Abstract: An improved method for adhering a solid polymer component to a substrate is provided. An intermediate polymer adhesion promoting coating of metal oxide is applied to the substrate which enhances the adhesion of the subsequently applied solid polymer component to the substrate.

Abstract: A field portable mass spectrometer system comprising a sample collector and a sample transporter. The sample transporter interfaces with the sample collector to receive sample deposits thereon. The system further comprises a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. The time of flight mass spectrometer has a sealable opening that receives the sample transported via the sample transporter in an extraction region of the mass spectrometer. The system further comprises a control unit that processes a time series output by the mass spectrometer for a received sample and identifies one or more agents contained in the sample.

Abstract: A method of setting an apparent optical length of an optical fiber for a given optical wavelength includes heating the trimmed optical fiber to selectively vary a refractive index thereof in response to comparison of a determined arrival phase angle with a reference value representing a desired arrival phase angle to change the determined arrival phase angle so that a difference between the desired and determined arrival phase angles does not exceed an acceptable tolerance of a phase error.

Abstract: The present invention has solved the collision problems in a CSMA network protocol and at the same time optimized performance of the network. This is accomplished by giving control of the size of the reserved portion and the size of the reservation portion of the communication frame to stations in the network. Further, the reserved portion is allotted to isochronous data packets each of whose length is variable. Also, only those packets that have a reservation are in the frame, and they are placed in the frame in order in accordance with there position of the permission or reservation list. The network timing is controlled by one of the stations acting as a conductor for the network. This conductor station receives the reservation requests from the other stations and builds a beat packet. The beat packet is transmitted from the conductor station to all stations of the network, and provides the timing or beat of the network that all stations are synchronized with.

Abstract: A hand held, self-contained, automatic, low power and rapid sensor platform for detecting and quantifying a plurality of analytes. A sample solution potentially containing an unknown amount of an analyte is passed through an affinity column which contains antibodies to which the analyte binds thereby extracting the analyte. The affinity column is then rinsed to remove any other chemicals that may fluoresce. The rinsed affinity column is then eluted with a known volume of elution fluid causing the analyte to release from the antibody and dissolve in the fluid (eluant). The eluant is then placed in the quartz cuvette of a fluorometer. The analyte suspended in the eluant fluoresces at a waveband which is different than that of the light source that excites it. The amount of fluorescence is measured and the level of analyte determined.

Abstract: A hand held, self-contained, automatic, low power and rapid sensor platform for detecting and quantifying a plurality of analytes. A sample solution potentially containing an unknown amount of an analyte is passed through an affinity column which contains antibodies to which the analyte binds thereby extracting the analyte. The affinity column is then rinsed to remove any other chemicals that may fluoresce. The rinsed affinity column is then eluted with a known volume of elution fluid causing the analyte to release from the antibody and dissolve in the fluid (eluant). The eluant is then placed in the quartz cuvette of a fluorometer. The analyte suspended in the eluant fluoresces at a waveband which is different than that of the light source that excites it. The amount of fluorescence is measured and the level of analyte determined.

Abstract: The present invention has solved the collision problems in a CSMA network protocol and at the same time optimized performance of the network. This is accomplished by giving control of the size of the reserved portion and the size of the reservation portion of the communication frame to stations in the network. Further, the reserved portion is allotted to isochronous data packets each of whose length is variable. Also, only those packets that have a reservation are in the frame, and they are placed in the frame in order in accordance with there position of the permission or reservation list.The network timing is controlled by one of the stations acting as a conductor for the network. This conductor station receives the reservation requests from the other stations and builds a beat packet. The beat packet is transmitted from the conductor station to all stations of the network, and provides the timing or beat of the network that all stations are synchronized with.

Abstract: This invention provides a portable system for adjustably grasping and cradling a model train engine or other car (especially Garden Scale) without damaging it and presenting the desired portion of such engine or car for repair or maintenance. The device used includes: a rectangular longitudinal plywood base plate having in its upper surface a pair of transverse upside-down T-slots with sloppy-fit nut members captured in the T-slots; and a pair of longitudinal plywood vertical side plates, each fitted with vertical bolt members tightenable in the corresponding nut members. When the piece to be worked on is placed between the side plates, with appropriate cushioning, the sloppy fits permit the side plates to be pushed into snug position before tightening. The device also provides a cover with a handle for portability between uses.

Abstract: An intelligent speaker unit is controlled by control data transmitted with the digital audio data. The intelligent speaker has a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for processing the audio data in accordance with the control data. The control data contains an address to select the speaker unit. The DSP for the speaker unit processes audio data digitally based on parameters in the control data. The processed digital audio data is then converted to an analog signal which is amplified and applied to the speaker. The digital audio data is time division multiplexed on a TDM bus. Each time slot on the TDM bus contains audio data for one digital audio channel. The control data is placed on the TDM bus as one channel (time slot) or is distributed as control bits through all the other channels. The control data also contains channel select data. Accordingly the DSP in a selected speaker unit may in turn select its audio data from a plurality of audio channels based on the control data the DSP receives.

Abstract: A substantially stable, substantially portable open-window gas flow Geiger-Mueller type detector capable of monitoring ionizing radiation having an electrically conductive chamber with one or more fluid inlets and opening to receive radiation. A counting gas is provided to the chamber through the inlet(s). The detector also has at least one insulated anode positioned in the chamber and a radiation permeable cover substantially sealed over the opening. A source of electricity is connected to the chamber and electric pulses generated within the chamber are detected when an ionizing event is caused by ionizing radiation entering the chamber.

Abstract: A device to be used with a needlepoint electrical circuit tester probe, including, a first member, comprising, a first jaw, a first joint section operably connected to said first jaw, a first handle operably connected to said first jaw; and a second member, comprising a second jaw, a second joint section operably connected to said second jaw, a second handle operably connected to said second jaw; the first and second members have their respective first and second joint sections pivotably connected together; the first and second jaws have operably disposed gripping surfaces having therein transverse concavities such that when the jaws are closed, transverse circular apertures are provided for gripping a wire therein. Additionally, the jaws have provided therein, tapered guide channels for receiving a needlepoint electrical circuit tester.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for tilling soil employing three disc gang assemblies pivotally mounted in spaced apart relationship to a support frame assembly having a hitch mechanism associated therewith for coupling to a conventional towing vehicle, the disc gang assemblies being arranged such that the front and rear disc gang assemblies are approximately equidistantly spaced from the center disc gang assembly and are offset laterally from the longitudinal axis of the support frame assembly, each of the disc gang assemblies including a plurality of spaced discing tools positioned such that the lateral working width of the center disc gang assembly is approximately equal to the combined lateral working width of the front and rear disc gang assemblies.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having a primary frame on which is mounted an adjustable secondary support frame through connecting links and depth control screws enabling adjustment of the secondary support frame relative to the primary frame while maintaining the secondary support frame in generally parallel relation to the plane of the primary frame. First tools such as disk gangs are carried by the secondary support frame, while different type tools such as shank mounted earth working points and contiguous moldboards are mounted on the primary frame spaced from the first tools. Wheels mounted on the primary frame enable raising of the primary and secondary frames and associated tools for transport, and are adjustable to serve as gauge wheels for the earth working points and moldboards.

Abstract: The supporting transport (or depth gauge) wheels of an agricultural implement are raised and lowered by means of a hydraulic-actuated piston cylinder which pivotally connects to one end of a bell crank lever made rigid with a pivot shaft rotatably journalled to the implement frame and to which shaft the wheel supports are also rigid. The opposite end of the piston cylinder pivotally connects to a cradle which has its near end pivotally connected to the other end of the bell crank lever and its remote end yieldably connected to the implement frame as by a pin and slot connection (or a pivoted link) which accomodates horizontal movement with little or no vertical displacement of said remote end in response to extension and retraction of the piston cylinder.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a hinged winged frame which swings between a horizontal storage position over the main frame and an outboard generally horizontal work position. A hydraulic cylinder pivoted to the implement main frame has its piston pivotally connected to the upper end of an operating link which pivotally connects at its opposite end to a link made rigid with the wing frame and which swings on the hinge axis. An abutment block on one of the links engages the other link to solidify the pivotal connection of the links converting the two links into a first class lever fulcrumed on the hinge axis as the piston is retracted within the cylinder to raise the wing frame out of its working position.

Abstract: The tool shanks of an agricultural implement such as a cultivator or chisel plow are removably fixed to assemblies which include a holder pivotally connected to the rear side of a mounting member. The mounting member is recessed on its upper side and provided with an overlying clamp arm by which the assembly is affixed to the tool bar of the implement. A tension spring connected between the mounting member and the lower end of the shank holder reacts against swing of the shank holder on its pivotal connection to the mounting member in use of the implement; and the mounting member and shank holder have aligned stops and abutments above and below their pivotal connection which limit the swing of the shank holder.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a hinged winged frame which swings between a horizontal storage position over the main frame and an outboard generally horizontal work position. A hydraulic cylinder pivoted to the implement main frame has its piston pivotally connected to the upper end of an operating link which pivotally connects at its opposite end to a link made rigid with the wing frame and which swings on the hinge axis. An abutment block on one of the links engages the other link to solidify the pivotal connection of the links converting the two links into a first class lever fulcrumed on the hinge axis as the piston is retracted within the cylinder to raise the wing frame out of its working position.