Abstract: A method for displaying the status of a clinical analyzer on an operator interface in a manner that minimizes the effort required by the operator to access pertinent data. In one aspect the method includes displaying routine and non-routine information about the operational aspects of a clinical analyzer so that non-routine operational information screens is accessible only by qualified technicians.

Abstract: A frame for supporting the screen of a screen printing machine having elongated frame members coupled together each providing support for an edge of the screen. The frame further includes a reinforcing member supported by the frame to extend in intimate proximity along at least a portion of at least one of the frame members to provide a prestress and/or camber of the frame member. The reinforcing member may include a cable extending within an interior of the frame member. The reinforcing member may also include an elongated secondary member affixed to the frame member while the frame member and secondary member are subjected to an applied condition imposing differential strains on confronting surfaces of the frame member and secondary member.

Abstract: This invention is a retractable registration apparatus (10) mounted on a printing machine (12) for aligning a screen printing frame (28) with an image platform (14). The apparatus (10) has a pair of registration mechanisms, such as pins (64), for coupling with the screen printing frame (28) and a registration appendage (56) which carries the registration mechanism (64). The registration appendage (56) is rotatably mounted to the printing machine (12) for allowing rotation of the registration appendage (56) from a registration position to a retracted position. A locking mechanism, such as a detent (102), retains the appendage (56) with the registration mechanism (64) in the exact registration position.

Abstract: A device is provided for stretching a screen secured to a screen printing roller frame. A series of wrenching stations are provided on a fixed work area. The wrenching stations include a wrench member shaped and dimensioned to mate with the end portions of the roller frame rollers so that the wrench may cause rotation of the roller. A first and second wrenching station are positioned adjacent one another at one corner of the work area and are fixed in position. A third wrenching station is positioned opposite the first wrenching station for rotating the opposing parallel roller in the roller frame at the same end as the first wrenching station. A fourth wrenching station is provided in an opposing relationship with the second wrenching station similar to the relationship between the first and third wrenching station. Actuation of the wrenching stations rotates and torques the respective rollers, stretching the screen on the roller frame.

Abstract: A retractable registration apparatus is mounted on a screen printing type press for aligning a printing frame with an image platform, such as a vacuum table. The apparatus has a pair of registration pins for coupling with the printing frame and a registration appendage which carries the registration pins. The registration appendage is rotatably mounted to the printing press for rotation from a registration position to a retracted position. A locking mechanism retains the appendage with the registration pins in the exact registration position.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a screen printing frame to a printing machine for screen printing, the apparatus has a retainer for the screen printing frame and a mounting head carried by the printing machine. A plurality of adjustment mechanism are interposed between the mounting head and the retainer for screen printing frame for adjusting the retainer and the screen printing frame relative to the mounting head. At least one of the adjustment mechanisms has a sleeve having a threaded bore carried by either the retainer or the mounting head and a threaded shaft carried by the other. Rotating of the threaded shaft in the threaded bore adjust the position of the screen printing frame relative to the mounting head. The sleeve has a hole extending through the threaded bore and a pin adaptable for insertion in the hole for locating the end of the threaded shaft for use as a stop position for locating a zero position of the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: An off-contact setup device is provided for a screen printing type machine. The setup device includes a frame that releasably clamps onto a levelled image pallet of the screen printing machine. The height of the setup frame relative to the pallet surface is adjusted. This height is calibrated to a desired off-contact distance between a printing screen and the substrate to be printed (which is positioned on the pallet during printing). The frame holding arm of the printing machine, which is used to support the screen printing frame, is brought into position and secured to the setup frame. The height and level adjustments for the screen frame holding assembly are then fixed so as to conform to the position of the setup frame on the pallet. This process is repeated for all stations on the printing machine. Thus, the relative distance between all pallets and the screen printing frames attached to the holding assemblies are set to be the same, providing a consistent printing operation.