Abstract: A fuel assembly locator for guiding and inserting nuclear fuel assemblies into a grid plate of a reactor vessel during reload. In the preferred embodiment, the fuel assembly locator includes a plurality of generally trapezoidal guides each having a multiplicity of serially increasing tiered slope regions for gradually directing the fuel assembly precisely into a grid plate opening. The increasing slope regions allow greater positional tolerance between the exterior of the fuel assembly and the interior opening of the grid plate opening initially, thus requiring less time and precision to align the fuel assembly with respect to the grid plate opening. The tolerance then gradually decreases since the slope of each successive tier is greater than the previous tier, thus precisely directing the fuel assembly into alignment with the grid plate opening for insertion therein.

Abstract: A retractable probe for placing and removing corrosion coupons from a steam generator during chemical cleaning of the steam generator, the chemical process occurring at a relatively high pressure and temperature. The probe includes a series of inner-linked and hinged sections which may be manipulated to insert the probe within and through the various structures of the steam generator, including the shell and shroud, while avoiding contact with tie rods and blow down lines and facilitating easier operation within the tight confines of the barriers surrounding the generator system. A bendable Teflon.RTM. rod is used to withdraw the coupon through the differently angled sections of the probe and eventually through the nozzle opening or man-hole of the shell. A selectively openable valve is utilized in combination with a packing gland. This combination allows the coupon to be removed while the steam generator is being cleaned or operated.

Abstract: A method for providing user access to a selected group of document images. A user-selected set of image properties may be specified so that each image in the group of images is presented for viewing with a particular orientation. The method is particularly adapted for viewing large numbers of financial document images to include check images.

Abstract: An audio mixer has separate dry mix, effects returns mix and main mix mixing buses, each mixing bus having a separate mix output. Multiple audio signals are mixed together without effects processing onto a dry mixing bus. Simultaneously, the original audio signals are also mixed together at various levels onto multiple sends mixing buses which are coupled to an effects sends (or output). The mixed audio signals on each of the sends mixing buses are sent to either internal or external effects processors wherein various effects are added to the mixed signals. The processed signals from the effects processors are fed back into the mixer (if external effects processors are used) through an effects return and further mixed together onto an effects mixing bus. Thus, the effects mix bus includes the sum of the processed mixed signals from the sends mixing buses. The dry mix and the effects mix are subsequently mixed onto a main mixing bus to provide a main mix output.

Abstract: A repeater case for high-density subscriber lines includes a repeater base and repeater case housing formed of a fiberglass composite and together forming a sealed enclosure for a pressurized atmosphere. The repeater case housing has a removable cover secured in position by torque bolts, a sealing gasket to sealingly receive the cover, a plurality of high-density subscriber line module slots and a plurality of printed circuit boards mounted to certain of the slots with gaps between adjacent printed circuit boards, the printed circuit boards being adapted to receive respective high-density subscriber line modules. The repeater base has a cable inlet, and each of the plurality of printed circuit boards is provided with a connection to the cable inlet and a connector to electrically receive one of the high-density subscriber line modules. The repeater base also includes an electrically insulating barrier between the cable inlet and the printed circuit boards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel dispenser having a fuel delivery path, a pump associated with the delivery path for pumping fuel from a storage tank to a fueling nozzle and a controller and communication system adapted to receive remotely transmitted signals from transmitters of different types. The controller is adapted to determine the type of transmitter from which the remotely transmitted signals were received, and preferably, whether or not the transmitter is moved with respect to the dispenser. The controller and communication depending on the sophistication of the system or respond to information in the transmitted signals indicating the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: A frame for holding a cap of the type having a bill and a front crown. The frame includes an inner subframe having an inner band and an outer subframe having an outer band. The inner and outer bands are hingedly joined on one end so that the outer band may be selectively folded between an open position wherein the outer band is spaced from the inner band and a closed position wherein the outer band is disposed adjacent the inner band. Latch mechanisms are provided for selectively securing the outer band in the closed position. Spaced apart support arms extend upwardly from the inner band. Spaced apart clamp arms extend upwardly from the outer band. When the outer band is in the closed position, an outer opening defined between the clamp arms is disposed adjacent an inner opening defined by the support arms, and the clamp arms are disposed adjacent respective support arms for clamping portions of the crown of the cap therebetween. Each of the support arms includes a reinforcing rib integrally formed therein.

Abstract: A narrow groove welding apparatus including a torch assembly with a replaceable gas cup so that different length gas cups can be used for different depth grooves. An adjustable support assembly is provided to permit corresponding positioning of auxiliary components, including visual monitoring assemblies, wire feed assemblies, and illumination assemblies to ensure proper alignment of the auxiliary components with the weld zone. A torch assembly permits ready replacement of electrodes to match gas cups, and electrically isolates the electrode from the gas cup.

Abstract: A multi-compartmented, transportable pet food and water carrier that includes food and water supply containers with opposed access openings, and a common wall; and food and water dishes removably attached over the access openings. The dishes have side walls with attachment means extending therefrom, so that the dishes can be attached in a side-by-side configuration for stability during use, the attachment means extending downwardly from the carrier when the dishes are attached to form support feet for the carrier. A carrying handle is attached to the upper side of the carrier.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one capillary in a moldable material. The capillary has a large length in relation to its cross-section. A closed cavity is created within the moldable material and the material is stretched in at least one direction so that the cavity forms a substantially elliptical or parabolic capillary whose length is large in relationship to its cross-section. The material may be heated before stretching so that the cavity is expanded and shaped into an essentially spherical form. Suitable materials for the practice of the invention include glass, plastic, quartz, silicon, or metal.

Abstract: A knitted glove including a thumb and a body, a crotch defined between the thumb and the body, and a thickened knitted portion along at least a portion of the crotch. The present invention is further directed to a method and apparatus for forming such a knitted glove.

Abstract: A tap-resistant security circuit. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a conduit including an electrically conductive wire surrounded by a gas-filled, gas impermeable sheath. At one end of the conduit is a pressure switch which is normally open but is maintained closed by the pressure in the gas-filled conduit. The other end of the conduit is sealed. If the gas-filled conduit is disturbed, for example, if an attempt is made to cut the wire, the gas within the conduit escapes, the pressure holding the switch closed drops and the circuit is opened. As a result, any attempt to by-pass or "tap" the wire results in the current through the wire being interrupted.

Abstract: A magnetically detectable bobbin for a sewing machine. The apparatus includes a substantially non-metallic detectable bobbin core. The core includes a substantially non-metallic cylindrical body having a detectable dopant in the cylindrical body. In the preferred embodiment, the dopant is magnetite. The thread supply is wound about the bobbin core after a frictional outer surface is applied to the bobbin core to aid in windability of the thread supply.

Abstract: A lance tube formed of a tubular conduit having an inner end to be joined to a source of pressurized fluid, a closed distal end, a continuous wall between the inner and distal ends, and a plurality of tube discharge openings in the continuous wall; and a plurality of axially positioned fluid direction tubes within the conduit, each tube having a straight intake section generally axially aligned with the conduit and having an intake opening toward the conduit inner end, a straight discharge section having a discharge opening at one of the discharge openings in the conduit wall, and an intermediate curved section joining the intake and discharge sections, whereby fluid entering the conduit will be directed through the fluid direction conduits, and will be discharged in laminar flow from the discharge openings.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a cuff from a continuous supply of tubular material. The apparatus includes a material feed for advancing the tubular material. A cutter is disposed adjacent the material feed for severing the tubular material to form a circular band. A holding fixture receives and holds the circular band severed from the tubular cuff material in an open position. The holding fixture includes gripping means formed in the holding fixture for gripping the circular band between the ends thereof. A folding mechanism folds the circular band on the holding fixture upon itself to form a double-layer cuff which is subsequently attached to the garment either automatically or manually.

Abstract: A paulownia tree which combines the fast-growing characteristics of Paulownia fortunei and the cold tolerance of Paulownia tomentosa.