Abstract: A composition comprising an ampholytic copolymer or terpolymer and a non ionic surfactant is shown useful in soil treatment, especially moisture and nutrient retention. The highly surface active compositions described herein self-assemble onto root zone plant surfaces and near-root soil, forming a moisture barrier that still permits root growth and oxygen flow. The inventive compositions increases the wettability of the soil allowing the soil to better absorb water at the beneficial root zone, and release it, along with essential nutrients, to the plant root structure. By targeting moisture retention in the root zone, the polymer decreases the migration potential to the root zone, producing higher irrigation efficiency for optimal plant growth with lower treatment levels. Different dilutions of the composition determine the final settling location of the composition, and the formation of the barrier. The compositions may be applied through known means, such as an irrigation system.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting defects in discrete articles, such as fasteners having an indexable article carrier with a plurality of article holders on the article carrier for supporting articles in a holding position so that each article in the holding position moves in a prescribed path as the article carrier is operated; structure for incrementally indexing the article carrier to position each article holder alternatively in (a) a first position in which an article can be inserted therein from a supply, and (b) a second position spaced from said first position; structure for shifting an article in a holder in the second position out of the holding position therefor into an inspecting position and for rotating an article in a holder in an inspecting position so that the complete periphery of an article to be inspected is exposed for examination is included; and eddy current scanning structure for examining the exposed part of an article while being rotated in the inspection position therefor.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously working a plurality of workpieces comprising a support wheel defining a rotary axis and a periphery, means for rotatably indexing said support wheel in preselected angular steps about said axis, receiving means on said support wheel periphery for receiving one each said workpieces in similar orientation; retaining means for fixedly retaining said workpieces in said receiving means, first working means for simultaneously similarly working a preselected plurality of the workpieces retained in said receiving means, said plurality corresponding in number to one of said angular steps, to define a plurality of partially worked workpieces, sensing means for simultaneously sensing the condition of each of the worked workpieces and preventing further indexing of said suport wheel in the event an undesirable condition of any of the workpieces is sensed, second working means for further working said workpieces subsequent to sensing of the condition thereof by said sensing means, and means

Abstract: A sabot-type cartridge has a one-piece body of thermoplastic material and a standard body configuration, such as that of a .44 Magnum, with a propellant chamber, primer, and an integral sabot of full caliber. The sabot is generally hollow, cylindrical in configuration, with radially extending ribs, separated by longitudinal grooves, the ribs supporting and centering a sub-caliber projectile, such as a .22 caliber. The annular mouth of the sabot is co-planar with the tip of the projectile to form a tapered funnel-like air inlet. A gas-actuated cutter means, in the form of a normally cupped metal member, is interposed between the projectile and the propellant chamber. There are sharp cutting edges on the multiple lobes of the member to slice the sabot free of the cartridge upon detonation of the propellant. As the sabot exits from the muzzle of the firearm, air pressure expands the sabot, in the manner of a spring collet, and releases the projectile.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing fluidic substance including a valve housing (12) defining a general axial flow path through the housing, a diaphragm (22) disposed in the valve housing substantially transverse to the axial flow path and defining first and second compartments (38, 39) therein, the diaphragm having a surface facing away from the flow path which includes an annular rib (32) and further having at least one aperture (34) disposed through the diaphragm in a peripheral arrangement outside of the annular rib for allowing passage of fluidic substance from the first compartment to the second compartment, a tubular seal mounted to the valve housing and having an inner end (46) which opens to face the annular rib of the diaphragm, an outer end (50), an annular lip (60) defining the inner end of the seal, and being annularly pivotable relative to the pivoting break sealing engagement between the diaphragm and the tubular seal so that fluidic substance in the second compartment is permitted access to the bore (44) o