Abstract: There is provided a microscopy device capable of (i) moving a liquid immersion objective lens to a location where liquid, such as an oil or water, can be applied to the liquid immersion objective lens, and (ii) moving the liquid immersion objective lens having liquid applied thereto to a sample holder, to be used to acquire images of a sample. The liquid application process can be automated so that the liquid on the objective lens is replenished as necessary. The device can automatically focus the lens to facilitate scanning, and can be configured to change objective lenses. Other embodiments, including using such a device in high content/high throughput scanning, are also described.

Abstract: A compact laser system with a folded annular resonator cavity defined by spherical mirrors (17, 18), enabling the generation of a multipass beam path between the mirrors, each beam pass inclined at a small angle to the axis between the mirrors to form a zig-zag path (28, 29) therebetween. A long optical path is achieved within a short physical structure. The optical resonator cavity is confined in the gap between two cylindrical coaxial electrodes (13, 14) receiving RF power to excite the lasing gas. Apertures (23) are provided in the main cavity mirrors (17, 18), with a high reflectivity end mirror (24) behind one aperture at one end and a partially reflective output coupler (25) at the other end. A channeled ceramic cylindrical element (15, 20) within the annular shaped gap between the two cylindrical electrodes confines the lasing gas to the channels (16).

Abstract: A compact laser system with a folded annular resonator cavity defined by spherical mirrors (17, 18), enabling the generation of a multipass beam path between the mirrors, each beam pass inclined at a small angle to the axis between the mirrors to form a zig-zag path (28, 29) therebetween. A long optical path is achieved within a short physical structure. The optical resonator cavity is confined in the gap between two cylindrical coaxial electrodes (13, 14) receiving RF power to excite the lasing gas. Apertures (23) are provided in the main cavity mirrors (17, 18), with a high reflectivity end mirror (24) behind one aperture at one end and a partially reflective output coupler (25) at the other end. A channeled ceramic cylindrical element (15, 20) within the annular shaped gap between the two cylindrical electrodes confines the lasing gas to the channels (16).

Abstract: A gripping system including a pneumatic arm assembly, which includes an anchoring bracket, first and second pairs of arms pivotably attached to opposing sides of the anchoring bracket, and a connector bracket, pivotably attached to the first and second pairs of arms. Motion of the connector bracket results from motion of the first and second pairs of arms. A gripping assembly is mounted onto the connector bracket, and includes a pair of gripping arms adapted to grip an object. A pneumatic control assembly includes a pneumatic piston which drives motion of the first and second pairs of arms, the connector bracket, and the gripping arms. During the motion of the connector bracket and the gripping arms, an angle of the connector bracket and of the gripping arms relative to the x-y plane remains relatively constant.

Abstract: There is provided plate equipped with a mechanism to facilitate determination of the amount of a fluid added to or removed from a well in the plate. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: There is provided plate equipped with a mechanism to facilitate determination of the amount of a fluid added to or removed from a well in the plate. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: There is provided plate equipped with a mechanism to facilitate determination of the amount of a fluid added to or removed from a well in the plate. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: There is provided plate equipped with a mechanism to facilitate determination of the amount of a fluid added to or removed from a well in the plate. Other embodiments are also described.