Abstract: A pedestal plug is sized to fit into a cladding of a nuclear fuel rod. A lower end plug is sized and shaped to plug the lower end of the nuclear fuel rod. One of the pedestal plug and the lower end plug includes a protrusion and the other of the pedestal plug and the lower end plug includes a hollow region into which the protrusion fits. In one embodiment the pedestal plug is a hollow cylindrical pedestal plug and the protrusion is disposed on the lower end plug. The protrusion disposed on the lower end plug suitably press fits into the hollow cylindrical pedestal plug. In a method of assembling a fuel rod of a nuclear reactor, the pedestal plug and the lower end plug are press fit together, and after the press fitting the lower end plug is welded to a cladding of the fuel rod with the pedestal plug disposed inside the cladding.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven fabric is constructed to have high breathability, a low modulus and a good hand. The composite is comprised of a fibrous nonwoven material attached to a highly elastic breathable foam film substrate. The foam film substrate is dimensioned to be thin enough to provide numerous apertures and/or voids therethrough. The attachment of the fibrous nonwoven material to the foam film substrate is accomplished by needlepunching portions of at least some strands of the nonwoven material through the apertures in the elastic foam film. During the needlepunching process, the numerous apertures and/or voids in the foam film facilitate the passage of strands of the nonwoven material through the foam film by the needles while minimizing damage to the structure of the foam film by the needles. Alternatively, the composite nonwoven textile is constructed by attaching fibers to the breathable elastic foam film by flocking.

Abstract: A container having panels that contain a bag of strip material. The container is movable between a confining position enclosing the bag of strip material and a position in which the bag is relaxed so as to relax snags of looped elastic material that may have arisen during transit. During transit, the strip material has a tendency to flow from the top and over the edges of the bulk to work its way along the sides, potentially snagging with adjacent loop material. During dispensement of the strip material, these snags may give rise to tension spikes. By displacing the panels of the container out of the confining position and into a relaxed position, the confining forces become relieved and thereby the snags relax. The tension spikes otherwise arising during dispensement are thereby eliminated.

Abstract: An elastic composite is provided having natural rubber and epoxidized natural rubber components. Compared to known composites, the present composition achieves reduced oil swell and absorption, lower permanent set, lower modulus of elasticity, and high tear strength. When formed in a tape, the composition is extremely useful for legbands, straps and contours of swimwear and other garments.