Abstract: A device for calibrating a laser beam system includes a calibration member having a surface positioned at a predetermined distance from the base datum of the unit. Further, the system includes a mechanism for focusing the beam to a focal point and for moving the focal point relative to the surface of the calibration member. When the focal point reaches the surface of the calibration member, Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) is induced. Thereafter, the position of the location of LIOB may be measured relative to the base datum to calibrate the laser beam. Further, patterns may be applied to the calibration member using LIOB to calibrate tilt/decenter of the beam and to determine the energy density and uniformity in the focal spot of the laser beam.

Abstract: In a fishing hook assembly of the type in which, in a first set condition, limbs of the assembly presenting hooks are restrained by a latch member which when actuated by a fish striking the assembly permits the limbs to move under the influence of resilient urging thereof to a second released condition in which the fish is snared by the hooks the actuation of the latch member is a pivotal movement thereof about an intermediate axis with the trigger of the latch member being moved towards the plane of movement of the hooks.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an insulant having a self reticulating structure for an electrical cable including at least one bare wire (1) obtained from a wire-drawing machine (10), the method comprising:using grafted polyethylene which is finely crushed or which is obtained in powder form;finely crushing gypsum to act as an expansion agent and as a reticulation catalyst;mixing the polyethylene and the gypsum without kneading; andmaking a fluidized bed or an electrostatic suspension of the resulting mixture and passing a bare wire through the resulting fluidized or suspended mixture while the wire is at high temperature at the outlet from the wire-drawing machine, the temperature being in the range 200.degree. C. to 350.degree. C.