Abstract: A system having a macroscopic imager, a microscopic imager, and a stage for moving a substrate supporting ex-vivo tissue with respect to each of the imagers to enable the macroscopic imager to capture macroscopic images, and the microscopic imager to capture optically formed sectional microscopic images on or within the tissue, when presented to the tissue, via the optically transparent material of the substrate. A computer system controls movement of the stage, and receives the macroscopic and microscopic images. A display is provided for displaying the macroscopic and microscopic images when received by the computer system. The tissue is verified as being in an orientation at least substantially flush against the upper surface of the substrate by being in focus in displayed macroscopic images prior to imaging by the microscopic imager, and if needed, any portion of the tissue unfocused is manually positioned until desired tissue orientation is achieved.

Abstract: A system having a macroscopic imager, a microscopic imager, and a stage for moving a substrate supporting ex-vivo tissue with respect to each of the imagers to enable the macroscopic imager to capture macroscopic images, and the microscopic imager to capture optically formed sectional microscopic images on or within the tissue, when presented to the tissue, via the optically transparent material of the substrate. A computer system controls movement of the stage, and receives the macroscopic and microscopic images. A display is provided for displaying the macroscopic and microscopic images when received by the computer system. The tissue is verified as being in an orientation at least substantially flush against the upper surface of the substrate by being in focus in displayed macroscopic images prior to imaging by the microscopic imager, and if needed, any portion of the tissue unfocused is manually positioned until desired tissue orientation is achieved.

Abstract: A system having a macroscopic imager, a microscopic imager, and a stage for moving a substrate supporting ex-vivo tissue with respect to each of the imagers to enable the macroscopic imager to capture macroscopic images, and the microscopic imager to capture optically formed sectional microscopic images on or within the tissue, when presented to the tissue, via the optically transparent material of the substrate. A computer system controls movement of the stage, and receives the macroscopic and microscopic images. A display is provided for displaying the macroscopic and microscopic images when received by the computer system. The tissue is verified as being in an orientation at least substantially flush against the upper surface of the substrate by being in focus in displayed macroscopic images prior to imaging by the microscopic imager, and if needed, any portion of the tissue unfocused is manually positioned until desired tissue orientation is achieved.

Abstract: A system having a macroscopic imager, a microscopic imager, and a stage for moving a substrate supporting ex-vivo tissue with respect to each of the imagers to enable the macroscopic imager to capture macroscopic images, and the microscopic imager to capture optically formed sectional microscopic images on or within the tissue, when presented to the tissue, via the optically transparent material of the substrate. A computer system controls movement of the stage, and receives the macroscopic and microscopic images. A display is provided for displaying the macroscopic and microscopic images when received by the computer system. The tissue is verified as being in an orientation at least substantially flush against the upper surface of the substrate by being in focus in displayed macroscopic images prior to imaging by the microscopic imager, and if needed, any portion of the tissue unfocused is manually positioned until desired tissue orientation is achieved.

Abstract: A method of producing ink drops (54, 56) in a printing apparatus (20) sends print-nonprint data from a controller (38) to at least one inkjet nozzle (28). The print-nonprint data includes data on a current ink drop and data on at least one previous ink drop. A set of waveforms (114, 116) is provided to the at least one nozzle and a waveform based on the print-nonprint data is selected. The selected waveform is supplied to an ink droplet formation device associated with the at least one nozzle and an ink drop is produced from the at least one nozzle.

Abstract: A method of producing ink drops (54, 56) in a printing apparatus (20) sends print-nonprint data from a controller (38) to at least one inkjet nozzle (28). The print-nonprint data includes data on a current ink drop and data on at least one previous ink drop. A set of waveforms (114, 116) is provided to the at least one nozzle and a waveform based on the print-nonprint data is selected. The selected waveform is supplied to an ink droplet formation device associated with the at least one nozzle and an ink drop is produced from the at least one nozzle.

Abstract: An isolation tool for use in a tubular. The isolation tool comprising gripping members and sealing members to engage and seal the isolation tool to an inner wall of the tubular at a desired location in the tubular. The isolation tool further comprising a locking system that allows the isolation tool to be set in a desired position within the tubular. The locking system prevents the isolation tool from any further movement which would unset it from the desired position.

Abstract: An isolation tool for use in a tubular. The isolation tool comprising gripping members and sealing members to engage and seal the isolation tool to an inner wall of the tubular at a desired location in the tubular. The isolation tool further comprising a locking system that allows the isolation tool to be set in a desired position within the tubular. The locking system prevents the isolation tool from any further movement which would unset it from the desired position.

Abstract: A digital photography system includes a digital camera and a digital printer. The digital camera includes an image display and the digital printer includes user interface controls to control the images displayed on the camera and to select images to be printed.

Abstract: A digital photography system includes a digital camera and a digital printer. The digital camera includes an image display and the digital printer includes user interface controls to control the images displayed on the camera and to select images to be printed.

Abstract: An electronic imaging system and method are provided that include an image capturing component, such as a digital camera, an image rendering component, such as a printer, digital projector, video screen, etc., each of which requires an intelligence circuit for operation, and an intelligence module detachably connectable to either of the imaging components for providing the required control circuit. The intelligence module includes a microprocessor and memory, and each of the image capturing and rendering components of the system includes a memory for storing operating instructions. The intelligence module downloads the operating instructions of the particular imaging component it is connected to in order to operate the same. The use of a single control module to operate a broad spectrum of digital imaging components advantageously simplifies the circuitry of the components, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances reliability by minimizing processing steps and circuit interfaces.

Abstract: A digital photography system includes a digital camera and a docking digital printer. The digital camera includes an image display and the digital printer includes user interface controls to control the images displayed on the camera and to select images to be printed using a plurality of printer modes, including a first mode which prints only a current image displayed on the image display of the digital camera, and a second printing mode which prints at least two images from the plurality of captured images.

Abstract: An electronic imaging system and method are provided that include an image capturing component, such as a digital camera, an image rendering component, such as a printer, digital projector, video screen, etc., each of which requires an intelligence circuit for operation, and an intelligence module detachably connectable to either of the imaging components for providing the required control circuit. The intelligence module includes a microprocessor and memory, and each of the image capturing and rendering components of the system includes a memory for storing operating instructions. The intelligence module downloads the operating instructions of the particular imaging component it is connected to in order to operate the same. The use of a single control module to operate a broad spectrum of digital imaging components advantageously simplifies the circuitry of the components, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances reliability by minimizing processing steps and circuit interfaces.

Abstract: A mechanical rotary seal that produces a positive drive force so that all components of the seal rotate in unison upon a rotating shaft. The mechanical rotating seal effects a tight fluid seal between a submersible pump housing and a rotating shaft when the mechanical rotary seal is engaged with a stationary seal or element within the submersible pump housing. The mechanical rotary seal comprises a seal housing, a retainer having a seal face for engaging with the stationery seal and a coil spring between the seal housing and the retainer.

Abstract: A mechanical rotary seal that produces a positive drive force so that all components of the seal rotate in unison upon a rotating shaft. The mechanical rotating seal effects a tight fluid seal between a submersible pump housing and a rotating shaft when the mechanical rotary seal is engaged with a stationary seal or element within the submersible pump housing. The mechanical rotary seal comprises a seal housing, a retainer having a seal face for engaging with the stationery seal and a coil spring between the seal housing and the retainer.

Abstract: A donor ribbon and method capable of detecting donor ribbon type and aligning color patches relative to a print head. A dye donor ribbon having a predetermined width includes a plurality of donor color patches thereon. Separating adjacent ones of the patches is a space in which is formed a first stripe extending the entire width of the ribbon. The first stripe defines borders between the adjacent color patches. A second stripe of a predetermined width together with the first stripe are disposed in the space before a beginning one of the color patches to define a beginning sequence of color patches. The second stripe is adjacent to and spaced-apart from the first mark by a predetermined distance and also extends the width of the ribbon parallel to the first stripe. A ratio of the width of the second stripe to the distance between the second stripe and its adjacent first stripe is unique to each donor type and is used to inform the printer of the specific donor type loaded into the printer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating a digital printer to provide a substantially aim printer response. A test target is processed through a set of potential calibration functions to form a set of processed test targets and the set of processed test targets is printed using the digital printer. Thereafter, the printer response for each of the potential calibration functions is evaluated by visually examining the printed set of processed test targets. The potential calibration function that best matches a visual criterion is then selected.

Abstract: A thermal dye printer media element for use in a thermal printer includes sequential color patches which form multiple color groups located along a length of the element. Metering marks are provided repetitively along the length of the element for measurement of distances along the element. The spacing between successive pairs of the metering marks may be uniform, change in a linear fashion, or change in a nonlinear fashion. The metering marks may be optically or magnetically detectable. The first and second metering mark sequences may be essentially the same. Alternatively, the first and second metering mark sub-sequences may be different. The start of a metering mark sequence may be aligned with an edge of a color patch, or may be offset from an edge of a color patch. A third sequence of metering marks may be provided for a third color patch, wherein said third metering mark sequence is different from said first sequence.

Abstract: Thermal printer and method for detecting donor ribbon type and for precise alignment of color patches relative to a thermal resistive print head. The printer includes a thermal resistive print head for thermally activating each donor color patch in a series of donor patches belonging to a dye donor ribbon having a predetermined width. Separating adjacent ones of the patches is a space in which is formed a first stripe extending the entire width of the ribbon. The first stripe defines borders between the adjacent color patches. A second stripe of a predetermined width together with the first stripe are disposed in the space before a beginning one of the color patches to define a beginning sequence of color patches. The second stripe is adjacent to and spaced-apart from the first mark by a predetermined distance and also extends the width of the ribbon parallel to the first stripe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for calibrating a digital printer to provide a substantially aim printer response. A test target is processed through a set of potential calibration functions to form a set of processed test targets and the set of processed test targets is printed using the digital printer. Thereafter, the set of printed test targets is measured to determine the printer response. An error criterion is determined for each measured test target by comparing the measured printer response for each of the set of potential calibration functions to the aim printer response. The calibration function which has the smallest value of the error criterion is then selected.