Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a particle sorter system, the consumable cartridge comprising: an inlet for receiving a particle-containing fluid; a microfluidic chip comprising: an input channel in fluidic connection with the inlet; and a particle sorter junction in fluidic connection with the input channel and comprising an output positive channel and an output negative channel; and first and second outlets in fluidic connection with the output positive channel and the output negative channel respectively, for discharging the fluid from the consumable cartridge, such that at least one enclosed fluidic path is provided in the consumable cartridge between the inlet and the first and second outlets.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling an endoscope having a flexible tubular body, the method comprising: deploying an anchor to stabilise at least a part of the flexible tubular body; and performing active image stabilisation to stabilise the position of a camera at a distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a particle sorter system, the consumable cartridge comprising: an inlet for receiving a particle-containing fluid; a microfluidic chip comprising: an input channel in fluidic connection with the inlet; and a particle sorter junction in fluidic connection with the input channel and comprising an output positive channel and an output negative channel; and first and second outlets in fluidic connection with the output positive channel and the output negative channel respectively, for discharging the fluid from the consumable cartridge, such that at least one enclosed fluidic path is provided in the consumable cartridge between the inlet and the first and second outlets.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling an endoscope having a flexible tubular body, the method comprising: deploying an anchor to stabilise at least a part of the flexible tubular body; and performing active image stabilisation to stabilise the position of a camera at a distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A consumable cartridge for a particle sorter system, the consumable cartridge comprising: an inlet for receiving a particle-containing fluid; a microfluidic chip comprising: an input channel in fluidic connection with the inlet; and a particle sorter junction in fluidic connection with the input channel and comprising an output positive channel and an output negative channel; and first and second outlets in fluidic connection with the output positive channel and the output negative channel respectively, for discharging the fluid from the consumable cartridge, such that at least one enclosed fluidic path is provided in the consumable cartridge between the inlet and the first and second outlets.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for investigating a sample particularly a pharmaceutical tablet. An emitter and/or the sample are initially positioned so that the emitter is at a predetermined distance and normal angle to a first point on a surface of the sample. The emitter then irradiates the sample with radiation having a plurality of frequencies in the range from 25 GHz to 100 THz at a plurality of points on the surface of the sample. Relative motion is possible between the emitter and the sample so that the surface of the sample can be tracked to maintain the predetermined distance and normal angle at each of the plurality of points, and allow radiation transmitted and/or reflected from the sample at the plurality of points to be detected. This has particular application to imaging the structure or composition of a coating on a pharmaceutical tablet.

Abstract: An apparatus for varying the path length of a beam of radiation, the apparatus comprising: an element (51) rotatably mounted about an axis, said element comprising two reflective surfaces in fixed relation to one another such that radiation may be reflected between said reflective surfaces and out of the element (51); and driving means (55) for rotatably oscillating said element about said axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an optical scanning or observation system. The apparatus comprises a drawer for receiving, in use, a sample carrier to be scanned or observed. A first clamp member, engages, in use, with one surface of a sample carrier in the drawer. A second clamp member is arranged to engage, in use, with the side of the sample carrier opposite to that of the first clamp member, the second clamp member having an optical window formed therein to enable viewing, in use, of a sample carrier. The first and second clamping members are arranged in use to move the sample carrier out of engagement with the drawer so that the sample carrier is supported solely on the clamping members.