Abstract: Hydroponics systems and apparatus for operation in zero-gravity and low-gravity environments are disclosed herein. An apparatus can include an elongated main body having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a channel disposed between the inlet end and the outlet end. The channel can include a first portion, and a second portion. The first portion can include surfaces that are inwardly tapered in a direction from the second portion to the first portion. The second portion can include at least one opening such that a portion of a plant can extend through the at least one opening. Fluid can flow through the channel.

Abstract: A pick tool comprising a strike tip and a pick tool body, the pick tool body including a non-rotating strike tip at a first end of the pick tool body. A shaft is provided at a second end of the pick tool body, the shaft being configured to pass through an opening in a surface of a pick tool holder, the shaft being configured in use to be non-rotationally attached to the pick tool holder. The shaft projects from a pick tool abutment surface such that, when the pick tool is attached to the pick tool holder, the abutment surface abuts the pick tool holder surface. The abutment surface has an aspect ratio between its length and width of between 1.5:1 and 3:1. The pick tool body comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge being, in use, the edge that first contacts a formation, the trailing edge having an angle of less than 18° between a main axis of the pick tool and an axis from the strike tip to the abutment surface at the trailing edge.

Abstract: A rinsing device having a plurality of rinse modules, each of which has at least one circular turret adapted to transport containers through the rinsing device. The turrets are arranged to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis, the axis being offset from the horizontal by an angle sufficient to ensure drainage of cleaning fluid from the containers under the influence of gravity. The containers are preferably supported around the periphery of the turret with their longitudinal axes parallel to the axis of rotation of the turret.

Abstract: A contact glass composition for use in resistor-type spark plugs is described. The contact glass composition is a mixture of: (a) at least one metal; (b) graphite; and (c) silicon. Additionally, borosilicate glass, barium borate glass, magnesium aluminum silicate, ball clay, and aluminum may also be included in the contact glass composition.

Abstract: A technique for correcting wavefront aberrations introduced by large primary optical elements in portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The aberrations of the primary element are first transferred to a beacon beam and this aberrated beam is interfered with a reference beam in a holographic medium. These beams are then turned off and a beam from a distant object, containing the same aberrations, is allowed to diffract from the hologram. The diffracted beam from the hologram contains the image of the distant object with aberrations removed. Use of this technique permits the construction of large optical elements inexpensively, since surface tolerances of the elements can be substantially relaxed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for edging reinforced elastomeric fabric and a preferred method for the operation thereof. One embodiment of apparatus includes a frame, a table for support of the elastomeric fabric, at least one extruder assembly adjacent the table for the application of a suitable elastomeric material directly onto an edge of the elastomeric fabric and means for moving the elastomeric fabric over the table. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame, means for support of the elastomeric fabric and at least one extruder assembly adjacent the means for support for the application of a suitable elastomeric material directly onto an edge of the elastomeric fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for making sheets from reinforced elastomeric ribbon. The apparatus has a lead-in mechanism on which the ribbon is received for preliminary orientation. The apparatus also employs a transfer mechanism that incorporates a shuttle head which is supported by a primary carrier disposed over the assembly mechanism. The shuttle head is capable of being protracted from its normal position over the assembly mechanism to a position over the lead-in mechanism where it is also engaged by a stabilizing carrier which assures precise orientation of the shuttle head during its operative movements with respect to the lead-in mechanism. So stabilized the shuttle head: engages and grasps the ribbon presented by the lead-in mechanism; raises the ribbon off the lead-in mechanism; retracts to position the ribbon above the assembly mechanism; and, accurately deposits the ribbon on the assembly mechanism.