Abstract: Frequency domain velocity measurements and time domain velocity measurements are made using light from cells or other objects. An optical grating is used to modulate the light from an object so that it has a frequency proportional to the velocity of the object. Depending upon the embodiment, the pitch of the optical grating is uniform or varying. The modulated light is detected and various signal processing techniques, such as a Fast Fourier Transform function, are used to indicate the velocity of the object. Preferably, the velocity measured is applied in determining a timing signal employed for synchronization of an image of the object and an detector signal in an optical analysis system that uses a time delay integration detector to determine characteristics of the object in response to light from the object.

Abstract: Combinatorially-synthesized deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) oligonucleotides attached to encoded beads that are hybridized to amplified and labeled genomic DNA or ribonucleic acid (RNA) are analyzed using a flow imaging system. Oligonucleotides and corresponding reporters are bound to the surfaces of a plurality of small beads such that different beads bear different oligo sequences. Each bead bears a unique optical signature comprising a predefined number of unique reporters, where each reporter comprises a predefined combination of different fluorochromes. The composite spectral signature in turn identifies the unique nucleotide sequence of its attached oligo chains. This optical signature is rapidly decoded using an imaging system to discriminate the different reporters attached to each bead in a flow in regard to color and spatial position on the bead.

Abstract: A system and method for high numeric aperture imaging systems includes a splitter, a defocusing system, and a combiner. The splitter reflects a portion of collected light and transmits another portion of the collected light. The defocusing system is configured to modify optical power of either the transmitted portion or reflected portion of the collected light. The combiner is oriented with respect to a mechanical angle. The combiner recombines portions of the transmitted portion and the reflected portion such that the transmitted portion and reflected portion are subsequently transmitted being separated by an optical separation angle based upon the mechanical angle of orientation of the combiner. Various other implementations are used to maintain focus with regards to the imaging systems involved.

Abstract: An umbrella support device for securing an umbrella in an operative position for a user, comprising a frame securable to the user's back and at least one receptacle for retaining the handle of a conventional umbrella. A fastening system is incorporated in the receptacle, having a pair of arms selectively movable between open and closed positions for enabling the user to insert the handle in the receptacle and secure the handle therein. In a first embodiment, the handles include rigid gripping members extending into the receptacle, which engage the umbrella shaft immediately adjacent the handle upon insertion of the handle into the receptacle. In a second embodiment, the gripping members are replaced with latch bolts having inclined upper surfaces, so that insertion of the handle automatically moves the arms to their open position.

Abstract: A horizontal cable animal barrier for mounting on a cable to deter animal passage including a plurality of roller elements each having a central hole for rotatably mounting on a cable and a spacer element between each pair of roller elements and also having a central hole for rotatably mounting on the cable, in which the spacer elements are of a different size than the roller elements on either side to present an uneven, rotating barrier to animals on the cable to prevent the animals from passing.