Abstract: A two-phase material comprises a higher-melting phase dispersed in a lower-melting matrix. The material made by the method is new since, although it consists of particles of a higher-melting-point phase (e.g. iron) dispersed in a lower-melting-point matrix (e.g. aluminium), the particles being of a material soluble in the matrix at the melting-point of the matrix, no perceptible dissolution of the particles is evident in the material. Such materials may find application as friction materials, for example, in brake pads, stair edging, decking and industrial flooring.

Abstract: An optical waveguide has a silica cladding and a phosphosilicate core. Additional components may be added to improve the match of physical properties between core and cladding. The waveguide is manufactured by passing a mixture of vapors of silicon tetrachloride and phosphorus oxychloride through the interior surface of a glass tube and heating to cause oxidation and simultaneous deposition of silica and phosphorus pentoxide. The interior coated tube is then collapsed to a rod and the rod is drawn into an optical fibre.

Abstract: A pasteurella vaccine e.g. for use with cattle or particularly sheep, comprises antigenic material derived from the A1 and A2 serotypes of Pasteurella haemolytica, the A1 serotype antigenic material comprising capsular extract, e.g. especially salicylate extract, and the A2 serotype antigenic material comprising heat-killed whole organisms, and a process for the production of a pasteurellosis vaccine comprises preparing said antigenic material from P. haemolytica organisms and formulating the antigenic material into a vaccine, e.g. especially an aluminium hydroxide gel/oil adjuvant vaccine. Also a method for use in agricultural animal husbandry for the prevention and control of pasteurellosis in sheep, cattle and other animals comprises vaccinating the animals with a vaccine according to the invention.

Abstract: A method of recovering non-ferrous metals from their ores comprises introducing the ore into a molten sulphide carrier that is forcibly circulated through an extraction circuit, contacting the molten carrier containing the dissolved or melted ore with oxygen to oxidize at least part of the ore or carrier, recovering heat thereby generated by the molten carrier, and transmitting the heat by means of the carrier to endothermic sites in the circuit.

Abstract: A method of moulding magnet compacts in a die surrounded by an induced magnetic field, the die being surrounded by a mass of material having a high magnetic conductivity so that the induced magnetic field is non-linear through the die.

Abstract: A thermal stable beta-galactosidase enzyme is produced from new strains of Bacillus stearothermophilus. The beta-galactosidase is suitable for hydrolysis of lactose at temperatures of at least 55.degree. C. and is especially suitable for use at temperatures of at least 65.degree. C. For hydrolysis of lactose, the beta-galactosidase enzyme may be in the form of substantially purified enzyme that has been immobilized or immobilized whole cells containing beta-galactosidase enzyme.

Abstract: A method of sterilization which comprises treating a microorganism with an ultraviolet irradiated solution of hydrogen peroxide, the wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation being wholly or predominantly below 325 nm and the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide being no greater than 10% by weight and such that the microorganism is rendered non-viable by synergism between the radiation and the hydrogen peroxide. The invention is particularly applicable to the treatment of spores contaminating food packaging.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for driving one or a plurality of displaceable elements around a closed path, such as a circle, constituted by a linear induction actuator associated with means for constraining the displaceable elements to move in the closed path. A capacitive feedback control system determines the position of the element or elements around the path and controls the windings of the linear induction actuator in dependence on an error signal generated therefrom. An open path drive mechanism having a plurality of linear induction actuators and a capacitive feedback control system is also encompassed by the invention as are hybrid linear induction motors using sets of arcuate linear induction actuators around the rim of a reaction member which drives an output shaft of the motor.

Abstract: An ion-selective electrode comprises a standard solution of the ion, such as calcium, and, retaining the solution, a membrane including sensor groups. The sensor groups are secured in the membrane by cross-linking. The membrane may be a styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock elastomeric copolymer, with dialkyl phosphate cross-linked sensor groups resulting from a cross-linking reaction between the membrane and diallyl phosphoric acid.

Abstract: A high modulus polymer material is produced by subjecting a crystallisable polymer to a thermal treatment under conditions such that the possibility that a given molecular chain is incorporated in more than one crystal lamella is substantially reduced and then attenuating the polymer at an imposed rate and temperature whereby substantially complete alignment of its molecules may be obtained.

Abstract: A method for the separation of nitric acid from a mixture of nitric acid with one or more of phosphoric, sulphuric or hydrochloric acids, in which the nitric acid is selectively extracted from a first phase comprising the acid mixture into a second phase by an amine nitrate. The method may conveniently be carried into effect by treating an aqueous mixture of acids with kerosene containing tri-n-octylamine nitrate and a modifyier e.g. decanol following which the excess nitric acid is stripped from the kerosene phase by water or dilute nitric acid.

Abstract: A process for the production of a high modulus filament of polyethylene which comprises heating high density polyethylene to a temperature above its melting point, extruding the polymer to form a filament, subjecting the filament immediately after extrusion to a tension under such conditions that the filament is shaped without substantial orientation of its molecules, cooling the filament at a rate of cooling in excess of 15.degree. C. per minute, and drawing the filament to a high draw ratio.This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 860,999, filed Dec. 15, 1977, abandoned, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 553,656, Feb. 27, 1975, now abandoned.

Abstract: An inorganic material related to imogolite, a rare constituent of soil, which forms gels with under 1% solids concentration, is synthesized by digesting (at pH 3.1 to 5.0) soluble hydroxyaluminium complexes freshly formed at pH 3.2 to 5.5 in aqueous solution with restricted aluminium concentration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring strain and torque are described. The apparatus, which is used in the methods, usually includes a thin walled cylinder within a thick walled cylinder, the cylinders being fixed together at their ends only, means for vibrating the walls of the thin walled cylinder and means for indicating the frequency of vibration. As torque is applied to the thick walled cylinder and therefore to the thin walled cylinder, longitudinal strain appears in the thin walled cylinder and the frequency of vibration changes. Thus an indication is obtained of the applied torque or of strain in a test member applying the torque.