Abstract: The current invention relates to methods and systems for evaluating a filling state of a load bearing means by means of a monitoring system comprising a sensing module; said load bearing means adapted for being carried by a transport unit; said load bearing means comprising a loading space; said sensing module situated in proximity to said load bearing means and outside of said loading space; said sensing module comprising an emitter, a receiver, an evaluator and a memory comprising calibration data; said sensing module configured for carrying out a plurality of steps; wherein a spacing S between said emitter and said receiver does not exceed 200 mm; and wherein a maximum dimension M of said load bearing means is not smaller than 4 m.

Abstract: A truck scale management system comprising a server including a processor and a memory having executable instructions stored thereon that when executed by the processor cause the processor to connect to a truck scale system through a communication interface via a virtual scale, the virtual scale comprising a data connection to a physical truck scale in the truck scale system and including attributes of the physical truck scale, retrieve a given virtual kiosk associated with the virtual scale from a database, the given virtual kiosk communicatively accessible from a client device and including one or more customizable functionalities and workflows that interact with the truck scale system, and facilitate communication between the client device and the truck scale system via the given virtual kiosk.

Abstract: A picking system, a camera system, and a scale tray for a precision scale, wherein the base of the scale tray has a bright material so that the base forms a bright background for parts placed in the scale tray and wherein the base of the scale tray forms a reflector, with the reflector rotating reflected polarized light in the polarization direction with respect to incident polarized light.

Abstract: Disclosed are a directional acoustic sensor, a method of adjusting directional characteristics using the directional acoustic sensor, and a method of attenuating an acoustic signal in a specific direction using the directional acoustic sensor. The directional acoustic sensor includes a plurality of resonance units arranged to have different directionalities and a signal processor configured to adjust directional characteristics by calculating at least one of a sum of and a difference between outputs of the resonance units. In this state, the signal processor attenuates an acoustic signal in a specific direction by using a plurality of directional characteristics obtained by calculating at least one of the sum of and the difference between the outputs of the resonance units at a certain ratio.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a thermoelectric laser power probe, including a heat dissipation housing and a laser power probing unit fixed inside the heat dissipation housing. The heat dissipation housing is provided with a light inlet. The laser power probing unit includes a substrate. The substrate includes a top surface and at least two outer side surfaces. The top surface is provided with an absorbent material layer. The absorbent material layer corresponds to the light inlet. The at least two outer side surfaces are symmetrically arranged about a center line of a cross section of the top surface, each of the outer side surfaces is perpendicular to the top surface or a tangent plane of the top surface, and each of the outer side surfaces is sequentially provided with an insulating layer and a thin-film thermopile.

Abstract: Provided are a substrate, an organic material layer provided above the substrate at a position overlapping at least a detection region, a plurality of detection electrodes provided between the substrate and the organic material layer in a direction orthogonal to the substrate, a first switching element provided to each of the detection electrodes, a plurality of gate lines coupled with some first switching elements and extending in a first direction, a plurality of signal lines coupled with some first switching elements and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a drive circuit configured to supply gate drive signals having potentials determined for the respective gate lines based on a predetermined code to the respective first switching elements through the gate lines.

Abstract: A chip-based planar Raman spectroscopic measurement system is disclosed comprising at least a semiconductor laser as excitation light source, an output waveguide coupling and delivering laser light out of chip, a photo-detector monitoring the laser optical power, an input waveguide coupling signal light to chip, a planar spectrometer comprising Planar Waveguide Grating (PWG) and an array photo-detectors, and control electronics. In some embodiments the PWG is a fixed frequency Arrayed Waveguide Grating (AWG), the laser is frequency-tunable. In other embodiments, the laser has fixed frequency, the PWG or the AWG is frequency tunable. In either case, the frequency tunability will ensure the recapture of the spectral information missed due to the spectral characteristics of the planar waveguide grating such as the channel spacing of the AWG, resulting in high channel count and high-resolution Raman measurement of sufficient spectral range.

Abstract: A system and method for pre-aligning a light beam in a spectroscopic measuring device such as a pump-probe device prior to conducting a measurement procedure is provided, which eliminates the need for monitoring or modification of the beam trajectory through adjustments of elements transmitting the beam (e.g., mirrors) over the course of a measurement process.

Abstract: A multispectral sensor device may include a sensor array comprising a plurality of channels and one or more processors to determine that a time-sensitive measurement is to be performed, wherein the time-sensitive measurement is to be performed using data collected by one or more channels of the plurality of channels; cause the data to be collected by a proper subset of channels, of the plurality of channels, wherein the proper subset of channels includes the one or more channels; and determine the time-sensitive measurement based on the data.

Abstract: A dual-frequency-comb spectrometer and a method for spectroscopic investigation of a sample are described. The spectrometer includes first and second frequency comb devices for emitting laser pulses along first and second light paths, wherein the repetition frequency of the laser pulses emitted by the second device is offset from that of the first device. First and second multi-core waveguides including at least two separate single core waveguides having field-coupling via a coupling gap therebetween are arranged in the first and second light paths. The sample is irradiated by the second frequency comb in the second light path. A detector device is arranged in a third light path where the first and second light paths are combined, for simultaneously sensing the first frequency comb and the second frequency comb after an interaction with the sample. A computing device receives output of the detector device and calculates spectroscopic properties of the sample.

Abstract: A terahertz spectrometer includes: a terahertz-wave emitter and a terahertz receiver elements. The terahertz wave generated by means of generating beat frequency corresponding to the difference between two rapidly tunable continuous wave lasers. Having a difference in time between the interrogating signal and the reference signal at the receiver end side, which corresponds to intermediate frequency (IF), not centered around the baseband, i.e. zero Hertz. The offset step size of the intermediate frequency from zero Hertz is linearly correlated to the position of the interrogated object position.

Abstract: A system and a method for infrared spectrometry, the method comprising multiphoton absorption with a material positioned in the Fourier plane of a 2f setup, the material being one of: i) a visible light sensitive, high band gap material and ii) an IR sensitive material. The system comprises one of: i) a visible light sensitive, high band gap material and ii) an IR sensitive material, positioned in the Fourier plane of a 2f setup.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for hyperspectral imaging with increased dynamic range are disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation, wherein the pixel array comprises a plurality of pixels each configurable as a short exposure pixel or a long exposure pixel. The system includes a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, or electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.

Abstract: Pulsed hyperspectral imaging in a light deficient environment is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, or from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.

Abstract: Pulsed fluorescence imaging in a light deficient environment is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm or from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.

Abstract: Pulsed laser mapping imaging in a light deficient environment is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser mapping pattern.

Abstract: Driving an emitter to emit pulses of electromagnetic radiation according to a jitter specification in a hyperspectral imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a driver for driving emissions by the emitter according to a jitter specification. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, or from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.

Abstract: Provided is a fixed mirror unit capable of adjusting the inclination of a reflection surface and moving the reflection surface in a direction intersecting with the reflection surface with a simple configuration, an interferometer equipped with the fixed mirror unit, and a Fourier transform spectrophotometer. The fixed mirror unit 8 is provided with a plurality of actuators 83 for axially displacing the mirror 87. By displacing the mirror 87 by different amounts of displacements with the plurality of actuators 83, the angle of the reflection surface 87A can be adjusted, while by displacing the mirror 87 by the same amount of displacement with the plurality of actuators 83, the reflection surface 87A can be moved while keeping the angle of the reflection surface 87A constant. As a result, with a simple configuration, the angle of the reflection surface 87A can be adjusted and the reflection surface 87A can be moved along the axial direction.

Abstract: Provided is a fixed mirror unit capable of adjusting the inclination of a reflection surface and moving the reflection surface in a direction intersecting with the reflection surface with a simple configuration, an interferometer equipped with the fixed mirror unit, and a Fourier transform spectrophotometer. The fixed mirror unit 8 is provided with a plurality of actuators 83 for axially displacing the mirror 87. By displacing the mirror 87 by different amounts of displacements with the plurality of actuators 83, the angle of the reflection surface 87A can be adjusted, while by displacing the mirror 87 by the same amount of displacement with the plurality of actuators 83, the reflection surface 87A can be moved while keeping the angle of the reflection surface 87A constant. As a result, with a simple configuration, the angle of the reflection surface 87A can be adjusted and the reflection surface 87A can be moved along the axial direction.

Abstract: A system for determining a risk level for particles moving along a path of movement from a first position to a second position includes a sensor arrangement and processing device. The sensor arrangement includes at least one set of sensing elements including at least two sensing elements arranged to co-operate with mutually separated sensing zones along the path of movement of the particles to detect a signal related to temperature of the particles. The processing device is arranged to: receive signals from the sensor arrangement; form signals from the sensing elements into a pulse train when a particle moves through field-of-view of the sensor arrangement; and based on the pulse train, determine a risk level for the particles. The processing device is arranged to adapt at least one parameter used in the determination of the risk level based on at least one property of the particles moving along the path of movement from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A multiple temperature probe adapter system converts a single temperature probe device to use multiple probes. The system includes a device having a temperature probe input port and a plurality of temperature probes. Each of a plurality of probe inputs is positioned on a housing. Each of the temperature probes is communicatively coupled to a respective one of the probe inputs. A single probe output is positioned on the housing to be connected to the temperature probe input port of the device. Each of the probe inputs is communicatively coupled to a processor which is communicatively coupled to the single probe output. The processor delivers individual respective temperature readings from each of the temperature probes through the single probe output to the device.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a third input terminal and an output terminal. A first summation node adds signals at the first and third input terminals. A second summation node subtracts signals at the second and third input terminals. A selector selects between the added signals and subtracted signals in response to a selection signal. The output of the selector is integrated to generate an integrated signal. The integrated signal is compared by a comparator to a threshold, the comparator generating an output signal at the output terminal having a first level and a second level. Feedback of the output signal produces the selection signal causing the selector to select the added signals in response to the first level of the output signal and causing the selector to select the subtracted signals in response to the second level of the output signal.

Abstract: A sensor system including a sensor probe configured to house one or more coils of resistive electrical wire, an electrical circuit configured to energize each coil so as generate heat within the sensor probe and receive output signals from each coil, the sensor probe comprising a heat transfer material designed to facilitate heat transfer between the sensor probe and a surrounding medium surrounding the sensor probe, and a processing unit configured to measure the output signals from each coil to determine changes in level, temperature, and/or flow rate of the surrounding medium based on changes in the output signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement device 1 comprising a rotatable magnetic object 4 which can oscillate with a resonant frequency if excited by an external magnetic torque. The measurement device 1 is adapted such that the resonant frequency depends on the temperature or on another physical or chemical quantity like pressure, in order to allow for a wireless temperature measurement or measurement of the other physical or chemical quantity via an external magnetic field providing the external magnetic torque. This measurement device can be relatively small, can be read-out over a relatively larger distance and allows for a very accurate measurement.

Abstract: The thermal analysis apparatus configured to measure thermal behavior accompanying a temperature change of a sample in a heating furnace, includes: the heating furnace having an opening, through which the sample is observable; a thermal behavior measurement unit for measuring the thermal behavior; an imaging unit for capturing image data of the sample in the heating furnace through the opening; a storage unit for storing the thermal behavior and the image data with respect to a temperature; a control unit; and an image processing unit for generating predetermined color information based on the image data, the control unit being configured to instruct the image processing unit to generate the predetermined color information with respect to a plurality of temperatures, and cause a predetermined display unit to display a plurality of pieces of the predetermined color information and the thermal behavior in superimposition with respect to the plurality of temperatures.

Abstract: A detection device includes: an optical fiber including: a first part, when a plurality of panels each having a first section in which a plurality of superheater tubes with steam flowing inside the superheater tubes linearly extends in parallel to form a row and a second section in which the superheater tubes bend to separate from the first section in two sets and are radially connected to a side surface of a header is provided in an extending direction of the header and a direction in which the superheater tubes form a row in each panel is orthogonal to the extending direction of the header, laid along the superheater tubes in the first section of one panel from among the panels; a second part extending toward another panel adjacent to the one panel; and a third part laid along the superheater tubes in the first section of the other panel.

Abstract: A low-temperature dry body temperature calibrator used for temperature calibration of an element, and including a furnace body, a control panel assembly and a housing of modular design, the furnace body and control panel are assembled in the housing, the top surface of the housing has a plurality of heat dissipation holes, the top of the control panel assembly is spaced apart from the top surface of the housing, a flow guiding fan is at the top of the control panel assembly, and a flow guiding plate inclined to the heat dissipation holes on the top surface of the housing is above the flow guiding fan. The furnace body has a compact structure, and the radiators have a light weight and a high heat dissipation efficiency, improving the operation stability and temperature measurement accuracy of the furnace body, and the furnace body is suitable for temperature measurement of low-temperature elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are an inductive force sensor and a method of operating the same. An inductive force sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reference resonance circuit, a first resonance circuit, and a determination circuit configured to obtain information about a first resonant frequency, attributable to first inductance due to an inductive coil based on the displacement between a target and the inductive coil formed by an external force input in a Z-axis direction, and a reference resonant frequency. The determination circuit determines the displacement of the target and the external force in the Z-axis direction based on the first resonant frequency and the reference resonant frequency.

Abstract: Pressure/strain piezoresistive are described that include a poled piezoelectric polymer such as PVDF or P(VDF-TrFE) and graphene. The poled piezoelectric polymer and the graphene are electronically coupled to form a heterojunction and provide an ultra-high sensitivity pressure/strain sensor. The sensors can be carried on a flexible supporting substrate such as PDMS or PET to exhibit high flexibility. The materials of formation can be biocompatible and the sensors can be wearable or implantable.

Abstract: An embodiment is to provide a strain sensor fixing device and torque sensor using the same capable of preventing the sensor performance from being deteriorated, and preventing the device configuration from being upsized, and further capable of securely fixing the strain sensor to a structure. A fixing member includes a first end and a second end. The first end is provided with a projection which contacts a first structure and the second end contacts a first end of a strain body provided on the first structure. A screw is inserted into the first structure and screwed into a part of the fixing member between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor arrangement for determining a signal magnetic flux in a manner which is substantially strayfield immune, comprises: a signal magnetic field source; a first and second magnetic flux concentrator forming an air gap between exterior faces of the magnetic flux concentrators; the flux concentrators being configured for guiding a signal magnetic flux to and across the air gap in a gap direction; a magnetic field sensor arranged inside the air gap, and configured for measuring a first and second signal in the gap direction and perpendicular to the gap direction; and for reducing or eliminating an magnetic disturbance field based on the first and second signal. An angle sensor arrangement. A torque sensor. A method of measuring a signal flux, an angle, a torque in a substantially strayfield immune manner.

Abstract: An electromechanical cylinder contains a casing, an actuating rod mounted so as to be able to move longitudinally relative to the casing, an electric motor provided with a rotating rotor shaft, a mechanism for transforming a rotational movement of the rotor shaft of the electric motor into a linear translational movement of the actuating rod, and at least one bearing for guiding the rotor shaft of the electric motor in rotation relative to the casing and for supporting the rotor shaft. The cylinder further contains a sleeve that is fastened to the casing and inside which is mounted the bearing, and at least one load sensor that is mounted on the sleeve while being offset axially relative to the bearing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for measuring root pulling force (RPF) in a plant. The RPF device can comprise a plant grasping mechanism, as well as a force measurement sensor. The device can be automatic, so that the “hand of man” is not required to exert force on the plant while the root pulling force of the plant is being measured. Also disclosed is a root pulling force motion mechanism, which brings the RPF device into proximity of a plant to be measured. Further disclosed is a method for measuring root pulling force of a plant.

Abstract: Highly expressive and flexibly programmable foot-operated controllers are described. Specific implementations are intended for musical applications and allow musicians an unprecedented degree of control of a wide variety of musical components and subsystems for recording and/or performance.

Abstract: A micro pressure sensor includes a sense die mounted on a substrate, a ring structure encircling the sense die, and a silicone material is overmolded to an exterior of the ring structure to form a seal with the ring structure and fills an interior of the ring structure. The ring structure has one or more legs at bottom side, which are snap fitted to the substrate through mating holes such that the ring structure encircles the sense die; and a top surface of the silicone material receives the external pressure and transmits the external pressure to the sense surface of the sense die to generate an output signal on the sense die, wherein a processor converts the output signal into a pressure reading. The pressure-transmitting media transmits a received external pressure to the sense surface of the sense die to generate an output signal from the sense die, wherein a processor converts the output signal into a pressure reading.

Abstract: Targeted antimicrobials are described and related, compositions, methods and systems.

Abstract: A subsea housing assembly has a subsea housing with first and second housing portions having first and second electrical connections for data communication with a separating wall. An inductive coupler has first and second coupling sections disposed in the first and second housing portions and provides inductive coupling across the wall for data communication between the first and second electrical connections. The inductive coupler has inner and outer coils. The outer coil at least partly surrounds the inner coil and at least part of the wall extends between the inner and outer coil. Soft magnetic material is arranged around the outer coil and/or inside the inner coil where magnetic flux is collected and guided from the outer to the inner coil and/or from the inner to the outer coil. A support structure is provided around and/or inside the part of the wall extending between the inner and outer coil.

Abstract: In a pressure sensor, a cap-shaped shielding member (17) to block an electric field undesirable for a signal processing electronic circuit unit of a sensor chip (16) is supported by an end surface of a disk conductive plate (19) between one end surface of the sensor chip (16) in a liquid sealing chamber (13) and a diaphragm (32). The conductive plate (19) is electrically connected via a group of input-output terminals (40ai) and bonding wires (Wi), for example, and the sensor chip 16 is supported by one end portion of a chip mounting member (18) which is electrically connected via the group of input and output terminals (40ai) and the bonding wires (Wi).

Abstract: A device for detecting a sudden pressure variation in a fluid, including a housing open at one of its ends, a wall closing the housing to create a chamber, the wall being configured such that, when the external pressure outside the chamber is substantially stable or varies slowly, the internal pressure of the chamber is close to the external pressure, and the wall having mechanical characteristics such that it breaks when subjected to a predetermined difference between the external pressure and the internal pressure.

Abstract: An interactive software application on a mobile computing device is used to configure an electronic torque wrench via a wireless connection. The software application obtains torque specifications for a vehicle from a remote database. When the torque specification require that work pieces be torqued in an ordered sequence, the software application guides the technician through the sequence, but accommodates changes when the technician departs from the sequence.

Abstract: A non-destructive device that measures the accuracy potential and relative ballistic coefficient of projectiles, by placing the object tested within a swirling vortex having both a rotational and vertical vector, hovering the projectile essentially above the device, and essentially unencumbered by any stator. A perfectly balanced object hovers and turns at a high rate about its long/vertical axis without contact with the device.

Abstract: A structure for detecting a leak, wherein the structure is supported upon a supporting surface, the structure including a leak detector; and a bottom-facing surface comprising an inverted depression in which the leak detector is disposed, the inverted depression is configured to be suitable for inducing capillary actions in a liquid collected on the supporting surface, wherein when the inverted depression comes in contact with the liquid at its periphery, the liquid is drawn to the leak detector to be detected.

Abstract: A method for detecting an irregularity within a fluidic channel, the method including inducing a pressure pulse within a fluidic channel, the pressure pulse resulting in a pressure fluctuation; detecting the pressure fluctuation at a predetermined location within the fluidic channel; determining a measured pressure profile based on the detected pressure fluctuation; providing a baseline pressure profile relating to a pressure within an unaltered fluidic channel; applying an algorithm to the baseline pressure profile and the measured pressure profile; and outputting an irregularity location and an irregularity effect based on the algorithm.

Abstract: Semi-automated testing devices for a plumbing stack are disclosed. A semi-automated testing device in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise a transfer pump configured to automatically fill the plumbing stack; at least one automated gripping element configured to grip a supplemental pipe coupled to a pipe of the plumbing stack via a connection; at least one automated sealing element configured to seal the connection; and at least one sensor configured to measure a water level of the supplemental piping. A method of testing the plumbing stack with the semi-automated testing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a condition of a dynamic system includes installing a vibration signal acquisition device at a predetermined location of the dynamic system, acquiring vibration signals by the vibration signal acquisition device, analyzing the vibration signals in a frequency domain, and predicting a change in the condition of the dynamic system based on the vibration signals in the frequency domain. A system is also provided, and a condition of the dynamic system includes clogging.

Abstract: A system for providing real time aircraft engine sensor analysis includes a computer system configured to receive an engine operation data set in real time. The computer system includes a machine learning based analysis tool and a user interface configured to display a real time analysis of the engine operation data set. The user interface includes at least one portion configured to identify a plurality of anomalies in the engine operation data set.

Abstract: A device for nondestructive viscoelastic characterization of materials, comprising: a tubular shell, having inside a through-recess provided with at least a first and a second shrinkage; a first rod, provided with a base of ferromagnetic material (8), sliding inside said shell between a first position, in which said ferrule does not project to the lower base of said shell, and a second position, in which said ferrule projects to said lower base; a first spring configured to push said ferrule outwards; a displacement sensor configured to read the displacement of said first rod; a button, sliding between a stroke greater than the one of said first rod, and integral to a second rod provided with a magnet and coaxial to said first rod; a second spring.

Abstract: An object is to provide a tire testing apparatus. A tire testing apparatus of a drum type includes: a drum including a transmission portion on an outer circumferential surface; an imaging device that images a ground contact surface of a tire from an inside of the drum via the transmission portion; a ground contact surface imaging processing unit that images, using the imaging device, the ground contact surface when the tire is brought into ground contact with the transmission portion; an edging processing unit that performs edging processing for image information of the imaged ground contact surface of the tire; a division processing unit that performs division processing for the image information subjected to the edging processing into regions which satisfy a predetermined resolution condition; a matching processing unit that performs matching processing by using the divided regions; and a slip amount calculation processing unit that calculates a slip amount and a ground contact surface moving amount.

Abstract: Devices and methods for analyzing a sample are disclosed. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for preparing a serial dilution of a sample. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for preparing a serial dilution of a sample and conducting sample analysis. In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a cartridge device and a reader instrument device. The reader instrument device receives, operates, and/or actuates the cartridge device to prepare a serial dilution of a sample and conduct sample analysis.

Abstract: A microscope slide staining system has a chamber, a plurality of slide support elements, a plurality of spreading devices positionable in association with microscope slides supported on the slide support elements so the spreading devices define a gap between the spreading device and the microscope slide and so the spreading device and the microscope slide are movable relative to one another to spread at least one reagent on the microscope slide independent of the other spreading devices and microscope slides.