Abstract: A network communication system having a number of independent subscribers (8 . . . 10) connected to the network through corresponding coupling devices (11 . . . 13) is able to rapidly propagate the transmission rate of each data message sent between subscribers and thereby efficiently control the receiving devices on the network to receive the data messages at their transmitted rate. Coupling devices (11 . . . 13) are able to recognize the rate at which each transmitted message is sent and prepare a special message to be sent to each of the other receiving devices on the network. The special message contains information regarding the transmission rate of the data messages and is used to control the receiving devices reception rate.

Abstract: A network and a coupling device for connecting two segments in such a network. The coupling device has means (510 for measuring the slot time configured in the users by means of so-called GAP queries with which active users (201 . . . 206) using the PROFIBUS DP protocol for data transmission cyclically check whether new users have been connected to the network. Based on this slot time, coupling devices obtain information on the extent of the network, which is required for certain monitoring mechanisms. Further, a network and a coupling device for connecting segments in such a network, which has means (63, 64, 73, 78) for detecting corruption of a message by faults on a segment (16) and blocking the onward transmission of messages received on the faulty segment (16). The coupling devices (22, 23) connected to the faulty segment (16) block and reauthorize onward transmission almost simultaneously so that no unidirectional connection is established.

Abstract: The invention relates to multilayer reflective films and pigments showing selective reflection of light wherein the reflection characteristics are dependent on the viewing angle, characterized in that they comprises at least one reflective layer, at least one circular polarizing layer and optionally at least one optical retardation layer. The invention further relates to the use of these multilayer reflective films and pigments in optical elements, as coatings or in lacquers, inks or paints for cosmetic, decorative or security applications, to inks and paints comprising one or more multilayer reflective pigments dispersed in a light transmissive binder, and to security markings or devices comprising one or more multilayer reflective films or pigments.

Abstract: Multilayer interference pigment consisting of plateletlike titanium dioxide as carrier material, coated with alternating layers of metal oxides of low and high refractive index, the difference in the refractive indices being at least 0.1, which is obtainable by solidification and hydrolysis of an aqueous solution of a thermally hydrolysable titanium compound on a continuous belt, detachment of the resulting coat, coating of the resulting titanium dioxide platelets, with or without drying in between, by a wet method with, alternately, a metal oxide hydrate of high refractive index and a metal oxide hydrate of low refractive index by hydrolysis of the corresponding, water-soluble metal compounds, separation, drying and, if desired, calcining of the material obtained.

Abstract: Multilayer pearl luster pigment based on an absorbing platelet-shaped substrate which is coated with alternating layers of a material of low refractive index and a material of high refractive index, or with a metal, the difference in the refractive indices being at least 0.1.

Abstract: Multilayer interference pigment having a blue mass tone, comprised of a platelet-shaped carrier material and a coating which is formed from (i) a first layer of a colorless, transparent metal oxide of high refractive index, (ii) a second layer of colorless, transparent metal oxide of low refractive index and (iii) a third, outer layer of cobalt aluminate, cobalt-containing glass, tungsten bronzes or cobalt oxide, it also being possible for the first and third layer to be swapped around.

Abstract: Colored pearl luster pigment consisting of a core of platelet shaped titanium dioxide and one or more layers of other metal oxides or metal oxide hydrates obtainable by solidifying an aqueous solution of a thermally hydrolyzable titanium compound on a continuous belt, detaching the resulting layer, coating the resulting titanium dioxide platelets, with or without drying in between, with one or more other metal oxides or metal oxide hydrates, for example Fe2O3, Fe3O4, FeOOH or Cr2O3, by a wet method, separating, drying and, if desired, calcining the material obtained.