duct (20) being formed as inwardly bent, facing each other hooks lockingly engageable in undercuts (29) provided in respective anchoring grooves (28) extending in a longitudinal direction of the cable duct (20) and limited by respective bent-out portions (27) of respective side wall edges (26) and respective side walls (22).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microcircuit board with a mechanical cut-out piece between the microcircuit and the board to limit stresses transmitted to the microcircuit. A blank of a network of conductors is created and the microcircuit is fixed in a container formed by shaping the blank, the microcircuit keeping the different parts of the network in position relative to each other and the module thus formed is installed in a cavity in the board by fixing the external connection areas onto the upper surface of the cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of drill-pointed screws to attach electrical boxes to heavy gauge metal studs. The drill-pointed screws of the invention are at least two inches long and have a length to thread diameter ratio of at least 12 to 1. The electrical boxes of the invention have brackets that form a relatively steep angle to the stud, such a steep angle having proven necessary to get the drill-pointed screws to penetrate the metal. The electrical boxes may also include a second set of brackets that angle more shallow angle with the stud surface and are more suitable for use with nails. The electrical boxes are preferable made of extra-thick relatively shatter resistant engineered plastic and are preferably formed so that they can be vertically stacked in a nested fashion.

Abstract: A device includes a base plate attachable to an electric outlet and an insert fitted to the base plate and having one or more central openings for exposing the receptacles of the electric outlet. A pair of opposing door members hingedly attach to the base plate and are operable between an open position to allow insertion of a plug of an electrical cord into the receptacle, and a closed position to provide a protective shield surrounding an enclosed chamber and the one or more receptacles of the outlet. The opposing door members include flange portions extending partially along a peripheral edge for overlapping engagement with an inner surface adjacent the peripheral edge of the opposite door, preventing insertion of an object between the doors when the device is closed.

Abstract: A hollow-spine cable tray has cable arms wherein the hollow channel of the body spine is adapted for running and holding electrical wiring. This is achieved by enlarging the spine, and thus its hollow channel, and by molding one side face of the spine so as to open outwardly except when covered by one or more snap-on cover plates. The cover plates may include mounts suitable for holding standard 110 or 220 volt electrical outlets, modular telephone jacks, or the like. Preferably, however, separate outlet plates bearing or adapted to bear the outlets are configured to snap on over the open face of the spine between adjacent cover plates.

Abstract: A device for mounting a cable in a cable protection sleeve that makes use of a disc (101;102). Among the disc's various structural features, the disc has a front face or surface, that is, one which is intended to face towards the outside of the sleeve. The front face of the disc includes at least one cable securing mechanism (140;141) which, in turn, includes a cable securing flange (141, 4, 4) enclosed in a housing (120; 20, 20; 20, 23, 20) formed on the front face of the disc. When the cable securing flange is received in the housing, a cable secured relative to the disc by the flange resists outwardly directed tensile forces, as well as torsion and bending moments applied to the cable.

Abstract: Ends of several electrical wires are joined by a connector which is twisted onto the wire to a predefined torque level by using a unique tool socket. The connector has a body with closed end and an open end for receiving the electrical wires. At least a portion of the hollow body has an equilateral polygonal cross section shape formed by side surfaces which meet at corner sections. The tool socket includes a coupling through which torque is applied and has an aperture for receiving the connector. The aperture has a cross-sectional shape such that the tool socket engages only the connector corner sections and a space exists between the connector side surfaces and the socket. That engagement concentrates torque applied by the tool socket to the connector which causes the corner sections to round upon application of more than the predefined torque level, thus preventing excessive torque from being applied to the connector and the wires.