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.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the present inventive technology focuses on a vaneless diffuser adapted for establishment extra-radially of a centrifugal fan, wherein the diffuser may effect an optimal transformation of velocity pressure into static pressure of a fluid (e.g., air) impelled by a centrifugal fan by decreasing that fluid's tangential velocity as it travels through the diffuser, without causing recirculation of air output from the diffuser back into the diffuser. Such diffuser may effect such a decrease in tangential velocity by radially extending the interface through which impelled air is output from the diffuser to a downflow fluid handling environment such as, e.g., a scroll and/or a plenum. The diffuser may converge in a direction parallel with the axis of rotation of the centrifugal fan to avoid fluid recirculation and/or may incorporate acoustical material so as to reduce the amount of material necessary for effective noise reduction as compared with convention noise reduction methods.

Abstract: An pressure differential distribution system which offers an pressure differential reaction element (1) made of a comfortable, flexible pressure differential interface (2) that is attached to a support element (3), which in conjunction with a difference in pressure between the interior volume of the differential reaction element (1) can conform to various extended or reduced conformers. The flexible pressure differential interface (2) may retract within an enclosure(4). An emission removal adaptor (12) or terminal interface (23) may be coupled to a substance source (10) to capture or move substances on a pressure differential from a first zone to a second zone.

Abstract: A system for refining hydrocarbon containing materials in a continuous coking mode may provide a pyrolyzer (1) which may be inclined to effect a liquid seal between a liquid conduction environment (6) and a gaseous conduction environment (7). A heat source (9) may heat the material past the coking point and the system may include a screw or auger (10) which can continuously remove the coke while simultaneously outputting refined products.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a constant voltage, high frequency sinusoidal output across a varying load, using either a single or multiple switch topology operating at constant frequency while maintaining high efficiency over the entire load range. This embodiment is especially suited to applications which require the sinusoidal voltage be held very close to a desired value in the presence of 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.

Abstract: A power tool user pressure abatement system may include a soft, cushioning material configurable to a tool such as a power tool, including a power drill, such that the material remains in position between the tool and a user's contacting hand, thereby minimizing impact forces and pressures imparted during tool use. In at least one embodiment, a unitary piece of cushioning material such as neoprene may be cut or slit appropriately in order to facilitate quick placement of the material onto the tool, retention of the material in an effective position during tool use, and quick removal thereof. Associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transplanting system including both methods and specific types of transplant apparatus such as propagule transplant trays(3, 4, 5, 6) addresses the need for the use of a propagule punch machine (8) on a variety of adolescent tray configurations (9, 11, 12, e.g.) and the increased operational efficiency that such enhanced operational capability affords. The system may involve at least one areally continuous propagule tray (3, 4, 5, 6) that is operationally compatible with a numerically significant number of adolescent plant trays. Other embodiments of the invention disclose punch pins (59) for use in a plant punch machine transplanter that are user-detachable and differentially designed so that plant punch elements of a certain design may be installed as part of the machine to customize the transplant process for a given species and transplant modality. The invention also provides for a consultable collection (such as printed documents or an electronic database, e.g.

Abstract: A connector for securely attaching two or more structural members such as metal tubing without requiring welding upon installation and an off-road vehicle occupant protection superstructural framework that incorporates this connector and structural members. In a preferred embodiment one half of a bisected collar-shaped connector to which the end of a first structural member is welded and which may be bolted to the other half of the connector about or around a second structural member is provided. An off-road vehicle superstructure framework useful in protecting occupants in the event of rollover may also incorporate frame mounts and floor mounts and may be installable as an enhancement to a pre-existing roll bar or cage or as an entire cage itself. Another preferred embodiment may be a business method wherein a sport cage of unprecedented strength may shipped unassembled to a customer and installable at home without requiring specialized tools or skills.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas indicator system that provides various substrate materials (4) that support hydrogen gas sensor (1) materials with discrete indicia (7) that provide information separate from any change in the physical properties of the hydrogen gas sensor itself.

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: Environmental containment methods (16) for a flow cytometer (21) which provides an adjustably controllable environment in which biological particles can be differentiated and droplets separated into collection containers (15).

Abstract: A droplet forming flow cytometer system allows high speed processing without the need for high oscillator drive powers through the inclusion of an oscillator or piezoelectric crystal within the nozzle volume and directly coupled to the sheath fluid. The nozzle contain converges so as to amplify unidirectional oscillations which are transmitted as pressure waves through the nozzle volume to the nozzle exit so as to form droplets from the fluid jet. The oscillator is directionally isolated so as to avoid moving the entire nozzle container so as to create only pressure waves within the sheath fluid. A variation in substance concentration is achieved through a movable substance introduction port which is positioned within a convergence zone to vary the relative concentration of substance to sheath fluid while still maintaining optimal laminar flow conditions. This variation may be automatically controlled through a sensor and controller configuration.

Abstract: A process for recycling or decomposing waste plastic where such wasteplastic is decomposed in a diluent such as hot oil through actions involvingfree radical precursor, such as polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane, is achievedat low temperature. The thermal decomposition (or pyrolysis) reaction is forabout 1 hour at 375° C., and useable products, such as distillate, coke, and oilare recovered. Additionally the diluent may be recycled within the process.

Abstract: A protector system configured to engage a portion of the exterior surface of tubular components of a motorcycle, such as engine guard(s), saddlebag guard(s), handle bars, to provide a surface deposed to prevent or minimize damage of such tubular components resulting from impact or to alter transmission of impact or operational forces to such tubular components.