Abstract: A high visibility gun sight system is described for detachable mounting on a gun barrel (e.g., a shotgun). The system includes a base member for detachably mounting to a gun barrel, and an elongated light-gathering plastic rod which is detachably mounted to the base member. Preferably the base member includes downwardly extending flanges for engaging the gun barrel. The flanges can include opposing fingers for self-aligning of the base member on the barrel. Magnets can be included in the base member for retaining the base member on the gun barrel.

Abstract: A turbidimeter is described for measuring the turbidity of a liquid. The turbidimeter includes (a) a sample cell for the liquid to be tested, (b) an optical source such as a light-emitting diode (LED) for producing a light beam directed at the sample cell; (c) an optical detector, and (d) non-imaging optical concentrator located between the sample cell and the optical detector for concentrating light scattered by the liquid in the sample cell. The optical concentrator is preferably integral with the sample cell holder and it exhibits a sharp field of view which minimizes the effect of stray light in the instrument. The optical detector means produces a signal in response to the amount of scattered light it detects. The signal is converted to a turbidity value which is displayed. The turbidimeter can be battery powered and is small and compact.

Abstract: A boot system and method are described for preventing water or debris from entering a hole in the ground in which a pole has been placed prior to filling the hole with dirt or concrete. A flexible sheet is attached to the pole above the ground, and the lower edge of the sheet is secured to the ground around the pole. The side edges of the sheet are connected together. This system sheds water and keeps all foreign material out of the hole.

Abstract: A color comparator system is described which avoids the use of liquid reference standards and glass vials. In a preferred embodiment the system includes (a) a clear lens piece including a plurality of lens sections equal to the desired number of color steps or intensities to be measured or observed; (b) background color for visually separating the lens sections and providing a controlled background color for samples between lens sections; and (c) at least one lens color means positioned behind the lens piece. The visual perception when using this comparator system is the same as viewing a series of glass tubes filled with colored liquid. Ambient light passes through each lens and is then reflected back toward the viewer.

Abstract: A carrierless method is described for the analysis of a fluid sample for determination of the presence of a chemical species in the sample or for the determination of a physical characteristic of the sample. A portion of sample is drawn into a holding coil, followed by drawing one or more reagents (if desired) into the holding coil, then moving the sample and reagent (or reagents) through the reaction coil to a detector (e.g., calorimeter, potentiometer, ion selective electrode, fluorimetric detector, photometric detector, etc.). No separate carrier fluid is used in this method.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are described for eliminating gas bubbles from a moving liquid stream. The apparatus includes a plurality of chambers having an open top. Each chamber directs the moving liquid stream upwardly through an area of reduced diameter and then downwardly to an opening into an adjacent chamber. The bubbles are thereby urged upwardly to the top of the liquid where they burst and are vented to the atmosphere. The apparatus and method are especially useful, for example, in a turbidimeter.

Abstract: A coupling system for connecting or attaching a working tool to the free end of a working arm. For example, a bucket, hammer, etc. can be easily attached to the end of an articulated arm on an excavator. The coupling system includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw which is pivotable between open and closed positions. The movable jaw includes a tab which extends through an opening in the coupler housing. A single pin is used to lock the movable jaw in its closed position.

Abstract: Ion-beam probes of the planar, screened, and multilayer types are shown and described. These probes can detect the arrival of energetic ions and, in the latter type, also detect the arrival of energetic neutral molecules. A specific improvement is the use of a multilayer collection surface behind an aperture to measure the angular distribution of the etching contributions of energetic ions and/or energetic neutral molecules. After use, this multilayer collection surface provides a permanent record of the measurement. The improvement is also suitable for the adverse thermal and ion-etching environment of an energetic ion beam. In one embodiment, the aperture size and distance from the collection surface are such that a theoretical analysis of etch depth behind a straight-edge mask can be used to analyze the experimental results. The etch contour can be accurately reproduced from the measurement of half-maximum half angle, as long as the assumed distribution is incorporated in the measurement process.

Abstract: A process for separating non-oxidizable compounds from a mixture containing at least one oxidizable compound. The mixture is contacted with ozone to oxidize oxidizable compounds to form oxidized compounds which are then converted to water-soluble hydrazones, followed by separation of the hydrazones from the mixture using precipitation, liquid/liquid extraction, chromatography, etc.

Abstract: Stabilized formazin compositions suitable as turbidity standards. The compositions can be prepared by diluting a concentrated formazin composition with a diluent containing hexamethylenetetramine and, optionally, a water-soluble sulfate salt such as sodium sulfate. The pH of the stabilized compositions is in the range of about 7 to 11.

Abstract: A portable pedal control device for use by a disabled person to control the brakes and accelerator in a vehicle. One such control device is to be attached to the brake pedal and another similar device is attached to the accelerator pedal. The control device includes: (a) an elongated shaft or body, (b) opposing claws on the lower end of the shaft, (c) a lever for moving one of the claws between open and closed positions, and (d) a spring to hold the movable claw in its closed position. The control device is easily attached to the desired pedal by operating the lever to open the claws, then the claws are placed around the pedal and closed again. No tools are required, and the operator (disabled person) can attach or detach the control device without any assistance and without having to reach to the floor of the vehicle to manipulate fasteners or the like. The control devices can be used on any vehicle by a disabled person.

Abstract: Closed-drift ion sources of the magnetic-layer and anode-layer types are shown and described, with both one-stage and two stage versions of the latter included. Specific improvements include the use of a magnetically permeable insert in the closed drift region together with an effectively single source of magnetic field to facilitate the generation of a well-defined and localized magnetic field while, at the same time, permitting the placement of that magnetic field source at a location well removed from the hot discharge region. Such a configuration is also well suited to the use of a permanent magnet as the magnetic field source. In one embodiment a baffle arrangement serves to distribute the ionizable gas uniformly circumferentially and decrease its pressure below the Paschen-law minimum before exposure to the anode potential.

Abstract: A method is described for rapid, simple and economical verification of the accuracy of the determination of an on-line particle counter without disconnecting it from a stream of liquid being tested. The method involves injecting a known volume of a liquid containing a known number and size of particles into the stream of liquid upstream from the detector. The number of particles displayed prior to injection of the known volume of liquid is compared with (1) the number of particles displayed after injection, and (2) the known number of particles which have been injected. No other modifications of the equipment is required, and only low volumes of test standard are used.