Abstract: A positive displacement ampule for storing a fluid therein and dispensing the fluid therefrom. The ampule includes an elongate vessel for storing the fluid having a large diameter base portion at one end thereof joined to a small diameter stem portion at the other end thereof, a piston disposed in the vessel at the base end thereof for forcing the fluid from the vessel, a fracture probe for fracturing the base end of the vessel and a needle for inserting into the fractured base end of the vessel and for piercing the piston such that one end of the needle protrudes outwardly from the vessel and the other end of the needle communicates with the fluid in the vessel. In this manner, the fluid is pumped from the vessel through the needle by pushing the piston in the direction of the fluid.

Abstract: A positive displacement ampule for storing a fluid therein and dispensing the fluid therefrom. The ampule includes an elongate vessel for storing the fluid having a large diameter base portion at one end thereof joined to a small diameter stem portion at the other end thereof, a piston disposed in the vessel at the base end thereof for forcing the fluid from the vessel, a fracture probe for fracturing the base end of the vessel and a needle for inserting into the fractured base end of the vessel and for piercing the piston such that one end of the needle protrudes outwardly from the vessel and the other end of the needle communicates with the fluid in the vessel. In this manner, the fluid is pumped from the vessel through the needle by pushing the piston in the direction of the fluid.

Abstract: A disposable sampling cartridge for use with a blood sample analyzer. The cartridge includes a blood reservoir communicating with a hypodermic needle, a waste collection chamber adapted to receive waste fluids from the blood sample analyzer, and a plurality of ampules each containing a respective analyzing fluid adapted for use by the blood sample analyzer. Each of the ampules contain a piston, and the analyzing fluids in the ampules are expelled by forcing an actuating rod through a frangible wall of the ampule to displace the piston. In one embodiment, the analyzing fluids are withdrawn through a conduit in the actuating rod while the blood and spent analyzing fluids flow through the blood reservoir port on which the hypodermic needle is mounted. In another embodiment the waste fluid flows through an inlet port while the analyzing fluids from the ampules flow through a common port outlet port which selectively communicates with the blood reservoir and the ampules by a valve arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for preparing electrically conductive traces on a circuit board using an additive technology. The traces are directly written in a serial process with each trace being able to be individually insulated. The apparatus includes an extrusion element for extruding a first material and a stage. The stage is for holding the extrusion element and the circuit board in relative proximity and for producing relative motion between the extrusion element and the circuit board in order to extrude the first material onto the surface of the circuit board along preselected paths to produce the electrically conductive traces. According to the method of invention, a first polymerizable material is extruded onto a circuit substrate support along preselected paths to form traces, and the first polymerizable material is polymerized, the first polymerizable material being conductive after polymerization.

Abstract: A positive displacement ampule for storing a fluid therein and dispensing the fluid therefrom. The ampule includes an elongate vessel for storing the fluid having a large diameter base portion at one end thereof joined to a small diameter stem portion at the other end thereof, a piston disposed in the vessel at the base end thereof for forcing the fluid from the vessel and a push rod for fracturing the base end of the vessel and pushing the piston so as to pump the fluid from the vessel after the stem thereof has been fractured. The stem and the base of the vessel have weakened areas which permit the fracturing thereof.

Abstract: An illuminated push button switch module comprised of a lamp subassembly and push button switch subassembly. The switch subassembly is physically mounted on and electrically connected to a circuit board. The lamp subassembly is configured for detachable spring mounting on the switch subassembly enabling the lamp subassembly to be manually depressed to actuate the switch subassembly. The spring mounting includes a pair of coil springs which terminate in cantilevered arms to electrically contact pads on the lamp subassembly for energizing an incandescent bulb carried thereby. The lamp subassembly can be easily detached from the switch subassembly for bulb replacement.

Abstract: A push button electric switch including a pair of fixedly mounted spaced contacts and an actuator for moving a conductive ball into and out of bridging engagement with the contacts. The actuator is coupled to a toggle mechanism which produces an increasing reaction force as the actuator is depressed until the force abruptly diminishes, providing a "snap" feel, when the actuator reaches a position corresponding to the bridging of the contacts.

Abstract: A low profile lamp assembly for back lighting a translucent chip used as an indicator. The lamp assembly includes an incandescent bulb mounted between the translucent chip and a reflector. The reflector comprises a cavity having a parabolic internal surface truncated by a flat circular metalized diffraction grating.

Abstract: A flip cover functioning as a protective guard preventing accidental switch actuation and as a mechanical indicator of switch position. Cooperating slidable abutment elements on the push-button head of the switch and on the flip cover maintain the flip cover in outwardly tilted position with the switch latched in actuated position. With the switch pushed into latch-releasing position the abutment elements are relatively so positioned as to permit the switch to return to its released or unactuated position, the abutment elements slipping past each other to permit return of the flip cover into its normal guard position.