Abstract: The invention concerns pharmaceutically useful novel compounds of the formula I, in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, Ra, A, X and Z have the various meanings defined herein, and their non-toxic salts, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The novel compounds are of value in treating conditions such as hypertension and congestive heart failure. The invention further concerns processes for the manufacture of the novel compounds and the use of the compounds in medical treatment.

Abstract: A communication system comprises a signal carrying medium (8) coupled to a series of end station ports (2-5). The end station ports (2-5) enable respective end stations (21) to transmit signals onto and receive signals from the medium (8). A controller (7) is provided to control the connection of the end stations (21) to the medium (8) via the ports (2-5). Monitors (9-12) are connected to the controller (7) to monitor characteristics of signals generated by the end stations (21) coupled to the ports. The monitors (9-12) are connected in parallel to the medium (8) and supply information relating to the monitored signals to the controller (7) in use. This system allows faulty end stations to be identified and removed from the system.

Abstract: A pump and a method for pumping liquid or fluid through a pair resilient es includes a shuttle block which partially compresses the tubes in a balanced, alternating manner. The resilient tubes are held in a parallel relationship with a predetermined space defined therebetween. Within the predetermined space, a shuttle block is oscillated along the linear axis to partially compress the tubes in an alternating fashion. As one of the two parallel tubes is compressed, fluid is pumped out of the tube and at the same time fluid is drawn into the second tube as the latter tube resumes its original shape. The resilience of both tubes also is used to assist the pumping action in a balanced fashion, thereby providing a pump that has low power consumption and is lightweight.

Abstract: A high temperature battery which has a cathode comprising either sulphur or a metal sulphide, an anode comprising either an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or an alloy of either and, disposed between them, an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal halide. The materials in the cathode composition are electrochemically in excess to the materials in the anode composition. Potassium chloride, potassium iodide or, preferably, potassium bromide is added to the anode, the cathode and the electrolyte. When potassium bromide is added, ideally, it is added to the electrolyte in excess to the alkali metal halides present in the electrolyte. In one particular example, the cathode comprises iron sulphide, the anode comprises a lithium aluminum alloy, the electrolyte comprises a ternary metal halide and potassium bromide is added to all three. Magnesia can be further added to the anode, cathode and electrode.

Abstract: Cyclic tin catalysts are employed for the preparation of branched polyesters from macrocyclic polyester oligomers.

Abstract: Cyclic tin catalysts are employed for the preparation of branched polyesters from macrocyclic polyester oligomers. They are less susceptible than previously known catalysts to the presence of acidic impurities in the oligomer compositions.

Abstract: Novel trisstannoxanes are prepared by the reaction of a dialkyltin oxide with a trihydroxy compound such as 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane. They may be employed as catalysts for the preparation of branched polyesters from macrocyclic polyester oligomers. They are less susceptible than previously known catalysts to the presence of acidic impurities in the oligomer compositions.

Abstract: There are disclosed quinolines of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, or hydrocarbyl. R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently, H, alkyl, various functional groups or alkylenedioxy, X is phenylene optionally bearing a substituent, R.sub.a is (1-4)C alkyl optionally bearing one or more F's, Z is various carboxyl derivatives, useful as angiotensin II antagonists.

Abstract: A process for making thermoplastic polyester foams comprises the steps of subjecting macrocyclic polyester oligomer precursors to initiators and blowing agents at a constant operating temperature in order to produce foams which unexpectedly display low foam densities.

Abstract: The crystallinity of polyesters prepared from macrocyclic poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) oligomers is reduced and cracking of molded parts suppressed by the incorporation therein of at least one other linear or macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or poly(1,4-butylene isophthalate). It is preferably employed in macrocyclic form. The resulting compositions can be combined with inert fillers and polymerized.

Abstract: The invention concerns pharmaceutically useful compounds of the formula I, in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, Ra, Rb, A, X and Z have the various meanings defined herein, and their non-toxic salts, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The novel compounds are of value in treating conditions such as hypertension and congestive heart failure. The invention further concerns processes for the manufacture of the novel compounds and the use of the compounds in medical treatment.

Abstract: Intimate blends of macrocyclic oligomer compositions, such as cyclic polycarbonate or poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer mixtures, are blended with linear polymers, especially addition polymers. The blends flow easily and are frequently homogeneous. The macrocyclic oligomers therein may be polymerized to produce resin blends having advantageous properties.

Abstract: The invention concerns an hydraulic machine, typically a submerged surface cleaner which comprises a body having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet and a conduit extending between the inlet and the outlet. A drive element is supported in or adjacent to the conduit, with a clearance between the drive element and the interior of the conduit, in a manner permitting eccentric location and rotation of the drive element relative to the conduit. The conduit can be connected in a liquid flow path so that liquid passing through the conduit past the drive element, when the drive element is positioned eccentrically relative to the conduit, applies differential forces to the drive element to cause it to rotate relative the conduit. The rotation of the drive element is used directly or indirectly to drive the cleaner over a submerged surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns pharmaceutically useful novel compounds of the formula I, in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, X, X.sup.1 and Z have the various meanings defined herein, and their non-toxic salts, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The novel compounds are of value in treating conditions such as hypertension and congestive heart failure. The invention further concerns processes for the manufacture of the novel compounds and the use of the compounds in medical treatment.

Abstract: The invention concerns pharmaceutically useful compounds of the formula I, in which R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, Ra, Rb, A, X and Z have the various meanings defined herein, and their non-toxic salts, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The novel compounds are of value in treating conditions such as hypertension and congestive heart failure. The invention further concerns processes for the manufacture of the novel compounds and the use of the compounds in medical treatment.

Abstract: A bi-metallic extrusion billet perform is produced in a single casting. An inner core made of a desired material is placed in the center of a crucible or mold as a prepared bar. Molten cladding material is cast into an annular area between the outside surface of the inner core and an inner surface of the crucible or mold. Bottom pouring is enabled through the center of the inner core, which has been appropriately provided with a hole of a size that is consistent with the extrusion press and the required extruded hollow size involved in later manufacturing steps. The entire operation, including the melting of the cladding material, is advantageously performed under a vacuum to eliminate the risk of trapping air at an interface between the inner core and the cladding material cost therearound.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyester composites are prepared from compositions comprising a filler, at least one macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer and a polymerization catalyst therefor. The use of polyester oligomer mixtures is preferred, and they may be present in liquid or solid form. The polyester composites prepared therefrom are characterized by excellent properties including solvent resistance.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions are described which result from blending a mixture comprising: (A) at least one amorphous polycarbonate; (B) at least one cyclic polycarbonate oligomer containing hydroquinone carbonate structural units; and (C) at least one polycarbonate formation catalyst.The polymeric compositions have particular application in the preparation of shaped articles for use in environments characterized by the presence of solvents, solvent vapors, and/or potential for fire conditions. Methods for increasing the solvent and flammability resistance of amorphous polycarbonates are also described.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions are described which result from blending a mixture comprising: (A) at least one amorphous polycarbonate; (B) at least one linear polycarbonate oligomer containing hydroquinone carbonate structural units; and (C) at least one polycarbonate formation catalyst.The polymeric compositions have particular application in the preparation of shaped articles for use in environments characterized by the presence of solvents, solvent vapors, and/or potential for fire conditions. Methods for increasing the solvent and flammability resistance of amorphous polycarbonates are also described.

Abstract: Blended polymer compositions are described which comprise: (A) at least one amorphous polycarbonate; and (B) at least one linear polycarbonate oligomer containing hydroquinone carbonate structural units.The blended polymer compositions having particular application in the preparation of shaped articles for use in environments characterized by the presence of solvents, solvent vapors, and/or potential for fire conditions. Methods for increasing the solvent and flammability resistance of amorphous polycarbonates are also described.