Abstract:
Apparatus and method for redundantly checking a two dimensional array of containers or products before acceptance for later processing, such as sterilization by irradiation, by means of preferably at least one "dumb" detector (186) and one "smart" detector (187). The dumb detector looks at a predefined area (210) on each container of an array for a distinguishable indicia thereon, such as a reflective portion (206) on a non-reflective background. The smart detector reads an optical identification code (208) on each container only when the code is positioned at a predefined area (212) thereon. For an array to be accepted for processing, each container therein must satisfy all conditions. In a preferred embodiment, the dumb detector (186) for each container must sense a portion of distinguishable reflectance at a prescribed selected area (210) thereon; the optical identification code of each container must be detected at a prescribed selected area (212) thereon; and the smart detector must read the properly positioned optical identification code (208) and the read identification code must match an identification code stored by the processor (130) for each container. Moreover, it is preferred that no containers in the array be missing and that the containers not be excessively skewed. Codes for arrays that are accepted are stored in the processor (130) and each accepted array is channelled to be irradiated or otherwise processed as the array approaches the processing area along a conveyor.
Abstract:
A method of and devices (10, 20, 30, 50) for impact and vibration damping and, more particularly, to devices (10, 20, 30, 50) composed of an elastoplastic material including the characteristics of damping, heat and pressure dimensional stability, and moisture non absorbency of a blend of polyolefin and conjugated diene butyl rubber which converts impact shock or vibration energy into thermal energy.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a method of and devices for impact and vibration damping and, more particularly, to devices composed of an elastoplastic material including the characteristics of damping, heat and pressure dimensional stability, and moisture non absorbency of a blend of polyolefin and conjugated diene butyl rubber which converts impact shock or vibration energy into thermal energy.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a method of and devices for impact and vibration damping and, more particularly, to devices composed of an elastoplastic material including the characteristics of damping, heat and pressure dimensional stability, and moisture non absorbency of a blend of polyolefin and conjugated diene butyl rubber which converts impact shock or vibration energy into thermal energy.
Abstract:
Apparatus for guiding a cable travelling along a longitudinal path through a beam of radiation in a shielded chamber, the apparatus including rollers disposed about the cable in a manner which prevents the leakage of radiation via apertures in the chamber through which the cable enters end exits. Specifically, the apparatus includes sets of rollers spaced at longitudinal intervals along the cable, the rollers in each set being positioned at angular intervals about the longitudinal axis of the cable. An angular offsetting of rollers in different sets, so that a roller in one set is longitudinally aligned with the spacing between rollers in other sets, is provided. By selecting rollers of prescribed dimensions, by placing the rollers at prescribed angular intervals in each set, and by angularly offsetting a plurality of sets by prescribed angles, a plurality of sets of rollers - when placed proximate to the entrance or exit to an aperture - can preclude radiation leakage through the aperture. The cable and the sets of rollers are, preferably, rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the cable. The rollers are adjustable to abut against cables of varying diameters, the axes of the rollers being substantially perpendicular to the cable axis, thereby allowing roller rotation during cable travel.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for protectively covering coupled components, such as in a coaxial cable splice, with a sleeve wherein one of the covered components is damaged when subjected to excessive heat which is less than that required for heat recovery. A sealed bond is formed between a first length of the sleeve and a heat damageable component by heating and thereby foaming a foamable adhesive therebetween, the heat being insufficient to melt or otherwise damage the heat damageable component. A second length of the sleeve is heat shrunk into engagement with another of the coupled components which is not damageable at heat recovery temperatures. Initially, the second length has a cross-sectional dimension that is preferably larger than that of the first length, the second length being heat shrinkable to cover components of varying cross-sections. Sleeves according to the invention are formed by various techniques, including extruding or blow-molding a tube of heat recoverable material.
Abstract:
Sintered polytetrafluoroethylene is non destructively degraded so as to be grindable to a powder of an average size of less than 10 microns by a combination of irradiation by electrons or other subatomic particles in the presence of oxygen or air and concurrent or subsequent heating at temperatures below the melting point of the material. The referred effective and economic range of irradiation, heat and time at temperature is approximately 50-150 Mrads, 150°F to 600°F for at least about one-half hour depending upon desired average particle size and melt flow characteristics and acceptable yields of fine powders.