Abstract: A simple, yet effective, hand-held and portable implement for applying a serving line to a bowstring includes a flattened disc coupled to a power source for rotation about a central axis perpendicular to the disc, and a serving-line supply assembly mounted on the disc including a reel of serving line. An unimpeded slot extends through the disc from the central axis to the outer periphery of the disk, enabling a bowstring to be inserted into the slot, wrapped with the serving line as the disc is rotated, and removed from the slot when finished. In the preferred embodiment, the serving-line supply assembly further includes a plate with an open groove facing the slot and aligned with the axis of the disc to receive the bowstring being served. The plate further preferably includes an aperture in the groove through which the serving line is drawn as the bowstring is wrapped.

Abstract: An enclosure defining an anaerobic chamber for confining an anaerobic atmosphere, cuff and sleeve assemblies mounted on the enclosure in an airtight relation to the chamber so as to enable a scientist to insert his/her arms into said cuff and sleeve assemblies in an airtight manner so that his/her hands can be projected into the chamber without allowing oxygen into the chamber thereby offering the scientist the glove-free ability to handle and inspect samples in the chamber and thereby improve tactile efficiency, and an expandable and collapsible diaphragm mounted on said enclosure so as to communicate with said chamber so as to provide a continuous visual signal as to the condition of the atmosphere in the chamber, collapse of the diaphragm indicating that oxygen is leaking into the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the heating and cooling of a plurality of upright containers containing a mixture used for performing gene amplification. The apparatus includes a support rack comprising aluminum blocks which is partially submerged in a thermally conductive fluid such that at least the lower portions of the containers are submerged in the fluid with the upper portions engaging the aluminum blocks for efficient heat transfer. Heaters are disposed within the aluminum block for heating the block and a plurality of thermoelectric cooling cells are used to cool the block. A programmable microprocessor is used for controlling the heating and cooling cycles, thereby allowing repetitive heating and cooling of the mixture to produce the copies of the genetic material sought to be copied. A cam separates the support rack from the cooling cells during the heating portion of the process.

Abstract: An oxygen detector for detecting the presence of trace levels of oxygen in an anaerobic environment consisting of a sample chamber wherein a sample from the anaerobic environment is exposed to a catalyst, such as palladium, which promotes the exothermic chemical reaction of oxygen with hydrogen. The presence of oxygen will cause such reaction to occur on the catalyst and the consequent generation of heat. A thermistor which is in thermal proximity to the catalyst detects this heat and provides a signal. The sampling chamber is enclosed by an enclosure which serves to volumetrically and thermally confine the sample during the measurement thereby enabling small levels of exothermic heat of reaction to be detected. Entrance to the sampling chamber is through a membrane which is permeable to lower molecular weight gases such as oxygen and hydrogen which thus enables diffusion of the anaerobic atmosphere into the chamber.