Abstract: Systems for filling sample array by droplet dragging are provided. One aspect of the invention provides an array filling system for filling a platen having a platen surface and an array of receptacles, the receptacles having an internal surface and the receptacles separated by the platen surface, the system comprising: a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid; and a controller configured to position the liquid transfer device in proximity to the platen surface and to move the liquid transfer device across the surface and over the receptacles to be filled so as to cause sequential communication of liquid in the liquid transfer device with the interior surface of each receptacle.

Abstract: A method and an array filling system for loading a plurality of disparate sample containers, the sample containers comprising an integral structure. Each receptacle is characterized by a hydrophilic surface, and the receptacles are separated by a hydrophobic surface. The system has a liquid transfer device capable of holding liquid and adapted for motion to cause sequential communication of liquid held in the liquid transfer device with successive receptacles of the array by dragging the liquid across the hydrophobic surface.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for a microfluidic assay system is described. The dispenser includes at least one transfer pin for transferring a microfluidic sample of liquid to a target receptacle. A pin tip at one end of the transfer pin is structured to cooperate with an opening in the target receptacle. The tip uses capillary action to transfer the sample from the pin to the receptacle.

Abstract: A platform Smart Scalpel system using rapid real-time feedback for effecting laser treatment. The platform system includes an imaging system for rapid real-time detection of tissue characteristics, a processing system for processing the detected characteristics, and a treatment system for effecting treatment in accordance with results of the processing. The platform system provides for preprogramming and real-time inputting conditions and parameters for diagnosis using the imaging system and/or treatment using the treatment system.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing and using an apparatus for manipulating and analyzing a large number of microscopic samples of a liquid or materials, including cells, in liquid suspension. Parallel through-holes are formed in a platen and loaded with a liquid. Loading may be performed in such a way as to create a gradient, with respect to the position of the through-holes, of the concentration of a particular substance or of another quantity. Mixing of the contents of through-holes may be obtained by bringing filled microwell arrays into contact with each other with registration of individual through-holes.

Abstract: Methods for loading a plurality of liquid samples into a through-hole array. Each transfer member of an array of transfer members is positioned for drawing a liquid sample from a distinct well of a microtiter plate. Liquid samples are drawn from wells of the microtiter plate and the array of transfer members is registered with a subset of through-holes of a through-hole array. The liquid samples are then dispensed from the transfer members into through-holes of the through-hole array.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for a microfluidic assay system is described. The dispenser includes at least one transfer pin for transferring a microfluidic sample of liquid to a target receptacle. A pin tip at one end of the transfer pin is structured to cooperate with an opening in the target receptacle. The tip uses a high voltage potential to transfer the sample from the pin to the receptacle.

Abstract: A platform Smart Scalpel system using rapid real-time feedback for effecting laser treatment. The platform system includes an imaging system for rapid real-time detection of tissue characteristics, a processing system for processing the detected characteristics, and a treatment system for effecting treatment in accordance with results of the processing. The platform system provides for preprogramming and real-time inputting conditions and parameters for diagnosis using the imaging system and/or treatment using the treatment system.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing and using an apparatus for manipulating and analyzing a large number of microscopic samples of a liquid or materials, including cells, in liquid suspension. Parallel through-holes are formed in a platen and loaded with a liquid. Loading may be performed in such a way as to create a gradient, with respect to the position of the through-holes, of the concentration of a particular substance or of another quantity. Mixing of the contents of through-holes may be obtained by bringing filled microwell arrays into contact with each other with registration of individual through-holes.

Abstract: An absorption imaging spectrometer for providing a three-dimensional spectral image of a light-transmitting sample. Temporally incoherent light is used to illuminate the sample, with a portion of the beam split off as a reference beam and subsequently recombined with the return beam from the sample after a variable delay path. An optical configuration is provided for modulating a time delay of the reference beam, with the interferogram obtained at each surface of dielectric discontinuity within the sample being deconvolved to derive an absorption spectrum.

Abstract: A pump for impelling a fluid includes a first variable volume, the first variable volume having a first inlet for allowing the influx of the fluid into the first variable volume and a first outlet for allowing the efflux of the fluid out of the first variable volume and a first membrane defining at least a portion of the first variable volume. The pump also includes a first contractile actuator, for displacing the first membrane from a first position to a second position in such a manner as to vary the first variable volume and a second contractile actuator, for restoring the first membrane from the second position to the first position in such a manner as to vary the first variable volume. A first check valve is coupled to the first inlet for regulating the influx of fluid into the first variable volume through the first inlet and a second check valve is coupled to the first outlet for regulating the efflux of the fluid out of the first variable volume through the first outlet.

Abstract: A method for deriving a spectrum of a substance in such a manner as to enhance a specified characteristic of the spectrum. Irregular intervals are chosen in the signal domain for sampling the signal. The irregular intervals may be randomly spaced. The signal is sampled at the irregular intervals and transformed into the transform domain through application of a transform algorithm, such as a fast orthogonal search, capable of accommodating an irregularly sampled signal. Interferometric spectrometers having parallel optical paths with irregularly spaced phase delays are provided for the practice of the claimed method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the temperature profile of the surface of a medium such as a solid or a liquid. The surface is imaged onto an array of detectors which generate an electronic output indicative of the temperature profile of the surface. A heating beam provided by a laser is scanned across the surface, providing radiation which heats the surface locally in a pattern based upon the detected temperature profile and the desired temperature profile.

Abstract: An electronic imaging system for rapid high-resolution scanning of images such as those recorded on movie films. A multiple beam generating arrangement provides an array of light beams incident on one side of the image, while a corresponding array of light-sensing elements is disposed on the opposing side of the image. An output processor provides a value of light intensity as a function of beam position for the entire region of the image scanned by the beam array.