Abstract: A method for producing polyester foamed articles comprising: heating and foaming a resin composition comprising a foaming agent, and an aliphatic polyester having a melt viscosity of 1.0.times.10.sup.3 -1.0.times.10.sup.6 poises at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a shear rate of 100 sec.sup.-1, and having a melting point of 70.degree.-190.degree. C. Extrusion or forming in a mold using preexpanded beads can be applied. The foamed articles such as insulating boxes and cushioning materials have biodegradability and excellent mechanical properties such as tensile strength and cushioning properties.

Abstract: A ring-shaped data communications network in which plural slave stations and a master station are serially connected in a closed loop via transmission lines, the slave stations being removably connected to the loop without affecting the continuity of data transmission on the loop. A connection box, permanently connected into the loop and adapted to receive the removable slave station, has circuitry for switching the data loop paths through the slave station. Switching of the data loop occurs when the slave station has been physically connected to the connection box and when a non-communicating portion of the data stream in the loop has been received at the connection box. Apparatus for detecting the connection of the slave station to the box and for detecting the absence of information in the data stream controls operation of the switching.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating between a host station and a plurality of slave stations, each detachably connected to a junction box permanently affixed at a node in a loop-type network. Each junction box has a variable code input which may be used as the system address for any slave station connected at that particular node. The system address may be input by the junction box into a predetermined location in the system transmission frame for access by the attached slave station or may be input separately by the junction box into the attached slave station in order to permit the slave station to read information in a particular slot of the transmission frame or write information to such slot.