Abstract: A flow cytometer includes a flow nozzle, a light source, an optics system, and a sensor analyzer. The flow nozzle provides a fluid along a flow path. The light source generates a light beam that illuminates the fluid. The optics system collects light rays that are radiated from the light beam by the fluid and passes or blocks the light rays based at least in part on the radiation angles associated with the light rays.

Abstract: A filter mask for use in a flow cytometer includes light blocking features and light passing apertures. The flow cytometer operates to evaluate one or more characteristics of a sample by illuminating the sample and a carrier fluid and collecting light rays that are radiated from the sample and the carrier fluid. The light rays are passed through the filter mask. The light blocking features of the filter mask are arranged to selectively block radiated light at certain radiation angles, while permit light rays having other radiation angles to pass therethrough. A sensor analyzer receives the light rays that pass through to evaluate at least one characteristic of the sample. The light rays can also be separated into two beams, which can be independently filtered using different filter masks. The results can then be compared to provide even more information regarding characteristics of the sample.

Abstract: Methods for protecting a ground surface from exposure to material that may be spilled from or leak from one or more containers, which includes setting up a portable spill containment system that includes at least one grate for supporting the one or more containers. The grate includes a plurality of drain holes. The portable spill containment system includes a flexible bag configured to contain spills or leakage from the one or more containers that pass through the drain holes of the grate. In one embodiment, the portable spill containment system includes a plurality of pedestals that support the at least one grate. In another embodiment, the portable spill containment system includes an interconnected grid structure formed of separate and distinct spaced apart beams.

Abstract: A portable spill containment system that includes at least one grate that supports a container. The grate includes a plurality of drain holes. The portable spill containment system also includes a flexible bag that contains leakage from the container that passes through the drain holes of the grate. The portable spill containment system also includes a plurality of pedestals that support the at least one grate.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing levelness of a production schedule. The system includes a computer configured to access demand data of one or more items to be processed within a sequence of tasks, access the demand data of the one or more items, calculate one or more time intervals for each of the one or more items, and calculate a weighted average for each of the one or more items. The computer is further configured to calculate a time ratio according to the sequence of tasks by calculating the average of the calculated time intervals and the calculated weighted averages and calculating a minimum ratio of an adjusted time interval for each of the one or more items and the calculated weighted averages. The computer is still further configured to generate a production schedule based on a sequence of tasks having a predetermined calculated time ratio.

Abstract: A portable spill containment system that includes at least one grate that supports a container. The grate includes a plurality of drain holes. The portable spill containment system also includes a flexible bag that contains leakage from the container that passes through the drain holes of the grate. The portable spill containment system also includes a plurality of pedestals that support the at least one grate.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing levelness of a production schedule. The system includes a computer configured to access demand data of one or more items to be processed within a sequence of tasks, access the demand data of the one or more items, calculate one or more time intervals for each of the one or more items, and calculate a weighted average for each of the one or more items. The computer is further configured to calculate a time ratio according to the sequence of tasks by calculating the average of the calculated time intervals and the calculated weighted averages and calculating a minimum ratio of an adjusted time interval for each of the one or more items and the calculated weighted averages. The computer is still further configured to generate a production schedule based on a sequence of tasks having a predetermined calculated time ratio.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system of geothermal energy production containing a production fluid circulated entirely within a continuous subterranean pipeline (13 and 16) while below the earth's surface (11) so that the production fluid is heated, via the encasing pipe, by surrounding subterranean hot rock (12). By directing the heated production fluid through said continuous subterranean pipeline up to the earth's surface and through a power plant (19), energy can be produced from the hot production fluid. This system enables energy production from subterranean rock formations of moderate temperature at moderate depths because any production fluid, such as water, hydrocarbon, or refrigerant, can be used to optimize energy production. Furthermore, natural porosity and permeability of the subterranean rock formations at moderate depths may provide sufficient natural circulation of interstitial water to assist in heat transfer from large volumes of hot rock without the need of inducing artificial fractures.

Abstract: A spill containment assembly includes a support structure or grate, and a flexible containment bag disposed beneath, and secured to, the grate. Fluid filled containers are placed on the grate. The bag defines an available containment volume sufficient to retain a quantity of liquid stored within the containers supported by the grate.

Abstract: An illumination means for a chainsaw is a light source generated for providing a focused beam at the bar and chain of a chainsaw. Illumination means is positioned at the front of the housing of a chainsaw. Illumination means may be integrally incorporated therein or placed onto the exterior of the housing, and may also include a pivotal shell for adjusting the projection of the light beam. Illumination means is operatively and electrically coupled to a switch that actuates generation of light.

Abstract: A weaving horse assembly for supporting a basket form during construction of a woven basket. The weaving horse assembly comprises a support structure and a clamp arm including a U-shaped frame. The base of the U-shaped frame is rotatably mounted to the support structure such that the clamp arm is movable from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal position. The U-shaped frame has upper and lower arms each having a free end, with the free end of the lower arm defining a form pole for supporting a basket form and the free end of the upper arm defining a clamp for securing a basket bottom to the basket form.

Abstract: An illumination means for a chainsaw is a light source generated for providing a focused beam at the bar and chain of a chainsaw. Illumination means is positioned at the front of the housing of a chainsaw. Illumination means may be integrally incorporated therein or placed onto the exterior of the housing, and may also include a pivotal shell for adjusting the projection of the light beam. Illumination means is operatively and electrically coupled to a switch that actuates generation of light.

Abstract: An item of merchandise is mounted for visual and tactile inspection by shoppers in a retail setting upon a support member which is attached to a fixed support conventionally present in the store. Three types of support members, for alternative use, are disclosed. A first of the support members includes openings for passage of screws into a vertically disposed surface such as a pegboard. A second support member includes a U-shaped bracket having outwardly directed flanges for engagement with the spaced channels of a conventional, horizontally disposed track member on the front of a store shelf, or the like. A third type of support member includes a mounting device having a pair of hooks and a stabilizing bar, removably attachable to the mounting device and also having a pair of hooks, for mounting a peg bar into holes of a pegboard.

Abstract: Display panels containing an item of merchandise for visual and tactile inspection by shoppers in a retail setting or containing advertising, promotional, or instructional indicia are mounted upon a carousel spinnably supported upon a support member which is attachable to a fixed support conventionally present in a retail store. The carousel is provided with securing members designed to hold indicia cards as well as items of merchandise regardless of whether the carousel is held horizontally or vertically. Two types of support members, for alternative use, are described. A first of the support members includes one pair of mounting hooks attached to a mounting bar attached to one stem of the support member, and a second pair of hooks attached to a mounting bar removably attached to a second stem of the support member for securing the carousel to a pegboard.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to methods and apparatus for obtaining the dimension, position or angle of an object using a point on the object boundary surface to create a diffraction wave when illuminated by a laser beam or other source of electro-magnetic radiation. This diffraction wave is then analyzed to obtain information as to the position of the object point tangent to the laser beam or the angular orientation of the object boundary at said object point.