Opening mechanical contacts under load results in electrical arcs and sparks that heat and erode the contacts.

It was the first signal that the Bush Administration is ready to open formal contacts with Mr. Gorbachev's sharpest critics.

One answer was mechanically opening and closing contacts, if this could be done quickly and cleanly enough.

The government sought to open contacts with the National Transitional Council both overtly and covertly.

Under terms of the new Central American peace accord, the Sandinistas last month dropped their long-standing refusal to open contacts with the contras.

The United States denied today that it had opened new contacts with Iran about American hostages.

He opened communications and contacts with Japan, setting the stage for future economic relations between that country and Kentucky.

Mr. Gorbachev told reporters that he had agreed with President Bush to open contacts on the American initiative.

He immediately attempts to open contacts with northern Afghanistan's powerful warlord, General Dostum.

Secondly, I understand that the presidency, the Commission and the past presidency, have opened exploratory contacts with third countries about the possibility of extending it.