Abstract: At least one embodiment of the inventive technology relates to a frozen environmental sample temperature control system that comprises a frozen formulation having water in an amount from substantially 87% to 78% by weight of the formulation, and salt in an amount from substantially 13% to 22% by weight of the formulation, the system further including at least one container containing the frozen formulation; and a cooler having insulating material disposed between an outer wall and an inner surface that defines an inner chamber into which the at least one container and the at least one frozen environmental sample may be placed for storage and/or transport. Various embodiments may incorporate specific types of insulating material and/or adaptations to an inner surface of the cooler to enhance the insulation effected thereby.

Abstract: A system and method of maintaining the integrity of freshly harvested, or freshly cut fruits and vegetables. Specifically, the invention focuses on a distinct series of processes which confer a lower total microbial count, delay browning, improve general organoleptic properties, and decrease the amount of chemical contaminants on the exposed surfaces without the use of preservatives. Examples of such process may be applying a first produce integrity maintenance process, a second produce integrity maintenance process, application of an antibrowning agent to the produce by a produce antibrown agent applicator, exposing the produce to ultraviolet light by an ultraviolet light system, and applying an ozone treatment by an ozone treatment system.

Abstract: Ultrasonic spectroscopy, calorimetry, or thermogravimetric analysis provide measures which correlate with properties of asphaltene complex of petroleum residua which can be used to establish or maintain consistent properties of petroleum residua during blending or to determine immediacy of petroleum residuea to deposition phenomena during pyrolytic thermal treatment.

Abstract: Various optical apparatus provide a source of parallel light (7, 75). The parallel light (7, 75) is generally achieved by directing an incident beam at the apex of a prism (1, 22, 24, 26, 28). The prism may have varying configurations. One configuration has a forward conical face (24). Another configuration has a pyramidal forward end (22). Other configurations are also disclosed. The application also discloses the use of reflectors (20, 78, 216, 316, 400) having internal reflective surfaces shaped as three-dimensional figures of revolution, for example paraboloid or ellipsoid. The reflectors (20, 78, 216, 316) focus light incident onto the reflectors at one or more foci (F, 220, 320, 420). The reflectors may be used in combination with the optical apparatus including the prisms (1, 22, 24, 26, 28). The reflectors (20, 78, 216,316) may be used in flow cytometers for focusing light at a sample stream (237, 337) passing through the focus (F, 220, 320, 420) of the reflector (20, 78, 216, 316).

Abstract: The evaluation and assessment of geologic formations comprising undersaturated coalbed methane reservoirs. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for inductively quantifying critical desorption pressure of the solid in an undersaturated coalbed methane reservoir from an unrelated substance, the formation water. By using these techniques, the characterization of undersaturated coalbed methane reservoirs may be more quickly and economically made based upon a methane content characteristic such as critical desorption pressure, gas content, and in some embodiments gas content as calculated from isotherm evaluation, estimates of dewatering for production, and ratios of critical desorption pressure to initial reservoir pressure, among other possible characteristics. The features of the invention may further have applicability in combination with conventional reservoir analysis, such as coring, logging, reservoir isotherm evaluation, or other techniques.

Abstract: A versatile palletized system provides for work to be held in place even while a top plate (7) as one type of workholder web is transferred. Movement can be provided by a coordinated topographically fixed movement web (39) which may have hydraulic pistons or other movement mechanisms (11) which cause actuation of a great variety of workholder devices (8) which may be attached to the workholder web (7). Accurate, repeatable positioning between the two webs can be accomplished for quick changeout and even configuration as a rotatable pallet system where one pallet can be set up while the other is being used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of cryopreserving sperm that have been selected for a specific characteristic. In a preferred embodiment, the method is employed to freeze sex-selected sperm. Although the cryopreservation method of the invention can be used to freeze sperm selected by any number of selection methods, selection using flow cytometry is preferred. The present invention also provides a frozen sperm sample that has been selected for a particular characteristic, such as sex-type. In preferred embodiments, the frozen sperm sample includes mammalian sperm, such as, for example, human, bovine, equine, porcine, ovine, elk, or bison sperm. The frozen selected sperm sample can be used in a variety of applications. In particular, the sample can be thawed and used for fertilization. Accordingly, the invention also includes a method of using the frozen selected sperm sample for artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.

Abstract: Improved flow cytometer system particularly adapted to use for sex-selected sperm sorting include enhanced sheath fluid and other strategies which minimize stress on the sperm cells, including a 2.9 percent sodium citrate sheath solution for bovine species and a HEPES bovine gamete media for equine species. Improved collection systems and techniques for the process are described so that commercial applications of sperms samples as well as the resulting animals may be achieved.

Abstract: An animal deterrent system to be placed on structures such as electrical apparatus to deter and protect birds, wildlife and other animals. Specifically, a perching deterrent having a saddle made to fit over any desired member of a structure and deterrent extensions may be used separately or in combination. The deterrent extensions may protrude in various configurations from the above-mentioned saddle to inhibit, deter, or insulate animals contacting structures. Also possible is an insulator cap with spiral conductor covers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for processing sperm cells to accomplish preservation for future use while minimizing the adverse effects of such preservation. Sperm cells may be collected from a male animal and subjected to a first preservation step, including potentially a first cryopreservation step. Preserved sperm may then be revived, including potentially by thawing, and treated by any of various processing steps to mitigate the adverse effects of preservation. Treated sperm may then be subjected to a second preservation step, including potentially a second cryopreservation step, perhaps enabling a delayed use of the sperm at a future time.

Abstract: A system for organizing one or more articles of clothing such as for hanging in vehicles includes a clothing support with opposing securement elements at each end and a clothing retention element that can provide vertical support and can roughly divide the clothing support mid-way, and a base. The base can aid in providing support and stability such as when positioned over a car seat or a cargo area.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved water control gates and related inflatable actuators, and associated sealing, manufacture and operation apparatus and methods. Advancements in technologies related to air fitting design, inflated bladder stress relief, inflatable bladder strength enhancement, water gate related slide friction mitigation, abutment and other impounded water seals, gate panel fabrication, traffic accommodating water impoundment structures, and water gate panel system operation efficiency, as well as nappe areation, hinges, and bladder manufacture technology are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for controlling the delivery of power to DC components such as computer components, microprocessors or the like. Designs of rectifier circuitry are presented which are appropriate for faster components, lower voltages, and higher currents. Embodiments are especially suited to applications which cause rapid changes in the conductance of the load, even in the sub-microsecond time domain as is common in computer applications and the like and in powering electronics equipment, especially a distributed system and especially a system wherein low voltage at high current is required. Embodiments and sub elements provide energy storage for low voltage, high current electronic loads, an ability to supply current with rapid time variation, providing extremely low inductance connections, permitting components to be located relatively remotely from the powered electronic load.

Abstract: An IVF system for successfully utilizing spermatozoa separated into X-chromosome bearing and into Y-chromosome bearing population for insemination. The IVF system includes fertilization medium that can shorten the time from insemination to cleavage and a portable incubator for the transportation of maturing oocytes and inseminated oocytes comrprising a straw (19) and an incubation element (20) that can be sealed with a cap (22).

Abstract: Barrel racing rodeo pant systems are provided with pockets which retain a protector element for the protection of the barrel racer. The pant system may comprise a pair of pants having a pocket secured to at least one leg which retains a protector element. Pant systems may also comprise a pocket secured to at least one pant leg and configured to retain a protector element at a location corresponding to the anatomy of a human leg between the ankle and the knee. Further, the pocket is elastically tensionable to allow the protector element to move in response to elastic tension generated in the pocket. Elastically tensionable material is provided to form the pocket in some embodiments. The protector element may also locate to a position when the elastically tensionable material conforms to a portion of human leg. The protector element in some embodiments is removably insertable in the pocket.

Abstract: A method for automatic control of breeding of free-range animals is disclosed, wherein the feed consumed by each individual animal is uniquely identified and registered to enable full traceability between animals or products and the feed. In particular, the present method comprise active and automatic control of the living conditions of the animals based on the monitored and recorded data so that a minimal amount of human interaction is required in the normal operation of a breeding system controlled by use of the method. The invention further relates to a controlled system, typically comprising a general-purpose computer having a suitable computer program installed thereon, for controlling the operation of a breeding system according to the present method.

Abstract: A growing system for plant seedlings that takes into consideration the varied requirements of the seedling; seedling and transplant environment; seedling cell size; mechanical transplanter requirements; seedling leaf, stem and root development and coordinates all these requirements to increase transplanting yields which may include larger containers that maximize yield and minimize damage. Aspects may eliminate left-over seedlings, reduce the number of manual steps, decrease labor, and increase transplant yields.

Abstract: A flow cytometry apparatus and methods to process information incident to particles or cells entrained in a sheath fluid stream allowing assessment, differentiation, assignment, and separation of such particles or cells even at high rates of speed. A first signal processor individually or in combination with at least one additional signal processor for applying compensation transformation on data from a signal. Compensation transformation can involve complex operations on data from at least one signal to compensate for one or numerous operating parameters. Compensated parameters can be returned to the first signal processor for provide information upon which to define and differentiate particles from one another.

Abstract: A series of static structures formed from a plurality of interconnected rigid compression members or struts and flexible tension members or guys (e.g. wire cables, chains or elastic cords) is disclosed. The struts are discontinuous in several embodiments of the invention, intersect at an internal or peripheral point in others, or radiate outwardly from an internal central point in still others. Different configurations of guy arrangements may be described and claimed for each of the embodiments of this invention. Self Guyed Structures (SGS's) can be utilized as a stand-alone module or modules can be combined by connecting them at any point on a strut or guy in a nested, or an adjacently attached configuration to assemble composite SGS 's.

Abstract: An automated monitoring and alignment system to position the mechanical and optical components of a flow cytometer to enhance the consistency, performance, and efficiency of particle sorting and analysis applications.