Abstract: A method of producing a thickened organic polymeric composition useful for molding and capable of resisting post-molding shrinkage after being crosslinked comprising a cross-linkable base resin dissolved in an unsaturated monomer, and an additive resin selected from saturated polyesters and saturated amide waxes, the additive resin being crystalline at ambient temperatures and having a melting point (T.sub.m) below a temperature (T.sub.c) at which the base resin cross-linking reaction proceeds at a significant rate. The base resin and additive resin have only a partial degree of compatibility. When cooled from a temperature between T.sub.m and T.sub.c to temperature between T.sub.m and ambient the composition thickens, whereas, when it is heated to a temperature below T.sub.c, it reverts to a flowable composition.

Abstract: A liquid pump, particularly though not exclusively suitable for use in flow injection analysis, and comprising a reservoir 3 an outlet tube 6 for conducting liquid 2 from the reservoir and a device for introducing gas into the liquid in the reservoir to displace liquid therefrom through the tube. The gas may be introduced in the form of a series of rapid pulses of controlled duration and frequency and is introduced at a fixed level relative to the entrance to the outlet tube.

Abstract: Magnesium is produced by the metallothermic reduction of MgO in a molten slag bath comprised of MgO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and CaO together with oxide formed from the reducing metal. The composition of the slag is controlled during at least a first stage of the reduction so that it is wholly within the periclased region of its phase diagram and at least in the surface region, has a substantially constant liquidus temperature. The surface region of the slag is maintained by direct heating (e.g. by a plasma) at or close to the liquidus temperature.

Abstract: A surface mounting corrosion probe comprising a frame adapted for securing to a surface of a reinforced concrete structure, and a resilient pad arranged such that when the frame is secured to such a structure a front surface of the pad is pressed against the structure surface. A reference electrode is located centrally relative to the front surface of the pad so as to contact the surface of any structure against which the pad is pressed. An annular portion of the front surface of the pad which extends radially outwards from the center towards adjacent the periphery of the pad is electrically conductive, and a terminal is provided which is electrically connected to that annular portion. Corrosion monitoring instruments are connected to the terminal and the reference electrode to monitor corrosion of reinforcement beneath the surface of a structure to which the frame is secured.

Abstract: A method of materials processing (e.g. polymer extrusion) in which the material flows along an axially extending passageway. A pressure differential is established across the passageway transverse to the axial flow direction so as to create a flow of material through the die which has a velocity component transverse to the axial flow direction. Preferably the pressure differential transverse to the extrusion direction is continuous thereby estabilshing a continuous change of velocity component transverse to the axial flow direction. Preferably also there is at least one reversal of transverse pressure differential (and hence transverse velocity component). Apparatus for performing this method comprises for example, successive sections (3-5) of identical trapezoidal cross section with adjacent ones of these sections having their cross-sections displaced through 180.degree. relative to each other.

Abstract: Polymeric polyols are prepared by reacting a polyhydroxy initiator compound with an epoxide in the presence of alkali metal hydroxide catalyst used in an amount of at least 10% by mole based on the molar amount of polyhydroxy initiator compounds. The polyols so obtained may be chain extended by reaction with further epoxide in the presence of at least 10% by mole of an alkali metal hydroxide catalyst based on the molar amount of the polymeric polyol.

Abstract: In the friction spinning of yarns, staple fibres are supplied to a yarn formation zone in which the yarns end is rotated by frictional contact with at least one twisting element. In the yarn form zone, a jet of air is applied to the yarn or forming yarn by nozzle to increase the frictional forces between the yarn or forming yarn and the twisting elements. The formed yarn is continuously removed from the yarn formation zone.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus for the growth of biomass from a supply of suitable nutrient wherein the volume of biomass and the size and shape of the units in which it is present within a vessel (10) in which the reaction takes place can be accurately controlled. Control is achieved by providing a support structure (14) for the biomass comprising one or more movable bodies each of which has an internal reticular structure defining a substantial voidage therein and which essentially fills with the biomass but which does not overfill since excess growth is restricted. Restriction can be achieved by removal of excess biomass or by removal of the bodies at the time that they become filled. The techniques are capable of numerous industrial applications including various biological fermentation processes as well as the purification of sewage and industrial effluents, for example.

Abstract: In an apparatus or installation having a metal part corroding in an electrolyte contacting the part, that part is a first electrode electrically insulated from a second electrode, for example another part of the apparatus, also contacting the electrolyte. No external electrical power is applied to the electrodes/electrolyte system. The low frequency voltage between the electrodes is observed. This voltage is a low frequency noise signal. Amplitude values of the signal are measured and subjected to an averaging computation yielding data indicating the corrosion rate of the first electrode and the nature of the corrosion.

Abstract: A method of preparing a functionally terminated polymer comprising polymerizing a terpene or an oxygen derivative thereof having a double bond or conjugated double bond available for polymerization with an initiator having a grouping which provides, or is a precursor of, the functional termination for the polymer.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and apparatus for the growth of biomass from a supply of suitable nutrient wherein the volume of biomass and the size and shape of the units in which it is present within a vessel (10) in which the reaction takes place can be accurately controlled. Control is achieved by providing a support structure (14) for the biomass comprising one or more movable bodies each of which has an internal reticular structure defining a substantial voidage therein and which essentially fills with the biomass but which does not overfill since excess growth is restricted. Restriction can be achieved by removal of excess biomass or by removal of the bodies at the time that they become filled. The techniques are capable of numerous industrial applications including various biological fermentation processes as well as the purification of sewage and industrial effluents, for example.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus for the growth of biomass from a supply of suitable nutrient wherein the volume of biomass and the size and shape of the units in which it is present within a vessel (10) in which the reaction takes place can be accurately controlled. Control is achieved by providing a support structure (14) for the biomass comprising one or more movable bodies each of which has an internal reticular structure defining a substantial voidage therein and which essentially fills with the biomass but which does not overfill since excess growth is restricted. Restriction can be achieved by removal of excess biomass or by removal of the bodies at the time that they become filled. The techniques are capable of numerous industrial applications including various biological fermentation processes as well as the purification of sewage and industrial effluents, for example.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted methyl or ethyl radicals, and substituted or unsubstituted vinyl radicals, X is a --NH.sub.2 or --NCO group, and n is 0 or 1 with the proviso that n is not 0 when X is --NH.sub.2.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and apparatus for the growth of biomass from a supply of suitable nutrient wherein the volume of biomass and the size and shape of the units in which it is present within a vessel (10) in which the reaction takes place can be accurately controlled. Control is achieved by providing a support structure (14) for the biomass comprising one or more movable bodies each of which has an internal reticular structure defining a substantial voidage therein and which essentially fills with the biomass but which does not overfill since excess growth is restricted. Restriction can be achieved by removal of excess biomass or by removal of the bodies at the time that they become filled. The techniques are capable of numerous industrial applications including various biological fermentation processes as well as the purification of sewage and industrial effluents, for example.

Abstract: In improved mass spectrometers of the double focussing zero second-order aberration type with first-order spectrograph properties, parameters are related by specific equations as a result of which the five aberration coefficients B.sub.1, B.sub.2, B.sub.11, B.sub.12 and B.sub.22 can all be simultaneously zero.

Abstract: A top loading weigh balance is described which comprises a platform supported by a plurality of resilient suspension devices. Each suspension device is associated with a transducer connected in a resonant circuit of an oscillator, the transducers being arranged to vary the output frequency of the oscillator in accordance with the overall change in displacement of the suspension devices, and hence the load.