Abstract: A threshold detector circuit (2) suitable for use with a nuclear event detector for sensing an ionising radiation pulse has a high tolerance to ambient temperature fluctuations. The threshold detector (2) comprises an amplifier stage (3) which includes a pair of complementary transistors (Q2, Q3) and a comparator stage (6) which includes a third transistor (Q4) and a voltage reference (7). Temperature compensation is achieved by the addition of a feedback loop (5) in the amplifier stage (3) including a fourth transistor (Q1) whose temperature coefficient is closely matched to that of the third transistor (Q4).

Abstract: Tetrahydro-iso-.alpha.-acids ("THIAA") are prepared directly from iso-.alpha.-acids ("IAA") by hydrogenation. Free IAA are first dissolved in ethanol. The solution is then hydrogenated in the presence of a particular type of noble metal catalyst. Hydrogenation is controlled naturally by the reaction between the catalyst and the IAA so that the IAA will be selectively converted to THIAA without unacceptable perhydrogenation into other forms.

Abstract: An adhesive for use in cigarette manufacturing which is a natural based starch material having excellent flow or fluidity characteristics and viscosity stability and comprising a mixture of crosslinked starch and a fluidity or converted starch, particularly an acid converted starch, the starches having an amylopectin content of at least 70% by weight and prepared by cooking at high temperature and pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing 2-oxazolines which comprises cyclodehydrating a hydroxyalkylamide in the presence of a stannous salt of a carboxylic acid. The 2-oxazolines have a variety of uses such as pharmaceutical intermediates, pharmaceuticals and as stabilizers for resins.

Abstract: A dynamometer comprises a drum mounted for rotation and driven by a drive motor, a test body coupled to the drum for rotation therewith in a fixed velocity relationship, a sensor apparatus for deriving the energy absorbed or dissipated by the test body, a sensor for determining the rotational velocity of the drum or body, and a control apparatus responsive to the energy absorbed or dissipated and to the rotational velocity and operative to supply a control signal to the drive motor to maintain the energy absorbed or dissipated as a predetermined function of drum speed.

Abstract: A parachute assembly includes a canopy, a harness connected to the canopy by lines, the canopy having an apex and a basal perimeter. Envelopes in the canopy defined by a plurality of generally triangular inflatable gussets extend from adjacent the apex to adjacent the basal perimeter and taper outwardly towards the basal perimeter. The assembly includes a source of pressurized gas and flexible conduits connecting the gas source to the gussets. One or more valves for releasing the gas from the source through the conduits to the inflatable envelopes and manually operable valves to release the pressurized gas into the conduits and envelopes to inflate the gussets.

Abstract: Textile material to be dried is mounted in an apparatus on a plurality of supports (1). The supports are moved along a predetermined path, and suction and radio frequency energy are applied to the material, to dry it.A pump (10a) which can pump both liquid and vapor draws air through the material to remove water. A valve (12) is associated with the suction duct (2) leading to each support, and these valves are adjusted as the supports move along the path, so that a maximum amount of suction is applied to the wet material and a lesser amount of suction to the drier material.