Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging multiple fluorescent sample particles in a flow channel. A flow channel defines a flow direction for samples in a flow stream and has a viewing plane perpendicular to the flow direction. A clear volume between the illuminated flow volume and the imaging optics is provided. A beam of illumination is formed as a column having a size effective to cover the viewing plane, and illuminates the flow nearly end on, or from the side. Imaging optics are arranged to view the focal plane to form an image of the multiple fluorescent sample particles in the flow stream. A camera records the image formed by the imaging optics. A computer detects and enumerates the particles in the flow.

Abstract: A process with several variations that removes bacteria from food by mechanical means while adequately filtering the food matrix sufficiently for analysis in cytometer. In a first variation, the specimen (e.g. ground beef) is combined with water or liquid buffer, stomached, and the liquid collected for measurement in a flow cytometer. In a second variation, the specimen is combined with water or liquid buffer, vortexed and the liquid supernatant is collected for measurement in a flow cytometer. In a third variation, the specimen is combined with water or liquid buffer, placed in a sonicating water bath and the supernatant collected for measurement in a flow cytometer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging multiple fluorescent sample particles in a flow channel. A flow channel defines a flow direction for samples in a flow stream and has a viewing plane perpendicular to the flow direction. A clear volume between the illuminated flow volume and the imaging optics is provided. A beam of illumination is formed as a column having a size effective to cover the viewing plane, and illuminates the flow nearly end on, or from the side. Imaging optics are arranged to view the focal plane to form an image of the multiple fluorescent sample particles in the flow stream. A camera records the image formed by the imaging optics. A computer detects and enumerates the particles in the flow.

Abstract: An LED illumination source device for use in a flow particle detector such as a flow cytometer includes an LED for providing light at a selected wavelength, an optical element having a small focal length for collecting nearly all of the light from the LED and substantially collimating it to a beam of light, and a focussing optical element for focussing the collimated beam at a selected volume within a flow sample stream. The LED may be composite LED which generates light at two wavelengths.

Abstract: Increased speed in the detection of target particles in flow cytometry is accomplished using two-dimensional detectors to detect target particles in a thin ribbon flow. The thickness of the ribbon flow of the sample stream is coordinated with the depth of field of the detection system optics, allowing a sharp image of the target particles. The width of the ribbon flow is coordinated with the field of view of the optics. The relatively large cross-sectional area of the flow in the ribbon flow chamber allows for a flow cytometer design not requiring a sheath flow. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is greatly improved by using time delayed integration (TDI) in conjunction with the ribbon flow illumination to lower background noise from unwanted photons and CCD readout noise.

Abstract: A flow cytometer for detecting target particles such as microorganisms including biological cells and viruses as well as molecular species. The flow cytometer includes a detection system involving a CCD having a time delay integration capability to thereby increase the signal from the target particle and decrease the noise detected by the CCD. Calibration particles can be included in the sample stream of the flow cytometer for coordinating the readout of the CCD with the rate of flow of the sample stream to improve the detection capability of the CCD. Statistical analysis techniques can also be used to determine the rate of flow of target particles in the sample stream to thereby coordinate the readout rate of the CCD with the rate of flow of the target particles.

Abstract: A bonded-abrasive tool includes a matrix of an organic bond, abrasive grains dispersed in the organic bond and a grinding aid in the form of either an inorganic nonhalogenated filler or a hydrated filler. The inorganic nonhalogenated filler can react with free radicals released from the organic bond during grinding. The hydrated filler endothermically releases water. A coated-abrasive tool includes a flexible substrate, abrasive grains bonded to the flexible substrate, and an organic bond containing a grinding aid including an inorganic nonhalogenated filler or a hydrated filler coated on the substrate.

Abstract: A manually operated nutcracking device with a threaded member for urging a carrier and a wedge thereon into nut engagement to split the nut. A base includes a pair of guides and a nut supporting surface. The carrier includes plate components coupled to the wedge in a detachable manner. The plate components are recessed to engage the inner edges of the pair of guides. A foot on the threaded member imparts travel to the carrier. The nut supporting surface area on the base has convergent surfaces for retention of a nut during cracking. Concave surfaces formed in the convergent surfaces are for retention of a nut with a circular shell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating fresh fruit to prevent and retard the growth of fungus. The techniques of the invention include simultaneously scrubbing the fresh fruit while drenching with a falling liquid containing a fungicide. Large volumes of liquid are used and the liquid can be recycled. The liquid also removes dirt and debris and, while containing a rather small amount of fungicide, such amount is present in a concentration sufficient to apply a coating to the fruit at the end of the scrubbing step given proper pH control. The pH of the solution is controlled. During the scrubbing step, the fruit is continuously rotated to provide even fungicidal deposit.

Abstract: The packing-seal is shown in use in a borehole as a level-isolating seal for a groundwater sampler. The packing-seal shown includes an expandable annulus of Dowell (TM) water-expandable material. Surrounding that is a pressure-sleeve of rubber. A sheet of woven Kevlar (TM) is wrapped circumferentially around the sleeve and the Dowell annulus, such that the ends of the Kevlar sheet overlap. Outside the Kevlar is an outer rubber sleeve. Upon expansion of the packing seal to fill the borehole, the Kevlar sheet unwraps to allow the Dowell to expand without restraint. Once the packing seal has filled the borehole, the Kevlar sheet is prevented from unwrapping further. If the borehole contains a fissure the Kevlar provides a rigid bridge over the fissure, and prevents the packing-seal from ballooning out into the fissure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating fresh fruit to prevent and retard the growth of fungus. The techniques of the invention include simultaneously scrubbing the fresh fruit while drenching with a falling liquid containing a fungicide. Large volumes of liquid are used and the liquid can be recycled. The liquid also removes dirt and debris and, while containing a rather small amount of fungicide, such amount is present in a concentration sufficient to apply a coating to the fruit at the end of the scrubbing step given proper pH control. The pH of the solution is controlled. During the scrubbing step, the fruit is continuously rotated to provide even fungicidal deposit.

Abstract: A method are disclosed for treating fresh fruit to prevent and retard the growth of fungus. The techniques of the invention include simultaneously scrubbing the fresh fruit while drenching with a falling liquid containing a fungicide. Large volumes of liquid are used and the liquid can be recycled. The liquid also removes dirt and debris and, while containing a rather small amount of fungicide, such amount is present in a concentration sufficient to apply a coating to the fruit at the end of the scrubbing step given proper pH control. The pH of the solution is controlled. During the scrubbing step, the fruit is continuously rotated to provide even fungicidal deposit.

Abstract: A manually operated nutcracking device with a threaded member for urging carrier and a wedge thereon into nut engagement to split the nut. A base includes a pair of guides and a nut supporting member. The carrier includes plate components coupled to the wedge in a detachable manner. The plate components are recessed to engage the inner edges of the pair of guides. A foot on the threaded member imparts travel to the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for measuring the thrust delivered by aircraft engines which rely on induced flow for their propulsive effect. In the preferred embodiment, for use in conjunction with turboprop engines, the system includes mechanisms for measuring static pressure immediately in front of the turbopropellers and for measuring free stream ambient pressure. These pressure measurements are furnished to a computational device such as air data computer for use in calculating a static to ambient pressure ratio which correlates with commanded thrust in accordance with mach number. The pressure ratio information may be displayed for direct use by the aircraft pilot in determining thrust or adjusted for the effects of mach number and then displayed as an indication of net thrust, and/or supplied to other aircraft instrument systems requiring thrust information.

Abstract: A small boat hull having fore and aft sections pivotally joined along an axis to permit one section to be swung into superimposed relationship with the other section. Locking screws extend through and join wall structures of the two sections to secure the sections in mutual alignment during boat use. A bulkhead at the interface of the fore and aft sections includes both the wall structures and an attached flexible member extending across the opposing ends of the hull sections. A platform supports the folded hull sections in place on a vehicle. The locking screws may be additionally used to secure the folded hull sections in place on the platform.

Abstract: A turboprop engine having a variable pitch propeller driven through a speed reducing transmission. The engine has a compressor section with a low pressure component and a high pressure component. A flow control device is positioned between the low and high pressure components. During takeoff, air from the low pressure component is bypassed, and during cruise, the air from the low pressure component is passed directly through the high pressure component, thus obtaining improved matching of engine components for both takeoff and cruise.

Abstract: An inclined chute is attachable to a support by means of a base including a clamping arrangement. An inclined base portion supports said chute and also a pair of bearing posts. A drum disposed within the chute is journaled within the bearing posts. Adjustment means enable axial positioning of the bearing posts for adjusting drum and chute clearance to accommodate various sized nuts. A handle imparts rotation to the drum.