Abstract: A system and method for dispensing fluid droplets of a known volume uses a control system using inner and outer control loops. The inner control loop includes a pump which pressurizes a fluid against an aperture, causing fluid to pass through the aperture and to a dispensing tip at a particular flow rate. The pressure of the fluid upstream of the aperture is measured and fed back to a controller, which also receives a setpoint input representative of desired dispensed volume. The outer control loop uses a droplet volume measuring system which determines the volume of the droplet that forms at the outlet of the dispensing tip as a result of the applied pressure, the value of which is also fed to the controller.

Abstract: A test probe positioning method and system displays an image of a micro-device to be probed on a display screen. A “target feature” is selected—either by manual means such as a computer mouse, or by automatic means based on previously-stored information. The pixel address of the selected target feature within the displayed image is determined. A test probe is introduced into the field of view of the image, and its pixel address determined. With target and probe addresses known, the probe is moved to bring it into contact with the target feature. An individual probe is identified from among a plurality of probes by means of coded markings applied to each. The markings are a known distance apart and a known distance from the probe tip. When placed within the field of view, the identity of each probe, and its location relative to the camera, can be determined by observing its pattern of markings.

Abstract: A direct measurement system for proximity detection of a body profile for use within nuclear medicine. The measurement system includes two or three proximity detector units mounted on a gantry structure of a nuclear medicine camera which each emit an energy beam which is swept across a portion of a target body. Each detector is capable of directly measuring the distance from the proximity detector unit to the target body with a beam sample. The detectors then create a body profile of the target body which is used to minimize the distance between the collimator of a scanning camera and the target body surface thus improving image quality of the scanning camera. There is relative motion between the object and the gantry along a cranial-caudal axis of a target body for scanning successive body profiles. Successive body profiles are combined together to achieve a complete body contour of the target body.

Abstract: A diagnostic electrode actively generates test signals to be supplied to analyzer circuitry. The electrode emulates a disposable sensor associated with the analyzer during a normal mode of normal operation. The diagnostic device generates predetermined signals for an output interface of the device using a power supply disposed within the device. The diagnostic module can be designed to produce voltage signals, current signals, or light signals to be received by the analyzer, depending on the type of analyzer to which the diagnostic electrode is to be associated.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the ion level of a fluid sample including an analyzer instrument, containing electrical circuitry for analyzing the ion level of the fluid sample, in electrical communication with a sensor unit having an ion selective electrode in communication with the fluid sample and electrical contacts for communication with the analyzer instrument. A recharger unit for the analyzer instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bomblet within a cluster bomb is provided with an individually programmable detonation time delay, such that the bomblet can be programmed to detonate at a desired time after it has been dropped. Program signals are transmitted to the bomblet from a wire that runs through an opening in the bomblet, but is not mechanically attached to the bomblet. the bomblet has a secondary transformer winding to receive signals from the transmission wire, and is provided with a unique address code such that it responds to a timing program signal only when the signal is preceded by an appropriate address code. A series of timing program signals can be transmitted to a plurality of bomblets, with the bomblet addresses adjusted after each program signal so that only one bomblet (or more, if desired) responds to each successive program signal.