Abstract: A structure includes a cover body having a plate-like shape and a support body of open light-weight structure composed of struts, connecting nodes and support points. Attachment locations are spatially separated one from the other and the cover body and the support body are bonded at these locations.

Abstract: A microscope condenser with a condenser head, with the condenser being fastened to a microscope stand in a manner which allows it to move. A holding device for a glass container filled with a liquid is arranged above the condenser head. A living sample or cell for examination is arranged in the glass container. The microscope condenser in this case has a catch pan for liquid that has overflowed.

Abstract: A microscope slide receptacle system for positionably receiving and releasably holding specimen retaining microscope slides in a generally vertical disposition. The system includes a plurality of hinged first and second frames each frame comprising a generally inverted "U"-shaped changer and having complementary coupling hinges for inter-coupling multiple frames together to form the system. A releasable clip is fastened to the frame structure for engaging and supporting the slides. Each frame has a support hanger along the upper surface to permit coupling to a system support.

Abstract: A slide system allowing rapid, sterile, clean and safe preparation and use of microscope slides containing sample materials including living and/or hazardous preparations or samples. In one embodiment, the system comprises a slide base and cover slip which are preferably pre-cleaned and supplied in a sterile wrapper. The cover slip, slide base or both have an adhesive coating that surrounds a sample area to adhere the cover slip to the slide base, thereby creating a sealed sample area or chamber that is defined by the slide, the cover slip, and the adhesive. In another embodiment, the slide base has one or two grooves or depressions in the surface of the slide base positioned within the sample area, the grooves or depressions accommodating extra or expanding sample material to prevent loss of the sample material into the environment and prevent damage to the adhesive and/or cover slip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel biological sample preparation (BSP) device and a method of using such a device that enables inexpensive and flexible high throughput sample preparation and visualization for microscopy, including high resolution, single or multi-label, 2-dimensional (2D) or 3-dimensional (3D) fluorescence microscopic observation of biological samples, such as cultured cells. Also included in the invention are a high throughput chemical sample preparation device, and a method for to clone and screen cells using a BSP device.

Abstract: An improved receptacle or holder for microscope slides used in scientific, medical or medically related procedures, with the receptacles being configured to positionably receive, hold and index microscope slides either vertically or horizontally by means of an articulated array of individual holders. The design further minimizes slide-to-cradle contact, with the configuration allowing for rapid drainage of liquids from the slide surfaces. The cradle is also configured to facilitate manual grasping of the edge surfaces of slides being held within the cradle.

Abstract: A system for managing specimens in a clinical laboratory comprises specimens and a computer controlled instrument. Each specimen includes a biological sample and an identifier which is unique to the specimen to which it is applied. The computer controlled instrument includes a reader for automatically logging and verifying the specimen to be analyzed, and a print head for modifying the identifier to indicate whether the specimen has been analyzed and whether the sample includes any abnormalities. The print head is also used to indicate whether the specimen has been reanalyzed. Further, the print head works to print symbols adjacent the locations of the abnormalities in the sample.

Abstract: A glass slide enclosure assembly is described with which fluid couplings can be conveniently made between the enclosure and elongate plastic tubes. Heat shrink conduits are provided and placed around end segments of the glass enclosure and ends of the plastic tubes. The heat shrink tubes are then shrunk by the application of heat. A sealant of light curable type is placed on the end segments of the glass sealant to provide a convenient light activated technique to prevent leakage of body fluid between the heat shrink conduits and the glass enclosure slide.

Abstract: A microscope for observing a specimen immersed in an immersion liquid within a specimen container includes an objective lens and utilizes a sealed container containing a second liquid that has substantially the same refractive index as the immersion liquid. The sealed container is positioned between the objective lens and the specimen. Alternatively, the microscope for observing the specimen immersed in the immersion liquid can utilize a container opening toward the objective lens. A method of observing the specimen includes the steps of positioning a container containing a liquid, with substantially the same refractive index as an immersion liquid within a specimen container, between a microscope objective lens and the specimen and observing the specimen through the objective lens.

Abstract: An erect movable objective lens type optical microscope includes a frame, an observation optical portion having an objective lens, a stage portion, a moving mechanism, and a vibration synchronizing mechanism. The observation optical portion is movably provided on the frame, and the stage portion is fixedly provided on the frame. The stage portion includes a specimen moving stage, and a stationary stage adapted to receive a manipulator for manipulating a specimen provided on the specimen moving stage. The moving mechanism is provided on the frame for moving the observation optical portion and the stage portion relative to each other, and the vibration synchronizing mechanism is provided for synchronizing a vibration system of the stationary stage and a vibration system of the specimen moving stage.

Abstract: A calcium phosphate based thin film on which bone cells may be cultured to permit evaluation of bone cell functional properties comprises calcium phosphate entities which provide for varying degrees of resorption of the calcium phosphate entities in evaluating the functional properties. The film is sufficiently thin that resorption of the entities can be detected. Such film, as applied to a support, is a very useful analytical component for evaluating such bone cell functional characteristics. An analytical device, which may be used in an analytical kit, can be provided having a plurality of wells with the devices located at the bottom thereof. A process is provided for making the film and especially the film which has a combination of calcium hydroxyapatite with tricalcium phosphate.

Abstract: A self-staining microscopic slide designed for immediate staining and viewing of cells in biological fluid and tissue samples, preferably with an epi-fluorescence microscope. The pre-prepared microscope slide preferably has a supravital fluorescent stain applied thereon, which is overlaid with a transparent tape or film. During use, the film is peeled back to expose the stain so that a sample can be applied thereon for intermixture therewith. The film is then replaced over the stained sample to act as a cover slip for immediate viewing. Living cells and microorganisms are rendered dramatically visible and cellular dysmorphology can be readily ascertained. The time and cost associated with preparing a fixed and sectioned sample is completely avoided as well as the problem of artifacts and sample fragmentation found in fixed preparations. The slide can include reference standards to facilitate microscope focusing, and to allow measurements of cells and microorganisms.

Abstract: A slide for depositing for observation material under a microscope comprising a mounting surface to receive material for observation and a removable layer on the mounting surface formed with at least one opening in the removable layer to define at least one exposed region on the mounting surface for retaining material to be observed when the removable layer is detached. The exposed region has definite boundaries and any material to be examined remaining on the slide is confined to the exposed region to facilitate examination of the slide by human visual identification or machine vision by making material easier to locate, by limiting material to regions appropriate for best observation (e.g. away from edges of the slide and coverglass), and by limiting the amount of material or area covered by material to permit quick and rigorous observation and analysis. A method for using slides according to the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stage for microscopes has a transparent ceramic glass plate on the working region on its object side and a brightly colored, light-scattering layer between the ceramic glass plate and the metallic base portion of the stage. Light is coupled into end faces of the ceramic glass plate by means of lamps or a glass fiber arranged in the base portion. The stage has outstanding resistance to wear and scratches due to the ceramic glass. By the additional illumination of the ceramic glass, the specimen regions lying outside the illuminating field of the condenser are weakly illuminated against a bright background, so that the observer can select visually, without magnification, object regions of interest and then push them into the illuminating field of the condenser. The ceramic glass covers the condenser opening in the base portion of the stage, so that the condenser is protected against falling contamination.

Abstract: A stage driving apparatus comprises a stage mounted with a sample and rotatable about an optical axis of an observation optical system for observing the sample, and two guides, for moving the stage within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation optical system, rotatable together with the stage and oriented orthogonal to each other. The apparatus further comprises an input device for inputting a signal representing a moving direction of the stage, a converter for converting a signal inputted to the input device on the basis of an observation image of the sample on the stage through the observation optical system into an output signal with a compensated relative rotational deviation between a moving direction defined by the observation image and a moving direction defined by the two guides and a driving device for moving the stage along the two guides on the basis of the output signal from the converter.

Abstract: A complete in situ PCR system for amplification of nucleic acids contained in a prepared cell or tissue sample. The containment system for the PCR sample comprises a glass microscope slide, a specimen sample containing the target nucleic acid sequence mounted on the slide, a flexible plastic cover over the sample, and a retaining assembly fastened to the slide and to the cover to retain and seal a reaction mixture against the sample during thermal cycling.The retaining assembly includes a rigid ring on a rim portion of the cover, a cross beam having spaced parallel rails joined by opposite flat ends, and a pair of clips which are pressed over the ends and opposite sides of the slide to fasten the cross beam and cover to the slide.

Abstract: An apparatus using electrophoresis provides accurate manipulation of an object on a microscope stage for further manipulations add reactions. The present invention also provides an inexpensive and easily accessible means to move an object without damage to the object. A plurality of electrodes are coupled to the stage in an array whereby the electrode array allows for distinct manipulations of the electric field for accurate manipulations of the object. There is an electrode array control coupled to the plurality of electrodes for manipulating the electric field. In an alternative embodiment, a chamber is provided on the stage to hold the object. The plurality of electrodes are positioned in the chamber, and the chamber is filled with fluid. The system can be automated using visual servoing, which manipulates the control parameters, i.e., x, y stage, applying the field, etc., after extracting the significant features directly from image data.

Abstract: A multipart chamber for cultivating cells for observing long-term cell cultures. Extremely small distances can be achieved between the objective of the microscope and the planes inside the chamber resulting for cell observation. Further, the chambers can have conduits attached thereto for feeding or draining liquid or gaseous materials therein.

Abstract: A biological culture growth and observation system provides for the growth of a biological sample in a growth medium, and the observation of the grown sample (organism) through a microscope objective once growth is sufficient as to permit discrimination of the biological sample. Observation and growth is achieved in a single device. The system includes a tray with a top, and a sealable section on the top. Included within the tray is a depression, or well, that receives the growth medium to grow the biological organism in the well. A lid is sealable and resealable around the sealable section on the top of the tray. An interior side of the lid, that faces the growth medium, does not fog up in the presence of the growth medium. Optionally included is a barrier layer that is positioned over the well. The barrier layer minimizes evaporation from the growth medium and permits the biological culture growth and observation system to have a long shelf life.

Abstract: The present invention is a chamber slide assembly having a base member, a cooperable vessel comprising a chamber and a neck wherein said vessel is removably attached to the base and a movable lever attached to the vessel for separating the vessel from the base. Preferably, the assembly may be used for carrying out biological reactions or growth therein, such as growing tissue or cell cultures.

Abstract: The present invention is a culture slide assembly having a base member, a cooperable receptacle chamber removably attached to the base and means for separating the chamber from the base. Preferably, the assembly may be used for carrying out biological reactions or growth therein, such as growing tissue or cell cultures.

Abstract: A microscope slide having on a first side an opaque, scratchable coating located at a marking region of the slide, and on a second opposing side located generally behind the scratchable coating at the marking region, a contrastingly-colored coating. Upon scribing an identification mark into the scratchable coating and thus removing the scratchable coating where scribed, the contrastingly-colored coating on the second side of the slide becomes visible from the first side of the slide in the area scribed.

Abstract: A culture slide kit for use in growing or differentiating various cell and tissue cultures, wherein the kit comprises a slide, a compartment and a bonding element. The compartment has sidewalls with an upper extremity and a lower margin, and is adapted to be operatively positioned on the upper surface of the slide. The bonding element is adapted to seal and releasably adhere the lower margin of the compartment sidewalls to the upper surface of the slide. Furthermore, the bonding element exhibits a greater bond strength with the compartment sidewall lower margin than with the upper surface of the slide, so that when the compartment is separated from the slide, substantially all of the adhesive is effectively removed from the slide.

Abstract: Slide for the microscopic evaluation of liquid specimens comprising a base plate, at least one evaluation chamber and a cover foil. The evaluation chambers have a specimen application zone and an evaluation area. A capillary gap is located between the evaluation zone and the cover foil. An improved slide compared to known devices was achieved by using a foil to cover the evaluation chambers and by spacers which ensure a defined thickness of the capillary gap.

Abstract: A complete in situ PCR system for amplification of nucleic acids contained in a prepared cell or tissue sample. The containment system for the PCR sample comprises a glass microscope slide, a specimen sample containing the target nucleic acid sequence mounted on the slide, a flexible plastic cover over the sample, and a retaining assembly fastened to the slide and to the cover to retain and seal a reaction mixture against the sample during thermal cycling. The retaining assembly includes a rigid ring on a rim portion of the cover, a cross beam having spaced parallel rails joined by opposite flat ends, and a pair of clips which are pressed over the ends and opposite sides of the slide to fasten the cross beam and cover to the slide.

Abstract: Devices and methods for both growing and in situ observation of microbiological cultures. The devices utilize thin transparent surfaces which bound a thin chamber which holds a layer of agar or the like and the microbiological sample. The agar and sample can be deposited through a sealable opening into the container. The dimensions of the container are such that it can be placed in a microscope allow in situ viewing of the culture through top or bottom surfaces. The method according to the invention fosters improved culture growth in the thin chamber and allows in situ observation of the culture with a conventional microscope.

Abstract: A securing and locking assembly for live cell chambers includes a ring shaped unit received in a circular shaped chamber base to be secured with an upper circular shaped chamber frame unit. The ring unit is rotatable over a limited arcuate distance, and includes four L-shaped fingers space 90.degree. apart and arranged to be received outside four 90.degree. spaced radially extending peripheral recesses formed in the upper chamber unit. Upon rotation of the ring unit a predetermined arcuate distance the fingers are positioned outside the recesses of the upper chamber frame unit and upon continuing rotation of yet another predetermined arcuate distance the upper portions of the fingers engage upper portions of the chamber frame unit to uniformly secure and lock the chamber base and upper chamber unit together. Rotating the ring unit in the opposite direction will result in the unlocking of the chamber base and the upper chamber unit from each other.

Abstract: A heater assembly for microscope objectives is disclosed. The assembly includes a loop-shaped flexible heating element sized and constructed to surround and operatively engage microscope objectives of different sizes. The heating element is fixed to a rigid housing. A thermistor is fixed in one end section of a slidable, tubular member arranged with the housing to translate towards and away and into and out of engagement of the thermistor with microscope objectives. Electrical conducting wiring connects the heating element and thermistor with a controllable heat energy for regulating the heat energy source to the microscope objective. The housing also supports a lock screw for securing the tubular member with the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a specimen of a body fluid, such as urine from a sample tube. The specimen is drawn through a reusable slide assembly for examination. The slide assembly includes a glass enclosure shaped to provide a viewing chamber for use with a microscope. A sample tube with a special plug and ball valve provides a solids collection chamber with which a uniform amount of body liquid is provided for the specimen.

Abstract: A microscope slide stage for holding a plurality of slides in a plane for sequential viewing by any slide viewer, the stage including a plurality of slide slots have associated with each slot a slidable wedging clamp for securing slides on the stage. The slide stage is particularly suitable for use with computerized slide mapping and analyzing devices.

Abstract: A complete in situ PCR system for amplification of nucleic acids contained in a prepared cell or tissue sample. The containment system for the PCR sample comprises a glass microscope slide, a specimen sample containing the target nucleic acid sequence mounted on the slide, a flexible plastic cover over the sample, and a retaining assembly fastened to the slide and to the cover to retain and seal a reaction mixture against the sample during thermal cycling. The retaining assembly includes a rigid ring on a rim portion of the cover, a cross beam having spaced parallel rails joined by opposite flat ends, and a pair of clips which are pressed over the ends and opposite sides of the slide to fasten the cross beam and cover to the slide.

Abstract: The process and product are disclosed for mounting free-flowing particles, which employ a support having a support surface with an array of tacky areas which have a size and bonding strength suitable for adhesion of either one or two of said particles. In the process the particles flow across the support surface to allow particles to contact the tacky areas and adhere thereto. An array of mounted particles may thus be provided which has at least 50% singly or doubly mounted particles.

Abstract: A biological assembly for effecting the examination of a sample in a liquid medium under magnification. The assembly includes a transparent slide with a sample chamber and an immediately adjacent overflow chamber formed on one main surface by a thin film. The sample chamber is receptive of a sample in a liquid medium. transparent slide, having a pattern for aligning it with the sample chamber, is disposed over the sample chamber. The transparent slide includes a grid etched into the lower surface thereof to enable the counting of cells under magnification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a high time resolution study of a reaction pattern of a cell or cell aggregates by light transmission microscopy during perfusion by different media. The apparatus comprises a light transparent chamber defining a first space for receiving a medium and a second space for receiving a cell or cell aggregates. The first space and second space are separated by a transparent slide and communicate with one another through a slit shaped opening. The slit shaped opening allows a first medium in the first space, for instance a control medium, to be drawn through the cell space by an external pump. The control medium in the first space may be replaced by a different medium, for instance a cytotoxic drug, by pumping the control medium from the first space and replacing it with the test medium. Pumping the control medium out of the first space however does not remove the control medium from the second space.

Abstract: A magnetic slide loading is used with automated cell counting equipment or manual optical microscopes to measure the number of cells in a fluid biological sample. A slide having a defined volume region holds the sample for measurement. A cover slip is placed over the defined volume region creating an enclosed volume. An actuable holder clamp is placed over the slide securing it as well as the cover slip in position by virtue of magnets secured to the bottom of the device exerting a magnetic force upon the holder clamp such that it is attracted toward the slide forcing the cover slip to flatten, thereby removing any defects or distortions from the volume. This action ensures that the volume has a uniform depth allowing accurate measurement of cell concentration within the biological sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microscope stage assembly for use in combination with magnification apparatus. The stage assembly includes a support assembly, temperature control assembly and fluid control assembly. The stage assembly provides for continuous visual observation of an object being magnified while at the same time controlling the thermal and fluid environment of the object. Physical and chemical changes to an object can be viewed continuously.

Abstract: An improved device for performing agglutination reactions is disclosed. The device has at least one chamber with a proximate zone and a distal zone in which chamber agglutination reactions can be performed. The improvement comprises utilization in the device of a layer of liquid absorbent material for controlling overall rate of liquid flow through the chamber. The layer of liquid absorbent material is selectively impregnated with a substance to form an impregnated region and a non-impregnated region wherein the non-impregnated region is liquid absorbent and the impregnated region is liquid-occlusive. A portion of the non-impregnated region is positioned within the distal zone of the chamber so that the non-impregnated region is in liquid communication with that zone.

Abstract: A probe clip for in situ assay of tissue sections in the form of a plate having a first seal member mounted thereon and forming an interior cavity on the plate. In one embodiment, a second seal member is mounted interiorly of the first seal member and divides the interior cavity into first and second fluid communicatable surfaces, with a probe dryingly attached to the plate and disposed on the second mixing surface. The plate is joined to a slide carrying a tissue section and a reactant fluid such to form fluid communicatable reaction and mixing chambers. Successive rotations of the joined plate and slide causes the reactant fluid to initially flow to the mixing chamber and release the probe, before the probe flows to the reaction chamber for reaction with the tissue section. In another embodiment, a time-release material covers the probe mounted on a plate having a single chamber. The reactant fluid hydrolyzes the time-release material to release the probe for reaction with the tissue.

Abstract: The stage assembly for use in a microscope comprises a mechanical stage having an opening therein, a stage support plate having an opening therethrough, a support for supporting the stage support plate in the opening in the mechanical stage, a device for heating/cooling or warming the stage support plate mounted to the stage support plate, a specimen chamber/coverslip assembly mounted on the stage support plate above the opening therethrough, a perfusion fluid preheater/cooler assembly mounted on the support plate, a perfusion fluid tubing extends through the preheater/cooler assembly and to a specimen chamber in the specimen chamber/coverslip assembly, and a conduit for withdrawing perfusion fluid from the specimen chamber.

Abstract: A specimen chamber comprising a central chamber element sandwiched between a base plate and a cover plate, which base plate and cover plate secure cover slips within recessed areas on opposite surfaces of the central chamber portion which face the base and cover plate. The central chamber element includes a central flow passage, which terminates at opposite ends into tee channels. The sandwiched arrangement of the elements is secured by locking pins, which are insertable into alignment post elements that extend from the base plate though the central chamber element and the cover plate. The locking pins include a plurality of locking cams.

Abstract: A transparent plastic slide for microscopic examination of fluids with at least one grid defined on the floor portion of the slide. The grid consisting of lines rising symmetrically from the floor portion of the slide with a line width of from about 0.05 to 0.005 mm. The lines defining enclosed areas, in which particles suspended in sample fluids can be counted. The sizes of enclosed areas being selected to be within the field of view for microscopic examination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel microscope slide. The slide of this invention is a plastic microscope slide which is optically opaque and substantially non-fluorescent. The slide of this invention has particular utility in epi-fluorescent microscopy.

Abstract: An optical positioning stage arranged for the precise movement of light optical components or the like composed of a pair of plates having rail receiving grooves, a pair of rails joining the plates and attached thereto by an adhesive, and a work piece mounting table slideably disposed between the rails and the plates, and an electric motor assembly consisting of a motor, a speed reducing gear train and an encoder all mounted on an additional plate positioned between the rails and operationally connected to the work piece table.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first and second cylindrical body member separately and coaxially mounted relative to one another with the first body member including a resilient perimeter eye piece mounted about a forward terminal end thereof to permit viewing interiorly of the first cylindrical body member through a focusing lens. The focusing lens coaxially aligned with a plurality of fixed lenses positioned forwardly of a slide receptacle for a slide member directed therethrough for sampling of various blood samples therewithin. A sample transparency is positionable forwardly of the slide member to permit visual observation of normal and abnormal blood samples for comparison with a sample mounted within the slide member. Illumination means is mounted rearwardly of the slide member.

Abstract: A microscope inspection slide including at least one examination chamber formed by bonding together a base plate and a cover plate. The base plate having a chamber floor surface raised above a deck surface on the base plate, and the cover plate having a roof surface with a depth control ridge positioned about a portion of the edge of the chamber roof surface. Bonding the cover plate to the base plate forms an examination chamber with the distance between the roof surface and floor surface maintained constant, and entrapped gases and excess fluid allowed to drain from the examination chamber through notches in the depth control ridge.

Abstract: A biological assembly for effecting the examination of a sample in a liquid medium under magnification. The assembly includes a transparent slide with a sample chamber and an immediately adjacent overflow chamber formed on one main surface by a thin film. The sample chamber is receptive of a sample in a liquid medium. transparent slide, having a pattern for aligning it with the sample chamber, is disposed over the sample chamber. The transparent slide includes a grid etched into the lower surface thereof to enable the counting cells under magnification.