Cytyc Corporation

Waters Investments Limited

Central Tools, Inc.

Richard Victor

William W Carson

Robert J Dumas

Stephen B Offiler

A composite modular system for handling biological sample vials and slides comprises a vial scanner configured to read indicia on the sample vials, a slide labeler configured to mark the slides, a cap manipulator configured to uncap and cap the vials, and a controller, where all other elements are in communication with the controller and the system outputs the uncapped vial and the marked slide.

Specimen vial cap handler and slide labeler

A brake drum gage is described for measuring the inside diameter of a brake drum of a vehicle with the wheel mounted on the vehicle in the presence of an axle tube and other undercarriage components or parts. The brake drum gage includes an elongate generally flat bar having proximate and remote ends and defines an elongate axis in a reference plane. A fixed element is fixedly mounted at the proximate end of the bar and a movable element is movably mounted on the bar for movements along the bar between the proximate and remote ends for adjusting the spacing between these elements. Each element includes a generally V-shaped arm that includes an upright portion generally parallel to the reference plane and an angled portion inclined in relation to an associated upright portion. A fixed anvil is provided on the angled portion of the fixed element and has a tip extending beyond the fixed element in a direction of the remote end of the bar and the movable anvil is provided on the angled portion of the movable element and has a tip extending beyond the movable element in a direction of the proximate end of the bar. An indicator in the form of an electronic digital module is provided for providing an indication of the distance between the tips of the anvils along the direction substantially parallel to the axis. The anvils on the angled portions are positionable at diametrically opposite positions of the inside cylindrical surface of the brake drum while the bar is spaced inwardly from the drum and clear of the axle tube and other undercarriage components or parts of the vehicle. Adjustable depth stops are provided on the angled portions of both elements to ensure accurate positioning of the anvils at diametrically opposite points of the cylindrical surface to be measured. In this manner the brake drum gage can be used to accurately measure brake drums without removing the wheels from a vehicle.

Wheels-on brake drum gage

An improved gradient proportioning valve compensates for hydraulic inertia in a compact, reliably sealed valve assembly that is less susceptible to unswept volumes and gas permeation. A flat diaphragm is located within an accumulator volume integral to a valve manifold block. The compliance and damping of the diaphragm are optimized for the application's flow characteristics. Sealing of the diaphragm is provided by a sealing plug installed in the manifold block. The diaphragm has only one sealing joint. The sealing plug configuration allows for a more reliable clamping and sealing of the diaphragm which reduces and substantially eliminates the potential for leaks. Potential for unswept volumes is substantially eliminated by including the accumulator volume as a unitary part of the valve manifold. Air permeation into the fluid stream is substantially reduced by a reduction in surface area and exposed liquid volume in the accumulator, effected by including the accumulator volume as part of the valve manifold. Valve size is decreased by the elimination of the external tube accumulators and associate fittings. The valve that is more conducive to use and attainment of the benefits of in-line solvent degassing. More accurate delivery of the respective proportions of components of a liquid composition is achieved. Pump flow is positively impacted.

Growing community of inventors

Mendon, MA, United States of America

Richard Victor