Abstract: An apparatus and process for accurately determining settling data for the settling of erythrocyte cells from a plasma fluid in a test specimen of blood. The apparatus includes a settling tube, a sensing assembly movably mounted proximate the settling tube. Preferably an infrared emitter and detector are provided in the sensing assembly, and a control assembly is provided which senses data at a high rate and is responsive to the sensed data to sample or store the time at which sensed reflectivity exceeds a threshold level. When the threshold is reached, data is sampled and the tracking head is moved by a very small step. This process is repeated to enable tracking of the descent of the separation boundary between the erythrocyte cells and plasma fluid. The apparatus senses changes in reflectivity of the erythrocyte portion of the specimen below and up to the separation boundary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire carrier for an automotive vehicle and, more particularly, to a hitch mounted tire carrier. The invention includes a cantilever construction having the combination of an elongated arm having the tire mount structure, and a bracket for the arm connectable, for example, to a tow hitch of a vehicle. The arm is movable relative to the bracket between the transportation position and in inactive position, and a cinch is provided on the bracket for normally maintaining the arm in the transportation position but releasing the same for movement to the inactive position. The cinch has a lever latch which, in keeping with the invention, is manipulatable of the cinch to an over-center position. A tightener is provided as a protuberance on the lever latch which is mounted for pivoting to a stop position beyond a center position at which it would be generally orthogonal to a bearing surface it engages.

Abstract: A water bottle cage comprising two mating sections formed of injection molded plastic, is disclosed. The two sections define a bayonet snap assembly which maintains alignment of the two sections, permits easy pivotal joining and release of the two sections, and locks the two sections upon insertion of a water bottle. Alternatively, the two sections can be permanently joined, for example, by ultrasonic bonding.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing system utilizing individual modular cartridges removably mounted at the dispensing stations of a control console in plug-in fashion. Each cartridge carries one bottle, and has an outlet and valve structure for controlling the discharge of liquid from the bottle to the outlet. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a measuring cup which determines the amount of liquid dispensed, and in some of these embodiments the liquid is pressurized for delivery to and/or from the measuring cup.

Abstract: A unit to support while eating packaged convenience foods such as hamburgers, french fries and soda pop comprises an elongated standard and a set of holding members having connectors insertable into the body of the standard. The holding members have reentry portions for engaging or impaling the package of convenience foods and a hanger is provided at one end of the unit so that the unit when assembled and loaded with convenience foods may be suspended like a pendulum from the rear view mirror assembly of a motor vehicle.