Abstract: A microscope is disclosed that has a base, a slide holder configured to accept a slide, and an illuminator comprising a light-emitting surface configured to project light on an optical path toward the slide when the slide is accepted by the slide holder. There is no light-shaping apparatus disposed on the optical path between the illuminator and the slide holder.

Abstract: A method of positioning a slide for examination is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing the slide in a carrier configured to retain the slide, placing the carrier in a cartridge configured to accept the carrier, coupling the cartridge to a microscope, and activating the microscope to automatically extract the carrier from the cartridge and position the carrier such that a portion of the slide is disposed within a field of view (FOV) of the microscope.

Abstract: A slide handling system is disclosed. The system has a carrier comprising a retention hole, a compartment configured to accept the carrier, and a spacer disposed so as to engage the retention hole when the carrier is fully seated in the compartment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for handling slides. The system includes a carrier having a linear engagement feature and a notch, a cartridge having a compartment configured to accept the carrier, and a cartridge positioning system with a platform configured to accept the cartridge and an actuator. The actuator has a rotary engagement feature configured to engage the linear engagement feature and a tab configured to interact with the notch when the carrier is accepted into the compartment and the cartridge is accepted onto the platform.

Abstract: A system for positioning a cartridge is disclosed. The system has a drive rod with a body having a first axis and a groove formed in the body. The groove has a first portion that is not perpendicular to the first axis and a second portion that is perpendicular to the first axis. The system also includes a collar that coupled to the drive rod. The collar has an element configured to engage the groove. Rotation of the drive rod with respect to the collar while the element is engaged in the first portion of the thread causes the collar to move with respect to the first axis. Rotation of the drive rod with respect to the collar while the element is engaged with the second portion of the thread causes the collar to remain stationary with respect to the first axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods for handling slides. The apparatus includes a carrier comprising a retention hole and a cartridge having a case coupled to one or more separators that together define a plurality of compartments each configured to accept the carrier. At least one of the separators comprises a guide hole, with all guide holes are disposed on a first axis. The retention hole of the carrier is aligned with the first axis when the carrier is disposed in a seated position within one of the compartments. The cartridge also comprises a plurality of spacers each partially disposed within at least one of the guide holes.