Abstract: An interferometer apparatus for an optical fiber system and method of use is described. The interferometer comprises an optical coupler and optical fibers which define first and second optical paths. Light propagating in the first and second optical paths is reflected back to the optical coupler to generate an interference signal. First, second and third interference signal components are directed towards respective first, second and third photodetectors. The third photodetector is connected to the coupler via a non-reciprocal optical device and is configured to measure the intensity of the third interference signal component directed back towards the input fiber. Methods of use in applications to monitoring acoustic perturbations and a calibration method are described.

Abstract: A process for stabilising a beverage against haze formation comprising treating the beverage with a stabilising agent comprising a particulate silica having a mean pore diameter of at least 6 nm and which has been modified by interaction with a water-soluble polymer having pendant pyrrolidone groups, the polymer being present on the silica in an amount from 5 to 35 percent by weight with respect to anhydrous weight of silica.

Abstract: An amorphous precipitated silica with controlled abrasivity and effective cleaning properties for use in an oral composition produced through comminution and classification of the silica to form particles with an oil absorption value of 150 cm 3/100 g or less, a weight median particle diameter dso of less than 3 ?m and a dgo value, wherein 90% by weight of the particles have a diameter less than the dgo value, of 6 ?m or less.

Abstract: An aqueous gel-forming composition, e.g. a fire retardant coating composition, comprises an aluminosilicate and an organic liquid having a boiling point greater than 110° C., e.g. silicone oil, which enhances the integrity of films formed by application of the composition as a coating to a surface then followed by drying.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry comprises (a) a crystalline aluminosilicate represented by the empirical formula M2/nO.Al2O3.xSiO2.yH2O wherein M represents a first metal moiety, said first metal having a valency of n, x is the molar ratio of silica to alumina and y indicates the molar ratio of water to alumina, (b) a mineral or organic acid, and (c) particulate silica. The silica may have a BET surface area greater than 500 m2/g and a pore volume, as measured by nitrogen manometry of less than 2.1 cm3/g. The slurry is stable on storage but has a low viscosity at low shear rate.

Abstract: A dentifrice composition comprises a crystalline aluminosilicate as a cleaning agent having an average crystallite size below 0.2 ?m. The aluminosilicate may be a P zeolite having a crystallite size below 0.1 ?m and agglomerate sizes below 2.5 ?m, even when dried to a moisture content below 20% by weight. A different crystalline aluminosilicate may also be present as a cleaning booster.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry according to the invention comprises (a) a crystalline aluminosilicate represented by the empirical formula M2/nO Al2O3.xSiO2.yH2O wherein M represents a first metal moiety, said first metal having a valency of n, x indicates the ratio of atoms of silicon to atoms of aluminium and y indicates the ratio of molecules of water to atoms of aluminium, (b) a salt of a second metal selected from the group consisting of Group III metals, metallic elements of Group IV, magnesium, titanium, chromium, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, zirconium and silver, said salt of a second metal being present in an amount which is sufficient to replace from about 2.0 to about 40 per cent by weight of the first metal moiety, and (c) particulate silica having a BET surface area greater than 500 m2/g and a pore volume, as measured by nitrogen manometry of less than 2.1 cm3/g. The slurry is stable on storage but has a low viscosity at low shear rate.

Abstract: A method of using a zeolite composition comprises forming a mixture of (a) a crystalline aluminosilicate and (b) a salt of a second metal selected from the group consisting of Group III metals, metallic elements of Group IV, magnesium, titanium, chromium, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, zirconium and silver, said salt of a second metal being present in an amount which is sufficient to replace from about 2.0 to about 40 percent of a first metal moiety, and using said mixture in an aqueous composition at a pH in the range 4 to 10. A further aspect of the invention is a powder comprising a mixture of (a) a crystalline aluminosilicate and (b) a salt of a second metal selected from the group consisting of Group III metals, metallic elements of Group IV, magnesium, titanium, chromium, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, zirconium and silver, said salt of a second metal being present in an amount which is sufficient to replace from about 2.0 to about 40 per cent of a first metal moiety.

Abstract: A non-aluminum containing mixed metal compound for pharmaceutical use, which may, for example, be a mixed metal hydroxy carbonate containing magnesium and iron, and may have a hydrotalcite structure, preferably a non-aged hydrotalcite structure. Other metals, including, for example, calcium, lanthanum and cerium, may also be used. Metal sulphate compounds, especially calcium sulphate, lanthanum sulphate and/or cerium sulphate, compounds are also useful. The mixed metal compounds have a phosphate binding capacity of at least 30%, by weight, based on the test methods 1, 2 or 3, described in the specification, over a pH range from 3 to 7, such as from 2 to 8. The compound is especially useful in the treatment of hyperphosphataemia.

Abstract: Silica-based carrier impregnated with iron(III) or iron(II) salts functions as a humidity indicator giving a yellow/amber to nearly colourless colour change as the carrier humidifies.

Abstract: An amorphous silica suitable for use in a dental composition has a weight mean particle size in the range 3 to 15 ?m with at least 90 per cent by weight of particles having a size below 20 ?m, a Radioactive Dentine Abrasion (RDA) determined on an aqueous slurry of the silica powder of 100 to 220, a Pellicle Cleaning Ratio (PCR), when incorporated in a dental composition at 10 per cent by weight, greater than 85, the ratio of PCR to RDA being in the range 0.4:1 to less than 1:1 and having a Plastics Abrasion Value (PAV) in the range 11 to 19. A silica having the above properties is prepared by a precipitation route. The silica made available by the invention is also useful as an anti-blocking agent in plastics.

Abstract: A particulate carrier material is impregnated with a biocidal formulation and serves as a vehicle for introduction of the biocide into a liquid-based media, such as a surface coating or surface cleaning compositions, in order to allow controlled release of the biocide to combat bacterial, fungal, algal or like growth for an extend period of time.

Abstract: Silica-based carrier impregnated with iron(III) or iron(II) salts functions as a humidity indicator giving a yellow/amber to nearly colourless colour change as the carrier humidifies.

Abstract: Silica-based carrier impregnated with iron(III) or iron(II) salts functions as a humidity indicator giving a yellow/amber to nearly colourless colour change as the carrier humidifies.