Abstract: A method for establishing a clam bed which includes raising clam larvae in a captive environment in which they are provided with adequate food and habitat requirements and kept isolated from predation by natural predators. In addition, a mobile, floating hatchery/nursery facilitates implementation of the method by providing a captive environment.

Abstract: A method for establishing a clam bed includes raising clam larvae in a captive environment in which they are provided with adequate food and habitat requirements, and kept isolated from predation by natural predators. The clam larvae are maintained in this environment during the first larval stage, referred to as the trochophore stage of development, when the larvae are particularly vulnerable to mortality. During the next stage of development, the developing larval clams are released, preferably in large numbers (saturation spawning) at any time during the veliger stage of development, i.e., the generic stage following the trochophore larval stage, and which includes the sub-stages of straight-hinge veliger, umbonate veliger, and pediveliger. Preferably, the entire process prior to release in accordance with the invention is carried out in a closed system, to significantly reduce possible exposure to contaminants and/or harmful predator larvae/parasites, in addition to larger animal predators.

Abstract: A method for establishing a clam bed includes raising clam larvae in a captive environment in which they are provided with adequate food and habitat requirements, and kept isolated from predation by natural predators. The clam larvae are maintained in this environment during the first larval stage, referred to as the trochophore stage of development, when the larvae are particularly vulnerable to mortality. During the next stage of development, the larvae are called veligers. The developing larval clams are released, preferably in large numbers (saturation spawning) at any time during the veliger stage of development, i.e., the generic stage following the trochophore larval stage and which includes the sub-stages of straight-hinge veliger, umbonate veliger, and pediveliger.

Abstract: A laser beam is used to puncture fuel cladding for release of contained pressurized fission gas from plenum sections or irradiated fuel pins. Exhausted fission gases are collected and trapped for safe disposal. The laser beam, adjusted to welding mode, is subsequently used to reseal the puncture holes. The fuel assembly is returned to additional irradiation or, if at end of reactivity lifetime, is routed to reprocess. The fuel assembly design provides graded cladding lengths, by rows or arrays, such that the cladding of each component fuel element of the assembly is accessible to laser beam reception.

Abstract: A teeing device utilizing hopper storage of golf balls for gravitational passage of a ball past a toggle like ball release mechanism for ball placement on a reciprocating tee assembly. A platform supports the hopper structure and provides a supporting surface for the golfer and is preferably supported in a removable manner enabling reorientation of the platform and hopper to suit right or left handed golfers with respect to a driving range or the like. An oscillating arm is driven through a cycle of operation by a circular cam plate on which a switch arm rides. A mercury switch carried by the arm closes a motor circuit upon the golfer momentarily depressing one end of the switch arm with the rotating cam plate thereafter retaining the switch arm in an inclined, switch closing position until a follower on the switch arm again seats within a cam plate recess.