Abstract: Disclosed is a method for capturing the spatial molecular profiling of a biological mass formed from biological material, comprising the steps of: a) providing a transected biological mass, for example a tumour, the transection exposing at least a portion of the mass; b) providing a solid support of an area at least equalling the area of said portion of the mass; c) transferring biological material from the portion of the mass to the support to provide on the support a two dimensional imprint of the biological material present at the portion of the mass; and d) performing a biological assay of the transferred biological material from different predetermined locations of the imprint in order to determine the spatial molecular profile of the portion of the mass.

Abstract: An automatic abnormal cell recognition method, the method including: 1) scanning a slide using a digital pathological scanner and obtaining a cytological slide image; 2) obtaining a set of centroid coordinates of all nuclei that is denoted as CentroidOfNucleus by automatically localizing nuclei of all cells in the cytological slide image using a feature fusion based localizing method; 3) obtaining a set of cell square region of interest (ROI) images that are denoted as ROI_images; 4) grouping all cell images in the ROI_images into different groups based on sampling without replacement, where each group contains ROW×COLUMN cell images with preset ROW and COLUMN parameters; obtaining a set of splice images; and 5) classifying all cell images in the splice image simultaneously by using the splice image as an input of a trained deep neural network; and recognizing cells classified as abnormal categories.

Abstract: A slide system for optical microscopy using immersion fluid including a cover glass having a first refractive index and a transparent film having a second refractive index. The second refractive index of the transparent film is matched to the first refractive index of the cover glass. The transparent film protects the cover glass from immersion fluid used for optical microscopy and the transparent film is configured such that the immersion fluid used can be removed by lifting off the transparent film.

Abstract: The described embodiments are directed to a system and methods of calibrating a fluorescence microscope and/or light detection device using a calibrating apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a main body housing, a sensor head, and a microcontroller assembly disposed within the housing. The housing may include an adapter to mechanically couple the housing to a microscope. The sensor head may comprise (i) an optical power sensor to produce a power signal representative of an optical power magnitude of light applied to the optical power sensor, (ii) an optical wavelength sensor configured to produce wavelength information associated with the light applied to the optical wavelength sensor, and (iii) a light source configured to direct light toward a detection device associated with the microscope. The microcontroller assembly may be configured to generate an optical power magnitude value based on the power signal and adjusted according to the wavelength information.

Abstract: A method for affixing an RFID tag to sputtering targets is disclosed. A cavity is formed on the back of the backing plate adjacent to the outer edge. Within the cavity, an RFID tag is secured with an encapsulant. The encapsulant is cured with the RFID tag capable of communicating with an associated reader through the encapsulant.

Abstract: A protein adhesive of a novel sequence is disclosed. The protein adhesive according to the present disclosures enables adhesion between two non-biological materials or between a non-biological material and a biological material, thereby being applicable to various fields.

Abstract: The present invention provides simple and inexpensive assays for the detection of virtually any analyte in any sample that is in liquid form or that can be solubilized. The assays utilize the fluid dynamics of drop evaporation whereby soluble materials, including analytes and particles binding thereto, are drawn to the center of the drop by Marangoni flow and ultimately form a concentrated residual spot. The presence or absence of certain reagents can then be detected through a number of different approaches.

Abstract: A cover-slip suitable for use in examination by an optical microscope. The cover-slip comprises a planar portion of substantially rigid and transparent material and further comprises a tab contiguous with or adjacent to or attached with the planar portion. The tab is divertable from the plane of the planar portion along a predetermined bending region, thereby allowing holding and displacing the cover-slip e.g. when the cover-slip lies on a flat surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for automatic calibration of slides and a method for automatic calibration of slide frames and a slide for performing the method. To this end, slide frames (4; 210) with at least one slide seat and slide (212a-212h; 300) are provided with a calibration marking (304). In particular the inventive slide (212a-212h; 300) includes a slide substrate (302) and a calibration marking (304), the calibration marking (304) being connected to the slide substrate (302).

Abstract: Featured is a manipulation device the ability to navigate virtual microscopy slides. The device includes an inverted light emitting diode (LED) reflecting light off a textured slide to a complimentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor that indicates the movement of the slide. The slide is freely moved by hand or traditional X-Y-mechanical stage on a raised platform akin to a slide stage. Finger touch controls are provided to zoom to higher or lower power images. The device plugs into a standard computer system by USB port running software to image a virtual microscope slide. Also featured are systems and methods related thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is a microscope slide apparatus and method of use thereof, wherein the slide has an integrated color calibration array of filter elements, each element having a given dimension, each element also having a known transmission spectrum. The complete filter array is observable in the field of view of a microscope under at least one magnification setting of a microscope. The invention further characterized with a secondary integrated filter array that is completely observable at a second magnification setting.

Abstract: Among other things, a first surface is configured to receive a sample and is to be used in a microscopy device. There is a second surface to be moved into a predefined position relative to the first surface to form a sample space that is between the first surface and the second surface and contains at least part of the sample. There is a mechanism configured to move the second surface from an initial position into the predefined position to form the sample space. When the sample is in place on the first surface, the motion of the second surface includes a trajectory that is not solely a linear motion of the second surface towards the first surface.

Abstract: A system for automated microscopic analysis of a plurality of data-encoded microscope slides that provides that data written to or read from the slides may include images, analysis protocols, analytic results and other pertinent data. The system may also encompass a magazine that contains a plurality of data encoded slides.

Abstract: An improved microscope stage mount with built-in fiduciary markers is used for fluorescence microscopy, and comprises: (a) an optically-transparent glass plate adapted for specimen mounting and microscope viewing and comprising a specimen mounting area; and (b) a defined and ordered, two-dimensional microscopic array of fiduciary markers, wherein the markers are polymeric pillars affixed to the plate about the specimen mounting area, wherein the markers provide a three-dimensional spatial reference for the specimen.

Abstract: A microscope slide article that is processable for color-contrasting marking thereof. The article includes a microscope slide with a main surface including an end surface portion, to which contrast coating material is applied. Various modes of processing are described for the contrast coating material, which are effective to produce color-contrast indicia on the slide, e.g., alphanumeric characters, barcodes, etc. that enable tracking and verification of the slides and specimens mounted thereon.

Abstract: A microscope slide separation device and method of storing microscope slides are disclosed. In specific embodiments, the microscope slide separation device can be placed a folded position that forms a cavity between at least first and second members configured to receive a microscope slide to which both a sample and a slip cover have been coupled. In particular embodiments, the first member may have at least one side configured not to stick to cover slip mounting media.

Abstract: A curved surface is placed tangent to a slide and displaces a sample liquid from the point or line of contact outward. Imaging indicates a region where fluorescence is observed, and the location of the fluorescence indicates the molecular size. The radius of curvature of the lens is known, the distance from the (center) point of contact of the observed fluorescence is measured with a microscope and the distance of the lens surface to the slide's surface can then be calculated. This distance represents the size of the molecule or ensemble of molecules emitting. Similarly, absorbance, etc. could be measured with a light source below the slide.

Abstract: A cell counter includes: a sample slide configured to accommodate cells; a housing configured to be inserted into the inside of the sample slide from the outside of the sample slide; an object lens configured to be mounted within the housing, and to image-form a cell image for the cells projected from the sample slide; an image acquisition unit configured to be mounted within the housing together with the object lens, and to acquire the cell image image-formed by the object lens; and a first reflecting mirror provided between the sample slide and the object lens within the housing, and configured to change a projection direction of the cell image projected from the sample slide to the object lens.

Abstract: An alignment marker unit for an object holder for microscopic imaging of an object with a microscope, wherein the alignment marker unit can be removed from and remounted on the object holder, wherein the alignment marker unit has at least one alignment marker for microscope-supported detection, and wherein the alignment marker is designed to determine a coordinate system for the object holder which allows for the microscope-supported calibration of the object or an area of the object relative to its position to the object holder and the position of the object holder relative to the microscope. Furthermore, an object holder system including an object holder and an alignment marker unit as described above is provided.

Abstract: A laboratory slide (2) for mounting, processing or storing a laboratory sample, has a recess (3) in a surface (4) of the slide (2). An inert sheet (5) has a chip (8) applied to the sheet (5) and the sheet (5) covers the recess (3) so that the chip (8) is fully received in the recess (3). The sheet (5) includes an antenna (6) which is arranged to establish communication between the chip (8) and an electric or electronic read/write device and the sheet (5) covers both the chip (8) and antenna (6) to protect them.

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 tag (1) for a laboratory sample cassette has a first layer (3). A chip (8) is mounted on a surface (7) of the first layer (3), and an antenna (6) is printed on the surface of the first layer (3). The antenna (6) is arranged to establish communication between the chip (8) and an electric or electronic read/write device. A second layer (4) is positioned and bonded against the surface (7) and has a hole (9) which passes through the second layer (4). The hole (9) contains the chip (8) and a third layer (5) covers the hole (9) from the opposite side to the first layer (3), the third layer (5) being bonded to the second layer (4). Thus, the antenna (6) and chip (8) are sealed within the tag (1). A plurality of perforations (10) are provided which pass through all the layers (3,4,5) of the tag (1) from one side of the tag (1) to an opposite side thereof to enable liquid to pass through the tag (1).

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 fluorescent imaging device includes an irradiation section that irradiates an object to be examined with excitation light and reference light, an image pickup section that picks up a fluorescence image based on the excitation light and a reflected light image based on the reference light, a comparison section that compares relative intensity between the fluorescent image generated from the fluorescence image and the reflected light image generated from the reflected light image, and a selection section that selectively outputs one of the reflected light image and the fluorescent image based on the comparison result.

Abstract: An filter, apparatus and method for preparing microscope slides is presented. After filtration of the specimen is performed, the filter containing the filtrand is configured to be microscopically examined. The filter may either be affixed to a microscope slide or, in an embodiment, the filter may be incorporated into a microscope slide.

Abstract: One embodiment of techniques for confocal microscopy includes illuminating a spot on a surface of a biological sample. A first emission intensity from the spot is detected in a first range of optical properties; and a second emission intensity in a second range. A pixel that corresponds to the spot is colored using a linear combination of the first and second emission intensities. Sometimes, the pixel is colored to approximate a color produced by histology. In some embodiments, a surface of a sample is contacted with a solution of acridine orange. Then, a spot is illuminated with a laser beam of wavelength about 488 nanometers (nm). Fluorescence emission intensity is detected above about 500 nm. Sometimes, a certain illumination correction is applied. In some embodiments, a sample holder that compresses a sample is removable from a stage that is fixed with respect to a focal plane of the microscope.

Abstract: A sample slide, launch system, and method for microscopy having two optical fibers positioned proximate a sample slide with optical fiber mounting elements to deliver EMR to a surface of the sample slide at a critical angle for total internal reflection microscopy. In one exemplary embodiment, the EMR from the first optical fiber and the EMR from the second optical fiber may have different polarization states and/or wavelengths.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder of an image forming apparatus capable of improving a duplex scanning or printing (copying) efficiency includes a single scan path having a document admission passage to admit a document to a document scanning part and a document discharge passage to discharge the scanned document, a duplex scan path having a first document reversing and waiting passage diverged separately from the document discharge passage on the single scan path at the rear of the document scanning part to reverse the document, one surface of which is scanned, and admit the reversed document again to the document scanning part, and a document re-reversing path having a second document reversing and waiting passage diverged separately from the document discharge passage on the single scan path at the rear of the document scanning part to reverse the document, both surfaces of which are scanned, again and send the re-reversed document to the document discharge passage.

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 sample slide, launch system, and method for microscopy having two optical fibers positioned proximate a sample slide with optical fiber mounting elements to deliver EMR to a surface of the sample slide at a critical angle for total internal reflection microscopy. In one exemplary embodiment, the EMR from the first optical fiber and the EMR from the second optical fiber may have different polarization states and/or wavelengths.

Abstract: A sample slide, launch system, and method for microscopy having a fiber insertion portal terminating within the sample slide and having a fiber insertion axis such that when an optical fiber is inserted within the fiber insertion portal the optical fiber is positioned so to deliver an EMR to a surface of the sample slide at a desired angle.

Abstract: A system is provided for marking on a recording medium (36), such as a label, the location of imaged tissue with respect to an exposed surface of the tissue (34). Tissue is imaged by a microscope (11) capable of imaging sections of the tissue below the exposed tissue surface through optics. A ring (32) applied to the surface of the tissue stabilizes the tissue to the optics and localizes a portion of the tissue surface through an aperture in the ring. An actuator (38) is connected to both the ring and the microscope for moving the ring to adjust the position of the tissue with respect to the optics, thereby allowing an operator of the system to survey different images of tissue sections with the microscope.

Abstract: [Problems] It is intended to provide a storing device which is convenient in preserving a slice of a pathological tissue or the like over a long time and by which a required number of slices can be quickly provided without waste. It is also intended to provide an instrument for microscopic observation which is equipped with this storing device and a transparent plate having an adhesive layer formed thereon. [Means for Solving Problems] A device comprising: a piece of a resin film on which a slice having been excised from a sample block or a cell block slice is adhered and fixed via an adhesive layer provided on the surface thereof; and a holder on the surface of which the back face of the film piece is detachably adhered and fixed via a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. An instrument for microscopic observation which comprises the storing device and a transparent plate for adhering and fixing the film piece having been peeled off from the storing device.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to adjust an optical parameter of the optical device or system.

Abstract: A launch system and method for microscopy having an optical fiber positioned proximate a sample slide with an optical fiber mounting element so as to deliver an EMR from the optical fiber into a first sample slide and to a surface of a second sample slide at a critical angle for total internal reflection at an interface of the surface of the second sample slide and a sample positioned proximate to the surface of the second sample slide.

Abstract: A laboratory slide (2) for mounting, processing or storing a laboratory sample, has a recess (3) in a surface (4) of the slide (2). An inert sheet (5) has a chip (8) applied to the sheet (5) and the sheet (5) covers the recess (3) so that the chip (8) is fully received in the recess (3). The sheet (5) includes an antenna (6) which is arranged to establish communication between the chip (8) and an electric or electronic read/write device and the sheet (5) covers both the chip (8) and antenna (6) to protect them.

Abstract: A sample carrier (30) for microscopy, in particular for confocal microscopy, and a method for producing the sample carrier (30), are disclosed. The sample carrier (30) has a first coverslip (32) and a second coverslip (33). The second coverslip (33) carries an mirror (29) which is equipped in such a way that it surrounds a sample region (34). Also provided is a frame (35) that retains the first and the second coverslip (32 and 33). The coverslips located in the frame (35) form a cavity (38), that cavity (38) being filled with a medium which has approximately the same refractive index as the first and the second coverslip (32 and 33).

Abstract: A high-throughput, anchorage-independent assay is described, which screens compounds for inhibition of cancer cell growth. The assay utilizes a three-dimensional matrix or semi-solid media transfected with the subject compound, and enables live colony growth determination and imaging.

Abstract: An optical system is provided to include an optical unit with an optical axis extending through a light transmissive sample embedded in a transparent substrate, to focus on the sample embedded in the substrate and to scan the sample according to the main plane of the transparent substrate. The optical axis extends under an angle unequal to zero relative to the normal of the main plane of the transparent substrate, in order to perform a volumetric observation of a sample by obtaining information items focused in all thickness directions within the sample, at a high speed, without requiring any movement along the thickness direction of the sample.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention include a microscope having a transparent specimen holder and a digital imaging device positioned within the transparent specimen holder. The digital imaging device can include a wireless transmitter. The transparent specimen holder can have a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the transparent specimen holder is completely transparent between the top surface and the bottom surface. Thus, the transparent specimen holder is completely transparent above and below the digital imaging device. Furthermore, a processor is operatively connected to the digital imaging device, wherein the processor produces an image of a specimen positioned on the specimen holder. A display is operatively connected to the processor, wherein the display displays the image.

Abstract: A launch system and method for microscopy having an optical fiber positioned proximate a sample slide with an optical fiber mounting element so as to deliver an EMR from a terminal end of the optical fiber across a surface of the sample slide to an opposing side surface at a desired incident angle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the relative location and attitude between two objects by means of positional tags and positional tag interrogation sensors are disclosed. Specific embodiments are addressed to positioning of microscope slides, assembly of mechanical components, and locating construction tools relative to a work piece.

Abstract: A projection objective of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus has a last optical element on the image side which is plane on the image side and which, together with an image plane of the projection objective, delimits an immersion space in the direction of an optical axis of the projection objective. This immersion space can be filled with an immersion liquid. At least one liquid or solid volume having plane-parallel interfaces can be introduced into the beam path of the projection objective, the optical thickness of the at least one volume being at least substantially equal to the optical thickness of the immersion space. By introducing and removing the volume, it is possible to convert the projection objective from dry operation to immersed operation in a straightforward way, without extensive adjustments to the projection objective or alignment work.

Abstract: The contrast of an image produced by epifluorescence microscopy may be increased by placing a high-pass dichroic reflecting film behind the sample. The reflecting film reflects the emission light emitted by the fluorescent tags in the sample back through the objective lens while allowing the shorter wavelength excitation light to pass through the sample holder.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a projection objective permits the projection objective to be adjusted between an immersion configuration and a dry configuration with few interventions in the system, and therefore to be used optionally as an immersion objective or as a dry objective. The projection objective has a multiplicity of optical elements which are arranged along an optical axis of the projection objective, the optical elements comprising a first group of optical elements following the object plane and a last optical element following the first group, arranged next to the image plane and defining an exit surface of the projection objective which is arranged at a working distance from the image plane. The last optical element is substantially without refracting power and has no curvature or only slight curvature.

Abstract: Providing an interchangeable lens capable of carrying out quick focus from infinity to a close object with a magnification of almost life size by a light-weight moving lens group, exhibiting excellent imaging performance across an entire focusing range, and obtaining excellent imaging performance by a vibration reduction lens and its drive system appropriately arranged even upon vibration reduction. The lens includes a first group having positive power, a second group having negative power, a third group having positive power, and a fourth group having negative power. The fourth group includes a front group having negative power and a rear group having positive power. When the lens is vibrated, the lens corrects image blur by shifting the front group almost perpendicularly to an optical axis. When focusing from infinity to a close object, the first and the front groups are fixed and at least the third group is moved toward the object side.

Abstract: Concentration by cytology personnel, i.e. users, is induced during scanning and marking of cytology slides, by electronic recognition of parsed voice inputs that are spoken by the users, electronic generation of selected voice output alerts that are heard by the users, and electronic processing of the voice inputs and voice outputs, for semi-automatic development of a cytology report.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a projection objective permits the projection objective to be adjusted between an immersion configuration and a dry configuration. The projection objective includes optical elements arranged along an optical axis thereof, which include a first group of elements following the object plane and a last optical element following the first group, which is arranged near the image plane. The last optical element defines an exit surface of the projection objective, which is arranged at a working distance from the image plane. The last optical element is substantially without refracting power and has no or only slight curvature. The method includes varying the thickness of the last optical element, changing the refractive index of the space between the exit surface and the image plane by introducing or removing an immersion medium, and axially displacing the last optical element to set a working distance.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a cell culture container having a cell culture region made of a hole formed on a substrate, a semi-permeable membrane covering a top plane of the cell culture region and a culture medium replacement part provided over the semi-permeable membrane, a mechanism for supplying a cell culture medium into the cell culture container, and a microscopic optical mechanism for enabling long-term observation of the cell within the cell culture region. This apparatus makes it possible to culture a cell group originating from a particular single cell, to perform culture and observation while identifying cells to be subjected to interaction during the process of culturing cells, and observe a difference in variation between the particular cell and other cells. There is also provided a mechanism which makes it possible to collect only a cell assuming a particular state and perform analysis or biochemical measurement of a gene of the cell, an expressed mRNA and the like.