Abstract: A gain control for a phase locked loop circuit is provided. In the phase-locked loop circuit, a voltage controlled oscillator generates a reference signal responsive to the level of a tuning voltage. A phase detector generates the tuning voltage update, which is indicative of a phase relationship between the reference signal and an input signal. A feedback circuit detects the tuning voltage and generates an adjustment signal in response. The adjustment signal is then used to adjust the loop gain at any specific tuning voltage. In a specific example, the adjustment signal is used to adjust the current gain of the phase detector in a manner that is complementary to the non-linear voltage gain of the voltage-controlled oscillator.

Abstract: Oscillator control circuitry for a phase lock loop, including phase detection circuitry, control signal generator circuitry, bias control circuitry and charge pump circuitry. The control signal generator circuitry introduces specific and distinct time delays to the phase signals from the phase detection circuitry representing the phase difference between the reference and oscillator output signals. These time delays cause the bias control circuitry to enable and disable the output charge pump circuitry slightly before and after, respectively, those time intervals during which an output source (“pump up”) or sink (“pump down”) current is needed to drive the oscillator via the loop filter. This produces charge pump circuitry output signals with significantly faster rise and fall times and shorter pulse widths, thereby resulting in a charge pump output signal with higher SNR and reduced spurious signal energy.

Abstract: An improved agricultural carrier and a method of making the carrier is disclosed. The granular carrier is adapted for carrying a low-melting chemical, specifically pesticides. An aromatic solvent is used to dissolve the low-melting chemical, before combining it with the carrier. The granular carrier unexpectedly exceeds its liquid holding capacity for the low-melting chemical.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of gas to and from a patient in an anaesthesia system has first and second flow passages arranged in parallel between the patient and a reservoir bag. Selector valves allow multiple anaesthesia configurations involving no rebreathing or considerable rebreathing. A selector valve can be operated to connect the reservoir bag to either or both flow passages. A one way valve in the first passage, which communicates with a gas supply inlet, can be operated to prevent the back flow of gas from the patient into the passage. A one way valve in the second passage can selectively prevent the flow of gas in the second passage to the patient. The second passage has a selectively bypassable carbon dioxide absorbing fitter and a spill valve. The apparatus allows reconfiguration without disconnecting and reconnecting hoses.

Abstract: In the catalytic processing of hydrocarbons, a hydrocarbon oil is successively contacted with a particulate catalyst in a first reaction zone and contacted at a higher temperature with a second portion of the particulate catalyst in the same reaction zone or in a second reaction zone.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising (a) a major amount of a calcined granular carrier of montmorillonite type of clays and (b) a minor amount of a broad spectrum insecticide-nematocide, namely, 0,0-diethyl S-[(1,1-dimethylethyl)thio]phosphorodithiorate, wherein said composition is distinguished by decreased mammalian dermal toxicity in contrast to conventional solid compositions containing the above-identified insecticide-nematocide.

Abstract: A greenhouse cloche etc comprising an outer light transmitting wall relatively impermeable to carbon dioxide and an inner light transmitting wall relatively permeable to carbon dioxide and gas admitting means for introducing carbon dioxide gas into the space between the inner and outer walls.