Abstract: A nuclear fuel identification system for use in nuclear power plants has an imaging system having a video camera and an array of illuminators surrounding the video camera and positioned to shine onto a nuclear fuel cell. The illuminators are sequentially activated to provide a series of images each having a different shadow pattern. These images are then digitized and stored until a complete set of the images are available. At that time, the images are superimposed and optimized for improved contrast. By viewing the distinct shadow patterns on the nuclear fuel cell, the identifying markings are readily visible. In addition to the shadow imaging system, a variety of laser devices are used to accomplish similar image generating functions. Such laser devices include a laser scanner, a distance laser device, an interferometer, a holographic interferometer, and a bi-refringent crystal prism.

Abstract: The method identifies a pixon, a fundamental and indivisible unit of information, and a pixon basis, which represents the smallest number of cells of arbitrary shape or position required to fit the data, representing the minimum degrees of freedom necessary to specify the image. The goodness-of-fit is determined according to the Maximum Residual Likelihood (MRL) statistic or a similar chi-squared statistic.

Abstract: An elongate tether of flexible material has a first end with a fastener for securing the tether to an escutcheon member or canopy surrounding an opening in a building wall, ceiling or floor, and a second end for securing to a pipe extending through the opening. The second end of the tether has a slot through which a flexible tie member such as a cable tie extends. The tie member can be looped around a pipe to secure the tether to the pipe.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the removal of water from corrosive halogen gases, particularly chlorine- or bromine-containing gases, down to .ltoreq.100 ppb water concentration are described. The critical component is a high silica zeolite, preferably high silica mordenite, which in a variety of physical forms is capable of dehydrating such gases to .ltoreq.100 ppb or .ltoreq.50 ppb without being detrimentally affected by the corrosive nature of the gases in the presence of water. The high silica zeolite is produced by the removal of alumina from a natural or synthetic zeolite while retaining the desirable zeolite structure, to a silica:alumina ratio of from 20-2000:1. Metal cations which may be depleted by the alumina removal may be replaced by solution impregnation. Halogen- or halide-containing gases, or those with equivalent corrosion properties, may be dehydrated without deterioration of the high silica zeolite.

Abstract: A light fixture comprises a lamp assembly, a cylindrical housing surrounding and supporting the lamp assembly, and a cylindrical mounting ring surrounding and supporting the cylindrical housing. The mounting ring includes an upper edge with a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections for engaging a support surface to define a plurality of airflow gaps. The mounting ring also has a pair of radially inwardly directed mounting tabs extending from the upper edge of the mounting ring for receiving fastener screws.

Abstract: A shear resisting member of a frame structure is formed from four triangular cross-section beams, each beam or stud formed from a single piece of cold formed sheet steel which is bent lengthwise along four parallel lines to form a triangular cross-section with two wings or flanges, side-by-side, extending from its apex. Within the frame structure of the shear resisting member, two frame beams have first beam lengths corresponding to the longer dimension of the opening in the wall to be reinforced, which are disposed parallel to each other. The other two beams have second beam lengths substantially shorter than the first beam lengths, the second beam length corresponding to the spacing between the frame studs or truss members of the structure being reinforced. Gussets are attached along the lengths of the wings or flanges of the second beams and the ends of the first beams to fasten the frame structure together.

Abstract: A retractable surfboard leash assembly including means for adjusting the exposed length thereof between the surfboard and the surfboard rider including an elongated, flexible leash defined by spaced-apart first and second distal ends, a housing forming an enclosed volume therein, a shaft centrally mounted in the housing; a spool pivotally mounted on the shaft inside said housing to which the first distal end of the leash is attached and a device provided in the enclosed volume to wind a length of the leash thereupon in an orderly fashion, a spring attached to the spool for winding and simultaneously storing potential energy when the leash is pulled from the housing, through an aperture formed therein, and unwinding and simultaneously releasing the stored potential energy when the leash is released to re-enter the housing for winding and storing therein, a cuff for attaching the housing to the surfboard rider and a device on the surfboard for attaching the second distal end of the leash, and diffuser device at

Abstract: A improved disposable bailer which is made of a pliant or flexible transparent tubing material for the collection of fluids and/or gases. The present invention allows sampling in minimally sized bores or wells which are not perfectly straight. Also, the invention permits sampling at the top of a fluid column or within a fluid column and permits acquisition of a vapor sample on top of the fluid column. In this embodiment, a vapor or liquid specimen may be sampled through a septum on the surface of the bailer. Also in this embodiment, fluids and gases may be collected through a flexible nozzle which acts as a valve when the collected sample constricts the nozzle opening due to the presence of the collected sample in the tubing. In another embodiment, samples are collected through the top of the tubing, allowing selective sampling within a column of fluid when the tubing is immersed. Another embodiment utilizes both the flexible nozzle and top opening to collect samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for shaping and portioning a viscous compounds inside a flexible coating during a feed movement in which the compound inside the coating is deformed by forces acting from outside, the direction of which periodically changes. Here, the forces acting from outside act against the feed movement of the compound and its coating at least partially and for a certain time. In the device, the mass runs inside the coating between two shaping components (1, 2), preferably in the form of a toothed belt.

Abstract: A foam producing apparatus has a first mixing chamber with an inner subchamber connected to a supply of gas at a first pressure and an outer subchamber connected to a supply of a foamable liquid at a second pressure higher than the first pressure. A plurality of orifices connect the outer subchamber to the inner subchamber. The foamable liquid is forced from the outer subchamber into the inner subchamber through the orifices and is atomized to form droplets carried by the gas to an outlet. A second mixing chamber is connected to the outlet of the first mixing chamber and is filled with an agitating medium so that droplets propelled through the second mixing chamber are violently agitated to produce the desired foam.

Abstract: An oil filter crusher includes a frame, a threaded drive screw, and a ram assembly, but does not include any actuator for driving the screw. Rather, a first end of the drive screw has a drive head to which a user may couple a conventional wrench, such as a pneumatic impact wrench of the type commonly used in automotive service centers. A thrust bearing assembly couples the second end of the drive screw to the ram assembly. A threaded portion of the drive screw engages a threaded opening in a portion of the frame. The ram assembly thus moves in an axial direction in response to rotation of the drive screw with respect to the frame. Rotating the drive screw in one direction moves it toward the filter to be crushed, and rotating it in the opposite direction moves it away from the filter.

Abstract: Topically applied compositions for transdermal administration of efficacious paid relief medication are described. The compositions contain several physiologically active components which act synergistically to attack pain-causing aspects of an injury or disorder while simultaneously blocking the immediate transmission and sensation of the pain. As the source of the pain is progressively diminished, the patient is spared the sensation of current and transient pain. Thus the compositions provide the patient with relief of both systemic and perceived pain. The compositions include medically effective amounts of a vasodilator, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a membrane stabilizer, and a seratogenic reuptake inhibitor, and a medically acceptable carrier into which the foregoing are incorporated. Medically effective amounts of a topical anesthetic and/or a steroid anti-inflammatory drug are also advantageously included.

Abstract: An improved safe deposit assembly including an outer housing, a removable inner container, and one or more lock devices which may be in signal communication with a time-delay device for securing valuables within. To unlock and remove the inner container from the outer housing, a separate cover is slid in to a slot on the outer housing. The cover locks a lock before releasing a latch, and neither the lock or latch are accessible until the container is removed from the housing. But a first lock must be unlocked before the cover may be slid in. The first lock may be in signal communication with a time delay to device to thwart robbery attempts. As the cover is slid in it first becomes trapped by a spring lock on the inner container and then it releases a second spring bolt lock that both seals the inner container and releases it from the outer housing. The sealed inner container may only be opened by unlocking the lock device.

Abstract: The stand incorporates two pairs of wheels and a support pole carried from a central pivot member. The stand is collapsible from an upright orientation in which all wheels are floor-engaging to a folded orientation in which the wheels lie closely alongside the support pole. The wheels are carried on wheel support elements which in turn are connected to a central pivot member. Folding and collapsing actions are synchronized by control arms that extend between the support pole and wheel support elements.

Abstract: A machine embroidery hoop assembly which retains a fabric workpiece securely in place throughout the machine embroidery cycle without the use of tapes or structures that may cause harm to the fabric. The assembly fit easily within the machine and allows the operator to easily insert and remove the workpiece. The embroidery hoop includes two securing members, a main clamp to hold the wide end of the workpiece and an elastic restraint to hold the free end. The main clamp has a wide, spring loaded bar cooperating with a fixed support to keep the fabric taut over its width, while the elastic restraint keeps the fabric pulled flat, so that the embroidery can be properly applied. The main clamp can easily be manually raised and lowered so the workpiece can be quickly and easily positioned in the hoop and then removed after embroidery. The whole assembly is of low height and fits easily into embroidery machine.

Abstract: A golf ball playing surface assembly includes a plurality of different mats having different surfaces for simulating different golf playing surface conditions. A playing surface in a golf simulator, hitting bay or practice area is provided with a rectangular recess of predetermined depth, length and width. The mats have different piles for simulating different playing surface conditions, and can be placed side by side in any selected configuration in the recess to cover at least a major portion of the recess area. The depth of the recess is substantially equal to the height of at least some of the mats, so that a hitting surface is provided which is substantially flush with the surrounding floor area. Different combinations of mats can be placed in the recess to simulate different playing conditions.