Abstract: Metal organic frameworks are provided that exhibit a reversible phase change from a collapsed state to an expanded state. Due to this material property, these adsorbents exhibit stepped isotherms that have relevance in chemical storage and separations. The metal organic framework is M(LDP), where M is a metal selected from the group of Zn, Fe or Co and L is a ligand selected from the group of 1,4-benzenedipyrazolate (H2BDP), 2,5-pyridinedipyrazolate (H2PyDP), 2,5-pyrimidinedipyrazolate (H2PymDP), 2,5-pyrazinedipyrazolate (H2PyzDP), and 3,6-pyridazinedipyrazolate (H2PydDP). The step pressure position in the isotherm was changed by using nitrogen instead of carbon in the ring allowing for tunable aromatic interactions.

Abstract: A memory management method (44) for a memory having program contexts including an active program context in an active region and inactive program contexts in an inactive region. Each program context has a first and a second part. Second parts of the active program context are separated by a contiguous memory space comprising a free memory block and a common data parameter store. In operation, the method swaps (50) a location of the second part of the active program context with the contiguous memory. A swapping step (54) is then effected to swap a location of a the inactive program context with the active program context and any program context therebetween. Another swapping step (56) is then effected to swap a location of a second part of the inactive program context with the contiguous memory space, after which the inactive program context becomes currently active.

Abstract: A memory management method (44) for a memory having program contexts including an active program context in an active region and inactive program contexts in an inactive region. Each program context has a first and a second part. Second parts of the active program context are separated by a contiguous All memory space comprising a free memory block and a common data parameter store. In operation, the method swaps (50) a location of the second part of the active program context with the contiguous memory. A swapping step (54) is then effected to swap a location of a the inactive program context with the active program context and any program context therebetween. Another swapping step (56) is then effected to swap a location of a second part of the inactive program context with the contiguous memory space, after which the inactive program context becomes currently active.

Abstract: A gland seal comprises a plurality of sealing plates (24, 28, 30) sealingly received in a bore (12). Each pair of adjacent plates define between them a sealing channel (42). The channels are linked by elongate slots (41) in the plates to define a generally helical path. The channels are filled with a sealant through a filling hole (54) at one end of its respective channel.

Abstract: A cable joint for joining the ends of two optical fibre cables, each having a core of optical fibres (12) and a king wire (14) surrounded by armor wire (17) and an outer sheath (18), comprises an insert (20) between the core and the armor wire of each cable and a protective sleeve (38) swaged directly to the armor wire braced by the insert. The directly engaged sleeve provides a simple, efficient joint. An over-moulded cover (40) seals the joint.

Abstract: An optical cable is terminated onto a ferrule which is secured to the tensile element of the cable. The components of the cable are clamped in order to a tail-piece of the ferrule. This prevents relative displacement of cable elements. The termination can be standardised for different cables which can then be connected by securing the tail-pieces of their terminations in a connector tube. The joint is particularly suitable for use with submarine cables.

Abstract: A bend restrictor for an optical fibre cable comprises an elongate sleeve-like member (5) having an axial through bore for accommodating the cable (1a, 1b), and a coupling ring (6) for fixing the sleeve-like member to a rigid housing (4) from which the cable extends. The sleeve-like member (5) is provided with a plurality of longitudinal bores (7), into some or all of which can be fitted stiffening rods (8). By varying the number and lengths of the stiffening rods (8), the rigidity of the sleeve-like member (5) can be varied to suit the particular structure of the cable (1a, 1b).

Abstract: A submarine telecommunications cable includes a plurality of optical fibers in the bore of an orientated plastics strength member. The cable may have an average density of 0.9 to 4.0 and preferably a neutral buoyancy whereby most of the weight of the cable is carried by the sea. This reduces tension in the cable during laying. The bore of a submarine cable is filled with a solid elastomeric embedding medium which occupies the space between the fibers. This gives a void-free structure which assumes ambient pressure. The strength member may be made from orientated polyethylene. The cable is preferably buried in the sea bed during use.