Abstract: A fluid distribution system for controlling the operation of a swimming pool cleaning device includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a plurality of outlet openings and a valve chamber between the inlet and outlet openings. The housing has at least one compound cylinder having two portions with different bore diameters for slideably accommodating therein a mating stepped piston. Each portion of the compound cylinder fluidly communicates with pressurized water in the valve chamber via associated fluid pathways. The larger cylinder is vented by a relief valve actuated by a fluid driven cam that periodically opens and closes the relief valve. When the relief valve is closed, the pressure within the large cylinder pushes the piston to a first position which effects the opened/closed status of a port, e.g., allowing one of the outlets to communicate with the pressurized water in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for controlling the operation of a swimming pool cleaning device includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a plurality of outlet openings and a valve chamber between the inlet and outlet openings. The housing has at least one compound cylinder having two portions with different bore diameters for slideably accommodating therein a mating stepped piston. Each portion of the compound cylinder fluidly communicates with pressurized water in the valve chamber via associated fluid pathways. The larger cylinder is vented by a relief valve actuated by a fluid driven cam that periodically opens and closes the relief valve. When the relief valve is closed, the pressure within the large cylinder pushes the piston to a first position which effects the opened/closed status of a port, e.g., allowing one of the outlets to communicate with the pressurized water in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning device includes a fluid distribution system for controlling its operation. More particularly, the distribution system includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a pair of outlet openings and a valve chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet openings. A piston, including a valve member, is movably mounted in the housing so as to be movable between a first position, in which the valve member closes one of the outlet openings so as to divert pressurized fluid to the other one of the outlet openings, and a second position, in which the valve member closes the other one of the outlet openings so as to divert pressurized fluid to the one of the outlet openings. A valve is provided for controlling the movement of the piston between the first and second positions. The piston has a passage extending therethrough so as to permit flow of pressurized fluid from the valve chamber to the valve.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning device includes a fluid distribution system for controlling its operation. More particularly, the distribution system includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a pair of outlet openings and a valve chamber positioned between the inlet and the outlet openings. A piston, including a valve member, is movably mounted in the housing so as to be movable between a first position, in which the valve member closes one of the outlet openings so as to divert pressurized fluid to the other one of the outlet openings, and a second position, in which the valve member closes the other one of the outlet openings so as to divert pressurized fluid to the one of the outlet openings. A valve is provided for controlling the movement of the piston between the first and second positions. The piston has a passage extending therethrough so as to permit flow of pressurized fluid from the valve chamber to the valve.

Abstract: An improved automated immunoassay analyzer including a high throughput automated immunoassay system which can perform high volume testing on a broad range of analytes while selecting from among a diverse set of immunoassays for any given sample. The immunoanalyzer has the capacity to perform a wide range of different types of immunoassays by facile storage and automated combination aboard the instrument among a wide variety of different types of reagents and heterogenous immunoassay beads stored on-board the instrument. The automated design allows reduced user interface (e.g., tests are performed automatically from computer input) including the ability to order, perform and reassay tests reflexively based on test results without operator intervention. Further, the inventive analyzer is not sample tube specific; that is, an instrument that can accept sample tube sizes within a broad size range.

Abstract: An improved automated immunoassay analyzer including a high throughput automated immunoassay system which can perform high volume testing on a broad range of analytes while selecting from among a diverse set of immunoassays for any given sample. The immunoanalyzer has the capacity to perform a wide range of different types of immunoassays by facile storage and automated combination aboard the instrument among a wide variety of different types of reagents and heterogenous immunoassay beads stored on-board the instrument. The automated design allows reduced user interface (e.g., tests are performed automatically from computer input) including the ability to order, perform and reassay tests reflexively based on test results without operator intervention. Further, the inventive analyzer is not sample tube specific; that is, an instrument that can accept sample tube sizes within a broad size range.

Abstract: A bead dispenser device, and a system comprising a plurality of same, useful for supplying, one at a time, beads for heterogenous immunoassay, including a track capable of storing and feeding a plurality of substantially spherical beads by effect of gravity to a lower track end, where the track is sealingly housed within an enclosure having a base including upper and lower sections defining a plunger chamber, and a bead chamber defined in the upper section communicating with the lower track end and the bead chamber being offset along the plunger chamber relative to a bead exit opening in the lower section, with a plunger sealingly provided in the plunger chamber capable of horizontal reciprocal movement within the plunger chamber, the plunger having a throughhole defining another bead chamber normally aligned with the first-mentioned bead chamber at the lower track end and with a plunger portion concurrently blocking the exit opening via a horizontal biasing device acting on the plunger, wherein when opposing

Abstract: A manipulator for holding and positioning a test head which is used with automatic test equipment. The manipulator includes a horizontal telescoping member attached to a vertical column. The test head is attached to an assembly suspended from this member. Six planes of free motion of the test head are provided. The column can pivot around a vertical axis. The telescoping member can move up and down along the column and can telescope in and out. The test head assembly can pivot about a vertical axis. Within the assembly, the test head can rotate around two orthogonal vertical axes. This arrangement allows the test head to be positioned into a wide variety of positions. The manipulator includes a set of cable support rings which reduces the forces a cable places on the test head when it is moved. This arrangement allows a prober to be positioned beneath the test head so that the manipulator occupies very little floor space.