Abstract: Cut, cooked peppers, substantially free of core portions, are prepared. Cooked peppers are distributed to form an essentially single layer on a suitable support such as a conveyor. They are cut both parallel to and transversely to the direction of movement of the support. The support, holding pieces of flesh and core, is moved relative to a plurality of pins to impale both. The pins are preferentially withdrawn from the pieces of flesh and remain impaled within the cores, thereby separating one from the other. In its more comprehensive aspects, the process includes the further steps of: roasting the peppers whole, including core, stem and calyx, to provide roasted peppers; and washing and tumbling the peppers after roasting to separate skins therefrom. Desirably, the pieces of flesh are acidified, diced and packaged, after separation of the cores.

Abstract: A closed transfer apparatus for transferring liquid from a container to a dilution tank in measured volume includes an actuator moveable to a first position that energizes an electric pump to pump liquid from the container into a transfer tank and moveable to a second position which energizes the pump to pump liquid from the transfer tank to the dilution tank; the actuator being biased to a center position in which the electric pump is de-energized and the tanks and the container are all isolated.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle for operating in a predetermined work area while avoiding both fixed and moving obstacles. A plurality of laser, sonic and optical sensors detect targets and obstacles in the work area and provide coded signals to processors and controllers which direct the vehicle over a most expedient route to a target while avoiding any obstacles. The vehicle is especially useful in moving around the deck of an aircraft carrier to deliver ammunition to aircraft from an ammunition magazine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the controlled chlorination of a water supply in which an alkali metal salt of dichloroisocyanuric acid is dissolved to form a concentrated chlorine solution that is slowly released into the water supply. The apparatus contains an internal standpipe, open to the water supply at its bottom end and having water inlet apertures and solution metering apertures in its wall. The natural circulation of water in the standpipe through the solid dichloroisocyanurate charge contained in the apparatus results in chlorination of the water supply at a rate controlled by the size and number of solution metering apertures.

Abstract: An activated sludge sewage treatment process which includes a mixed liquor tank and a pressure vessel much smaller in size than said mixed liquor tank. At least a portion of the influent to said tank is directed to the pressure vessel where oxygen is dissolved therein under superatmospheric pressures. The pressure is then released and said portion of the influent gently transferred into said mixed liquor tank so that substantially all of the dissolved oxygen remains in solution until said influent portion is mixed with the sewage in the mixed liquor tank to thereby raise the dissolved oxygen concentration in the tank.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for shearing spent nuclear fuel assemblies of the type wherein a plurality of long metal tubes packed with ceramic fuel are supported in a spaced apart relationship within an outer metal shell or shroud which provides structural support to the assembly. Spent nuclear fuel assemblies are first compacted in a stepwise manner between specially designed gag-compactors and then sheared into short segments amenable to chemical processing by shear blades contoured to mate with the compacted surface of the fuel assembly.