Abstract: The present invention provides a compact, inexpensive fluorescence microscope capable of high-resolution imaging with high light throughput suitable for use in both laboratory and field environments, and methods of use. A simple and inexpensive fluorescence microscope allows health care workers to perform various medical assays at the point of care instead of having to collect and transport biological samples to distant labs, and subsequently return the results to the patient. The microscope of the present invention is also useful for educational use and field use, and other uses as well.

Abstract: A method of loading a plurality of pipette tips on a plurality of mandrels of a pipetter is provided. A plurality of pipette tips are inserted in a plurality of receptacles of a tip loading assembly. The plurality of pipette tips are oriented with respect to each other by a plate. The tip loading assembly includes, but is not limited to, an insertion surface. The insertion surface includes the plurality of receptacles configured to accept the plurality of pipette tips. A receptacle from among the plurality of receptacles includes a receptacle wall and a beveled surface that extends from at least a portion of the insertion surface. A retention force is applied to the plate. The plurality of pipette tips are attached to a plurality of mandrels of a pipetter and are separated from the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is capable of interleaving detection of fluorescence and luminescence signals emitted from a plurality of samples. The apparatus is suitable for analysis of samples containing single cells or tissues up to and including living organisms. It contains an optical assembly or “sandwich” for producing a spectrally pure and spatially disperse light source for illuminating the sample. The invention also provides a plurality of optical sandwiches that can be variously geometrically arranged and their intensities programmed to create spatially uniform illumination over a large sample. The invention further provides an apparatus having at least one of the optical sandwich and a detector system capable of interleaving detection of fluorescent and luminescent signals when a suitable sample is illuminated by the light source of the optical sandwich. Methods for preparing samples and using the sandwiches, arrays and apparatus, are further provided by this invention.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is capable of interleaving detection of fluorescence and luminescence signals emitted from a plurality of samples. The apparatus is suitable for analysis of samples containing single cells or tissues up to and including living organisms. It contains an optical assembly or “sandwich” for producing a spectrally pure and spatially dispersed light source for illuminating the sample. The invention also provides a plurality of optical sandwiches that can be variously geometrically arranged and their intensities programmed to create spatially uniform illumination over a large sample. The invention further provides an apparatus having at least one of the optical sandwich and a detector system capable of interleaving detection of fluorescent and luminescent signals when a suitable sample is illuminated by the light source of the optical sandwich. Methods for preparing samples and using the sandwiches, arrays and apparatus, are further provided by this invention.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is capable of interleaving detection of fluorescence and luminescence signals emitted from a plurality of samples. The apparatus is suitable for analysis of samples containing single cells or tissues up to and including living organisms. It contains an optical assembly or “sandwich” for producing a spectrally pure and spatially disperse light source for illuminating the sample. The invention also provides a plurality of optical sandwiches that can be variously geometrically arranged and their intensities programmed to create spatially uniform illumination over a large sample. The invention further provides an apparatus having at least one of the optical sandwich and a detector system capable of interleaving detection of fluorescent and luminescent signals when a suitable sample is illuminated by the light source of the optical sandwich. Methods for preparing samples and using the sandwiches, arrays and apparatus, are further provided by this invention.

Abstract: A method of loading a plurality of pipette tips on a plurality of mandrels of a pipettor is provided. A plurality of pipette tips are inserted in a plurality of receptacles of a tip loading assembly. The plurality of pipette tips are oriented with respect to each other by a plate. The tip loading assembly includes, but is not limited to, an insertion surface. The insertion surface includes the plurality of receptacles configured to accept the plurality of pipette tips. A receptacle from among the plurality of receptacles includes a receptacle wall and a beveled surface that extends from at least a portion of the insertion surface. A retention force is applied to the plate. The plurality of pipette tips are attached to a plurality of mandrels of a pipettor and are separated from the plate.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is provided that includes a sensor, an actuator, a base, and a plurality of fingers extending relative to the base to grip an object that is one of a plurality of object types. A first finger includes a first support surface located a first distance relative to the base and a second support surface located a second distance relative to the base. The first distance is selected based on a first object type, and the second distance is selected based on a second object type. The second finger includes a third support surface located the first distance relative to the base and a fourth support surface located the second distance relative to the base. The first finger opposes the second finger. The actuator is operably coupled to the sensor(s) to effect movement at least one of the fingers to hold an object detected by the sensor.