Abstract: A layer of compacted powdery microporous material is formed in a container of substantially air-impervious material by providing at least one air outlet region in the container together with barrier means which is adapted and arranged to substantially prevent passage therethrough of microporous material during compaction thereof, whilst permitting permeation of air displaced therefrom during such compaction. Also provided in the container is means to enable the displaced air permeating at least part of the barrier means during compaction of the microporous material to flow laterally of the direction of movement of a press tool between at least part of the barrier means and the base of the container toward the at least one air outlet region so as to be displaced from the container therethrough.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater having an electric heating element in the form of an elongate electrically conductive strip supported on edge and partially embedded in a layer of microporous thermal and electrical insulation material in a support dish is manufactured by placing an elongate electrically conductive strip on edge in a groove in a press tool, such that a portion of the strip protrudes from the groove, the groove being formed of a pattern corresponding to that required for a heating element in the heater. A predetermined quantity of powdery microporous thermal and electrical insulation material is arranged between the press tool and a support dish of the heater, and the insulation material is compressed into the support dish with the press tool, the material being compacted to form a layer of a desired density and simultaneously compacted against the portion of the strip protruding from the groove, to secure the strip on edge in partial embedment in the layer of the insulation material.

Abstract: An electrical heating element for a radiant electric heater takes the form of an elongate electrically conductive strip adapted for edgewise mounting on a base of thermal and electrical insulation material. The strip includes an elongate continuous portion and a discontinuous portion integral, and preferably coplanar, with the continuous portion, the discontinuous portion including a plurality of mounting tabs extending in a direction away from the continuous portion at spaced-apart locations, for securement to or in the base. Provided in each tab is at least one aperture such as a hole or slot or slit, so that thermal conduction into the tabs from the continuous portion is reduced or minimized and also variation in electric current density along the continuous portion of the strip is reduced or minimized when the strip is electrically connected for operation in a radiant electric heater.

Abstract: A balanced line such as 100 ohm UTP is coupled to an unbalanced line or port via a low pass filter enabling color video signals to be passed along the line without degradation. The preferred form of filter is a fifth order Chebychev. An improved performance is achieved by using dissimilar filters at each end of the line.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater is manufactured by a method which involves providing a base of microporous thermal and electrical insulation material having a substantially continuous surface, and providing a heating element in the form of an elongate electrically conductive strip. The strip is urged edgewise into the continuous surface of the base of microporous thermal and electrical insulation material so as to embed and support the strip edgewise in the insulation material along substantially the entire length of the strip to a depth corresponding to at least part of the height of the strip.

Abstract: A method for visibly marking an area contaminated with transformer oil or other organic liquid uses a marking composition that consists of a colorant held within a solid carrier material, the colorant being such as to effect a visibly perceptible change upon contact with the organic liquid. The carrier material may be an absorbent that permits delivery of the colorant through capillary action, or the colorant may be encapsulated by a cell-forming matrix material that interacts with the contaminating liquid to effect release.

Abstract: The method and apparatus effect reversal of a body moving at constant velocity, such as an interferometer reflector, by applying a retrograde electromagnetic force that varies in direct proportion to the distance the body has travelled past the point at which turn around is commenced. Circuitry employed is switched between proportional and integral control configurations, the latter permitting sine-wave oscillation to occur in a servo control loop during reversal.

Abstract: Poultry inoculation apparatus includes a solenoid-driven hypodermic needle which pierces the web of the constrained wing of a bird. A positive displacement pump delivers vaccine or other treating liquid to the needle for administration while the needle is in extended position.

Abstract: The device has a fixed rod 15 aligned with the working axis of the tool, e.g. a pistol drill. The rod 15 is in spring biassed, telescopic sliding engagement with a tube 16 fixed to an indicator head 17. The head 17 includes a universal-type pivotal coupling and bears indicia to indicate when the axis of the rod 15 is perpendicular to a work surface against which the head 17 bears. The rod 15 carries a depth gauge scale 19, and an adjustable stop 20 determines the maximum depth of penetration of the drill bit into the workpiece.

Abstract: A wound coil which is rotating about its axis is cut and severed against a stationary member by moving a rotatable cutting blade incorporating a circular cutting edge towards the rotating coil and the stationary member such that the cutting blade rotates about the axis of the arcuate cutting edge against the wound coil, becomes inserted between adjacent turns of the wound coil and cuts the wire forming the coil against the support. Once the coil has been cut, the cutting blade is moved away from the coil. A roller is provided to limit movement of the cutting edge of the cutting blade in the axial direction of the coil.

Abstract: Technetium is separated from radio-contaminated metal in a three-step process. The contaminated metal is dissolved in an acid solution; the technetium, present in the resultant solution as pertechnetate ions, is quantitatively reduced to its metallic state through a metal displacement (cementation) reaction with a base metal of lower reduction potential; and the desired metal is electrolytically recovered from the solution, substantially free from technetium contamination.

Abstract: Angled leg structures on the skid permit nesting and optimize force accommodation, and an intermedial runner component is disposed for constraining engagement with an underlying skid, to enhance stack stability. A cradle-like skid may be employed to support cylindrical loads, and a skid having a flat, rectangular upper surface may be employed for supporting cubic loads; the cradle form of skid can be assembled with a rectangular table component to provide a flat supporting surface thereon.

Abstract: A fastener has a head component with a channel in which are engaged bosses of a member to be secured, which bosses cooperatively form a passage for receiving the fastener. A tail component of the fastener is used for threading it through the apertures, and may thereafter be broken away to leave an inobtrusive body component, which may be released by rotating it about its axis.

Abstract: A stand for supporting simultaneously one or more guitars consists of an upright post having three yokes at its upper end and three radially extending legs assembled on a hub at its lower end. Each leg carries a holding member, vertically aligned under a yoke and serving to receive the bottom strap knob of a guitar while its neck is received within the yoke. Collapse to a small configuration is achieved by moving one tubular piece of the upright post into another, and by moving both pieces through the hub of the leg assembly.

Abstract: An electrical heating element for a radiant electric heater takes the form of an elongate electrically conductive strip for partial embedding edgewise in a base of thermal and electrical insulation material. The strip is composed of an elongate continuous portion and an elongate discontinuous portion integral with the continuous portion. The discontinuous portion is intended for embedding in the base and is provided with a plurality of discontinuities so that in operation of the heater current flow in the discontinuous portion is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: The fishing rod holder has an entrance opening in its front wall portion located intermediate its opposite ends, with slot portions extending longitudinally from the opening in both directions. A supporting element of resiliently deformable material is seated in the upper section of the passageway, and a flexible retaining member is adapted for disengageable securement on the body across the upper slot portion. A fishing rod, with a mounted reel, can be assembled with the holder by inserting its lower end through the entrance opening, sliding the rod downwardly in the passageway while lowering its grip portion toward the supporting element, and thereafter affixing the retaining member in place.