Abstract: A fishing rod in which the line passes internally through a hollow shaft and wherein the shaft includes a plurality of perforations spaced longitudinally along the shaft. The perforations serve to reduce wetness within the shaft, and the reduction in wetness reduces friction and drag between the line and the internal surface of the hollow shaft. The internal surface of the shaft may be provided with contact reducing irregularities and one or more coatings of materials such as water repellent, anti-frictional, reinforcing and/or wear resistant materials to further enhance properties such as the dispersal of water, reduction of friction and the structural integrity of the rod.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for fluids containing hydrogen and subjected to a neutron flux. The vessel comprises an inner sealing layer and an outer load bearing layer. The inner sealing layer is composed of a material having a radiation induced diametral deformation rate higher than that of the outer layer to minimize stresses therein. The outer layer is provided with apertures, and the boundary between the inner and outer layers is non-metallurgical such that any fluid which penetrates the sealing layer will readily pass through the outer layer where it can be detected, by suitable detector before it produces embrittlement of the load bearing layer. The preferred application for the invention is in pressure tubes for a nuclear reactor.

Abstract: This invention provides non-destructive testing of elongate compressible materials, and particularly to determine the elastodynamic properties of a material, and/or to detect defects such as non-uniformities in resilience or hardness, subsurface as well as surface defects such as inclusions, voids, tears, and the like. The material to be tested is passed between two rollers of substantially contant roller spacing. Measurement of the load provides an indication of elastodynamic properties of the material. Variations in the measured load can be utilized to detect defects in the material. The invention has been found particularly suitable for the testing of material for seals, such as O-rings.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for sequential release of articles, particularly suited for aerial reforestation. The apparatus comprises a rotating cylindrical magazine having peripherally arranged receptacles, a stepping selector sleeve with a helical row or row of apertures that align with the receptacles and an outer casing with an opening allowing sequential release of articles as the magazine and selector sleeve rotate.