Abstract: In an information processing system which has plurality of modules including a processor, a main memory and a plurality of I/O devices, a data transfer switch for performing data transfer operations between the processor, main memory and I/O devices comprises a request bus which has a request bus arbiter for receiving read and write requests from each one of the plurality of modules. A processor memory bus is configured to receive address and data information from a predetermined number of modules, including the processor. The processor memory bus has a data bus arbiter for receiving data read and write requests from each one of the predetermined number of modules which are coupled to the processor memory bus. An internal memory bus is configured to receive address and data information from a predetermined number of modules, including the memory and the I/O devices.

Abstract: A loaded ion-exchange resin, which resin has been loaded in its shrunken form. Also a process for removing iodide compounds from a liquid carboxylic acid and/or carboxylic acid anhydride obtained from the Group VIII noble metal catalysed, alkyl iodide co-catalysed carbonylation of alcohols and/or their reactive derivatives which process comprises contacting the liquid carboxylic acid and/or carboxylic acid anhydride with a metal loaded ion-exchange resin as described above wherein the metal is one or more of the metals silver, palladium or mercury.

Abstract: A vehicle drape for retaining heated air and cooled air inside a front seat area of a vehicle. The drape is adapted for releasable attachment to a pair of vehicle ceiling hanger hooks disposed on opposite sides of a ceiling of the vehicle and behind the front seats of the vehicle. Also, the drape is adaptable for adjusting to different sizes and shapes of vehicle interiors and designed for redirecting air flow back into a front seat area. The drape includes a transparent thin sheet of plastic vinyl. The sides of the thin sheet include gripping scalloped edges for gripping the sides, ceiling and floor of the vehicle. A horizontal nylon suspension strap is attached to a length of an upper portion of the thin sheet. The horizontal suspension strap includes an adjustable first end and an adjustable second end. The first end and the second end include a moveable hook fastener strap arm and a loop fastener strap arm.

Abstract: An ion-exchange resin stabilized against shrinkage, the resin being loaded with at least one amphiphilic ion in the absence of sodium cations.Also a process for removing iodide compounds from a liquid carboxylic acid and/or carboxylic acid anhydride obtained from the Group VIII noble metal catalysed, alkyl iodide co-catalysed carbonylation of alcohols and/or their reactive derivatives by contacting the liquid carboxylic acid and/or carboxylic acid anhydride with the ion-exchange resin stabilized against shrinkage as aforesaid, the ion-exchange resin being loaded with one or more of the metals silver, palladium or mercury.

Abstract: A process for the carbonylation of a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl alcohol and/or a reactive derivative thereof by contacting a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl alcohol and/or a reactive derivative thereof with carbon monoxide in a liquid reaction composition in a carbonylation reactor in the presence of (a) a rhodium catalyst (b) an alkyl halide, and (c) as promoter, at least one of ruthenium and osmium.

Abstract: A swimming pool platform assembly particularly suitable for above ground pools includes a square planar platform having upper and lower surfaces. Attached to the lower surface of the support platform is a frame component for suspending the support platform a predetermined distance above the swimming pool bottom surface. The frame component comprises a substantially square upper frame member formed from a plurality of interconnected tubular members and a substantially square lower frame member similar to the upper frame member. The upper and lower frame members are relatively spaced a predetermined distance and are interconnected with shorter vertical tubular members to form a cage type support structure. Each of the tubular members has a plurality of apertures thereon allowing them to fill with water so that the device sinks to the bottom of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A process for the production of acetic acid which comprises reacting carbon monoxide with a carbonylatable reactant comprising greater than 10%, typically from 30 to 100%, by weight dimethyl ether introduced to a reactor in which there is maintained at elevated temperature a liquid reaction composition comprising a Group VIII noble metal catalyst, for example rhodium or iridium, methyl iodide promoter, an optional co-promoter and water at a concentration in the liquid reaction composition of from 1.0 to 10% by weight.

Abstract: The use of manganese at a molar ratio of manganese:rhodium of (0.2 to 20):1 to stabilize the rhodium catalyst during the rhodium catalyzed carbonylation of alkyl alcohols and/or recovery of carbonylation product therefrom at low partial pressure of carbon monoxide of less than or equal to 7 bar.

Abstract: A process for preparing polylketones by polymerizing a mixture of carbon monoxide and one or more olefins in the presence of a group VIII metal catalyst which is prepared by reacting together:(a) a source of group VIII metal, and(b) an amine, phosphine, arsine or stibine the polymerization being carried out in the presence of a composition comprising hydrocarbyl aluminoxane and tertiary butyl aluminium.