Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of testing and evaluation of biological samples and provides an apparatus for cultured samples including at least one independently accessible module adapted for incubating at least one of a number of samples wherein the at least one module is operatively associated with a light source and a movable optical inspection means adapted for motion about a viewing axis through the module to enable a sweeping of viewing area. The invention also provides a method of assessing cultured samples for viability, including the steps of: disposing biological samples in a substantially elliptical arrangement within a culturing chamber of an independently accessible module and imaging individual samples of the substantially elliptical arrangement with optical inspection means driven within an X-Y plane that is normal to a viewing axis through the module to obtain time lapse measurement of development of individual samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of testing and evaluation of biological samples and provides apparatus for cultured samples comprising at least one independently accessible module adapted for incubating at least one of a plurality of samples wherein the at least one module is operatively associated with a light source and a movable optical inspection means adapted for motion about a viewing axis through the module to enable a sweeping of viewing area. The invention also provides a method of assessing cultured samples for viability comprising the steps of: disposing biological samples in a substantially elliptical arrangement within a culturing chamber of an independently accessible module; imaging individual samples of the substantially elliptical arrangement with optical inspection means driven within an X-Y plane that is normal to a viewing axis through the module to obtain time lapse measurement of development of individual samples.

Abstract: A heat pump system including a water reservoir tank, positioned proximate to a building, having a remote heat source associated therewith and ducting for drawing the heat source to the tank. The tank has an evaporator and a fan positioned to draw heat from the heat source and transfer the heat to the evaporator and a compressor for transferring the heat to the tank. A smart controller designed to optimize the efficiency of the heat pump water heaters may be used. The controller uses various inputs including ambient conditions and water consumption data to make an intelligent decision on when to run the system, based on a set of user preferences.