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CURRENT TOPICS
dyestuffs, biological materials, pharmaceuticals, and inorganic chemicals. Tests on an iron arc spectrum showed, under high magnification, clearly defined resolution of the fourth component in the 3100 group. This resolution of the "iron triplet" is regarded by spectrographers as a critical test in determining instrument quality. Weighing only 150 pounds, the instrument is 12 inches high, 18 inches wide, and 60 inches long. The spectrograph's compact size and freedom from moving parts and adjustments were designed to meet the problems of small firms and institutions and the needs of inexperienced spectrographers. The instrument will also serve a valuable function as an "extra" spectrograph in the laboratory. It can handle efficiently one-time analyses and eliminate the necessity for breaking down set-ups on larger instruments. In both new models, the optical system consists of a concave 40 × 80 mm. Bausch & Lomb Certified-Precision grating, slit, quartz cylindrical lens, and film. The combination of cylindrical lens and concave grating provides a stigmatic spectrogram and permits the use of accessory equipment at the slit.
New Attachment for Welder's Mask Patented.--A patent grant for an attachment to a conventional welder's mask for cold weather operation was awarded recently to Mr. Curtis L. Olson, Deputy Chief of the Mechanical Equipment Branch at the Army's
[J. F. I.
Engineer Research and Development Laboratories, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Mr. Olson's development, easily attached to a conventional mask or hood, is designed to prevent the lens on the mask from frosting in freezing temperatures. Present masks frost in cold weather and make operation of welding equipment difficult. The new attachment can also be applied universally. Tests have indicated that it also improves operator comfort in hot weather since its ventilating effect provides for the removal of stale air and welding fumes from inside the helmet.
Remote Handling Tongs.--The Atomic Center for Instruments & Equipment, Inc., New York, has introduced the Atomlab Radiarm, Jr. Remote Handling Tongs to be used by the radiochemist, radiologist, and health-physicist for handling radioactive materials. The Radiarm, Jr. pistol handle gives good leverage and a comfortable grip when handling heavy or light objects which are held by serrated jaws under firm spring tension. Accidental dropping is prevented by positive spring pressure requiring a deliberate finger squeeze on the trigger to release the object. The jaws can be locked into a fixed position by tightening, with thumb action, the knurled nut at the pistol grip end. The Radiarm, Jr. has an over-all length of 19 in., weighs 1 lb. and iswell balanced. The tongs are made of aluminum, which lends itself to easy decontamination.