Abstract: A particle analyzer wherein a flow of liquid suspension, having individually entrained particles, flows along a predetermined path; a center pair of electrodes are positioned on opposed sides of the predetermined path: the center electrodes are energized to provide an electrical sensing field therebetween, two pairs of outer electrodes are positioned so that one pair is on each side of the center electrodes; the outer electrodes are oriented and/or energized so that their electrical fields bulge outward in the direction of the sensing field of the center plates to narrow the width of the sensing field along the predetermined path. Additionally, the field between the center plates can be focused in additional directions and the sensing electrode arrangement can be implemented in a flow cell, with or without an aperture, or on the surface of a substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a counter-balanced sheave assembly for supporting a cable comprising a plurality of sheaves mounted in an arcuate path on a support frame; counter-balancing weights positioned above the support frame and rigidly connected thereto; and a suspension arrangement, connected at the center of the assembly, for providing rotation of the assembly about two perpendicular axes of rotation, whereby the cable stays within a plane defined by the arcuate path.

Abstract: By subjecting cells, such as red blood cells, to a hypotonic solution or a solution having a lytic agent, the cells will rapidly attain a change in volume and electrical resistance parameters, which change is measured as a function of time, for example, by a Coulter Counter.RTM. particle measuring instrument. The relationship between the change in the cell resistance or cell volume and the time of immersion in the volume changing solution provides a discriminator between a normality, different diseases, and certain inherited differences.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light saver device to be used in combination with a bayonet-type lamp and socket, wherein the light saver device comprises a pair of circular plate contacts having a diode mounted therebetween, three plastic insulating sheets being bonded together with the elongated plate contacts positioned between the sheets, an adhesive tape base mounted to the outer side of one of the sheets, and one of the sheets having a pair of tabs for securing the light saver device to a pair of pins extending from the lamp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water sampler device for collecting a sample of water at a desired depth, the water sampler device comprising a tubular member having at each end a rotatably mounted ball valve, a valve pulley mounted on the exterior of the tubular member and coupled to the ball valve for rotating the same, a center pulley mounted on the tubular member between the valve pulleys, an endless belt positioned around the three pulleys, an electric motor coupled to rotate the third pulley, electric circuitry for activating the electric motor and then deactivating the electric motor to open the ball valves at a desired level and then subsequently closing the ball valve at a level whereat the sample is taken.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for freezing and preserving in a viable state microorganisms wherein droplets are formed from an aqueous solution having suspended therein the microorganisms, the droplets are exploded into a plurality of smaller droplets by applying an electrical force which counteracts the surface tension of the droplets, and the microorganisms, with a substantial portion of the solution removed therefrom, are frozen in a moving bath of liquid refrigerant. The frozen droplets are thawed or alternatively dried by sublimation.

Abstract: An improved illuminating system for redistributing incident radiation, having a non-uniform intensity distribution, to resultant radiation, having a narrower desired intensity distribution in a predetermined region of an output plane, the illuminating system comprising a redirecting surface of a lens or reflector, for relocating at least a portion of the incident light. In one application, particles are illuminated in the output plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elongated housing containing a current meter for determining the velocity and direction of a current in a body of water, wherein the housing has a plurality of fins for flow stability and a connecting member joins the housing to a standoff framework, which in turn is fastened to an anchored line in the body of water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a blood smear on a microscope slide wherein a diluent is applied to the slide, the slide is spun so as to be coated with a thin layer of diluent, a blood sample then is dispensed on the slide, and the slide is spun a second time to spread the blood sample over the slide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water sampling device having a pliable container, a pair of rods attached to opposed sides of an opening formed in the container, a clutch assembly having a rotatable outer member and a rotatable core member with said rods attached thereto, a pull-down spring for urging the wing members to descend down the tubular member so as to unroll the pre-rolled container to expose the opening, a pair of wing members slidably mounted on a tubular member and operative to spread apart the sides of the initially deflated container, and a wind-up spring for rotating the rods to roll up and reseal the container.

Abstract: A countered-balanced sheave having a bracket with an eye bolt for suspending the sheave, a pulley rotatably mounted on the bracket with weights mounted on the bracket on each side of the eye bolt, the sheave consisting of a pair of circular members secured together, each of the members having a slot at its periphery forming a cavity for receiving a ring insert.

Abstract: Apparatus and method wherein particles in a liquid stream are hydrodynamically focused to pass through an impedance sensing orifice, a low frequency current source provides a current through the orifice to produce a signal representative of the particle's size, a high frequency source provides a current through the orifice to produce a signal representative of the particle's size and internal resistance, a detector determines the particle's length, and a digital computer correlates the signals for each particle and calculates its shape factor, degree of deformation or natural shape, true volume and internal resistivity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking and sealing arrangement for a port light wherein a cover member has a pair of grooves formed therein; a cover mounting member has a groove formed therein; one groove of the cover member contains an O-ring for forming a water tight seal with the cover mounting member; the other groove of the cover member is aligned with the groove of the cover mounting member so as to form a channel, when the cover member is in place; and an elongated, pliable locking member is inserted in the channel to create a locking engagement between the cover member and the cover mounting member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal inverter arrangement and method for controlling air temperatures and currents within a building utilizing an underground plenum chamber having a plurality of transverse screens with thermal conducting poles attached thereto. Through the use of thermal differentials and an exhaust duct cooperatively aligned to receive favorable outside winds, natural air movements create a continuous draft from outside the building, through the plenum chamber, then through the building, and back outside again through the exhaust duct.

Abstract: Disclosed is a particle analyzer wherein uniformally charged liquid droplets, having a uniform velocity in a linear trajectory, proceed into a tubular electrode in which the electrostatic field is shaped to position particles on a center axis, and provide the particles with a rate movement along this axis that provides a sufficient time duration for evaporation of the droplets, the particles being subsequently deflected from said center axis or collected from said center axis, after evaporation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a paint sealant and method of applying the same to painted surfaces wherein a T.F.E. Teflon in a dispersion carrier is mixed with a fine abrasive in a dispersion carrier and heat is applied by buffing to burn off the dispersion carriers so as to produce a durable protective coating of Teflon. A second hard coating is applied to cover the Teflon.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evaporator apparatus and method for encapsulating individually isolated particles with a coating material wherein uniformally sized droplets, normally having no more than one particle, are formed from a mixture of the coating material, the suspended particles, and a carrier liquid; the droplets then being charged, steered by an electrostatic arrangement of a tubular electrode and at least one other electrode so as to be retained in a temperature controlled, predetermined area for a sufficient time period to allow the complete evaporation of the carrier liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for illuminating particles, wherein a source of illumination provides a beam of illuminating radiation which perpendicularly intersects a stream of liquid having the particles suspended therein. The illuminator apparatus comprises a concave reflector surface having a center of curvature and an optical axis which is disposed perpendicularly relative to the stream and with the beam being positioned thereon. The stream of liquid defines a cylindrical lens having a focus positioned at the center of curvature. In operation, the illuminating radiation illuminates the particles, is refracted by the stream so as to converge to a focus, passes from that focus to a concave reflector surface, and reflects from the concave reflector surface back to the focus, so as to impinge upon the stream for a second time, to further illuminate the particles.

Abstract: A door-activated burglar alarm incorporates a firing capacitor that is charged by a battery during the quiescent state of the alarm. The firing capacitor will provide an additional current to fire a buzzer when the alarm is triggered, even if the battery is weak. (Less current is needed to maintain the buzzer, once it is fired). One embodiment provides exit and entry delays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prefabricated pontic framework formed of a non-precious material and method to be used in making dental bridges. The prefabricated pontic framework comprises a plurality of pontic supports with a connecting bar mounted on opposed sides of each pontic support, such pontic framework being selected and cut to size for a particular bridgework situation.