Abstract: A hydraulic fluid coupling for attaching two hydraulic hoses that comprises an inline swivel joint to prevent twisting of the hoses. The coupling comprises a first and second coupling portion, with the second coupling portion rotatable relative to the first coupling portion. There are two bearings and a ring shaped piston that slides toward the second bearing in response to fluid pressure inside the coupling. Engagement of the piston with the second bearing urges the second coupling portion towards the first coupling portion, against the action of fluid pressure between the first and second couplings. This reduces the load on the first bearing and transfers some of that load to the second bearing, thereby making it easier to rotate the second coupling portion.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid coupling for attaching two hydraulic hoses that comprises an inline swivel joint to prevent twisting of the hoses. The coupling comprises a first and second coupling portion, with the second coupling portion rotatable relative to the first coupling portion. There are two bearings and a ring shaped piston that slides toward the second bearing in response to fluid pressure inside the coupling. Engagement of the piston with the second bearing urges the second coupling portion towards the first coupling portion, against the action of fluid pressure between the first and second couplings. This reduces the load on the first bearing and transfers some of that load to the second bearing, thereby making it easier to rotate the second coupling portion.

Abstract: An air conditioner filter removing system for air filters located in elevated return-air vents, such as return-air vent mounted in a ceiling or upper wall. The device consists of a filter-grabbing mechanism that can be mounted to an extension pole. The filter-grabbing mechanism has teeth protruding from it to grab an air filter and a holding plate where the filter is balanced once engaged by the teeth. In its preferred embodiment, the system has one or more magnets for holding the return-air vent door closed so the filter-grabbing mechanism can easily pull the vent open. Further, the preferred embodiment also has kicker plates that help removal of the teeth out of the grill louvers they are inserted into, on the vent door.

Abstract: An air conditioner filter removing system for air filters located in elevated return-air vents, such as return-air vent mounted in a ceiling or upper wall. The device consists of a filter-grabbing mechanism that can be mounted to an extension pole. The filter-grabbing mechanism has teeth protruding from it to grab an air filter and a holding plate where the filter is balanced once engaged by the teeth. In its preferred embodiment, the system has a holding means present on the return-air vent so the filter-grabbing mechanism can easily pull the vent open. Further, the preferred embodiment also has kicker plates kick the teeth out of the grill louvers they are inserted into, on the vent door.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for detecting and enumerating Campylobacter jejuni in an environmental sample. The present invention further provides a process which can distinguish antibiotic resistant strains of Campylobacter jejuni from wild-type strains, in particular, antibiotic-resistant strains resistant to high levels of ciprofloxacin. Both processes use PCR primers which flank a target sequence unique to Campylobacter jejuni in combination with one or more dual-labeled oligonucleotide probes complementary to the target sequence wherein the dual-labeled probes enable detection of PCR amplification by fluorescence detection means.

Abstract: An earthen material excavator includes, a) a base undercarriage comprising running gear to move the excavator over the ground; b) a slewing platform; c) a plurality of booms operatively connected to one another, one of the booms being operatively connected with the slewing platform; and d) a digging bucket apparatus mounted to another of the booms, the bucket apparatus including, i) a rigid digging assembly having a fore earth working end and an aft non-earth-working end, the digging assembly comprising an internal throat positioned between the assembly fore and aft ends; and ii) a substantially rigid earthen material container removably mounted relative to the aft end of the rigid digging assembly, the rigid earthen container being mounted in communication with the throat to receive earthen material transferred from the rigid digging assembly through the throat.

Abstract: An improved cell culturing device includes a hollow fiber cartridge having a shell and a plurality of capillaries extending through the shell with at least some of the capillaries having selectively permeable walls. A cell culturing space is located between the shell and capillaries. The improvement includes a chamber containing a second medium supply fluidly connected to the cell culturing space. A pressurizing system pressurizes the medium within the chamber to a level higher than the level of medium flowing through the lumen of the capillaries. A valving mechanism alternatively and selectively restricts flow of medium between the chamber and the cell culturing space through first and second conduits such that circulation is effected in the cell culturing space.

Abstract: An apparatus delivers a dosage of a chemical stimuli or drug in such a controlled manner that the concentration at the point of delivery is known at each and every point in time. The apparatus includes a plurality of vessels with each vessel containing a different concentration of the drug or chemical stimuli. A valve has a plurality of inlets and a single outlet wherein each inlet is connected to a corresponding vessel. An improved culture chamber is fluidly connected to the outlet of the valve and is used to develop the desired concentration. A first pump is positioned preferably between the valve and the chamber to provide a transport force for delivering the chemical stimuli or drug to the chamber. A suction tube is positioned proximate the top of the chamber and has a bottom open end which defines the level of liquid within the chamber. The suction tube thereby keeps the volume within the chamber constant. A second pump provides a transport force for removing excess liquid from the chamber.

Abstract: A high temperature secondary battery comprises an anode containing lithium, a cathode containing a chalcogen or chalcogenide, a molten salt electrolyte containing lithium ions, and a separator comprising a porous sheet comprising a homogenous mixture of 2-20 wt.% chrysotile asbestos fibers and the remainder inorganic material non-reactive with the battery components. The non-reactive material is present as fibers, powder, or a fiber-powder mixture.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed that has an upper stem and a lower stem that are received in a gland and connected together by a threaded connection. The gland has an axial slot and the lower valve stem has a diametrically extending pin that extends into the slot so that when the upper stem is rotated, the lower stem moves axially into engagement with a valve seat thereby eliminating a rotation of the lower stem which insures against the stem rotating on the valve seat and prevents galling and reduces backlash between the upper stem and the lower stem to being almost non-existent without requiring periodic adjustment to compensate for wear.