Abstract: A plumb weight hung onto a plumb wire anchored firmly at one end bears a laser light emitter which lies opposite a stationary photoelectric receiver. The receiver has a photodetector arrangement which is connected downstream of an optical system and a matt screen. The light emitter and receiver form an optical position measuring system. Relative movements between the anchoring point of the plumb wire and hence between the plumb body and the receiver transverse to the vertical direction result in a change of the position of the point of incidence of the light beam on the photodetector arrangement. By measuring the respective position of this light spot, the degree of movement of the plumb body and hence of the plumb wire anchoring point relative to the receiver can be determined.

Abstract: Two phase-shifted quadrature signals are formed from a reception signal modulated by frequency-shift keying. Instant values of one of the quadrature signals are taken at the instant when the other quadrature signal passes through zero and vice-versa. The readout values obtained during an interval of one data bit are alternatingly inverted in their polarity or left unchanged, so that a sequence of readout values of adapted polarity is formed. The values are algebraically added in an added during each of the bit intervals. The sign of the resultant sum determines the evaluated value of the received information symbol `0` or `1` and the amount of the sum is a measure of the quality of the evaluation.

Abstract: The tubing system comprises a number of measuring stops or surfaces arranged in a predetermined mutual spaced relationship. The spacing is utilized for determining the displacements in the material enclosing the tubing. This displacement is ascertained by a measuring probe introduced into the tubing from the outside. The measuring stops are provided on measuring tube unions or coupling sleeves in order to ensure that displacements in the material can also be transmitted to the measuring stops even in relatively soft material without a stiffening effect of the tubing. The connection between the measuring tube unions or coupling sleeves takes place exclusively through a telescope-type protecting tube insert. A rigid anchoring of the measuring tube unions or coupling sleeves to the inner wall of an accommodating hole or bore hole provided in the material to be investigated takes place through filling collars fastened to the outside of the measuring tube unions or coupling sleeves.

Abstract: Before or during their solidification in a matrix, the radioactive ion exchange resin particles, which can be anion and/or cation resins, treated with an additive, which has inorganic or organic anions or cations or organically anion active or cation active components and is chosen in such a manner that the treatment has the effect to reduce the swelling behavior of the resin particles and preferably produces a permanent shrinkage of the resin particles. This change of the resin particles can also be attained or supported by a thermal treatment.A matrix contains ion exchange resin particles which are treated in such a manner shows an improved water resistance which, contrary to the current state of the art, will also remain assured when the matrix is dried and then again stored in water. In addition, it is possible to accommodate a larger amount of treated resin particles in a volume, as compared to untreated resin particles.

Abstract: A measuring tube is inserted into a bore hole for measuring underground fluid pressure and is sealed against the bore hole wall for limiting the areas or regions in which the pressure measurement is to occur. A measuring cell is inserted into the measuring tube wall in each of these areas or regions and includes a mobile pressure sensing element against which acts the pressure of the medium surrounding the measuring tube. An end of the pressure sensing element projects into the inner space of the measuring tube and, for measurement, a measuring wheel of a measuring probe is brought into position underneath the end of the pressure sensing element such that the latter is moved radially outwards against the pressure exerted on it. The force which thus acts on the measuring wheel is determined by a measuring device for measuring the pressure. The medium to be measured does not enter or leak into the measuring tube since the measuring cell is sealingly inserted into the measuring tube.

Abstract: A tubular sheath for particulate nuclear fuel has microporous retaining elements formed by winding metal strip about a central pin and pushing the resulting spiral into the sheath ends. The metal strip has transverse grooves formed by a photo-etching process which form axial gas passages narrow enough to prevent passage of fuel particles. Suitable materials for the strip include molybdenum and tungsten. A stainless steel strip can be used if a molybdenum or tungsten disc is placed between it and the fuel.

Abstract: A solution is provided for decontaminating steel surfaces, especially in nuclear reactor cooler circuits. The solution contains formic acid and/or acetic acid and at least one reducing agent such as formaldehyde and/or acetaldehyde. The solution is effective to dissolve the iron oxide from the contaminated steel surface directly and/or reductively and to convert it to Fe-(II)-formate or acetate which are stabilized by the reducing conditions in the solution. For waste disposal the dissolved iron is precipitated from the used decontaminating solution, wherein the iron compounds that have been formed are the sole adsorbents for the radioactive materials contained in the decontaminating solution.

Abstract: Heat gelable droplets of a suitable liquid feed material are dielectrically heated to the gelling temperature by exposure to microwave radiation during free fall through a heating zone. The gelled microspheres thus produced are caught and collected in a washing liquid. The microwave radiation is provided through the use of a hollow cavity resonator. A vertical tube which is transparent to microwaves extends through the resonator to delimit the processing zone for the free falling droplets. Frequency control means and a reflected radiation measuring device are associated with the resonator and radiation generation means so that the operation of the system may be closely controlled.