Abstract: A shoulder abduction device having an integral storage compartment includes a block that is padded. A cavity extends into the block from an upper face of the block and is configured to stow an article. Each of opposing endpoints of a strap is selectively couplable to a respective opposing end of the block. The strap is configured to loopedly position around a waist of a user, positioning the opposing endpoints to couple to the block so that the block and the strap are coupled to the user with the block positioned on a side of a torso of the user. The block is configured to abduct a shoulder of the user.

Abstract: An ophthalmic method and apparatus for noninvasive diagnosis and quantitative assessment of cataract development and/or color blindness is provided. The method and apparatus with direct feedback from the subject, or historical data, provides a quantitative method for noninvasive diagnosis and quantitative assessment of cataract development. Also included is a mobile apparatus comprising a set of executable instructions that configures the mobile apparatus to determine an opacity of a cataract lens.

Abstract: An ophthalmic method and apparatus for noninvasive diagnosis and quantitative assessment of cataract development and/or color blindness is provided. The method and apparatus with direct feedback from the subject, or historical data, provides a quantitative method for noninvasive diagnosis and quantitative assessment of cataract development.

Abstract: An optoelectronic apparatus and method is provided. The application of which provides a quantitative index of cataract opacity in the human eye to help the clinical practitioner screen patients for referral for cataract lens replacement surgery. The invention includes at least one adjustable intensity optical reference light source selected from the group consisting of a green light source and a red-light source. The invention also includes at least one fixed intensity cataract absorption light source, selected from the group consisting of a blue light source, an indigo light source, and a violet light source.

Abstract: An optoelectronic apparatus and method is provided. The application of which provides a quantitative index of cataract opacity in the human eye to help the clinical practitioner screen patients for referral for cataract lens replacement surgery. The invention includes at least one adjustable intensity optical reference light source selected from the group consisting of a green light source and a red-light source. The invention also includes at least one fixed intensity cataract absorption light source, selected from the group consisting of a blue light source, an indigo light source, and a violet light source.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention an apparatus for a low numerical aperture exclusion imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include an electromagnetic illumination source for illuminating a portion of a specimen; and for collecting an image created by the electromagnetic radiation an objective lens optically coupled to the electromagnetic illuminated portion of the specimen. The apparatus also includes an optical blocking plate disposed between the objective lens and a focusing lens. The optical blocking plate is positioned to substantially block undesired electromagnetic radiation from image sources distally aligned in the same optical axis as the specimen. This invention is enhances narrow depth of field characteristics in imaging. It also enhances discreet imaging in a narrow focus field by eliminating some or most of the light which contributes to wide depth of field focus. This is useful for optical sectioning ranging from microscopy to photography.

Abstract: A light containment system providing increased safety to microscopy users while allowing the microscopy instrument to be used in an effective and efficient manner is provided. The light containment system includes a hemisphere or dome shaped enclosure that prevents dangerous intensities of light from exiting an objective lens and or microscopy sample holder while still allowing the user to witness and measure the direction of light in three dimensions.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method of delivering light to the hack aperture of a High Numerical Aperture (NA) Microscopy Objective lens for Total Internal Reflectance Microscopy (TIRFM) is provided. The apparatus and method include pumping light generated by a laser through an optical fiber which is optically coupled to the objective lens by a collimating optical element, such as, for example a lens or prism. The apparatus and method also include providing a fiber axial translator which is mechanically adjustable for focusing the laser light optically coupled to the objective lens. The apparatus also includes a mechanical coupler for mechanically coupling the apparatus to the object lens such that the laser light optically coupled to the objective lens can be adjusted to exceed, or not exceed, a critical angle associated with TIRFM illumination.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention an apparatus for a low numerical aperture exclusion imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include an electromagnetic illumination source for illuminating a portion of a specimen; and for collecting an image created by the electromagnetic radiation an objective lens optically coupled to the electromagnetic illuminated portion of the specimen. The apparatus also includes an optical blocking plate disposed between the objective lens and a focusing lens. The optical blocking plate is positioned to substantially block undesired electromagnetic radiation from image sources distally aligned in the same optical axis as the specimen. This invention is enhances narrow depth of field characteristics in imaging. It also enhances discreet imaging in a narrow focus field by eliminating some or most of the light which contributes to wide depth of field focus. This is useful for optical sectioning ranging from microscopy to photography.

Abstract: An apparatus for a low numerical aperture exclusion imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include an electromagnetic illumination source for illuminating a portion of a specimen; and for collecting an image created by the electromagnetic radiation an objective lens optically coupled to the electromagnetic illuminated portion of the specimen. The apparatus also includes an optical blocking plate disposed between the objective lens and a focusing lens. The optical blocking plate is positioned to substantially block undesired electromagnetic radiation from image sources distally aligned in the same optical axis as the specimen. This invention enhances narrow depth of field characteristics in imaging and also enhances discreet imaging in a narrow focus field by eliminating some or most of the light which contributes to wide depth of field focus which is useful for optical sectioning ranging from microscopy to photography.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method of delivering light to the hack aperture of a High. Numerical Aperture (NA) Microscopy Objective lens for Total Internal Reflectance Microscopy (TIRFM) is provided. The apparatus and method include pumping light generated by a laser through an optical fiber which is optically coupled to the objective lens by a collimating optical element, such as, for example a lens or prism. The apparatus and method also include providing a fiber axial translator which is mechanically adjustable for focusing the laser light optically coupled to the objective lens. The apparatus also includes a mechanical coupler for mechanically coupling the apparatus to the object lens such that the laser light optically coupled to the objective lens can be adjusted to exceed, or not exceed, a critical angle associated with TIRFM illumination.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention an apparatus for a low numerical aperture exclusion imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include an electromagnetic illumination source for illuminating a portion of a specimen, and for collecting an image created by the electromagnetic radiation an objective lens optically coupled to the electromagnetic illuminated portion of the specimen. The apparatus also includes an optical blocking plate disposed between the objective lens and a focusing lens. The optical blocking plate is positioned to substantially block undesired electromagnetic radiation from image sources distally aligned in the same optical axis as the specimen. This invention enhances narrow depth of field characteristics in imaging. It also enhances discreet imaging in a narrow focus field by eliminating some of most of the light which contributes to wide depth of field focus. This is useful for optical sectioning ranging from microscopy to photography.

Abstract: A launch system and method for microscopy having an optical fiber positioned proximate a sample slide with an optical fiber mounting element so as to deliver an EMR from a terminal end of the optical fiber across a surface of the sample slide to an opposing side surface at a desired incident angle.

Abstract: A system and method for referencing an objective lens to a desired plane of focus. In one embodiment, a dichroic element is utilized to reflect energy of one or more wavelengths that has passed through an objective lens to a detector for determining a position of the objective lens to a desired plane of focus. The objective lens may be manually and/or automatically focused to the desired plane of focus.