Abstract: Rotary encoder apparatus is described that comprises an encoder scale or ring and an encoder scale reader. The encoder scale includes an incremental scale and one or more reference marks. The encoder scale reader comprises at least a first readhead and a second readhead that each produce a reference mark signal when passed over a reference mark of the encoder scale. The apparatus also comprises a reference position setter for determining, as the encoder scale reader is rotated relative to the encoder scale, at least one angularly repeatable reference position of the encoder scale relative to the encoder scale reader using a first reference mark signal produced by the first readhead and second reference mark signal subsequently produced by the second readhead.

Abstract: Rotary encoder apparatus is described that comprises an encoder scale or ring and an encoder scale reader. The encoder scale includes an incremental scale and one or more reference marks. The encoder scale reader comprises at least a first readhead and a second readhead that each produce a reference mark signal when passed over a reference mark of the encoder scale. The apparatus also comprises a reference position setter for determining, as the encoder scale reader is rotated relative to the encoder scale, at least one angularly repeatable reference position of the encoder scale relative to the encoder scale reader using a first reference mark signal produced by the first readhead and second reference mark signal subsequently produced by the second readhead.

Abstract: DNA involved in the bacterial gene expression of carbapenem antibiotics comprising: a) at least one of the genes carA, carB, carC, carD, carE, carF, carG, carH, b) DNA capable of hybridizing to any of the genes defined in a) and capable of functioning as such genes in the biosynthetic pathway of a carbapenem, c) DNA which is a) or b) above by virtue of the degeneracy of the genetic code. Polypeptides encoded by such DNA.

Abstract: A DNA sequence encoding the CarR gene product or a homologue or variant thereof which, on expression in bacteria, is capable of activating gene expression, especially of a gene coding for a carbapenem antibiotic. A polypeptide coded for by such DNA.

Abstract: A polymeric composition comprising: an olefin polymer; a hydrogenated block copolymer comprising at least two polymeric block containing predominantly monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and at least one block containing predominantly hydrogenated, conjugated diolefin monomeric monomer units; and an LLDPE. The weight ratio of block copolymer to LLDPE in the polymeric composition will be within the range from about 5:1 to about 1:3. Shaped structures prepared with the polymeric composition will generally exhibit good clarity and good impact strength.

Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a polymer of an .alpha.-olefin containing from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, a 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer and a selectively hydrogenated block copolymer comprising at least two polymeric blocks predominantly polymerized from monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer units and at least one polymeric block predominantly polymerized from conjugated diolefin monomer units which at least one polymeric block is selectively hydrogenated after polymerization. The thermoplastic elastomer composition is particularly useful in the preparation of an IPN having a higher service temperature than similar structures known in the prior art. In general, the thermoplastic elastomer composition will comprise from about 20 to about 70 wt % of the .alpha.-olefin polymer, from about 20 to about 70 wt % of the 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer and from about 5 to about 25 wt % of the block copolymer. In a preferred embodiment, the .alpha.

Abstract: Shaped articles which are resistant to attack by fatty substances and chemicals and which have impact resistance comparable to high impact polystyrene are produced by extrusion or injection molding of a composition consisting essentially of high impact styrene-butadiene graft copolymer or a mixture thereof with no more than about 55% styrene homopolymer and small proportions of polyethylene or polypropylene and of a block copolymer X-Y-X in which each X is a polystyrene block of about 5,000 to 10,000 molecular weight and Y is a hydrogenated polybutadiene block of 25,000 to 50,000 molecular weight. The articles are characterized by having a skin which is substantially enriched in polyolefin.

Abstract: A soft paintable polymer composition comprising:(a) from 0 to about 90 parts by weight (pbw) of a hydrogenated block copolymer comprised of at least one vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and at least one conjugated diene,(b) from about 10 to about 100 pbw of a functionalized hydrogenated block copolymer comprised of at least one vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and at least one conjugated diene, wherein (a) and (b) must add up to 100 pbw,(c) from about 50 to about 300 pbw of a predominantly aliphatic hydrocarbon processing oil, and(d) from about 5 to about 150 pbw of a polyolefin.