Abstract: A refuse collection vehicle has a container collection arm with a telescoping boom coupled with a refuse stowage unit of the vehicle. A grasping mechanism is coupled with an end of the boom. A rotary actuator couples the grasping mechanism with the boom to enable a waste container to be moved between a pick up position and a dump position.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a wafer cassette, or pod, resting on an arrangement of pins allows cassette detection without interfering with insertion of a robotic paddle arm beneath the cassette to remove it for transport. A cassette resides on an arrangement of beveled pins which mate with corresponding receptacles on the underside. Pins supporting the cassette have a spring biased, hollow outer cylinder coaxially mounted around a center post. A cassette placed on the pins displaces the outer cylinder downward a sufficient distance to trigger a sensor. Upon removal of the cassette, the outer cylinder is displaced upwards, resetting the sensor.

Abstract: A method for minimizing low temperature shrinkage of an axially-oriented polyester which includes heating the polyester out of contact with any surface by employing impinging heated gas at a temperature of about 140.degree. to about 180.degree. C. for a time between about 15 and about 3 seconds, and stabilized polyester obtained thereby.

Abstract: A cash register security system has a first latch normally adapted to engage and securely hold within a cash register a false drawer, a release device connected to the first latch for releasing the first latch from engaging and holding the false drawer within the cash register, a second latch adapted to engage and hold within the cash register a cash drawer, the second latch normally being in disengagement with the cash drawer, a locking device connected to the second latch for locking the second latch in engagement with the cash drawer and holding the cash drawer within the cash register, an alarm circuit connected to the release device and the locking device and an alarm switch connected to the alarm circuit for operating the alarm circuit and activating the release device and the locking device whereby the cash drawer is locked within the cash register and only the false drawer may be ejected from the cash register after the alarm switch is operated.