Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed towards methods and devices for reducing or eliminating reflection-illuminated artifacts. The methods and devices in several embodiments can include providing a transparent lens cover with a blocking member for reflecting or absorbing internally-reflected light. The lens cover can be attached at the distal end of an endoscope, cannula, and/or lumen in some embodiments. Alternatively, the lens cover can be a permanent part of the endoscope, lumen, and/or cannula.

Abstract: An automated process for microcontact printing is provided, comprising the steps of providing a substrate and a stamp; automatically aligning the substrate and stamp so that the stamp is aligned relative to the substrate to impart a pattern to the substrate at a desired location and with a desired orientation on the substrate; applying an ink to the stamp, the ink including a molecular species adapted to form a self-assembling monolayer (SAM) on the substrate; contacting the stamp and the substrate; and separating the stamp from the substrate.

Abstract: A microcontact printing tool having a print unit including a stamp head with a stamp and a wafer chuck for retaining a substrate. The stamp contained by the stamped head movable relative to the substrate by an actuator and a stage. A plurality of sensors detect the position of the stamp relative to substrate. A method of using the printing tool that includes a real-time feedback for consistent and accurate application of force during the printing of the substrate. The stamp head includes a pressure chamber carrying the stamp. The stamp backing is deflected prior to contact of the stamp with the substrate to form a minimum point and the stamp backing and the stamp is returned to a plane to create a printing propagation contact. An apparatus has a master backing and a stamping backing in close proximity and the stamp material drawn in through a vacuum. The stamp is separated from the master by use of a parting fluid.

Abstract: Devices, tools and methods for performing minimally invasive surgical procedures. Methods of performing minimally invasive ablation procedures. Methods of performing rapid exchange of tools in a device while the device remains in a reduced-access surgical space.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for screening a single cell or a small group of cells for a desired biological activity. In particular, the present invention provides for delivering cell(s) to a plurality of cell isolation regions of a cell isolation device, transferring the cell(s) to a plurality of wells of a cell expansion device and detecting the potential desired biological activity of the cell(s). Each of the cell isolation regions comprise a bioaffinity region capable of binding a single cell or a small group of cell(s). This binding of cell(s) may be accomplished through the use of bioaffinity ligands immobilized in the bioaffinity regions of the cell isolation regions. Preferably, the wells of the cell expansion device encompass a cavity that provides sufficient volume for cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for screening a single cell or a small group of cells for a desired biological activity. In particular, the present invention provides for delivering cell(s) to a plurality of cell isolation regions of a cell isolation device, transferring cell(s) to a plurality of wells of a cell expansion device and then detecting the potential desired biological activity of the cell(s). Each of the receptacles comprise a recess sized to isolate a single cell or small group of cells and each of the wells encompass a cavity that provides sufficient volume for cell proliferation.

Abstract: An automated process for microcontact printing is provided, comprising the steps of providing a substrate and a stamp; automatically aligning the substrate and stamp so that the stamp is aligned relative to the substrate to impart a pattern to the substrate at a desired location and with a desired orientation on the substrate; applying an ink to the stamp, the ink including a molecular species adapted to form a self-assembling monolayer (SAM) on the substrate; contacting the stamp and the substrate; and separating the stamp from the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for screening a single cell or a small group of cells for a desired biological activity. In particular, the present invention provides for delivering cell(s) to a plurality of cell isolation regions of a cell isolation device, transferring the cell(s) to a plurality of wells of a cell expansion device and detecting the potential desired biological activity of the cell(s). Each of the cell isolation regions comprise a bioaffinity region capable of binding a single cell or a small group of cell(s). This binding of cell(s) may be accomplished through the use of bioaffinity ligands immobilized in the bioaffinity regions of the cell isolation regions. Preferably, the wells of the cell expansion device encompass a cavity that provides sufficient volume for cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for screening a single cell or a small group of cells for a desired biological activity. In particular, the present invention provides for delivering cell(s) to a plurality of cell isolation regions of a cell isolation device, transferring cell(s) to a plurality of wells of a cell expansion device and then detecting the potential desired biological activity of the cell(s). Each of the receptacles comprise a recess sized to isolate a single cell or small group of cells and each of the wells encompass a cavity that provides sufficient volume for cell proliferation.