Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and methods for reducing rewrite overhead in a sequential access storage system. The method may comprise writing a data set to a sequential access medium using a magnetic head, wherein the data set comprises a plurality of encoded data blocks, classifying each of the plurality of encoded data blocks on the sequential access medium into one of at least three classes of write quality, and rewriting the encoded data blocks in a rewrite area of the sequential access medium based at least in part on the write quality class. In some embodiments, the at least three classes of write quality may comprise a hard rewrite class for which rewrites are necessary to prevent data loss, a soft rewrite class for which rewrites are desirable but not necessary, and a no rewrite class for which no rewrite is needed or desired.

Abstract: A system for deploying sonar for surveying in deep water includes a submerged movable platform deployed in the deep water at a depth below a thermocline and surface wave action, a propulsion mechanism for moving the platform through the water in a controlled manner, and a multibeam echosounder attached to the platform, wherein the echosounder includes a Mills Cross transmitter and receiver array. A method for deploying sonar for surveying in deep water comprises deploying a submerged movable platform in the deep water at a depth below a thermocline and surface wave action, employing a propulsion mechanism for moving the platform through the water in a controlled manner, and employing a multibeam echosounder attached to the platform, wherein the multibeam echosounder comprises a Mills Cross transmitter and receiver array.

Abstract: A combination waist pack is worn comfortably about the waist and unfolds to provide a protective accessory such as a seat cushion, water resistant or insulated barrier to kneel or lay down upon, or other apparel or padded articles providing protection to various parts of a person for use in outdoor sports and recreation. The invention is convertible to a seat or other protective device while unfolded and a warm & protective waistband, hand warmer & padded pack while folded. A user is not required to attach a seat accessory as an addition to the invention nor does he/she have to take up additional space by placing it in a pocket. Therefore, the invention is less bulky even when using thicker materials for padding. The invention is also simpler to utilize than previous inventions. The invention provides seating, padding, & warmth. It is more desirable, more fashionable, more convenient, less noticeable, and more comfortable for sports and leisure.

Abstract: A combination waist pack is worn comfortably about the waist and unfolds to provide a protective accessory such as a seat cushion, water resistant or insulated barrier to kneel or lay down upon, or other apparel or padded articles providing protection to various parts of a person for use in outdoor sports and recreation. The invention is convertible to a seat or other protective device while unfolded and a warm & protective waistband, hand warmer & padded pack while folded. A user is not required to attach a seat accessory as an addition to the invention nor does he/she have to take up additional space by placing it in a pocket. Therefore, the invention is less bulky even when using thicker materials for padding. The invention is also simpler to utilize than previous inventions. The invention provides seating, padding, & warmth. It is more desirable, more fashionable, more convenient, less noticeable, and more comfortable for sports and leisure.

Abstract: A golf bag for storing and carrying a standard set of (14) golf clubs and ancillary golf equipment and comprising a tubular housing (11, 12, 13, 14) in which is rotatably mounted a carousel (16, 17, 19) rotatable in upper and lower bearings within the housing. On the carousel clubs are mounted with their heads lowermost on a plurality of shelves (18) with their shafts located by clips (21) in individual flutes (20) in the carousel. The clubs are maintained in position within the housing and prevented from moving or clashing together. Access to the interior of the housing is by way of a hinged door (15), and the interior of the carousel provides a storage compartment. Housing the clubs with their heads lowermost lowers the centre of gravity of the bag, and a detachable carriage (38,39) and optional tractor unit (42) are provided.

Abstract: A bag assembly (30) includes an inner bag (1) with an outer cover (20). An open end (22) of the cover (20) is positioned around a spout (6) providing an inlet/outlet for the bag (1). After the bag (1) has been filled, and the spout (6) has been sealed, the bag assembly (30) is itself sealed by the sealing of the upper end of the cover (20). The bag assembly (30) can then be inverted and with the cover (20) removed and the bag (1) lifted, the cutting open of the spout (6) will enable the discharge of the material.

Abstract: A pack (1) for smoking articles such as cigarettes has a sealed enclosure of barrier material, with a resealable access aperture to the enclosure. A cover (7) over that aperture has on all its openable edges a permanently tacky surface overlapping over the barrier material there. The cover has a non-adhesive tab (10) to assist opening. An inner frame provides support to the barrier material adjacent to the aperture, allowing the adhesive cover to be pressed firmly against the barrier layer to aid resealing. The pack may be provided with or without an outer carton. If an outer carton is included, the carton may be of a generally rigid card material, and may have a flip-top configuration, may be a Laube box, or may have a shell-and-slide configuration.An inner frame provides support to the barrier material adjacent to the aperture, allowing the adhesive cover to be pressed firmly against the barrier layer to aid resealing. The pack may be provided with or without an outer carton.

Abstract: Packaging for smoking articles such as cigarettes in a rigid, hinged-lidded carton includes a sealed barrier layer enclosure within the carton and a line of separation aligned with a lid-end edge of an inner frame of the carton so that the edge acts as a guide in shearing the barrier layer when opening the enclosure.

Abstract: A market research system and method are provided. A plurality of cooperating establishments are included in a market research test area. Each cooperating establishment is adapted for collecting and storing market research data. A computer system remotely located from the plurality of cooperating establishments stores a library of bar coded indicia and market research data collected from the cooperating establishments. A unique bar coded indicia is assigned to multiple displays within each of the plurality of cooperating establishments. A corresponding assigned bar coded indicia is applied to the displays within each cooperating establishment.

Abstract: A pelleting press in which the die has at least a part which is fluid-permeable so that powder in the die can be compressed simultaneously by fluid permeating the die and mechanically from at least one end of the die. It has a particular application in the pelleting of nuclear fuel powders.The die may be of reaction - sintered silicon carbide rendered fluid-permeable by removal of silicon.

Abstract: A press for compacting powders in which a first plunger is moved into a stationary die to meter and charge powder to be compacted into the die from one end of the die, the first plunger and a second plunger are advanced to compact the powder within the die and the first plunger is then used to push the compacted powder from the other end of the die.The press may be used to make pellets of ceramic nuclear fuel material.

Abstract: A rotating lamp fixture includes a plurality of lamps, attached to an arm which extends outwardly from a housing preferably mounted to the ceiling of a building. The arm is connected through a torque coupling and a gear train to the shaft of an electrical motor. The motor imparts a relatively slow circular or orbital motion to the lamps through the arm for serving as an artificial light source. The provision of a rotating light source reduces by at least one-third the number of fixed light sources needed for effectively controlling the growth of vegetation. The rotating lamp fixture increases the growth rate, improves the uniformity of growth, and/or precisely controls one or more other growth characteristics of the vegetation. Other features are also disclosed.