Abstract: An apparatus for scanning and decoding barcodes includes an imager, a sample imaging area, and a processor. The imager is configured to capture images within a selectable field of view. The sample imaging area is configured to support a plurality of sample/tissue containers. Each sample/tissue container of the plurality of sample/tissue containers comprises a respective barcode. At least a portion of the plurality of sample/tissue containers are positioned within the field of view, such that a plurality of the respective barcodes is within the field of view. The processor is configured to receive captured images from the imager. The processor is configured to detect and decode each of the plurality of respective barcodes present in a first image of the captured images. The processor is also configured to define an associated region of interest for each barcode present in the first image.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for scanning and decoding barcodes in a tray or other container containing multiple items, such as tissue samples, that are identified with discrete barcodes. The apparatus includes an imager, a lighting system, and a processor. The imager is configured to capture images within a selectable field of view. At least a portion of a bulk sample container, which is configured to carry a plurality of sample/tissue containers, is positioned within the field of view. The lighting system is configured to evenly light the field of view. The processor is configured to receive the captured images from the imager. The processor is further configured to analyze a first image of the captured images and to detect and decode the barcodes present in the first image.

Abstract: An optical device magnification level reader includes a base configured for attachment to an optical device, such as a microscope, where the base supports other components of the reader including a support arm and an electronic scanner. At least two indicia elements are positioned at different locations along the microscope. The different locations correspond to different respective magnification levels of the microscope. The electronic scanner is coupled to the base via the support arm, and is repositionable relative to the base and indicia elements to achieve proper alignment. The electronic scanner is in electronic communication with a computer associated with the microscope and is operable to detect the indicia element that corresponds to a current selected magnification level of the microscope, so that the electronic scanner is operable to send to the computer a signal indicative of the selected magnification level.

Abstract: An MRI breast coil is provided with a large transverse access portal and a stereotactic frame for guiding a biopsy needle. The portal is covered by thin sheath of plastic to retain the breast but still allow insertion of the needle to any location. The frame aligns the needle by azimuth, height and depth.

Abstract: The present invention provides an RF receiver coil with improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) characteristics, designed to be positionable immediately adjacent to or surrounding the anatomical region of the body of the patient which is desired to be imaged. The surface coil of the invention is designed for use as a signal receiver, for high resolution unilateral imaging of a localized region, with improved penetration depth. The RF surface coil minimizes capacitive coupling to the patient's body, and in conjunction therewith reduces resistive coupling of the coil to the body of the patient. The RF receiver coil of the invention includes at least two turns of an electrical conductor formed in a solenoidal configuration, with the at least two turns being positioned in spaced apart relationship defining an interturn spacing therebetween. Each of the turns of the coil includes a predetermined number of capacitive splits spaced at intervals along the length of the conductor forming the turns.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the optical density of images and the product resulting therefrom. The process comprises forming on a shrinkable substrate an image defined by a plurality of particles and having substantially less than an optimum optical density, and then forming a reduced-size image having a substantially improved optical density by shrinking said substrate with said image thereon.

Abstract: An improved photoemissive layer in apparatus for ionography and methods of increasing the photoemissivity of formed layers of photoemissive material involving depositing the photoemissive material on a substrate so that it will be oriented along a chosen lattice plane, such as the <111> plane.