Abstract: A cellular telephone subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. However, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the “*” button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred back to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g. redialing a busy number, or providing further directory assistance). Billing information for the calls originated by the directory assistance operator on the subscriber's behalf is logged in a database at the directory assistance center.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designing and editing a distribution system for a building is disclosed. Elements of such distribution systems and requirements of relevant standard, are stored in a computer's memory. Building parameters are entered into a computer manually. The user identify the standard to be followed and the element to be optimized. The system divides the building into sections as appropriate to the user identified standard. The system then computes layout needed to comply with the selected standard. The layout is routed and sized to avoid building structural members, yet the elements of the layout are optimized for size and length. The apparatus prints out a hard copy of the design layout which can include an elements listing needed to complete the system. The design layout as well as the building parameters can be edited. The edited layout is checked for compliance with the identified standard as well as avoidance of building parameters.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydroxy-substituted oxazolidinones, particularly 5-hydroxyoxazolidinones, which are useful as intermediates in the synthesis of herbicidally active compounds, comprising treating a hydroxythiazolidinone with an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A herbicidal compound of formula (I) ##STR1## or a salt, tautomer or cyclic derivative thereof; where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are hydrogen and A is an optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated chain or ring of three carbon atoms.Methods for preparing these compounds, intermediates used in the preparation and herbicidal compositions containing them are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A deicing fluid recovery system for aircraft deicing apparatus includes a storage tank from which a deicing fluid/water deicing mixture is pumped through a line heater to a deicing fluid distribution and collection zone for application to the wings and fuselage of aircraft. Expended deicing fluid is collected in a drainage system incorporated into a concrete or asphalt pad and directed to a sump. Upon accumulation of a sufficient quantity, the diluted used deicing fluid is pumped to a sludge tank. Solids and free water are separated by settling and filtration processes in the sludge tank. The filtered deicing fluid mixture is heated through sequential heat exchangers and directed to a regenerator. The deicing fluid mixture is leaned by a dehydration process in the regenerator in which the mixture is heated and compressed air is injected to exhaust water from a stripping column. The lean deicing fluid flows over an overflow weir into an accumulator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designing and editing a distribution system for a building is disclosed. Elements of such distribution systems and requirements of relevant standard, are stored in a computer's memory. Building parameters are entered into a computer manually. The user identify the standard to be followed and the element to be optimized. The system divides the building into sections as appropriate to the user identified standard. The system then computes layout needed to comply with the selected standard. The layout is routed and sized to avoid building structural members, yet the elements of the layout are optimized for size and length. The apparatus prints out a hard copy of the design layout which can include an elements listing needed to complete the system. The design layout as well as the building parameters can be edited. The edited layout is checked for compliance with the identified standard as well as avoidance of building parameters.

Abstract: A cellular telephone subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. However, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the "*" button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred back to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g. redialing a busy number, or providing further directory assistance). Billing information for the calls originated by the directory assistance operator on the subscriber's behalf is logged in a database at the directory assistance center.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of a compound of general formula II: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are each independently hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl;A is an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring system optionally substituted with one or more substituents as defined herein; and in which any ring nitrogen atom may be quaternised or oxidised;alternatively, any two substituents of the group A may combine to form a fused 5- or 6-membered saturated or partially saturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring in which any carbon or quaternised nitrogen atom may be substituted with any of the groups defined herein for A or in which a ring carbon atom may be oxidised;the process comprising cyclising a compound of general formula VII: ##STR2## wherein A, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are as defined for general formula II, R.sup.20 is hydrogen, benzyl or benzyl substituted with up to five substituents selected from halo, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, O(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl) or nitro and R.sub.21 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of general formula II: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, or C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbyl or heterocyclyl having 3 to 8 ring atoms, either of which may optionally be substituted; each R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is independently hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; A is an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic ring system; and R.sup.21 is hydrogen, halogen, OH or OCONHR.sup.1, wherein R.sup.1 is as defined above; the process comprising cyclizing a compound of general formula III: ##STR2## wherein A, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.21 are as defined in general formula II and R.sup.25 is a leaving group such as a halogen atom; under basic conditions.

Abstract: A wall mounting plate assembly simplifies installation while providing positive securement with a substrate such as a wall, ceiling, floor, duct work or like substrates and is particularly suitable for low voltage electrical connection applications. A plug portion is receivable within a port provided in a face plate which includes a tubular extension. The tubular extension acts as a guide for accommodating movement of the plug from a nonsecuring position to an engaging or operative position. Preferably, a spring bias is created as the plug is forced into the face plate which serves to draw the face plate towards wall engaging arms which moved outwardly past the tubular extension as the plug is moved to the engaging position. The assembly allows more convenient porting of the wall or substrate and simplifies installation.

Abstract: A mounting plate for attachment to a wall or the like where a hole or aperture has been cut in the wall. The mounting plate comprises a generally planar base and a plurality of resilient fingers extending from one surface of the base. The fingers include a wall engaging surface facing the base to engage the back of the wall. The base has wall engaging contact areas spaced from the base and movable against a bias towards the base whereby the spacing between the wall engaging surfaces and the wall engaging contact areas is variable by movement of the wall engaging contact areas towards the base against the bias. The mounting plate in a preferred embodiment has anti-rotation means on the wall engaging contact areas to prevent movement of the mounting plate once attached to the wall.

Abstract: Copper is won from chalcopyrite ore (copper/iron sulphide) containing Cu(II) and Fe(III), which respectively prefer square planar and octahedral co-ordination. A vaporized tetradentate (square-planar) Schiff base reagent is passed through a fluidized bed of oxidatively roasted chalcopyrite, and ignores the iron but forms a (volatile) copper complex. This is blown to a decomposition chamber containing a hot probe on which the complex decomposes, leaving the desired copper on the probe and liberating the Schiff base reagent for recycling.

Abstract: A sculptured optical art form device and the method of making comprising a transparent block having a predetermined index of refraction to provide internal light reflection, said block having a cavity disposed in one wall, the cavity being shaped or carved as a symmetrical one-half of an object that is optically displayed as a whole object in the block. The transparent block may be constructed of an acrylic polymer or glass. The geometrical outside shape of the block is selected to provide an optical view through at least one wall to an observer such that light rays striking the wall having the cavity are internally reflected. The observer looking through the viewing wall will observe a complete, fully formed object optically created by the symmetrical one-half cavity formed in the block wall providing internal optical reflectance. In one embodiment, the object optically created by the cavity appears to be completely embedded in the center of the block.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow comprising a valve casing having a passage therethrough, an obturator disposed in the passage, and a stem extending through the casing into the passage, said stem secured to the obturator for pivotal movement therewith. A sealing strip is disposed in a groove in the passage, the sealing strip including: a sealing face for compressing, fluid-tight engagement with the obturator, a pair of oppositely disposed, spaced-apart side faces, each side face having a slot therein, each slot overlapping the other slot without interfering with the other slot, and a base extending between said side faces, the width of said base being greater than the width of either of the slots. Rotation of the obturator to block fluid flow through the passage forces the obturator into compressing engagement with the sealing face and distorts the slots.

Abstract: Dihydrotetrazolo [1,5-a] quinazolines having the formula: ##STR1## wherein (a) n is 0, X is oxygen, and R is optionally unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl of at least 4 carbon atoms, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkylthio, cycloalkyl, amino or substituted aryl; or (b) n is 1 or 2, X is oxygen, R is hydrogen, or optionally-substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkylthio, cycloalkyl, or amino, and R.sup.1 is hydroxy, halogen, nitro, alkyl or alkoxy or (c) n is 0, 1 or 2, X is sulphur, R is hydrogen, or optionally-substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkylthio, cycloalkyl, or amino, and R.sup.1 is hydroxy, halogen, nitro, alkyl or alkoxy; or (d) n is 0, 1 or 2, X is NR.sub.2 where R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, benzyl or hydroxyalkyl, R is optionally-substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkylthio, cycloalkyl, or amino, and R.sup.1 is hydroxy, halogen, nitro, alkyl or alkoxy; and salts thereof. These compounds demonstrate pesticidal activity.

Abstract: Pesticidal tetrazole derivatives having the formula: ##STR1## wherein n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; R.sup.1 is OH, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylsulphonyl, NO.sub.2, NH.sub.2 (optionally substituted), acyl, aroyl, CN, carboxy or sulphonic-acid or -ester or -amide; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or optionally-substituted alkyl; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are hydrogen or optionally-substituted alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl or acetyl but R.sup.4 is not aryl or cycloalkyl if R.sup.3 is one of these two groups; and salts thereof when R.sup.2 is hydrogen.

Abstract: Dihydrotetrazolo [1,5-a] quinazolines having the formula ##STR1## wherein (a) n is zero, X is oxygen, and R is optionally unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl of at least 4 carbon atoms, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkylthio, cycloalkyl, amino or substituted aryl; or (b) n is 1 or 2, X is oxygen, R is hydrogen, or optionally-substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkylthio, cycloalkyl, or amino, and R.sup.1 is hydroxy, halogen, nitro, alkyl or alkoxy or (c) n is zero, 1 or 2, X is sulphur, R is hydrogen, or optionally-substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkylthio, cycloalkyl, or amino, and R.sup.1 is hydroxy, halogen, nitro, alkyl or alkoxy; or (d) n is 0, 1 or 2, X is NR.sub.2 where R.sub.2 is hydrogen, alkyl having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, benzyl or hydroxyalkyl, R is optionally-substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkylthio, cycloalkyl, or amino, and R.sup.1 is hydroxy, halogen, nitro, alkyl or alkoxy; and salts thereof. These compounds demonstrate pesticidal activity.