Abstract: A circular outage cover of light-weight composite material is normally situated in a standby position adjacent to the opening at the outer end of the equipment access tunnel of a nuclear reactor containment vessel. In case of an emergency during an outage, the outage cover can be quickly rolled into position and engaged with a transition ring provided as an extension of the tunnel by retractable retaining shoes on the retaining ring and an inflatable seal carried by the outage cover. The ability of the outage cover to be closed quickly makes it possible to keep the operational cover open throughout most of the outage, and reduces the overall outage time. Hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical services pass radially through the transition ring and do not interfere with closure of the outage cover. An auxiliary diaphragm cooperable with the transition ring is used for pressure testing of the outage cover.

Abstract: A roll supporting hub is adapted for acceptance of a plurality of rolls (one at a time), with each roll having a different predefined core width. The hub includes a hub body with a plurality of core support surfaces spaced circumferentially about a central rotation axis. One or more of those surfaces engage the core of the roll to secure the roll and hub together for coupled rotation. A stop surface on the hub body engages a first radial side of the core, while a radially retractable retainer surface engages a second radial side of the core. The retainer surface is secured to the hub body in one of a plurality of possible predefined axially disposed positions relative to the stop surface, each of which corresponds to one of the predetermined core widths of the roll being supported by the hub. The retainer surface is supported by a spring which is retractable within a slot extending axially between opposed support surfaces on the hub body.

Abstract: An adhesive sheeting applicator and method adapted to dispense strips of adhesive-backed sheeting from a supply roll rotatably disposed thereon and to apply said strips of sheeting to a surface with a desired spacing between successive strips by advancing the applicator a distance along the surface, the sheeting on the supply roll being in successive cut strips applied to a continuous substrate liner.

Abstract: To detect a foaming contaminant in a moving container, an image of the moving container and any contents thereof is produced. Thereafter, image processing techniques are used to determine levels of low and high frequency spatial variations in intensity in the image. The levels of low and high frequency spatial variations in intensity are then compared to determine the presence of a foaming contaminant.

Abstract: To spectrally detect a contaminant in a moving container, a set of reference spectral information related to one or more containers having known contents is stored. Thereafter, radiant energy is directed at liquid near the bottom of the container so that the radiant energy is modified by the contents of the container and travels through the contents of the container in multiple paths of varying length. Spectral information from detected portions of the modified radiant energy is obtained, and is compared to the stored set of reference spectral information using correlation techniques. Based on the relationship between this spectral information and the stored set of reference spectral information, the presence or absence of a contaminant is indicated.

Abstract: A roll-up covering for motor vehicles comprised of a rectangular main section 10 and side flaps 14 with antenna slits 18, 20 in either to accommodate antennas. A cylinder 16 is fixed perpendicular to the length of the main section and located between the main section and the top of the vehicle while in use. The side flaps 14 partially cover the side of the vehicle while in use and fold over the top of the main section for removal. Combined, the covering rolls around the cylinder for compact storage. Rear adjustable straps 26 anchor the covering in the rear compartment of the vehicle for theft prevention and as a means of changing the fit of the covering. Front elastic straps 11 and side elastic straps 12, in conjunction with the rear adjustable straps and the cylinder, tension the main section and side flaps to provide an airspace 34. The airspace between the covering material and the majority of the top vehicle surfaces provides for insulation and ventilation.

Abstract: To detect a contaminant in a moving container, radiant energy is directed into the moving container. Thereafter, a level of radiant energy scattered by contents of the moving container is detected. The presence of a contaminant is indicated when the detected level of scattered radiant energy differs from a threshold level. Scattered radiant energy detected by the system includes that scattered by turbid materials within the container and that scattered by foam within the container. Detection of turbid materials or foam may be combined with spectral contaminant detection.

Abstract: To detect a turbid contaminant in a moving container, radiant energy having a wavelength that is absorbed by contents of the moving container that include the turbid contaminant at a different level than energy having the wavelength is absorbed by contents of the moving container that include a non-contaminant is directed into the container. Thereafter, a level of radiant energy scattered by contents of the container is detected. The presence of a turbid contaminant is indicated when the detected level of scattered radiant energy differs from a threshold level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable dual advance dispenser for a supply of linered tape material having an adhesive tape mounted in separable strips on a release liner. The dispenser includes a frame for supporting a supply of linered tape material and a dispensing apparatus for dispensing desired portions of the linered tape. The dispensing apparatus includes a rotatable liner dispensing member which directs a portion of the liner in a different direction from the adhesive tape, a rotatable adhesive tape material dispensing apparatus for dispensing the adhesive tape, a separation member to separate the liner from the adhesive tape, and a drive transfer mechanism which causes interaction between the rotatable adhesive tape material dispensing apparatus and the rotatable liner dispensing member. If the user selects a first dispensing option, adhesive tape is pulled from the adhesive tape dispensing apparatus, and the liner is advanced through the liner dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A cable tie system for simultaneously assembling and applying cable ties from a continuous length of strap material and a plurality of individual cable tie heads. The cable tie heads are molded of plastic with a pair of parallel cable tie strap passages and a metal pawl retained in the plastic between the two passages and having pawl teeth that project into each of the strap passages to engage the strap material at two spaced positions when it is slid through one of the passages around a bundle of wires and into the second of the passages.