Abstract: Polyetherketoneimides and copolymers thereof having an imide repeat unit of formula ##STR1## wherein Ri is ##STR2## in which A is a direct bond or --O--or another substantially non-electron-withdrawing group, and/or Ra is an at least partly arylene moiety other than m- or P-phonylene.These polymers tend to have improved melt stability and other properties, especially when made from a pre-existing imide monomer, instead of by the known amic acid route which results in uncyclised amic acid residues in the polymer.

Abstract: An article for tape-automated bonding of integrated circuit microchips comprises a carrier sheet (22) carrying conductive tracks (23) with a tubular metal formation (21) passing through the sheet at the end of each track for connection to a microchip (24). The tubular formations tend to accommodate irregularities in the chip and may contain solder or other metal having a lower melting point than the tubular formation to effect bonding.

Abstract: An optical fiber transmission network for transmitting voice, data, or video signals between telecommunication units includes optical couplers which bend an optical fiber at a location in close proximity to the fiber end so as to allow coupling with the fiber through its side rather than through the end of the fiber. This eliminates the need for cleaving and polishing the fiber end, and results in a craft friendly way of terminating an optical fiber end with a telecommunication unit.

Abstract: A cable splice enclosure comprising: a base having an outlet capable of receiving a cable; and a hollow cover which can be fixed to the base to close at least partially the enclosure such that adjacent external surfaces of the base and cover lie substantially mutually flush; in which the base and the cover have means which can prevent their separation, said means lying substantially flush with or below said adjacent external surfaces.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising(a) a tubular housing having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough,(b) a first elongate member extending through the longitudinal bore of the housing, and having a proximal and a distal segment, where at least part of the distal segment comprises an elastic material, especially a super elastic material, and wherein the distal segment assumes a first shape when extended from the longitudinal bore, and a second shape when withdrawn into the bore,(c) a second elongate member also having a proximal and a distal segment, the second elongate member extending substantially parallel to the first elongate member so that it is moved by the first elongate member, when the first elongate member changes from its first to its second shape and vice versa, the second elongate member being rotatable relative to, and substantially about, the axis of the first elongate member, and(d) an operating head secured to the distal segment of the second elongate member so that it(i) is moved with the sec

Abstract: A conductive polymer composition in which a particulate conductive filler is dispersed in a polymeric component which is a mixture of an essentially amorphous thermoplastic resin and a thermosetting resin. In preferred compositions, the amorphous thermoplastic resin and the thermosetting resin are substantially mutually soluble. In order to improve the thermal stability of the composition on exposure to successive thermal cycles, it is preferred that the composition be cured by heating the uncured mixture of amorphous thermoplastic resin, thermosetting resin, and particulate conductive filler at a rate of at least 15.degree. C./minute to the cure temperature.

Abstract: Compounds of the structure ##STR1## where --R' is --F, --CF.sub.3, --CN, or --Cl; each --R", which may be the same or different, is independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl moieties and aryl moieties; and n is 0 or 1. Such compounds are useful as derivatizing and crosslinking agents for polymers, especially fluorinated poly(arylene ethers).

Abstract: Conductive polymer compositions which exhibit PTC behavior comprising a first polymeric component which may be crystalline, a second component, and a particulate conductive filler. The second component may comprise either a polymer which exhibits side chain crystallization or a crystalline material which has a sharp melting point and has poor physical properties at room temperature and/or exhibits no melt strength at elevated temperatures. The compositions are particularly useful in electrical devices which exhibit "square" resistance vs. temperature characteristics.

Abstract: This invention provides an enclosure for a butt splice of optical fibre cables which includes organizer trays for storing the excess lengths of individual optical fibers. The enclosure and trays provide for access to the individual fibers for splicing or repair.

Abstract: Compositions containing at least about 30% of a poly(alkylene terephthalate), at least about 3% of a polylactone, about 0.05% to about 10% of a carbodiimide and at least about 0.05% to about 10% of an aliphatic phosphite, all percentages being by weight based on the weight of the composition, has excellent thermal stability. The compositions are useful for wire insulation and cable jacketing. Heat recoverable articles, such as tubing and molded parts can be prepared from the compositions.

Abstract: An adaptor for an electrical connector which enables the screens of a number of screened electrical wires to be terminated and which will provide electromagnetic shielding for the wires; which comprises: (i) an electrically conductive body having an aperture through which the wires are intended to pass; (ii) an electrically conductive shielding member that can be positioned in the aperture substantially to close the aperture, the member having a plurality of recesses opening onto the periphery: (iii) a plurality of electrically conductive hollow deformable ferrules that are capable of receiving one or more wires so that the wires extend through and beyond the ferrules and the ferrules can be electrically connected to the screen of the wire or wires esxtending therethrough, each ferrule being capable of being held in one of the recesses in the periphery of the shielding member by deformation of the ferrule but being capable of being removed from the recess; (iv) a locking ring that can engage and be tightened

Abstract: An electrical device in which a first connection element is in electrical contact with a resistive element. The first connection element defines a cavity into which, when the cavity is empty, a second connection element can be inserted. The second connection element, which may be connected to a source of electrical power, is partially within the cavity, makes physical and electrical contact with the first connection element, and protrudes from the cavity. Such devices can be made in a continuous process by a method of the invention. They are particularly suitable for insertion into a circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to heat-recoverable covers which comprise embedded electrical resistance heaters, and to methods of covering an elongate object using such covers. In a preferred embodiment (FIG. 5), the cover comprises a heat-recoverable polymeric sheet (22) or fabric, provided with upstanding rails (24,25) as a first closure means. A heating element (36) is embedded in the sheet and arranged to follow a serpentine path such that each return loop portion 38 projects beyond the edges of the cover. The sheet is coated on its inner surface with a layer of adhesive and/or sealant (28,30). In use, the cover is wrapped around a substrate (32) at least once, and first and second closure means (24,25and 26,27) are engaged to hold the cover in the wrapped configuration. The cover is then heated to cause the cover to recover, and the adhesive and/or sealant to form a seal.

Abstract: A composition having the structure ##STR1## wherein --R' is --F or --Cl, each --R", which may be the same or different, is independently selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl moieties and aryl moieties, and n is 1 or 2. These compositions are useful as co-monomers or end-cappers for the introduction of thermally reactive cross-linking sites into polymers.

Abstract: An elongate sensor for detecting and locating presence of a liquid, e.g. water or a hydrocarbon. The sensor includes first and second elongate members which are spaced apart from each other and each of which is a metal conductor covered by a conductive polymer; a third, insulated elongate conductor; and an elongate insulating core. At least one of the elongate members is helically wrapped around the core. Presence of the liquid at any point along the length of the sensor causes the first and second members to be electrically connected at that point, creating a system in which the potential drop down one of the members can be measured and the location of the connection determined.

Abstract: A device suitable for insertion into a mammalian body comprises an elongated tube or cannula, an elastic member for bending the cannula, and a straightener preventing the elastic member from bending the cannula. The straightener and elastic member are capable of relative axial movement, so that the straightener can be positioned to prevent or allow the elastic from bending the cannula. Preferably the elastic member is formed from a superelastic shape-memory alloy. Other versions of the device without a straightener are described.

Abstract: An active matrix liquid crystal display having improved performance properties is made using an encapsulated liquid crystal structure comprising a containment medium having dispersed therein a liquid crystal composition having an average dielectric constant greater than about 6 and other specified characteristics.