Abstract: A multi-leg equipment stand has a unitary user interface. All legs can be adjusted simultaneously, or, an individual leg can be adjusted, by distinct motions of the interface. A collar is near to an equipment support shoulder. Rotation around a vertical axis releases all legs. For a tripod, tilting the collar in one direction releases only one of three legs. The tilt may be toward the leg to be moved. The legs have adjacent, telescoping components. A control rod extends from the collar, through the hollow interior of the upper component, to a jam-plate, at the lower end of the upper component. The plate jams between an inside of the lower component, and an inside of the upper component. The rod passes through the jam-plate. Pushing the rod tilts the jam-plate, freeing it from jamming. A spring returns it to jamming if released. For each leg, the collar underside has a two level cam recess. The rods each have a cam follower surface at their shoulder end.

Abstract: A multi-leg equipment stand has a unitary user interface. All legs can be adjusted simultaneously, or, an individual leg can be adjusted, by distinct motions of the interface. A collar is near to an equipment support shoulder. Rotation around a vertical axis releases all legs. For a tripod, tilting the collar in one direction releases only one of three legs. The tilt may be toward the leg to be moved. The legs have adjacent, telescoping components. A control rod extends from the collar, through the hollow interior of the upper component, to a jam-plate, at the lower end of the upper component. The plate jams between an inside of the lower component, and an inside of the upper component. The rod passes through the jam-plate. Pushing the rod tilts the jam-plate, freeing it from jamming. A spring returns it to jamming if released. For each leg, the collar underside has a two level cam recess. The rods each have a cam follower surface at their shoulder end.

Abstract: A particle separator includes a vortex chamber receiving feed slurry via a feed inlet. The feed inlet is positioned relative to the vortex chamber to effect rotation of the feed slurry upon entry in the vortex chamber and to generate a fluid vortex. The vortex chamber includes a conical section beneath the feed inlet, wherein the conical section terminates at an apex. A bulb housing is coupled with the vortex chamber and includes a vortex destroyer disposed adjacent the conical section apex. The vortex destroyer serves to contain the fluid vortex to the vortex chamber. A settling chamber is defined by the bulb housing beneath the vortex destroyer for collecting solid particles.