Abstract: A control system for avoiding coupled neutronic-thermal hydraulic instabilities during maneuvering of a boiling water nuclear reactor that determines the average elevation in the reactor core of the coolant boiling boundary, and avoids instabilities by maintaining the core average coolant boiling boundary elevation above a target value, which is dependent on reactor design specifics but may be about four feet, in core power-flow operating regions which are subject to instabilities. The system may be implemented without physical modification of existing reactors or reactor instrumentation and control systems through use of the reactor core monitoring computer, which typically has available all core parameters necessary for the computations required in the invention.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a tremolo bridge prevents disablement of an instrument in the event of string failure. An abutment, selectively actuated, serves to support and position a tremolo bridge so that pre-failure tuning of the remaining strings is maintained. A method is disclosed for stabilizing a tremolo bridge, comprising steps of determining the normal position of the bridge with strings intact and the tremolo not actuated, providing a retractable stabilizer capable of maintaining the bridge in that position, and selectively using the stabilizer to limit disabling movement of the tremolo bridge in the event of a string failure.

Abstract: In a transdermal drug delivery system, encapsulation material used to coat drug granules controls the release of an active ingredient. The active ingredient is released into a water retaining matrix, which acts as a reservoir, and transdermal drug penetration is driven by the resulting concentration gradient. The delivery system is enclosed in a patch comprising a composite shell, which acts as an occlusive covering when attached to skin, thus enhancing the hydration of the skin area and fostering absorption of the drug. Visible change indicators incorporated into the system provide indicators at significant "landmarks" in the lifetime of the patch. Microcapsules used for the indicator may be formulated so that the penetration of moisture effects a color change at a time when the active ingredient is almost exhausted. This feature alerts to the user to the need for application of a replacement patch.

Abstract: A method harvesting mushrooms comprises steps of engaging picked mushrooms with supporting pins, to place the mushrooms in a desired orientation for separation of caps from stumps, and cutting the caps from the stumps by relative movement of the supported mushrooms and a cutter spaced from the ends of the supporting pins. Size grading of the cut mushrooms is relatively easily accomplished by arranging the picked mushrooms in the apparatus according to size. One apparatus for practicing the method has a frame, a vertically movable bed associated with the frame, and spaced mushroom supporting pins extending upwardly from a bottom wall of the frame through clearance openings in the bed. The pins and bed support mushrooms in an upright position, enabling a horizontally moveable cutter associated with the frame and operable in a plane above the ends of the pins to separate mushroom caps from stumps.

Abstract: An interlining of multiple plies the plies of which may be dissimilar, is made by joining fabric from respective rolls, gathering the stitched-together fabric as roll goods, and die cutting the stitched-together fabric from the roll goods before sewing the interlinings into neckwear.

Abstract: A method of combined optical mark reading ("OMR") and image processing utilizes a response sheet having a grid of response positions suitable for marking and for processing by OMR and at least one response area for a response of an alphanumeric or pictorial nature, the response area encompassing at least one of the positions suitable for processing by OMR. The response sheet is scanned to detect the presence of data signifying marks at positions in the grid and the grid is sensed for marks capable of detection and reading by OMR. In response to the sensing step, an image in the response area of a response of an alphanumeric or pictorial nature is selectively captured and stored simultaneously with OMR.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for decontaminating water, using an ionizing reactor. Water contaminated by organic compounds is introduced into a chamber in which it is concurrently irradiated by microwave and an ultraviolet source to activate it by photolysis. The water is then introduced to a hydroxyl reactor chamber. An oxidizing reagent, such as hydrogen peroxide, is irradiated by subjecting it to the UV source and conducting it through the chamber, without mixing it with the water. The activated water and irradiated oxidizing reagent are then vectored to a locus at which they are mixed under UV from the source. The apparatus and method may be incorporated into a water treatment system employing existing contaminant extraction techniques, such as immiscible fluids separation and turbo-aspirated sparging.