Abstract: A multiple wavelength total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy system has an objective. A dispersion unit of the system comprises a high-dispersion optical element. The dispersion unit receives illumination light having at least a first wavelength ?1 and a second wavelength ?2, where ?1??2, and splits the illumination light into a first monochromatic beam having the first wavelength ?1 and a second monochromatic beam having the second wavelength ?2. The monochromatic beams are focused onto a back focal plane of the objective, near an outer edge of the objective, at different radial distances from an optical axis of the objective. The dispersion unit is rotatable in order to adjust angles of incidence of the monochromatic beams onto an interface between a substrate and a sample to be imaged, wherein the angles of incidence are greater than the critical angle of the interface.

Abstract: A multi-mode optical fiber delivers light from a radiation source to a multi-focal confocal microscope with reasonable efficiency. A core diameter of the multi-mode fiber is selected such that an etendue of light emitted from the fiber is not substantially greater than a total etendue of light passing through a plurality of pinholes in a pinhole array of the multi-focal confocal microscope. The core diameter may be selected taking into account a specific optical geometry of the multi-focal confocal microscope, including pinhole diameter and focal lengths of relevant optical elements. For coherent radiation sources, phase randomization may be included. A multi-mode fiber enables the use of a variety of radiation sources and wavelengths in a multi-focal confocal microscope, since the coupling of the radiation source to the multi-mode fiber is less sensitive to mechanical and temperature influences than coupling the radiation source to a single mode fiber.

Abstract: A multiple wavelength total internal reflection fluoresence (TIRF) microscopy system has an objective. A dispersion unit of the system comprises a high-dispersion optical element. The dispersion unit receives illumination light having at least a first wavelength ?1 and a second wavelength ?2, where ?1??2, and splits the illumination light into a first monochromatic beam having the first wavelength ?1 and a second monochromatic beam having the second wavelength ?2. The monochromatic beams are focused onto a back focal plane of the objective, near an outer edge of the objective, at different radial distances from an optical axis of the objective. The dispersion unit is rotatable in order to adjust angles of incidence of the monochromatic beams onto an interface between a substrate and a sample to be imaged, wherein the angles of incidence are greater than the critical angle of the interface.

Abstract: In an episcopic multiplexed confocal scanning microscope system, a spatial filter is placed at a conjugate plane to a back aperture plane at a back aperture of an objective lens. The spatial filter is used to combine excitation light and emission light from a multiplexed confocal microscope module.

Abstract: A multi-mode optical fiber delivers light from a radiation source to a multi-focal confocal microscope with reasonable efficiency. A core diameter of the multi-mode fiber is selected such that an etendue of light emitted from the fiber is not substantially greater than a total etendue of light passing through a plurality of pinholes in a pinhole array of the multi-focal confocal microscope. The core diameter may be selected taking into account a specific optical geometry of the multi-focal confocal microscope, including pinhole diameter and focal lengths of relevant optical elements. For coherent radiation sources, phase randomization may be included. A multi-mode fiber enables the use of a variety of radiation sources and wavelengths in a multi-focal confocal microscope, since the coupling of the radiation source to the multi-mode fiber is less sensitive to mechanical and temperature influences than coupling the radiation source to a single mode fiber.

Abstract: A multi-mode optical fiber delivers light from a radiation source to a multi-focal confocal microscope with reasonable efficiency. A core diameter of the multi-mode fiber is selected such that an etendue of light emitted from the fiber is not substantially greater than a total etendue of light passing through a plurality of pinholes in a pinhole array of the multi-focal confocal microscope. The core diameter may be selected taking into account a specific optical geometry of the multi-focal confocal microscope, including pinhole diameter and focal lengths of relevant optical elements. For coherent radiation sources, phase randomization may be included. A multi-mode fiber enables the use of a variety of radiation sources and wavelengths in a multi-focal confocal microscope, since the coupling of the radiation source to the multi-mode fiber is less sensitive to mechanical and temperature influences than coupling the radiation source to a single mode fiber.

Abstract: A multi-mode optical fiber delivers light from a radiation source to a multi-focal confocal microscope with reasonable efficiency. A core diameter of the multi-mode fiber is selected such that an etendue of light emitted from the fiber is not substantially greater than a total etendue of light passing through a plurality of pinholes in a pinhole array of the multi-focal confocal microscope. The core diameter may be selected taking into account a specific optical geometry of the multi-focal confocal microscope, including pinhole diameter and focal lengths of relevant optical elements. For coherent radiation sources, phase randomization may be included. A multi-mode fiber enables the use of a variety of radiation sources and wavelengths in a multi-focal confocal microscope, since the coupling of the radiation source to the multi-mode fiber is less sensitive to mechanical and temperature influences than coupling the radiation source to a single mode fiber.

Abstract: A hand-held cleaning device includes an elongated handle having an operative end. The operative end includes a flattened, relatively small hook, and a flexible neck. A cover can be provided to protect the operative end of the cleaning device. To use the cleaning device, for example, to clean between the palate of the wearer of a palatal expander appliance and portions of the palatal expander appliance, the hook end is slid between the palate of the wearer and the palatal expander appliance, either by the wearer of the appliance or by another person, and any food or other debris trapped in the space between the appliance and the palate of the wearer can be swept aside, pushed forward or engaged with the hook and pulled from between the palate and the appliance.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a marketing service are described. In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium includes: (1) a preferences module that is configured to collect a set of preferences of a user; (2) a monitoring module that is configured to monitor a web site based on the set of preferences so as to identify relevant content; and (3) a notification module that is configured to generate a message alerting the user of the relevant content.

Abstract: A company board data processing system and method provides a user interface platform to supply information related to members of boards of companies to enable comparison of board members or boards at board member level. Parameters related to board members of a plurality of boards are stored. A used interface is generated which comprises a display of the parameters related to board members for a plurality of boards and/or individuals board members to allow comparison of board members and/or boards at boards member level. The system also allows the user to define a group of boards and/or board members, wherein processed parameters for said group can be used for comparison purposes.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning an object includes an inner vessel configured to contain a first liquid and the object. The cleaning device also includes an external vessel configured to contain a second liquid and the inner vessel. The second liquid is acoustically coupled to the first liquid. At least one transducer is acoustically coupled to the external vessel and configured to generate acoustical energy which is transferred to the object through the external vessel, a second liquid, the inner vessel and the first liquid. The first liquid has a dissolved gas concentration of a first gas and the second liquid has a dissolved gas concentration of a second gas.

Abstract: A dual channel photo-optical clot detection system for the automatic determination of prothrombin times and activated partial thromboplastin times and other related coagulation tests. A circular tray is utilized, and is vacuum formed to provide cuvettes having uniform wall thicknesses in two circular paths and arranged with radially aligned cuvettes. A single light source is placed between the radial spaced cuvettes and thus provides a common source for two separate detectors measuring the clot time of samples in each cuvette. The automatic dual channel operation provides a fixed time for activated partial thromboplastin time test so that fixed incubation time for the tests can be obtained. Thus, the sample to be tested is maintained at a low temperature until only two stations before measurement, and, accordingly, fixed incubation periods can be determined and exact conditions can be maintained for accurate testing.