Abstract: The invention comprises a modified razor combining at least one cutting blade and at least one lubricating strip for engage the skin to apply a selection of at least one algae extract for protecting and reinforcing the skin. Further, the razor may comprise a soap/foaming strip for additional cleansing and hydrating properties. Another optional inventive aspect is the hollow razor handle which may filled with balm combined with an algae composition. The application of the balm from the handle may be achieved by a dispensing wheel so as to extrude and apply the balm to the skin.

Abstract: An improved filter wheel is disclosed, through embodiments, that comprises a plurality of reflector support structures formed as a unitized structure with a circular base member. In some embodiments, the filter wheel further comprises a plurality of light sources mounted on the filter wheel.

Abstract: A system for automated microscopic analysis of a plurality of data-encoded microscope slides that provides that data written to or read from the slides may include images, analysis protocols, analytic results and other pertinent data. The system may also encompass a magazine that contains a plurality of data encoded slides.

Abstract: In various embodiments methods for automated screening for gene amplification in biological tissue samples using an automated fluorescence microscope to analyze fluorescence in situ hybridized samples are provided. Various additional embodiments provide methods of high throughput screening for gene amplification.

Abstract: An improved filter wheel is disclosed, through embodiments, that comprises a plurality of reflector support structures formed as a unitized structure with a circular base member. In some embodiments, the filter wheel further comprises a plurality of light sources mounted on the filter wheel.

Abstract: An improved filter wheel is disclosed, through embodiments, that comprises a plurality of reflector support structures formed as a unitized structure with a circular base member. In some embodiments, the filter wheel further comprises a plurality of light sources mounted on the filter wheel.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for determining the developmental age of a fetus or detecting cancer cells in a sample is provided. The method utilizes, for example, a sample of blood from a pregnant female and telomeric nucleic acid probes.

Abstract: An improved filter wheel is disclosed, through embodiments, that comprises a plurality of reflector support structures formed as a unitized structure with a circular base member. In some embodiments, the filter wheel further comprises a plurality of light sources mounted on the filter wheel.

Abstract: An automated, highly sensitive, specific and potentially quantitative detection method using an automated microscope for identifying and enumerating rare cancer cells in blood and other fluids.

Abstract: A method for detecting and quantitating multiple and unique fluorescent signals from a cell sample is provided. The method combines immunohistochemistry and a fluorescent-labeled in situ hybridization techniques. The method is useful for identifying specific subcellular components of cells such as chromosomes and proteins.

Abstract: A method for providing quantitative information regarding the extent of infection of host cells by an infectious agent. A microscope image of a specimen of a bodily fluid is analyzed using image processing techniques to quantify the percentage of the area of the specimen that is infected.

Abstract: An automated, highly sensitive, specific and potentially quantitative detection method using an automated microscope for identifying and enumerating rare cancer cells in blood and other fluids.

Abstract: An embodiment is disclosed for performing the image processing for analyzing the results of a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) microscopic automated sample analysis to determine specific chromosomal characteristics.

Abstract: An improved filter wheel is disclosed, through embodiments, that comprises a plurality of reflector support structures formed as a unitized structure with a circular base member. In some embodiments, the filter wheel further comprises a plurality of light sources mounted on the filter wheel.

Abstract: An embodiment is disclosed for performing the image processing for analyzing the results of a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) microscopic automated sample analysis to determine specific chromosomal characteristics.

Abstract: A method for recognizing an object in an image is disclosed wherein a fractal map of the image is generated by estimating the fractal dimension of each pixel in the image. The fractal map may be segmented by thresholding and locations of candidate objects are determined. The pixel value of the image pixel corresponding to the same location where the candidate object is found in the fractal map may be compared to a threshold value. If the pixel value is greater than the threshold value, the candidate object is recognized as a valid object.

Abstract: An automated cassette and slide handling system is disclosed which organizes microscope slides in cassettes, automatically and sequentially removes individual slides from their respective cassettes, positioned each slide under the microscope as provided by the protocol, and after examination returns the slide to its proper cassette.

Abstract: A computer controlled method for detecting and diagnosing a rare cell type in a tissue sample is provided, said method comprising treating the tissue sample such that it generates a first signal indicative of the presence at a location of a rare cell, detecting the first signal, treating the location at which the first signal is detected to generate a second signal indicative of a diagnostically useful cellular characteristic and detecting the second signal. The first signal can be morphological or a color present in a sought cell either before or after staining. The second signal can be generated by in situ PCR or PCR in situ hybridization. In one preferred embodiment, the rare cell type is a fetal cell in a maternal blood tissue sample, said sample consisting of a smear of unenriched maternal blood. In another embodiment, the method is used to diagnose or genotype cancer cells in a blood or tissue biopsy sample.

Abstract: A method for automated microscopic analysis wherein the test protocol is obtained from interrogatable data affixed to each microscope slide. The method further comprises the algorithms that implement the test protocol.

Abstract: A displaceable light-tight enclosure system housing an automated robotic microscope having electronically controllable components and an image capture device. The enclosure system includes a device(s) for displacement, an externally viewable monitor, and a plurality of electrical power receptacles. The light-tight enclosure system also incorporates an anti-fall support leg that may be extended from the enclosure.