Abstract: The present invention (with reference to FIG. 2a) relates to an integrated camera and illumination device. The device comprises illumination apparatus having a plurality of light emitting diodes (17) arranged in a circuit which regulates current output by the circuit to an approximately constant level. The device comprises camera apparatus having a CMOS sensor (12) in a circuit supplied by the current regulated by the illumination apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates (with reference to FIG. 1a) to a method of manufacture of an integrated camera and illumination device. The method comprises assembling together an optical sensor (12), illumination means (17) and associated electronic circuitry (10) into an assembled unit; placing the assembled unit into a mold; introducing an encapsulant in liquid state into the mold to surround the components therein; and the encapsulant solidifying to form an encapsulated assembly of optical sensor, illumination means and associated electronic circuitry.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions having enhanced thickening properties containing lipophilically-modified copolymer thickeners and one or more hydrophilic surfactants are disclosed. In particular, aqueous compositions containing (i) lipophilically-modified copolymers containing at least 5% of selected lipophilically-modified components and (ii) surfactants having an HLB value of greater than 15 are useful for the thickening of a range of personal, domestic and industrial products.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting the formation of stable water in oil emulsions which are typically formed during the production of crude oil. The method involves the addition of one or more amphiphilic compounds which may comprise a hydrophilic backbone and hydrophobic groups attached thereto. The hydrophilic backbone may comprise polymerised units of one or more monomer compounds which may be selected from one or more of alkylene oxide, (meth)acrylic acid, acrylate, urethane, cellulose and vinyl alcohol. The hydrophobic groups may be attached to the hydrophilic backbone in one or more of the following positions: at one or more of the ends of the backbone, either regularly or randomly spaced along the length of the backbone, and as linking groups to link two or more portions of the hydrophilic backbone together.

Abstract: Chiral amines are resolved by selectively reacting an enantiomer of the amine with an alkyl ester in the presence of an enantioselective lipase enzyme to produce an amide of that enantiomer and separating it from the unreacted enantiomer, the alkyl group of the ester being an isoalkyl group. Isobutyl and especially isopropyl groups are preferred.

Abstract: For preparing bis-silyl carboxamides in a semi-continuous, reacting an amide or the N-trimethylsilyl derivative thereof with a silylating agent and, at the same time, extracting the bis-silyl carboxamide formed by distillation under reduced pressure.

Abstract: For preparing bis-silyl carboxamides in a semi-continuous, reacting an amide or the N-trimethylsilyl derivative thereof with a silylating agent and, at the same time, extracting the bis-silyl carboxamide formed by distillation under reduced pressure.

Abstract: A system for setting a wireless handset to an offhook condition when the handset is moved during the presence of a specified condition, such as an incoming call. A signal is sent to the handset to indicate an incoming call. If the handset is moved during the pendency of the incoming call, a sensor sends a signal to a controller indicating movement of the handset. A dedicated circuit may be employed to send an offhlook signal only when a movement threshold has been detected. If the signal reaches a predetermined threshold, the controller sets the handset to an offhook condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing bis-silyl ureas which consists in reacting urea and a disilazane in an aliphatic nitrile and most particularly in acetonitrile. The process of the present invention applies particularly to the manufacture of bis(trimethylsilyl)urea from urea and hexamethyldisilazane.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions having enhanced thickening properties containing lipophilically modified copolymer thickeners and one or more hydrophilic surfactants are disclosed. In particular, aqueous compositions containing (i) lipophilically modified copolymers containing at least 5% of selected lipophilically modified components and (ii) surfactants having an HLB value of greater than 15 are useful for the thickening of a range of personal, domestic, and industrial products.

Abstract: A compound of formula (III) ##STR1## is produced by selectively reducing a compound of formula (II) ##STR2## using a reductase possessing the properties of one produced by Beauveria, Candida, Kluyveromyces, Torulaspora or Pichia.orA compound of formula ##STR3## is produced by selectively reducing a compound of formula II using a reductase possessing the properties of one produced by Candida pelliculosa, Neurospora crassa, Pichia trehalophila or preferably Hansenula anomola.

Abstract: A detergent tablet is disclosed which comprises at least 50 wt. % of a non-phosphate builder and from 0 to 20 wt. % of a phosphate builder, and has incorporated therein as binder from 0.3 to 5 wt. % of a neutralised polymer of hydrophilic or hydrophobic monomers which have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from 40 to 120.degree. C., which monomers comprise(meth)acrylic acid, maleic anhydride, alkyl (meth)acrylates, alkylhydroxy (meth)acrylates, or styrene, the polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 120,000.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions comprising two or more surfactants and an associative thickener, where the type and amounts of the surfactants are selected to provide an aqueous solution having enhanced thickening properties, is disclosed. In particular, selected surfactant mixtures combined with certain hydrophobically-modified polyetherurethane thickeners provide enhanced thickening properties that are not available when the individual surfactants are combined with thickener. A method for improving the thickening properties of aqueous solutions using the mixed surfactant/associative thickener is also disclosed. The mixed surfactant/associative thickeners of the invention are useful as thickening agents in a variety of formulations such as paints, coatings, cosmetics, personal care items and cleaners.

Abstract: A detergent tablet is disclosed which comprises at least 50 wt % of a non-phosphate builder and from 0 to 20 wt % of a phosphate builder, and has incorporated therein as binder from 0.3 to 5 wt % of a neutralised polymer of hydrophilic or hydrophobic monomers which have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of from 40 to 120.degree. C., which monomers comprise(meth)acrylic acid, maleic anhydride, alkyl (meth)acrylates, alkylhydroxy (meth)acrylates, or styrene, the polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 120,000.

Abstract: A line cutter or discharge valve responsive to aircraft attitude is posited on an aircraft ejection seat to interrupt the gas initiated sustainer rocket system. During inverted ejections, the cutter or valve will either sever or discharge pressure from a tube which leads from the firing squib to the sustainer rocket. Preventing sustainer rocket ignition enhances inverted ejection survivability by reducing crew member velocity toward the ground, thereby lengthening the time available for parachute deployment.

Abstract: Placed near the transition point between power sources of different voltages or frequencies, is a wayside signal producing device which activates an on-board circuit for disconnecting the on-coming vehicle from the power source. When the vehicle has crossed the transition point, another signal producing device causes the vehicle to be connected to the other power source so as to resume power application. When the vehicle is proceeding in the opposite direction the sequence is reversed. In this way a multicar train can have the power source reliably switched in a car-by-car sequence without any appreciable loss in train speed.