Abstract: A method includes transporting with a vehicle to a first location a first article addressed to a recipient associated with the first location. The first article is deposited at the first location. A second article that includes a technical nutrient is retrieved from the first location. The second article is transported with the vehicle to an intake node of a mail delivery network. The second article is transported via the mail delivery network to one of a plurality of geographically separated intake nodes of a technical nutrient redistribution network. Alternatively, the second article may include a biological nutrient or a biotechnical nutrient, and the redistribution network is a biological nutrient or biotechnical nutrient redistribution network.

Abstract: A method of processing a communication apparatus includes putting the communication apparatus into a distribution channel for distribution via one or more intermediaries to a user of the communication apparatus, the user of which can forward the communication apparatus to a desired recipient. The communication apparatus includes a substrate and a communication element coupled to the substrate and is constructed of one or more materials that are a bio-technical nutrient. The communication apparatus is received from a recipient directly or via one or more intermediaries. The communication apparatus is processed to prepare a second communication apparatus for distribution to another user.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing promotion information and for generating available rewards therefrom is disclosed. The system stores a plurality of promotion information records, where each record includes an available reward in connection with a purchase from a vendor. The system also stores a user profile for a system user which includes user preference information based upon preferences of the user. The stored promotion information records are presented to the user. Such user selects records for presentation and selects the available reward of a record. The selected available reward is the stored for the user. A reward is issued to the user upon presentation of a pre-determined account identifier to a vendor in connection with a purchase for which the available reward has been stored. The account identifier identifies an account from which funds are to be transferred to the vendor.

Abstract: A system for accessing and displaying promotion information and for generating redeemable coupons based on at least one of the accessed promotions stores promotion information records each of which includes an electronic coupon offer and information in connection with a product/service a merchant sells. The system also stores a user profile for a system user which includes user preference information. The stored records are presented according to a hierarchical menu structure. The user navigates menus to select promotion information records for presentation. The user electronically clips the coupon offer of the presented record and the electronic clipped coupon is stored. At the merchant, the electronic clipped coupon is accessed and reviewed, and a paper coupon corresponding to the electronic clipped coupon is selectively generated for redemption by the merchant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stabilizing an aqueous solution of .sup.99 Mo molybdate, characterized in that a substance, selected from water-soluble nitrates, chlorates and phosphates is added.The invention further relates to aqueous solutions of .sup.99 Mo molybdate containing an added stabilizing substance, and optionally an added oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A system for the processing of signals collected by an eddy current absolute point transducer moving along an inner surface of a conductive material tube and supplying a representative signal concerning the state of the inner surface. The system incorporates a stage for scanning the surface in accordance with a given order or sequence of elementary measurement zones and recording the sampled values of the signal supplied by the transducer for each of the elementary zones, which makes it possible to obtain a three-dimensional image representative of the surface. The system also constructs a background noise surface on the complete image, subtracts the background noise surface from the image and detects a defect or fault on the surface. Such an invention may find particular application to the inspection of steam generator tubes.

Abstract: A pulsed eddy current testing system for detecting defects in a part. A probe carries an exciting pulse in one coil and receives a measuring signal in a second coil. The measuring signal is sampled at two instants defined by short and long time lags. The two amplitudes obtained are plotted in a representative plane having two reference axes. The point having the signals as coordinates describes a figure eight, when the part has a defect. The size and orientation of the figure gives information on the defect in the part.

Abstract: A screen printing machine comprises a support frame comprising vertical and horizontal members and having a rear side, a front side spaced horizontally forward therefrom, and a plurality of stanchions projecting upward between the front and rear sides and an auxiliary frame lying and horizontally movable on the stanchions and projecting forward past the front side of the support frame. A screen is clamped to the auxiliary frame so that the screen is cantilevered on and projects forward beyond the front side of the support frame and lies fully forward of the front side of the support frame. A platen disposed below the screen and forward of the front side of the support frame is pivotal on this support frame at its rear side about a pivot axis so that the platen projects wholly beyond the front side of the support frame and access to the platen and the screen is afforded on all sides thereof except for rear edges of the screen and the platen which are proximal to the support frame.

Abstract: Endless V-shaped belt, provided with longitudinal elements allowing the increase of the power transmitted with a conventional belt, comprises a rigid transverse part, integral with the longitudinal armature, used for the transmission of the motion by contact and pressure in the groove of a pulley, each transverse part being provided as a thin V-shaped plaquette (1), cut at the upper or lateral portion thereof to allow the passage and seating of the longitudinal armature.

Abstract: A device for checking bent tubes by means of a probe, such as a pneumatically propelled eddy-current probe. The device comprises a sealing-tight enclosure adapted to communicate with the tube to be checked via a connecting tube. The introduction pressure of the probe is produced by a pneumatic circuit. The probe comprises a checking head and a cable having floaters and is wound on a coil driven by a torque motor. The introduction speed of the probe is controlled by passing it over a drive pulley, to which it is permanently applied by a strap tensioned by a spring, the pulley being mounted on the shaft of a constant-speed motor. Application to the checking of the tubes of heat exchangers, condensers and steam generators, more particularly of nuclear reacters.

Abstract: New product consisting of glycoprotein having a molecular weight of about 14,000 and an isoelectric point of about 4.6, its absorption spectrum having an absorption of .epsilon.=0.12 units of optical density (O.D.) at 280 nm for an aqueous solution of 1 mg (dry weight) per ml of water. This product has immunoregulating properties and is useful in allergic therapeutic composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and to devices for the inspection of the surface of a member by means of an eddy current probe. By scanning the member means of the transducer following a given path, the sampled values of the signal supplied by the transducer are recorded for clearly defined positions of the transducer. By restoring the signals, it is possible to simulate a displacement of the transducer along a different path and/or simulate the displacement of a larger size or different type of transducer. The process may be used in steam generators in nuclear reactors and to the examination of irradiated fuel rods in these reactors.

Abstract: Process and device for non-destructive testing or inspection by eddy currents with correction of the air gap effects. A differential measurement and an absolute measurement are performed and the result of the former is divided by that of the latter, which supplies a signal with respect to which the effects of the air gap separating the probe from the member to be inspected are corrected. Application to the inspection and testing of metal members.

Abstract: This drier for serigraphic-process screen printing sheets comprises an endless conveyor supported by a frame structure associated with means for blowing non-heated air onto the sheets. The conveyor comprises in combination, a plurality of trays each comprising a solid air-tight support surface mounted on a frame, a deflector edge fixed to the side of the frame of a tray adjoining the conveyor, a plurality of nippers placed on said deflector edge, means for hinging each tray to the conveyor, said combination of means allowing a current of air coming from the deflector side to reach a very high speed without damaging or blowing away the sheets supported by the trays.