Abstract: An optical filter including at least one substrate and first and second thin-film interference filters disposed directly on the substrate. The interference filters include a plurality of hard coating thin film layers of alternating high and low index of refraction. A filter set capable of providing low image shift is also provided.

Abstract: Highly discriminating optical edge filters and methods of making the same are disclosed. The optical edge filters have an edge steepness greater than about 0.8% as measured by dividing (a) the edge width from the 50% transmission wavelength to the optical density 6 (“OD6”) wavelength by (b) the 50% transmission wavelength. The optical filters also have an average transmission above about 95%. The methods for making such filters accurately determine when deposition of each layer of the filter should terminate. The methods include calculating theoretical transmission data for a layer of the filter and calculating an expected deposition duration for the layer. The methods also include measuring transmission through the layer during deposition for a period less than the expected deposition duration.

Abstract: An optical filter including at least one substrate and first and second thin-film interference filters disposed directly on the substrate. The interference filters include a plurality of hard coating thin film layers of alternating high and low index of refraction. A filter set capable of providing low image shift is also provided.

Abstract: An optical filter including at least one substrate and first and second thin-film interference filters disposed directly on the substrate. The interference filters include a plurality of hard coating thin film layers of alternating high and low index of refraction. A fluorescence spectroscopy system and method of selecting a band of wavelengths from light in a fluorescence spectroscopy system are also provided.

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: An optical filter including at least one substrate and first and second thin-film interference filters disposed directly on the substrate. The interference filters include a plurality of hard coating thin film layers of alternating high and low index of refraction. A fluorescence spectroscopy system and method of selecting a band of wavelengths from light in a fluorescence spectroscopy system are also provided.

Abstract: A mold box for producing a plurality of masonry units with a roughened texture side face, the mold box including a plurality of side walls defining a mold cavity open at its top and bottom, adapted to receive masonry fill material by way of its open top, and to discharge molded fill material in the form of a molded masonry unit of predetermined height by way of its open bottom; and a division member spanning between two of the side walls to define two subcavities in the mold box, the division member comprising a grate.

Abstract: A mold box for producing a plurality of masonry units with a roughened texture side face, the mold box including a plurality of side walls defining a mold cavity open at its top and bottom, adapted to receive masonry fill material by way of its open top, and to discharge molded fill material in the form of a molded masonry unit of predetermined height by way of its open bottom; and a division member spanning between two of the side walls to define two subcavities in the mold box, the division member comprising a grate.

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 mold box for producing a plurality of masonry units with a roughened texture side face, the mold box including a plurality of side walls defining a mold cavity open at its top and bottom, adapted to receive masonry fill material by way of its open top, and to discharge molded fill material in the form of a molded masonry unit of predetermined height by way of its open bottom; and a division member spanning between two of the side walls to define two subcavities in the mold box, the division member comprising a grate.

Abstract: A mold box for producing a plurality of masonry units with a roughened texture side face, the mold box including a plurality of side walls defining a mold cavity open at its top and bottom, adapted to receive masonry fill material by way of its open top, and to discharge molded fill material in the form of a molded masonry unit of predetermined height by way of its open bottom; and a division member spanning between two of the side walls to define two subcavities in the mold box, the division member comprising a grate.

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.

Abstract: An improved gripping and pinching device particularly useful with laboratory glassware and adaptable for use with a robot or automated system, is disclosed. The device uses flexible tubing as a gripper, eyedropper pincher and as a pinch valve which biases and releases test tubes, vials or the like upon removal and application of a vacuum or pressurizing means.