Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a tab from a strip of material and fixing the tab to a fixing surface. The apparatus has a housing and a driving head associated with the housing which is operable to drive a penetrating fastener into a fixing surface. A strip of material is fed by a feed mechanism to a cutter such that a portion of the strip can be cut by the cutter to form a tab. The portion of the strip to form the tab is presented to a position where it can be brought into contact with the fixing surface and fixed thereto by impact delivery of the penetrating fastener. Fixing of the portion of the strip can take place prior to or in conjunction with the portion being cut from the strip by the cutter. The apparatus can include a printer to apply indicia to the strip.

Abstract: Dimethylsulfoxide is used as a solvent for the growth of red mercuric iodide (HgI.sub.2) crystals for use in radiation detectors. The hygroscopic property of the solvent allows controlled amounts of water to enter into the solvent phase and diminish the large solubility of HgI.sub.2 so that the precipitating solid collects as well-defined euhedral crystals which grow into a volume of several cc.