Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus (1) for dispensing a predetermined weight of fluid under substantially constant pressure including: (a) containing means (2) adapted to contain at least the predetermined amount of fluid; (b) an inlet to the containing means for passing fluid into the containing means and an outlet from the containing means for passing fluid from the containing means; (c) weighing means (16) to monitor the weight of the containing means; and (d) dispensing means to cause the predetermined fluid to flow from the containing means through the outlet at a substantially constant pressure, wherein the weight of the containing means is monitored as fluid is dispensed through the outlet until the predetermined weight of fluid has been dispensed.

Abstract: An active shield magnet has a plurality of screening coils which each have a small number of turns in comparison with the number of turns of the main magnet coil assemblies and which are connected in series in a closed loop to reduce the effect of disturbing influences in a working volume of the magnet.

Abstract: A magnet assembly suitable for use in magnetic resonance imaging has a first superconducting coil assembly for generating a first magnetic field and a second superconducting coil assembly for generating a second magnetic field. The first and second superconducting coil assemblies are connected in series and each generate magnetic fields whose corresponding components are of substantially the same order of magnitude. The assemblies are arranged so that a resultant, uniform magnetic field is generated in a working volume, and the second magnetic field substantially opposes the first magnetic field externally of the magnet assembly. The resultant magnetic field prevailing externally of the magnet assembly is maintained within preset limits during normal operation of the assembly in which the current in the superconducting coils is substantially constant.

Abstract: Detergent compositions based on sodium carbonate as a detergency builder also contain finely divided calcium carbonate having a surface area of at least about 5 square meters per gram (m.sup.2 /g), preferably from about 30 to 100 m.sup.2 /g, together with a detergent active compound or mixture of compounds which does not form during use an insoluble calcium salt. The added calcium carbonate tends to improve the detergency building action of the sodium carbonate, and so increase detergency, while inhibiting the tendency for the newly precipitated calcium carbonate to be deposited on the washed fabrics.

Abstract: A detergent additive is prepared by adsorbing a nonionic detergent active compound onto finely divided calcium carbonate, to facilitate the processing of detergent compositions. The additive is preferably employed in detergent compositions with alkali metal carbonate detergency builders, where the calcium carbonate tends to improve detergency and decrease deposits on washed fabrics.

Abstract: Finely divided calcium carbonate, which is intended for use in detergent compositions containing sodium carbonate as the detergency builder, is treated before it has been dried with a water-soluble dispersing aid. This decreases the tendency of the calcium carbonate particles to aggregate and subsequently be deposited on fabrics in the washing process.

Abstract: A detergent composition incorporates a synthetic anionic, nonionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic detergent active compound and a water soluble or dispersible salt of an alkane (C.sub.18 -C.sub.22)-1,2-sulphinic-sulphonic acid or an alkane (C.sub.18 -C.sub.22)-1,2-disulphonic acid detergency builder. The ratio by weight of the detergent active compound to the detergency builder is preferably from about 3:1 to 1:10, for example from about 1:1 to 1:5.

Abstract: Detergent compositions based on sodium carbonate as a detergency builder also contain finely divided calcium carbonate having a surface area of at least about meters square metres per gram (m.sup.2 /g), preferably frm about 30 to 100 m.sup.2 /g, together with a detergent active compound or mixture of compounds which does not form during use an insoluble calcium salt. The added calcium carbonate tends to improve the detergency building action of the sodium carbonate, and so increase detergency, whilst inhibiting the tendency for the newly precipitated calcium carbonate to be deposited on the washed fabrics.