Abstract: A laser line generation device includes a unitary lens structure and a laser emitter. The unitary lens structure includes an aspheric surface, a conical surface, and a side surface. The conical surface tapers inwardly toward the aspheric surface to an apex of the conical surface that is opposite an interior side of the aspheric surface. In operation, the laser emitter emits light rays toward the unitary lens structure, and the light rays pass through the aspheric surface into the unitary lens structure, reflect off of the conical surface, and exit the lens structure through the side surface. The light rays exiting the unitary lens structure may be substantially perpendicular to the light rays entering the unitary lens structure.

Abstract: A laser line generation device includes a unitary lens structure and a laser emitter. The unitary lens structure includes an aspheric surface, a conical surface, and a side surface. The conical surface tapers inwardly toward the aspheric surface to an apex of the conical surface that is opposite an interior side of the aspheric surface. In operation, the laser emitter emits light rays toward the unitary lens structure, and the light rays pass through the aspheric surface into the unitary lens structure, reflect off of the conical surface, and exit the lens structure through the side surface. The light rays exiting the unitary lens structure may be substantially perpendicular to the light rays entering the unitary lens structure.

Abstract: Doublet lenses and doublet lens assemblies, and methods of assembling doublet lenses and assemblies, including a first lens having a convex surface and a concave surface, the concave surface comprising a peripheral portion and a central portion, and a second lens having a convex surface and a concave surface, the concave surface comprising a peripheral portion and a central portion. The peripheral portion of the first lens abuts the peripheral portion of the second lens with an airspace between the central portion of the first lens and the central portion of the second lens. The peripheral portions of the first and second lenses are shaped to fit together in a mating relationship which prevents sliding of the first and second lenses relative to each other in a radial direction after the lenses are brought together.

Abstract: A lens assembly for a camera including a first lens mounted to a base portion, and a second lens mounted to a lens frame, where the first lens and the second lens are positioned co-axially along a central axis. The lens assembly includes a linear guide system for maintaining alignment of the first and second lenses. An embodiment of the linear guide system includes a first elongated element elongated along a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, parallel to and offset from the central axis. The elongated element may support and guide the lens frame for linear movement along a linear path parallel to the central axis. Some embodiments of the lens assembly include a second elongated element or rotation restriction element.

Abstract: A lens assembly for a camera or a camera including a first lens mounted to a base portion, and a second lens mounted to a lens frame, where the first lens and the second lens are positioned co-axially along a central axis. The lens assembly includes a linear guide system for maintaining alignment of the first and second lenses. An embodiment of the linear guide system includes a first elongated element elongated along a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, parallel to and offset from the central axis. The elongated element may support and guide the lens frame for linear movement along a linear path parallel to the central axis. Some embodiments of the lens assembly include a second elongated element or rotation restriction element.

Abstract: A microdevice for isolating and amplifying aptamers includes a selection microchamber and an amplification microchamber. The selection microchamber can include a plurality of cultured cells immobilized therein. A first microchannel connecting the selection microchamber to the amplification microchamber can be configured to hydrodynamically transfer oligomers from the selection microchamber to the amplification chamber. A second microchannel connecting the selection microchamber to the amplification microchamber can be configured to hydrodynamically transfer oligomers from the amplification chamber to the selection chamber.

Abstract: Doublet lenses and doublet lens assemblies, and methods of assembling doublet lenses and assemblies, including a first lens having a convex surface and a concave surface, the concave surface comprising a peripheral portion and a central portion, and a second lens having a convex surface and a concave surface, the concave surface comprising a peripheral portion and a central portion. The peripheral portion of the first lens abuts the peripheral portion of the second lens with an airspace between the central portion of the first lens and the central portion of the second lens. The peripheral portions of the first and second lenses are shaped to fit together in a mating relationship which prevents sliding of the first and second lenses relative to each other in a radial direction after the lenses are brought together.

Abstract: An electronic technique is used for identifying a fluid and determining its level in a container. Specifically, impedance spectroscopy is applied to fluid handling probes such as those employed by automated chemical and immunoassay analyzers to provide superior sensitivity for fluid level detection as well as discernible “spectral signatures” (impedance spectra) that can be automatically analyzed to identify diverse materials. These include, but are not limited to, blood serum, blood plasma, gelsep, red blood cell layers, chemical reagents associated with immunoassay blood testing and foam atop fluid surfaces. In operation, incident electronic signal is compared with a reflected electronic signal to obtain signal characteristics that can be used to identify the type of liquid. In addition, characteristics of the reflected electronic signal (e.g., phase shift, etc.) as compared with the incident electronic signal are used to determine the level of fluid in a container.

Abstract: An electronic technique is used for identifying a fluid and determining its level in a container. Specifically, impedance spectroscopy is applied to fluid handling probes such as those employed by automated chemical and immunoassay analyzers to provide superior sensitivity for fluid level detection as well as discernible “spectral signatures” (impedance spectra) that can be automatically analyzed to identify diverse materials. These include, but are not limited to, blood serum, blood plasma, gelsep, red blood cell layers, chemical reagents associated with immunoassay blood testing and foam atop fluid surfaces. In operation, incident electronic signal is compared with a reflected electronic signal to obtain signal characteristics that can be used to identify the type of liquid. In addition, characteristics of the reflected electronic signal (e.g., phase shift, etc.) as compared with the incident electronic signal are used to determine the level of fluid in a container.

Abstract: A system and method for forming concrete structures, using foam panels as forms, supported by vertical tracks with horizontal bridge pieces inserted through the forms. The bridge pieces are in the form of triangular webs with coaxial rings for supporting vertical rebars centrally between opposing forms. The coaxial rings on opposing bridge pieces key together to securely hold the vertical rebars. At the corners of the structure, corner retaining extrusions are used having fins for retaning the foam panels, and having various included angles such as 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 150° or 165°. Specific types of corner tie pieces for square, obtuse or acute corners are used to connect together the corner retaining extrusions at the inner and outer corners of the structure.

Abstract: An automated method for displaying patient health and financial information, together with any patient financial management action items, by collecting information from at least two databases including a first database which includes patient health information comprising patient ID information and healthcare data and a second database which includes patient financial information comprising patient ID information and billing and accounting data.

Abstract: A system and method for forming concrete structures, using foam panels as forms, supported by vertical tracks with horizontal bridge pieces inserted through the forms. The bridge pieces are in the form of triangular webs with coaxial rings for supporting vertical rebars centrally between opposing forms. The coaxial rings on opposing bridge pieces key together to securely hold the vertical rebars. At the corners of the structure, corner retaining extrusions are used having fins for retaning the foam panels, and having various included angles such as 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 135°, 150° or 165°. Specific types of corner tie pieces for square, obtuse or acute corners are used to connect together the corner retaining extrusions at the inner and outer corners of the structure.