Abstract: A cassette reader for detecting the status of stained samples is provided. The colorimeter includes one or more high power emitting diodes as the source of illuminating the sample. An elliptical mirror, with a central aperture to permit the light to penetrate on to the sample, directs the scattered light on to its focal point at a detector. The colorimeter includes a microprocessor which compares an output signal for the percent ratio value of the detected values of a sample and a standard sample. The colorimeter housing provides position sensors which allow the identification of the well being examined. Finally, the system is modified to measure cell motility by determining the ratio of motile sperms to total cell concentration.

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: An improved motility scanner is disclosed for characterizing the motion of sperm, bacteria, particles suspended in flowing fluids and the like. The motility scanner includes an improved optical system, a source of illumination for the system and radiation sensing means including electronic image reversal means coupled to the system. A disposable specimen holder allows external loading thereof and its positioning on a heated specimen support. The illumination source functions as a collimator in directing all of the emanating illumination onto the specimen. Both directly transmitted light and light scattered by the specimen are received by an imaging lens and are both focussed thereby onto pixels of a light sensitive device. A movable plate provided with a retarding member is designed to be located at the plane conjugate to the plane of the small source aperature. The directly transmitted light is transmitted through the retarding member and/or the attenuating member.

Abstract: A motility scanner and method are disclosed for characterizing the motion of sperm, bacteria, particles suspended in flowing fluids and the like. The motility scanner preferably is mounted as a portable unit in a container and includes an optical system, a source of illumination for the system, a heated specimen support disposed in the system, ratiation sensing means coupled to the system, signal processing means for analyzing signals generated by the radiation sensing means, and a front panel disposed on the container and featuring an output screen, a printer and controls required for operating the motility detector, including a power switch. A disposable specimen holder of unique design allows external loading thereof and its positioning on the heated specimen support. The source of illumination can be a conventional filament lamp or one or more LED's. Power for the motility scanner can be self contained by incorporating a battery pack within the container or it can be derived from a conventional 110 V.A.C.

Abstract: In an artificial vagina for use in animal artificial insemination that includes a tubular section with an intromission orifice, a thin, flexible plastic sheet liner of a generally cylindrical shape with an intromission opening and a collection chamber is insertable into the artificial vagina, and disposable after one use. A filter mounted on a ring is located within the liner at a reduced diameter portion located intermediate the collection chamber and the main portion of the liner. An external strap frictionally engages the ring to secure the filter.