Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing detection of optical signals indicating the presence of an analyte of interest in a blood sample are described. In one aspect, a blood culture test vial having a sensor is inoculated with the blood sample, light at an excitation frequency of the sensor is transmitted to the test vial, an intensity of a plurality of fluorescence signals emitted from the test vial is measured, and the plurality of measured fluorescence signals are normalized using by a reference signal that is not dependent on a measured intensity of a fluorescence signal emitted from the test vial. In another aspect, a measurement system measures fluorescence signals from one or more reference vials performing in extreme pH conditions. Fluorescence signals emitted from test vials inoculated with samples under test are measured and compared to the signals measured from the one or more reference vials to address or mitigate variability in hardware components of the measurement system.

Abstract: A switch assembly comprises a deformable electrically insulative substrate with a plurality of grooves formed therein extending in a direction parallel to a given axis. Electrically conductive wires are disposed in the grooves and extend beyond one end of the substrate. The grooves have a width and a depth such that the wires are accurately positioned in the substrate and securely held therein. Flexible, electrically conductive strips having a column of dome shaped portions or discs overlie the wires, each dome being formed with a centrally located projection which moves into engagement with a wire when the dome is depressed. Materials for the electrically conductive members are so chosen as to minimize corrosion problems. In the preferred embodiment, the strips are formed of a high strength brass, bus wires are of nickel containing bronze and contact wires are of nickel containing brass.

Abstract: A switch assembly comprises a deformable electrically insulative substrate with a plurality of grooves formed therein extending in a direction parallel to a given axis. Electrically conductive wires are disposed in the grooves and extend beyond one end of the substrate. The grooves have a width and a depth such that the wires are accurately positioned in the substrate and securely held therein. Flexible, electrically conductive strips having a column of dome shaped portions or discs overlie the wires, each dome being formed with a centrally located projection which moves into engagement with a wire when the dome is depressed. Materials for the electrically conductive members are so chosen as to minimize corrosion problems. In the preferred embodiment, the strips are formed of a high strength brass, bus wires are of nickel containing bronze and contact wires are of nickel containing brass.

Abstract: A condition responsive control device is disclosed for affecting operation of a choke control in response to variable ambient and system temperatures, as well as the use of such a device in a system in which it is desired to adjust an operating parameter of the system in response to such temperatures. The device includes an ambient temperature sensing switch which remains de-energized in response to ambient temperatures below a first preselected temperature level and is energized in response to temperatures in excess of this level so as to transmit an electrical signal in response to energization. The device also includes a system temperature sensing thermostatic coil which remains unactuated in response to system temperatures below a second preselected temperature level and is actuated in response to temperatures above this level so as to effect an operating parameter of the system.

Abstract: An automotive choke control with improved heating and cooling characteristics to more closely reflect an analogue of the engine temperature for reducing the pollutant content of automotive exhaust gases by regulating the choke. In the control two self-regulating electrical resistance heaters energizable under different conditions supply heat to a thermostat metal coil arranged to move and to open a choke valve as heated. A slotted heat sink plate with a rolled lip is positioned between the heaters and the coil to quickly and uniformly transfer heat to the coil while limiting the heat loss radially outward to the choke housing in which the control is contained. A thermally insulating gasket is also used to further thermally isolate the control from the housing. Additionally a conductive metal top hat is positioned on the opposite side of the coil from the plate to enhance quick, uniform heating and slow cool down.