Abstract: An inclinometer 20 includes a module 22 which is mounted to a rail 32. The rail 32 has a hollow I-shaped cross-section which affords substantial resistance to torsional and bending loads about the longitudinal axis 34 of the inclinometer 20. The rail 32 and in particular a first end 36 of the I-shaped cross-section includes first and second curves 48, 50 which define lobes which provide a rail design more suitable for gripping and placement by the user.

Abstract: An optical system for a bar code scanner has a working range that is not determined by the lens aperture, but by the dimension and orientation of the detector. In the preferred embodiment, the desired working range is imaged onto a detector array using a modified Scheimpflug arrangement. The array in the first Scheimpflug plane with respect to the lens defines a second Scheimpflug plane that intersects the bar code tag to be read. So long as the bar code tag intersects the image of the detector array in the second Scheimpflug plane, a portion of the image of the bar code tag will be in focus on at least one of the elements of the detector array. The lens aperture can be as large as desired to maximize resolution and minimize illumination needs without adversely affecting the working range. The scanner's bar code illumination can be directed along the second Scheimpflug plane, which is off the optical axis of the lens.

Abstract: A focused line identifier is useful in a bar code reader employing Scheimpflug optics for focusing an illuminated line from the bar code on a two dimensional array of photodetectors. One line or a small group of lines somewhere on the array is the sharpest focus of a bar code within the working range of a bar code scanner. The best focused line is located with the analog signal before digitizing by generating a signal having an amplitude representative of the high frequency component of the lines of signal from the photodetector array. The maximum high frequency component may be found by passing the signal through a high pass filter for detecting the signal having the largest amplitude. The best focused line is, in effect, found in one field scan and used to open a gate in the next scan for passing the best focused line to a digitizer. One may also hop from the best focused line to a line or lines adjacent to the best focuesd line for feeding a slightly unfocused line to the digitizer.

Abstract: A mounting nest for the sapphire ball at the tip of a bar code reader wand has a hemispherical recess that contacts the surface of the sapphire ball to hold the ball securely. The mounting nest is molded from a material having a relatively high index of refraction so the optical effect of the surface of the ball in contact with the recess component can be effectively neutralized. The mounting nest eliminates leakage paths around the sapphire ball for dust, ESD or other contaminants to the sensor and circuitry inside the wand.

Abstract: An insert for use with swinging bucket rotors at the interface between the swinging bucket and the rotor arm trunnions which pivotally support the bucket. The insert is designed to decrease the friction between the swinging bucket and the support trunnions.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for pivotal placement on a swinging carrier rotor wherein the carrier has a support member which maintains the carrier assembly in a centered location between the hinge pins on the rotor. The carrier assembly has a frame unit which holds a microtitration plate containing samples to be centrifugated. The support member in the carrier assembly is slidably engaged with the frame unit and eliminates the need for welds. Each end of the support member has a generally semicircular sleeve portion which provides for the easy placement and removal of the carrier assembly from the rotor hinge pins. Retaining means are positioned on the support member to prevent deflection of the carrier frame unit along the support member during centrifugation.