Abstract: A hydraulic control system for controlling expansion and contraction of a cylinder. The cylinder comprises an extension chamber and a contraction chamber. The hydraulic control system comprises a first servovalve comprising a first pressure supply port and a first pressure discharge port and adapted to selectively communicate the expansion chamber with the first pressure supply port and with the first pressure discharge port. A second servovalve, comprising a second pressure supply port and a second pressure discharge port, is adapted to selectively communicate the contraction chamber with the second pressure supply port and with the second pressure discharge port.

Abstract: A method has been disclosed for preparing a co-precipitated microcrystalline dye dispersion, the absorption spectrum of which exceeds the summoned spectra of individually dispersed dyes, which comprises, as consecutive preparation steps: adding to one vessel, an amount of at least one pentamethine oxonol-type barbituric acid filter dye having ionizable sites in its molecular structure; adding thereto an aqueous alkaline solution in an amount sufficient to completely dissolve the said filter dye while stirring the solution thus formed; adding in another vessel, to an amount of at least one pyrrole type filter dye, an amount of water, followed by adding of an aqueous alkaline solution and a surfactant; followed, after having completely dissolved (under stirring conditions) the said pyrrole type filter dye, by adding to the solution thus formed in the other vessel, the solution formed in the one vessel; adding an aqueous acidic solution up to a pH of less than 3.

Abstract: A system has been disclosed for use in radiographic industrial non-destructive testing materials and personal monitoring, making use therefor, of tabular silver brom(oiod)ide emulsion grains having {111} major faces, an average equivalent circular diameter of at least 0.5 &mgr;m and an average thickness of less than 0.30 &mgr;m, having been chemically sensitized by the steps of adding at least a gold salt in order to provide the surface of said tabular grains with at least 6000 atoms of gold per &mgr;m2 of its grain surface and per (0.1 &mgr;m of thickness)2; and at least a sulfite salt in such an amount that the ratio of the number of gold atoms per &mgr;m2 and (concentration of said sulfite salt, expressed in mmole per mole of silver)2 is at least 200000.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of radioactive graphite which includes the following steps: (i) reacting the radioactive graphite at a temperature in the range of from 250° C. to 900° C. with superheated steam or gases containing water vapor to form hydrogen and carbon monoxide; (ii) reacting the hydrogen and carbon monoxide from step (i) to form water and carbon dioxide; and (iii) reacting the carbon dioxide of step (ii) with metal oxides to for carbonate salts. The process enables radioactive graphite, such as graphite moderator, to be treated either in-situ or externally of a decommissioned nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A particle separator for a fluid pump has a cylindrical body which is attachable to a pump by a flexible sleeve and has tangential slots directing intake fluid in swirling manner about an inlet tube within the cylindrical body. The inlet has an enlarged outer diameter at its lower end which causes the swirling inlet fluid to accelerate—thus aiding in particle separation.

Abstract: A method and system for determining meat quality in cattle is provided. In preferred embodiments the method comprises obtaining an ultrasound measurement of a cattle specimen between the 12th rib and 13th rib at weaning age. The ultrasound measurement is utilized to extrapolate a harvest quality parameter. Based on the harvest quality parameter, and preferably a yield grade, the specimen is categorized. Particularly preferred harvest quality parameters are ribeye area, fat thickness, intramuscular fat and ribeye shape. Methods for determining tenderness, stress and intramuscular fat are described and claimed.

Abstract: A wireless phasing voltmeter having a high impedance AC voltmeter in series with two high impedance probes. Shielding surrounds and electrically isolates the voltmeter and probes which communicate via wireless, FM transmission, thus eliminating the cable customarily used to connect the probes. The signal transmitted may be analog or digital. The transmitter and receiver may be plugged into the same jacks on the probe that were used for the cable. In parallel with the voltmeter and connected electrically with the shielding is an electrical circuit designed to add the capacitive current to a current detected by the probes in such a way that the net effect on the measured current is zero.

Abstract: A planking tool comprising a base, a handle mechanism rotatably attached to the base and a pair of teeth slidably attached to the base wherein the teeth are movable between an engaging position and a disengaging position. A first connecting mechanism attaches the handle mechanism to the pair of teeth. A push plate slidably attached to the base is slidable between an extended position and a withdrawn position. A second connecting mechanism attaches the handle mechanism to the push plate. When the handle is rotated relative to the base the pair of teeth move from the disengaging position to the engaging position while the push plate remains in the withdrawn position. As the handle continues to rotate relative to the base the pair of teeth remain in the engaging position and the push plate moves from the withdrawn position to the extended position.

Abstract: A method, and system, for refuse removal from a collection site. The method comprises transporting multiple containers in an inverted stack to the collection site. Engaging a first container of the multiple containers with a rotating fork lift truck. Lifting the first container from the inverted stack with the rotating fork lift truck. Rotating the first container with the rotating fork lift truck.

Abstract: A stabilizer for training a person in equestrian jumping. The stabilizer comprises an upper brace and a lower brace. The upper brace comprises an upper side and a lower side. The upper brace is capable of receiving a person's neck therein. The lower brace is attached to the lower side of the upper brace and extends downward from the upper brace. The lower brace comprises a rear panel which is substantially parallel to the chest of the person.

Abstract: A pellet, intended for the late inoculation of cast irons, obtained by agglomeration of a powdered inoculant, characterised in that the mass proportion of the granulometric fraction 50-250 microns of the powdered inoculant of which the pellet is constituted is comprised between 35 and 60%, and the mass proportion of the granulometric fraction below 50 microns is lower than 25%.

Abstract: A bulk material handling facility includes an unloading tube positionable for connection to several discharge openings of a transport vehicle without requiring repositioning of the vehicle. The unloading tube is pivotally supported so that it can be swung out of the way when not in use. The unloading tube may include an elevated portion permitting passage of personnel and equipment when the unloading tube is in use.

Abstract: A radiographic silver halide film material and a radiographic screen/film combination has been disclosed, said material having in at least one light-sensitive layer thereof an emulsion comprising {111} tabular silver halide grains rich in silver bromide, spectrally sensitive to irradiation in the wavelength range between 540 and 555 nm by the presence of a combination of at least one J-aggregating spectrally sensitizing cyanine dye according to the formula (I) and of at least one additional cyanine dye providing a shift of maximum absorption wavelength of said combination of less than 10 nm versus in the absence thereof, wherein said additional cyanine dye is at least one monomethine cyanine dye according to the formula (II), essentially having a solubilizing group or a latent solubilizing group, said dyes having been given in the description and in the claims of the present invention.