Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for transporting a sample of body fluid such as blood from a first location to a remote test site location. The apparatus operates in conjunction with a fluid manifold module which has a first sample input port, a second washing fluid input port and a third input port for receiving air. There are tubes coupled to said first, second and third input ports which are coupled together and coupled to a sample output line which extends from the first location to the remote location. The manifold contains check valves with one valve for blood and one valve for washing fluid and a diaphragm pump for air. There are logic controls which selectively operate the valves and pump to allow the sample line to receive a sample separated by air barriers from washing fluid solution. In this manner, a predetermined volume of sample is transported from the first location to the remote test site location.

Abstract: A finger stick device for making a skin incision includes a blade pivot arm having a first end pivotally coupled to a housing and a second end having an upper sloped surface and a lower surface. A blade is affixed to the second end such that its cutting edge extends away from the lower surface. A resilient bias member when actuated traverses the upper surface and depresses the second end of the blade pivot arm, such that the blade exits the housing and incises the skin. The incising operation is complete upon the bias member traversing the sloped upper surface of the blade pivot arm. Also disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing the finger stick device, in which the bias member and blade pivot arm are molded as a monolithic unit. A blade is attached to the blade pivot arm, and the blade and monolithic unit are inserted into the housing. Further disclosed is an embodiment in which the housing is formed of two uniformly shaped halves, which when joined, provide an internal space for the monolithic unit.

Abstract: Precision parallel mechanical float for compliance automation gaging, parts handling, assembly and other operations involving a combination of tolerance misalignment. Parallel plates separated by three precision resiliently preloaded flat end rods provide resilient yield in a parallel plane as well as tilting under predetermined loading together with automatic recentering through restoring spring bias.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for transporting a sample of body fluid such as blood from a first location to a remote test site location. The apparatus operates in conjunction with a fluid manifold module which has a first sample input port, a second washing fluid input port and a third input port for receiving air. There are tubing means coupled to said first, second and third input ports which are coupled together and coupled to a sample output line which extends from the first location to the remote location. The manifold means contains check valves with one valve for blood and one valve for washing fluid and a diaphragm pump for air. There are logic means which selectively operate the valves and pump to allow the sample line to receive a sample separated by air barriers from washing fluid solution. In this manner, a predetermined volume of sample is transported from the first location to the remote test site location.

Abstract: A finger stick device for making a skin incision includes a blade pivot arm having a first end pivotally coupled to a housing and a second end having an upper sloped surface and a lower surface. A blade is affixed to the second end such that its cutting edge extends away from the lower surface. A resilient bias member when actuated traverses the upper surface and depresses the second end of the blade pivot arm, such that the blade exits the housing and incises the skin. The incising operation is complete upon the bias member traversing the sloped upper surface of the blade pivot arm. Also disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing the finger stick device, in which the bias member and blade pivot arm are molded as a monolithic unit. A blade is attached to the blade pivot arm, and the blade and monolithic unit are inserted into the housing. Further disclosed is an embodiment in which the housing is formed of two uniformly shaped halves, which when joined, provide an internal space for the monolithic unit.

Abstract: Precision parallel mechanical float for compliance automation gaging, parts handling, assembly and other operations involving a combination of tolerance misalignment. Parallel plates separated by three precision resiliently preloaded flat end rods provide resilient yield in a parallel plane as well as tilting under predetermined loading together with automatic recentering through restoring spring bias.

Abstract: Precision parallel mechanical float for compliance automation gaging, parts handling assembly and other operations involving a combination of tolerance misalignment. Parallel plates separated by three precision resiliently preloaded flat end rods provide resilient yield in a parallel plane as well as tilting under predetermined loading together with automatic recentering through restoring spring bias.

Abstract: In an apparatus for making at least one linear measurement, elongated flexure members are positioned to have a movable end move corresponding to the linear dimension being measured. The flexure members are the type utilizing a pair of parallel beams so as to obtain parallel motion and obtain an accurate measurement of the movable end.

Abstract: Precision parallel mechanical float for compliance automation gaging, parts handling, assembly and other operations involving a combination of tolerance misalignment. Parallel plates separated by three precision resiliently preloaded flat end rods provide resilient yield in a parallel plane as well as tilting under predetermined loading together with automatic recentering through restoring spring bias.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump having a cylinder closed at one end with an elongated piston arranged within the cylinder from the other end. The piston is constructed of a positive magnetostrictive material which increases in length in the presence of a magnetic field of appropriate intensity. It is wound along its length with a coil of wire capable of producing an electro-magnetic field upon energization. The piston is fastened at the open end of the cylinder to define a cylinder cavity between the cylinder closed end and the piston. A pair of passages including valves, for use as an intake and an exhaust passage, communicate with this cavity. The valve members in each cavity comprise a magnetically polarized member, each of opposed polarity as related to the other, such that upon energization of the pump with one polarity of pulses, the valves will assume a particular function, and with a reversed polarity of operating pulses, a reverse function.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive hydraulic injector pump having a cylinder closed at one end with an elongated piston arranged within the cylinder from the other end. The piston is constructed of a magnetostrictive material which increases in length in the presence of a magnetic field of appropriate intensity. It is wound along its length with a coil of wire capable of producing an electro-magnetic field. The piston includes an intake passage communicating with a fluid supply. The piston is fastened at the open end of the cylinder to define a cylinder cavity between the cylinder closed end and the piston. An injector passage including a valve, communicates with this cavity to the exterior. The volume of this cavity is reduced when the piston expands under the influence of the magnetic field created by the coil to produce a pressure on any fluid contained within said cavity to force it out the injector passage.

Abstract: Precision parallel mechanical float for compliance automation gaging, parts handling, assembly and other operations involving a combination of tolerance misalignment. Parallel plates separated by three precision resiliently preloaded flat end rods provide resilient yield in a parallel plane as well as tilting under predetermined loading together with automatic recentering through restoring spring bias.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump having a pump cylinder closed at one end with an elongated piston arranged within the cylinder from the other end. The piston is constructed of a magnetostrictive material which increases in length in the presence of a magnetic field of appropriate intensity. It is wound along its length with a coil of wire capable of producing an electromagnetic field. The piston is fastened at the open end of the cylinder to define a cylinder cavity between the cylinder closed end and the piston. A pair of passages, including valves, an intake and an exhaust passage valve communicate with this cavity. The volume of this cavity is reduced when the piston expands under the influence of the magnetic field created by the coil to produce a pressure on any fluid contained within said cavity to force it out the exhaust passage to activate the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump having a cylinder closed at one end with an elongated piston arranged within the cylinder from the other end. The piston is constructed of a positive magnetostrictive material which increases in length in the presence of a magnetic field of appropriate intensity. It is wound along its length with a coil of wire capable of producing an electro-magnetic field upon energization. The piston is fastened at the open end of the cylinder to define a cylinder cavity between the cylinder closed end and the piston. A pair of passages including valves, for use as an intake and an exhaust passage, settable as required, communicate with this cavity. The valve members in each cavity comprises a magnetically polarized member, each of opposed polarity as related to the other, such that upon energization of the pump with one polarity of pulses, the valves will assume a particular function, and with a reversed polarity of operating pulses, a reverse function.

Abstract: An adjustable boring bar wherein the adjustment of the cutting end is provided by a prestressed internal bar bearing against the cutting end to selectively distort the boring bar in the direction of the cutting bit to compensate for wear. The adjustment is by means of rotation of the prestressed internal bar to direct the pressure of the internal bar against the boring bar and cutting bit in the desired direction.

Abstract: A stack of hinged plates are employed as part of a switch assembly for a probe used to detect contact with an object such as a workpiece. In the preferred embodiment, the plates are hinged together by flat springs clamped to, but electrically insulated from, side walls of adjacent plates.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive hydraulic pump having a pump cylinder closed at one end with an elongated piston arranged within the cylinder from the other end. The piston is constructed of a magneto-strictive material which increases in length in the presence of a magnetic field of appropriate intensity. It is wound along its length with a coil of wire capable of producing an electromagnetic field upon energization. The piston is fastened at the open end of the cylinder to define a cylinder cavity between the cylinder closed end and the piston. A pair of passages, including valves, lead to a differential hydraulic actuator, for use as an intake and an exhaust passage to the actuator. The valve members in each cavity comprise a magnetically polarized member, each end of opposed polarity, such that upon energization of the pump with one polarity of pulses, the valves will assume a particular function, and with a reversed polarity of operating pulses, a reverse function.

Abstract: A probe of the type having a movable stylus for detecting contact with an object is disclosed. The stylus is connected to a movable member which is held in its rest position by means of a spring. The movable member is provided with a bore therein to which the stylus is removably connected. The bore extends into the interior of the probe housing and provides access to the spring for adjusting the pressure on the movable member when the stylus is removed.

Abstract: A touch probe for detecting contact with a workpiece or other object is disclosed on features a repositionable disc protective shield for the moveable portion of the touch probe. The shield includes a predetermined rest position while providing freedom of movement for the moveable portion.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for adjusting the tilt of a stylus in a probe. The tool includes a pair of arcuate caliper arms having inwardly directed pins for engaging openings in a pair of beveled washers extending between opposing faces of the probe housing and an adapter. In the disclosed method, the tool is then moved about the circumference of the probe until a given tool portion is generally in line with the direction of the tilt of the stylus. Then, the tool is used to move the pins toward each other to cause relative rotation of the washers to thereby bring the axis of the stylus into a desired orientation.