Abstract: The gas detection apparatus for detecting chemical agents in an air stream includes a radioactive source to ionize the air stream and an electrostatic field to increase the efficiency of the apparatus by neutralizing undesired ions, which allows a radioactive source with a lower radiation level to be used than would be required without such neutralization. A diffusion chamber including a baffle device is then used for an ion selection processes. Additional undesired ions are diffused into the walls of the diffusion chamber while the remaining ions, which are the ones sought to be detected, pass from the diffusion chamber into a collection chamber. Detection of the chemical agent ions is achieved when the remaining ions collide with the walls of a collection chamber, transferring their charge to thereby generate a current.

Abstract: A seed sower is provided having an apertured driven pick-up member which has spaced apertures in its periphery in communication with a suction member. The apertures are moved through seed storage means so that single seeds are picked up by the pick-up member by suction and held over each aperture. The seeds are carried to a discharge locality and released for planting. The pick-up member is hollow and has an internal sealing member which contacts each spaced aperture adjacent to the discharge locality thereby sealing off the suction and allowing each seed to travel to the discharge locality.