Abstract: Systems and methods directed to tethering an object across a spatial interface include an orb linked to an anchor. The orb may be substantially spherical, further including a plurality of voids separated by at least one lobe. The orb is linked to the anchor, such as by a cable or rope, tensilely secured to each. The tensile securement of the link to the orb and/or anchor may be fixed or movable. An anchor is provided as a toggle extending longitudinally perpendicular to the general longitudinal direction of the link. A method includes the steps of securing the anchor to a receptacle in a first space, allowing or causing the link to cross a structural interface, and disposing the orb in a second space, thereby tethering the receptacle relative to the structural interface.

Abstract: A vapor sample detection method where the vapor sample contains vapor and ambient air and surrounding natural background particles. The vapor sample detection method includes the steps of generating a supply of aerosol that have a particular effective median particle size, mixing the aerosol with the vapor sample forming aerosol and adsorbed vapor suspended in an air stream, impacting the suspended aerosol and adsorbed vapor upon a reflecting element, alternatively directing infrared light to the impacted aerosol and adsorbed vapor, detecting and analyzing the alternatively directed infrared light in essentially real time using a spectrometer and a microcomputer and identifying the vapor sample.

Abstract: An improved method for the preparation of single phase, fine grained ceramic materials from precursor powder mixtures where at least one of the components of the mixture is an alkali earth carbonate. The process consists of heating the precursor powders in a partial vacuum under flowing oxygen and under conditions where the partial pressure of CO.sub.2 evolved during the calcination is kept to a very low level relative to the oxygen. The process has been found particularly suitable for the preparation of high temperature copper oxide superconducting materials such as YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.x "123" and YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.4 O.sub.8 "124".

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing aerosols in essentially real time includes a virtual impactor which separates coarse particles from fine and ultrafine particles in an aerosol sample. The coarse and ultrafine particles are captured in PTFE filters, and the fine particles impact onto an internal light reflection element. The composition and quantity of the particles on the PTFE filter and on the internal reflection element are measured by alternately passing infrared light through the filter and the internal light reflection element, and analyzing the light through infrared spectrophotometry to identify the particles in the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed to provide a safety gate comprised of two segments, which on being closed, the segments overlap each other and can be locked in this closed position. Each gate segment is mounted on hinges in turn fastened to doorway frame pillars. The overlapping gate segments allow for convenience of fitting various widths of door frames.

Abstract: A unit for remotely operating an element to different positions such as start, fast, slow and stop for a driving application such as the one herein illustrated for the engine of a lawn mower. The unit is made of plastic material being molded in two parts with a recess in the side of one part which is adapted to receive a tube forming a handle. A bolt passes through a hole in the part and through the tube to which it is securely retained when a lock nut and bolt is tightened. The unit has a slot between the two parts in which a lever is movable to advance and retract one or more control wires which operate the carburetor, brake or other element of the lawn mower.