Abstract: The apparatus includes an image field limiting frame and at least one movable mask for the purpose of varying picture size in a line parallel to the direction of film travel and means to control film transport steps proportional to the picture window left open by the mask. It also includes means to directly transport the film in either the forward or reverse direction during picture size adjustment so that the forward edge of the film matches the forward edge of the picture window. In this manner, it is possible to execute picture size changes at anytime, even after operation of the film transport, without waste of film or overlap of sequential pictures.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump is provided which includes a plurality of housings, each of which has an upright cylindrical cavity formed therein, and a plurality of plungers, one for each cavity. The housings are removably mounted on a common support and the plungers are removably mounted on a common actuating member which is adapted to move in a linear path relative to the support and simultaneously move the plungers relative to the housing cavities.

Abstract: An improved multiple sample handling system, including a fully machine-compatible multiple sample support assembly, sample vortexing apparatus, and sample radioactivity sensing apparatus, is disclosed which enables performance of a complete radioimmunoassay or competitive binding procedure on the samples in the support assembly, generally without the need to remove and handle individual samples, and which greatly increases processing speed and error avoidance. The support assembly includes an apertured tray and sample retainers cooperating therewith and supporting the sample tubes by radially inwardly acting gripping portions. The retainers fit loosely within the tray apertures, but displacement control means are defined on the retainers and tray permitting the retainers together with tubes to smoothly move angularly relative to the tray within a small predetermined solid angle. The assembly with tubes is self-supporting upon the tubes for storage and optionally during sample operation.

Abstract: A tray and carrier assembly which is adapted to simultaneously handle a plurality of open ended receptacles such as test tubes or the like. The tray includes a member having the underside thereof removably engaged by a support. Subtending the support in spaced relation and connected thereto is a base member. The tray member is provided with a plurality of openings in which are loosely disposed retainer elements which frictionally engage the open ends of the receptacles whereby the remainder of the receptacles depend freely from the tray member when the latter is assembled on the support. The tray member and the support are provided with complementary interfitting means which coact so as to require the tray member to assume a predetermined relative position when assembled on the support.

Abstract: A support is provided which is arranged to accommodate a plurality of open-ended receptacles such as test tubes. The support includes openings and retainer members which cooperate to frictionally embrace the sides of the tubes so as to permit limited orbital motion of the tubes with respect to the openings. A sensing and leveling assembly beneath the bottoms of the tubes is arranged to cooperate with an arm located above the open ends of the tubes. The sensing and leveling assembly is resilient, such that upon engagement with the bottoms of the tubes they are gently forced against the arm, whereupon the relative positions of the tube bottoms are detected and noted by electronic means. The release of the arm allows the resilience in the sensing and leveling assembly to relax causing the bottoms of the tubes to be raised to a common horizontal plane.