Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of incombustible material in a predetermined volume of coal includes irradiating the volume with .gamma.-rays from a first source having a first, low energy; and simultaneously irradiating the volume with .gamma.-rays from a second source having a second, higher energy. Rays of back-scattered radiation from the irradiated volume are detected. An analogue signal for each ray that is detected is generated, an amplitude of said signal being representative of the energy of the ray. Each analogue signal is converted into an equivalent digital signal. For all values of signals in a predetermined range, the number of digital signals having the same value that are detected in a predetermined time period is determined and said signals of the same value are stored together to provide a frequency spectrum. The frequency spectrum is processed to provide the concentration of incombustible material in the volume.

Abstract: A multiple pump, multiple tank fluid control system incorporates a programmable processor which communicates with an operator input/output control panel which can be switched between each member of the plurality of tanks. Pump on and off levels for a selected tank can be readily set electronically using control switches on the control panel. On and off levels for different pumps can be nested readily by the operator to provide multiple pump capacity as deemed desirable by the operator.

Abstract: A method and system for tufting fabrics are disclosed. In addition a number of alternative tufting heads are disclosed. The method and system take into account at least one of the following factors: the direction of traverse with respect to filaments, any change in direction of traverse, the yarn type and thickness, the orientation of the needle with respect to the filaments, the distorting effect the needle has on the filament grid network when it is inserted into the backing, and the backing. The position of the needle relative to the positions of the tufts in the pattern is adjusted in order to compensate for positional errors introduced by the factors mentioned. The tufting heads are also modified to make them suitable for automation.

Abstract: A container for storing and pouring liquids includes a single continuous wall forming a top, a bottom and sides thereof. The container has lower, intermediate and upper chambers, each chamber separated from the other by partitions formed as part of the continuous container wall. The partitions and the opposing walls of the container define orifices therebetween. The partitions prevent the lower chamber from being emptied of the liquid when the container is rotated to a horizontal position.

Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure includes a top wall portion, a depending annular skirt portion, and a container-engaging pilfer band at least partially detachably connected to the skirt portion. In order to avoid premature fracture of the connection between the pilfer band and the closure skirt, a selectively strengthened frangible connection is provided, preferably comprising a series of first relatively weak bridges, and a series of second relatively strong bridges. The relatively strong bridges are provided about a major portion of the circumference of the pilfer band and are sufficiently strong to resist premature fracture. The minor portion of the circumference at which the first relatively weak bridges are provided fractures and separates first during closure removal, permitting the pilfer band to engage the container to create a high resistance to removal for thereafter sequentially fracturing the second bridges.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved coating composition for glass substrates that comprises a poly(siloxane). The introduction of a poly(siloxane) in a coating composition for a glass substrate, and in particular an optical fiber, acts to delay the rate of deterioration of the glass or optical fiber due to moisture, and improves adhesion between the glass substrate and the coating composition. The introduction of a poly(siloxane) into a polymeric coating composition also improves the interlayer adhesion when more than one coating is applied to a glass substrate. This invention also provides an improved coated glass substrate having a decreased rate of deterioration due to moisture, improved adhesion between the glass substrate and the coating composition and between the various coatings, wherein the coating composition comprises a poly(siloxane).

Abstract: An elastically deformable element having multiple stacked strips for articulation in an endoscopic surgical instrument. The deformable element is usable in a variable retractor and an instrument having an articulating housing. The working section of the retractor variably moves from a curved configuration when outside of a sheath to a substantially straightened configuration when inside the sheath.

Abstract: A curable liquid resin composition comprising a urethane (meth)acrylate polymer obtained by reacting:(A) a polyol compound containing as structural units groups which are represented by formulae--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O-- or--CH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3)O--;(B) a polyisocyanate compound; and(C) at least one (meth)acrylate compound containing a hydroxyl group and coated articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: A cup holder mounted to a transversely extending handle of a shopping cart includes a holding member and an adjusting member. The holding member is mounted fixedly to the handle so as to project from the handle. The adjusting member is mounted to the handle so as to be pivotable between an operative position and an inoperative position. The adjusting member has a distal edge facing toward a concave edge of the holding member in the operative position of the adjusting member and away from the concave edge thereof in the inoperative position of the adjusting member. A cup having a frusto-conical wall can be supported between the concave edge of the holding member and the distal edge of the adjusting member with the adjusting member in the operative position or between the concave edge of the holding member and a near portion of the handle with the adjusting member in the inoperative position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus with which errors caused by the propagation of high order accoustic modes in ultrsonic flow measurement are reduced. Accoustic wave packets are transmitted between two transducers (1,2) arranged in a duct (3). A ringaround transmission technique is used and implemented by a control device (4) in which every fourth wave packet is inverted with respect to the preceding packets in order to annul the propagation effects of high order modes in the duct (3). This permits increased accuracy in the detection of reception of the wave packets by the transducers (1,2) enabling increased accuracy in flow velocity measurment.

Abstract: A cassette (1') for winding a tape (2') and retaining it as a coil, including a frame surrounding the coil with a central guide member, which radially outwards delimits the inner periphery of the coil and radially inwards delimits an opening in the center of the coil. The frame consists of a framework comprising at least two flat, rigid frame bands symmetrically crossed and interconnected on the back side of the coil. The bands extend radially outwards from their point of intersection, around the outer periphery of the coil and then extend again radially inwards along the front side of the coil, forming finally as the guide members hooked claws, which extend axially across at least a portion of the inner periphery of the coil. This open coil construction is most appropriate for a winding method, in which a winding member is inserted in-between the frame bands and is brought into firm contact with the coil for the tape to be wound onto this.

Abstract: A removal resistant closure and container assembly is provided. The container defines an opening. The closure is applied to the container to occlude the opening. A first thread is defined by the container and extends at least partially around the opening from a leading end to a trailing end. A second thread is defined by the closure and extends at least partially around the closure form a leading end to a trailing end. A projection is defined adjacent one of the first and second threads. The projection and the one thread define a space between them which is less than the width of the other of the threads. Either the projection or the other thread, or both, are resilient to accommodate deformation during relative rotational movement of the container and closure. When the closure and container are screwed together, the threads are relatively axially displaced from a threadingly engaged condition to a disengaged condition which resists re-engagement.

Abstract: A support beam for a storage rack has a tubular profile, which defines a ledge opening upwardly and inwardly, and which defines a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and either downwardly or upwardly at an angle from about 20.degree. to about 70.degree. relative to a vertical plane. Alternatively, the tubular profile may define two such surfaces defining an obtuse angle relative to each other, namely an upper surface at an angle from about 20.degree. to about 45.degree. relative thereto and a lower surface at an angle from about 45.degree. to about 70.degree. relative thereto, or a generally arcuate, indicia-receiving surface having a suitable measurement. The indicia-receiving surface enables a person who is standing, or who is sitting on a lift truck, to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to such surface. The support beam may also be used in combination with a properly positioned fire extinguishing device to extinguish a fire in a supported load.

Abstract: A system for fabrication of absorbent articles includes a linear array of frame modules each having an open interior. Panels are mounted to one face of the modules. Article fabrication mechanisms are mounted to project from the panels. Operating means are disposed within the modules and are operatively engaged through the panels with the fabrication mechanisms. An operating and control system is provided for a machine in which disposable absorbent articles are fabricated. Continuously operating mechanisms are driven by electric motors for continuously operating on moving webs and other components of the article. A main drive shaft is rotated for transferring power through direction phasing mechanical power transfer devices to mechanisms which intermittently effect unity operations with respect to an associated moving web.

Abstract: A capping head including a housing assembly including a magnetic clutch interconnecting a drive spindle and a quill for applying a closure to a container. The magnetic clutch consists of opposed rings of magnets and one of the rings is disposed in a piston ring assembly that is quickly and easily adjustable relative to the other to vary the torque limit of the clutch. A simple yet efficient clamping assembly is employed to facilitate ready adjustment and retention of the movable piston ring.

Abstract: This invention concerns an accessory, to be inserted in a drill string behind a drill bit, to provide separation of the liquid and air components of a flushing medium. The accessory comprises an inner housing (36) within an outer housing (34). A liquid/gas medium enters through opening (50) onto spiral raceway (48). Holes are provided at intervals along spiral (42). Liquid in the medium is centrifuged by the spiral (42) and projected into the chamber between inner and outer housings (36,34). The expelled liquid (52) falls to the base (70) of the housing (34) where it passes through apertures (38) into the drill bore. Once the medium has traversed the spiral (42) essentially only gas remains to pass through the opening (62) to the drill bit.

Abstract: A medical device for enclosing an internal bodily organ or tissue during surgery comprising a filamentary strand with noose and free end portions, the free end portion enclosed within a cannula; a surgical bag with an opening, the bag attached to the noose portion at the open end of the bag; and a means for pulling the free end portion proximally to reduce the diameter of the noose portion so as to close the open end of the surgical bag.