Abstract: A water resistant, durable and foldable staging mat for organizing pressurized air-pak bottles for emergency firematic use incorporating rows of horizontally spaced-apart offset dividers extending above the mat surface in separating bottles as "filled" and "emptied", and with the mat being colored-coded and imprinted for ease in segregating the bottles in use.

Abstract: A protector device for protecting paper rolls during transport comprises an integrally formed synthetic plastic body, the body including a spacer column and a substantially planar, plate-like support formation extending transversely from the spacer column. In order to protect paper rolls during transport, the rolls can be spaced from one another by positioning the spacer column of a protector device between each pair of adjacent paper rolls positioned on the transport vehicle, the column being held in position by the support formation resting on the end of at least one of two adjacent paper rolls. The operative outer face of the support formation has corner formations projecting therefrom, the formations providing for the location of tying ropes for tying the paper rolls on the transport vehicle, thus preventing any damage that could otherwise be caused to the paper rolls by the tying ropes, if the protection device is not utilized.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and dispensing pieces of chalk, the apparatus comprising a container including an outside surface having an input port and an output port formed therein such that the output port is positioned other than directly beneath the input port, a chalk channel positioned within the container and connecting the input port to the output port such that the input port is located at a highest point of the channel and the output port is located at a lowest point of the channel, the channel having a width so as to allow each piece of chalk within the channel to contact no more than two other pieces of chalk in the channel, and a dispensing rack extending from the outside surface of the container proximate to the output port for holding at least one piece of chalk.

Abstract: A sample rack with at least one receptacle for the accommodation of respective sample tubes. At least one receptacle has a removable adapter sleeve located within it for receiving a corresponding sample tube. Additionally, locking means are included for fixedly engaging the adapter sleeve within the corresponding receptacle.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a durable, lightweight disposable container containing a plurality of holders for holding blood product tubes. These tubes are firmly secured in each slot yet can be easily removed from the slot after filling. According to a preferred embodiment, the box can be fixed to a table top or other substantially flat surface in an area where the blood drawing procedure is to occur.

Abstract: A mechanic's bolt and small parts receptacle for storing bolts, screws, and other small parts removed during repair of an engine or other machine is formed of cardboard as a polyhedron that includes a sloping front panel having a plurality of perforations thereon for receiving and storing individual bolts and screws and that also includes an internal cavity accessible through an opening in a sloping rear panel for storing other small parts.

Abstract: A pipette tip rack system is disclosed that includes a plurality of tip racks that may be nested one upon the other with an integrally formed locking mechanism that locks each rack to the one immediately below it. A cover member is also included that acts as a cover for the top rack in the stack. This cover also utilizes the same locking mechanism. Also included is a bottom member that serves as a dust cover and uses the same locking mechanism to permit its fixture to the bottom rack. The whole system when lockingly fixed together forms a relatively secure unit so that if it is upset the tips will not spill out. Further, each element in the stack retains its sterile condition. Finally, the stack of racks may be combined with a box having a top that fits over the cover and a bottom that receives the bottom member and lowest rack. This box may be removed from the stack and assembled so that a single rack may be used remote of the stack.

Abstract: A packing and storing receptacle includes a bottom panel and a top panel superposed on the bottom panel and defining a pouch therewith for receiving at least a longitudinal part of the contents. The bottom and top panels are formed by a single, flexible sheet and are separated from one another by a transverse folding edge defining an end of the receptacle. The top panel has a terminal edge remote from the transverse folding edge and defining, together with the bottom panel, a removal opening of the pouch. The bottom and top panels have longitudinal lateral edges extending generally perpendicularly to the transverse folding edge along the length of the receptacle. There are also provided lateral and/or transverse tabs cut out, bent out from and integrally attached to the flexible sheet for laterally guiding and positioning the contents. The longitudinal lateral edges of the bottom panel are directly and/or indirectly connected to the longitudinal lateral edges of the top panel at transversely opposite zones.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in maintaining organization of lines which pass through a trench. The device includes a thin, substantially planar foundation and at least one separating member projecting normally therefrom. The foundation is suited for placement within a trench to directly underlie lines. The separating member is operatively associated with the foundation, acting as a spacer between adjacent lines. In order to provide a readily transportable and storable device, the invented line organizer is constructed from a single, thin sheet of generally rigid material. The sheet is foldable to provide a generally triangular device.

Abstract: A transport container comprises two container components forming opposite side walls of the container for receiving opposite respective ends of tubular or rod-shaped workpieces. Each container component is in the shape of a half shell with a generally flat shell floor having first and second opposite edges and two opposite side edges, a circumferential shell wall open on the first edge, and foot supports extending from the shell wall at the second edge. Attachment elements are located on the side edges of the container components for attachment of tension devices for urging the container components towards each other.

Abstract: A new type of box for the packaging of ampules or the like exhibits hollow walls (4 and 5) separated from each other having a triangular shaped cross-section, with lengthwise sidewalls (2 and 3) and a box bottom (1) which are so joined with one another that ampules (10), or the like, which are stored, in a clamping fashion, in the cutouts of the hollow walls (4 and 5), due to their resilient support, do not come in contact with the bottom of the box (1) even under pressure from above. This construction has, furthermore, the advantage that both ends of the ampules (10) are free and can easily be gripped with the fingers at these locations to be removed from the box.

Abstract: A dental bur storage device that includes a base member and a lid. The base member includes a bottom floor, a first support floor with a plurality of support apertures that is parallel to the bottom floor, and a second support floor with a plurality of support apertures that is parallel to the first support floor. The burs are secured in the storage device by placing them through the support apertures of the first and second support floor, which support the burs in a perpendicular position to the bottom floor. The lid is then closed to the base member. The lid, when closed, is of a dimension above the base member to fit burs in the storage device and also prevent them from falling out. The base member and lid also have open parallel sides to enable the burs to be sterilized while remaining in a storage mode. The storage device, with stored burs, is inserted into a cleaning apparatus, which is able to reach the burs through the open sides.

Abstract: A package includes a box, made of card-board, in which a support element, also made of card-board, is inserted. This U-shaped element has fixed wings, with coaxial holes, inside which products, e.g. vials are inserted. The edge of each hole has radial segments which engage the neck of the products and prevent them from slippage. The element of support can be provided with flaps with appendixes having heads which rest against the bottom and the cover of the box; in this way the bottom and the the neck are effectively protected.

Abstract: A package of shirred food casing sticks Wherein the sticks are bundled together by a wrap disposed in tension transversely about the bundle and the opposite ends of the wrap are overlapped and releasably connected. The releasable connection attaches the outer surface of the underlying wrapper end to the inner surface of the overlying wrapper end and the overlying end having an outer margin which is free and loose from the connection to provide a means for grasping and pulling the overlying end free of the connector.

Abstract: A returnable and reusable shipping and storing system for elongated members, such as rolled awnings. The system includes a cart upon which a series of awning support plates are stacked. Each support plate has a wave-like structure which cooperates with vertically adjacent support plates to define a series of elongated channels. The channels are adapted to slidably receive the rolled awnings, and allow individual rolled awnings to be removed from the stack of support plates regardless of their vertical position within the stack. The awnings project in a cantilever fashion from the support plates, the projecting ends being protected and supported by awning end bags. The awning support plates are nestable to reduce the vertical height required for storage and re-shipment to the awning manufacturer, thereby reducing the inventory and shipping expenses of the system.

Abstract: The invention proposes a disposable multi-vessel receptacle having a plurality of vertically oriented hollow vessels for the receipt of laparoscopic instruments. Planar top and bottom retainers are used to rigidly retain the hollow vessels in a fixed, laterally spaced-apart relationship. The retainers and hollow vessels comprise an internal assembly. The internal assembly is contained within an exterior enclosure. Flaps are provided on the exterior enclosure as a means for enclosing the internal assembly from the outside environment, and thus maintain internal sterility. Prior to packaging and distribution for use, the multi-vessel receptacle and its contents are thoroughly sterilized.

Abstract: A sterile inoculation assembly includes an inoculation device (20), a storage container (84) and a handling tool (60). The inoculation device (20) includes an elongated body (22) having an inoculation end (26) and an opposed gripping end (24). The container (84) is formed with at least one cavity (86) with an opening (88) thereto. The cavity (86) is dimensioned to receive the inoculation device (20) in an orientation which permits the gripping end (24) to be grasped through the opening (88). A sheet-like cover (98) is positioned across the opening (88) to seal it and to retain the inoculation device (20) in the cavity (86). The cover (98) is capable of being punctured for grasping of the gripping end (24) and removal of the inoculation device (20) by a handling tool (60). This handling tool (60) telescopically engages the gripping end (24) for releasible securement thereto.

Abstract: A method which comprises sequentially depositing individual shirred food casing strands into a holder, which, when filled, holds the strands in a desired configuration; stretching a tubular resilient plastic film having a stretched diameter large enough to accommodate the configuration and having a relaxed diameter small enough to tightly engage the external surfaces of strands located proximate the external surface of the configuration; inserting the configuration of strands into the tubular resilient plastic film when at least a portion of the film is so stretched and allowing the film to relax to tightly secure the strands in said configuration.

Abstract: A pipette tip storage and dispensing system has a series of pipette tip holder cards each of which has a plurality of openings for holding a set of pipette tips extending partway through the openings in an upright orientation. The openings in each card match those in the other cards, and cards loaded with pipette tips can be stacked vertically with the pipette tips in one card extending into the open upper ends of the tips in the next adjacent card of the stack, to minimize storage space. An alignment device is arranged to hold the pipette tips in a card in a vertical orientation as the card is removed from the top of the stack and transferred to a pipette tip holder tray so that the pipette tips can be lowered into aligned openings in the holder tray with the card resting on the top wall of the tray.

Abstract: An inventory of pharmaceutical vials is kept in an inexpensive manner by providing a plurality of stackable cartons stacked in a neat array and each having a front access panel which opens to form an access window to allow access to remove vials from the interior of one of the respective cartons. The cartons having indicia indicating the type and size of vials stored therein. The preferred cartons are in the shape of a box having a hinged access panel die cut into the carton providing an access window or opening on its face. The window allows access by hand into the contents of a plastic bag within the carton. When the access panel is open, portions of the plastic bag may be draped out from the opening to allow easy access to the contents of the bag. The plastic bag and its contents are originally placed within the carton through end flaps located either adjacent or opposite the face of a carton. Upon placing the contents into the carton, the top end flaps may be closed and permanently sealed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hand carrying case made by folding up a unitary base sheet, comprising a back panel connected between a front panel and a cover flap by a bottom panel and a top panel and connected between two reinforcing side strips by two side panels, a partition flap connected to the front panel by two spaced connecting strips, the front panel having side projections inserted through holes between the side panels and the reinforcing side strips and fitted into recessed portions on the front panel, one connecting strip having holes for inserting pens into the compartment defined between the partition flap and the front panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for magnetically holding sockets in a desired horizontal sequence. One embodiment of the device is substantially rectangular having a plurality of parallel channels of descending circumference adapted to receive corresponding socket heads from a standard or long socket set. The device promotes a plurality of magnetic arcs, having pole lines parallel to the channels, for engagement to the exterior circumference of the cylindrical sockets. The magnetic attraction properties of the device offer a significant improvement over the prior art while simultaneously providing maximum visibility of the socket heads which facilitate retrieval by an individual.

Abstract: The device comprises a housing (12) containing a support (13) from which the sterile objects (11) hang, said objects being placed in rows of holes, a movable selector (14) arranged to allow at least one object to be reached, and an arrangement for sealing said housing. A sealing plate (19) is mounted between the selector (14) and the support (13) and is provided with a central opening (20) and a radial slot (21) designed to cooperate with the holes (22) in the selector (14). The device can be connected to a vacuum pump via the hollow shaft (16) when the sealing plug (26) is removed.

Abstract: A receptacle to support and retain a plurality of used hypodermic needle and syringe combinations to prevent the accidental pricking of the care giver or patient after use comprising an outer receptacle support including a substantially cylindrical body having a centrally disposed substantially cylindrical canister recess and a plurality of peripherally disposed substantially cylindrical liquid retaining tube recesses formed therein to selectively receive and support an inner disinfectant canister and a plurality of substantially cylindrical liquid retaining tubes respectively wherein the inner disinfectant retaining canister includes a substantially cylindrical tube to operatively house a disinfectant solution therein and a penetrable membrane to receive the used hypodermic needles therethrough to support and retain the used hypodermic needles in the disinfectant solution for subsequent disposal of the used hypodermic needle and syringe combinations.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting pipe joints during shipment. Each individual pipe joint to be stacked in the hold of a ship for transport has several rope rings assembled therearound. Rope rings are assembled around the pipe joints during or just prior to the loading operation, using flexible plastic locking strips to secure the ends of lengths of multiple-stranded hemp rope together forming protective rings.

Abstract: An instrument container comprising a carrying case having at least two storage sections for retaining instruments joined by at least one hinge so that said storage sections can be folded apart about at least one said hinge to open said case, a sleeve including a recess within which said carrying case fits when said carrying case is in the closed position, preferably pivot means joining said sleeve to said carrying case for permitting said case to be pivotally inserted into said recess when said case is closed, and preferably support means in said sleeve for supporting said storage sections of said case when said case is opened outside said sleeve.

Abstract: A package comprising, shirred, essentially cylindrically shaped, food casing strands, each of which has a strand diameter D. The strands are oriented in the package in such a way that longitudinal axes of the strands are parallel, external surfaces of the strands contact external surfaces of adjacent strands and ends of the strands terminate in approximately the same plane, which plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the strands. The strands are further oriented so that lines passing perpendicularly through the central axes of strands located proximate the external surface of the package intersect to form a hexagon in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axes. Sides of the hexagon have side lengths such that the lengths vary by no more than one D from each other. Strands, internally within the package, i.e. which would not have an exteriorly exposed surface if all package wraps were removed, contact six adjacent strands.

Abstract: A package structure 10 for storing and transporting photographic film magazines comprises a container 12 having a open end 24 and a base 14 supporting opposing end walls 16 and opposing side walls 20,24. Side walls 20,22 have a plurality of spaced apart recesses 32,34, respectively, forming chambers or receptacles 30, for frictionally receiving the end portion and the hub extending from the opposite end portion of the 135 photographic film magazines disposed therein. A lid member 26, made from a flexible opaque laminate material environmentally compatible with the container 12, is hermetically sealed to a flange member 42 formed in the top edge 28 of the end and side walls 16,20,22. The sealed package 10 protects the enclosed product from deleterious environmental effects, such as dirt, light and moisture, and is convenient to use.

Abstract: A system for storing and transporting can end members comprising multiple tray units having multiple parallel rows of elongated compartments for receiving and supporting stacks of end members. The tray units are nestable and stackable one upon another to provide palletized loads of both empty and filled tray units. End loading and unloading apparatus is provided to enable simultaneous loading and unloading full tray compartments by simultaneous lateral movement of all of the stacks of end members between the tray compartments and a shuttle tray unit whereat all the stacks of end members are stored prior to loading and unloading of the tray unit. The shuttle tray unit is loaded and unloaded by stacking units of a lesser number than the number of tray compartments.

Abstract: A collector card storage and display container is provided which includes a base member having a floor, two end walls and two side walls and constructed using a clear plastic material; a hard-coated cardboard inner liner separated from the floor and end walls by a plurality of spacers; and a lid. The inner liner, floor, walls and spacers define a plurality of display compartments, each of which can hold one collector card which can be viewed from the outside through the clear plastic walls of the base member. The inner liner and floor also define a larger, inner storage compartment for storing a much larger number of collector cards not being displayed.

Abstract: A device for use in an analyzer is described comprising a plurality of receptacles which are arranged in a single row and into which containers of different length and diameter containing a liquid can easily be inserted.For this purpose, the device is provided with holding elements at different levels along a side for insertable platforms transversing the receptacles and mounting means along the upper edge for an insertable adapter covering the openings of the receptacles.The holding elements and the mounting means are partly designed as positioning means and/or as latch means. Within the receptacles platform and the bottom in base of device have a ramp and the exterior wall is provided with a recess at the upper edge.Furthermore, a carrying means comprising a handle with a cam and a support is arranged at an end face of device.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle/syringe receptacle to support and retain a plurality of hypodermic needle/syringe combinations to prevent the accidental pricking of the care giver or patient after use comprising an outer receptacle support including a substantially cylindrical body having a centrally disposed substantially cylindrical canister recess and a plurality of peripherally disposed substantially cylindrical liquid retaining tube recesses formed therein to selectively receive and support an inner disinfectant canister and a plurality of substantially cylindrical liquid retaining tubes respectively wherein the inner disinfectant retaining canister includes a substantially cylindrical tube to operatively house a disinfectant therein and a penetrable membrane to receive the used hypodermic needle/syringe combinations therethrough to support and retain the used hypodermic needles in the disinfectant for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: A dart carrying and display case is prvovided with an insert having lower troughs for housing dart flights and an upper trough for housing a plurality of darts. The points of the darts are positioned within a dart block. The body segments of the darts are separated by knobs formed integrally with the inserts. A rod-like structure is passed through shaft segments of the darts to maintain the darts separated from each other and away from the cover of the case.

Abstract: A packaging case for storing and presenting elongated objects, such as pencils (103, 704), and flat objects, such as computer disks (350, 604), includes a base (50, 606, 710) having a plurality of upright partitions (58, 622 and 630, 614, 626, 706 and 708, 712) hingedly attached thereto at spaced locations, and at least one shelf (68, 618, 714 and 715, 723 and 724) attached to the partitions. The shelves have openings (66, 620, 718, 722) for receiving the objects and holding them parallel to the partitions. When the partitions are upright, the objects are held upright. When the partitions are folded down, the objects and shelves will be close and parallel to the base so as to provide a very compact package for easy transportation and/or storage. The case can be closed by fold-over flaps or ends (56, 608, 610, 749) which are separate from or one piece extensions of the base. The partitions can be urged to their upright positions manually or by elastic bands (196, 636, 740) or springs (106).

Abstract: A caddy of generally modular form for writing implements is designed with a plurality of sockets to receive and support writing implements in upright position, with the writing ends secured in closed position with the receiving socket. In one embodiment, the caddy accommodates a plurality of conventional marking pens together with their individual caps, which caps remain captive when the pens are removed. In another embodiment the caps are initially incorporated in the sockets, which serve as caps for the interposed writing implements. In a further modification the caddies are combined with standards comprising a series of modules having U-shaped attachments on their rear bases which are designed to hook onto one or more additional modules, so that several caddies may be stacked together in aligned relation on a supporting surface for accommodating a variety of writing implements.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a durable, lightweight disposable container containing a plurality of holders for holding blood product tubes. These tubes are firmly secured in each slot yet can be easily removed from the slot after filling. According to a preferred embodiment, the box can be fixed to a table top or other substantially flat surface in an area where the blood drawing procedure is to occur.

Abstract: The invention comprises a package comprising 50 shirred essentially cylindrically shaped shirred food casing strands. The strands are oriented in the package such that longitudinal axes of the strands are parallel. Within the package external surfaces of the strands contact external surfaces of adjacent strands and ends of the strands terminate in approximately the same plane. In a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the strands, lines passing through the central axes of strands located proximate the external surface of the package intersect to form a hexagon. Strands internally within the package, i.e., which would not have an exteriorly exposed surface if a wrap for the package were removed, contact six adjacent strands. The package consists of nine strand rows. The first row contains four strands. The second row contains five strands. The third row contains six strands and the fourth row contains seven strands. The fifth row is the center row and contains six strands.

Abstract: Blood samples are drawn from patients in capillary tubes from skin sticks. When drawn, the capillary tubes for individual patients are placed in a single larger specimen carrier tube which can then be labeled with a specialized specimen label printed at bedside, or elsewhere, when the samples are drawn. The larger carrier tube has a closure cap which includes an internal layer of putty which is used to seal an end of the capillary tubes for each individual patient, thereby eliminating the possibility of cross contamination of one patient's blood sample with another's when the capillary tubes are plugged. The specimen tube also has an internal separator which will prevent the capillary tubes from touching each other to limit breakage of the capillary tubes during handling.

Abstract: An automatic medical sampling device comprises a vacuum breaking needle for connecting the inside of a vacuum blood gathering tube with the air. An inserting needle has a length sufficient to be located at a position slightly below the lower end of the vacuum breaking needle at the highest position of the vacuum breaking needle. A container holder or maintainer has a bottom slope or projections for supporting a container, and a stirring device stops reciprocation of the stirring bar by detecting the position of the bar.

Abstract: A diagnostic sample packaging tray and pouch for holding a variety of commonly used sample containers, such as tube, needle and slide combinations which are required for various testing procedures in medical practice. The tray is preferably constructed of a strong transparent thermoplastic material and is provided with at least one specially configured surface designed to securely hold the same containers. The tray can be a single-piece tray or a two-piece tray. The preferred embodiment is a single-piece tray which can be folded into a closed position so that a first portion of the tray folds over a second portion of the tray, whereby the two portions of the tray are locked into position, requiring a reasonable exertion of force to reopen the tray. The tray containing the used sample containers is placed within the pouch. The pouch includes a foldable flap having means for sealing closure of its open end.

Abstract: A rack and retainer for use with an existing rack for holding test tubes and similar like articles. The rack or retainer is provided with a projecting member for firmly holding in position a test tube or similar like article placed therein.

Abstract: A package for shipping fluorescent lamps comprising a rectangularly shaped first carton closed at both ends and containing said lamps within and being disposed inside a hexagonally shaped second carton or sleeve. The longitudinal axes of both cartons are parallel and two opposing sides of the first carton are parallel to and in proximate contact with the inside surface of two respective opposing sides of the second carton inside the second carton. The package contains two triangularly shaped and opposing cavities each of which contains a triangular shaped spacer to prevent rotation of the first carton within the second carton.

Abstract: A biological sample transport container is provided for transporting vials containing medical or laboratory specimens. The container comprises a hollow encasement portion having a base wall, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls. A plurality of shock absorbent blocks are furnished having at least one hole extending through at least one block for holding the vials. The blocks rest upon the base wall between the side walls and the end walls. In addition, a cover lid and a guide mechanism for guiding the cover lid over the block of shock absorbent material is provided. The guide mechanism is disposed in the end walls of the encasement cover above the blocks. A jacket having a jacket cover and a jacket body is hingedly connected to the jacket body. The jacket body surrounds the hollow encasement portion whereby a fastening mechanism for releasable securing the closure of the jacket securely restrains the cover lid from being dislodged from the guide means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging articles includes a tray having a cavity adapted to receive the one or more articles therein. The cavity is defined by a pair of upstanding side walls, which extend slightly above the upper surface of the one or more articles when placed within the cavity. A retainer is adapted for securement to the upstanding side walls, and retains the one or more articles within the cavity. The retainer prevents outward movement of the articles from the cavity, and leaves a major portion of the articles exposed after packaging for viewing by a potential consumer.

Abstract: Package for grouped articles (5) presenting at least one extreme portion (4) having an outside cross-section which is lower than any analogous cross-section, essentially parallel to the first-named cross-section, of another portion (6) of these articles (5), in particular package for ampules, flasks, vials, syringes, bottles, comprising a support (1) in at least one of the faces (2) of which a number of recesses (3) are provided, in each of which said extreme portion (4) of said articles (5) can be maintained removably, the other portion (6) of the articles (5) being thus located outside the support (1), the distance (d) separating two adjacent recesses (3) being such that the articles (5) can extend side by side when their extreme portion (4) is at least partly entered into said recesses (3).

Abstract: A subdividing structure is fitted and secured within and disposed at the bottom of a carton, box, package of similar container structure to receive and position within the container road flares for transportation storage and use. The subdividing structure is constructed either from interfitting members which together form an "egg crate" like set of compartments, one for each flare or from high density foam formed with a plurality of spaced compartments. The subdividing structure compartments are each of a size and configuration to hold a single flare and of a height such that the ends of the wire support for the respective flares are disposed above the top of the subdividing structure so that the wire ends do not trap the flares in their respective compartments or otherwise hinder removal of the flares from their respective compartments.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for transferring irradiated f rods from a trough-shaped receptacle into a canister intended for terminal storage. The canister is docked at a pass-through opening formed in a partition wall of a nuclear facility. The arrangement includes a trough-shaped insert which is movable out of the terminal storage canister while empty and through the pass-through opening into the trough-shaped receptacle whereat it is filled with the irradiated fuel rods and then returned back through the opening and into the terminal storage canister. In this way, and with little effort, a transfer of fuel rods is achieved without components disposed between the receptacle and canister becoming contaminated by radioactive particles.

Abstract: A device to support and protect documents, which may be damaged when contacted with water, uses a tubular body constructed of a material sufficiently transparent to allow visual observation when the documents are disposed within a chamber in the body. The body has first and second ends and a wall extending between the first and second ends so as to circumscribe the chamber. Attaching apparatus is connected to the tubular body for attaching the tubular body to a support member. A first stopper is connected to the body for preventing moisture from gaining access through the first end into the chamber in the body. A second stopper is selectively connected to the body for preventing moisture from gaining access through the second end into the chamber in the body when connected to the body and for permitting access to the chamber in the body when inserting the documents into the body when the second stopper is disconnected from the body.

Abstract: A test tube cassette system and cassettes for use therein. Each cassette has a plurality of sample storage test tubes formed therein. The walls of the test tubes are planar thus providing superior optical characteristics. The cassettes are preferably molded of optically clear crystal polystyrene styrene. The test tubes cassette system also includes a rack for supporting and precisely positioning a plurality of cassettes. The system may also include either a plurality of stoppers for sealing the test tubes or a filter cassette adapted for insertion into the test tubes.In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the test tube cassette system of the present invention is particularly well adapted for automatic processing of the samples contained within the test tubes of the cassettes.