Abstract: An apparatus for collecting urine from a user includes a urinary catheter comprising an outlet to enable liquid to exit therefrom. A first end of a transport channel is operable coupled to the outlet. A pump module, which may be cannister free, is coupled to a second end of the transport channel and is configured to generate suction in the transport channel to draw the liquid into the pump module. The pump module expels the liquid into an output channel. The pump module is configured to draw air as well as the liquid through the transport channel. In certain embodiments, an air entry module is placed at or near the outlet to enable air to enter the transport channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting urine from a user includes a sheath portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to make a seal with a penis of a user. An outlet is positioned at the second end and is configured to enable urine to exit the sheath portion. A channel is operably coupled to the outlet to convey urine away from the sheath portion. A throttle valve is coupled to the channel at or near the outlet to enable air to enter the channel in a regulated manner. In certain embodiments, the channel is coupled to a collection chamber which is in turn coupled to a vacuum device. The vacuum device may be configured to pull air bubbles into the channel to assist in conveying the urine into the collection chamber. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting urine from a user includes a sheath portion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to make a seal with a penis of a user. An outlet is positioned at the second end and is configured to enable urine to exit the sheath portion. A channel is operably coupled to the outlet to convey urine away from the sheath portion. A check valve is coupled to the channel at or near the outlet to enable air to enter the channel but prevent the exit of air or liquids. In certain embodiments, the channel is coupled to a collection chamber which is in turn coupled to a vacuum device. The vacuum device may be configured to pull air bubbles into the channel to assist in conveying the urine into the collection chamber. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A harvester which has a global-positioning system is used to harvest crops. Fields to be harvested are divided into individual field areas for crop quality assessment selected by the farmer. Values representing the location of the selected individual field areas or crop management areas are loaded into storage on a computer or recorded. The harvester also includes a dispenser of crop markers. Each crop marker has a unique identifier when compared to the other crop markers used during the harvest. The global-positioning system determines actual field location during the harvest and when an actual field location is close or matches one of the selected field locations, a trigger signal is sent to the dispenser and a crop marker is inserted into the harvested crop stream. A table of selected field locations and the crop markers inserted into the crop stream from that field location is stored. Later on in processing, the crop marker is detected and a sample of the crop is taken from around the crop marker.

Abstract: A liquid tension-sensitive gas valve for use in an environment containing liquid includes an inlet connectable to a source of gas and an outlet connectable to a receiver of gas. An internal porous member disposed between the inlet and the outlet has a plurality of pores having pore openings which are closed when filled with liquid and which are open when the tension (negative hydrostatic pressure) of the liquid therein has increased past a predetermined level. The internal member prevents movement of gas between the inlet and the outlet when the moisture content of the internal porous member has increased to cause the liquid tension to decrease below the predetermined level, wherein moisture has closed the pores. Conversely, the internal porous member permits the movement of gas between the inlet and the outlet when the moisture content therein has decreased to cause the liquid tension to exceed the predetermined level, wherein the pores are open.

Abstract: A harvester which has a global-positioning system is used to harvest crops. Fields to be harvested are divided into individual field areas for crop quality assessment selected by the farmer. Values representing the location of the selected individual field areas or crop management areas are loaded into storage on a computer or recorded. The harvester also includes a dispenser of crop markers. Each crop marker has a unique identifier when compared to the other crop markers used during the harvest. The global-positioning system determines actual field location during the harvest and when an actual field location is close or matches one of the selected field locations, a trigger signal is sent to the dispenser and a crop marker is inserted into the harvested crop stream. A table of selected field locations and the crop markers inserted into the crop stream from that field location is stored. Later on in processing, the crop marker is detected and a sample of the crop is taken from around the crop marker.