Abstract: The present invention provides a fast and accurate method of measuring the vacuum pressure in a sealed glass vial or other electrically non-conductive vessel. In the method the vial or vessel to be tested is placed between a pair of electrodes. The gas contained within the vial or vessel is ionized by applying a high frequency, high voltage potential across the electrodes. The voltage is progressively decreased once ionization has occurred and the termination of ionization is detected by registering either the sudden drop in electrode current or the termination of light emission from the vial. The gas pressure within the vial or vessel is derived as a function of the electrode voltage at the point at which ionization terminates.

Abstract: An x-ray detector apparatus comprises an array of detector pixels (20), each pixel (20) comprising a conversion element (26, 260) for converting incident radiation into a charge flow, a charge storage element (28) and a switching device (29) enabling the charge stored to be provided to an output of the pixel (20). A plurality of dose sensing pixels further comprise a dose sensing element (40, 50) during x-ray exposure results in a change in the charge stored on the charge storage element (28) and also results in a dose sensing signal being generated which can be read out from the pixel (20). The dose sensing pixels enable a dose signal to be obtained without reading the charges stored on the pixel charge storage elements, so that dose sensing can be carried out during exposure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast and accurate method of measuring the vacuum pressure in a sealed glass vial or other electrically non-conductive vessel. In the method the vial or vessel to be tested is placed between a pair of electrodes. The gas contained within the vial or vessel is ionized by applying a high frequency, high voltage potential across the electrodes. The voltage is progressively decreased once ionization has occurred and the termination of ionization is detected by registering either the sudden drop in electrode current or the termination of light emission from the vial. The gas pressure within the vial or vessel is derived as a function of the electrode voltage at the point at which ionization terminates.

Abstract: An X-ray detector apparatus comprises an array of detector pixels (20), each pixel (20) comprising a conversion element (26;260) for converting incident radiation into a charge flow, a charge storage element (28) and a switching device (29) enabling the charge stored to be provided to an output of the pixel (20). A plurality of dose sensing pixels further comprise a dose sensing element (40;50). Charge flow from the conversion element (26;260) during X-ray exposure results in a change in the charge stored on the charge storage element (28) and also results in a dose sensing signal being generated which can be read out from the pixel (20). The dose sensing pixels enable a dose signal to be obtained without reading the charges stored on the pixel charge storage elements, so that dose sensing can be carried out during exposure.

Abstract: An molecular complex is provided which includes a linear polymer associated with a cyclic molecule to form a rotaxane of the general formula, ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are blocking end groups of size and character sufficient to prevent dethreading of the rotaxane and said R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 the same or different;where the cyclic molecule comprises a cyclic skeleton and at least one A functional group, said functional group attached to the cyclic skeleton;where A is selected from the group consisting of polymerizable functional groups, cation complexing groups, anion complexing groups and ionic species; andwherein at least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and A are selected from the group consisting of cation complexing groups, anion complexing groups and ionic species.The molecular complex may used in an electrolyte.

Abstract: An molecular complex is provided which includes a linear polymer associated with a cyclic molecule to form a rotaxane of the general formula, ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are blocking end groups of size and character sufficient to prevent dethreading of the rotaxane and said R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 the same or different;where the cyclic molecule comprises a cyclic skeleton and at least one A functional group, said functional group attached to the cyclic skeleton;where A is selected from the group consisting of polymerizable functional groups, cation complexing groups, anion complexing groups and ionic species; andwherein at least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and A are selected from the group consisting of cation complexing groups, anion complexing groups and ionic species.The molecular complex may used in an electrolyte.

Abstract: An animated display having a case defining an internal display chamber that is visible from externally of the case. A plurality of discrete particles are provided within the display chamber. Structure is provided on the case for propelling the discrete particles in a continuous circular path with the particles suspended in a fluid within the display chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of scribing and separating dice from each other after fabrication in a semiconductor wafer in a manner such that active circuit regions in the dice reside as near to an edge of a die as possible. The wafer is anistropically etched through the active layer and into the substrate through an opening in the mask to form a generally V-shaped channel with the dice then being separated along a vertex of the channel. The dice are then positioned to abut each other in the form of a mosaic.

Abstract: To a first organic liquid which has dissolved therein a flurocarbon polymer, e.g. 5 to 50% w/w e.g. PVDF, is added a second, compatible, non-solvent organic liquid in an amount (e.g. 1-50%) w/w such as to leave the polymer in solution. The mixed solution is applied to a leather or fabric substrate and heated e.g. at 60.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. for 2-15 minutes. Polymer deposits as the first liquid evaporates and pores form therein as the second liquid evaporates from the deposit. The anchored layer produced repels liquid water, but allows passage of water vapor.

Abstract: A guillotine damper for a duct is provided with a thrust frame upstream of the path of a blade that is movable into and out of an operative position in sealing engagement with a seat downstream of the blade path when the flow path is not obstructed by the blade and in sealing engagement with and seating the blade against the seat when the blade is positioned to block the duct. Devices are provided with each utilizing resilient components to thrust the frame into its sealing positions and a hydraulic component to retract the frame when the blade is to be moved into or out of its duct blocking position. Each device exerts the force of either component to the frame through a series of mechanical elements spaced a substantial distance apart along the sides of the frames and connected thereto.

Abstract: Polymers having low permeability to gases and vapors and yet high heat stability and creep resistance are prepared by a novel method of polymerizing acrylonitrile, a vinylidene aromatic monomer such as styrene and an olefinic ester such as methyl methacrylate. Conjugated diene-based impact modifiers for said polymers are disclosed, as well as impact-resistant blends of said polymers and said impact modifiers. The blends are useful for packaging materials in applications wherein high thermoformability and processability, as well as excellent barrier properties and heat stability, color stability, and creep resistance are desired.

Abstract: A device for retaining reaped hands of tobacco leaves has two co-operating members formed from a length of spring steel wire bent back on itself. The hands of tobacco leaves are placed between the members which are gripped together by clips which are slidably mounted on one of the members. The clips can be engaged with the other member by a turning action, and can be disengaged by turning them in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An alkyl acrylate polymer is cured by condensing carboxyl groups of the polymer with a polyvalent metal oxide to produce polymeric metallo-carboxylates characterized by a three dimensional cross-linked structure. Metallocarboxylates of improved characteristics are produced by neutralizing at least some of the carboxyl groups by reaction with a basic reagent prior to condensation with the polyvalent metal oxide. Preferably the basic reagent is a monovalent metal compound such as potassium hydroxide.

Abstract: Polymers having low permeability to gases and vapors and yet high heat stability and creep resistance are prepared by a novel method of polymerizing acrylonitrile, a vinylidene aromatic monomer such as styrene and an olefinic ester such as methyl methacrylate. Conjugated diene-based impact modifiers for said polymers are disclosed, as well as impact-resistant blends of said polymers and said impact modifiers. The blends are useful for packaging materials in applications wherein high thermoformability and processability, as well as excellent barrier properties and heat stability, color stability, and creep resistance are desired.