Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to methods, apparatuses, and systems for operating logistic robotic systems. In various embodiments, an end effector configured to selectively engage an object may comprise a frame assembly; and a gripping mechanism configured to grasp the object using one or more grasping element, the one or more grasping element being configurable between an open configuration and an activated configuration; wherein the gripping mechanism is independently moveable relative to the frame assembly in one or more directions; and wherein the end effector is configured to engage the object such that the frame assembly contacts a first portion of the object, and the gripping mechanism contacts a second portion of the object. Further, various embodiments are directed to a system for handling an object within a handling environment comprising an end effector configured to selectively engage the object and a controller communicatively connected with the end effector.

Abstract: A mobile imaging system includes an imaging box, including an enclosure for blocking an interior of the imaging box from ambient light, where the imaging box includes an opening through the enclosure. A designated surface is positioned within the interior of the imaging box for supporting a sample, where the sample, when supported on the designated surface, is viewable through the opening. The imaging box includes an energy source for transmitting light through the sample. A support structure is fixedly attached to an exterior of the imaging box at the opening for releasably attaching a mobile device to the imaging box over the opening. When the mobile device is releasably attached to the imaging box, the support structure is configured to face a camera lens of the mobile device toward the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blue to white light conversion device, comprising: a light conversion subassembly comprising at least one light conversion layer, sandwiched between two light transmitting members, wherein the light conversion layer comprises a light conversion material comprising phosphors and/or quantum dots; at least one light diffusing subassembly neighboring the light conversion subassembly; and a top frame and a bottom frame surrounding the light diffusing subassembly and light conversion subassembly, respectively.

Abstract: A gel excitation apparatus for exciting a gel that includes a container for holding an aqueous solution within which the gel can be positioned, at least one light source disposed whereas the light path is perpendicular to the optical axis, the container for irradiating the gel with radiation within at least a first wavelength band, the first wavelength band selected to excite the gel to cause the gel to emit radiation into said aqueous solution. The aqueous core of the apparatus has a low refractive index, thus retaining the first wavelength band selected within said aqueous core to excite the gel. Thus, the aqueous core functions not only to increase the efficiency of excitation, but also increases the contrast between excitation light and sample emission light by retaining the light within said aqueous core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expeditiously carrying out the preparation and imaging steps of the electrophoresis process. The apparatus of the invention includes a novel supporting surface comprising TEFLON® AF that acts as a multi-function gel supporting surface which minimizes the probability of damaging the gel during transfer and provides a supporting surface that has an index of refraction lower than that of water and that of water based gel. When the TEFLON® AF supporting surface is used to support the gel, or other mostly aqueous, fluorescent sample, the surface becomes a planar, aqueous core waveguide which traps the excitation light thereby increasing the efficiency of excitation.

Abstract: A gel excitation apparatus for exciting a gel that includes a container for holding an aqueous solution within which the gel can be positioned, at least one light source disposed proximate the container for irradiating the gel with radiation within at least a first wavelength band, the first wavelength band selected to excite the gel to cause the gel to emit radiation into said aqueous solution. The aqueous core of the apparatus functions not only to increase the efficiency of excitation, but also increases the contrast between excitation light and sample emission light.

Abstract: An imaging system for obtaining images of a specimen that includes a novel filtering system for filtering radiation emitted from the specimen. The imaging system includes a camera and a novel filter grid that is controllably movable relative to the camera in a manner to move a selected emission filter of a plurality of emission filters carried by the grid into position between the camera and the specimen. The filter carrying grid of the system resides in a plane having X and Y coordinates and the system includes a novel positioning mechanism for controllably moving the filter carrying grid along the X and Y coordinates of the plane in a manner to position a selected one of the emission filters carried by the grid into position between the camera and the specimen.

Abstract: An imaging system for obtaining images of a specimen that includes a novel filtering system for filtering radiation emitted from the specimen. The imaging system includes a camera and a novel filter grid that is controllably movable relative to the camera in a manner to move a selected emission filter of a plurality of emission filters carried by the grid into position between the camera and the specimen. The filter carrying grid of the system resides in a plane having X and Y coordinates and the system includes a novel positioning mechanism for controllably moving the filter carrying grid along the X and Y coordinates of the plane in a manner to position a selected one of the emission filters carried by the grid into position between the camera and the specimen.