Abstract: Described embodiments relate to a chemical processing instrument configured to receive one or more sample cartridges, to process one or more corresponding fluid samples. The chemical processing instrument comprises: a reagent dispenser configured to dispense one or more fluid reagents into a reagent vessel via an open top of the reagent vessel; and a pneumatic module configured to connect to a primary pneumatic port of a primary reaction vessel and selectively adjust a pressure within the primary reaction vessel when the lid is closed to draw fluid from the reagent vessel through a primary reagent channel into the primary reaction vessel.

Abstract: This invention is a method for connecting new material to existing connections for purposes of strengthening, without removing the existing load, and generally applies to bridges and buildings made of steel with bolted or riveted connections. It uses special order high strength bolts with enough thread for two nuts a cheese plate and new material to be attached to the existing connection. The cheese plate is a thick fill plate with larger diameter holes than a washer and nut. The method removes as little as one rivet or bolt at a time, and replaces it with the special order high strength bolt and only one nut. After all the fasteners are replaced, the cheese plate and new material are installed and a second nut is added to complete the attachment of the new material. Previously, structures like this would have to be temporarily supported to disassemble and attach new material.

Abstract: A composition for stripping and cleaning organic coatings from substrates, comprising a solution of high-boiling alcohols, preferably polyglycols, a surfactant, preferably a nonylphenol ethoxylate, and an alkali metal hydroxide, said composition being essentially free of any amines. The composition aggressively and effectively strips paints and other organic coatings without harming underlying substrates damaged by prior art strippers, over conventional or lower time periods, and at conventional or lower temperatures. One embodiment of the invention comprises from about 40% to about 98.9% by weight of a high-boiling alcohol; from about 1% to about 60% of a non-ionic surfactant; and from about 0.1% to about 10% of an alkali hydroxide or mixture of alkali hydroxide.

Abstract: A golf shoe sole comprising ejecting and retracting spikes, the improvement wherein said sole contains a high pressure liquid pump assembly in communication with a plurality of housed cylinder assemblies each of which contain a slidable spike with seal, wherein extreme pressure being exerted upon contained liquid equals extreme firmness of ejected spikes. Said pump having shifting means of a four way rotatory spool valve for the control of ejection and retraction in either auto or manual mode, or said pump being one of the two, the former manual operating by way of lever reciprocating upon a piston. The latter auto, operating by way of a diaphragm located on the bottom soul of the back of the heel. Said diaphragm being subject to intense momentary pressure generated by the weight transference from the forward walking motion of the human wearer. An exclusively manual pump requiring only a two way ball, seat, and stem control valve.

Abstract: Fluidic jets are used to segment an animal carcass. A water jet is preferably used to cut the flesh of the carcass, and an abrasive jet is preferably used to cut the bones and other dense portions of the carcass. The jets are preferably delivered to the carcass from separate nozzles that are mounted adjacent one another on a cutting head. A multi-axis control arm carries the cutting head at one end thereof and controls the movement of the cutting head so that the fluidic jets segment the carcass along a predetermined cutting path.

Abstract: In the field of automated butchering systems there is a need for cutting implements that do not require frequent maintenance and that are capable of cutting through flesh and bone. The cutting head disclosed herein uses a combination of nozzles and cutting fluids for segmenting an animal carcass. The first nozzle directs a non-abrasive fluid toward the carcass to make the initial cut. A second nozzle directs an abrasive fluid toward the carcass to cut through the bones exposed by the initial cut. A third nozzle may be activated to direct a non-abrasive fluid toward the carcass to cut through any remaining portion of the carcass. The cutting head may also include strategically placed air jets which keep the flesh on either side of the cut separated so that sensors may detect the condition of the carcass while it is being segmented.

Abstract: A blood sampling syringe is provided with a plug element at a selected position in a syringe barrel thereby defining a pre-set sample volume. A plunger element is provided on the side of the plug element away from the syringe neck to enable aspiration of a pre-set volume of blood sample. The plug element is provided with an air permeable, fluid impermeable sealing member, and in a preferred embodiment seals after fluid has entered the sealing member.