Abstract: A parallel gripper for handling multiwell plates in an automated analysis system, moves individual multiwell plates between a plate storage array unit (i.e., plate hotel) and an imaging station. More particularly, the gripper has two parallel plate-gripping arms that move in equal, but opposite linear directions and are controlled using a stepper motor. Each of the arms has a shelf that provides support for the corresponding side edge of a multiwell plate.

Abstract: A parallel gripper for handling multiwell plates in an automated analysis system, moves individual multiwell plates between a plate storage array unit (i.e., plate hotel) and an imaging station. More particularly, the gripper has two parallel plate-gripping arms that move in equal, but opposite linear directions and are controlled using a stepper motor. Each of the arms has a shelf that provides support for the corresponding side edge of a multiwell plate.

Abstract: A light diffuser for use in illumination systems of optical microscopes which utilize a light source to illuminate a specimen staged on the microscope for observation. The light diffuser includes a light diffusing plate made of opal glass positioned closely adjacent the specimen. The light diffusing plate randomly breaks up light transmitted from a light source which passes therethrough into spatially isotopic light. The isotropic light illuminates the specimen for observation of a specimen image through the microscope with substantially reduced diffraction shadows which obscure the specimen. The light diffuser is utilized as part of an illumination lens system for microscopes and a method of use thereof which includes a plurality of lenses, an aperture diaphragm, and a field diaphragm which allow adjustment of the contrast and field of illumination of the image.

Abstract: A light diffuser for use in illumination systems of optical microscopes which utilize a light source to illuminate a specimen staged on the microscope for observation. The light diffuser includes a light diffusing plate made of opal glass positioned closely adjacent the specimen. The light diffusing plate randomly breaks up light transmitted from a light source which passes therethrough into spatially isotopic light. The isotropic light illuminates the specimen for observation of a specimen image through the microscope with substantially reduced diffraction shadows which obscure the specimen. The light diffuser is utilized as part of an illumination lens system for microscopes which includes a plurality of lenses, an aperture diaphragm, and a field diaphragm which allow adjustment of the contrast and field of illumination of the image.

Abstract: A system for aligning a mask and a product with high precision, featuring a means for supporting a product in a fixed position and a mask adjacent to the product so that the mask is movable relative to the product. A plurality of computer controlled plungers push the surrounding mask frame into alignment. A computer is used to determine the relative position of the mask and the product prior to alignment; and that, to achieve proper alignment of the mask and the product, and determines the distance that the mask must be moved.

Abstract: An automated cometary assay system is disclosed wherein light filtered to the excitation frequency of a fluorescing compound is directed onto the sample. A second filter isolates the emission frequency and the resulting image is directed at a low-light camera.

Abstract: A forensic microscopy system is disclosed wherein a plurality of panoramic views of the sides of a spent bullet or casing may be stored in a computer. To compare one of these stored images with a sample bullet or casing, a computer controlled stepping motor rotates the sample approximately five degrees and an image is taken and stored at each stop. After the full 360 degrees has been accumulated, the images are formed together to create a single whole picture of the entire circumferential surface of the sample. This panoramic strip is then split longitudinally into two halves. The same is done with the stored sample and the “right side” and “left side” of both the strips are matched with their opposite side of the corresponding sample. The software in the computer then allows the user to compare the pattern of lands and grooves on the sample with another stored sample pattern by putting the two images side by side and allowing the user to move one of them in relation to the other.

Abstract: A novel computer-controlled video microscopy system, features a rotatable objective lens turret. The lens turret is a rotatable cylindrical drum having an open end and closed end. A plurality of light-transmitting objective lenses are evenly spaced about the side wall of the cylindrical drum. The objective lenses are each directed perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the cylindrical drum. A computer is used to select a desired objective lens and signal a motor to rotate the cylindrical drum about its axis of rotation, so as to move the selected objective lens into the path of an approaching light beam. When the light beam enters the drum through the objective lens, a prism or mirror inside the cylindrical drum bends the light beam at a right angle and directs it out of the drum through its open end. An image carried by the light beam is then focused onto the imaging plane of a video camera.

Abstract: A microscopy system, comprising a stage for supporting a sample; a means for directing a vertical beam of light through the sample; a means for observing an image carried by the beam of light; and an optical system. The optical system features: i) a plurality of light-transmitting objective lenses arranged in a linear array on a first plate, including at least a first objective lens positioned in the path of the vertical beam of light and a second objective lens not positioned in the path of the vertical beam of light; and ii) a lens system adapted to receive the vertical beam of light after it has been transmitted through the first objective lens and focus the vertical beam of light onto the imaging plane of the video camera.

Abstract: A system for aligning a mask and a product with high precision, featuring a means for supporting a product in a fixed position and a mask adjacent to the product so that the mask is movable relative to the product. The mask is surrounded by a rectangular mask frame. At least one movable first plunger presses against a first edge of the mask frame, while two movable second plungers press against a second edge of the mask frame, where the first and second edges are perpendicular. A first computer-controlled movable push plate is designed to push the mask frame against said at least one movable first plunger; pushing the mask frame in a first direction. Two second movable computer-controlled plates are designed to move the mask frame in a second direction by pushing the mask frame against the two movable second plungers.

Abstract: A system for aligning a mask and a product with high precision, featuring a means for supporting a product in a fixed position and a mask adjacent to the product so that the mask is movable relative to the product. The mask is surrounded by a rectangular mask frame. At least one movable first plunger presses against a first edge of the mask frame, while two movable second plungers press against a second edge of the mask frame, where the first and second edges are perpendicular. A first computer-controlled movable push plate is designed to push the mask frame against said at least one movable first plunger; pushing the mask frame in a first direction. Two second movable computer-controlled push plates are designed to move the mask frame in a second direction by pushing the mask frame against the two movable second plungers.

Abstract: A computerized control and display system for a stereo microscope is disclosed. The objective lens is selected for a minimum and maximum magnification range and then two sets of movable lenses within the stereo module are positioned through computer control to achieve a precisely desired magnification. In the preferred embodiment, a lookup table is used to smoothly select the proper position of the two movable lenses in relationship to one another as the magnification is either increased or decreased. A stereoscopic image is transmitted by cameras to a computer screen with the use of a wireless eyewear/shutter system cycling at 120 cycles per second for viewing.

Abstract: A novel computer-controlled video microscopy system, features a rotatable objective lens turret. The lens turret is a rotatable cylindrical drum having an open end and closed end. A plurality of light-transmitting objective lenses are evenly spaced about the side wall of the cylindrical drum. The objective lenses are each directed perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the cylindrical drum. A computer is used to select a desired objective lens and signal a motor to rotate the cylindrical drum about its axis of rotation, so as to move the selected objective lens into the path of an approaching light beam. When the light beam enters the drum through the objective lens, a prism or mirror inside the cylindrical drum bends the light beam at a right angle and directs it out of the drum through its open end. An image carried by the light beam is then focused onto the imaging plane of a video camera.