Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions of 1, 1, 1, 3, 3-pentafluoropropane and at least one hydrocarbon selected from the group n-pentane, iso-pentane, cyclopentane, n-hexane and iso-hexane are provided. The compositions of the invention are useful in the preparation of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system includes a magnet system which includes pole pieces and an energizing coil. The end portions of the pole pieces are made from a material which, does not support eddy currents, such as insulated iron powder. An object to be imaged is placed in the gap between the pole pieces. A gradient coil system imposes desired gradient fields in the gap between the pole pieces. The gradient magnetic field sequences are controlled such that, for each gradient pulse or a particular polarity there is applied a compensating pulse of the same magnitude, but the opposite polarity. Each compensating gradient has an integral which is relatively small. Remanent magnetism in the end portions of the pole pieces is thereby substantially avoided.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like compositions of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane and at least one hydrocarbon selected from the group n-pentane, iso-pentane, cyclopentane, n-hexane and iso-hexane are provided. The compositions of the invention are useful in the preparation of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams.

Abstract: Glass fiber reinforced cement composite materials are made by first preparing a cement slurry from a cement/water mix by a high shear mixing process which breaks up cement agglomerates into their primary particles, and then mixing chopped strands of glass fiber into the cement slurry by a low shear mixing process which restricts damage to the glass filaments to a minimum. Both the high shear and low shear processes may be carried out in the same impeller-type mixer using different power inputs and impeller speeds.

Abstract: A process for the production of a metal-ceramic article which comprises firing porcelain on to a metal substrate, the metal substrate having deposited thereon an adherent layer of a metal oxide which is wetted by the porcelain in the fused state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vial located in a pocket in a carrier.The pocket has an upwardly opening inlet and a plane, bottom cam surface the vial has a complementary, plane, bottom cam surface. Both cam surfaces are inclined to the axes of the vial and pocket so that on lowering the vial into the pocket through its inlet, the cam surfaces interact so that when the vial is fully home in the pocket, it occupies a predetermined position of angular displacement about the vial axis.The carrier may be in the form of a turntable having a plurality of such pockets around the peripheral region of the turntable. The pockets may open outwardly from the center of the turntable through the peripheral surface of the turntable so that labels fixed and appropriately positioned on the vial walls are visible through the openings in the peripheral surface when the vials are fully home in their pockets.

Abstract: A phthalocyanine pigment composition comprising a phthalocyanine pigment and a sulphonated phthalocyanine derivative formed from sulphonated phthalocyanine dyestuffs having the formula: ##STR1## AND A SUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF DEHYDROABIETYLAMINE HAVING THE FORMULA ##STR2## to substantially neutralize the free sulphonic acid groups, wherein R represents a C.sub.1 -C.sub.22 cyclic or acyclic alkyl group, aryl, aralkyl group or a dehydroabietylamine residue; and R.sub.1 represents hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.22 cyclic or acyclic alkyl group, an aryl or an aralkyl group; the alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl groups, R and R.sub.1 may be optionally substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups; x is from 1 to 4, y is 0 or from 1 to 3 and the sum of x + y is from 1 to 4 gives printing inks and paint media having improved tinctorial strength, gloss and especially improved rheological properties.

Abstract: A method of electrowinning metals in which the anode comprises a foraminate container containing particulate material chosen from the group electrically conducting non-polarizing compound of a metal and a non-metallic element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous flow process for the preparation of graft copolymers, for example ABS, wherein a mixture of a polybutadiene and/or styrenebutadiene copolymer latex, one or more vinyl aromatic monomers and one or more unsaturated nitrile monomers is continuously supplied to a first stage, graft polymerization is initiated in said first stage, the mixture is continuously removed from the said first stage and supplied to at least a second stage wherein graft polymerization is continued, the temperature in each stage being 50.degree. to 100.degree. C, the conversion of monomers to polymer in the first stage not exceeding 65% by weight, and the overall conversion being at least 80% by weight.

Abstract: A method of preparing an o-phenyl phenol from a cyclohexanone which comprises the steps of forming an o-cyclohexenyl cyclohexanone from the cyclohexanone by condensing the cyclo-hexanone in the presence of an inherently sulphur-free condensation catalyst, and then dehydrogenating the resulting o-cyclohexenyl cyclohexanone by contacting the o-cyclohexenyl cyclohexanone with a dehydrogenation catalyst in the presence of sufficient sulphur in the form of elemental sulphur or an organo-sulphur compound to improve the selectivity of the dehydrogenation catalyst with respect to the formation of o-phenyl phenol.

Abstract: Anodes of alloys, which may be fragmented and used in baskets, of passive film-forming metals and elements having atomic numbers 23-29 for use in electrowinning metals, methods of using such anodes, and electrowinning cells incorporating such anodes.

Abstract: In a keyboard for an electronic circuit having a striker on each key formed of electronic material which is conductive or carries a conductor and which is moved downwardly towards a fixed conductor assembly to provide capacitive coupling, it is found that electrostatic charges can be generated by operation of a key which give spurious outputs. The present invention provides constructions for reducing the effects of such charges.

Abstract: A .delta.- or .epsilon.- lactone is heated in the vapour phase and the presence of a cracking catalyst to form a monounsaturated acyclic carboxylic acid. For example .epsilon.-caprolactone gives .delta. - .epsilon. hexenoic acid. This acid is then cyclised by heating with a strong protonating agent. In the example the product is .gamma.-caprolactone or 4-hexanolactone.

Abstract: This invention relates to an animal handling machine, in which at least one animal may be held for operation or inspection in an operating station while another animal is trapped in a receiving station. On completion of an operation on the first-mentioned animal, the machine may be operated to simultaneously transfer the trapped animal in the receiving station to the operating station and transfer the first-mentioned animal from the operating station to a release station, thereby allowing for the operation or inspection of individual animals or a large number of such animals in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A feed material containing the group --O--(CR.sub.2).sub.n --CO-- in a macrocyclic ring or acylic chain is heated to between 300.degree.C and 500.degree.C in the absence of a catalyst to give a mono-unsaturated acyclic carboxylic acid. For example polymeric .epsilon.-caprolactone gives .delta.-.epsilon. hexenoic acid. This acid is then cyclised by heating with a strong protonating agent. In the example the product is .gamma.-caprolactone or 4-hexanolactone.