Abstract: A plank positioning mechanism is adapted to move planks traveling in a traveling direction on a conveyor. The plank positioning mechanism comprises a conveying means traveling parallel to the conveyor; and a plurality of paddle assemblies mounted equidistant to the conveying means perpendicular to the traveling direction. The paddle assemblies comprise a movable part; and a motor adapted to drive the movable part perpendicular to the conveyor, Thereby, the movable part is adapted to thrust the plank perpendicular to its traveling direction as the paddle assembly travel parallel to the board.

Abstract: A stacking machine for stacking elongated members in a stack comprises a frame and a pair of cooperating stackers mounted thereto distant from each other. Each of the stackers comprises a driven master wheel, a slave wheel mounted eccentrically from the master wheel, a stacking arm assembly concurrently mounted to the master wheel and the slave wheel causing the master wheel to drive the slave wheel and a stacking arm assembly mounted to the stacking arm assembly, the stacking arm assembly comprising a stacking blade extending substantially parallel to the master wheel and defining a stacking face. The stacking faces of the cooperative stackers define a stacking plane supporting a layer of elongated members to be stacked, whereby the layers are moved one at a time on a stack.

Abstract: An optical cannula configured for implantation in biological tissue or other samples provides minimal invasiveness while accessing image deep structures within the sample. The cannula has a stabilizer portion that is used to affix the cannula to the sample, and an extension portion that protrudes into the sample and is either formed by, or contains, an optical probe that images a target area within the sample to an object image provided to an external optical device. The cannula has an integrated coupler portion that detachably connects to a connector of the external device, providing removable and interchangeable connection to external optical systems.

Abstract: An optical cannula configured for implantation in biological tissue or other samples provides minimal invasiveness while accessing image deep structures within the sample. The cannula has a stabilizer portion that is used to affix the cannula to the sample, and an extension portion that protrudes into the sample and is either formed by, or contains, an optical probe that images a target area within the sample to an object image provided to an external optical device. The cannula has an integrated coupler portion that detachably connects to a connector of the external device, providing removable and interchangeable connection to external optical systems.