Abstract: A method of determining and quantifying the presence and concentration of regulated radionuclides present in filter material used to remove radionuclide contaminants from the cooling water of a nuclear reactor. Multiple samples of the reactor cooling water are taken and the presence and concentration of directly measurable fission and activation produced radionuclides are determined through gamma spectroscopy. The release rate of radioactivity from the reactor as a function of the removal rate of the filter material is determined at equilibrium. The presence and the concentration of the indirectly measured fission regulated radionuclides are determined as a function of release rates of the directly measurable fission produced isotopes.

Abstract: A method of accurately determining and quantifying the presence and concentration of various regulated radionuclides present in the filter material used to remove contaminants from the cooling water of a nuclear reactor. Multiple samples of the reactor cooling water are taken and the presence and concentration of directly measurable fission produced radionuclides and their related isotopes are determined. The release rate of radioactivity from the reactor as a function of the removal rate of the filter material is determined at equilibrium. The presence and the concentration of difficult to detect fission produced regulated isotopes as a function of release rates of the directly measurable fission produced isotopes are then calculated. The total concentration of activation produced regulated isotopes is based on measured surrogate isotopes.

Abstract: An elongated shaft configured to receive the expeditious attachment of a line thereto, the shaft having adjacent to a first end a short length radially extending post, the shaft having a recess therein at the first end so that thereby the portion of the shaft from about the position of the post to the first end is tubular providing a tubular wall, and a V-shaped notch formed in the tubular wall, the notch extending from about the post to the shaft first end, the notch being configured to provide a portion of the tubular wall that is tooth-like, the post serving to receive a loop from a bight of the line after which the bight can be wrapped around the shaft and then looped in the notch and beneath the tooth-like portion, an end of the line extending out the shaft tubular end.

Abstract: A biomass fuel combustor for use in the pressurized combustion comprising of biomass fule particles to produce a pressurized exhaust gas, the combustor comprising: a cyclonic combustion chamber having a combustion region and first and second fuel inlets, the first inlet being for the entry into the chamber of gas and/or liquid secondary fuel for combustion in said combustion region and the second inlet being for the entry into the chamber of biomass fuel particles also for combustion in said combustion region, the chamber being so constructed and arranged that the heat generated by the secondary fuel combustion will, in use and at least during stan-up of the combustor, promote fragmentation of the incoming biomass fuel particles.

Abstract: An adjustable depth fishing bobber having a hollow bobber housing for upright floatation having a top and a bottom opening, an elongated stem extending displaceably through said housing openings and having provision for the attachment of a fishing line to an upper end and a fishing leader to a lower end, a top cap affixed to the stem above the housing that normally engages the housing to sealably close the top opening, and a coiled spring surrounding the stem within the housing urging the stem downwardly with respect to the housing to normally close the top opening, the stem being upwardly displaceable relative to the housing whereby a quantity of water can be admitted into or drained from the housing to vary the buoyancy of the bobber.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a twist drill having a cutting insert. The method includes the steps of providing a cutting insert which has a prismatic shape and which comprises a layer of abrasive compact which is bonded to a cemented carbide backing. The insert has on a first facet a cutting edge formed by the abrasive compact layer, and on a second facet a seating surface formed predominantly by the cemented carbide backing. The first and second facets define a predetermined first angle with each other. A twist drill is provided, having a seat in its flank. The seat defines a support surface adapted to receive a seating surface of the insert, and is inclined at a predetermined second angle to the face of the drill. The insert is bonded into the seat, so that the cutting edge of the insert defines the major cutting edge of the drill and the first facet of the insert coincides with the face of the drill. The invention includes cutting inserts and twist drills produced by the method.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a twist drill having a cutting insert. The method includes the steps of providing a cutting insert which has a prismatic shape and which comprises a layer of abrasive compact which is bonded to a cemented carbide backing. The insert has on a first facet a cutting edge formed by the abrasive compact layer, and on a second facet a seating surface formed predominantly by the cemented carbide backing. The first and second facets define a predetermined first angle with each other. A twist drill is provided, having a seat in its flank. The seat defines a support surface adapted to receive a seating surface of the insert, and is inclined at a predetermined second angle to the face of the drill. The insert is bonded into the seat, so that the cutting edge of the insert defines the major cutting edge of the drill and the first facet of the insert coincides with the face of the drill. The invention includes cutting inserts and twist drills produced by the method.