Abstract: The device measures blood pressure automatically using the oscillometric technique. The device includes a pressure cuff which is automatically inflated to an initial pressure which is calculated to be above the subject's systolic pressure. The cuff is then deflated stepwise in preset pressure increments while cuff pressure oscillations are sensed at each cuff pressure level and stored in a computer incorporated into the device. Cuff deflation is continued until the cuff pressure is below the subject's diastolic pressure whereupon the cuff is automatically deflated. The computer then fits a calculated parabolic curve onto the greatest cuff pressure oscillation and onto a lesser oscillation on each side of the greatest oscillation. From the thusly derived curve, the computer determines the mean blood pressure, and the systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Abstract: Apparatus for spin-welding comprises a spin welding machine having a spin welding head, a ram assembly, and a feed mechanism; the ram assembly is driven from a shaft and the feed mechanism comprises a rotating turret mounted on a shaft which is driven from the shaft via a Geneva mechanism. The spin welding head is driven by a low inertia DC servo motor operated by a programmable logic controller and timed from a switch unit driven off the shaft.

Abstract: During spin-welding of an end ring to a container body, the weld area is subjected to a radial pressure by means of a wire cable tourniquet under the action of a pneumatic cylinder. The interference fit between the ring and body is measured by reference to the torque required for their slow speed relative rotation or to the axial force required for their assembly and, according to the measured interference fit, the radial pressure applied by the tourniquet during welding is controlled.

Abstract: Apparatus for spin-welding comprises a spin welding machine having a spin welding head, a ram assembly, and a feed mechanism; the ram assembly is driven from a shaft and the feed mechanism comprises a rotating turret mounted on a shaft which is driven from the shaft via a Geneva mechanism. The spin welding head is driven by a low inertia DC servo motor operated by a programmable logic controller and timed from a switch unit driven off the shaft.

Abstract: A microtiter plate reader is disclosed which allows visual examination of the contents of the wells of a microtiter plate having an array of wells. The microtiter plate reader includes supporting means for supporting the microtiter plate with the wells opening generally upwardly and a light emitting surface is adapted to extend under a microtiter plate so held. Regions of reduced light emission on the light emitting surface are arranged in an array corresponding in relative position to a selected portion of the array of microtiter plate wells. Locator means are provided for locating the microtiter plate with respect to the array of regions of reduced light emission to allow selective alignment of the wells with the dark regions, providing a dark background to the bottom of the wells which are then illuminated indirectly. The wells can be illuminated directly when the dark regions are out of alignment with the wells.

Abstract: A lever lidded container has a lever ring moulded from plastics material to comprise an annular flange engaged with the container body, and a frustoconical portion extending radially and axially in relation to the annular flange, towards the interior of the container, to support a cylindrical receiving portion which engages with the plug portion of a lever lid. The container body may be moulded from plastics material or formed from sheet metal.

Abstract: A closed pressure monitoring system (20) is disclosed in which a pump (27) delivers gas on a supply line (22, 29) through a first accumulator chamber (30) to a load device (21) and returns the gas on a return line (23, 28) through a second accumulator chamber (34) to the pump (27). After pressures in the first and second chambers stabilize, the pressures are compared, and a leak warning signal is given if the compared pressures changed with respect to one another over time. The system is particularly adapted to use a pressure sensor as the load (21) which is implanted within a human patient. The pressure sensor receives air from a restrictor (32) in the supply line (22, 29) and is operative to maintain the pressure in the supply line substantially equal to the pressure surrounding the sensor.

Abstract: A thin-walled can body having a terminal curled rim at an open end thereof, has this open end closed and sealed by a diaphragm which is first formed into a dished shape by a forming tool which then cuts the dished diaphragm from a web and places it on the open end of the body. The upturned edge portion of the diaphragm is subsequently pressed into adhesion between a heat-sealable layer of the diaphragm and the curled rim, the latter being hot, by a presser tool comprising a mount carrying a spring-loaded pad. The pad is resiliently deformable and applies controlled pressure directly on the diaphragm, thus effecting complete conformity of the latter to any irregularities of the curled rim.