Abstract: An optical scanning device is provided. The optical scanning device an excitation light source that is operable to illuminate the object to be scanned. An image detector is operable to detect excited emission rays through illumination of the object to be scanned by the excitation light source and imaging optics that dictate a focal distance. The image detector detects a scan image of the emission radiation of the object to be scanned with the highest level of image sharpness if the focal distance is maintained. A control device includes a distance sensor through which a distance between an optical scanning device and the object to be scanned can be measured, wherein maintenance of the focal distance as the function of the measured distance can be checked by the control device.

Abstract: Devices for the electrochemical detection of a nucleotide sequence in a fluid are described that include (a) a working electrode and a counter-electrode wherein the working electrode is attached to a biopolymer that has a specific affinity with the nucleotide sequence to be detected; (b) an exchangeable analysis cassette for introducing the fluid wherein the working electrode and the counter-electrode are arranged in the analysis cassette and can be contacted with the fluid; (c) a portable computer arrangement electrically connected with the analysis cassette containing a display and an energy source independent of an electrical supply net and (d) a temperature-regulating element for cooling and/or heating the fluid in the cassette, which is fed from the energy source. Analysis cassettes, systems of analysis cassettes, supplemental modules, and methods for producing analysis cassettes are also described.

Abstract: An optical scanning device is provided. The optical scanning device an excitation light source that is operable to illuminate the object to be scanned. An image detector is operable to detect excited emission rays through illumination of the object to be scanned by the excitation light source and imaging optics that dictate a focal distance. The image detector detects a scan image of the emission radiation of the object to be scanned with the highest level of image sharpness if the focal distance is maintained. A control device includes a distance sensor through which a distance between an optical scanning device and the object to be scanned can be measured, wherein maintenance of the focal distance as the function of the measured distance can be checked by the control device.

Abstract: A fluorescence scanner, having a light source for generating excitation light, a detector for detecting fluorescent light, and a data acquisition unit. The excitation light source is operated in pulsed fashion. The pulsed mode results in short exposure times for the fluorescence images, so that artifacts caused by motion are reduced.

Abstract: A thermocycler has, as heating devices, a plurality of heating blocks each with a respective coupling face, for heating at least one stationary specimen that during one temperature cycle has a plurality of temperature levels. The plurality of heating blocks is pivotably disposed, and the pivot axis is oriented perpendicularly to the coupling faces. The thermocycler is especially well suited for performing the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: A thermocycler has, as heating devices, a plurality of heating blocks each with a respective coupling face, for heating at least one stationary specimen that during one temperature cycle has a plurality of temperature levels. The plurality of heating blocks is pivotably disposed, and the pivot axis is oriented perpendicularly to the coupling faces. The thermocycler is especially well suited for performing the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: Devices for the electrochemical detection of a nucleotide sequence in a fluid are described that include (a) a working electrode and a counter-electrode wherein the working electrode is attached to a biopolymer that has a specific affinity with the nucleotide sequence to be detected; (b) an exchangeable analysis cassette for introducing the fluid wherein the working electrode and the counter-electrode are arranged in the analysis cassette and can be contacted with the fluid; (c) a portable computer arrangement electrically connected with the analysis cassette containing a display and an energy source independent of an electrical supply net and (d) a temperature-regulating element for cooling and/or heating the fluid in the cassette, which is fed from the energy source. Analysis cassettes, systems of analysis cassettes, supplemental modules, and methods for producing analysis cassettes are also described.

Abstract: An electromechanical control device for displacing and positioning an object such as a marker on a cathode ray tube screen has at least one control column normally biased in a central rest position which is manually displaceable against the bias in directions corresponding to coordinate axes on the screen. Displacement of the column operates a slide potentiometer which supplies an input voltage to a voltage controlled oscillator which produces an output pulse train which controls movement of the object to be displaced. The object to be displaced moves to a final position with a velocity determined by the amount of displacement of the control column. The final position of the object is achieved by incremental step movements of the column, with column movement controlling velocity and direction of movement only, with magnitude being controlled by an operator.