Abstract: A flow cell system for use with a nephelometer (i.e., turbidimeter) to measure the turbidity of a liquid (e.g., water). The flow cell includes a transparent sample cell, an inlet port on the upper end of the cell, an outlet port on the upper end of the cell and another outlet port on the lower end of the cell. The upper outlet port collects and expels air bubbles and particles that tend to float in the sample. The lower outlet port collects and discharges settled solids. Measurement can be made on a dynamic (flowing) sample or a portion of the sample may be measured under static (non-flowing) conditions.

Abstract: A tillage implement for preparing seed beds for planting seeds for row crops. The implement includes deep tillage units for loosening soil behind the wheels of a tractor, additional deep tillage units for loosening soil in the areas where seed beds are located, seed bed shaping units, and ribbed wheels for providing guide tracks in the soil for use in aligning a planter with the seed beds.

Abstract: Processes and techniques are described for concurrent electroplating of yttrium, barium and copper from aqueous solution onto a desired substrate (e.g., nickel, nichrome or silver). Compounds of these elements are dissolved in aqueous solution with a complexing agent meeting defined criteria and then are placed in a plating cell in which the cathode is the substrate on which the elements are to be deposited. After the elements have been deposited, they are oxidized to provide the desired perovskite structure. The process may be continuous or non-continuous.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for aerating soil, especially grass or hay ground. The apparatus is intended to be towed by a farm tractor, and the apparatus includes elongated spikes on a cylindrical drum. As the apparatus is towed across a field, the spikes penetrate the soil and loosen it as well as providing openings in the soil to improve absorption of water. This reduces water run-off. The spikes are secured to bands encircling the drum, and the spacing between bands is adjustable so that the spacing between spikes can be adjusted.

Abstract: A split-path point-diffraction interferometer (SPPDI) comprising separate signal and reference beam paths is disclosed. A beamsplitter is used to divide a linearly polarized converging incident signal beam into separate signal and reference beam paths prior to focus. The reference beam path comprises a diffracting aperture located at the focal point of the signal beam. The diffracting aperture in the reference beam path produces an expanding, diffraction-limited reference wavefront. The signal and reference beam paths comprise linear polarizers whose yaw, pitch, and roll orientation may be freely adjusted. Yaw and pitch adjustment of one or more linear polarizers provides for adjustment of fringe spacing and orientation. Roll adjustment of one or more linear polarizers provides for adjustment of fringe contrast and intensity. Beam turning mirrors are used to direct the signal and reference beams to a beam combiner. Polarizing analysers are placed in the combined output beams produced by the beam combiner.

Abstract: A foot support system is described for detachable connection to the leg rest of a reclining chair. The foot support includes a plate which can be attached to the leg rest and then detached when it is not needed. The foot support prevents foot drop and helps to eliminate over-stretching of the flexor muscles and tightening of the extensor muscles.

Abstract: A distance marker system for mounting in a golf course fairway. The system includes a generally flat plate anchored in the ground and an upstanding cylindrical marker secured in a recessed cavity in the plate. When a reel-type mower encounters the marker from any direction, the marker is pushed away from its normal vertical position to a generally-horizontal position against the top of the plate. After the mower passes over the marker, the marker springs back to its normal vertical position again, without damage to the marker.

Abstract: A multi-purpose protective pad for use on a shoulder safety belt in a vehicle. The pad includes opposing flap portions which have mating fasteners thereon so that the pad can be extended around the shoulder belt and then the opposing flaps of the pad can be attached together. The pad protects the neck of a passenger from abrasion caused by the safety belt. The pad includes a built-in hidden waist belt for securing the pad around the waist of a user so that the pad can be used as a fanny pack. When the waist belt is left in place, the pad can be used as a wallet or personal organizer.

Abstract: This invention relates to asphalt concrete paving systems and how they are structured. For more than the last sixty years, such systems have been one integrated structure consisting of (1) one or more "lower supporting courses" and (2) one or more "surface wearing courses". Such systems are integrated structures and, therefore, cracking starting from either the top or bottom will proceed through the entire structure. This invention provides a third type of course, a "separation course" between the "lower supporting courses" and the "surface wearing courses". The "separation course" prevents bonding of the "lower supporting courses" to the "surface wearing courses". This "separation course" is a barrier to stop the cracking at this point. It is also waterproof and will stop water from getting into the "lower support courses" and causing them to fail. The concept of a "separation course" is applicable to both roadways and running tracks.

Abstract: A carrying case for golf clubs is described which includes two rigid housing sections hingedly connected along abutting edges. Each housing section can support several golf clubs in an upright, spaced-apart manner. The housing sections can pivot between open and closed positions. The case also includes a handle for carrying purposes. The golf clubs are prevented from contacting each other while being carried.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the toxicity of an environmental sample to bacteria. The method includes the use of resazurin dye as an indicator. Glutaraldehyde is used as an accelerating agent to speed the test.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a freeze brand to the hide of an animal. The apparatus includes a source of cryogenic fluid (e.g., liquid nitrogen), a canister having an inlet and an outlet for cryogenic fluid, and a brand relief attached to the canister. A flexible insulated hose is connected between the source of fluid and the canister. Preferably the cryogenic fluid passes through a conduit extending through the length of the handle to the canister. A swivel is preferably included in the handle enabling the canister and brand relief to be easily turned or rotated as needed.

Abstract: A reference electrode including a body, a supply of flowable gel electrolyte, a wire electrode, and a tube for the electrolyte. The electrolyte is preferably contained in a cartridge within the body of the electrode and is capable of being dispensed into the tube in very small, metered, amounts, as needed.

Abstract: An improved electrode is described having a replaceable cap in which a crystal membrane is mechanically secured. Leakage around the crystal membrane is avoided. The cap can be easily and quickly replaced, as desired.

Abstract: A retention system is described for retaining a bolt in an opening in a screen rail to prevent the bolt from falling out after the fastener has been removed from the bolt, The retention system is a rubber disk which is positioned adjacent the screen rail, The rubber disk includes an aperture in registry with the opening in the screen rail.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for selective cutting of the transverse carpal ligament of a patient. The instrument includes spaced-apart teeth which are supported on a first arm and a press member which is carried by a second arm. The teeth are prevented from contacting tissue when the first arm is inserted into, or retracted from, the carpal tunnel. After insertion of the first arm into the carpal tunnel, the teeth are exposed to the transverse carpal ligament and the first and second arms are moved towards each other to force the teeth into the transverse carpal ligament to perforate the ligament and enable it to elongate.

Abstract: A pouch is described for attachment to the front cover of a notebook (e.g., a spiral wire bound notebook) for containing personal items such as pencils, erasers, rulers, calculator, etc. The pouch is preferably made of flexible plastic and includes a flap or other type of closure for closing an interior pocket. The pouch may include a sleeve for enabling the cover of a notebook to be slidably received therein so that the pouch is firmly held on to the cover. The pouch is removable from the cover.