Abstract: A lock includes a body, a wheel, an outside spindle, and a locking plug. The outside spindle includes a front end having an extension not in contact with a circumferential wall defining a through-hole of the wheel. When the locking plug is in an unblocking position allowing retraction operation of a latch bolt, the front end of the outside spindle is engaged with the wheel to allow joint rotation of the outside spindle and the wheel. When the locking plug is moved from the unblocking position to the blocking position not allowing retraction operation of the latch bolt, movement of a push member pushes the front end of the outside spindle away from the through-hole of the wheel such that the front end of the outside spindle is disengaged from the circumferential wall of the through-hole of the wheel, thereby disengaging the outside spindle from the wheel.

Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking a cover or lid on a frame by means of a key. The device includes an element forming the locking bolt formed of an elastically deformable rod protruding from the cover and terminating in a hook-shaped free end suitable for engaging under a rigid rib of the receiver of the frame. The key has a spur making it possible to elastically move the rod to disengage its hook-shaped end from the rigid rib.

Abstract: This invention relates to the cylinder lock with a coded key for blocking the steering wheel shaft and the protection of motor vehicle from theft. The lock consists of the housing (1), which is fastened on the bush (2) placed on the shaft (3) of the steering system, inside of which there is a sliding cylinder (4) with a coded key (5). In the cylinder (4) there is a keyway (14) in which there is peak of the pin (13) fastened in the housing (1). On the core (8) by the linchpin (16) a bush (15) is fastened, on which there is a ring eccentre (17) with the area (18). On the bush (15) there is placed a spiral spring (20). In the housing (1) along the eccentre (17) the pin (19) and the inductive switch (27) are placed. Inside the bush (15) the spiral spring (24) and the piston (25) are placed, while the peak of the piston (25) is fastened by the linchpin inside the piston (26) for locking. The free end of the piston (26) is placed in the keyway (28) of the bush (29) fastened in the shaft (3).

Abstract: A door lock able to be prevented from being locked by an unexpected exterior force includes a main body, a fixing member and a handle. The main body is provided with a sleeve at the center extended outwards from two sides. One end of the sleeve is matched with a lining tube that is linked with a button. Via rotating the button for an angle, projections of a stopper attached with one end of the button is to be guided into a blocking groove of the lining tube, enabling the button to be locked in the blocking groove so that the button can not be pressed down, able to prevent the button from being locked by an unexpected exterior force.

Abstract: A protective device for an electronic lock includes a fixing plate mounted in a casing of an electronic lock and located behind an opening of the casing. The fixing plate includes a through-hole aligned with the opening. A protective cover is mounted to the fixing plate and movable between a shielding position shielding the through-hole of the fixing plate and the opening of the casing and a revealing position not shielding the through-hole of the fixing plate and the opening of the casing. The protective cover is drivable by a motor to move between the shielding position and the revealing position. A keypad is mounted to an outer side of the casing. A motor is activated to drive the protective cover when a pin code is input through the keypad.

Abstract: A key case includes a top plate slidably mounted on two rails on a bottom plate, and a key is movably received in a space between the two rails. A first block is connected to an end of a blade portion of the key and has a stop which is engaged with a push member on an underside of the top plate so that when the top plate is pushed, the blade portion of the key extends out from an opening defined in an end of the key case. The first block is connected with a first spring member that can pull the key back to its original position. Two push bars each have a first protrusion to be engaged with two notches of the first block to position the key. The two push bars can be pivoted to release the first protrusions from the notches to allow the key to be pulled back by the first spring member.

Abstract: A cylinder lock plug that utilizes an axially moving sidebar. The sidebar is displaced axially by a key positioning mechanism on the blade of a uniquely configured key. Also on the key are unique short grooves on the lateral sides of the key blade running substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the key blade. The short grooves are configured complementary to an inner surface of the axially moving sidebar. Only the properly configured key can receive the sidebar as the key is turned to rotate the cylinder lock plug and the short grooves receive the inner surface. The invention is meant to be used with additional locking mechanisms, such as, for example, tumblers.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and system are utilized for testing the performance of a gas monitor against predetermined monitor characteristics to determine if performance of the gas monitor is validated in a manner whereby testing gas is directly delivered to the gas sensor.

Abstract: An air or gas bubble detection system detects the presence of liquid in intravenous (IV) tubing. By detecting the presence of liquid rather than gas, false alarms due to micro bubbles or small air gaps between the sensor and the tubing are avoided.

Abstract: A measurement sensor for determining a physical property of a measurement gas, e.g., the concentration of a gas component or the temperature of a measurement gas, in particular of the exhaust gas of internal combustion engines, has a housing and a sensor element accommodated in the housing. The sensor element has an end segment at the measurement gas side that protrudes from the housing and a connection-side end segment that bears at least one contact surface. The sensor element also has at least one conductor element that contacts the at least one contact surface. In order to achieve low transition resistances at the electrical contacting and a decoupling from mechanical stress, the contact surface and the conductor element are connected to one another by welding, and are embedded in a ceramic compound at least in the area of the welded connection.

Abstract: An analyzer includes a reforming unit which reforms fuel containing an organic compound which contains carbon and hydrogen into a reformed gas containing hydrogen, a flame ionization detector which is connected to the reforming unit, and detects an ion generated by combusting the reformed gas supplied from the reforming unit and a sample gas, or ionizing a sample gas by reaction with the reformed gas supplied from the reforming unit, and outputs an output signal representing the ionic amount, and an analysis controller which analyzes the output signal from the flame ionization detector, and provides data capable of identifying a component contained in the sample gas.

Abstract: A fuel tester is provided, which may be used to test for the presence of a contaminant such as water in a sample of fuel. In one embodiment, the fuel tester is a tube with a receiving end configured to attach to a sample container. The sample container holds a sample of fuel obtained from a device such as an aircraft. The fuel tester also includes a light source, e.g. a light emitting diode that is positioned in the tube to emit light on the sample of fuel in the sample container. If water is present in the sample of fuel, the water will form a separate layer from the fuel. The water layer will appear as a lighter shade of color and the fuel layer will appear as a darker shade of color on visual inspection by a user. The non-uniformity in color of the sample will alert the user that water is present in the fuel sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and methods for characterizating flowing substances, liquid or gas. The device includes: a transport duct with a heating or a cooling element; a temperature difference sensor having a temperature measurement cell downstream of the heating or cooling element and means to determine a temperature difference in the flowing substance upstream and downstream of the heating or cooling element; a flow control means having flow measurement means for measuring a mass flow characteristic and a flow correction means for correcting for measured mass flow variations; and an evaluation means for evaluating a characterizing feature of the flowing substance comprising a function relating temperature differences measured on one or more calibration substances to one or more characterizing features of the flowing substance. Various embodiments relate to the related use and methods of the device for identification and control of the flowing substance.

Abstract: A roller support assembly for a dynamometer system includes a plurality of bearing support structures wherein each bearing support structure includes at least one roller bearing, at least one vertical support assembly for supporting the at least one roller bearing in a vertical plane, at least one horizontal support assembly for supporting the at least one roller bearing in a horizontal plane, and an installation site structure supporting each of the plurality of bearing support structures. Each of the at least two bearing support structures further includes at least one vertical support assembly for supporting the at least one roller bearing in a vertical plane and each of the at least two bearing support structures further includes a pair of vertical support assembly for supporting the at least one roller bearing in a vertical plane.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring an exhaust gas limiting value of an internal combustion engine using an engine controller, the engine controller has at least one exhaust gas sensor, and an error signal is output when the exhaust gas limiting value is exceeded. If the emissions predicted for the present driving state are ascertained with the aid of an engine model and compared to the signal of the exhaust gas sensor or a comparison value for the emission derived therefrom, the prescribed driving cycle may be taken into account when certifying a limiting value monitoring system and a defective system may be reliably recognized in practical operation even in atypical driving states without resulting in erroneous triggering of error signals.

Abstract: An improved method for determining an initial flat spot magnitude on a tire that has been resting for a period of time on a substantially flat surface uses regression analysis. In accordance with the method, values of a tire flat spot magnitude for a particular type of tire are determined at a number of measurement intervals by a uniformity machine that spins the tire. An equation having at least two exponentially decaying terms is then determined that corresponds to the measured data points. Regression analysis is then used to determine an estimate for an initial flat spot magnitude. The method can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of different tire designs with respect to flat spot recovery rates.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitor system is provided including a sensor housing forming an internal housing mount chamber. An air inlet port is formed on a housing side surface and is orientated parallel to the wheel rim rotational axis. A sensor assembly including an air pressure sensor element is mounted within the internal housing mount chamber. A filter element and a gasket element are positioned between the air pressure sensor element and the air inlet port. A potting material fills the internal housing mount chamber. The filter element and the gasket element creating an air pressure flow path from the air inlet port to the air pressure sensor element.

Abstract: A tire-side-mounted electronic device according to the present invention includes at least two types of power sources having different discharging characteristics from each other. An electric load is connected to the power sources.

Abstract: A battery powered vehicle tire pressure sensor system has a power saving unit which controls the application of electrical power to the system as a function of tire speed to prolong battery life. The power saving unit has a power control switch which is responsive to tire angular speed. Each sensor assembly of the system is mounted on or in the side wall of a pneumatic tire to generate signals representative of tire pressure whenever power is applied. A processor periodically samples the signals. When the processor determines that the tire pressure is outside a safe range, an r.f. generator is activated by the processor to generate an unsafe tire pressure signal. This signal is converted by a receiver to a warning for the driver.

Abstract: A system for determining angle of attack and angle of sideslip of an air vehicle is described. The system includes a plurality of mass flow sensors, at least a portion of which are mounted to result in a differential in air flow across the respective mass air flow sensors. The system also includes a controller configured to receive signals from the flow sensors and determine at least one of the angle of attack and the angle of sideslip for the air vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement (1) for a tachometric sensor of an automatic transmission (4) of a motor vehicle, which encompasses a module carrier (2) in which a part of a sensor housing (3) is integrated. The sensor housing (3) is secured in the module carrier (2) or in the transmission housing (4) by way of a guide in the plane and is so affixed as to prevent turning and an apparatus (5) for the generation of a prestress force by way of which the sensor housing (3) is pressed in the direction of the signal disk by way of a projection (8, 8?) acting against the sensor housing (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides an air flow measuring device comprising a housing with a sub-passage having a inlet and a outlet for air flow formed in the housing, the sub-passage further having a predefined curvature with a maximum downstream point and a flow measuring element located in the sub-passage at a position at least further downstream from the point.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing arrangement for a tank may include a float having a disc-like shape and a sensor that detects a position of the float relative to the tank. The float may have an overall height/total displacement ratio of 0.5 or less. The float may have a range of motion relative to the tank so that at least a portion of the float may move below a portion of a bottom wall of the tank and/or below an outlet for the tank.

Abstract: Two pairs of regulating means, that is, the first stopper and the second stopper, which regulate a rotary angle range of the magnet holder when the first stopper and the second stopper come into contact with the stopper of the arm integrally fixed to the magnet holder, are provided in the body which is a fixing member, and the rotary angle range of the magnet holder regulated by one pair of stoppers is made to be different from the rotary angle range of the magnet holder regulated by the other pair of stoppers. Due to the foregoing, when the expensive body is made to be a common part and a plurality of types of inexpensive arms are manufactured, the fuel level gauge can be provided, an increase in the manufacturing cost of which is suppressed, which can cope with rotary angle ranges of the plurality of types of arms.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for balancing a vehicle wheel, the wheel when fixed to a main shaft of a balancing machine, after the implementation of a wheel unbalance measuring run, is stopped at a given rotational angular position for a balancing operation to be carried out on the wheel, by braking of the rotary movement of the wheel. When the wheel is in the stopped condition, a braking moment derived from the unbalance measurement result and applied by a holding brake is caused to act on the wheel so that the wheel is prevented from rotating of its own accord by virtue of its static unbalance.

Abstract: A balancing station for positioning and holding a vehicle wheel for the attachment of a balance weight has a clamping device which has at least two mutually opposing jaws designed for pressing against the wheel periphery, the jaws being rotatably mounted around a common clamping axis. At least one jaw is rotatable and movable to and fro in the direction of the clamping axis via a drive. Via a conveyor device the vehicle wheel can be conveyed prone between the jaws of the clamping device. The clamping device can be moved into a tilted position wherein the clamping axis is inclined at an angle of at least 30 degrees from the horizontal out of a basic position wherein the clamping axis of the jaws is aligned substantially horizontally. In this way, weights can be applied particularly ergonomically to the inner face of the wheel.

Abstract: A detector is made up of a semiconductor integrated circuit in a part, and the semiconductor integrated circuit includes a driving circuit, an AC amplifier, a detection circuit and an amplifier circuit. An input resistor that is connected to input terminals of an operational amplifier includes an internal input resistor made up of a semiconductor integrated circuit element and an external input resistor made up of an external discrete component connected to each other in parallel. Temperature characteristics of an angular velocity sensor is compensated by a temperature coefficient (?3) that is a combination of a temperature coefficient (?1) of the internal input resistor and a temperature coefficient (?2) of the external input resistor.

Abstract: A four-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) nonresonant micromachined gyroscope utilizes a dynamical amplification both in the drive-direction oscillator and the sense-direction oscillator, which are structurally decoupled, to achieve large oscillation amplitudes without resonance. The overall dynamical system is comprised of three proof masses. The second and third masses form the sense-direction oscillator. The first mass and the combination of the second and third masses form the drive-direction oscillator. The frequency responses of the drive and sense-mode oscillators have two resonant peaks and a flat region between the peaks. The device is nominally operated in the flat regions of the response curves belonging to the drive and sense-mode oscillators, where the gain is less sensitive to frequency fluctuations. This is achieved by designing the drive and sense anti-resonance frequencies to match.

Abstract: Many sensors could be used in a passive wireless mode. These include RLC, acoustic wave and magneto-elastic sensors. These types of sensors are designed to exhibit a change in fundamental frequency when exposed to environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, or chemicals. An interrogation circuit can inductively couple to the sensor and measure the change in fundamental frequency. The change can be used to measure the environmental factor. Sensor sensitivity and inductive coupling efficiency can be competing design constraints. A driver, electrically connected to the sensor and inductively coupled to the interrogation circuit, can relax the constraints. The driver, however, can introduce noise into the sensor. The sensor can be shielded using physical and geometric techniques to reduce the noise.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for acoustically analyzing a fluid sample and determining one or more properties of the sample are disclosed by the present invention. The apparatus comprises a chamber, a transmitter positioned within the chamber for transmitting an acoustic signal through the fluid, a reflector movably positioned within the fluid inside the chamber for reflecting the acoustic signal, and a receiver positioned within the chamber for detecting reflections of the acoustic signal. The methods employ the use of a transmitter, a reflector movably positioned within the fluid inside the chamber, and a receiver to characterize the fluid sample based on one or more of its acoustic properties.

Abstract: The present invention presents a novel application of a wavelet-based multiscale method in a nanomachining process chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of wafer fabrication. The invention involves identification of delamination defects of low-k dielectric layers by analyzing the nonstationary acoustic emission (AE) signal collected during copper damascene (Cu-low k) CMP processes. An offline strategy and a moving window-based strategy for online implementation of the wavelet monitoring approach are developed.

Abstract: A velocity transducer or Velomitor® that can output electrical signals relating to vibration, despite the transducer being exposed to low levels of gamma-radiation, is disclosed. A DC feedback circuit, which sets up the input stage bias point, keeps the output bias voltage within a usable voltage range as the transducer is exposed to the gamma-radiation. An additional JFET transistor, configured as a current source, helps the DC feedback circuit compensate for increases in the offset voltage of the JFET amplifier. The value of a resistor controlling the gate current of the JFET amplifier is also reduced, such that when the leakage current increases, the offset voltage is reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting at least one force, impact, shock, or vibration event on an imaging system. The system comprises a main assembly, a support assembly coupled to the main assembly, and at least one sensor coupled to the imaging system. The at least one sensor is configured to detect at least one force, impact, shock, or vibration event occurring on the imaging system. The method comprises detecting at least one force, impact, shock, or vibration event occurring on the imaging system and providing an indication to a user when a force, impact, shock, or vibration event occurs on the imaging system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an economical pressure measuring device as well as to a favorable method for pressure determination, with which a pressure measurement can be performed from outside the high-pressure container. To that end, the device comprises an ultrasound transmitter mounted outside the pressure container and an ultrasound receiver by means of which transmitter and receiver the transit time of an ultrasonic pulse traveling through the liquid contained in the high-pressure container can be ascertained, and the method comprises generating an ultrasonic pulse outside the high-pressure container measuring the time that the ultrasonic pulse requires to traverse a defined distance calculating the pulse speed of the pulse in the liquid; and from that determining the pressure in the liquid.

Abstract: A remote seal assembly includes a seal body and an extension. The seal body defines a cavity with a diaphragm that seals the cavity from a process fluid. The extension is connected with the seal body on a first end and is configured for connection to a capillary tube on a second end. The extension defines a bore extending from the first end to the second end that is fluidically coupled to the cavity. A length of the extension is related to a temperature of the second end of the extension such that the second end of the extension is at or below an outgassing temperature of the material used to connect the extension and the capillary tube.

Abstract: A sensor hard to break and capable of improving sensitivity is obtained. This sensor comprises an electrode plate and a diaphragm, opposed to the electrode plate, including a first elastic film arranged on a central portion and a second elastic film, arranged at least on a peripheral portion of the first elastic film, made of a material having a lower elastic modulus than the first elastic film.

Abstract: A pressure transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes a pressure sensor, a hydraulic relay system and a pressure sensor fill fluid. The pressure sensor senses the pressure of the process fluid, and the hydraulic relay system provides a communication channel between the process fluid and the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor fill fluid in the hydraulic relay system comprises a first hydraulic fluid and a first volume of nano-particles. The first hydraulic fluid transmits a change in the pressure of the process fluid to the sensor. The first volume of nano-particles is suspended within the first hydraulic fluid and alters properties of the pressure sensor fill fluid.

Abstract: A pressure sensor apparatus and a method of forming the same. A substrate (e.g., PCB) can be provided that includes a top side and a bottom side. A pressure transducer can be directly bonded to the top side of the substrate, wherein the substrate comprises substrate walls forming a plated through-hole that allows for the passage of a sensed media to contact a back side of the pressure transducer. Thereafter, a metal carrier with an integral port is bonded to the bottom side of the substrate, thereby forming a chip-on-board pressure sensor in which the need for a plating or coating to allow adhesion between the pressure transducer and the metal carrier is eliminated. The pressure transducer may comprise, for example, silicon or silicon bonded to glass. The metal carrier can be provided with a feature that mates with a valve such as a Schrader valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strain detector improved in output characteristic, in which no internal stress is generated in strain resistance elements even with it fixed on a fixing member. The strain detector is configured in that a detection hole is provided nearly at the center of a insulating substrate, a fixing hole is formed at the position of peripheral end, a portion around the detection hole is pressed by a pressing member, one holding member and the other holding member are provided with fixing holes opposing to the fixing holes of the insulating substrate, and the peripheral end of the insulating substrate is fixed by the fixing member inserted. Accordingly, the detection hole in the insulating substrate is peripherally displaceable in a vertical direction with respect to one holding member and the other holding member.

Abstract: A wireless, non-powered fatigue monitoring sensor uses a piezoelectric element that is attached to the surface of or embedded within a structure to be monitored. When subjected to stress over time, the material properties of the element change reliably and permanently. These properties are used to determine the fatigue history of the structure. The monitoring device requires no power for monitoring and is nondestructively queried to determine the stress history using wireless means such as radio frequency technology.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a suite of sensors for measuring instant static and dynamic pressure and the speed and acceleration of a vehicle, such as a bicycle. A microprocessor receives data from the sensors and calculates power expended by the rider or other power source by finding the total of all forces impinging upon the vehicle and rider, thereafter multiplying by the speed of the ground vehicle. In some embodiments accuracy is improved by calibration techniques, user input of data, or temperature compensation of certain factors. Other data, such as wind speed, distance traveled, altitude, or surface grade may be presented to the user. In one embodiment data is stored for later analysis.

Abstract: A method of measuring strain in a test specimen comprises the steps of placing a pattern of marks on a surface of the test specimen, wherein the pattern of marks includes a plurality of target marks and a plurality of sets of coded marks, using the sets of coded marks to identify locations of at least two of the target marks, and using a change in distance between at least two of the marks to determine strain in the test specimen. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides for a tool that produces, and directly and accurately measures, an axial force used to assemble two members of a modular implant, specifically, a modular hip implant.

Abstract: A device for measuring a flow of a fluid is provided. The device includes a base, a channel, and at least two electronic circuits. The channel is mounted on the base, flowing the fluid therein and having at least two sections, and the at least two electronic circuits are electrically connected to the respective at least two sections, detecting a respective variation signal corresponding to the respective at least two sections so as to obtain the flow according to the respective variation signal.

Abstract: A non-intrusive flow detector consists of an optical sensor assembly that attaches non-obstructively and non-invasively to a fluid flow meter. The sensor monitors dial movement of a least flow dial or wheel and generates an electrical signal representative of a flow through the meter. Electrical circuitry having an adjustable timing circuit is used to selectively detect either excessive flow during a predetermined time period or the absence of flow after a predetermined time period. The electrical circuitry is adapted to connect to an existing alarm system and may be housed either near the meter in a separate enclosure or placed in an existing alarm panel.

Abstract: A flow rate/liquid type detecting method for detecting the flow rate of a fluid and, at the same time, detecting any one of or both the type of the fluid and the concentration of the fluid, characterized in that: by using a flow rate/liquid type detecting apparatus comprising a main passage through which a fluid to be detected flows, an auxiliary passage branched from the main passage, and a flow rate/liquid type detecting sensor device provided in the auxiliary passage, is provided, and in conducting any one of or both the detection of the type of the fluid to be detected and the detection of the concentration of the fluid to be detected, an auxiliary passage opening/closing valve is closed, and the fluid to be detected is allowed to temporarily stay within the flow rate/liquid type detecting sensor device to conduct any one of or both the detection of the liquid type and the detection of the concentration, and in detecting the flow rate of the fluid to be detected, the auxiliary passage opening/closing valv

Abstract: A steering wheel has a structural skeleton forming a core within an outer covering, the covering and skeleton forming a hub portion having at least one arm interconnecting the hub portion with an outer wheel portion. The skeleton within the outer wheel portion has a U-shaped cross sectional conformation. A wire harness is positioned within the U-shaped conformation of the outer wheel portion and a plurality of ethanol detectors are mounted in spaced apart relationship within the outer wheel portion and adjacent to an outer surface of the steering wheel. The ethanol detectors communicate with the wire harness and an electrical circuit, the circuit engaging the hub portion of the skeleton. The circuit is in communication with the wire harness for receiving electrical signals from the ethanol detectors for sensing ethanol vapors in proximity to at least one of the ethanol detectors.

Abstract: An aerosol size-selective impactor for reducing particle bounce includes a main structure, a buffering layer, and a dehydration preventing layer. This main structure with an inlet and an outlet has a central channel and a receiving cavity. There are many nozzles in the inlet. The buffering layer is filled in the receiving cavity. The dehydration preventing layer is coated on the buffering layer for reducing the dehydration of water contained in the buffering layer. So, this invention utilizes the design of the receiving cavity to receive both layers. Its accuracy is high. Its sampling time lasts longer. It can endure vibrations. This invention can yield the particle bounce effect with lower cost. And, its application scope is wide.

Abstract: A detector for the detection for trace vapors and particles in the air that includes a housing; a well formed in the housing; a heated filter positioned across the well; a source delivering sampled air substantially perpendicular to the open end of the well on a first side of the filter; a source to supply dry air across the first side of the filter; a detector line in communication with the at least one well on a second side of the filter; and a second dry air source for supplying air to the second side of the filter at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. An automatic inspection station that includes a vibrator for vibrating articles to be inspected. An automatic inspection station that includes a heating element positioned below an upper surface of the floor and an inlet positioned above the floor.

Abstract: A method and device for an automatic analyzer, in particular for blood analysis sampling consists in displacing a sampling needle (5) rotatable around an axis (X2) which forms an angle with the sampling needle. The method and device are particularly suitable for use in a small blood sampling automate.