Abstract: An automated laboratory slide management and interpretation system and method in which slides are stained and then digitally imaged and the images are interpreted prior to referral to a diagnostician or placement in storage. The interpretation of the images involves the application of pattern recognition principles to compare the digitized images to known sample patterns from a variety of sources. Additionally, based on the results of the interpretation, the slide may undergo additional testing or staining, and additional samples may be prepared and tested. The specimens may be delivered to the diagnostician along with a tentative diagnosis.

Abstract: A multi-axis chuck that rotates about at least two axes. Preferably, the axes are perpendicular. The multi-axis chuck includes a first portion, second portion, and third portion. Rear sides of the first portion and the second portion have a first mating portion that mates with a second mating portion provided on the second portion and the third portion, respectively. The mating portions enable the first portion and the second portion to be rotated about the axes. Preferably, the first portion rotates about a first axis independently of the second and third portions. Rotation of the second portion about a second axis preferably also rotates the first portion about the second axis. The multi-chuck is operatively connected to a motor, controller, and sensors. A user inputs a desired position into the controller that controls the motor. The motor rotates the multi-axis chuck to the desired position. The sensors are used to determine a position of the multi-axis chuck.

Abstract: An automated laboratory slide management and interpretation system and method in which slides are stained and then digitally imaged and the images are interpreted prior to referral to a diagnostician or placement in storage. The interpretation of the images involves the application of pattern recognition principles to compare the digitized images to known sample patterns from a variety of sources. Additionally, based on the results of the interpretation, the slide may undergo additional testing or staining, and additional samples may be prepared and tested. The specimens may be delivered to the diagnostician along with a tentative diagnosis.

Abstract: A multi-axis chuck that rotates about at least two axes. Preferably, the axes are perpendicular. The multi-axis chuck includes a first portion, second portion, and third portion. Rear sides of the first portion and the second portion have a first mating portion that mates with a second mating portion provided on the second portion and the third portion, respectively. The mating portions enable the first portion and the second portion to be rotated about the axes. Preferably, the first portion rotates about a first axis independently of the second and third portions. Rotation of the second portion about a second axis preferably also rotates the first portion about the second axis. The multi-chuck is operatively connected to a motor, controller, and sensors. A user inputs a desired position into the controller that controls the motor. The motor rotates the multi-axis chuck to the desired position. The sensors are used to determine a position of the multi-axis chuck.

Abstract: A multi-axis chuck that rotates about at least two axes. Preferably, the axes are perpendicular. The multi-axis chuck includes a first portion, second portion, and third portion. Rear sides of the first portion and the second portion have a first mating portion that mates with a second mating portion provided on the second portion and the third portion, respectively. The mating portions enable the first portion and the second portion to be rotated about the axes. Preferably, the first portion rotates about a first axis independently of the second and third portions. Rotation of the second portion about a second axis preferably also rotates the first portion about the second axis. The multi-chuck is operatively connected to a motor, controller, and sensors. A user inputs a desired position into the controller that controls the motor. The motor rotates the multi-axis chuck to the desired position. The sensors are used to determine a position of the multi-axis chuck.

Abstract: A system and method that enables automated reagent dispensing for tissue stainers. The stainers receive staining protocols from a central controller. The central controller may control a plurality of stainers simultaneously. The stainers obtain information provided on slide identifiers which is communicated to the central controller. The central controller determines a particular staining protocol to apply to a particular slide. The staining protocol is downloaded to the stainer which enables the stainer to operate without additional communication with the central controller. A user may manually initiate a staining protocol or the central controller may operate the stainers on a scheduled basis.

Abstract: A multi-axis chuck that rotates about at least two axes. Preferably, the axes are perpendicular. The multi-axis chuck includes a first portion, second portion, and third portion. Rear sides of the first portion and the second portion have a first mating portion that mates with a second mating portion provided on the second portion and the third portion, respectively. The mating portions enable the first portion and the second portion to be rotated about the axes. Preferably, the first portion rotates about a first axis independently of the second and third portions. Rotation of the second portion about a second axis preferably also rotates the first portion about the second axis. The multi-chuck is operatively connected to a motor, controller, and sensors. A user inputs a desired position into the controller that controls the motor. The motor rotates the multi-axis chuck to the desired position. The sensors are used to determine a position of the multi-axis chuck.

Abstract: A translucent synthetic material article such as an ophthalmic lens comprises a plurality of well-shaped cells, some of which have at least one upstanding projection on their bottom walls. The projection have a height between 1/5 and 1/1 the cell depth and are upwardly tapering and wedge-shaped. The plurality of cells are arranged in rows and columns to define a matrix. When the translucent article is illuminated, the well-shaped cells with upstanding projections display enhanced contrast compared with such cells without upstanding projections, thereby producing an identification marking or the like.

Abstract: A method for making a thermoplastic optical lens having at least one side coated with a thermosetting protective film is provided. The method includes steps of applying a thermosetting coating composition to a molding surface of the molding shell, disposing the thermoplastic lens blank in a horizontal position and vertically above the molding shell, heating the lens blank to cause thermal sagging under low static load conditions as the lens blank comes into contact with the coating composition on the molding surface and continuing heating until the lens blank mates with the molding surface.