Abstract: An accessory for use with a microscope arranged to carry out ATR measurements has a support (40) which can be mounted on the moveable stage of the microscope. A mounting (100) for an ATR crystal (106) is carried on the support. A sample supporting member (60) is disposed below the location of the ATR crystal. The sample supporting member (60) has a relatively thin upper wall (64). A pressure applying mechanism (80) is located below the wall (64) and is operable to apply pressure to a sample through the wall (64) to ensure good contact between a sample and the sample contacting surface of the crystal.

Abstract: Provided is a specimen preparation apparatus capable of supplying a specimen from the specimen preparation apparatus to a specimen analyzer without burdening an operator. This specimen preparation apparatus comprises a stained specimen preparation part for preparing a specimen on a slide glass and staining the specimen, a keeping part for storing the stained specimen slide glass prepared in the stained specimen preparation part and a control part for deciding whether to supply the stained specimen slide glass to the keeping part or to the external apparatus.

Abstract: A carrier assembly and an operation method thereof are provided. The carrier assembly comprises a base, a first gear element, a second gear element, an object-carrier and a fixing part. The first gear element is rotatably disposed on the base, and the second gear element is rotatably disposed on the base and meshed with the first gear element. The object-carrier is used for carrying an object. The fixing part connects the base to a carrier platform. Wherein, an included angle is contained between the rotating axis of the first gear element and the rotating axis of the second gear element.

Abstract: A microscope stage (14) comprising a platform (16), a specimen holder (18) resting on the platform (16) and a positioning device (20) for moving the specimen holder (18) in a plane of displacement parallel to the platform (16) is described. The microscope stage (14) includes a positioning device (20) having two displacing devices (34, 36) which are mechanically decoupled from each other and of which a first displacing device (34) is designed to move the specimen holder (18) along a first axis in the plane of displacement, and a second displacing device (36) is designed to move the specimen holder (18) along a second axis in the plane of displacement, which second axis runs transversely to the first axis.

Abstract: For the microscopy of an object using a combination of optical microscopy and particle beam microscopy, a microscope slide system comprises an electrically conductive holder, wherein at least one window is configured in the holder, and wherein the holder has the dimensions of a standard glass microscope slide for the optical microscopy; a microscope slide element, which is designed to carry the object for the microscopy and which is designed such that the element can be placed over the window; and a fastening device, which is designed to fix the microscope slide element over the window. By means of said microscope slide system, the object can be analyzed using separate microscopes, without having to relocate the object.

Abstract: For the microscopy of an object or a specimen with a combination of optical microscopy and particle beam microscopy, an electrically conducting specimen carrier (1) is used which is configured for use in a particle beam microscope as well as in an optical microscope and has at least one alignment mark (2). The alignment mark is configured as a pass-through structure and is detectable from the top and from the bottom of the specimen carrier.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scanning a cytological specimen carried by a slide. Movement or positioning of a motorized stage of an automated screening system may be controlled manually by a user such that the user controls movement, e.g., controlling speed, position, and/or timing, of the motorized stage along a first scan line to controllably scan a first portion of the specimen along the scan line. The user may then index the motorized stage from the first scan line to the next scan line and manually control movement of the stage along the second scan line to controllably scan another portion of the specimen. Stage indexing may also be automatic such that the user does not control or initiate indexing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for acquiring stereoscopic images. A first camera may be mounted to a first convergence plate, the first convergence plate coupled to a first plate via a first XY slide and a first pivot displaced from the first XY slide. A distance between the first plate and a second plate may be adjusted to set an interocular distance between the first camera and a second camera. The first convergence plate may be rotated about the first pivot to set, at least in part, an angle of convergence between the first camera and the second camera.

Abstract: A laser scanner device (1) for imaging and/or measuring fluorescent samples located on slides and treated using fluorescent pigments includes a sample table (2) defining a sample plane (49) and a motorized transport device (3) for moving a slide from a storage unit (4) to the sample table (2) and back. The storage unit (4) includes one sample part (7) for sample slides (8) and one test part (9) for test slides (10), each having at least one depository (6) and being accessible during the operation of the laser scanner device (1) for the transport device (3). The test part (9) is implemented separately from the sample part (7) and as a test part magazine (9?) that is permanently connected to the laser scanner device (1) for one or more test slides (10).

Abstract: Pathology specimen slides are positively located on trays, and picked and placed by an auto-loader. The trays are received in a rack in tiers accessed by an auto-loader that moves the slides between the trays and a digital imaging microscope. The trays can have rows of receptacles for slides with standoff structures spacing the slides above a tray bottom. Lateral and endwise partitions defining the receptacles are inclined oppositely inwardly for guiding a slide into the predetermined position on the tray. The autoloader has a manipulator that grasps the ends of slides presented in a front row, and can reach over the front row to grasp slides in one or more rows beyond the front. The manipulator lifts the slide between the inclined surfaces of the partitions, loads and later retrieves the slide from the microscope and replaces the slide in the holder.

Abstract: An image can be prevented from becoming unclear over time during long-term observation. The invention provides a microscope apparatus including a specimen container for containing a specimen; an objective lens disposed opposite the specimen container for collecting light from the specimen in the specimen container; an immersion-liquid supplying unit for supplying immersion liquid to a space between the objective lens and the specimen container; and an immersion-liquid removing unit for removing the immersion liquid from the space between the objective lens and the specimen container. The immersion-liquid removing unit includes a nozzle for ejecting compressed air to the space between the objective lens and the specimen container.

Abstract: Provided with a time-lapse imaging unit which repeatedly captures a specimen at predetermined time intervals and generates a plurality of images, and a recording unit which records at least one of an image group including one or more of the images captured during a predetermined period among a period of a time-lapse capturing performed by the time-lapse imaging unit or an image group including one or more of the images picked at predetermined time intervals among the period of the time-lapse capturing performed by the time-lapse imaging unit. Thus, data generated in time-lapse photography are managed favorably in a microscope apparatus provided with a time-lapse imaging unit which repeatedly captures a specimen at predetermined time intervals and generates a plurality of images.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for optically scanning a sample. The basic structure of the device comprises at least one adjustment unit and at least one scanning device. The sample is displaced in relation to the scanning device by means of the adjustment unit impinged upon by a control system, or vice versa. According to the invention, adjustment values for the mechanical compensation of play are incorporated, filed in the control system and taken into consideration during adjustment.

Abstract: A stage drive for moving a microscope stage designed as a mechanical stage including a first drive element linked to a first output element, and a second drive element, which is linked to a second output element. Through first and second transmission elements, the first output element is linked to a first stage element and the second output element is linked to a second stage element of the mechanical stage supported by the first stage element. The stage elements are supported so as to be displaceable relative to a fixed base element in orthogonal directions X, Y in a plane extending normal to the optical axis of the microscope beam path. The at least one stage drive includes at least one drive element and at least one output element and is arranged in the base element so as to be displaceable in X direction and/or Y direction within an adjustment range and lockable.

Abstract: A system for preparing and holding specimens for microscopic analysis including a capsule having an open end, an opposite end including at least one aperture and a reservoir. The system also includes an insert with a base including at least one aperture. The insert fits within and engages an inner wall of the reservoir to secure the insert within the reservoir. The system also includes an insertion tool configured to engage the insert. The insertion tool is sized to position the insert within the reservoir at a variety of positions within the reservoir. The insertion tool will disengage the insert once the insert is positioned within the reservoir. A method of positioning a specimen within a capsule for processing the specimen in preparation for microscopic analysis. A tray for holding a plurality of pipette tips in such a way that a lower end of each pipette tip is sealed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stage system, including: a stage on which to mount a slide glass; a projection block projected more than the thickness of the slide glass to the side of that surface of the stage on which to dispose the slide glass; and a pressing block which is provided on that surface of the stage on which to dispose the slide glass, is thicker than the slide glass, and presses toward the projection block the slide glass disposed between itself and the projection block.

Abstract: A slide glass storage device including: a supply tray which has a supply holding space determined by a longer edge upper limit allowed for a longer edge of a slide glass and a shorter edge upper limit allowed for a shorter edge of the slide glass and on which a slide glass to be supplied to a treatment unit operable to perform a predetermined treatment is mounted; a discharge tray which has a discharge holding space determined by a longer edge longer than the longer edge upper limit and a shorter edge longer than the shorter edge upper limit and on which a slide glass having been subjected to the treatment in the treatment unit and being to be discharged is mounted; and a support unit supporting the supply tray and the discharge tray.

Abstract: An analyser is disclosed for optical analysis of a biological specimen. In at least one embodiment, the analyzer includes optics which includes a camera, intermediate optics and front optics. The intermediate optics is movably arranged and the front optics is fixedly arranged. An analyser for optical analysis of a biological specimen, in at least one embodiment includes a robot for transporting a slide to be analysed. The robot is controlled by at least three motors to allow movement of the robot in three dimensions. The robot includes a handling device configured to grip the slide.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a system for mounting a specimen on a slide, the system having an immersion chamber, a stage, and a pump. The immersion chamber is configured to hold a liquid and comprises at least one wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The stage is configured to support the slide, and the stage is arranged within the immersion chamber such that the specimen may be supported substantially above the stage by the liquid. The pump is configured to draw the liquid from the immersion chamber such that the level of liquid in the immersion chamber decreases and the specimen is dispensed onto the slide.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a system for mounting a specimen on a slide, the system having an immersion chamber, a stage, a transducer, and a pump. The immersion chamber is configured to hold a liquid and comprises at least one wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The stage is configured to support the slide, and the stage is arranged within the immersion chamber such that the specimen may be supported substantially above the stage by the liquid. The transducer is configured to induce a wave in the liquid in the immersion chamber such that the wave alters the motion of the specimen. The pump is configured to draw the liquid from the immersion chamber such that the level of liquid in the immersion chamber decreases and the specimen is dispensed onto the slide.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, systems and methods for reducing and/or preventing photodamage of one or more reactants in illuminated analytical reactions by one or more of incorporating photodamage mitigating agents within the reaction mixture and/or interrogating different observation regions of the reaction mixture for a period that is less than a photodamage threshold period.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of automated blood cell analysis uses technologies from other systems to create a new, robust, improved type of automated microscope, which uses electronic motors and a closed loop control system to minimize ambient factors, such as jarring and temperature changes. Pre-stained blood smear slides are first coated with a thin film of oil and are loaded into a carousel from which they can individually be analyzed. The slides are moved under a low magnification microscope; an optimal area of examination is determined; a focal plane map is calculated for that area, and the positions of white blood cell candidates are computed. The slide is then moved under a high power microscope where a refined focal plane map is computed and the individual white blood cell candidates are imaged. The cells are preclassified and the images are made available for analysis by the technician.

Abstract: A stage control device including a position detection portion which detects a position deviation of a support plate relative to a reference position regulated by a convex portion provided in a stage, from an image of a scope including the support plate on which a sample is disposed and which is mounted on the stage; and a stage control portion that presses the stage, which is moved and controlled in a surface direction of the support plate so that the sample is in an imaging scope of an imaging element, from a position of a detection point in time in a direction corresponding to a position deviation at a pressing speed, and returns the stage up to a position of the detection point in time at a return speed slower than the pressing speed, when the position deviation of the support plate relative to the reference position is detected.

Abstract: A holding device for retaining a number of slides with tissue specimens, wherein the surfaces of the microscope slides in retained position are located in a common plane, comprises an elongated hanger having a clamping means for releasable clamping of microscope slides in a hanging position with the surfaces in said plane, the microscope slides being clamped at their upper end and by release from the clamping means being free to fall from the hanger because of their own weight. The clamping means preferably is arranged to cooperate with a loading rack having a supporting surface for support of the current microscope slides in said plan, the hanger being able to be introduced into the rack and the clamping means being able to actuated so that all microscope slides placed on the supporting surface are clamped in the holding device.

Abstract: A detachable microscope pen mount for marking a microscope slide includes an attachment collar configured to secure to an objective lens, a lever secured to the attachment collar, a pen holder secured to the lever, and a pen secured to the pen holder and having a pen tip, where activating the lever moves the pen tip into a field of view and lowers the pen tip onto the microscope slide. Also disclosed is a method of marking a microscope slide includes identifying an object of interest in a field of view, positioning the object of interest in a center of the field of view, inserting a pen having a pen tip along a trough into a center of the trough, lowering the pen tip onto the microscope slide, and marking the microscope slide by tracing the inside of the center of the trough.

Abstract: A comparison optical system (1) comprising several image-acquiring optical subsystems is disclosed. A bridge (3) mechanically and optically connects the optical subsystems to one another. Each of the image-acquiring optical subsystems possesses an XYZ stage (8a, 8b), movable in motorized fashion, on which a sample to be examined is placed. Also provided is a control unit which moves the XYZ stages (8a, 8b), movable in motorized fashion, synchronously in all three spatial directions. The synchronous motion of the XYZ stages (8a, 8b) can be switched on and off by the user.

Abstract: A plant growth array device includes an aerial growth chamber configured to receive aerial shoot portions of a plurality of plants and a root growth chamber configured to receive root portions of the plurality of plants. A dividing member is between the aerial growth chamber and the root chamber and has a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of plants therein. The plurality of apertures are configured so that the root portions grow substantially in a common orientation.

Abstract: A fixed focus microscope objective lens designed for high magnification viewing of homogenous specimens. The fixed focus microscope objective comprises a last surface 16 which serves as a specimen mount and enables the device to operate in focus without the need for focus adjustors in the microscope system. The user can observe specimens by simply placing a sample of the specimen on the fixed focus objective lens surface 16. There is no need for preparing a microscope slide, focusing, or positioning the specimen. By eliminating focus and stage adjustors the microscope becomes both simpler to operate and less expensive to manufacture. A fixed focus microscope objective lens can be used by novice microscopists to obtain high quality images at high magnification for nominal cost, and can convert a common video camera into a high quality video microscope.

Abstract: An arrangement for holding and positioning a sample in the detection area of the objective of a microscope, the detection area being located in a chamber which is filled with an immersion liquid. This arrangement includes (1) a sample holder to which the sample is affixed so as to lie upon a point P in a coordinate system X, Y, Z, coordinate Z being defined by the optical axis of the microscope objective and the coordinate origin laying within the detection area, (2) a device by which the position of point P can be varied within the coordinate system X, Y, Z, wherein the range of variation comprehends the detection area, and (3) a device for rotating the sample affixed to the sample holder around point P, wherein a straight line G which encloses with coordinate Z an angle ? whose size can be changed is the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning system (10) for positioning an object relative to a technical facility, in particular an observation, measurement or processing system or the like, comprising an object carrier device for receiving the object to be positioned, and a positioning device (12) for positioning the object carrier device, wherein the positioning device has a drive facility for driving the object carrier device, wherein the drive facility has two linear motors (21; 22), arranged such that positioning of the object carrier device in two axes is possible, wherein the positioning device has a measurement facility (23), and wherein the drive facility and the measurement facility are arranged in a manner interposed between a referencing base (26) of the positioning device and the object carrier device.

Abstract: A holding device for retaining a number of microscope slides with tissue specimens, wherein the surfaces of the slides in retained position are located in a common plane. The holding device has an elongated hanger with a clamp for releasably clamping the microscope slides in a hanging position with the surfaces of the slides in the common plane. The microscope slides are clamped at their upper end and are free to fall from their own weight from the hanger by release from the clamp. The clamp preferably is arranged to cooperate with a loading rack having a supporting surface for support of the microscope slides, in which the hanger can be introduced into the rack and the clamp can be actuated so that all microscope slides placed on the supporting surface are clamped in the holding device.

Abstract: An automated cassette and slide handling system is disclosed which organizes microscope slides in cassettes, automatically and sequentially removes individual slides from their respective cassettes, positioned each slide under the microscope as provided by the protocol, and after examination returns the slide to its proper cassette.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control method for a microscope apparatus, comprising: a first step for recognizing a type of a specimen retention member retaining a specimen; a second step for obtaining a first image including the whole image of a specimen retention member showing a picture of the entirety of the specimen retention member and an image of the specimen, and obtaining a second image including only the whole image of the specimen retention member in accordance with the type of the specimen retention member; and a third step for obtaining a macro observation image with a self fluorescence removed except for the specimen based on the first image and second image.

Abstract: An accessory for use with a microscope arranged to carry out ATR measurements has a support (40) which can be mounted on the moveable stage of the microscope. A mounting (100) for an ATR crystal (106) is carried on the support. The accessory includes a registration indicium which is located at a fixed position relative to the sample contacting area of the crystal. The registration indicium is preferably provided at the apex region of the crystal. The registration indicium can be used to ensure correct focussing of a sample when obtaining an image of the sample.

Abstract: A sample slide stage includes at least four fixed members that are arranged at, or about at, a focal plane of the slide stage, and are configured to receive a slide; and a plurality of compression members that apply a controlled force to compress a slide towards the fixed members at the focal plane, whereby a surface of a non-planar slide in the sample stage is deformed towards the focal plane. Methods of deforming non-planar slides towards a focal plane include inserting a non-planar slide into a sample slide stage that has at least four fixed members arranged at or about at a focal plane; and applying a controlled force to compress the non-planar slide to the fixed members at the focal plane, whereby a surface of the non-planar slide is deformed towards the focal plane.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a container for investigating at least one specimen are described. The method and system include providing a dish. The dish includes a floor, a plurality of sidewalls, and at least one pedestal. The floor has a perimeter. The plurality of sidewalls coupled with the floor proximate to the perimeter. The at least one pedestal resides on a portion of the floor and is pedestal configured to support at least one microscope slide distal from the floor. The at least one microscope slide bears the specimen(s) for investigation.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically focusing an image received by an image capturing unit (100) relative to a target is disclosed. The target is present in a sequence of one or more scanned frames. The method includes dividing (302) each frame from the sequence of one or more scanned frames in a plurality of sections. The method further includes iteratively determining (304) a relative focus of the target within each section of the plurality of sections. The method further includes adjustment (306) of a position of at least a first light path adjustment element in response to the determined relative focus.

Abstract: A microscope measurement system including: an optical microscope including a microscope body and an objective connected to the microscope body; a chamber including a support mechanism holding an object to be examined therein, the chamber including an opening inserting the objective into the chamber such that the objective is located essentially within the chamber and the microscope body is located essentially outside of the chamber; a sealing mechanism that provides an essentially gas-tight connection between the optical microscope and the chamber such that the chamber is sealed.

Abstract: A stage assembly, an imaging system that uses the stage assembly, and methods for using the stage assembly in a high content screening system. The stage assembly includes a stage having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface and an opening extending between the top and bottom surfaces to receive a specimen plate. The stage assembly also includes a calibration sample bay formed in the stage. A calibration sample can also be secured within the calibration sample bay.

Abstract: Problems of a conventional cover glass sticking device, in which a slide glass having one end side, where a describing portion is formed, is stored in a storage container and the one end side is always projected from level of a protection liquid therein, are solved by the device of the present invention.

Abstract: Devices, mounts, stages, interfaces and systems to be developed that allow for in situ manipulation, experimentation and analysis of specimens directly within an electron microscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging cells including a culture chamber, in which a cultivation sub-structure is placed, imaging optics, and actuators for providing the relative movement of the cultivation substructure and the imaging optics in such a way that the imaging optics is used to image different sites in the substructure. The cultivation substructure is isolated as a subchamber of its own that is separate from the culture chamber, and imaging is carried out by moving the imaging optics and the subchamber in relation to each other.

Abstract: A device for histological research includes at least one container with shelves for slide trays connected to a flexible drive enabling reciprocating vertical motion of the container. The drive comprises a circular drive cable, a motor and at least one pulley. The device also includes a horizontal pusher provided on the working end with a tool for gripping the slide tray and moving it into the working zone outside the container and then back into the container, as well as a slide gripper capable of moving horizontally over the working zone in the direction perpendicular to that of the horizontal pusher.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample holder for confocal microscopy of CMP pad samples cut or otherwise removed from either new or used CMP pads that maintains a uniform load and pressure over the part of the sample visible to the confocal microscope by placing the pad behind a transparent window and holding it against the said window by a means comprising upper transparent window retaining means having an offset adjacent the transparent window having the same or essentially the same refractive index as the pad material so that when the pad is held against the transparent window, the edges of the pad are outside the outer edge of the transparent window; lower pad retaining means to press the pad under a known/load against the transparent window, which lower pad retaining means has a size less than the size of the pad; spherical force transmitting means pressed against the lower pad retaining means; through a load cell to measure the load transferred to the sample through lower pad retaining means, the spherical

Abstract: A cryogenic immersion microscope whose objective lens is at least partially in contact with a liquid reservoir of a cryogenic liquid, in which reservoir a sample of interest is immersed is disclosed. When the cryogenic liquid has an index of refraction that reduces refraction at interfaces between the lens and the sample, overall resolution and image quality are improved. A combination of an immersion microscope and x-ray microscope, suitable for imaging at cryogenic temperatures is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stage for supporting a specimen slide and for calibrating a microscope includes a base and a calibration component integral with the base. The calibration component includes at least one calibration element for positional calibration and at least one calibration element for optical calibration. Calibration of the microscope can be performed without the need for independent calibration slides. The calibration component may be a glass calibration component or may be defined by a calibration element formed or etched through the base.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample holder for confocal microscopy of CMP pad samples cut or otherwise removed from either new or used CMP pads that maintains a uniform load and pressure over the part of the sample visible to the confocal microscope by placing the pad behind a transparent window and holding it against the said window by a means comprising upper transparent window retaining means having an offset adjacent the transparent window having the same or essentially the same refractive index as the pad material so that when the pad is held against the transparent window, the edges of the pad are outside the outer edge of the transparent window; lower pad retaining means to press the pad under a known/load against the transparent window, which lower pad retaining means has a size less than the size of the pad; spherical force transmitting means pressed against the lower pad retaining means;, through a load cell to measure the load transferred to the sample through lower pad retaining means, the spherical

Abstract: A microscope stage capable of always heating the entire culture vessel even when the culture vessel is moved in two-dimensional directions, and allowing an object lens and a condenser even in a high-power microscope to approach an object of observation such as a cell until they come into focus. A heating unit (58) faces a well plate (37) on a drive base (49) even when the drive base (49) is driven to any position in two-dimensional directions. Therefore, all the cells A in the small compartments (45) of the well plate (37) are always heated. Since the microscope stage (25) is constituted such that a lower-side base (71) houses an upper-side base (73) and a fixed base (47) in recessed portions, its thickness is considerably small. Accordingly, an object lens (5) and a condenser (3) can approach close to the cells A. Therefore, it is possible for high-power object lens (5) and condenser (3) to focus on the cells A.

Abstract: This is an optical apparatus provided with an objective with a correction collar for correcting aberration due to an error in the optical thickness of a piece of cover glass comprising a focusing mechanism for changing a distance between the objective and the sample, an optical thickness detecting unit for detecting the optical thickness of the cover glass, an operating unit for calculating the amount of aberration correction, based on the optical thickness of the cover glass detected by the optical thickness detecting unit, a driver unit for driving a correction collar, based on the amount of aberration correction calculated by the operating unit and an imaging sensor for forming the image of the sample that passes through the objective.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a temperature-controllable objective, particularly for microscopes and other optical equipment, which comprises a main barrel as the main component part of the objective. The main barrel contains at least one correction mount, cylinder sleeves, mounting rings, carrier rings and/or adjusting rings, and imaging optical elements. In order to control the temperature, at least one structural component part of the objective or an element arranged between structural component parts of the objective is constructed as a temperature-controllable element or as a temperature-controllable foil which is connected (not shown) by leads to a device for monitoring temperature. Further, a temperature gauge or temperature sensor is arranged in the objective and is likewise connected to the device for monitoring temperature.