Abstract: A method for hardening gelatin which comprises using as a hardening agent a compound represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, when taken along, may be alkyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms, aralkyl of from 7 to 20 carbon atoms, aryl of from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, and alkenyl of from 2 to 20 carbon atoms. R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can also combine with each other to form a heterocyclic ring of 5 to 8 atoms. The R.sub.1 -R.sub.2 ring contains the nitrogen atoms to which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are attached, and may also contain an additional nitrogen atom. R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 can combine to form either a 5 or 6 membered ring. The R.sub.2 -R.sub.3 ring contains the nitrogen atom to which R.sub.2 is attached, and may also contain one or two additional nitrogen atoms. R.sub.4 may be hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms. R.sub.

Abstract: Hydrophilic organic colloids such as collagen or gelatin are modified for use in photographic elements such as film or paper, or for use as reagents in automated dry chemical analyzers. The modification comprises reaction of some of the carboxy groups attached to the polypeptide with (i) a amide bond forming agent, e.g. 1-pyrrolidinylcarbonylpyridinium chloride, and (ii) a di- or triamine, such as piperazine, diethylenetriamine or ethylenediamine. Such modification enables that colloid to react faster with a gelatin hardener such as bis(vinylsulfonyl)methane (BVSM). When coated over an equal amount of unmodified gelatin, and both layers imbibed with BVSM, a modified gelatin layer showed an enzyme resistance greater than that of the unmodified gelatin. This demonstrates that the modified gelatin hardened preferentially.

Abstract: A color photographic silver halide negative working duplicating element comprising a support having thereon at least one red-sensitive photographic silver halide emulsion layer comprising at least one cyan image-dye forming coupler; at least one green-sensitive photographic silver halide emulsion layer comprising at least one magenta image-dye forming coupler; and, at least one blue-sensitive photographic silver halide emulsion layer comprising at least one yellow image-dye forming coupler, provides improved images when (a) at least one of the layers comprises a unit of at least two layers including a first layer and a second layer, the first layer having a higher photosensitivity than the second layers and being farther from the support than the second layers; (b) the first layers contain an image-dye forming coupler in an amount insufficient to react with all the oxidized developer formed during development after maximum exposure; (c) the image-dye forming couplers of the first layers being in a dispersion

Abstract: A device for heating an article such as a heat-shrinkable sleeve (12) by means of a gas torch comprising an element (8) which is mounted on the torch and will deflect hot gases from the torch burner (7) and side arms (9) that are movable between two positions. In one position the article is heated substantially by radiation while in the other position it is heated principally by hot gases which have been produced by the burner and have been deflected by the element.

Abstract: A wraparound clamping device for binding together a bundle of elongated parts, e.g. cables, which includes a band section formed substantially into a circle so that butt end surfaces of the band section are opposed to one another. A tongue is formed on one butt end surface and a groove is formed on the other butt end surface creating a strong snap fit. An end band extending tangentially from the circular band section near the butt end with the groove overlaps an end band extending from the other butt end. The circular band section forms a complete ring when the tongue is snapped into the groove. The bundle is enclosed within the circular band section. When the overlapping end bands are secured together and the circular band section is heat shrunk, the circular band tightens the bind around the bundle, the groove is squeeze onto the tongue so as to strengthen the joint of tongue and groove.

Abstract: A terminal for an electrical wire comprieses a terminal portion (1) for forming a disconnectable electrical connection to a corresponding terminal, a crimp portion (3) for forming a crimp to the conductor of the electrical wire, a neck (4) that connects the terminal to the crimp portion, and a plastics sleeve (7) located over the neck and crimp portion and extending beyond the end of the crimp portion. The neck (4) and the part of the sleeve (7) located over the neck together retain a quantity of sealant e.g. hot-melt adhesive 6 for preventing or reducing passage of moisture from the terminal portion to the crimp portion.

Abstract: A method of covering two or more joined pipes which are to be pulled through soil is described. The two coated pipes are bared of coating or order to join them. The bared region is covered with a first heat shrinkable sleeve, and then a second heat shrinkable sleeve is applied to overlap the first sleeve and extend beyond it in the direction of the leading edge of the joined pipes. A metal band is secured around the second sleeve at the leading edge.

Abstract: Permanent indicia can be applied to a surface comprising a composition comprising about 35 to about 75% of a polymeric component having dispersed therein about 25 to about 65% of a filler component comprising: i) about 2 to about 65% of an insoluble, infusible particulate, active filler having a mean particle size less than about 2.5 micron and a surface area greater than about 10 m.sup.2 /g: and (ii) up to about 63% of an insoluble, infusible, particulate, inert filler. The polymeric component should be polar, e.g. by the use of a polymer containing polar groups or adding a polar additive to the composition.

Abstract: A composition comprising (a) a vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene thermoplastic copolymer and (b) a fluoroelastomer, such as vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene elastomeric copolymer, at least one of (a) and (b) being cross-linked, exhibits excellent physical properties. The composition is particularly useful in the form of a heat recoverable article or as wire and cable insulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to joining insulated elongate conduit members, such as thermally insulated pipes. A pipe (1) is provided with thermal insulation (2), in which, at an end of the pipe, there is an annular recess (6) such that an end portion (4) of the pipe is exposed to allow access for connection thereto. To make a connection, a recoverable connecting collar is positioned at least partially within the recess, and allowed to recover into gripping engagement with the exposed portion of the pipe. The invention obviates the necessity of reinsulating the joint region of an insulated pipe.

Abstract: A device for froming a solder connection between a plurality of elongate bodies comprises a dimensionally recoverable article, e.g. a heat-shrinkable sleeve, into which the bodies can be inserted, and a solder insert. The solder insert comprises two portions, one formed from a relatively low melting point solder for forming a solder joint between the bodies, and the other portion being formed from a relatively high melting point solder. When the device is heated the relatively high melting point solder will not melt until the low melting point solder has melted and flowed, and therefore provides a means for indicating that the correct temperature has been reached.

Abstract: A double-walled article in the form of a tube having a small volume filling of a friction-reducing liquid or solid between its two walls. The article is able to revolve over a substrate by relative sliding motion between its two walls, to provide environmental or electrical protection.

Abstract: A curable adhesive composition comprises a thermoplastic fluoropolymer, an elastomeric fluoropolymer, an ethylene copolymer and a crosslinking component. The composition preferably also comprises a tackifier. The crosslinking component preferably comprises a free radical generator such as a peroxide and a co-crosslinking agent comprising a multifunctional monomer. The adhesive is particularly useful with heat recoverable articles and bonds exceptionally well to fluoropolymer substrates.

Abstract: This invention provides a connector assembly for forming electrical connections to at least two circuit boards disposed in a parallel surface-to-surface relationship. The assembly comprises at least two modules, each of which comprises connector elements. A first set of connector elements provides connections between the circuit board and another electrical device, and a second set of connector elements provides connections between the circuit boards. A heat sink may be provided between the circuit boards. Electronic components on the circuit boards may be sealed by means of a gel, which can also serve to transmit heat from the components.

Abstract: Shaped articles of cross-linked polymers comprising a first component having little or no cross-linking and high elongation, and a second component having a relatively high level of cross-linking and low elongation. Such articles are particularly useful in the form of electrical insulation, the first component being adjacent to a wire or other conductor. Preferably each of the components comprises a crystalline fluorocarbon polymer, especially an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer. Such articles can be prepared by (1) melt-extruding a first polymeric composition which contains little or no cross-linking agent, and a second polymeric composition which contains a greater amount of cross-linking agent, (2) maintaining the two extrudates under conditions such that cross-linking agent migrates from the second to the first composition, and (3) cross-linking both compositions, preferably by radiation.

Abstract: Heat recoverable soldering devices comprising a heat recoverable tubular article having at least one open end, and containing a solder insert, is provided with a curable adhesive insert between the solder insert and the open end. The curable adhesive melts, flows and cures when heat is applied to recover the article. The adhesive cures such that its viscosity increases to a value of at least 1.5 its initial viscosity during recovery of the article. Curing of the adhesive inhibits flow of the adhesive through the open end of the article and/or into the solder connection formed between two (or more) elongate bodies inserted into the article.

Abstract: A method for irradiating a workpiece, such as a strand, by charged particle, e.g.

Abstract: A high voltage porcelain insulator has a plurality of sheds extending laterally thereof at spaced apart locations therealong. The creepage path length of the shedded insulator is extended by mounting polymeric insulating creepage extenders on the porcelain sheds. The creepage extenders do not extend completely around the periphery of the sheds but leave a gap. Preferably the gaps of adjacent creepage extenders along the insulator are not aligned.

Abstract: An electrode, preferably of a conductive polymer, has on its surface, preferably over all of its surface, an ion exchange material, preferably of significant thickness. Such a coated electrode may be used for sensing the presence or measuring the concentration of an ionic species, or for removal from or release of an ionic species into an electrode.

Abstract: A curable adhesive composition comprises a thermoplastic fluoropolymer, an elastomeric fluoropolymer, an ethylene copolymer and a crosslinking component. The composition preferably also comprises a tackifier. The crosslinking component preferably comprises a free radial generator such as a peroxide and a co-crosslinking agent comprising a multifunctional monomer. The adhesive is particularly useful with heat recoverable articles and bonds exceptionally well to fluoropolymer substrates.