Abstract: A wheel cover positioning system for a wheel having a disc and a rim includes a plurality of standoff legs equidistantly spaced about a circle coaxial with the wheel cover and the wheel. The legs extend axially toward the wheel and engage the wheel rim at a flex free rigid hub positioned radially inwardly of a tire seat portion of the rim. The legs may be positioned to also engage a radially outer face of the disc adjacent the juncture between the disc and the rim. Appropriate clearance between the wheel cover and the peripheral edge of the wheel rim is thus provided for avoiding abutment between these surfaces and squeaking noises generated by flex movement of the tire seat portion of the rim relative to the wheel cover.

Abstract: A particle detector (10, 12, 70) employs an upconversion laser medium (22, 72) to produce emission radiation (32) at an emission wavelength (56) that is less than the wavelength of the pumping radiation (26). The shorter emission wavelength (56) provides a significant increase in the scattering intensity (I.sub.sc) detected by the particle detector (10, 12, 70), based on the equation I.sub.sc =I.sub.o k/.lambda..sup.4, where I.sub.o represents the intensity of emission radiation (32), .lambda. represents the wavelength (56) of the emission radiation (32), and k represents a coefficient related to particle size. In addition, the emission wavelength (56) of the upconversion laser medium (22, 72) can be frequency doubled to excite biological chromophores such as tryptophan, NADH, and flavin compounds that absorb in the UV spectral range and emit fluorescence at longer wavelengths that can be discretely detected to determine the presence of biological particles.

Abstract: An attachment surface for an implantable device has a random irregular pattern formed through a repetitive masking and chemical milling process. Additionally, an attachment surface for an implantable device has a random irregular pattern formed through a repetitive masking and electrochemical milling process. The electrochemical milling process is particularly well suited for use with substrate materials which have high chemical inertness which makes them resistant to chemical etching. Surface material is removed from the implant surface without stress on the adjoining material and the process provides fully dimensional fillet radii at the base of the surface irregularities. This irregular surface is adapted to receive the ingrowth of bone material and to provide a strong anchor for that bone material. The unitary nature of the substrate and surface features provides a strong anchoring surface with is resistant to cracking or breaking.

Abstract: A particle detector employs a resonant cavity having a chromium doped colquiriite crystal lasing medium, such as an Cr:LiSrAlF.sub.6 crystal, adjacent to an intra-cavity view volume. The resonant cavity is defined by two spaced apart mirrors, with the crystal positioned between them, defining a light path through the crystal, but most of the light does not escape past the mirrors. The view volume is positioned in the light path, between the first mirror and the laser medium, to introduce particles into the resonant cavity so that light impinging thereupon produces scattered light. A detector is disposed to sense light scattered from the view volume and produces signals proportional to the light sensed. Harmonic generators are used in alternate embodiments to produce sub-micron wavelengths. Optical coatings on mirrors forming cascaded cavities are used to isolate a harmonic wavelength in a cavity containing the view volume.

Abstract: A particle counter of the condensation nucleus type wherein a primary stream of fluent material containing particles enlarged by vapor condensate of a working fluid flow through a viewing volume. A secondary stream of fluent material, termed purge gas, surrounds the primary stream of fluent material as the primary stream traverses the view volume, thereby providing a boundary layer of fluent material, reducing turbulence of the primary stream. The two streams are merged after passing through the view volume and the merged stream is drawn into one or more coalescent filters for conversion of vapor to working fluid which is then recycled for reuse, thereby extending the life of the working fluid and preventing escape of vapor which might contaminate the ambient environment.

Abstract: A particle detector employs a laser having a solid-state lasing medium, such as an Nd:YAG crystal, disposed in a resonant cavity, and includes an intracavity view volume. The resonant cavity is defined by two spaced apart mirrors, with the laser medium positioned between them, defining a light path. A pump source is optically coupled to drive the laser medium to produce coherent light having a first wavelength. The view volume is positioned in the light path, between the first mirror and the laser medium, to introduce particles into the resonant cavity so that light impinging there-upon produces scattered light. A detector is disposed to sense light scattered from the view volume and produces signals proportional to the light sensed. A displaying device, such as a pulse height analyzer, is in electrical communication to receive the signals produced by the detector to quantitatively display the intensity of the light sensed.

Abstract: Movable device for facilitating the dropping of young has a rope-like element which can be fastened to the young and upon which a tractive force may be exerted, and a collection element for collecting the young. The collection element is carried by a frame that extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a distal end and a proximal end. A wheel that serves as a windlass traction device for tensioning the rope and as a wheel for the barrow is rotatably attached to the frame distal end and aligned with the longitudinal axis. A lifting element is attached to the frame proximal end such that the collection element, the frame, the lifting element and the wheel form a wheelbarrow arrangement that is readily tiltable. Tilting guides facilitate tilting of the barrow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-crystal display based on a twisted nematic cell and havingtwo substrates provided with electrode layers and alignment layers thereon and, with a frame, forming a cell,a nematic liquid-crystal mixture having positive dielectric anisotropy present in the cell, anda twist angle of the liquid-crystal layer in the cell with a value of between 0.degree. and 600.degree. from alignment layer to alignment layer,whose liquid-crystal mixture is based on medium-polarity compounds of the SFM type which are selected so that the liquid-crystal mixture has a viscosity at 20.degree. C. of less than 30 mm.sup.2 s.sup.-1 and has a value ofK/.DELTA..di-elect cons..ltoreq.1.5for the quotient of the Frank constant K ##EQU1## and the dielectric anisotropy .DELTA..di-elect cons..DELTA..di-elect cons.=.di-elect cons..vertline.-.di-elect cons..sub..perp.when used in a TN cell (.nu.=.pi./2, d/p<<1)K/.DELTA..di-elect cons..ltoreq.1.5where .nu.

Abstract: A particle counter including a modulator to allow electronically determining calibration. The modulator is connected to a driving circuit of a source of light to cause the light to emit a beam of a constant amplitude, representing at least one particle of predefined size. Light transmitted along an optical axis changes in intensity in response to a signal produced by the modulator. A detector is positioned to sense the change in intensity to produce signals proportional to the light sensed. A displaying device, such as a pulse height analyzer, is in electrical communication to receive the signals produced by the detector to quantitatively display the change in intensity of the light.

Abstract: A condensation nucleus counter features an entropy control mechanism to regulate the entropy of a vaporized fluid present in a saturator, thereby facilitating supersaturation of the same about particulates entrained in a sample gas stream before the same passes through a condenser. The condensation nucleus counter includes a supply of sample gas, conduits adapted to allow the sample gas stream to flow therethrough, a saturator, a condenser and an optical detector, all of which are in fluid communication with each other. The manifold is disposed between the conduit and the saturator, and also a temperature control device. The manifold comprises a feed chamber and a plurality of channels positioned so that the sample gas stream entering the feed chambers evenly divides into a plurality of flows, with each flow entering the saturator. The temperature control device regulates the temperature difference between the flows entering the saturator and the vaporized fluid contained so as to be within a specified range.

Abstract: Provided is a gravity feed flow controller in which fluid communication with a particle sensor allows gas bubbles, present in a liquid flowing therethrough, to escape, under influence of a buoyant force associated therewith, before entering the sensor.

Abstract: A particle detector employs a laser having a solid-state lasing medium, such as an Nd:YAG crystal, disposed in a resonant cavity, and includes an intracavity view volume. The resonant cavity is defined by two spaced apart mirrors, with the laser medium positioned between them, defining a light path. A pump source is optically coupled to drive the laser medium to produce coherent light having a first wavelength. The view volume is positioned in the light path, between the first mirror and the laser medium, to introduce particles into the resonant cavity so that light impinging thereupon produces scattered light. A detector is disposed to sense light scattered from the view volume and produces signals proportional to the light sensed. A displaying device, such as a pulse height analyzer, is in electrical communication to receive the signals produced by the detector to quantitatively display the intensity of the light sensed.

Abstract: Small, mobile particles in a fluid are optically detected by an apparatus having spaced apart reflectors bordering and defining an optical cavity into which a light beam is introduced. The reflectors are arranged along axes which are slightly misaligned such that the light beam is introduced at a low angle, barely over the edge of one of the reflectors, and is repeatedly reflected between the two reflectors, overlapping itself many times in a view volume located within the optical cavity, thereby increasing the intensity of detected particles. A fluid flow is introduced into the view volume and the light scattered by particles as they pass through the intensely illuminated view volume is received by a detector which observes the view volume. The detector produces a signal which is indicative of characteristics such as the number or size of particles.

Abstract: A wheel cover grip ring includes a plurality of axial legs which engage the rim of a wheel. The grip ring is formed of a metal band having a plurality of spaced flukes. The flukes serve to anchor the grip ring between a pair of annular concentric walls of a channel on an axially inner face of a plastic wheel cover. Each leg is bent to form a smooth, non-scratch articulated latch adjacent its free end. The articulated latch includes an engagement leaf having an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the wheel axis and which slidingly engages the wheel rim when the wheel cover is mounted. The latch also includes a curved latch seat which engages a draw bead step in the wheel rim. The latch also includes a retraction leaf having an angle of approximately 30 degrees to the wheel axis. The flukes provide self seating of the grip ring in the channel when the cover is first mounted to a wheel.

Abstract: A wheel cover mold assembly is provided for all wheel cover styles of a particular wheel diameter and mounting system. The mold assembly includes a top and a bottom base. The top base carries a mold cavity plate and the bottom base carries a mold core plate. The mold cavity plate and mold core plate include cavity surfaces defining the configuration of a specific wheel cover. The bottom mold base additionally includes a core retainer plate, inserts and/or cores which define, in cooperation with the mold core plate, mold cavity portions for a wheel cover mounting system common to various wheel cover styles. If the mounting system comprises an annular grip ring, for example, the inserts or cores cooperate with the core plate to form a grip ring receiving channel on the inner face of the wheel cover. If the mounting system includes individual mounting clips, the mold inserts configure the mold cavity for clip receiving sockets which project axially from the inner face of the wheel cover.

Abstract: An attachment surface for an implantable device has a random irregular pattern formed through a repetitive masking and chemical milling process. Surface material is removed from the implant surface without stress on the adjoining material and the process provides fully dimensional fillet radii at the base of the surface irregularities. This irregular surface is adapted to receive the ingrowth of bone material and to provide a strong anchor for that bone material. The unitary nature of the substrate and surface features provides a strong anchoring surface with is resistant to cracking or breaking. The surface is prepared through an etching process which utilizes the random application of a maskant and subsequent etching of the metallic substrate in areas unprotected by the maskant. This chemical etching process is repeated a number of times as necessitated by the nature of the irregularities required in the surface.

Abstract: A dress wheel simulator for a utility vehicle wheel includes a shell having a central hub ring with a plurality of keyhole openings formed in the hub ring. The keyhole openings are registered with wheel lug nuts and are dimensioned so as to permit the shell to pass axially over the wheel lug nuts and be positioned against either the wheel or a wheel mounting compression plate. Each keyhole opening includes a reduced dimension throat and when the shell is rotated relative to the wheel, a tapered neck portion of each wheel lug nut is engaged by the throat. A hub cover having a corresponding number of registered lug nut openings is then positioned over the hub ring with the lug nuts projecting through the hub cover lug nut openings. The clearance between the hub cover lug nut openings and the lug nuts is such that rotation of the hub cover relative to the wheel is precluded. Thereafter, the hub cover is fastened to the shell by a plurality of screws.

Abstract: N-ethyl alkanohydroxamic acids, where said alkyl group is a straight chain alkyl group of 8 to 10 carbon atoms, or a branched alkyl group of 8 to 25 carbon atoms, provided said alkyl group is not cyclic, useful as metal chelants for use in organic solvent extractant solutions such as kerosene to extract metals from aqueous solutions by forming complexes of the extracted metal with the N-ethyl hydroxamic acid. Metals can be stripped from complexes of N-ethyl hydroxamic acids at higher concentrations into lower strength acid stripping agents. The N-ethyl hydroxamic acid-containing organic solvent extraction solutions exhibit rapid phase separation from aqueous solutions, good hydrolytic stability and resistance to forming emulsions.

Abstract: A metal applique is configured to conform to the shape of the outer face of a stock vehicle wheel. The face of the applique is finished with a selected surface treatment such as chrome plate, brushed metal, paint, machining etc. A stratum comprising an acrylic adhesive coated foam core is adhered to the inner face of the applique. The applique is bonded to the outer face of the vehicle wheel after removing a release film to expose the acrylic adhesive. The bond is achieved by registering the applique with the face of the wheel and applying compressive force.

Abstract: A cornerless slip-on flange system for duct connections. The system utilizes flange pieces to form a frame at the end of a duct section without the use of connectors at the corners of the flanges, the frames of two sections being used to join the two ducts sections together. The flange pieces each have a male end and a female end with the male end of one flange piece being inserted into the female end of the adjacent flange piece at each corner to form the frame. The frames can then be installed on the ends of the ducts to be joined and fastened together by inserting suitable fasteners through preformed openings in the flange pieces.