Abstract: A system for counting particles entrained in a flowing fluid and for automatically calibrating the counting system is disclosed. A conduct through which a fluid carrying particles flows has a transparent section. A narrow light beam, such as a laser light beam, is passed through the transparent section to a detector, such as a photodiode, that detects light scattered by the particles. The scattering pattern is useful in counting the flowing particles and measuring other particle characteristics, such as size. The measurement system can be calibrated by passing the light beam through a transparent slide bearing a standard particle array to a detector, either the measurement detector or a second detector. The slide is moved at the same rate as the fluid flows, so that the scattering produced by the standard array is useful in calibrating the measurement of the flowing particles in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A linear actuated sealant applicator pump for pumping a sealant into an aperture prior to installation of a fastener in that aperture. An air driven linear actuator translates a cam plate carrying a sealant applicator head from a first position in a first direction spaced from and slightly out of vertical alignment with the aperture to which sealant is to be applied. An adjustable stop limits the translation of the cam plate and injector pump. The actuator then continues in the first direction causing the cam plate to follow a cam slot translating the sealant applicator head in a second direction normal to the first direction toward and in vertical alignment with the aperture with the head engaging the edges of the aperture. The engagement of the head with the edges of the aperture prevents further translation of the sealant applicator head into the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously drilling multiple holes in the earth in a selected pattern and dispensing a selected quantity of fertilizer into each hole. A support adapted to be carried by a vehicle, such as a farm tractor, carries two frameworks parallel to the vehicle track and selectively spaced from the vehicle track centerline. Each framework carries a carriage on which plural drilling assemblies are mounted. The positions of the drilling assemblies relative to each other is adjustable. The carriage is vertically moveable to allow the drilling assemblies to simultaneously drill plural holes. A dispensing assembly on the framework includes an adjustable metering device for dispensing a selected quantity of fertilizer into each hole.

Abstract: A thermal energy differential power conversion apparatus. A parallel series of vessels hold a working liquid at a level intermediate the upper and lower ends of the vessel. A first tube operatively engages the uppers ends of the vessels for carrying a liquid above the boiling temperature of the working liquid. A second tube is in contact with the liquid in each vessel for carrying a liquid at a temperature below the boiling temperature of the liquid. An outlet on each vessel directs heated working liquid under pressure from each vessel to a chamber for vaporizing the liquid and directing the resulting high pressure vapor to a work producing station, such as s scroll compressor operated in reverse as an expander. An inlet tube conveys low pressure vapor from the work producing station back to the vessels.

Abstract: A filtration system for water or other selected liquids that includes an ozone mixing station, a primary solids and gas separator and, if desired, a second vortex particle separator and filter system. The ozone mixing station includes a high efficiency ozone generator and a channel arrangement, such as a spiral tubular treatment coil, through which the ozone/liquid mixture passes to assure thorough mixing and provide time for effective treatment. The primary solids separator includes an offset inlet jet through which the liquid from the ozone treatment station is injected into a first circular chamber. The resulting rotating liquid vortex moves to a narrowed co-axial second circular chamber to cause heavy particles to concentrate at the outer perimeter then to a coaxial larger third circular chamber. The liquid exits through an annular outlet located around the chamber axis to prevent buoyant particles in the axial region and heavy particles at the outer periphery from passing out with the liquid.

Abstract: A formulation for treating animals such as dogs, cats, hamsters, white rats, etc. to reduce or eliminate fleas on the animal. The basic mixture comprises a suitable quantity of tea tree oil (an essential oil of the Australian native tree Melaleuca alternifolia) in a water carrier. The liquid is rubbed into the fur of the flea infested animal, preferably to the point where the fur and underlying skin is damp but not dripping wet. The tea tree oil has been found to have additional beneficial properties, in reducing infection and promoting healing of scratches and sores caused by the animal scratching the fleas. Other ingredients may be included, such as mild soaps, surfactants and diluting agents, to provide other benefits. The tea tree oil, as an oil, will help relieve overly dry skin characteristic of dry, desert-like regions and can be used frequently, if desired, without leaving the animal with dry skin or eczema.

Abstract: A method for accurately and conveniently implanting a selected quantity of a liquid into the colon. The apparatus comprises a positive displacement, plunger type, syringe for holding and dispensing a selected quantity of liquid, a tubular connecter at the outlet end of the syringe, a valve connected to the bore of the connector for selectively connecting the bore to the atmosphere and a tube attached to the tubular connector. A nozzle may be used to attach the tubular connector to a plastic tube which is in turn attached to a rectal catheter. In use, a selected quantity of liquid is drawn into the syringe, the tube is connected thereto, the catheter is inserted well into the colon and the syringe plunger is pressed to dispense the liquid into the tube. Since the tube is then still filled with liquid, the valve is opened and the atmosphere is connected to the tube. In some cases the remaining liquid will drain into the colon by gravity.

Abstract: A combustion chamber arrangement for use with internal combustion engines having a piston in an engine block cylinder and a cylinder head secured to the block with a combustion chamber adjacent to the piston surface. One intake valve, one smaller exhaust valve and one centrally located fuel ignition device located in a cylinder head recess are provided for each engine cylinder. The two valves are preferably circular and located on opposite sides of the central ignition device, substantially on a line running through the ignition device. For best results the ratio of the diameter of the intake valve to the diameter of the exhaust valve is at least about 1:3, preferably from about 1.3 to 1.4. Substantially symmetrical squish pads are provided in the cylinder head chamber on adjacent to the row of exhaust valve, ignition device and intake valve.

Abstract: An infant care simulation system for use in teaching individuals the realities, responsibilities and constraints inherent in caring for young babies. The system also demonstrates the special problems of drug-dependent babies. Basically the system includes a doll having the shape and weight of a young baby and accessories of the sort used with such a baby. The doll and accessories are assigned to an individual for an extended period such as several days. A sound system and electronic circuitry are included within the doll to generate sounds simulating a baby crying at selected intervals for selected time periods. A spring loaded key or other manual switch is provided so that the individual can turn off the crying sound by holding the key in an off position. Preferably the key is secured to the assigned individual in a way preventing it being given to another person. Indicators showing rough handling, improper positioning of the doll, periods before a response is made to a crying signal, etc. are provided.

Abstract: A slammer for use in the game generally called Milk Caps or Pogs, originally played with milk bottle caps. The slammer is basically a disk shaped member having at least one continuous, unapertured, metal disk. The disk or disks are encapsulated in a synthetic resin housing. A first cylindrical housing portion is formed around the metal disk or disks by injection molding of a tough synthetic resin, with a disk surface at one face of the housing. A second housing portion is formed by injection molding of a second synthetic resin over the exposed disk assembly surface. The second resin preferably is softer than the first resin and bears finger tip shaped depressions to provide an optimum gripping surface for holding and throwing the slammer during game play.

Abstract: An insulated food storage system comprising a heat insulating base and a heat insulating cover together defining a cavity. A thermal plate fits within the cavity, the thermal plate having a chamber containing wax which solidifies in the temperature range 75.degree. C. to 95.degree. C. So that food located within the cavity together with the thermal plate is maintained substantially within that temperature range as the wax which has been previously heated and liquefied cools and solidifies. The wax in one embodiment is in a metal tray closed by a metal lid within the chamber in the thermal plate. The chamber is in a central region of the thermal plate and the edges have no wax within the space between the top and the bottom walls of the edges. A plastics material with very low thermal conductivity is used for the thermal plate.

Abstract: A set of instruments for use in coloring selected groups of hair strands and a method of coloring hair using them. The instruments include a palette, a color board and a color blade. A layer of viscous hair coloring agent is placed on the color palette. A sheet of aluminum foil or the like is placed over the color board and folded over a beveled end of the color board. A group of hair strands to be colored is selected and placed on the a covered color board, with the beveled edge in contact with the scalp over a narrow line. A selected quantity of coloring agent is picked up by the color blade as a thin bead along the blade edge and brought into contact with the hair on the color board. The blade is moved along the hair to uniformly contact the hair with the coloring agent. The foil is then wrapped around the group of hair strands. Additional groups of hair strands can then be colored with the same or a different color. Preferably, the color blade has a flexible blade portion and a more rigid handle portion.

Abstract: An integral nut and washer formed from a fiber reinforced polymeric material that is particularly useful for use in water tanks and the like that are bolted together from overlapping metal plates. The combination includes a generally cylindrical nut body having an internally threaded cavity, with a transversely extending washer portion around the opening. At least one pair of opposed flats are provided on the nut body for tightening the nut with a conventional wrench. An axial vent is provided at the closed end of the cavity to allow air or excess sealant, where sealant is used, to escape as the nut is tightened. The entrance into the threaded cavity is chamfered, and the washer portion is tapered back along the nut portion for maximum washer strength. Preferably, the integral nut and washer is formed from a glass fiber reinforced polyurethane material by injection molding. This nut is durable and does not corrode in use.

Abstract: A process for producing high quality multi-color images on textured surfaces. A plurality of color separation negatives are produced from an original multi-color image. Printing plates are prepared using the color separation negatives and a stochastic random dot screen. The plates are mounted on a series of printing units and the separation images are printed in register using an ink that is cured to a substantially dry state by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. A source of ultraviolet radiation is placed between each pair of printing unite to cure each image before the next is printed. The images are printed on a textured substrate, such as canvas. Selected areas are then overprinted serigraphically using transparent to translucent liquids, at least some of which include translucent colorants. The imaged substrate may be coated with a liquid plastic which is textured as the plastic dries. The final product is a high quality, artistic, rendering of the original image.

Abstract: Highly efficient reflective optical system that perfectly reflects incident electromagnetic radiation of a certain spectra and almost perfectly reflects radiation of another spectra. Incident electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength above a critical wavelength is relatively perfectly reflected. The critical wavelength is determined by the critical temperature of a high temperature superconductor material incorporated in the optical system. A preferred embodiment includes a cryogenically cooled substrate to which is applied a coating of a noble metal such as silver. A layer of a high temperature superconductor material is applied over the coating of noble metal. Since the critical wavelength of the incident radiation is inversely proportional to the critical temperature of the superconducting material, the use of high temperature superconductor material in the optical system provides a critical wavelength whereby certain spectra of an incident radiation is perfectly reflected.

Abstract: A system for introducing fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine which includes at least one piston reciprocating in a cylinder with a cylinder head closing the top of the cylinder forming a combustion chamber between piston and head. At least one intake valve and one exhaust valve are provided in the cylinder head. One or more fuel injectors communicate through the sidewall of each of the engine cylinders for injecting fuel during the piston intake stroke while the top of the piston is below the injection site. The fuel injector may be any suitable injector, typically of a low pressure type. The fuel injector is oriented to direct a spray of fuel droplets in the direction of the cylinder head and/or the closed exhaust valve to speed droplet evaporation and cool the exhaust valve. Engines using this system also have increased tolerance of low octane fuel and improved emission characteristics.

Abstract: A slammer for use in the game generally called milk caps or pogs, originally played with milk bottle caps. The slammer is basically a disk shaped member having at least one metal disk, which preferably has a central aperture. The disk or disks are encapsulated in a synthetic resin housing. A first cylindrical housing portion is formed around the metal disk or disks by injection molding of a tough synthetic resin, with a disk surface at one face of the housing. A second housing portion is formed by injection molding of a second synthetic resin over the exposed disk assembly surface. The second resin is softer than the first resin and preferably bears finger tip shaped depressions to provide an optimum gripping surface for holding and throwing the slammer during game play. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of thin, apertured metal disks, generally 2 to 4, are stacked and a resin plug is formed within the aligned apertures to hold the disks together.

Abstract: A sun shield or nose guard for eyeglasses, such as sunglasses or goggles, which is readably attachable and removable from the glasses. The sun shield is formed from a thin, semi-stiff but flexible sheet material, such as a suitable plastic, to the general shape of a human nose. A small piece of hook-and-loop fastener material of the sort available under the Velcro trademark, is secured to the upper, outer, edge of the sun shield, preferably by an adhesive. A corresponding piece of the complementary hook-and-eye material is secured to the glasses between the glasses' nose pads, preferably by an adhesive. Such pieces can be attached to a number of different glasses so that the sun shield can be selectively used with any of them. The sun shield can be easily attached for use when needed and detached when not needed or when it is desired to attach the shield to a different pair of glasses. A rounded bead is provided around the periphery of the sun shield for maximum comfort wherever the edge may contact the nose.

Abstract: An amine reacted acrylated epoxy resin blend that is particularly suitable for impregnating a fiber material and at least initial curing by exposure to ionizing radiation. These epoxy resins are basically produced by combining epoxy resins, including esterified epoxy resins, with stoichiometric quantities of aliphatic or cyclo aliphatic polyamines. The resins can be used to impregnate fibers which are exposed to ionizing radiation such as an electron beam or ultraviolet light and immediately formed into a structure, such as by filament winding. A short exposure to the ionizing radiation produces a stress-free, self supporting structure that can be fully cured through simple heating without elaborate tooling, vacuum bagging, autoclaves or the like.