Abstract: A method of forming an imaging fibre apparatus comprises: •arranging core rods 102 and cladding rods 104 to form at least one primary stack 100a, each primary stack 100a comprising a plurality of core rods 102 and cladding rods 104 arranged in a stack arrangement thereby to form a plurality of core regions within a cladding region; •performing a drawing process to form a plurality of drawn stacks from the at least one primary stack; •wherein the plurality of core rods and cladding rods are further arranged to have a selected shape such that the plurality of stacks stack together in a desired arrangement and wherein the stack arrangement comprises an at least partial outer layer of cladding rods thereby to provide separation between core regions of respective adjacent stacks when stacked in the desired arrangement, the method further comprising: •stacking the plurality of drawn stacks together in the desired arrangement to form a further stack; •drawing the further stack; and •using the drawn further stack to

Abstract: Minimum electron energy is used for the sterilization of preformed containers in order to minimize the machinery size, cost and radiation shielding required for in-line use. The electron energy required is reduced by the use of one-sided (unilateral) irradiation wherein the dose delivered by the primary radiation to thicker portions of the containers is supplemented by the dose delivered by scattered electrons.

Abstract: One method embodiment for resource management planning includes compiling regulatory requirements applicable to a resource, identifying the resource conditions that satisfy the compiled requirements, developing a computer implemented tool for selecting management practices that will satisfy the identified conditions when implemented, and all regulatory agencies interested in the compiled regulatory requirements agreeing that the selected management practices will satisfy the identified conditions when implemented. In one embodiment, a computer readable medium includes instructions thereon for making all regulatory requirements applicable to an agricultural resource available to an agricultural producer through a single source and then selecting management practices that will satisfy the regulatory requirements when implemented.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a resource management planning system includes a web server having access to digital imagery of geographic areas and geospatial information associated with the digital imagery, computer programming for compiling geospatial information for a site selected from the digital imagery, and computer programming for generating a resource management plan for the site based on the geospatial information. In one embodiment, a method for resource management planning includes associating geospatial information with digital imagery of geographic areas, compiling geospatial information for a site selected from the digital imagery, defining a planning unit within the site, defining characteristics of the planning unit, and generating a resource management plan for the planning unit based on defined characteristics.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a resource management planning system that includes a web server having access to digital imagery of geographic areas and geospatial information associated with the digital imagery, computer programming for compiling geospatial information for a site selected from the digital imagery, and computer programming for generating a conservation plan identifying resource problems for the site and identifying practices that when implemented are expected to solve the resource problems. In another embodiment, the system includes computer programming for generating a nutrient management plan identifying nutrient management practices for agricultural operations on a selected site in which nutrients are applied to the land and/or animal waste or other bio-nutrients are handled.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet that is molded from a shock absorbing foam. The helmet is preferably an single, homogenous piece of injection molded foam. An insert plate can be positioned near the user's forehead at the top and forward portion of the helmet. The purpose of the insert plate is to simulate the hardness of the user's head for heading a ball. The helmet can head the ball without the injury to the head and the brain as potentially encountered without protection. The soft-shell also minimizes injuries on other parts of the body that are struck by the helmet. The helmet can be utilized for football and other contact sports. Additional external components such as metal or plastic inserts can be inset molded into the foam. The purpose of these inserts is to improve stability and allow for attachment of face guards and chin straps.

Abstract: An anhydrous 5-aminotetrazole or “5-AT” based gas generating composition for use in passive restraint devices, such as air bags and a method of preparing the same that is devoid of metal oxides. The gas generating composition includes 5-AT with a blend of oxidizers such as potassium perchlorate and potassium nitrate. This gas generating composition is devoid of metal oxides, such as copper oxide or iron oxide, which form an insoluble slag when ignited. After ignition, the combustion products of the gas generating composition can be filtered with a filter assembly that includes a ceramic blanket. The ceramic blanket preferably includes an aluminum oxide and a silicon oxide.

Abstract: An ammonium nitrate and paraffinic material based gas generating composition is provided. The gas generating composition includes ammonium nitrate as a oxidizer, mixed with a paraffinic material as a fuel. Examples of paraffinic material include paraffin wax, and broadly includes polyolefins. Polyolefins include polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutylene. Additionally, as alternatives, the gas generating composition of the present invention can also include a small quantity of magnesium stearate, potassium perchlorate or alternatively, RDX. The ammonium nitrate oxidizer, the paraffinic material fuel and the additional alternative components are combined and mixed in a predetermined stoichiometric ratio. The gas generating composition is devoid of metal oxides and produces virtually no particulate and slag upon ignition.

Abstract: Powders and aggregates are treated in pneumatic transfer as a thin layer moving at high velocity which electrons from a selfshielded electron beam processor of voltage less than or equal to 500 kilovolts.

Abstract: A seat adjuster includes upper and lower track members having interfitting U-shape cross-section side portions which are slidably guided relative to each other by runners of low friction plastic material. The track members are slidably supported relative to each other by a shoe of the same material. A latch member includes a U-shaped locking portion which is receivable within slots in the side portions of the upper track member and a pair of a plurality of slots in the lower track member to releasably lock the track members to each other. Seat mounting brackets have hook shaped portions which are hooked to the base wall of the upper track member to releasably secure the brackets thereto. The brackets support a vehicle seat on the upper track member. One of the brackets has provisions for mounting seat belt restraints thereto with the loads imposed on the upper track member by such restraints being resisted by the interfitting side portions of the track members.

Abstract: A print ribbon handler for an impact type printer maintains the ribbon at a constant slant angle from the horizontal. A ribbon guide surface having threaded grooves is provided to guide the ribbon up and down at a constant vertical rate of change with respect to the horizontal/printhead travel back and forth across the printing span to keep the ribbon at the constant slant angle.