Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a shuttle depending from an overhead support with a pair of arms for receiving and shifting a specimen carrier from one conveyor to a second conveyor of a dual-conveyor track. The shuttle is operable to retain a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor and to release a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor. Sensors are located to detect the presence of a specimen carrier at each of the retention locations, and to confirm the release of a specimen carrier from the shuttle along each of the conveyors. A drive motor for moving the shuttle between the retention and release positions is electrically connected to a command module with a processor, for receiving instructions as to the position of the shuttle. The sensors are also connected to the processor to transmit detection data to the processor. A queue is positioned upstream of the shuttle and is electrically connected to the processor.

Abstract: A transfer and positioning apparatus includes a positioning assembly located between the tracks of a dual lane conveyor and upstream of a lane changer. The positioning assembly includes a retractable shaft for stopping a carrier along a first conveyor adjacent the assembly. A pair of gripper arms are pivotally mounted to move between an open position permitting the carrier to pass along the conveyor track, and a closed position with forward ends in contact with a specimen container on the carrier to position the container in a reference location for direct processing. The lane changer includes a shuttle depending from an overhead support with a pair of arms for receiving and shifting a specimen carrier from one conveyor to a second conveyor of a dual-conveyor track. The shuttle is operable to retain a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor and to release a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a shuttle depending from an overhead support with a pair of arms for receiving and shifting a specimen carrier from one conveyor to a second conveyor of a dual-conveyor track. The shuttle is operable to retain a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor and to release a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor. Sensors are located to detect the presence of a specimen carrier at each of the retention locations, and to confirm the release of a specimen carrier from the shuttle along each of the conveyors. A drive motor for moving the shuttle between the retention and release positions is electrically connected to a command module with a processor, for receiving instructions as to the position of the shuttle. The sensors are also connected to the processor to transmit detection data to the processor. A queue is positioned upstream of the shuttle and is electrically connected to the processor.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus includes a shuttle depending from an overhead support with a pair of arms for receiving and shifting a specimen carrier from one conveyor to a second conveyor of a dual-conveyor track. The shuttle is operable to retain a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor and to release a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor. Sensors are located to detect the presence of a specimen carrier at each of the retention locations, and to confirm the release of a specimen carrier from the shuttle along each of the conveyors. A drive motor for moving the shuttle between the retention and release positions is electrically connected to a command module with a processor, for receiving instructions as to the position of the shuttle. The sensors are also connected to the processor to transmit detection data to the processor. A queue is positioned upstream of the shuttle and is electrically connected to the processor.

Abstract: A transfer and positioning apparatus includes a positioning assembly located between the tracks of a dual lane conveyor and upstream of a lane changer. The positioning assembly includes a retractable shaft for stopping a carrier along a first conveyor adjacent the assembly. A pair of gripper arms are pivotally mounted to move between an open position permitting the carrier to pass along the conveyor track, and a closed position with forward ends in contact with the a specimen container on the carrier to position the container in a reference location for direct processing. The lane changer includes a shuttle depending from an overhead support with a pair of arms for receiving and shifting a specimen carrier from one conveyor to a second conveyor of a dual-conveyor track. The shuttle is operable to retain a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor and to release a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus that networks fault-tolerant computing platforms with non fault-tolerant computing platforms includes at least one fault-tolerant computing platform, a plurality of non fault-tolerant computing platforms, and communication links connecting the fault-tolerant computing platform to the non fault-tolerant computing platforms. The fault-tolerant computing platform includes application software and a fault-tolerant extension layer. Each non fault-tolerant computing platform includes application software and a fault-tolerant extension layer.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing Ziram in a flowable water based suspension by reacting chemical starting materials in liquid components required for a final stable suspension of the resulting pesticide. The method applies to production of Ziram suspensions for pesticidal applications.

Abstract: A flow through pressure reaction apparatus that permits chemical reactions to take place between fluids maintained under pressure as the component fluids are moved from one location to another. The reaction is allowed to take place within an enclosed fluid conduit connected between the discharges of opposed pumps. At least one pump is a non-positive displacement pump that will allow reverse flow of fluid through it in response to increases in fluid pressure within the conduit. One pump receives fluid material and forces it through its discharge into the conduit. A second pump at the opposite end of the conduit receives the material at its discharge. The second pump is operated in opposition to the first pump at a pressure head that is lower than the pressure head of the first pump. A fluid flow will therefore be maintained through the second pump in a direction opposite to the flow it would normally produce because of the differential of the pressure heads of the two pumps.

Abstract: Heavy coated seeds for crops such as rice are produced by application of an oleaginous suspension of a solid, inert water-insoluble inorganic particulate material in a discontinuous oil phase dispersed in a continuous water phase. The suspension is mixed with the seeds and the coated seeds are permitted to cure during absorption of the suspension components. The suspension remaining on the seed surfaces inverts and adheres to the surfaces to increase the weight of the seeds. The suspension comprises a continuous water phase, a discontinous oil phase, and a finely ground inert inorganic particulate material.

Abstract: A mill for pumping and grinding solid particles in a fluid medium. The particles are circulated by centrifugal forces that result from rotational movement imparted to freely rolling balls or rollers about a powered circular race assembly. The balls or rollers ride along axially spaced shoulders on the ball race assembly. Apertures between the shoulders provide fluid circulation from the area in which the balls or rollers are located to the exterior of the ball race assembly.