Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide methods and compositions for characterizing particles in a size range from about 1 ?m to about 10 nm, and preferably 5 ?m to about 5 nm. Using transmission electron microscopy and digital image processing techniques, the methods of the present invention can provide detailed information on the aggregation state of, for example, proteinaceous samples such as antibody-based pharmaceutical compositions. The methods can further permit assessment of the effect of storage, use, processing, and shipping conditions in such proteinaceous samples.

Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of an arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: A system for inserting a specimen-containing holder into a microscope has a robotic arm, an end effector, and a control mechanism such as a personal computer. The end effector is attached to an end of the robotic arm and includes a gripper apparatus adapted to grip the holder. The control means is operably connected to the robotic arm and to the gripper apparatus and configured to control the robotic arm and the gripper apparatus such that the gripper apparatus grips the holder, and the robotic arm inserts the gripped holder into the microscope.

Abstract: The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels. Fluid is pumped to a fluid port in a hub having a fluid port in fluid communication with the disc valve fluid channel. As the tines of the fluid distribution disc penetrate the field surface, fluid is channeled through the disc valve into the fluid distribution disc channels and the tines.

Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of an arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of an arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels. Fluid is pumped to a fluid port in a hub having a fluid port in fluid communication with the disc valve fluid channel. As the tines of the fluid distribution disc penetrate the field surface, fluid is channeled through the disc valve into the fluid distribution disc channels and the tines.

Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a random number generator for selecting a specific quantity of random numbers from a preselected quantity of numbers for a selected game of chance. A plurality of numbered spheres are contained in a hollow transparent container. The container is substantially filled with the plurality of spheres and a liquid. The spheres are buoyant relative to the liquid. A hollow tube having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the spheres and a length which is a multiple of the diameters of a predetermined number of spheres extends from the container. The hollow portion of the tube communicates with the hollow portion of the container so that when a tube is positioned above the container a selected quantity of spheres from the container "float" into the tube and form a column of spheres therein. The numbers on the spheres are then read to determine a set of random numbers for playing a game of chance, namely, a lottery.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an intercom system for communication between persons on opposite sides of an entry door or the like. On a first embodiment the intercom device is energized by the person on the exterior of the door when a combined power and door buzzer or bell switch is depressed. When energized, voice communication can be established by the combined speaker, microphone and amplifying devices. A sound activated switch positioned on the interior side of the entry door allows hands free communication between the persons on the opposite sides of the door. A timer terminates the system power after a predetermined time span. In a second embodiment, a pair of radio frequency transceivers are employed with the intercom device to allow communication by the person on the interior side of the door who is located remote from the door.