Abstract: A device (10) for treating a continuously moving liquid has a liquid inlet (12) and a liquid outlet (14) at opposite ends of a generally annular passage (16). The passage has a restriction (18) which is generally cylindrical and which, at its outlet (22) is formed with an annular shoulder (24) which provides an abrupt change in the diameter of the passage. An obstruction (26) in the form of a wire extends across the restriction (18) adjacent the outlet (22). The restriction (18) serves to increase the speed of liquid flowing through the passage, thus reducing the liquid pressure. The obstruction (26) also assists in reducing the liquid pressure. The device reduces the liquid pressure below a level at which cavitation occurs in order to induce cavitation.

Abstract: An effervescent granulated material for a pharmaceutical preparation contains calcium carbonate and citric acid. From 5-20 parts by weight of the total acid provided for the reaction with the calcium carbonate is replaced by at least one of malic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, and their salts. Citric acid and calcium carbonate are granulated with a partial reaction, and in each case at least part of the compound partially replacing the citric acid is granulated in solid, powdered form together with the citric acid and the calcium carbonate and/or dissolved in a granulation liquid or buffer solution.

Abstract: A device for data transmission by light has a waveguide doped with a fluorescent material. A light source is arranged to provide modulated light to enter the waveguide through an upper surface, the fluorescent material being responsive to the modulated light to emit light omnidirectionally. The emitted light is guided towards and emitted through end surfaces of the waveguide.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker circuit for use with a stimulating electrode embedded in a patient's atrium or ventricle and a reference electrode positioned outside the heart or on the same lead within the heart. Stimulus pulses are applied by the circuit across the two electrodes, these stimulus pulses replacing evoked pulses. On termination of each stimulus pulse the amount of charge stored between the two electrodes is monitored and pulses of short duration are applied to the stimulating electrode progressively to reduce this charge over a very short time period to a level at which the intrinsic pulses of the evoked heart response can be monitored. The evoked heart response can then be used for diagnosis while the pacemaker circuit is in operation. If the stored charge was not reduced quickly then the charge would mask the intrinsic pulse and the pacemaker would have to be switched off before the intrinsic pulses could be monitored for diagnosis.

Abstract: A wedging assembly for steering or branching a borehole comprises a wedge defining the steering or branching angle, a locking device for locking the wedge in a desired position, and an actuator for actuating the locking device, the locking device including cooperable male and female locking members which are relatively moveable to cause an annular locking surface on the female member to lock firmly about the wall of the borehole.