Abstract: A receiver having a phase-locked loop (PLL) for synchronizing its oscillator with a carrier (CA). A calibration circuit (CAL) calibrates the phase-locked loop's oscillator (OSC) in the following manner. It measures (FMC) the frequency difference (dF) between a nominal frequency (Fnom) of the carrier (CA) and a frequency (Fosc) of the phase-locked loop's oscillator (OSC). Furthermore, it adjusts the frequency (Fosc) of the PLL oscillator in accordance with the measured frequency difference (dF). As a result, the phase-locked loop's oscillator will be substantially tuned to the nominal frequency of the carrier. The actual frequency of the carrier may differ from the nominal frequency. In general, such a difference will be sufficiently small for the phase-locked loop (PLL) to capture the carrier (CA).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a blood smear on a microscope slide wherein a diluent is applied to the slide, the slide is spun so as to be coated with a thin layer of diluent, a blood sample then is dispensed on the slide, and the slide is spun a second time to spread the blood sample over the slide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radio capsule having an electrode structure for measuring the concentration of an ionic species in an ion containing solution. A thin film conductive electrode is strongly bonded to the inner surface of a thin cylindrically shaped membrane of glass sensitive to the ionic species. A conductive lead wire makes electrical contact with the electrode. A mass of non-conductive reinforcing backing material having a thermal coefficient of expansion greater than that of the membrane strongly adheres to the conductive electrode and the membrane. The backing material is cured or solidified at a temperature sufficiently higher than that at which the electrode structure is to be used so that contraction of the backing material during curing places the membrane in a state of compression, thereby strengthening the same.