Abstract: Methods for enhancing the binding rate between at least two particulate binding partners are disclosed. Methods include flowing a first binding partner and a second binding partner, e.g., in a viscoelastic fluid, under conditions to chemically bind the first binding partner and the second binding partner to create a third binding partner. The flow conditions induce a particle size dependent, migration, e.g., radial, velocity differential between the first binding partner and the second binding partner and between the first binding partner and third binding partner, e.g., to increasing a collision frequency of the nanoparticles and the larger particles. Devices for enhancing the binding rate between at least two particulate binding partners are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are herein described which reduce the non-specific light scattering background from polymeric microspheres in aqueous suspension to a level where individual metal or metal-like plasmonic nanoparticles that have been chemically bound to the surface of individual polymeric microspheres can be imaged by high resolution optics and enumerated by image analysis software. The non-specific light scattering background is reduced by employing aqueous-miscible solvents to remove residual water at the microsphere surfaces and resuspending the microspheres in a fluid having a refractive index substantially similar to the refractive index of polymeric microspheres. Embodiments of the method disclosed herein enable sensitive quantitative assays for ligand receptor binding, antigen antibody binding and nucleic acid hybridization binding. The embodiments disclosed herein further may employ polystyrene microspheres and gold plasmonic nanoparticles.

Abstract: High-contrast, high-density cell-sized microparticles are introduced into a cell-containing solution prior to the solution being spread onto a planar substrate for imaging. The microparticles facilitate both the process of imager autofocusing and the subsequent registration of multiple images taken of regions of the substrate. The microparticles can further facilitate the correction of chromatic aberration.

Abstract: Non-uniformities in substrate thickness and surface topography contribute significantly to the need for auto-focusing on a sample deposited thereon. These auto-focusing needs can be reduced or eliminated by measuring and storing substrate surface topography for later retrieval by an imaging system that can use the topographic information to help set appropriate focal parameters. These steps can be done in advance of an imaging experiment to reduce focus-related delays during the experiment. Topographic information can be stored, for example, in a database, associated with a representation of a unique substrate identifier; entry of the representation retrieves the topographic information. As another example, topographic information can be stored in an encoding device associated with the substrate.

Abstract: Among other aspects, the present invention provides for the deposition of biological particles, such as cells, in a liquid, in a desired two-dimensional pattern on a planar surface of a substrate so as to permit rapid, simple, and sensitive detection of cells and/or sub-cellular components (e.g., proteins, biomarkers) disposed on the substrate. In various aspects, the systems and methods can enable reproducible high-throughput screening and/or allow for sensitive and specific detection of rare events in heterogeneous cell populations within a biological sample, with limited or no selective cell loss or sample enrichment.

Abstract: High-contrast, high-density cell-sized microparticles are introduced into a cell-containing solution prior to the solution being spread onto a planar substrate for imaging. The microparticles facilitate both the process of imager autofocusing and the subsequent registration of multiple images taken of regions of the substrate. The microparticles can further facilitate the correction of chromatic aberration.

Abstract: A system for determining the prognosis of a patient suffering from pulmonary embolism is provided. The system may include at least one computer system configure to receive patient specific data regarding his pulmonary embolism status. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a model of the patient's heart, with at least information of the two ventricles, and to determine the ratio of sizes of the ventricles. The system will then report such ratio to the clinician or report a risk index of clinical outcome for such patient.

Abstract: System for scatter-based differentiation of cells. The system includes a planar substrate having cells disposed thereon for imaging and a microscope employing relatively low magnification detection optics providing a wide field of view focused on the cells on the substrate and defining a microscope optical axis. An illuminator delivers light to the ceils on the substrate focused to a spot larger than the field of view of the microscope, the illuminator having an illumination optical axis highly oblique to the microscope optical axis wherein scattered light is collected by the microscope. A defection system receives the scattered light from the microscope to provide a measure of signal intensity and a measure of size for each cell for discrimination of cell type.

Abstract: System for scatter-based differentiation of cells. The system includes a planar substrate having cells disposed thereon for imaging and a microscope employing relatively low magnification detection optics providing a wide field of view focused on the cells on the substrate and defining a microscope optical axis. An illuminator delivers light to the ceils on the substrate focused to a spot larger than the field of view of the microscope, the illuminator having an illumination optical axis highly oblique to the microscope optical axis wherein scattered light is collected by the microscope. A defection system receives the scattered light from the microscope to provide a measure of signal intensity and a measure of size for each cell for discrimination of cell type.

Abstract: Non-uniformities in substrate thickness and surface topography contribute significantly to the need for auto-focusing on a sample deposited thereon. These auto-focusing needs can be reduced or eliminated by measuring and storing substrate surface topography for later retrieval by an imaging system that can use the topographic information to help set appropriate focal parameters. These steps can be done in advance of an imaging experiment to reduce focus-related delays during the experiment. Topographic information can be stored, for example, in a database, associated with a representation of a unique substrate identifier; entry of the representation retrieves the topographic information. As another example, topographic information can be stored in an encoding device associated with the substrate.

Abstract: Among other aspects, the present invention provides for the deposition of biological particles, such as cells, in a liquid, in a desired two-dimensional pattern on a planar surface of a substrate so as to permit rapid, simple, and sensitive detection of cells and/or sub-cellular components (e.g., proteins, biomarkers) disposed on the substrate. In various aspects, the systems and methods can enable reproducible high-throughput screening and/or allow for sensitive and specific detection of rare events in heterogeneous cell populations within a biological sample, with limited or no selective cell loss or sample enrichment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for photometric endoscope imaging. The methods can further include chromoendoscopy and computer aided detection procedures for the imaging of body lumens and cavities.

Abstract: High-contrast, high-density cell-sized microparticles are introduced into a cell-containing solution prior to the solution being spread onto a planar substrate for imaging. The microparticles facilitate both the process of imager autofocusing and the subsequent registration of multiple images taken of regions of the substrate. The microparticles can further facilitate the correction of chromatic aberration.

Abstract: An apparatus to mechanically stem (plug) a borehole or blast hole to contain or confine the gases generated by explosives is provided, thus preventing the energy generated by explosives to be released to the atmosphere. An assembly of the mechanical stemming apparatus for mining blasting operations according to the present invention comprises 2 pieces, placed one over the other: a base piece (1) and a central piece (6), and additionally includes two lateral wedge pieces (8) and four supporting pivots (11). The mechanical stemming apparatus according to the present invention and the entire apparatus set form a cylindrical body with a diameter lower than the borehole diameter and a length directly proportional to the diameter and depth of the boreholes or blast holes.

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus to mechanically stem (plug) a borehole or blast hole to contain or confine the gases generated by explosives, thus preventing the energy generated by explosives to be released to the atmosphere. An assembly of the mechanical stemming apparatus for mining blasting operations according to the present invention comprises 2 pieces, placed one over the other: a base piece (1) and a central piece (6), and additionally includes two lateral wedge pieces (8) and four supporting pivots (11). The mechanical stemming apparatus according to the present invention and the entire apparatus set form a cylindrical body with a diameter lower than the borehole diameter and a length directly proportional to the diameter and depth of the boreholes or blast holes.

Abstract: The structure of the present invention provides pivotable coupling of a head to a handle. The head may assume various pitch angles relative to the handle. Once place at a particular pitch angle the head is releasably fixed-in-place and opposes pitching of the head relative to the handle to assume a new pitch angle. With the application of sufficient force on the head, the head is released from the fixed-in-place pitch angle and a new pitch angle is achieved.

Abstract: Provided is a locking segmented handle for use with a cleaning implement and the like. The handle includes two or more segments that are coupled at assembly to form the handle. Each segment includes connector elements at connector ends of the segments. The connector elements of each segment include components that cooperate with corresponding components of the connector elements of other segments to preclude relative rotational motion of the segments after complete assembly of the segments to form the handle.

Abstract: A cleaning implement with a handle and a removable ergonomic cleaning pad can be used to effectively clean surfaces. Suitable combinations of length, length to width ratio, cleaning arc, cleaning angle, thickness, and basis weight for the cleaning pad offer ergonomic advantages for the appropriate cleaning task and cleaning implement. The cleaning implement also includes a preferred method for cleaning surfaces.

Abstract: An optically readable matrix (100) has four intersecting sides of approximately equal length defining a perimeter and includes a binary code formed from light and dark squares of substantially equal sizes located within the perimeter. The matrix (100) comprises first and second orientation squares (105, 110) included in the light and dark squares and located in opposite corners of the matrix (100). Each of the orientation squares (105, 110) preferably includes a contrasting circular area (115, 120) located in a predetermined position within the orientation square (105, 110) and having a predetermined size relationship with the orientation square (105, 110). Such a matrix (100) may be formed on a printed circuit board (505) for use in an electronic device (500) to convey information about the printed circuit board (505). An apparatus (600) for decoding the matrix (100) includes an optical scanner (610) for scanning the matrix (100) and for locating the orientation squares (105, 110).