Abstract: A transfer device (100) comprises a housing (110) defining a chamber (130), carriers (120), and an adjustable spacing mechanism (124). The carriers (120) can be positioned in the chamber (130) and have receiving openings (158). The spacing mechanism (124) is configured to move carriers (120) relative to one another along a chamber (130) to a desired spatial arrangement. Items, such as microscope slides (260), can be transferred between slide holder devices by using the transfer device (100). The pitch of the carriers (120) can be adjusted to receive and dispense slides (260).

Abstract: A microscope slide holding cassette includes a main body for surrounding and protecting microscopes, and shelves capable of holding the microscope slides. The shelves have support members that extend outwardly in order to support label ends of slides. Catches carried at the end of the support members are capable of limiting movement of the slides during transport of the cassette. To transport slides to different workstations, a pickup device can use a vacuum to pick up a slide without contacting areas of the slide that may have glue. The pickup device can load and unload the cassette. The pickup device can have a low-profile configuration in order to access relatively small spaces for processing flexibility.

Abstract: A transfer device (100) comprises a housing (110) defining a chamber (130), carriers (120), and an adjustable spacing mechanism (124). The carriers (120) can be positioned in the chamber (130) and have receiving openings (158). The spacing mechanism (124) is configured to move carriers (120) relative to one another along a chamber (130) to a desired spatial arrangement. Items, such as microscope slides (260), can be transferred between slide holder devices by using the transfer device (100). The pitch of the carriers (120) can be adjusted to receive and dispense slides (260).

Abstract: A light bar including a light pipe. The light pipe includes at least one substantially flat end, a substantially flat back surface and an emitting surface opposing the substantially flat back surface. The at least one substantially flat end is substantially polished. The substantially flat back side is substantially polished. The emitting surface being texturally diffused. The light bar also includes at least one light source proximate to at least one of the at least one substantially flat end. The least one light source emitting light at a first angle toward the substantially flat back surface.

Abstract: A pen computer includes a recession in the top surface adapted to releaseably retain a pen device. The pen is visible from the top, yet securely retained for storage and transport. The recession is proximate and parallel to one edge of the computer and includes an access notch exteding rom the edge of the computer to the recession which is sized so that a user can grasp and remove the pen device from the recession by placing a finger in the access notch. Retention is by provided by two resilient retention devices near either end of the recession.