Abstract: An apparatus for assembling fiber optic strands into sign components comprising a dispenser in continuous communication with a supply of fiber optic strand; a first positioner for moving the dispenser to a dispensing position adapted to be opposite a receiving aperture of a housing; engaging means in communication with the fiber optic strand for inserting a first end of the fiber optic strand through the dispenser and into one of the preselected housing apertures; a cutting apparatus for cutting the fiber optic strand at a predetermined location, thereby providing a first calculated length of a cut strand having a first end insertable into one of said housing apertures and a second cut end; a manipulator for grasping the second cut end of the cut strand; a second positioner for moving the manipulator to a predetermined position opposite a signage display panel; and an inserter, carried by the manipulator, for directing the second cut end of the cut strand a prescribed depth into the signage display panel.

Abstract: A method of compacting a bill from a flat state into a pleated and wound state for position the bill in a cavity of an associated closure includes providing a bill in a substantially flat state and pleating the bill in a first direction to provide a series of substantially similar pleats. The pleated bill is compacted to set the pleats therein and at least partially wound into a generally circular configuration. The wound bill is positioned within the cavity of the associated closure. An apparatus for compacting and winding the bill and positioning the bill in the closure cavity includes a pleating station for pleating the bill in a predetermined configuration and a compacting station for compacting the pleated bill into a compacted state. The apparatus further includes a winding station having a winding member adapted to engage the compacted bill and to wind the bill into a generally circular orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the attachment of a bayonet handle having a barb head defining each end thereof to a carton blank. The apparatus comprises releasable clamping means for horizontally gripping the handles. Below the clamping means are support means for flatly maintaining carton blanks. A pair of blades, situated juxtaposed opposite sides of the clamping means, are retractable between an upward retracted position and a downward extended position near the support means. The clamping means are movable between an upper handle receiving position and a lower position near the support means by descending means.The process comprises first providing a bayonet handle. The handle is next bent in two places so that the barb heads are perpendicular to an interior section of the handle and are projecting toward respective apertures in the carton blank. Then, the handle is moved such that the barb heads are inserted into the respective apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the assembly of a bayonet handle package are provided. The apparatus comprises at least one handle gripping and insertion wheel mounted on a horizontal rotatable shaft and further comprises means for driving the shaft. The wheel carries a plurality of evenly-spaced, circumferentially mounted handle clamping and insertion assemblages. The assemblages operate cyclically--that is, depending upon the assemblage position in the 360 degree rotational cycle of the wheel--to grip, bend and release the handles.The process of the invention contemplates first providing an apparatus as described. Second, the wheel begins continuous rotation to effectuate the cyclical operation of the gripping and bending assemblages. A handle is then positioned at a first location near the wheel where it is gripped by one of the rotating assemblages.

Abstract: A single instrument for photometrically determining hemoglobin content and electronically determining white blood cell count of a single sample suspension of blood. The instrument is provided with a calibration mode of operation independent of the run or normal operational mode of the instrument.A vacuum system is described where vacuum is generated during the operating cycle only at periods when vacuum is required with an adjustable volume vacuum chamber interposed in the vacuum system to assure proper vacuum levels.Carryover of one liquid to a next introduced second liquid in the test vessel is reduced by successive draining of said second liquid and reintroduction into said vessel of a replacement amount of said second liquid. The second liquid can be a sample of rinse liquid.An hydraulic system is described as operating in conjunction with the pneumatic or vacuum system.

Abstract: Improvements in a backwash system for diluting apparatus wherein a rinse solution is directed to and through a sample pick-up probe to a receptacle and therefrom to a waste depositary. Either the probe or the receptacle in turn is movable between a first uncoupled condition, along a predetermined or fixed path first to place the receptacle and the delivery end of the sample probe proximate, and second, to establish a fluid tight sealed coupling therebetween. The receptacle includes an entrance recess accommodating an apertured resilient insert which engages the delivery end of the probe to define the sealed coupling. A sensing switch is employed to assure that the rinse solution will not be dispensed as backwash unless the sealed coupling is known to have been established.

Abstract: Improvements in a backwash system for diluting apparatus wherein a rinse solution is directed to the fluid transfer valve thereof and thence back to and through the sample pick-up probe to a receptacle and then to a waste depositary. The receptacle is mounted on a carrier, in turn mounted for movement in a track from a recessed condition, along a path directed first outward and then upward to engage the delivery end of the sample probe in a fluid tight sealed coupling. A plunger of an air cylinder effects the movement of the receptacle in the track. A vacuum operated switch is employed to assure that the rinse solution will not be dispensed as backwash unless the sealed coupling is made. Alternatively, a microswitch can be substituted for the vacuum operated switch and presented in the path of the carrier to be actuated when the carrier has moved sufficiently to establish the sealed coupling between the receptacle and the delivery end of the sample probe.

Abstract: An aperture module for obtaining signals from microscopic particles suspended in a sample blood solution which passes through a scanning aperture. A module housing including an aperture holder is mounted on a container or bath containing a body of the particulate liquid suspension to be tested. The aperture holder with aperture formed therein extends into the vessel to permit passage of the sample through the aperture to an outlet chamber immediately behind the aperture. The chamber is connected to a source of clean electrolyte and has a narrowed or reduced dimension portion positioned immediately behind the aperture. A vacuum is applied to the chamber to cause the sample to be drawn through the aperture for testing thereof. An optical hemoglobinometer is positioned in association with the bath to measure the hemoglobin content of the solution to be tested.

Abstract: An aperture module for obtaining signals from microscopic particles suspended in a fluid which passes through a scanning aperture. A module housing including an aperture holder is mounted on a vessel or bath containing a body of the particulate liquid suspension to be tested. The aperture holder with aperture formed therein extends into the vessel to permit passage of the suspension through the aperture to an outlet chamber or passageway immediately behind the aperture. An inlet chamber or passageway in the module is connected to a source of clean electrolyte and in fluid communication with the outlet passageway. The outlet passageway is connected to a waste collecting container. A vacuum is applied to the collecting container to cause the clean electrolyte to be drawn through the inlet passageway and wash behind the aperture simultaneously with passage of the suspension through the aperture.