Abstract: A Light-Emitting Diode (LED) illuminator-condenser capable of supplying bright-field, dark-field, fluorescence, oblique, and phase-contrast illumination under Köhler-like conditions. A single lens may be permanently focused on the specimen plane. Illumination conditions may be made by a combination of uniform LEDs, collimating masks and diffusers. LEDs may be arranged in one or more ring-shaped patterns.

Abstract: A Light-Emitting Diode (LED) illuminator-condenser capable of supplying bright-field, dark-field, fluorescence, oblique, and phase-contrast illumination under Köhler-like conditions. A single lens may be permanently focused on the specimen plane. Illumination conditions may be made by a combination of uniform LEDs, collimating masks and diffusers. LEDs may be arranged in one or more ring-shaped patterns.

Abstract: A method for non-invasively determining a chemical property of an aqueous solution is provided. The method provides the steps of providing a colored solute having a light absorbance spectrum and transmitting light through the colored solute at two different wavelengths. The method further provides the steps of measuring light absorbance of the colored solute at the two different transmitted light wavelengths, and comparing the light absorbance of the colored solute at the two different wavelengths to determine a chemical property of an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A solid state lighting system and components therefor are provided that are modular, rugged, reliable and energy efficient. Heat dissipation with respect to solid state light fixtures may be addressed by inverting the solid state lights on a circuit board to project light through apertures in the circuit board, so that heat need not be dissipated through the circuit board itself. In addition, solid state light fixtures may be coupled to one another along with a power supply in modular strands that incorporate AC/DC multi-wire cords that carry both AC and DC signals. Additional functionality, such as support for multiple lighting modes, may also be included, e.g., to support blackout lighting in addition to standard lighting. The multiple lighting modes may be selected, for example, by adjusting an electrical parameter of the AC power signal supplied to the lighting system, e.g., by rectifying the AC power signal.

Abstract: A device for centrifugation and robotic manipulation of specimen samples, including incubating eggs, and uses thereof are provided. The device may advantageously be used for the incubation of avian, reptilian or any type of vertebrate eggs. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for holding samples individually, rotating them individually, rotating them on a centrifuge collectively, injecting them individually with a fixative or other chemical reagent, and maintaining them at controlled temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric composition. The device is applicable to experiments involving entities other than eggs, such as invertebrate specimens, plants, microorganisms and molecular systems.

Abstract: An electrophoresis device is disclosed which separates cells, particles, proteins and other separands by collecting samples of decreasing electrophoretic mobility in a train of inverted cavities while an electric field is applied between said inverted cavities and one or more sample cuvettes containing a mixture of cells, particles, proteins or other separands. One circular plate is provided for the one or more sample cuvettes, and one circular plate is provided for the multiple collection cavities. The invention utilizes an innovative purification method that combines free electrophoresis and multistage extraction in an instrument capable of separating living cells, particles, and proteins in useful quantities at high concentrations. The purification method includes a method for dealing with electrolysis products, a technique for controlling the electrical energy input, and an approach for keeping the process isothermal.

Abstract: An electrophoresis device is disclosed which separates cells, particles, proteins and other separands by collecting samples of decreasing electrophoretic mobility in a train of inverted cavities while an electric field is applied between said inverted cavities and one or more sample cuvettes containing a mixture of cells, particles, proteins or other separands. One circular plate is provided for the one or more sample cuvettes, and one circular plate is provided for the multiple collection cavities. The invention utilizes an innovative purification method that combines free electrophoresis and multistage extraction in an instrument capable of separating living cells, particles, and proteins in useful quantities at high concentrations. The purification method includes a method for dealing with electrolysis products, a technique for controlling the electrical energy input, and an approach for keeping the process isothermal.