Abstract: An automated slide staining apparatus for staining slide samples is disclosed. The slide staining apparatus includes cuvette chambers that are flooded with solutions to cover a slide fitting within the cuvette chamber. Filling and emptying the chamber accomplishes a dipping function on the slide. The cuvette chamber includes a drainage flute and level detectors therein for proper fluid use and removal. The staining apparatus is useful to perform Gram stains, hematology cytology, dermatology cytology, fecal cytology and the like. Further, the method of using the slide stainer of the present invention along with the process of staining slides using the slide stainer of the present invention is disclosed.

Abstract: Dual containers having a valve mechanism that cuts off or provides communication between their internal areas to store and separate different content from each other until it is desired to mix the two contents together. A first valve embodiment incorporates a push/pull configuration, which is pulled to an opened position for allowing the two previously separated contents to be mixed together. In a second valve mechanism embodiment a twist configuration is provided. Thus, when the first container is turned to a certain position a through aperture of the first container can be aligned with a through aperture of the second container. In third valve mechanism a blocking member assembly and positioning lever is provided with each container secured to the blocking member assembly. An outlet can be provided on either container for exiting the mixed contents.

Abstract: Motor speed, motor amps, float position and elapsed run time are monitored to determine whether a sump pump is in a normal condition, a jammed condition, an inadequate pumping rate condition, a dry running condition or a stuck float condition. A processor is configured to increase the motor speed in response to an inadequate pumping rate condition, and to rapidly energize the motor clockwise and counterclockwise in response to a jammed condition or a stuck float condition. The processor provides signals to a display for displaying information about the condition that the pump is in. The pump is set up to receive power from either an AC power source or a battery power source. Availability of the AC power source is monitored and the pump is switched to operate from the battery power source when AC power is unavailable.

Abstract: Motor speed, motor amps, float position and elapsed run time are monitored to determine whether a sump pump is in a normal condition, a jammed condition, an inadequate pumping rate condition, a dry running condition or a stuck float condition. A processor is configured to increase the motor speed in response to an inadequate pumping rate condition, and to rapidly energize the motor clockwise and counterclockwise in response to a jammed condition or a stuck float condition. The processor provides signals to a display for displaying information about the condition that the pump is in. The pump is set up to receive power from either an AC power source or a battery power source. Availability of the AC power source is monitored and the pump is switched to operate from the battery power source when AC power is unavailable.

Abstract: An engine condition monitoring system includes a sensor for producing a sensor signal representing the oxygen content of the exhaust gas of a small internal combustion engine in a floor buffer fueled by propane or other form of natural gas. A micro-processor, operating in accordance with programming instructions stored in an EPROM, processes the received sensor signal, determines whether the engine is operating in one of four categories: normal, warning, idle and shut down, and generates an output signal indicative of the determined category. The output signal is used to provide a visual display of the engine's condition on red and green LEDs and/or shut down the engine by shorting the ignition circuit.

Abstract: A hairbrush has a shank and a plurality of annular members or rings detachably disposed on the shank. Each annular member has a plurality of unitary, semi-rigid bristles extending radially from the whole circumference of the member. Means are provided for securing the annular members against rotation. These means permit the mounting of the members in forward or reverse manner. The bristles on an annular member mounted in a forward manner are angularly displaced with respect to bristles on an annular member mounted in a reverse manner. The bristles of annular elements mounted in like manner (all forward or all reverse) align to form a number of rows of bristles. When annular elements are mounted in alternating unlike manner, the bristles align to form twice the number of rows of bristles as when the elements are mounted in like manner.