Abstract: An apparatus and process for automatically, repetitively sampling blood from conscious animals. The apparatus can simultaneously extract blood from a number of conscious, catherized animals at programmable time intervals. The apparatus is characterized as a system of computer controlled valves and pumps connected by tubing filled with saline solution to a catherized animal. Blood samples are collected via a cannula from the animal and placed in a fraction collector for analyses.

Abstract: The absorption of a spacer material in a Fabry-Perot type structure is changed to achieve an optical switching function. In one embodiment, the spacer material is a semiconductor material and an electronic control signal changes the Fabry-Perot between a transmissive state and a reflective state. In the reflective state, the device operates as a switch can be modeled as a mirror on a substrate of quasi-infinite thickness. In a further embodiment, a wavelength-selective optical component is placed between the input of the switch and the Fabry-Perot structure to improve the spectral response of the switch.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for securely gripping and holding a microplate or other containers during robotic de-lidding operations. A microplate placed on the apparatus is held by a vacuum drawn through the base thereof, allowing the lid of the microplate to be removed without movement of the plate. Afterwards, the vacuum can be discontinued and the plate removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for automatically, repetitively sampling blood from conscious animals. The apparatus can simultaneously extract blood from a number of conscious, catherized animals at programmable time intervals. The apparatus is characterized as a system of computer controlled valves and pumps connected by tubing filled with saline solution to a catherized animal. Blood samples are collected via a cannula from the animal and placed in a fraction collector for analyses.

Abstract: A method is described for depositing a complex optical multilayer coating on a substrate. The coating consists of multiple layers of at least two material types. The layers are sequentially deposited in a deposition chamber by reactive deposition; preferably sputtering, and the thickness of the deposited layers is determined one or more times during the layer deposition by taking optical measurements of the deposited layer and fitting theoretical values derived from a model of the deposited layers to the corresponding actual values obtained from said measurements. A process variable is continually controlled to ensure homogeneity of the deposited layers so that a valid thickness determination can be made from said theoretical model.

Abstract: In a method of sputtering thin films onto a substrate, the substrate is placed below a sputtering source assembly in a vacuum chamber. A light beam is projected onto the substrate and passes through an optical passage in the sputtering source assembly. In this way, the growth of the sputtered film can be accurately monitored at near normal angles of incidence.