Abstract: A droplet flow cytometer system which includes a system to optimize the droplet formation time delay based on conditions actually experienced includes an automatic droplet sampler which rapidly moves a plurality of containers stepwise through the droplet stream while simultaneously adjusting the droplet time delay. Through the system sampling of an actual substance to be processed can be used to minimize the effect of the substances variations or the determination of which time delay is optimal. Analysis such as cell counting and the like may be conducted manually or automatically and input to a time delay adjustment which may then act with analysis equipment to revise the time delay estimate actually applied during processing. The automatic sampler can be controlled through a microprocessor and appropriate programming to bracket an initial droplet formation time delay estimate.

Abstract: A packaging system including both methods and specific types of packaging addresses the need for a fully recoverable, reduced-volume packaging of compressible items. The system may involve initially compressing the item through folding and the like and wrapping the item for insertion into a bag or other flexible impermeable encasing. This bag may then be compressed externally or through evacuation and sealed so that the flexible impermeable encasing acts in conjunction the ambient pressure environment to hold the item in a fully compressed state. For ease of sealing the bag the entire package may be subjected to lower pressures and then sealed. In this manner the item is sealed prior to compression. In order to achieve full recovery of the item the compressible item may be constructed of an open-cell foam having a density at least greater than 1.2 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: A direct jet monitor illuminates the jet of a flow cytometer in a monitor wavelength band which is substantially separate from the substance wavelength band. When a laser is used to cause fluorescence of the substance, it may be appropriate to use an infrared source to illuminate the jet and thus optically monitor the conditions within the jet through a CCD camera or the like. This optical monitoring may be provided to some type of controller or feedback system which automatically changes either the horizontal location of the jet, the point at which droplet separation occurs, or some other condition within the jet in order to maintain optimum conditions. The direct jet monitor may be operated simultaneously with the substance property sensing and analysis system so that continuous monitoring may be achieved without interfering with the substance data gathering and may be configured so as to allow the front of the analysis or free fall area to be unobstructed during processing.

Abstract: A sample introduction system for a flow cytometer allows easy change of sample containers such as test tubes and facilitates use in high pressure environments. The sample container includes a cap having a pressure supply chamber and a sample container attachment cavity. A sample container may be automatically positioned into the attachment cavity so as to sealably engage the end of the sample container as its outer surface. This positioning may be accomplished through some sample introduction mechanism. To facilitate cleaning, HPLC tubing and fittings may be used in a manner which facilitates removing of the entire tubing from both the nozzle container and other sample container cap to permit its replacement to avoid contamination. The sample container support may include horizontal stops which loosely limit the movement of the sample container and thus avoid further stresses upon it.

Abstract: A subsurface sampling system which is designed to avoid disturbance of the sample point allows for repetitive insertion of a sampling means, such as a resin capsule, to allow repetitive sampling at a given location. Through variation in the design natural percolation and angled positioning may be accommodated. A shield and other means for diverting external substances such as ground water, rain, and the like are incorporated as well as a cap which integrates with a spring or other type of tension means to appropriately position the sampling means adjacent to the particular point desired to be sampled. A central access chamber and a variety of sampling passageways are provided for in applications in which repetitive-sampling at multiple sites is desired.

Abstract: An enhanced DC plasma processing system which acts to immediately stop current from flowing through the plasma allows a variety of alternative embodiments for varying applications. In one embodiment, a tapped inductor is switched to ground to achieve substantial voltage reversal of about 10% upon detection of an arc condition through voltage and/or rate of voltage change techniques. This reversal of voltage is maintained long enough to allow restoration of uniform charge density within the plasma prior to restoration of the initial driving condition. A technique for preventing arc discharges involving periodically applying a reverse voltage is effected through a timer system in the power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus which creates a pre-engineered solvent bond is disclosed which allows the bond characteristics of the resultant solvent bond to be predetermined. These characteristics can thus be chosen by the part designer with confidence that inherent variations in the assembly process will not unduly impact the resultant bond. The design establishes a specific volume through removable shims. Solvent added to this volume acts to dissolve material so that the predetermined bond characteristics are created.

Abstract: A collapsible structure having front and back ends with front and back support members includes a single central support member to pass in a direct line along the cover means and thus support the entire structure at roughly the center of the cover means. The item may be sewn and easily manufactured in a fashion so that upon being collapsed it occupies the smallest possible volume and has no overlapping support members. Finally in pet toy applications crinkly material and washable material may be included.

Abstract: A multiple phase switch mode plasma processing system generates alternating signals which may be coincidentally rectified or otherwise converted from AC to DC. The resulting DC signal has extremely reduced ripple and thus greatly reduced need for filtering of the generated DC output. Direct connection of the DC output is possible through a coupling having no substantially no reactive component. In situations where filtering is desirable the filtering can be reduced to about 1% of the energy supplied per cycle. This allows more accurate control of the power supply to the processing plasma. In addition, voltage regulation through frequency variation, resonance, circuit variation, and pulse width modulation can be utilized individually or in combination. The phase relationship of the multiple alternating signals may be determined so as to allow a regular phase relationship and thus minimize the small amount of ripple remaining.

Abstract: A modular scour monitoring device which employs magnets located within a weighted descending collar is designed for placement about bridge piers, abutments and the like, such that the occurrence of scour causes descent of the collar. This descent is carefully monitored against the initial reference point using one of two systems: a magnetic detecting probe unit or a magnetic switch array. The probe unit utilizes a graduated cable with a magnet detector mounted at one end and a signalling device at the other. The switch array system employs electrical components which are selectively activated with the descent of the collar, permitting periodic readings of the arrays various electrical properties to reveal the new depth. A wide variety of accessory systems may be used in conjunction with the present invention to permit remote monitoring, visual, audible or other warning signals, and data storage and control.

Abstract: A GPS system for both generating and receiving multiple differential corrections from a single broadcast transmission may involve FM subcarrier modulations at any carrier frequency or subcarrier offset to provide multiple differential correction signals having varying accuracy. Signals may be encrypted and enabled through a controllable address signal to be provided on a subscription basis. Subcarrier transmissions are provided for in overlapping manner for redundancy and with either separate or interleaved differential signals so as to be able to both broadcast differential corrections and informational signals using existing equipment and FM stations at any available offset with both uplink and downlink capabilities. Similarly at least one FM receiver component is included within a traditional GPS receiver to simultaneously receive, scan, locate, and compare differential signals for more accurate determination of location in a reliable and optimum manner and at differing locations.

Abstract: An apparatus which creates a pre-engineered solvent bond is disclosed which acts to self-optimize the characteristics of the resultant solvent bond. These characteristics can thus be chosen by the part designer with confidence that inherent variations in the assembly process will not unduly impact the resultant bond. The design establishes a specific volume through integral tabs or removable shims within which solvent acts to precisely dissolve material so that the predetermined bond characteristics are automatically created without reliance upon assembler technique.

Abstract: A packaging system including both methods and specific types of packaging addresses the need for a fully recoverable, reduced-volume packaging of compressible items. The system may involve initially compressing the item through folding and the like and wrapping the item for insertion into a bag or other flexible impermeable encasing. This bag may then be compressed externally or through evacuation and sealed so that the flexible impermeable encasing acts in conjunction the ambient pressure environment to hold the item in a fully compressed state. For ease of sealing the bag the entire package may be subjected to lower pressures and then sealed. In this manner the item is sealed prior to compression. In order to achieve full recovery of the item the compressible item may be constructed of an open-cell foam having a density at least greater than 1.2 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: An enhanced DC plasma processing system which acts to immediately stop current from flowing through the plasma allows a variety of alternative embodiments for varying applications. In one embodiment, a tapped inductor is switched to ground to achieve substantial voltage reversal of about 10% upon detection of an arc condition through voltage and/or rate of voltage change techniques. This reversal of voltage is maintained long enough to allow restoration of uniform charge density within the plasma prior to restoration of the initial driving condition. A technique for preventing arc discharges involving periodically applying a reverse voltage is effected through a timer system in the power supply.

Abstract: A winterizing system (10) for underground sprinkler systems which can be newly installed during the sprinkler system installation, or can be utilized as a retrofit design, having a single valve means (13) and a drive shaft (19) to allow winterization completely from the exterior of building structure (50). Drive shaft (19), which may be flexible for most retrofit installations, is mounted such that it is accessible from the exterior. Upon manipulation of drive shaft (19) inlet port (14) and drain port (16), with connected drain line (24), can be opened and closed by a technician without entrance into building structure (50). Additional features include backflow prevention devices, tamper-proof drive shaft keys, and special connectors.

Abstract: A bypass filter system for use in low pressure, centrifugal type refrigeration equipment which allows complete isolation of a submicron filter element from the lubrication system through use of an inlet line shut-off and a return line shut-off. The filter system utilizes a variable regulator valve for balancing the operating parameters of the various systems involved to permit initial installation and set up, at which point thereafter the variable regulator may be replaced with a fixed regulator for continued operation of the system. Multiple devices for monitoring the filter element condition, verifying flow, detecting moisture, and displaying pressure readings may be used in conjunction with the basic device to enhance reliability and usefulness.

Abstract: This invention describes an environmentally and occupationally safer method and apparatus for coating and/or reclaiming materials in low pressure inert atmospheres. This invention is useful for coating a large number of irregularly shaped articles, such as industrial fasteners, tools and the like, with metals, semiconductor materials, composites, or alloys. The process related to this invention is also useful for coating parts in a rack or barrel type coating apparatus, as well as the continuous coating of parts which are fed through the path of material vapor streams. The processes and apparatus disclosed use sublimation techniques which allow almost unrestricted size, shape and placement of the depositing source. Heating sources serve to sublimate materials which can then be directed to the desired substrate for condensing.

Abstract: A winterizing system (10) for underground sprinkler systems which can be newly installed during the sprinkler system installation, or can be utilized as a retrofit design, having a single valve means (13) and a drive shaft (19) to allow winterization completely from the exterior of building structure (50). Drive shaft (19), which may be flexible for most retrofit installations, is mounted such that it is accessible from the exterior. Upon manipulation of drive shaft (19) inlet port (14) and drain port (16), with connected drain line (24), can be opened and closed by a technician without entrance into building structure (50). Additional features include backflow prevention devices, tamper-proof drive shaft keys, and special connectors.