Abstract: A model-based method for assessing acoustic signal quality in a heart monitoring device. The personal heart sound interval distribution of a person being actively monitored is compared with a modeled global heart sound interval distribution shared by most human beings after which processing action is taken consistent with the quality assessment. The error in the best fit between the personal interval distribution and the global interval distribution is presumed to be caused predominantly by noise, allowing the quality of the fit to serve as a proxy for the level of noise in the acoustic signal and used in making processing decisions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for distribution optical elements and compound collector lenses for a broadcast interconnect.

Abstract: A nest for Megachile Rotundata bees describes a group of blind tunnels specifically designed to present bees with a near as possible natural tunnel to suit their instinctive nesting habit. The nest as described hereinbefore along with details of husbandry and managements of Megachile Rotundata bees is designed as a single use unit which simplifies protection and collection of young by simple means of fumigation and sterilization against disease possible present on retrievable progeny. The nest described herein has characteristics which will permit control of fungus, mould and infestation by predators, but still be durable for the period of activity of laying down of young by adults during pollination and breeding period. Costs incurred by seed growers, and owner of Megachile Rotundata bees will be considerably reduced by use of the herein described nest in conjunction with comparison to present practices now followed by labor and equipment intensiveness.

Abstract: A domicile for leaf cutter bees includes front, end and rear panels, a base and top panel and a lid of weather resistant material. The domicile is supported on legs which are fitted to the end panels and to each of which there is fitted an angle bracket carrying an upstanding locating pin. The base is inserted between the end panels and located by holes engaging over the locating pins. The tops of the end panels are provided with a bracket carrying locating pins over which the top panel is located. The top panel has cross angle members attached by bolts or pin hangers. The lid is fitted over the top panel and located by the locating pins. Guy wires are fitted to the locating pins to stabilize the unit. The nest holder is suspended from the top panel by a hanger, each nest being a plurality of blind tunnels.

Abstract: Nesting insects, e.g. lucerne leaf cutter bees and bumble bees, are cultured in artificial nests comprising assemblies of tubes, e.g. waxed paper tubes, packed with open ends located at the open front of a container e.g. an open waxed paper box. In use the insects fill the tubes with accessory nesting materials e.g. leaf cuttings, nectar, pollen, and with eggs and/or brood. The nests or portions thereof down to individual occupied tubes can be overwintered about 4.degree. C. as long into the season as desired and incubated about 25.degree. C. for 21 to 35 days when desired to synchronize insect emergence with expected crop flowering requiring pollination.

Abstract: A high-volume, heavy-duty, magnetically-coupled centrifugal pump having flow-dividing duct configurations directing the influx to opposite sides of the impeller as the result of assembly of mating body sections defining a multi-chambered pump body and including major partitioning web and cavity configurations with cooperative plate means affording certain inflow-chamber, shaft-support, and turbulence-suppressing chamber configurations operative to diminish turbulence volume and also block transfer of turbulence effects from the magnet rotor back to the impeller while permitting liquid to fill into the magnet chamber, the magnet rotor having web and passage configurations operative to force liquid and create pressure behind the rotor to create counterforces opposing certain thrust forces.