Abstract: An electrical load power control device is described that reduces the power consumption of inductive and inductive-dissipative loads, including for example fluorescent lighting. The power circuit of the invention interrupts AC power supply to the load during a plurality of intervals within each half cycle of the AC mains signal frequency whilst providing an alternate path for current flow during the interruption to maintain a sinusoidal-like current to the load. During a crossover lag zone encompassing zero crossing points of the voltage and current and during which the voltage and current have opposite polarities, both elements of the power switch are switched to the “on” condition, one element of the circulating switch is switched to the “on” condition when a positive current is flowing in the load and the other element of the circulating switch is switched to the “on” condition when a negative current is flowing in the load.

Abstract: A method for generating a hub and spoke messaging infrastructure for propagating messages used in the implementation of a process on a distributed system of computers, each of which is adapted to execute messaging software to enable each computer to communicate with the others in a distributed system. The method comprises the steps of producing a graphical description of the process -and automatically creating source code for generating the hub and spoke messaging infrastructure by selecting and adapting appropriate portions of predefined source code in accordance with the graphical description of the process, the predefined source code using the messaging software to control the routing of messages between the computers.

Abstract: Remote ballasting apparatus adapted for insertion between a high frequency power source and one or more gaseous discharge lamps. The ballasting apparatus includes an isolation transformer having a primary winding adapted for connection to the high frequency power source, a low capacitance power transmission line having an output end adapted for connection to the one or more gaseous discharge lamps, and current limiting means, such as an inductor or a capacitor or a series resonant circuit connected between the secondaries of the isolation transformer and the input end of the low capacitance power transmission line.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with .DELTA..sup.3 -4-carboxy cephalosporin antibiotics possessing a 3-vinyl or substituted 3-vinyl groups as well as with phosphorous intermediates useful in the preparation thereof.

Abstract: Novel semisynthetic .beta.-lactam intermediates of use in the production of cephalosporins, penicillins and related .beta.-lactam antibiotic compounds are provided. The novel compounds are prepared from .beta.-lactams obtained by cleavage of the 1,2-sulphur-carbon bond of a penicillin 1-oxide (with subsequent internal or external trapping of the sulphur atom to leave a residual substituent as the .beta.-lactam nitrogen) by removal of the said residual substituent by an oxidative cleavage reaction.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of esters of N-blocked amino acids (such as penicillins or cephalosporins) wherein the amino acid or a salt thereof is reacted with a primary amine and nitrosating agent.

Abstract: 7.beta.-Amino- and acylamidoceph-3-em-4-carboxylic acids having at the 3-position a halo-, formyloxy-, isothiocyanato- or haloacetoxymethyl group and salts and esters thereof. These compounds are useful as starting compounds for preparing 7.alpha.-acylamidoceph-3-em-4-carboxylic acids having a group at the 3-position, other than 3-acetoxymethyl, by reaction with a nucleophile. The compounds prepared have modified antibiotic activity.