Abstract: Apparatus for making a grooved support member for carrying optical fibers having an extrusion die for forming a plastics sheath upon a strength member so as to form the support member. The die aperture has projections extending into it so as to form the grooves in the support member. To form the grooves into sinuous configuration, a twisting device is located upstream from the die. The twisting device comprises a plurality of gripping wheels on each side of the passline of the strength member, the gripping wheels staggered along the passline. The gripping wheels are rotatable alternately in opposite directions around the passline.

Abstract: A microbicidal composition comprising at least one microbicidal acylaniline derivative such as metalaxyl, furalaxyl and the like, and H.sub.3 PO.sub.3 or a salt thereof, exerts a synergistically potentiated activity against plant diseases, especially also against acylaniline-resistant pathogens. The composition may optionally comprise a third protective fungicidal component. The three active components may be applied in succession in any order or simultaneously.

Abstract: An exerciser simulator that comprises at least two generally concave members which define a frame, each of the concave members has a first end and a second end. In addition, a rotatable member is positioned adjacent to each of the first and second ends of each of the concave members. A unidirectional, close-looped transporting chain travelling adjacent to each of the concave members is provided, the transporting chain being rotatably received by the first end rotatable member and the second end rotatable member for travelling toward a direction defined by one of the first and second ends of each of the concave members. The exerciser simulator further comprises a plurality of exercise bars each of which is fixably mounted to both of the transporting chains, the exercise bars being mounted generally normal to the transporting chains at preselected positions of the transporting chains.

Abstract: A particulate detergent composition is prepared by spray drying a slurry containing a surfactant system, which may contain anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and/or soap, a non-phosphate builder such as an aluminosilicate or an alkalimetal carbonate and a sugar such as sucrose or sorbitol. The sugar provides the powders with adequate structure without the necessity to utilize sodium silicate.

Abstract: Layered thermoplastic articles (36) and a method for forming layered thermoplastic articles are provided. The method involves forming a layered, thermoplastic parison, followed by blow molding the parison in a mold cavity (10, 12) to form a desired configuration of hollow article (36). The blow molded articles (36) can be of any configuration achievable with known blow molding technology. Every section of the article (36) can be layered, or the article (36) can have selectively intermittent layered sections. The containers typically are used for storing and dispensing liquids and are of one-piece construction. In accordance with this invention, the thermoplastic materials (24, 26) are of a type which are incompatible.

Abstract: Layered thermoplastic articles and a method for forming layered thermoplastic articles are provided. The method involves forming a layered, thermoplastic parison, followed by blow molding the parison in a mold cavity to form a desired configuration of hollow article. The blow molded articles can be of any configuration achievable with known blow molding technology. Every section of the article can be layered, or the article can have selectively intermittent layered sections. The containers typically are used for storing and dispensing liquids and are of one-piece construction. In accordance with this invention, the thermoplastic materials are of a type which are incompatible.

Abstract: Apparatus for laying of optical waveguides into sinuous grooves of a support filament in which a laying device surrounding a feed path for the filament has a plurality of elongate guide elements for the waveguides, the elements extending downstream from a carrier and being inclined to the feed path to terminate in free inner ends. The guide elements are rigid and are allowed by the carrier to have lateral swinging movement to enable their free ends to follow the path of a groove in the support filament as it moves along its feed path. A groove locating projection is provided to maintain positional relationship between the carrier and support filament as the filament passes the carrier.

Abstract: Laying optical waveguides into sinuous grooves of a support filament while holding the grooves in the same position as the filament passes through a waveguide laying station by causing the filament to twist in oscillatory fashion during passage through the station. The grooves are held in the same positions by positionally fixed guide projections located in the grooves. By this laying method, the waveguides themselves are not oscillated around the support filament as they are fed into the laying station. Also, guide elements to feed the waveguides into the grooves extend downstream to a wrapping station whereby tape wrapped around the support filament also is wrapped around the guide elements. The waveguides exit from the guide elements after the tape has been wrapped.

Abstract: Optical cable with waveguides received in recesses of a crush resistant central core, and a protective sheath surrounding the core, an inner layer of the sheath comprising metal and being carried upon ribs of the core which define the recesses. The metal layer may be corrugated circumferentially and coated with polymeric material. An outer layer of the sheath is an impermeable polymeric material. The ribs preferably extend along the core at an angle to its axis.

Abstract: A fuel cut-off switch is disclosed which comprises a collapsible fuel line for conveying fuel when the switch is in a first position and a device for collapsing the collapsible fuel line along at least a portion thereof to cut off fuel flow therethrough when the switch is tilted a predetermined amount from the first position. The collapsible fuel line may be in the form of a cut-off finger of rubber or plastic which is suspended for movement relative to the device for collapsing the flexible rubber finger, the latter may take the form of a ring surrounding the collapsible fuel line. A weight is attached to the collapsible fuel line for pulling it under force of gravity against the ring to collapse the finger and cut-off fuel flow therethrough.

Abstract: A composite molded baseball bat is provided using a tubular, high yield strength aluminum core surrounded by a foam plastic body having a density of from 30-50 pounds per cubic foot and an integral outer skin. The tubular aluminum core has an outside diameter of from three-quarters to 1 inch and a wall thickness of from 0.062 to 0.125 inch.