Abstract: The present invention is a device for use by individuals as a task reminder. The device includes an audible sound producing rattle and one or more message boards coupled with the rattle and adapted to carry a message for the user. Whenever the user walks or otherwise moves, an audible reminder sound will be omitted but when the user is not moving no sound is heard. Once the tasks for the day have been accomplished, the message boards may be erased and reused at another time.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the performance of an instrument, particularly a hematology analyzer, by comparing its operating data with data compiled from a group of like instruments is provided. The method contemplates collecting historical data which is deposited in a central database where it may be retrieved by any participating laboratory. The participating laboratory performs an analysis and then accesses the database to retrieve data obtained from comparable instruments performing like analyses. The comparative analysis is then conducted from which a determination may be made with regard to a particular instrument.

Abstract: A generally U-shaped clamp may be used to connect a charging cable to a terminal of a storage battery to be charged. The clamp includes an elongated main body portion having a longitudinally extending axis and spaced ends. The clamp further includes a first elongated leg member connected to the main body portion at one of its ends. The first leg member extends away from the main body portion in a direction transverse to the axis and has a clamping end segment disposed in laterally spaced relationship to the axis. The clamp also includes second elongated leg member connected to the main body portion at the opposite end thereof from the first leg member. The second leg member also extends away from the main body portion in essentially the same direction as the first leg member and the same has an electrically conductive cable connector carrying end segment disposed in laterally spaced relationship to the clamping end segment of the first leg member.

Abstract: A hematology control composition and method of making the composition is provided. The control employs a plurality of components including a synthetic plasma component, a red blood cell component, a platelet component and a leukocyte component. The leukocyte component includes at least one subpopulation having particles derived from other than white blood cells.

Abstract: A race track assembly that can be assembled from a flat folded configuration for use and disassembled to a flat folded configuration for storage. The race track assembly includes a plurality of track sections that can be positioned end-to-end to form a race track. Each track section consists of a main track and two sides that are foldable relative to the main track. A plurality of couplers are also included for coupling the track section together. The race track assembly also includes a plurality of cross braces positioned at spaced intervals along the length of the race track. Each of the cross braces is coupled to a track section in a manner to maintain the sides of the track section in a folded configuration. A plurality of risers are also included for supporting the race track in an inclined position. Each of the risers can be unfolded to a track supporting configuration and folded to a flat storage configuration.

Abstract: A method for constructing model vegetation utilizing natural foliage and the products resulting therefrom are described. The method includes the steps of providing a segment of natural foliage, immersing the natural foliage into a liquid colorant, and applying leaf simulating material to the natural foliage. For larger model vegetation or for model vegetation requiring a base, a tree armature is utilized with additional steps including removing the branches from the natural foliage and affixing those branches to the tree armature.

Abstract: A diffuser rod for use in a filter stalk having deflector disks rigidly mounted thereon to deflect liquid radially during the backwash process is disclosed. A backwashable filter element containing a diffuser plate that is located within the filter member at the end where the backwash fluid enters the filter member and a number of filter stalks with each filter stalk including a diffuser rod is disclosed. Finally, a method of backwashing a filter member that includes the step of introducing a diffuser rod and a diffuser plate to the filter assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a treatment material to an animal comprising an elongated, flexible, resilient, hollow brace member and an elongated, hollow swing element. These components are made of conventional CPVC pipe having an outside diameter of about ⅝ inch. The brace member is about 5 feet long and the swing element is about 2.5 feet long. An end of the swing element is swingably connected to and end of the brace member using a piece of rope. The opposite ends of a plurality of brace members are implanted in the ground in a predetermined plot at an angle of about 60° such that the swing elements dangle from the upper ends of the brace members. An insecticide gel is applied to the outer surfaces of the swing elements and brace members and a feed for the animal is spread on the ground in the plot. When the animal feeds, the brace members bend and the swing elements swing around so as to spread the insecticide gel all over the skin of the animal including its underside and lower leg areas.

Abstract: A procedure for evaluating the performance of an instrument, particularly a hematology analyzer, by comparing its operating data with data compiled from a group of like instruments is provided. The method contemplates collecting historical data which is deposited in a central database where it may retrieved by any participating laboratory. The participating laboratory performs an analysis and then accesses the database to retrieve data obtained from comparable instruments performing like analyzes. The comparative analysis is then conducted from which a determination may be made with regard to a particular instrument.

Abstract: A low air volume exhaust hood is based on the concept of zone laminar flow through the hood as the hood sash is raised to different levels. Laminar flow is achieved through a plurality of plenum zones constructed at the rear of the cabinet. Preferably the zones are created by utilizing different sized openings in a rear baffle of the cabinet which presents the plenum chamber. Alternatively, distinct independent plenums may be formed and coupled with a common exhaust structure. By utilizing laminar flow which is directed through different zones corresponding to different open positions of the sash, a lower volume of air can be moved through the hood while achieving desired levels of evacuation. Performance of the hood is further enhanced by a novel air foil design at the floor of the hood which promotes a sweeping flow of air across the floor.

Abstract: An improved vibrato device for an electric guitar that includes a lever passing from the bridge assembly down through the guitar body front surface and extending toward the neck and then upwardly through the guitar front surface within convenient reach of a musician's picking hand. The lever may be operatively coupled with a controller that enables the musician to better synchronize the vibrato effect during playing with other desired effects, such as volume changes, phase changes and effects produced by Musical Instrument Digital Instrument (MIDI) devices.

Abstract: A self-contained urine collecting devise usable by females comprising a bottle in the shape of a hollow body having a closed end and an opening disposed at the end of an upwardly extending neck. Joinable to the open end of the bottle is an interface shaped generally in the form of an oval ring comprising a protuberance at the lower portion of the interface, an opening defined by the upper portion of the interface, a peripheral lip disposed concentrically with respect to the opening, a lateral ridge positioned between the protuberance and the opening, and a lateral valley disposed coextensively to the ridge disposed between the ridge and the protuberance. In use, the protuberance is positioned slightly within the vaginal orifice to place the extralabially fitting opening of the apparatus directly in front of the urethral orifice. The peripheral lip conforms to the perineum of the user in complementary fashion to ensure a liquid tight seal.

Abstract: An improved FET is described in which a conductive layer connects the source structure to a truncated source extension which underlies an insulative gate layer and connects to a channel region. The conductive layer is of substantially lower resistivity than the source extension, thereby significantly reducing the lateral resistance of the device to diminish losses and reduce the likelihood of a parasitic bipolar transistor turning on. The invention can be implemented in both vertical and lateral devices. For a lateral device the drain is connected by a low resistance conductive layer to the gate region in a manner similar to the source.