Abstract: The application discloses a ready-to-assemble kit containing pre-assembled components for a casegood. The kit comprises a plurality of component parts, wherein a majority, but less than all, of the component parts are pre-assembled to at least one other component part to form subassemblies. Preferably, at least seventy percent and no more than ninety percent of the component parts are pre-assembled to at least one other component part to form the subassemblies. The subassemblies and balance of component parts are configured for packaging together in a rectilinear shipping container such that the packed container includes less than about twenty-five percent void regions by volume when the kit is so packaged in the container.

Abstract: For the removal of a small amount of fluid, in particular blood, from a sealed container, and the deposition of a drop of fluid on a slide by a dropper, and the subsequent spreading of the drop, the rear end of a dropper needle having a longitudinal channel which passes therethrough is pressed through a seal into a container. Once the needle is inserted into the container, a drop of fluid moves out of the container via the longitudinal channel to a slide. After depositing the drop of fluid on the slide, the dropper itself is used to spread and distribute the drop of fluid on the slide, so that spreading of the drop of fluid is facilitated and hazardous waste is reduced to a minimum. The dropper used for this purpose is made integral with a spreader.

Abstract: A ready-to-assemble cabinet including two upstanding side panels, at least two fixed shelves between the side panels, a folding back panel attached to the side panels, and hardware for holding the components together. The cabinet may optionally include additional fixed and adjustable shelves. The back panel is preattached to the side panels by the manufacturer to create a back panel/side panel sub-assembly. The back panel includes a number of vertically scored fold lines running from top to bottom, which delineate longitudinal sections of the back panel. The scored fold lines permit the sub-assembly to be folded accordion-style for packaging, whereby the back panel sections are sandwiched between the side panels. Serrated plastic dowel pins hold the shelves to the side panels to eliminate the need for tools and/or adhesives and permit assembly of the cabinet in only three to five minutes.

Abstract: A deployment system comprises a plurality of parallel linear guide rails, securely supported at their respective bases to a deployment portion of the spacecraft. Each of these linear guide rails contains a drive chain which is powered by a motor(s)/output gear box during the deployment sequence. The guide rail chain mechanisms are coupled to each other by means of drive shafts. Therefore, the drive shafts serve a dual purpose: 1) distribute power between the guide rail chain mechanisms as needed and 2) synchronize the guide rail mechanisms. A payload is provided having attach fittings located thereon for engagement with the linear guide rails. These fittings engage the drive chain. In this manner, the motion of the chain drives the payload fittings along the linear guide rails. During deployment, motion of the chains is produced by the motor(s), which accelerate the payload along the length of the guide rails.

Abstract: The deployment system comprises a plurality of parallel jack screws securely supported at their respective bases to a deployment portion of the spacecraft. The jack screws are rotatable with respect to that deployment portion. A synchronization chain is connected to the jack screws to insure precise timing between the screws. An electric motor provides rotation of the jack screws. A payload is provided having attach fittings located thereon for engagement with the jack screws. Prior to deployment, the payload is mounted to the jack screws. During deployment, synchronous rotation of the jack screws is provided allowing the payload to translate off the ends of the jack screws. Thus, the jack screws simultaneously serve as guides for the payload, providing a precise trajectory, and providing the driving force to eject the payload from the spacecraft.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the hydraulic circuit of a piston diaphragm pump, having at least a pump diaphragm alternatingly subjected to the presure or the suction stroke of a piston operatingly connected to driving means, the apparatus comprising control means changing the amount of hydraulic medium displaced by the piston in dependence of a power demand or the like. A displacement sensor is associated with one side of the diaphragm facing the hydraulic medium, the sensor measuring the stroke travel of the diaphragm and generating a corresponding stroke travel signal which is transmitted to control means, the control means including storage means storing predetermined stroke values and/or stroke value ranges for predetermined hydraulic power values of the pump.

Abstract: A lamp unit for use within a socket which defines an opening having a pair of upstanding walls. The unit is especially adapted for use in projection applications, e.g. movie, slide, and microfilm projectors, and comprises a base which is positioned within the socket's opening, a reflector and electric lamp securedly positioned within the base in a coaxial relationship, and biasing means in the form of an elongated rib, two spaced protuberances, or a resilient spring, etc. located on one side of the base. Accordingly, the base is biased against one of the upstanding walls of the opening to provide an interference fit between base and socket and maintain consistent alignment of these components. A lighting assembly utilizing the above lamp unit is also disclosed.