Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an operational member, particularly for use in an optical laser system for optically trapping and manipulating microscopic particles in a particle manipulation chamber. A flexure member, is provided which has a pair of substantially inflexible parallel members and four sets of flexible spring members. The pair of parallel members is maintained in a spaced relationship by the four sets of flexible spring members. Each of the four sets of flexible members has at least two parallel flexible elements which can be leaf springs or formed as a unitary part of the flexure member. The four sets of flexible spring members are in two groups of two flexible spring members with each of two of groups of flexible members having their two sets of flexible spring members positioned in a "V" shaped pattern. The apices of the "V" shaped patterns are positioned outwardly of each other forming a parallelogram having at least six sides and preferably a parallelogram having eight sides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated analytical system which includes a plurality of remote laboratories and a central monitoring station. The remote laboratories include a specimen analysis member and a plurality of peripheral devices. The central monitoring station includes a computer for controlling predetermined functions of the peripheral devices. A local area network provides communication between each of the remote laboratories and the central monitoring station. A computer interface provides bi-directional communication between analytical instruments, robots and peripheral devices and a computer. The system employs a robot which is responsive to computer commands and capable of performing mechanical functions.The mechanical functions include manipulating an analytical instrument, transporting the specimens to be analyzed through a variety of locations, and the manipulation of the container in which the specimen is housed.

Abstract: A chamber is disclosed, as for example an optical manipulation chamber, which has a pair of spaced windows and a central core member between the windows. The windows are aligned in parallel planes and the central core member contains a plurality of compartments and channels. A radiation curable resin is used, in combination with injection ports, to form the channels and compartments. The configuration of the channels and compartments is placed on a mask having shielding and nonshielding regions. Radiation is passed through the mask as the resin is injected through the ports, thereby curing the resin which is exposed to the radiation. The channels and compartments can be accurately designed in minute detail.

Abstract: A light source to optical fiber coupling device comprising: a diamond coupler, a light source located at an end of the diamond coupler, an optical fiber having an end which is adjacent the other end of the diamond coupler, the optical fiber being in optical coupling relation with the diamond coupler.

Abstract: A curtain hanging device is disclosed. The curtain hanging device features a rod which has a rectangular cross section composed of a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, and a fifth surface. The first and fifth surfaces of the rod lie within the same plane and are spaced opposite and parallel to the plane of the third surface. The first and fifth surfaces have a lateral dimension less than that of the third surface and are spaced from each other, such that a channel is formed along the length of the curtain hanging device. The curtain hanging device includes at least one I shaped slide member. The I shaped slide member has a first end, a second end and a web connecting the first and second ends. The first end has a pair of side surfaces and is dimensioned to slide within and along the channel such that the pair of side surfaces remain parallel to the second and forth surfaces. The second end has a grooved surface and a pair of horizontal surfaces.

Abstract: A freezing process for manufacturing bagels, providing the taste and texture of fresh bagels is disclosed in which the dough is removed from the initial cooking process and immediately subjected to cool water, approximately 64.degree. F. or less. The bagels are removed from the cool water and immediately exposed to moving air, thereby drying the excess moisture from the surface. The bagels are removed from the moving air and immediately placed in a freezer at a temperature less than 10.degree. F. The process time from removing the bagels from the hot water to freezing preferably takes no more than approximately four minutes. A bagel cooking unit is disclosed which combines both the boiling and steaming methods. The unit has a water holding tank in the lower portion with a heater. A conveyer is positioned to enter above the water line of the water holding tank, to extend below the water line and to exit above the water line, allowing the bottom half of the bagels to be immersed in boiling water.

Abstract: A method of producing an oxidative coupling catalyst is disclosed by mixing particles of Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, with a particle size in the range from 100 to 150 .mu.m, and silica, with a particle size in the range from about 150 to about 215 .mu.m. The particles are heated to a temperature of at least about 800.degree. C., after which the silica particles impregnated with Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 are separated from the remaining iron particles. The catalyst can be utilized for the oxidative coupling of methane with water molecules on the surface of the silica substrate, with the silica having a particle size in the range from about 150 to about 215.ltoreq..mu.m. The silicate catalyst substrate is essentially non-porous and has an average geometrical surface on the order of about 0.004 .mu.m.sup.2 /g and a surface concentration of iron on the order of about 2% by weight.

Abstract: A method is provided for the modification of microbial metabolism using a unipolar magnetic field. By applying a unipolar magnetic field to microbes under controlled conditions, changes in the rate and/or efficiency of metabolism are produced.

Abstract: An esophageal perfusion catheter, having an outer housing, a plurality of flexible, tubular channel members within said outer housing, and at least two spaced balloon members encompassing said catheter. Two of the channel members are in fluid communication with each of two balloons. One of the balloons is about 150 millimeters from the distal end of said catheter and about 75 millimeters from the other balloon. A third of the tubular channel members is an esophageal perfusion aspirating channel and is in communication with a port at the distal end of the catheter. A fourth of the tubular channel members serves as a gastric aspirating channel. A fifth of the tubular channel members serves as an aspirating channel. The sixth channel member, serves as an air vent. The esophageal perfusion aspirating channel has a ID of about 3 millimeters. The gastric aspirating channel has a ID of about 2 millimeters. The two channel members which communicate with the balloons have a ID of about 1 millimeter.

Abstract: An identification tagging device which has a rectangular base unit with raised sides to form a tag receiving region is disclosed. The sides are provided with tabs to retain the removable label. A shaft, which includes a plurality of enlarged areas, extends from one end of the base. A locking device, placed in the base, consisting of a circular section having a diameter slightly greater than the enlarged locking areas, and a smaller circular section, with a diameter less than the enlarged locking areas. An alternate permanent locking device is also provided.

Abstract: A holder for carrying golf balls is disclosed which has a frame member and a two pair of loop members. The loop members have a diameter greater than half the diameter of a ball but less than the diameter and are retained on the frame in a spaced relationship. A belt clip fixed to the frame attaches the unit to the users clothing.

Abstract: The cleat removal/install tool has a handle with a first end and a second end. A ratchet is positioned within said handle member proximate said first end. A cleat receiving tool is positioned within said ratchet member or is directly built as part of the ratchet member The cleat tool has a concave surface which functions to mate with the upper surface of the cleat. The concave surface should not be spaced from the surface of the ratchet. That is, the design must be such as to prevent twisting of the concave surface away from the cleat. The upper surface of the cleat removal tool is, in the preferred embodiment, one inch or less from the concave surface of the cleat removal tool. The low thickness of the tool, preferably on the order of about on three quarters of an inch, permits the user to apply pressure directly above and very close to the upper surface of the cleat.

Abstract: A hinge member comprising a plurality of hinge units, each unit having a body portion, with a slotted region and an annular region. The annular region is formed by an elongated circular channel in a cylindrical portion of the hinge. An elongated groove in the slotted region of the body has a region of reduced thickness relative to the slotted region. The elongated groove intersecting with the elongated channel, with a first passage in the slotted region and a second passage in the region of reduced thickness. A ridge is thereby provided between the slotted region and the region of reduced thickness. The axis of the first passage means is parallel to the axis of the second passage and parallel to the axis of the elongated channel. The first passage has its axis perpendicular to the first surface of the slotted region.

Abstract: A lifting device predominantly for use with lifting transmissions from vehicles includes a polygon shaped rail with a U shaped brace at one end and a U shaped chain support at the other end. A movable lifting unit has two panels straddling the rail and a pair of rollers in contact with the rail. A pulley system with a slidable hook is secured to the lifting device. The movable lifting unit is placed over the item to be removed, lifted through use of the pulley system and then rolled out of the way.

Abstract: Bauxite mineral is used directly, to remove phosphates from water, in a high efficiency, highly economical system. The process of the invention involves the step of contacting the waste water stream with Bauxite for a time sufficient to lower the phosphate concentration to a predetermined lower level. The predetermined lower level is typically less than about 2 mg/l of water, and can be to a concentration of less than 1 mg/l. The Bauxite has an average particle size of greater than about 50 mesh. Advantageously, the particle size is at least about one quarter of an inch.The Bauxite which is used can be washed and graded to produce Bauxite having a particle size on the order of about one quarter of an inch. The Bauxite can be ground to an average particle size of at least about 50 mesh to produce a material having a higher reaction rate.

Abstract: A new three-dimensional (3D) MR imaging pulse sequence can produce over 100 high-resolution, high-contrast images in as little as 6 minutes of imaging time. Without additional imaging time, this same image data can be post-processed to yield high-resolution, high-contrast images in any arbitrary orientation. Thus, this new pulse sequence technique provides detailed yet comprehensive coverage. The method of this invention relates to a preparation-acquisition-recovery sequence cycle. The first step is magnetization preparation (MP) period. The MP period can emply a series of RF pulses, gradient field pulses, and/or time delays to encode the desired contrast properties in the form of longitudinal magnetization. A data acquisition period includes at least two repetitions of a gradient echo sequence to acquire data for a fraction of k-space. A magnetization recovery period is provided which allows T1 and T2 relaxation before the start of the next sequence cycle.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography column protection system having a system pump, a bubble trap, and a column includes detectors for monitoring certain system conditions such as the presence of air or overpressurization and valves and controlling means for shutting down system operation when the conditions are detected.

Abstract: A fishing lure holder is disclosed which employs a novel locking member that cooperates with the shaft of an object such, as a fishing rod, to lock the container in the closed position. The locking member thus serves to fix the container to the object such as the fishing rod and the fishing rod functions as part of the locking mechanism. The reclosable container is provided with first and second concave enclosure members. The two enclosures are hinged together, preferably, by means of what is commonly known as a living hinge. The container is maintained in a closed position by means of a substantially "S" shaped locking mechanism. Preferably two pairs of locking mechanisms are provided for better attachment to the fishing rod. Each of the "S" shaped latch element has a concave portion which extends from its respective enclosure member open edge. The latch element concave portion open in the opposite direction from the first enclosure member concave interior region.

Abstract: A critical angle refractive index detector for production liquid chromatography systems with flow rates as low as 100 ml/min to 25 l/min or higher as the system requires and pressures up to 4000 psi. The detector includes a flow cell with a sensing chamber volume selected to provide maximum detector sensitivity and minimum pressure drop at the maximum flow rate of the system for accurate discernment of critical refractive index peaks of each constituent in the sample. Explosion protected controls for zero and span settings are located to the exterior of a purged safe enclosure containing the system.

Abstract: The invention includes a process for performing high performance liquid chromatography in the reverse phase. The present process for high performance separations by liquid chromatography uses a separations media, including separations packing materials for packed column separations, of polybutadiene coated and crosslinked on a surface of generally spherical metal oxide/hydroxide support particles comprising crystals of metal oxide/hydroxide with the crystals extending radially outward from a central core region and having a shape selected from principally acicular to principally lamellar. It has been found that liquid chromatography using the process of the present invention works particularly well in separating basic, nitrogen-containing compounds.