Abstract: A method of making a plugged microporous film from a film which comprises a structural component having pores extending therethrough, and a plugging material within the pores, the method comprising:(a) selectively treating the plugging material so that its susceptibility to a crosslinking treatment differs from a first region of the film to a second region thereof;(b) crosslinking the plugging material at the second region of the film; and(c) removing the uncrosslinked plugging material from the first region of the film leaving plugs of crosslinked plugging material in the pores at the second region of the film.

Abstract: Sensitive electrode material, e.g. lithium electrode material, protected by a flexible layer of material which is swellable by liquid with which it will come into contact in use, and can thus, for example, act as an electrode separator when assembled in an electrical cell containing such a liquid. The protected electrode material can be processed, e.g. rolled into thin sheets, and can conveniently be fed to automatic cell assembly apparatus.

Abstract: Sensitive material, e.g. lithium electrode material, is provided with a protective layer of fluid-impermeable material, which is subsequantly rendered permeable by altering its physical structure, e.g. by perforation, without altering its composition. The permeable material can act, for example, as an electrode separator when the resulting article is assembled into an electrolytic cell, and the protected material can be processed, e.g. rolled into thin sheets, and conveniently fed to automatic assembly apparatus.

Abstract: Melt-extruded polymeric electrolyte material for electrochemical power cells may be coextruded with other components of the cell, notably a lithium metal anode.

Abstract: An article which is rendered waterproof by a microporous membrane of a hydrophobic material, the pores of the membrane in a layer-like region on or towards a surface thereof being plugged with a hydrophilic material, leaving hydrophobic material exposed on the said surface between the pores.

Abstract: A toy stunt set which can be used to form a loop and ramps for use during play with toy vehicles. Two tower members with engaging grooves are mounted on top of a base. A frame with flexible sheet pieces is positioned between the tower members. A rod at the end of a flexible member can be inserted into the grooves in order to form a loop and ramps. Toy vehicles may be rolled onto the loop and ramps and through the frame and flexible pieces. The flexible member can be used by itself to form individual ramps. A tumble member may be connected near the end of the flexible member so that the toy vehicles will flip after rolling onto the loop or ramps.

Abstract: A protected electrode article comprising sensitive electrode material having a layer of protective material bonded to at least part of its surface by means of an adhesive which can be made to swell by treatment with liquid, so as to increase the permeability of the adhesive to electrolyte which is encountered by the protected electrode material when incorporated in an electrochemical device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a tool which is connected to a conventional air-powered chisel to remove old rivets and reapply new rivets, the tool including a collar secured by set screws to a chuck end portion of the power chisel and carrying a sleeve slidably receiving a rod which in turn has a support or arm transverse thereto, a handle is pivotally connected to the rod to move the rod relative to the sleeve for bringing the arm into intimate relationship to an associated rivet, the arm having a bore through which a rivet can pass when driven from the element by a punch associated with the power chisel, and an anvil housed relative to the bore and having a recess in an enlarged head for accommodating the head of a new rivet which is upset by a riveting bit carried by the power chisel.

Abstract: Continuous metal electrodes are protected by non-porous fluid-impermeable material which is convertible to a fluid-permeable (porous) state, enabling the protective material to act as an electrode separator after the conversion. Conversion by contact with the non-aqueous fluid in a lithium cell is preferred, using strips of lithium protected with a blend of polyethylene and polyethylene oxide, the latter being extractable by the cell liquids.

Abstract: Electrode material, preferably lithium metal, is protected by a layer of material ready to function as an electrode separator and capable of sufficient ionic conductivity to provide an electrolyte, preferably a solvent-free polymeric electrolyte. The electrode material may be rolled to reduce its thickness while so protected.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids having two or more carbon atoms than formic acid, or esters of such carboxylic acids are prepared by reacting either formic acid or an ester of formic acid with an olefin at elevated temperature in the presence of a Group VIB metal catalyst. The Group VIB metal which is chromium, molybdenum or tungsten is suitably added as a carbonyl or carbonyl halide. In addition to the catalyst a halide promoter and a phosphorus containing copromoter may optionally be added. The process can be used, for example to prepare propionic acid or a propionic acid ester from ethylene and either formic acid of an ester of formic acid.

Abstract: An antitheft device is provided for vehicles having an engine, a battery and a starter solenoid contactor. The antitheft device includes an electrical starter assembly having a casing, a device for starting an engine by engaging a flywheel, and a servo controlled switch. Also included is an ignition key switch and an encoder and a decoder connected between the servo controlled switch and ignition key switch.

Abstract: Acetic anhydride is prepared by reacting, at elevated temperature, methyl acetate or dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide in the presence of an effective amount of a catalyst which comprises: (1) cobalt, (2) a compound containing at least one quaternary nitrogen or phosphorus atom and (3) a source of iodide or bromide wherein the atomic ratio of iodide or bromide to cobalt is from 0.5:1 to 5:1. The compound containing at least one quaternary nitrogen or phosphorus atom can optionally be generated in situ by a quaternization reaction.

Abstract: A fluid actuated switch including a fluid responsive vane pivotally mounted within a fluid directing channel is provided. The vane oscillates a movable electrical contact between two spaced stationary electrical contacts opening a first electrical circuit and enclosing a second electrical circuit as it moves from one stationary contact to the other. An adjustable holding assembly is associated with the vane for holding the movable switch contact into engagement with the stationary contacts such that a predetermined fluid force is required to move the vane opening one of the circuits and closing the other of the circuits.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a tool which is connected to a conventional air-powered chisel to remove old rivets and reapply new rivets, the tool including a collar secured by set screws to a chuck end portion of the power chisel and carrying a sleeve slidably receiving a rod which in turn has a support or arm transverse thereto, a handle is pivotally connected to the rod to move the rod relative to the sleeve for bringing the arm into intimate relationship to an associated rivet, the arm having a bore through which a rivet can pass when driven from the element by a punch associated with the power chisel, and an anvil housed relative to the bore and having a recess in an enlarged head for accommodating the head of a new rivet which is upset by a riveting bit carried by the power chisel.

Abstract: Photographic magenta dye-forming couplers have the general formula: ##STR1## wherein: A represents the atoms necessary to complete, with the nitrogen atom to which it is attached, a magenta dye-forming coupler moiety whose coupling position is inactivated by the --CHR.sup.1 R.sup.2 group;CHR.sup.1 R.sup.2 is a blocking group which, upon reaction with oxidized color developing agent, is detached from the coupler moiety to yield a mobile reaction product;R.sup.1 is alkyl--O--CO--, alkyl--CO--, aryl--O--CO--, aryl--CO--, --COOH, --NO.sub.2 or --CN andR.sup.2 is a group specified for R.sup.1 or aryl--NHCO--.These couplers can be incorporated in photographic elements, emulsions and processing compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of oxygenated organic compounds comprising alcohols, aldehydes, ethers and salts of carboxylic acids. Prior art processes for the production of ethanol in particular involve the use of elevated temperatures and pressures. Milder conditions can be used in the process of the invention in which either a mercury compound of formula (R.sup.1 OCHR.sup.2 CHR.sup.3 Hg).sub.n X (I), wherein X is an organic or inorganic anion, n is an integer equal to the valency of the anion, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group and R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or the group --(--CHR.sup.2 CHR.sup.3 Hg).sub.n X, or the precursors of the compound (I), with a catalyst comprising a complex containing a metal of Group VIII, particularly rhodium, in the presence of a liquid reagent containing an active acidic hydrogen atom. A particularly suitable rhodium complex is one having the formula:[Rh(C.sub.5 Me.sub.5).sub.2 (OH).sub.3 ]Cl.xH.sub.

Abstract: A semi-dump level indicator comprising an electrical system including a pair of mercury switches mounted on the rear portion of the trailer. The switches are closed when the trailer is level. When the trailer is dangerously tilted gravity causes one of the switches to open which de-energizes a relay closing a warning light and alarm buzzer circuit in parallel with the circuit having the mercury switches to warn the operator not to raise the trailer.

Abstract: A straight fluted gun drill having large flutes providing chip exit channels, various reliefs improving coolant flow and removal of drilled material without clogging, a cutting head section with large back taper, and straight lands forming the flutes.

Abstract: A modular interface unit to serve as a building block in the framework of an Input-Output Subsystem of a digital data processing system. The unit, designated as a Base Module, manages a group of Intelligent I/O Interface Control units (Line Control Processors) and provides a Base Module distribution-control interface called a Distribution Card unit. A group of Line Control Processors have a common set of backplane connections to the distribution-control means and to a maintenance unit and termination control unit. The maintenance unit permits the exercising and diagnosis of any selected Line Control Processor on the Base Module. The termination control unit provides clocking and control functions for all of the Line Control Processors in the module and also common termination impedances for the interconnecting backplane lines. Means are provided for priority ranking of the various Line Control Processors within the Base Module unit.