Other

John W Wahl

William K Warburton

Michael Momayezi

Charles S Melnick

Dennis M Melnick

A method and counter for reducing the background counting rate in gas-filled alpha particle counters wherein the counter is constructed in such a manner as to exaggerate the differences in the features in preamplifier pulses generated by collecting the charges in ionization tracks produced by alpha particles emanating from different regions within the counter and then using pulse feature analysis to recognize these differences and so discriminate between different regions of emanation. Thus alpha particles emitted from the sample can then be counted while those emitted from the counter components can be rejected, resulting in very low background counting rates even from large samples. In one embodiment, a multi-wire ionization chamber, different electric fields are created in different regions of the counter and the resultant difference in electron velocities during charge collection allow alpha particles from the sample and counter backwall to be distinguished. In a second embodiment, a parallel-plate ionization chamber, the counter dimensions are adjusted so that charge collection times are much longer for ionization tracks caused by sample source alpha particles than for those caused by anode source alpha particles. In both embodiments a guard electrode can be placed about the anode's perimeter and secondary pulse feature analysis performed on signal pulses output from a preamplifier attached to this guard electrode to further identify and reject alpha particles emanating from the counter's sidewalls in order to further lower the counter's background.

Ultra-low background gas-filled alpha counter

For the training, exercise, scientific study, and monitoring of quadrupeds in general, and for particular utilization with thoroughbred racehorses, a movable physical exercise treadmill having a tripartite frame including a first elongated main frame for disposition on a floor surface; a second intermediate inclinable frame positioned on the main frame; and a third conveyor belt supporting frame contained within and supported by the second frame. A system is provided for inclining the second frame, and also for pivoting, along a longitudinal axis, the third frame with respect to the second frame. A generally longitudinal endless belt is slidably supported within the third frame and moves about transversely-extending rollers, and the quadruped's exercise occurs on a topmost movable belt surface. A load support shock-absorbing system located generally within and supported by the third frame and beneath the topmost belt surface includes a slider impact bed with layered, rearrangeable impact absorption members placed thereon. The treadmill includes a vertically-extending mast, removably and pivotally attachable to the second frame. Attached to the mast is a load cell actuating system. The load cell system is interactively attached to the quadruped by a flexible sling. In addition, a separate automatic load sensing system provides, within a belt drive system, a resistive, breaking effect if the quadruped overdrives the belt drive system, both the belt drive system and the automatic load sensing system being components of a motor unit. An impact pressure sensing system registers the amount of pressure the quadruped exerts on the belt during training and exercising sessions. An emergency panic system and a plurality of rail-mounted safety sensor means are safety features that, when actuated, can signal motor unit controlled decelerative shutdown if the quadruped exceeds predetermined lateral and forward-to-rearward safety limits.

Physical exercise treadmill for quadrupeds

A heated hair curling brush having a single tubular heating surface and a plurality of comb rings. The comb rings are placed over the heating element. Locking projections on the inner periphery of the comb rings fit into apertures in the surface of the heating surface which hold the comb rings in place. When the brush is assembled there are no interruptions in the exposed portions of the heating surface, and the user's hair may contact the heating surface around the entire circumference of the exposed portions of the heating surface without snagging.

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Baden, PA, United States of America

John W Wahl