Abstract: Instrument control and data acquisition in advanced analytic systems that utilize optical pulses for sample analysis are described. Clocking signals for data acquisition, data processing, communication, and/or other data handling functionalities can be derived from an on-board pulsed optical source, such as a passively mode-locked laser. The derived clocking signals can operate in combination with one or more clocking signals from a stable oscillator, so that instrument operation and data handling can tolerate interruptions in operation of the pulsed optical source.

Abstract: A spring interior forming method and apparatus provides a spring interior assembler and a coil row transfer station upstream of the assembler having at least one conveyer extending therethrough. A coil former is provided at an upstream end of the conveyor and is operated through a plurality of cycles, each to feed one spring coil onto the conveyor. In one embodiment, a single former is provided with a single conveyor extending therefrom through the transfer station. In a second embodiment, two such coiler-conveyor combinations is provided. In a third embodiment, one conveyor through the transfer station is provided with two coilers, each having a feeder preferably in the form of a conveyor, that selectively feed spring coils, which may be of different types, to a cross-over station for feed onto the transfer station conveyor. In a fourth embodiment, each coiler accumulates springs at its output while awaiting queing by the cross-over station.

Abstract: A spring interior forming method and apparatus provides a spring interior assembler and a coil row transfer station upstream of the assembler having at least one conveyer extending therethrough. A coil former is provided at an upstream end of the conveyor and is operated through a plurality of cycles, each to feed one spring coil onto the conveyor. In one embodiment, a single former is provided with a single conveyor extending therefrom through the transfer station. In a second embodiment, two such coiler-conveyor combinations is provided. In a third embodiment, one conveyor through the transfer station is provided with two coilers, each having a feeder preferably in the form of a conveyor, that selectively feed spring coils, which may be of different types, to a cross-over station for feed onto the transfer station conveyor. In a fourth embodiment, each coiler accumulates springs at its output while awaiting queing by the cross-over station.