Abstract: There is described a battery separator comprising: a porous membrane (preferably of a cellulose film) having a mean thickness less than about 25 microns (preferably 15 microns) and optionally with one or more of the following properties: a) a tensile strength when dry (measured in the transverse direction of the membrane web) of greater than about 120 Nmm−2; b) a wet ionic resistance of less than about 20 m&OHgr;.cm2; c) a membrane degree of polymerisation (D.P.) of greater than 350 chain units after being immersed for four hours in a bath of sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide; and/or a) a tensile strength when dry (measured in the machine direction of the membrane web) of greater than about 200 Nmm−2. Preferred membranes comprise biopolymeric films, such as films derived from cellulose and/or polylactic acid, more preferably a regenerated cellulosic film made using NMMO as regeneration liquid.

Abstract: Image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording plate, the apparatus comprising

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fermented milk production process in self-rehydrating container comprising a carbohydrate, a fermented milk product forming starter culture, milk powder and eventually other edible solutes, and self-rehydrating container adapted thereto. The container contains a semi-permeable membrane which allows the preparation of substantially sterile water solutions using osmotically driven filtration.

Abstract: An anti-pilfer device for application to a cork of a wine bottle includes a disc. The disc has a recess in at least one surface and is adapted to accommodate an adhesive for securing the disc to the cork. The disc is formed from a material having a relatively wide useful temperature range. The range is from about −5° C. to about 100° C. such that the material has a glass transition temperature below about −5° C. and a softening point in excess of about 100° C.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new self-rehydrating container for the production of solutions or suspensions substantially free or undesirable micro-organisms. The container is divided into at least two compartments by at least a non-permanent seal bonding the opposite walls of said container, the walls of the container surrounding at least a first compartment being watertight, the walls of the container surrounding at least one portion of at least a second compartment being semi-permeable, a water soluble or suspendible product or a concentrated solution or suspension thereof being retained in said second compartment and a water soluble or suspendible product, a drug, a nutritional suspension or powder to be put into solution or suspension is retained in said first compartment.

Abstract: Image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording plate, the apparatus comprising a plate store (1) for storing a stack (12) of recording plates separated by interleaved sheets; a drum image scanner (6) on which recording plates are located for recordal of an image; and a frictional feed apparatus (2) for withdrawing recording plates from the store (1) and feeding them singly to the drum image scanner (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to printable films comprising a substrate and at least a surface layer, said layer covering at least one face of said substrate and comprising a water-dispersible polymer and an ethylenically unsaturated compound; to a process for the manufacture of such films; to printed films and especially to printed labels obtained from such printable films.

Abstract: A container comprising a flexible semi-permeable composite membrane structure is described, as well as its applications. The membrane has a low molecular weight cut-off, comprises a flexible support layer thick enough to give strength to the membrane structure and having a relatively high molecular weight cut-off and, on at least one surface of the said support layer, a second layer having a relatively low molecular weight cut-off and is thin enough to allow a workable flux. Said container may be used for the preparation of rehydrated solute solutions, rehydrated blood or blood substitutes, nutritional solutions, solutions for medical purpose or of pure water.

Abstract: A powered access platform unit having a wheeled base carrying a corner pillar to which is articulated one end of a parallel linkage boom articulated at the other end to the remote corner of a platform structure on the same side of said structure as the side of the base which carries the corner pillar, and a drive unit on the base for raising and lowering the platform structure on the parallel linkage boom by means of an hydraulic ram articulated between the base pillar and the boom.