Abstract:
A multiprocessor computer comprises a plurality of identical processing elements, each of which comprises a processor, local memory addressable by the processor, and an arbitration unit for controlling access to the local memory from other processing elements. At least one processing element is connected to X neighbours (where X is an integer which is at least 1) for the sharing of data. The memory space addressable by the processor in the processing element is divided into at least X+1 regions. Addressing different regions of memory space causes data to be accessed in either the local memory or in the memories of neighbouring processing elements.
Abstract:
An instrument (2) for simultaneously measuring a plurality of parameters indicative of photosynthetic activity of a leaf in vivo comprises: a) a gas tight chamber (4) for enclosing the leaf (5), b) means (10) for illuminating the leaf within the chamber with modulated light not capable of driving photosynthesis, c) means (14) for detecting modulated fluorescence emission from the leaf, d) means for illuminating the leaf with photosynthetically active light, e) means (43) for measuring the light absorbed by the leaf, f) and means (32) for measuring the rate of uptake of carbon dioxide gas by the leaf. The instrument may also comprise means for measuring the rate of loss of water by the leaf, and for measuring the temperature in the chamber. The invention includes a method of simultaneously measuring a plurality of parameters indicative of photosynthetic activity of a leaf in vivo.
Abstract:
An elastomeric bituminous composition possessing vibration dampings properties comprises 70 to 95 per cent by weight of a bitumen having a penetration index between +1 and +7, and 5 to 30 per cent by weight of an elastomer, for example a styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymer. Preferably, the bitumen has a penetration at 25oC of between 100 and 250 tenths of a millimetre, more preferably between 140 and 200 tenths of a millimetre. The bitumen may be obtained by oxidation in the presence of a catalyst of an atmospheric distillation residue, or a vacuum distillation residue, of a crude oil or a mixture of the two, the preferred catalyst being orthophosphoric acid. The composition is prepared by dissolving or dispersing the polymer in the bitumen at a temperature in the range 180 to 250oC. The composition may be used in sound damping structures.
Abstract:
A process for the conversion of hydrocarbons in which a gaseous fuel is mixed with an oxygen containing gas in a reactor (1) by passing one component through an annular space (5) and then through the holes (9) of a foraminous cone (2) and the other component through the nozzle (3) located at the throat of the cone. The resultant fuel/oxygen containing gas composition is fuel rich and is ignited (B) and reacted in the reaction chamber. The product of the process may be withdrawn and collected.
Abstract:
Methane and liquid hydrocarbon feeds boiling above 350oC are reacted by feeding finely divided droplets into hot gas at not more than 2 MPa containing at least 50% volume methane and not more than 15% volume hydrogen.
Abstract:
A Fischer-Tropsch catalyst comprises cobalt or iron on a support which is carbon having a BET surface area of at least 100 m /g, ratio of BET to basal plane surface area not greater than 4:1 and a ratio of basal plane surface area to edge surface area of at least 10:1.
Abstract:
Benzylic and aromatic mercaptans are desulphurised by contacting the mercaptan with carbon monoxide at elevated temperatures in the presence of an aqueous hydrocarbon and a cobalt carbonyl catalyst.
Abstract:
Process for production of synthesis gas in which a saturated hydrocarbon and an oxygen containing gas having a ratio of hydrocarbon to oxygen of greater than the stoichiometric ratio for complete combustion are introduced into a bed of particulate material. The bed comprises material which is catalytically active for partial oxidation and/or steam reforming reactions. The upward flow rate of the hydrocarbon/oxygen containing gas stream is sufficiently large to cause a spouting action of the bed material. The hydrocarbon and oxygen react together and the products of the reaction are withdrawn.
Abstract:
Silanised pillared interlayered clays which are produced by hydrolysing a hydrolysable silicon compound in the liquid or vapour phase in the presence of a pillared interlayered clay or a precursor thereof. The resulting silanised clays are more active as catalysts and/or more stable than the clays from which they are derived.
Abstract:
Novel composite conductors comprising interpenetrating networks of a continuous electronic conducting material and a continuous ionic conducing material. Also provided is a method of producing films of the same.