Abstract: A system is provided for storing data for a plurality of host computers on a plurality of storage arrays so that data on each storage array can be accessed by any host computer. A plurality of adapter cards are used. Each adapter has controller functions for a designated storage array. There is an adapter communication interface (interconnect) between all of the adapters in the system. There is also a host application interface between an application program running in the host computer and an adapter. When a data request is made by an application program to a first adapter through a host application interface for data that is stored in a storage array not primarily controlled by the first adapter, the data request is communicated through the adapter communication interface to the adapter primarily controlling the storage array in which the requested data is stored.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing data for use in displaying diagrams comprises a computer and a file server. Each diagram includes boxes and flow lines connecting the boxes. The software includes a database and a main program which is responsible for storing and retrieving diagram data as well as performing predetermined operations on the data. In the database, data describing a box is stored as an instance of a first software object class, data describing a flow line is stored as an instance of a second software object class, general data relating to a diagram is stored as an instance of a third software object class, and data describing the location of each entity (box or flow line) on a diagram is stored as an instance of a fourth software object class.

Abstract: A process for treating naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) comprises use of NORM as a mud constituent in a drilling mud manufacturing process and particle size reduction of the NORM particles during or before that process to attain a selected particle size corresponding to that of a particulate drilling mud component, said particle size reduction being optionally accompanied by additional mixing, if necessary, of the NORM and mud component particles, the aim of said use being the achievement of irreversible dilution of the NORM particles in said component to nullify the radioactive nature thereof.

Abstract: A spinning cell for producing lyocell fibre by spinning a solution of cellulose in an organic solvent through an air gap into a spin bath has nozzles to create a cross-draught through the air gap.

Abstract: The liquid storage device comprises a rotary heat-insulated jacket mounted on a stationary base to rotate about a vertical axis. The jacket is formed to carry a plurality of inverted liquid containing vials, situated at least partially within the jacket, the vials being in communication with respective take-off cups which are arranged near the base of the jacket and around the periphery thereof and from which liquid specimens can be drawn off. A constant level device ensures that the level of liquid in the cups is kept at a substantially constant level. The jacket is provided with a stepping drive so that it can be stepped about its rotary axis to bring any selected cup into a liquid take-off position.The interior of the jacket is cooled with circulating, cold air and the temperature of the vials is kept at a predetermined value, below ambient, by an air heater.The storage device is intended for storing reagents to be used in an automatic blood analyzing machine.

Abstract: Method of aligning members at an underwater location comprises attaching to one of the members a guide wire anchoring tool and attaching two guidewires thereto so that the latter extend to the surface, attaching to the other of the members a guide tool to engage the guide wires, the guide tool and the anchoring tool having co-operating means to align the members and bringing the members into alignment.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a turntable carrying, in a circular array centered on a central rotational axis of the turntable, a plurality of vials extending below the underside of the turntable. A stepper motor imparts stepwise rotational motion to the turntable so that during dwell periods of the turntable, specimens in the vials can be investigated optically.Air in a space below the turntable and bounded laterally and at the bottom by an enclosure is circulated by a rotating vane, and a thermistor, responsive to the temperature in the region of the vials, controls a heater in the space below the turntable so as to maintain the temperature of the vials substantially at a predetermined value.

Abstract: Method of joining two pipelines underwater by, for example, flanges, involves supporting a first of the pipelines in a frame having supports for holding a second pipeline in alignment with the first pipeline and moving the end of the first pipeline (which is conveniently near an elbow in the pipeline) longitudinally into contact with the second pipeline and joining together.

Abstract: The sodium salt of amoxycillin or other .beta.-lactam antibiotic is prepared by slurrying the antibiotic in zwitterionic form in a lower alkanol-containing organic solvent system, causing dissolution of the antibiotic by adding a sodium hydroxide or lower alkoxide, precipitating the resulting salt by adding an organic solvent and isolating the precipitate.