Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct everbearing golden raspberry variety named PSI 744, which is capable of producing fruit on first year primocanes, and on floricanes and primocanes in subsequent years. The new variety is characterized by its moderately large peach colored fruit, moderately rugose foliage, an occasional downward crease at the apex of the terminal leaflet and an extremely thorny primocane texture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and distinct everbearing golden raspberry variety named PSI 737, which is capable of producing fruit on first year primocanes, and on both floricanes and primocanes in subsequent years. The new variety is characterized by relatively large fruit size, with an occasional wedged shaped apex, strongly rugose foliage, a common downward crease at the apex of the terminal leaflet and a very thorny primocane texture.

Abstract: A variety of Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis) having alternating stem branching with the orientation of shoot tip growth approximately - 45.degree. from the horizon with occasional arching shoots eventually reorienting downward. The leaves are cauline, petiolate with petioles glabrous and terete. Emerging foilage is red in color.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named Glasnost is provided. The new cultivar was the result of a controlled breeding program. The new cultivar forms attractive single purple anemone flowers with a more intense red-purple cushion. The plant exhibits substantial resistance to leafminers, and the flowers exhibit a good vase life. The response period of the flowers is approximately eight weeks. The new cultivar is particularly suited for use in the production throughout the year of a cut anemone spray under greenhouse conditions.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named Reagan, bearing medium sized pale pink blooms with a yellow-green center and a performance of 24-28 days.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Alstroemeria distinguished by its mildly spicy carnation fragrance and rose-pink flowers highlighted by the white central portion of the inner petals, the upper portions of which are tipped in rose-pink. Brown streaks are present on the inner petals increasing in size toward the outer end of the petals.

Abstract: An Anthurium plant named Pink Frost, particularly characterized by the combined characteristics of pink flowers which are held among and above the foliage, symmetrical habit, many branches, dark green shiny leaves, tolerance to heat and a common disease (Xanthomonas), and rapid growth habit.

Abstract: A novel Mentha spicata mint plant characterized by its resistance to verticillium wilt and mint rust, and an essential oil with a relatively low l-menthol content and high menthone content. The oil, which has at most only minor amounts of piperitone and l-carvone, is characterized by peppermint-like taste and a hot odor.

Abstract: A system for applying .[.one-part thermal-cure.]. .Iadd.fluent .Iaddend.material, such as structural epoxy, includes apparatus for heating or cooling the epoxy to a temperature above or below ambient. A spirally coiled tube is suspended within a hollow enclosure by tube end fittings extending from axially opposed ends of the tube. An electrical heater and temperature sensor extend from opposed enclosure ends into the tube coils approximately centrally of the enclosure. The enclosure is filled with a heat transfer fluid that surrounds the coiled tubing. The fluid is connected through an inlet and outlet in the enclosure endwalls for circulation externally of the enclosure through a fluid chiller. A microprocessor-base controller receives input signals from the temperature sensor and a temperature adjustment mechanism, and provides outputs to the heater chiller and heater-exchange fluid pump and circulation valve, and to alarm mechanisms for indicating a high-temperature or low-temperature alarm condition.

Abstract: An amplitude-adaptive vector quantization system intended for efficient signal coding and decoding. A mean value separation circuit (2) separates the mean value from an input signal which has been divided into blocks, and a tree-search vector quantizer (6) implements tree-search inner product vector quantization so that index information is truncated depending on the detected vector amplitude, thereby reducing the volume of information for transmission.

Abstract: Copolycondensate molding materials are obtainable by polycondensation offrom 2 to 98 mol % of 2,2-di-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-propane (A),from 2 to 98 mole % of 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone (B) andfrom 0 to 96 mole % of (C) ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkoxy, X is a chemical bond, --S--, --O--, --CO--, CR.sup.3 R.sup.4 (where R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are different when n and p are each 0), or SO.sub.2 -- only when n or p is .Iadd.not .Iaddend.0), R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkoxy, aryl or halogen-substituted alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, m is 0 or 1, and n and p are each 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4,with from 1 to 100 mole % of (D) ##STR2## where R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 have the same meaning as R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, and v and w are each 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and from 0 to 99 mol % of (E) ##STR3## where R.sup.7 -R.sup.10 are each Cl or F or have the same meanings as R.sup.1 and R.sup.

Abstract: Low profile dilatation catheter having an elongate flexible tubular member with proximal and distal extremities and with a flow passage extending therethrough. An inflatable balloon is mounted on the distal extremity of the elongate flexible tubular member so that the balloon has its interior in communication with the flow passage in the tubular member. A flexible tip is secured to the distal extremity of the balloon. A core wire extends through the elongate flexible member and has proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity of the core wire is tapered and extends through the balloon and into the flexible tip. The distal extremity of the core wire is secured to the flexible tip. A rotator is provided for rotating the proximal extremity of the core wire for causing rotation of the flexible tip. Self-venting means is provided for venting the balloon to ambient. An adapter is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: A protective garment consists ofa planar fabric material section having a central area, inner an outer surfaces, top and bottom opposed ends, first and second opposed sides. A first and second independent elongated strips are partially separated from the remaining fabric and extending correspondingly along the first and second opposed sides from the bottom end in the direction of the top end. Each independent strip has a free end. The planar fabric material section further includes first, second and third securing units. The first securing unit removably secures the free end of the first independent strip to the central area of the fabric during formation of a first sleeve. The second securing means removably secures the free end of the second independent strip to the central area of the fabric during formation of a second sleeve. The third securing unit removably secures positioning of said top end around a head of the wearer.

Abstract: A headset comprising: a headband, two ear cups, coupling means for rotatively coupling the ear cups to the headband for adjustably varying the location of each ear cup relatively to the headband and for simultaneously adjustably varying the pressure of each ear cup on the ears of the user. Securement means provide effective fixing of the ear cups in each chosen location. Moreover, the headset as a whole can be provided in a compact size for the purpose of carrying or keeping.

Abstract: An indicator tag is provided for visually indicating the remaining effectiveness of a protective chemical treatment agent on a textile article. The tag is made from a fabric dyed with at least one dye to impart to the piece of fabric a predetermined initial color which indicates that the chemical treatment agent on the textile article is effective. The dye has a chromophore which is susceptible to degradation by reagents which would destroy the effectiveness of the chemical treatment agent so that exposure of the indicator tag to such reagents causes the indicator tag to change from its predetermined initial color to another color, thereby indicating that the textile article with which the indicator tag is used has been exposed to reagents which may cause a loss in the effectiveness of the protective chemical treatment agent on the textile article.

Abstract: In prior art face guard mounting technology, the guard is attached to the helmet by four attachment straps. This invention pertains to improving the way that the guard is mounted to only the sides of the helmet. Each prior art side attachment strap is in the form of a single loop that encircles the rear most bar of the guard. The prior art design holds the guard to the helmet restricting the guard from moving only in the direction that the side attachment strap points in. However, the prior art side attachment has no means of restricting the guard from moving down through the loop in the side attachment strap, nor does it keep the guard from rattling, tilting or moving up and down on the helmet. The present invention side attachment strap provides a means of restricting the guard from getting moved around on the helmet. The improved side attachment strap eliminates the problems encountered by the prior art design by containing two loops, with a 90 degree angle between the loops.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for replacing part or all of a toilet flush valve, which facilitates mounting in a variety of toilets and which enables saving of water. The assembly includes an adapter (30, FIG. 6) for mounting on older types of overflow tubes, which includes a ring member (70) having a gap (72) and a leaf spring (80) extending across the gap. After the adapter is moved down along the overflow tube and lies at its base, the spring is pushed in to cause a hook (84) at one end to ride along a ramp (90) from a second tooth (88) to a third tooth (92) and engage the third tooth, to tightly clamp the ring member in place to prevent turning. A closing delay cup (116, FIG. 9) that can be used on a valve member, includes a plurality of holes and at least one plug (126) that is molded to the cup and can be cut off and used to plug one of the holes (120) to adjust the amount of water saved in each flushing. A valve member includes a tank ball having an enlargement (160, FIG.

Abstract: A toilet seat for composting toilets, which toilet seat comprises a seat ring, a bowl space, a bottom hole of the bowl space, and a separator of liquids such as washing water and urine. The toilet seat is implemented by adapting the inside surface of the front part of the bowl space to be at its upper part essentially vertical, at its middle part almost horizontal, and at its lower part convexly curved so that the center part of the curved area is closer to the rear part of the bowl space than the start and end points of the convexly shaped lower part, whereby liquids entering the front part of the bowl space in the toilet seat are conducted along the inside surface of the front part into a separate liquids collection container, or alternatively, to a treatment process, and that the liquids separator is formed by a shutter adapted to the lower part of the bowl space or below it.

Abstract: A pool winterizing system including a pool cover-sheet and a housing that is disposed beneath the periphery of the cover-sheet and in communication with the environment exterior to the cover-sheet. The housing defines an inlet duct and an outlet duct, each of which provides an independent air-flow path between the environment exterior to the cover-sheet and an inflation chamber selectively defined between the cover-sheet and the pool. A blower is disposed within the housing in the inlet duct and provides for inflation of the pool cover-sheet. A flap is hingedly attached to the housing above the outlet of the outlet duct and is biased toward a position in which it covers the outlet duct outlet so as to control the pressure to which the pool cover-sheet is inflated.

Abstract: A device for the production of steam for installing on the roof of a new or existing shower standard box, so as to transform a standard shower box into a sauna. The device has a compact box-shaped roof having a fan for forced air circulation and an instantaneous vaporizer supplied directly by the water source by means o a solenoid valve operated intermittently by a timer interlocked by two thermostats. The box-shaped roof is used together with a covering screen for closing the part of the box top which is not covered by the box-shaped roof itself.

Abstract: A shower assembly is disclosed having a spray nozzle (41) through which liquid flows into a shower cabinet (10). The shower has a collecting container (22) for the liquid, the nozzle and container being integrated with a circulation system including a pump (33) with which the liquid in the collecting container can be circulated through the nozzle (41). The shower also has a mechanism (18, 20) by which the liquid either can be directed to the container (22) or directly to a sewage (21).

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a nursing cradle for infants that is attached to a bedstead or a waterbed. The disclosure is also directed to a soft wall and cradle sheet to keep an infant from exiting the cradle or getting wedged between a mother's bed and the cradle.

Abstract: A foldable frame assembly for a children's playpen, including an upper foldable rail mechanism composed of four upper rails each of which is foldable at a joint thereof, and a lower foldable rail mechanism composed of a chassis seat and four lower rails pivotally connected therewith in a radial pattern, wherein the upper rail mechanism is formed by simple components while the lower rail mechanism is provided with support-enhancing members to insure the safety in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension device for suspending objects such as a hammock, tarpaulin or any object requiring slip-free suspension from one or more load bearing members. The invention consists of a gripping belt of determinate length to fit around the load bearing member, having a buckle on the line for releasably cinching the belt around the member, a spanning belt having a closure device for selectively spanning the distance between the member and the article, a pair of belt loops or other couplers for releasably coupling the spanning belt to the gripping belt around the member at least at one tension point, and a securing device to secure the spanning belt to the article to be suspended.

Abstract: A separable bridge, particularly useful for military purposes, having bridge modules which can be coupled together and whose roadway elements, diagonal elements and lower chords form a vertically adjustable framework. The lower chords of the bridge modules are shorter than the roadway element of that bridge module, and the diagonal elements are fastened to ends of the lower chords. The roadway elements have a plurality of fastening points for the diagonal elements and the lower chords. These fastening points are located at different distances from an end of the roadway element. The roadway element, the lower chords and the diagonal elements have constant lengths.

Abstract: A suction head for a swimming pool cleaner comprising a housing which is open at its lower side and has inclined bristles attached to its lower edge for supporting on a surface to be cleaned. The housing has a rotary sleeve mounted to its top for connection of a suction hose in turn to be connected to a water suction pump. Said sleeve opens in a chamber within the housing in which a vibratory element is pivotally mounted, said element having a crescent or air-foil shape. By a flow of water sucked through said chamber, the vibratory element is automatically brought into a vibrating movement which imparts pulsations on the suction head. Thereby, the inclined bristles are bent and straightened repetitively, resulting in a forward thrust moving the suction head over the surface to be cleaned. At least one foot is disposed in the housing which is cyclically displaced vertically by a driving mechanism driven by the movement of the vibratory element and returned by return springs.

Abstract: A foot scrub mat which includes a flexible base and a replaceable pad. The flexible base and the replaceable pad are preferably made of an antislip material. The base has an interior cut-out area of selected dimensions. The replaceable pad has a bristled area which has the general dimensions of the cut-out area and which is exposed when the pad is aligned beneath the cut-out area. Preferably the replaceable pad has an exterior rim which lies under the base when the pad is placed beneath and aligned with the cut-out area.

Abstract: A brush holder for a replaceable interdental brush having a body portion and a gripping member mounted on the body portion and movable relative to it. The stem of a brush can be inserted into the holder and is retained between opposed surfaces of the body portion and gripping member. Preferably the opposed surfaces may be textured or have ribs. Optionally the holder is adapted to retain the brush in a variety of orientations.

Abstract: Corner paint pad assembly (10) includes a painting pad (12) having a handle (14) which are interconnected by a rotatable joint including ears (28) and (30) on the rear surfaces (24) and (26) of the pad (12), each ear having a hole therein (28) and (30), there being an axle (62) received in said holes. The handle (14) includes a tubular stretch (48) adjacent the tip end (46), the tubular stretch (48) being internally threaded, there being a shank (50) and a base (44) of the hollow handle (14) which are tapered to receive the end of an extension pole or, in the alternative, a threaded insert (70) which may receive the threaded end of an extension pole.

Abstract: A fluid cleaning system for removing meat particles from a rotating roll of a meat stripping machine with a minimum amount of pressurized fluid and water by sequentially opening and closing individual groups of fixed fluid nozzles located closely adjacent the roll. An air manifold extends longitudinally along the roll and is formed with groups of nozzles, each group being supplied by its own air supply channel. The air supply channels terminate in an annular air distribution chamber which is connected to a source of pressurized air. A disc, formed with at least one opening, is rotated within the chamber for sequentially opening at least one of the supply channels while maintaining the other supply channels closed from the pressurized air source. The roll and disc are driven by the same motor but at different speeds. Since only one group of nozzles is connected to the source of pressurized air at any one time, the supply of pressurized air is less than that required to supply all nozzles at the same time.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with noise and vibration greatly reduced is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner includes a blower assembly which comprises a vibration absorbing assembly for absorbing vibrations occurring due to high speed revolutions of electric blower, a noise shielding assembly for shielding the noise so as to prevent the noise from being propagated from the electric blower to outside of the vacuum cleaner, a flow path changing assembly for curving and extending a flow path by bending the flow path of air after passing through the electric blower, and a noise absorbing assembly suppressing the noise by absorbing the noise propagated through the flow path. The vacuum cleaner further includes a blower assembly receiving section, which shields and absorbs the noise.

Abstract: A nozzle mechanism for a vacuum cleaner. The mechanism has a sliding base with an intake opening, and a suction conduit connector for a vacuum cleaner. Disposed between the intake opening and the connector is an air feed channel, in the path of which is disposed a turbine chamber having a turbine that can be driven by intake air. The turbine serves for driving a brush roller for mechanically cleaning floors. A second intake opening is provided that is connected to the turbine chamber via an intake channel that is independent of the first intake opening. The air for driving the turbine is supplied to the turbine chamber at least partially via the second intake opening and the intake channel.

Abstract: Apparatus including a suction mechanism for holding open a door or similar member for a predetermined time period, whereupon the door is automatically released and is able to return to its closed position. The period of time during which the suction mechanism is active may be determined by means of an adjustable air leakage to the suction mechanism. The entire mechanism is attached to the inner surface of the door and the necessary relative motion of parts achieved by a connecting rod attached to the adjacent door jam. Spring or equivalent means are provided to protect the door and apparatus against overload by accidental movement of the door when firmly held open.

Abstract: A clearer device for removing accumulated debris on a draft roller has a clearer pad member mounted in a support frame which pivots so as to permit the clearer pad member to come into and out of contact with the draft roller thereby allowing accumulated wastes to escape. A stopper plate is biased against the draft roller by the clearer pad member thus keeping the clearer pad member in contact with the draft roller. An elastic member protrudes from the support frame and contacts a rotating shaft which has a protrusion. The protrusion periodically engages the elastic member which pivots the support frame disengaging the clearer pad member from the draft roller and releasing accumulated wastes.

Abstract: Method for making seals, in particular for garments, in which there are supplied in series at intervals on an unbroken string alternately bodies and graft elements in seats in said bodies to constitute with the string between them a connected plurality of seals separable by cutting the unbroken string.Said method is used advantageously to realize a separable unbroken series of seals each of which comprises a body and at least one complementary graft element insertable in a seat in the body and connected by a section of string. To achieve this an unbroken string comprises alternately bodies and graft elements formed on itself at regular intervals.A specific form of embodiment calls for the alternate formation of a body and two graft elements turned in opposite directions so that each separate seal has a body connected by the string to two graft elements therein.

Abstract: This invention is a reusable single piece securing device including a head having a first side and a second side, a first channel passing through the head having a first aperture associated with the first end of the head and a second aperture associated with the second end of the head, a lace lock flexibly associated with the head, and an elongated flexible lace having a first end integral to the head, and a second end, the first and second ends divided by an intermediate section including a plurality of lace teeth.

Abstract: A tack button is disclosed which comprises a button body having a cylindrical hub, a tack member and an anchoring member interconnecting the button body and the tack member. The cylindrical hub is resiliently supported to make a tilting movement relative to the plane of a garment fabric at both of its upper and lower marginal edges.

Abstract: A slider for closing a coupling device, comprising: a slider body having a central guide for guiding male and female coupling elements of the coupling device, and a coupling guide channel; and a C-shape puller pivotally connected at its base to a front end of the slider body so as to be free in motion in a horizontal plane, there being a gap between the body and the puller.

Abstract: A gas-and-water-tight flexible fastener comprises an plug being of a arrow-shaped cross-section and including a shaft and a head mounted on a front end of the shaft, the head having a pair of locking fins formed at the proximal ends so as to be directed rearward and outwardly; and a socket being of a squared C-shaped cross-section and including a base, a pair of substantially parallel side plates integrally formed with the base, the side plates having a pair of locking hooks formed along their respective confronting distal edges so as to be directed rearward and inwardly for locking engagement with the locking fins when the plug is forced into the socket between the opposed locking hooks, and resilient partition interposed between the opposed side plates for defining an inner hollow and an outer locking groove.

Abstract: A strap fastener for releasably connecting a strap, cord or belt on a garment article is disclosed, the fastener comprising a base member, a strap retainer member and a slider. The base member has an upper plate and a lower plate defining therebetween a guide channel through which the slider is movable. The slider has a guide rail at such a lower edge of a side flange which lies above the lower surface of the base member. A hook is formed, extending integrally from the lower plate of the base and releasably engageable with the slider through a ridge-and-groove formation alternately provided on the hook and the slider.

Abstract: Security clip for discouraging theft of goods, comprising an ink-filled reservoir (10) having an outer circumference, a pin (5) and a pin-receiving member forming part of an electronic security system. The pin (5) is connected to the reservoir (10), and the reservoir has a rupture edge (6) which is situated between the pin and the circumference of the reservoir (10). The reservoir (10) consists of a dish (1) and a covering plate (2) which has a sloshing edge (7) that extends down into the dish (1). The outside (8) of the sloshing edge and the inside (9) of the dish (1) cooperate in an airtight way such that upon pushing the covering plate (2) towards the dish (1) a pressure increase is created within the reservoir (10). Thus, when the rupture edge is ruptured, the ink is distributed by this over-pressure.

Abstract: A fastener for shoelaces and the like which is made up of a horizontal tube and a vertical tube. The lace ends are passed through the horizontal tube in opposite directions, then through slots in the walls of the vertical tube. The opposing laces are then formed into a bow, passed through the vertical tube and the ends knotted. Sliding of the tubes toward the shoe tightens the laces; upward motion of the tubes will then loosen the laces.

Abstract: There is described an intermingled multifilament yarn comprising high modulus monofilaments made for example of aramid, carbon or glass and a process for producing this yarn. Conventional air intermingling is impracticable for high modulus yarns since they tend to break, because of their brittleness, which leads in particular to an appreciable reduction in the tenacity. The invention proposes carrying out the intermingling at elevated temperature--either by preheating the yarn or by heating the intermingling air. It is found, surprisingly, that, although the entanglement spacings are relatively low, the tenacity remains substantially unaffected and in some instances is even raised. The multifilament yarn produced by this process is noteworthy in particular for the low number of broken monofilament ends. The invention can also be applied to commingled yarns, yarns which are part high modulus filaments and part thermoplastic filaments.

Abstract: Cylindrical sieve for paper pulp strainer of the type of thin sheetmetal is formed by juxtaposition of U-shaped sectional elements (2) made from a metal strip. The element (2) has a first flange (3), a bottom (4), followed by a second flange (5) bent over toward the exterior of the U-shaped element on itself so as to define a space (6) in the fold thus formed, intended to receive and hold the first flange (3') of the adjacent element (2'). The base of the U-shaped element is pricked to form depressions or slots.

Abstract: A communications system including an initially installed coaxial cable may be readily upgraded by installing a fiber optic cable therein. The coaxial cable has an empty longitudinal channel extending continuously along substantially the entire length thereof. A propellable fiber optic cable is later installed in the channel by a fluid flow which creates a sufficient drag to advance the fiber optic cable into the channel. The fiber optic cable is installed to meet increasing communications demands or when otherwise desired. The coaxial cable may include an empty electrically conductive tube serving as the center conductor for later receipt therein of the fiber optic cable. In other embodiments, the coaxial cable may have a channel provided in a dielectric material between the center and outer conductors, or a channel formed in the outer protective jacket.

Abstract: A method of connecting two pipes is provided. The method includes the steps of inserting a first pipe into a die and the smaller end of an intermediate tubular member into a neck portion of a second pipe. Next, the intermediate tubular member together with the second pipe are inserted into the first pipe, with its larger end bearing against a shoulder of the first pipe. The neck portion of the second pipe is pressed into the space between the intermediate tubular member and the first pipe. Then, a plastic rod is inserted into the intermediate tubular member and pressed. The plastic rod thereby forces the intermediate tubular member and the neck portion of the second pipe to conform with the cavities of the first pipe. Lastly, the plastic rod is withdrawn from the intermediate tubular member and the die is removed from the first pipe. The two pipes are thereby firmly and rapidly connected together.

Abstract: Positions of a tail end of a molded synthetic resin material, which is conveyed precedently, and a leading end of a molded synthetic resin material, which is conveyed following the molded synthetic resin material which is conveyed precedently, are adjusted simultaneously with respect to two reference surfaces, which are close to each other and are spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other. A process is carried out simultaneously on or parts are simultaneously associated with both a portion in the vicinity of the tail end of the molded synthetic resin material, which is conveyed precedently, and a portion in the vicinity of the leading end of the molded synthetic resin material, which is conveyed following the molded synthetic resin material which is conveyed precedently, while the positions of the tail end and the leading end are kept in the adjusted states.

Abstract: A striker plate for protecting the bottom surface of an underground storage tank from damage caused by the impact of an object thereon. The striker plate is formed by a plurality of slats having a resilient strip crossing the slats to which the slats are mounted to align the slats in side-by-side fashion and to bias the slats to a first position in which the plate is flat for application to the bottom surface of an under ground storage tank. A pivot is adapted for mounting to a setting tool so that the slats can be rolled into a cylinder for insertion through the filler pipe of the storage tank and then pivoted for application to the bottom surface of the tank and a releasable mount on the plate is provided for removing the pivot from the plate once the plate is applied to the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for deforming, splitting and chopping of contaminated, or potentially contaminated, heat exchanger tubes into short tubes segments that easily may transported to an off-site location for decontamination or disposal. The invention has particular utility in dismantling potentially contaminated tubes from a tube bundle that is part of a condenser for a BWR or PWR nuclear power plant. The invention involves first gripping and deforming the exterior periphery of a potentially contaminated tube with opposed transverse forces sufficient to travel the tube longitudinally out of the tubesheets in a deformed condition, and then splitting the deformed tube into first and second wall sections which are chopped into short length wall segments. The deformation preferably flattens the tube so that the short wall segments are substantially planar, with exposed inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: The method of processing wire to cut the wire into sections and to strip sheathing from the wire to expose wire ends at opposite ends of the sections, and by operation of wire feed means and cutter means, the steps that include operating the feed means and cutter means to displace the wire endwise along an axis to a first position; sever the wire thereby to form wire forward and rearward sections, the forward section having a rearward end portion; and, the rearward section having a forward end portion, and; stripping sheathing from the forward section rearward portion and from the rearward section forward portion thereby to expose wire ends at the portions; the cutter means including three blade pairs, each pair including two blades located at opposite sides of the axis, both blades of one pair being displaced toward the wire to sever the wire, and both blades of the remaining two pairs being displaced toward the wire sections to strip sheathing from the rearward and forward portions during controlled endwise