An instrument (100) and a method for determining a coagulation characteristic of blood, a blood fraction or a control comprise a radiation-reflective surface (194), a first source (244) for irradiating the surface (194), and a first detector (242) for detecting radiation reflected from the surface (194). A cuvette (101) holds a sample (514) of the blood, blood fraction or control the coagulation characteristic of which is to be determined. The cuvette (101) has two opposed walls (506, 508) substantially transparent to the source (244) radiation and reflected radiation. The first source (244) and first detector (242) are disposed adjacent a first one (508) of the two opposed walls (506, 508) and the radiation reflective surface (194) is disposed adjacent a second (506) or the two opposed walls (506, 508).

Fluid dose, flow and coagulation sensor for medical instrument

A brake pedal actuation sensor includes an optical coupler. In a preferred embodiment: the optical sensor is carried by a housing; a shutter is provided to interrupt the optical coupling according to the distance between the housing and a bearing; the shutter is carried by the bearing; and the distance between the housing and the bearing is dependent upon the force applied to the brake. Additionally, a circuit responsive to an output of the optical coupler is provided for generating an electrical output signal indicating brake pedal actuation.

Pressure sensitive signal device for vehicle brake pedal

A remote control circuit for regulating current to electric trailer brakes as a function of the brake fluid pressure within the tractor brake system or in response to activation of a control arm by the tractor operator. A hydraulic transducer is connected directly to the tractor brake system to produce an electrical signal at the control circuit which varies as a function of the hydraulic fluid pressure. An electromagnetic, pressure-responsive circuit is also provided which is operatively connected to the trailer brakes and which retards movement of the operator control arm at the control circuit in proportion to the brake torque applied at the trailer.

Remote control circuit for electric trailer brakes

A vehicular brake lever arrangement is shown as having a brake lever pivotally supported at one end and a swingable other end provided with a pad for the application of a braking force thereto; a brake rod linkage leading to the vehicular braking system is pivotally connected to the brake lever as to have a slight translational movement relative to the brake lever; and a force sensitive resistor is placed as to experience a force thereagainst as such translational movement occurs between the brake lever and brake rod linkage.

Signal mechanism responsive to force applied to vehicular brake pedal and the like

An automotive vehicle having accessories as for example cruise control, transmission torque converter lock-up control, or anti-dive suspension control, has an electrical logic circuit which is effective for applying control type signals to such accessories in response to magnitude of the force applied to the vehicular braking system by the driver; a force sensitive resistor placed in the vehicular braking system is effective to create output signals to the logic circuit which signals are employed by the logic circuit to determine when respective control type signals are to be applied to such accessories.

Combination vehicular braking and accessory control system

An electro-mechanical pressure responsive control system and apparatus for controlling the current supplied to the actuating coils of electric brakes of a towed vehicle. The control includes a transducer having a flexible bellows with a powdered magnetic material received therein which, when compressed by foreshortening of the bellows due to operation of the brake system of a towing vehicle, decreases in electrical resistance and thereby supplies greater current to the brakes of the towed vehicle, and vice versa. A magnetic field prevents the powdered material from becoming permanently compacted by repeated cycling of the bellows.

Harold C Hubbard

Papers

Transducer device for electrically operated brakes