Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for detecting and acquiring one or more in-focus images of one or more barcodes within the field of view of an imaging device. A measurement process measures depth-of-field of barcode detection. A plurality of nominal coarse focus settings of a variable lens allow sampling, in steps, of a lens adjustment range corresponding to allowable distances between the one or more barcodes and the image sensor, so that a step size of the sampling is less than a fraction of the depth-of-field of barcode detection. An acquisition process acquires a nominal coarse focus image for each nominal coarse focus setting. A barcode detection process detects one or more barcode-like regions and respective likelihoods. A fine focus process fine-adjusts, for each high-likelihood barcode, the variable lens near a location of the barcode-like regions. The process acquires an image for decoding using the fine adjusted setting.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for enhanced depth of field (DOF) advantageously used in logistics applications, scanning for features and ID codes on objects. It effectively combines a vision system, a glass lens designed for on-axis and Scheimpflug configurations, a variable lens and a mechanical system to adapt the lens to the different configurations without detaching the optics. The optics can be steerable, which allows it to adjust between variable angles so as to optimize the viewing angle to optimize DOF for the object in a Scheimpflug configuration. One, or a plurality, of images can be acquired of the object at one, or differing angle settings, with the entire region of interest clearly imaged. In another implementation, the optical path can include a steerable mirror and a folding mirror overlying the region of interest, which allows different multiple images to be acquired at different locations on the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chip equipped with a plurality of compact microfluidic valves with multiple inlets and outlets, actuated by means of a flexible membrane system. The chip preferably comprises a deformable sealing layer made of at least one flexible, elastic, and insulating material; a structure formed by a succession of one or several microstructured layers, wherein said structure comprises one or several micro-chambers, one or several microfluidic channels, and one or several fluidic inlets and outlets; and wherein said structure is installed on a base substrate. The invention likewise relates to a microfluidic device that comprises the aforementioned chip, to a method for the fabrication of the chip, and to the uses associated with the chip and the microfluidic device.

Abstract: This disclosure provides genetically engineered organisms with genetic modifications that are useful for producing desirable alkaloids. This disclosure also provides methods of making genetically engineered organisms that can produce desirable alkaloids. The organisms described herein produce alkaloids in amounts beyond that produced from comparable wild-type organisms. In certain embodiments, the genetically engineered organisms are fungi from the Basidiomycota division.

Abstract: A sample analysis system analyzes a sample. A panel design generates a sample preparation specification. A preparation instrument prepares a sample using the sample preparation specification to generate a prepared sample. A sample analyzer analyzes the prepared sample. A validator validates an operation of the sample analysis system. A sample analysis system has a transfer station that controls the movement of a probe with respect to a reaction plate. A probe wash module is also disclosed.

Abstract: An organomimetic device includes a microfluidic device that can be used to culture cells in its microfluidic channels. The organomimetic device can be part of dynamic system that can apply mechanical forces to the cells by modulating the microfluidic device and the flow of fluid through the microfluidic channels. The membrane in the organomimetic device can be modulated mechanically via pneumatic means and/or mechanical means. The organomimetic device can be manufactured by the fabrication of individual components separately, for example, as individual layers that can be subsequently laminated together.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for detecting and acquiring one or more in-focus images of one or more barcodes within the field of view of an imaging device. A measurement process measures depth-of-field of barcode detection. A plurality of nominal coarse focus settings of a variable lens allow sampling, in steps, of a lens adjustment range corresponding to allowable distances between the one or more barcodes and the image sensor, so that a step size of the sampling is less than a fraction of the depth-of-field of barcode detection. An acquisition process acquires a nominal coarse focus image for each nominal coarse focus setting. A barcode detection process detects one or more barcode-like regions and respective likelihoods. A fine focus process fine-adjusts, for each high-likelihood barcode, the variable lens near a location of the barcode-like regions. The process acquires an image for decoding using the fine adjusted setting.

Abstract: Optical systems and methods are disclosed. The systems and methods can include two liquid lenses and an aperture positioned between the two liquid lenses along an optical axis of an imaging device, which axis passes through the two liquid lenses. The systems and methods can retrieve liquid lens settings and set desired focal distances to achieve a variety of outcomes. The systems and methods can operate based on geometric arrangements of flexible membranes associated with the liquid lenses. In some cases, a desired focal distance can be used to configure the settings for the liquid lenses. In some cases, the liquid lens settings are tailored for acquisition speeds associated with rapid scanning and decoding of code candidates.

Abstract: This disclosure provides genetically engineered organisms with genetic modifications that are useful for producing desirable alkaloids. This disclosure also provides methods of making genetically engineered organisms that can produce desirable alkaloids. The organisms described herein produce alkaloids in amounts beyond that produced from comparable wild-type organisms. In certain embodiments, the genetically engineered organisms are fungi from the Basidiomycota division.

Abstract: A machine, program product, and method for enabling interoperable and low-latency networking among service devices.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for a machine vision system includes a housing comprising a first shelf defining a first position within the housing and a second shelf defining a second position within the housing. a circuit board disposed within the housing, a plurality of light sources disposed within the housing and configured to be coupled to the circuit board, and a plurality of illumination optics assemblies disposed within the housing and removably coupled to the housing. Each illumination optics assembly corresponds to one of the plurality of light sources. The housing is configured to support the circuit board at one of the first position or the second position within the housing based on an illumination optics assembly type of the plurality of illumination optics assemblies.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a plurality of LEDs at least two heat sinks electrically connected to the LEDs, an insulator separating the heat sinks, a lens assembly provided opposite the heat sinks from the LEDs, and a power source. One of the heat sinks includes a recess, with the other of the heat sinks configured to be nested in the recess, such that the outer perimeters of both heat sinks align. The electrodes of the LEDs are connected to a corresponding one of the heat sinks, and forming a circuit with the power source.

Abstract: A rosin-based sustainable dust and moisture control coating. The coating may be primarily comprised of rosin, and may further comprise NABS, soybean oil, and/or other sustainable oils.

Abstract: Systems and methods interconnect cell culture devices and/or fluidic devices by transferring discrete volumes of fluid between devices. A liquid-handling system collects a volume of fluid from at least one source device and deposits the fluid into at least one destination device. In some embodiments, a liquid-handling robot actuates the movement and operation of a fluid collection device in an automated manner to transfer the fluid between the at least one source device and the at least one destination device. In some cases, the at least one source device and the at least one destination device are cell culture devices. The at least one source device and the at least one destination device may be microfluidic or non-microfluidic devices. In some cases, the cell culture devices may be microfluidic cell culture devices. In further cases, the microfluidic cell culture devices may include organ-chips.

Abstract: Optical systems and methods are disclosed. The systems and methods can include two liquid lenses and an aperture positioned between the two liquid lenses along an optical axis of an imaging device, which axis passes through the two liquid lenses. The systems and methods can retrieve liquid lens settings and set desired focal distances to achieve a variety of outcomes. The systems and methods can operate based on geometric arrangements of flexible membranes associated with the liquid lenses. In some cases, a desired focal distance can be used to configure the settings for the liquid lenses. In some cases, the liquid lens settings are tailored for acquisition speeds associated with rapid scanning and decoding of code candidates.

Abstract: A precision medicine system for patient management and rare disease identification can include an interface and a global data lake. The interface can be configured to search a plurality of search databases including medical data related to diagnosis or treatment plans. The global data lake can be configured to include a plurality of patient data lakes each storing patient data of at least one patient. The precision medicine system can further include a processor and a memory configured to label the patient data using medical ontologies and selectively produce relevant medical data from the search databases via the interface. The patient data can then be supplemented with the medical data. Embodiments enable clinicians to provide specialized, up to date diagnosis and treatment plants to patients by providing the clinicians with medical advancements specific to their patient.

Abstract: A machine, program product, and method for enabling interoperable and low-latency networking among service devices.

Abstract: A method of controlling a tight junction between epithelial cells of an animal comprises providing the animal with a feed containing polyphenols in an amount effective to increase transmembrane protein levels between the epithelial cells thereby minimizing passage of macromolecules between the epithelial cells of the animal.

Abstract: An on-axis aimer and distance measurement apparatus for a vision system can include a light source configured to generate a first light beam along a first axis. The first light beam can project an aimer pattern on an object and a receiver can be configured to receive reflected light from the first light beam to determine a distance between a lens of the vision system and the object. One or more parameters of vision system can be controlled based on the determined distance.