Abstract: A method and apparatus for pre-filtering a global positioning system receiver, which includes the steps of: receiving a plurality of L-band radio frequency signals having unique modulation and originating in a plurality of global positioning system satellites; splitting the plurality of radio frequency signals into at least a first L1 radio frequency signal and a second L2 radio frequency signal; passing the first L1 radio frequency signal to a first radio frequency receiving section through a L1 signal passage defining a path from a common junction point to the L1 radio frequency receiving section, while simultaneously passing the L2 radio frequency signal to a second radio frequency receiving section through a L2 signal passage defining a path from the common junction point to the L2 radio frequency receiving section; filtering the L1 radio frequency signal from the L2 signal passage and filtering the L2 radio frequency signal from the L1 signal passage, while substantially preserving the L1 radio frequency

Abstract: A zirconium sponge regulus from a Kroll reduction process is contaminated with zirconium chlorides, unreacted magnesium and magnesium chloride. The sponge regulus is vacuum distilled at a temperature of at least 800.degree. C. and then cooled. Before opening the distillation vessel and exposing the sponge regulus to the atmosphere, the vessel is backfilled with a gas comprising 25% to 75%, by volume, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or mixtures thereof, with the balance an inert gas and impurities associated therewith.The sponge regulus is less susceptible to fires when exposed to the air or crushing in downstream processing, and the metal surfaces of the sponge regulus are passivated whereby the overall contamination of the sponge is significantly reduced.

Abstract: Zirconium or hafnium tubeshells, billets and channel sheets are produced by plasma arc melting the metal to form a liquid metal pool. The pool is poured into a mold to form a near net shape. The near net shape is reduced to final size while maintaining the metal temperature below the alpha-beta transition temperature throughout the size reducing step.

Abstract: A reactive metal such as zirconium, hafnium, and titanium is subjected to comminution in a closed chamber containing a non-reactive gas modified by the addition of an amount of a vaporized liquid hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A reactive metal such as zirconium, hafnium, and titanium is subjected to comminution in a closed chamber containing a non-reactive gas modified by the addition of preferably somewhat less than one volume percent of water vapor.

Abstract: A fishing lure detector and method of binding foam or textile material to plastisol. The fishing lure detector member made of foam or textile material is for improving the fishing lures. The fishing lure detector means is connected to a fishing lure body at a position adjacent or in front of the fishing lure hook to aid the fisherman in detecting when a fish strikes the lure and in turn aiding the fisherman to set the hook in the fish. The fishing lure detector member includes resilient open cell plastic material that may be integrally connected to the body of a plastic worm lure or connected to the body of a hard lure. The open cell plastic material is engaged by the fish striking the body of the fishing lure and transmits a tug signal along the fishing lure. The fishing lure body when constructed of a flexible or soft thermoplastic such as plastisol or a polyvinyl chloride allows both the fishing lure body and the detector member to stretch longitudinally with one another.