Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the fluorescence of nanodrop liquid samples is described in which the sample is held by surface tension between two anvil surfaces. Each anvil surface has an embedded optical fiber with its end finished flush with the surface in the containment area wetted by the sample with the fiber in line. Sample excitation is provided from the side of the sample remote from the containment area. By selection of the fiber transmission numeric aperture the impact of exciting and ambient light on the measurement is minimized. A method of virtual filtering is taught in which any ambient or exciting light that does impinge on the measuring sensor is corrected by subtracting a scaled representation of the source from the measurement. The method and apparatus is capable of detecting 1 femptomole of sodium fluorescein in 1 microliter of TE buffer.

Abstract: A shampoo/conditioner that repels lice and aids in the removal of head lice and nits is presented. It is a formulation comprising at least one homeopathic louse insecticide included with acetic acid in association with a gentle wetting agent and shampoo and conditioner and softener components, all tested for low dermal irritation with a final pH below 4.5 and a viscosity of 1200 to 2000 CPS. The product reduces or eliminates the activity of live lice and makes it significantly easier to comb out nits. The product creates an environment repulsive to head lice thereby acting to prevent re-infestation. It is suited for the daily use that is necessary to insure permanent removal of all lice and nits by combing and serves to beautify the hair.

Abstract: A gobo is described wherein the superimposed layers are integrally bonded with a continuous and uniform layer of polymerized gluing material. Preferred bonding glues, their required characteristics, and a method for fabricating the integrally bonded gobo are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-standing structure supporting a fixed boom is built on a palette-like base that is picked up and moved by a fork truck. Railroad car lids with a variety of handles can be engaged by the boom which has fittings suited to that purpose, lifted and removed by the fork truck operator so that the contents of the car such as coils of metal can be lifted out by a crane or the like.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of spectroscopy or the like on extremely small samples in which a drop is held between two opposing surfaces by surface tension and one surface is controllably toward and away from the other. To provide and transmit exciting energy through the drop for measurement, optical fibers go through a surface and finish flush with the surface. One of the surfaces can be swung clear of the other for easy cleaning between tests. Means for determining wetted surface are provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of spectrophotometry or the like on extremely small liquid samples in which a drop is held between two opposing surfaces by surface tension and one surface is controllably moved toward and away from the other. To provide and transmit exciting energy through the drop for measurement, the optical fibers go through a surface and are finished flush with its surface. One of the surfaces can be swung clear of the other for easy cleaning between tests.

Abstract: A structure for a collapsible wheelchair is provided in which the casters are each mounted on a four bar linkage pivoted from a cam actuated rotary lock mechanism on the frame of the chair.

Abstract: The invention is a mechanism for selectively fixing the angular relationship of two pivotaly related structural members in finite steps using a manually actuated, cam-activated gear lock. This provides an adjustable and selectively lockable angular relationship. Fixed and moveable cylindrical cams and a concentric face gear/clutch are used. In one application, the mechanism is incorporated into a four bar linkage.

Abstract: A composition of matter is disclosed in which nanophase metal particles are effectively dispersed in a polymer matrix so that hitherto unattainable thermoelectric properties are attained. Preferred polymers and metals are taught. A method of making the composition of matter useful as a themoelectric composite material using a conducting polymer matrix is disclosed as is a thermoelectric cooling/heating device which uses that composition.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electric mower, preferably of the riding type, in which microcontrollers are interposed between quadrature controllers and motors operating each of the drive wheels. The microcontrollers are programmed to provide pulse width modulated current drive control and braking. Other functions are controlled electronically to assure operations that are not harmful to the operator, the motors, the battery or the lawn being mowed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for exercise in which a preselected work input to an exercise machine that is associated with an award-granting switch triggers a reward. The input can be a particular rate of work as measured by rotational speed or linear motion or a summation of the time during which a threshold level of work was exceeded. The reward can be turning on a TV or like electrical apparatus or it can be a change in the exercise machine and regime. An exercise machine incorporating the award-granting switch is disclosed in which the reward is a change in the angle to horizontal at which the exercise is performed. This change can make the exercise harder or easier depending on the exercise protocol desired.

Abstract: A refreshable fragrant cushioned toilet seat (100) releases air freshener (26) concealed in its interior cushioning (20) through holes (16) in the upper panel (10) or the lower panel (12) or both into the toilet area on a continuous basis to eliminate odorous air in the toilet area. Upon exhaustion of the air freshener (26) in the toilet seat (100), the air freshener (26) is replenished by impregnating the holes with air freshener (26) dispensed from a container (22) with an acicular head (24). This acicular head (24) is of selected length and penetrates through the holes (16) into the interior of the cushion (20) where air freshener (26) is deposited. In another embodiment, the holes (16) penetrate into a cavity (32) in the upper panel (10) of the toilet seat (100) which is filled with air-refreshening potpourri (33) and covered with a transparent lid (34) flush with the top of this panel. This embodiment provides a pleasing aspect to the eye as well as serving the replenishable, air freshening function.

Abstract: A docking system is disclosed in which modules that are of integral, unitary structure may be joined to form a floating dock. Each module is made up of a deck and side walls to form a hollow chamber within which is disposed a flotation unit of a large-scale honeycomb made by joining plastic containers to each other and to the deck and side walls. A substantially isotropic tension member or system of tension members is joined to the bottom of the walls and cells to complete a module in which applied forces are shared by all elements. Apparatus for aligning and joining modules to form dock structures are described as are apparatus to ballast the structure and determine freeboard.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for righting an upset catamaran is disclosed. Apparatus are provided to apply and maintain a compressive force in the mast while extending the out-of-water permanent shroud so that a sailor standing on the in-water pontoon and pulling on a righting line fastened to the out-of-water pontoon can easily rotate the out-of-water pontoon over the vertical where gravity will add to the righting moment. The compressive force on the mast permits the shroud extension and resultant mast pivoting without risk of dismasting. Apparatus to limit the mast pivoting to a selected angle are also taught.

Abstract: A novel yarn is a bundle of multifilament continuous supply yarns with two sequentially alternating lengths in a preselected ratio. The first length has alternating sections of entangled filaments and unentangled, crimped filaments alternating in closely, substantially randomly-variably spaced sequence. The second length has substantially unentangled, crimped filaments. The yarn has substantially uniform linear denier and the extent between nodes of the second length is greater than the extent between nodes of any of the second sections of the first length. The yarns made present a space dyed appearance, especially when multicolored supply yarns are employed, combined with varying textural effects.

Abstract: A novel yarn is a bundle of multifiliment supply yarns, preferably at least two, with two alternating lengths in a selected ratio. The first length has alternating sections of entangled filaments forming nodes and unentangled, crimped filaments alternating in closely, substantially randomly-variable spaced sequence. The second length has substantially unentangled crimped filaments. The yarn is characterized by substantially uniform, linear denier and the extent of the second length from node to node is greater than the extent from node to node of any of the second sections of the first length. The yarn presents a space-dyed appearance, especially when multicolored supply yarns are employed, combined with varying textural, effects. Fabrics made of such yarns have novel and pleasing aesthetics. Novel apparatus for making the yarn is taught.

Abstract: Enhancement of the conventional nozzle bars in an air flotation, high speed air impingement web dryer by adding an electrode insulatedly mounted on the conductive surface of the nozzle bar which is in proximity to the web and establishing a plurality of radio frequency fringing electric fields to intercept the web and enhance the drying process is disclosed. The R.F. fields are powered by an integral R.F. generator electrically connected between the insulated electrode and the conductive nozzle bar housing. The system permits the beneficial characteristics of dielectric drying to be added to the conventional air impingement web dryer with minimum re-arrangement problems and maximum power profiling versatility. A further circuit characteristic provides for substantially constant dielectric power transfer to the web independent of variations in the nozzle bar to web spacing.