Abstract: An apparatus and method for tracking the position and orientation of one or more objects in three dimensional space is disclosed. One or more tracked sensor units are each connected with a respective object. Each tracked sensor unit includes one or more light sources and an inertial measurement unit. One or more position sensitive detector tracking devices track the position of the tracked sensor units. Each position sensitive detector tracking device includes a plurality of position sensitive detector sensors combined with optical lenses that focus light from a larger field of view onto each position sensitive detector sensor. The position and orientation of each object in three-dimensional space is calculated from the output of the inertial measurement unit of the respective tracked sensor unit and the output of the one or more position sensitive detector tracking devices in response to light emitted from the one or more light sources of the respective tracked sensor unit.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for inline urine analysis comprising a control unit and at least one image capture unit comprising an image sensor and an optical assembly. The apparatus is configured to be coupled with an indwelling urinary catheter or conduit leading from the catheter. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise a dispenser configured to dispense inert or reactive matter into the urine stream to aid in the analysis of properties of the urine and an illumination device configured to illuminate the urine stream. Also described is a system comprising at least one of these apparatuses and at least one image analyzer unit operatively connected to it. The image analyzer unit comprises a processor and software adapted to analyze the captured images to derive information therefrom relating to identification of properties of the urine and/or objects of interest in the urine stream. Embodiments of the system may comprise other peripheral devices.

Abstract: A light sheet microscope includes a specimen-side objective having an illumination device configured to provide a first illumination beam which is focused for forming a first light sheet for illuminating a specimen from a first direction, the first light sheet being inclined obliquely in relation to an optical axis of the objective and being guided through the objective. A detector is configured to detect light passing through the objective. The illumination device is further configured to provide at least one second illumination beam which is focused for forming at least one second light sheet for illuminating the specimen from at least one second direction that differs from the first direction, the at least one second light sheet being inclined obliquely in relation to the optical axis of the objective and being guided through the objective.

Abstract: Described is a device for granulating a powder to be granulated or a powder mixture to be granulated. The device includes at least one working vessel in which the powder to be granulated or the powder mixture to be granulated is provided, at least one mixer for mixing the powder to be granulated or the powder mixture to be granulated, at least one dosing device for granulating liquid, and at least one drive unit that includes a rotational speed range for providing a drive torque required for the mixer. The drive unit provides a uniformly high drive torque over its entire rotational speed range. Also described is a method for granulating a powder to be granulated or a powder mixture to be granulated using such a device.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a categorizing section configured to extract a material component image identified as a material component from plural images obtained by imaging a sample fluid containing a plurality of types of material components and flowing through a flow cell, and to categorize the extracted material component image by predetermined category, a count derivation section configured to derive a count of the material component per standard visual field, or derive a count per unit liquid volume of the material component contained in the sample fluid, for each of the categories based on the number of material component images categorized by the categorizing section, and a generation section configured to generate an all-component image in which the material component images are arranged according to the counts that have been derived by the count derivation section for each of the categories.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of backlight code printing, and provides a backlight position correction device, which includes an assembly line and an alignment mechanism. The assembly line is configured to drive linear motion of the backlight; and the alignment mechanism is used to adjust a plurality of back-up backlights such that the backlights are in the same straight line. The alignment mechanism includes a fixing plate and a motion component. The fixing plate is disposed at a side of the assembly line. The motion component is disposed at a side of the assembly line opposite to the fixing plate, and configured to push a side of the backlight such that the backlight abuts against the fixing plate.

Abstract: A fluorescence image analyzer, analyzing method, and pretreatment evaluation method capable of determining with high accuracy whether a sample is positive or negative are provided. A pretreatment part 20 performs pretreatment including a step of labeling a target site with a fluorescent dye to prepare a sample 20a. A fluorescence image analyzer 10 measures and analyzes the sample 20a. The fluorescent image analyzer 10 includes light sources 121 to 124 to irradiate light on the sample 20a, imaging part 154 to capture the fluorescent light given off from the sample 20a irradiated by light, and processing part 11 for processing the fluorescence image captured by the imaging part 154.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for visualizing moving tissue with strobed light are provided. A surgical system includes a surgical device configured to operate on anatomy at a first frequency such that the anatomy moves at the first frequency when the surgical device is in contact therewith; and a light source configured to provide pulses of light at a second frequency to illuminate the moving anatomy; wherein the second frequency is different than the first frequency. A method of treating an ophthalmic condition includes operating a surgical device at a first frequency such that anatomy moves at the first frequency when the surgical device is contacted therewith; and controlling a light source to provide pulses of light at a second frequency to illuminate the moving anatomy; wherein the second frequency is different than the first frequency. An ophthalmic surgical system includes a cutting probe, a strobed light source, and a computing device.

Abstract: A microscope system includes: a stage on which a specimen is configured to be placed; an objective lens disposed so as to face the stage; an oblique illumination unit having a plurality of light emitting units arranged annularly around or outside the objective lens, the oblique illumination unit being configured to emit oblique illumination light for irradiating the specimen; an input unit configured to receive an instruction signal that instructs a rotation mode for changing, at regular intervals, a light emitting area where one or more light emitting units of the plurality of light emitting units are caused to emit the oblique illumination light; and an illumination controller configured to change the light emitting area at the regular intervals by controlling light emitting timing of each of the plurality of light emitting units when the input unit receives the instruction signal.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for transferring rotational motion from a prime mover to a load includes reference marks calibrated to indicate torque applied to the coupling during operation. A light source providing intermittent light flashes permits a user to visibly discern the relative rotational position of the reference marks to one another, and thereby determine the torque applied to the coupling.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to determine, from a measured result and an assumed adjustment set, the probability that a permutation to the assumed adjustment set was implemented or other error, such as a sensor error, is occurring. The determination of probability of a permutation of the adjustment set may be based on the error between the predicted response and the measured actual response for the assumed adjustment set and permutations of the assumed adjustment set. A number of statistical comparisons may be performed between the assumed adjustment set and the permutation sets to determine which are closer to the measured actual response. A probability value may be assigned to each adjustment set as to the likelihood of their having been implemented.

Abstract: A stroboscopic light source (22) for a transmitter (14) of a metrology system (10) the monitors the position or shape of an object (12) includes a source housing (224) and a pulsed light generator (232). The stroboscopic light source (22) emits a pulsed beam (20) that is used to identify the transmitter (14). The source housing (224) defines a housing cavity (226) and includes an inlet port (228) and one or more outlet ports (230). The pulsed light generator (232) generates the pulsed beam (20) that is directed into the housing cavity (226) via the inlet port (228). Subsequently, the pulsed beam (20) emits from the outlet ports (230) of the source housing (224).

Abstract: A stroboscopic light source (22) for a transmitter (14) of a metrology system (10) the monitors the position or shape of an object (12) includes a source housing (224) and a pulsed light generator (232). The stroboscopic light source (22) emits a pulsed beam (20) that is used to identify the transmitter (14). The source housing (224) defines a housing cavity (226) and includes an inlet port (228) and one or more outlet ports (230). The pulsed light generator (232) generates the pulsed beam (20) that is directed into the housing cavity (226) via the inlet port (228). Subsequently, the pulsed beam (20) emits from the outlet ports (230) of the source housing (224).

Abstract: A microscope including an illumination device providing a light sheet illuminating a sample region, said sheet having a planar extension along an illumination axis of an illumination beam path and a transverse axis lying normal to the illumination axis. A detection device detects light emitted from the sample region on a detection axis the illumination axis and detection axis as well as the transverse axis and the detection axis being oriented relative each other at an angle unequal zero. The detection device has a detection lens system arranged in the detection beam path and splitting means for splitting the detection beam path into two beam sub-paths. A dichroic beam splitter in the infinity region of the surface detectors is about 3 mm thick. Wobble plate(s) disposed orthogonal to each other relative to the detection axis arranged in one of the two beam sub-paths so measured values can be automatically superimposed.

Abstract: An optical inspection system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) transport and an illuminator that provides at least a first strobed illumination field. The illuminator includes a light pipe having a first end proximate the PCB, and a second end opposite the first end and spaced from the first end. An array of cameras is configured to digitally image the PCB and to generate a plurality of images of the PCB with the at least first strobed illumination field type. At least one structured light projector is disposed to project structured illumination on the PCB. The at least one array of cameras is configured to digitally image the PCB while the PCB is illuminated with structured light, to provide a plurality of structured light images. A processing device is configured to generate an inspection result as a function of the plurality of images and the plurality of structured light images.

Abstract: An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a substrate table configured to support a lithographic substrate and a plurality of nozzles arranged to eject fluid onto the lithographic substrate, the plurality of nozzles extending over a distance which is substantially equal to or greater than a width of the substrate, wherein the nozzles, the lithographic substrate, or both, are moveable relative to the other.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for analyzing rolling stock wheels helps allow a wheel to be analyzed at speed, reducing any need for manual inspections or other related delays. An exemplary system may include one or more strobe lights and one or more high-speed cameras to capture images of the rolling stock wheel(s) at speed. The images may include one or more markers to assist in analyzing various parameters of the rolling stock wheel. The exemplary system may include one or more backface illumination plates to assist in illuminating the rolling stock wheel(s) and/or the one or more marker(s).

Abstract: A motion detection apparatus and method for detecting motion in an apparatus being monitored, and for controlling operations of the apparatus being monitored. First logic of the apparatus processes electrical signals output from an optical detector to produce values that represent movement or an absence of movement of the apparatus being monitored. Second logic of the apparatus receives the values from the first logic and processes them to determine whether the values indicate that the apparatus being monitored has moved. When a determination is made that the apparatus being monitored has not moved, the apparatus being monitored is change from a current mode of operations to a different mode of operations.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotational speed apparatus that includes a main body, a light-transmitting liquid crystal display installed at the main body and a frequency adjusting button module. The liquid crystal display has an observing area which can be adjusted by a frequency adjusting button module to output a bright screen or a dark screen according to a predetermined frequency, and the light passing through the observing area is blocked periodically, so that a user can observe a rotating object through the observing area. If the rotating track of the measuring rotating object remains still, then a blinking frequency observed through the observing area can be used for measuring the rotational speed of the rotating object.

Abstract: An optical assembly to be mounted on a microscope for measuring micro-structures is provided, which images a first object image (7) onto a second object image (8) lying above the optical assembly and in this way shifts the object image at a standardized interface for a camera (12), as well as the interface for the camera itself, upwards. The optical assembly permits a stroboscope lamp (6) to be coupled into the incident beam path of the microscope over a beam splitter (5) without requiring any structural modifications to the microscope. Instead, the optical assembly according to the invention is simply mounted on the C-mount of the microscope. The invention enables the use of stroboscope lamps in commercially available microscopes, which otherwise are not suitable for stroboscopic examinations.

Abstract: A system (10) for imaging a rotating turbine blade (20) includes an image projector (12) receiving a moving image of the rotating blade and projecting a movement-compensated image. The system also includes an image receptor (14) for receiving the movement-compensated image. A sensor (16) is provided for generating information (28) indicative of a velocity of the rotating turbine blade and a processor (18) generates a drive signal (30) responsive to the information for controlling a position of the image projector. The image projector is controlled to receive the moving image at a desired angular position and to project the movement-compensated image to the image receptor so that the movement-compensated image appears stationary relative to the image receptor.

Abstract: A portable, cable free, industrial troubleshooting stroboscope includes a housing having a light source, a control circuitry, a display and a user control mechanism. A pair of power terminals internal to the housing connect to a removable power pack. One or more easily removable replenishable power packs with mating power terminals connect internally to the housing. Means used to directly replenish the removable power pack is in or out of the housing are also included.

Abstract: A scanner system acquires images of articles using a sensor acquiring an image of a portion of an article and defining a field of view, a displacer operative to provide mutual relative displacement between the article and the sensor at a generally uniform rate of displacement, and a field of view freezer operative to provide a generally motionless image during image acquisition. The scanner system is particularly useful in the field of automated optical inspection.

Abstract: An optical assembly to be mounted on a microscope for measuring micro-structures is provided, which images a first object image (7) onto a second object image (8) lying above the optical assembly and in this way shifts the object image at a standardized interface for a camera (12), as well as the interface for the camera itself, upwards. The optical assembly permits a stroboscope lamp (6) to be coupled into the incident beam path of the microscope over a beam splitter (5) without requiring any structural modifications to the microscope. Instead, the optical assembly according to the invention is simply mounted on the C-mount of the microscope. The invention enables the use of stroboscope lamps in commercially available microscopes, which otherwise are not suitable for stroboscopic examinations.

Abstract: Improved insemination systems particularly adapted to use for sex-selected sperm sorting include systems which achieve superovulation and then multiple embryo production with sexed embryos. These systems combine with other techniques, including techniques for enhanced sheath fluid and other strategies which minimize stress on the sperm cells, and, potentially, a 2.9 percent sodium citrate sheath solution for bovine species and a hepes bovine gamete media for equine species. Improved collection systems and techniques for the process are described so that commercial application of sperms samples as well as the resulting animals may be achieved.

Abstract: The invention concerns an instrument (50) and a method for measuring an essentially periodic motion, which has a first average frequency, of an object (10). An image of the object (10) is produced by means of an optical window (30), which comprises liquid crystals (31) to be electrically controllable between different states of transmission. A periodic transmission change, corresponding to the periodic motion, of the optical window (30) between a state with relatively low transmission and a state with relatively high transmission is accomplished, such that the motion of the image (B) obtains a second average frequency, which is lower than the first average frequency. By means of an electronic image-analysing means (20), the image (B) of the periodic motion of the object (10) is received via the optical window (30), and an indication is made to show when the second average frequency falls below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A sorting nozzle having two tapered zones with elliptical cross-sections is able to orient and sort a large fraction of asymmetrical or "flattened" cells. This nozzle has particular application for sorting viable male (Y) and female (X) sperm populations in a cell sorter.

Abstract: A particle analyzer includes a sheath flow cell for converting a particle containing sample into a sample flow, a first light source for illuminating the sample flow by a continuous light, a light detecting element for detecting a light emitted from a particle illuminated by the first light source and for converting the light into a particle signal indicative of a characteristic of the particle, a second light source for illuminating the sample flow by a momentary light, an imaging device for capturing an image of a particle illuminated by the second light source, an analyzing section for performing particle analysis by employing the particle signal and the image of the particle as analysis data for analyzing the particle, and an inhibiting section for inhibiting the analyzing section from employing, as the analysis data, the particle signal obtained when the second light source illuminates the sample flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and analyzing the parameters of the dispersion pattern of the spray plume from the orifice of a spray device or nozzle utilizing an electro-optical device having at least one television camera positioned to detect the image of a gas plume from the spray device or nozzle, such image created by the gas plume's different index of refraction from the index of refraction of the air surrounding it with such image formed by having collimated light passed through the spray plume onto a screen which is positioned before the television camera.

Abstract: A helicopter blade tracking system including an apparatus and method having a self-contained light unit on each blade; each light unit being of similar construction and matched in size and weight. Rings of light formed by the light units during blade rotation are observed by the operator during hover and blade angular position is changed to bring the rings of light into one multi-colored ring of light.

Abstract: A particle analyzing apparatus includes a flow device having a light-transmissive flow cell for allowing subject particles in a sample liquid to flow in a separated state, a laser beam illuminator for illuminating a subject particle flowing in the flow cell with a laser beam and a coherence lowering device for lowering coherence of the laser beam. The particle analyzing apparatus further includes an image capturing device receiving light from the subject particle, for capturing an image of the subject particle and an image processor for processing and analyzing the captured image of the subject particle. By use of the coherence lowering device, both temporal and spatial coherence of the laser beam is lowered. Thus, image quality is improved and a high quality particle image can be obtained which is bright and high in S/N ratio.

Abstract: The lighting device and method of this invention makes the wheel well areas of a vehicle available for displaying messages and graphical indicia. The lighting device also allows the wheel well to be illuminated during normal and emergency repairs when insufficient light is available. The lighting device further enhances the appearance of the vehicle and will attract the attention of others. The lighting device can have a sensor to monitor the rotation of the tire and has a pulse modulator to synchronize light flashes from a flash generator with information a sidewall of the tire. The tire will appear to be stopped. A stroboscopic flash tube is used to provide bright flashes of light for a short duration to illuminate the wheel well including the tire. A number of different indicia can be displayed on each tire by modulating the frequency and the phase angle of the light flashes.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the growth of surface cracks in materials includes a means for applying a load to a specimen to simulate actual use of the specimen, means for illuminating the specimen, means for capturing images of the specimen, and means for processing the images to monitor crack growth in the specimen. Optionally, the means for processing can be used to control the other means.

Abstract: In the operation of a granulating or coating apparatus wherein a particulate material is processed in a granulation chamber into granules, the material may be photographed during the course of carrying out the granulation process by utilizing a photography probe wherein a bundle of optical fibers are utilized to project a source of stroboscopic illuminating light in the form of a generally flat beam through a portion of the granulating chamber and a photographic camera is focused within the projected light beam along an optical line of sight oriented generally perpendicular to the projected light beam to produce an image of granules within the beam against a relatively dark background.

Abstract: A gear tester method and apparatus for inspecting a contact area between a gear member, such as a spiral bevel or hypnoid gear, relative to a second gear, such as a pinion. The gear tester includes a spray system for coating a portion of the gear member with a gear marking compound, such that when the pinion contacts the gear member the gear marking compound provides an indication or footprint of tooth contact made between the gear member and the pinion. A strobing device illuminates the gear member for inspecting the footprint while the gears are still rotating. In a preferred embodiment, a sensing device senses images of the footprint and a display device displays the sensed images whereby the gear mesh is non-invasively inspected.

Abstract: A flow imaging cytometer has an image capturing area for capturing the white-light image of a cell, and an image capturing area for capturing a fluorescent image of the same cell. The two image capturing areas are positionally offset from each other so that both images can be obtained in an excellent state with little mutual influence from the two types of light. Based upon detection of a cell using light from a light source for monitoring cell flow-through, a light source for exciting fluorescence and a strobe light source for emitting the white light area actuated after respective prescribed time delays. To this end, the cytometer incorporates a delay-pulse generating circuit serving as control means.

Abstract: A flow imaging cytometer, in which an image capturing area for cells traveling in the flow of a specimen solution is constantly monitored to perform cell photography in an efficient manner, is improved so that fluorescent images of cells can be acquired with greater efficiency. Cell particles to be sensed in the specimen are treated with a fluorescent stain, and the specimen solution is irradiated with light from a pulsed light source for exciting fluorescence, and with infrared light constantly for monitoring the passage of cells through the cytometer. When the monitoring light is made to serve also as the light for exciting fluorescence, the specimen flow is continuously irradiated at all times at a low luminance for the purpose of monitoring. Then, when a cell particle of interest is detected, the cell particle is irradiated with a light pulse of high luminance to obtain a still picture of the fluorescence-emitting cell.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometer is provided with a continuous-emission light source for continuously monitoring cells passing through the image capturing area of a video camera for cell-image capturing, and with an excitation light source for picking up a fluorescent image of a cell. When a line sensor monitoring cell passage through the cytometer senses such cell passage, the cell is irradiated with strobe light and then, after waiting for the cell to move a fixed distance, with the excitation light. Thus, a particle analyzer is provided in which an image by white light resulting from the strobe light and a fluorescent image resulting from the excitation light can be captured simultaneously by a single video camera in either upper and lower halves or right and left halves of one imaged frame.

Abstract: A white-light image and a fluorescent image are capable of being captured by a single video camera, and a single light source for producing exciting light is used to pick up the fluorescent image and monitor arrival of particles to the image capturing area. Specifically, besides a strobe light source, a light source, the output of which normally is low, is provided for exciting fluorescence and for monitoring cell flow-through. An image intensifier is used in the light-receiving system of the fluorescent image and is supplied with a voltage the size and timing of which are controlled in such a manner that the irradiation of a cell with the strobe light when the white-light image is captured will not have an adverse effect upon the aforementioned light-receiving system. This makes it possible to pick up two images each in a different zone on the light-receiving surface of image capturing means.

Abstract: A particle image analyzer includes a first light source for applying strobe light to a sample solution flowing through a flow cell, first image pick-up means for taking a still picture of a particle in the sample solution irradiated by the first light source, a second light source for constantly irradiating the sample solution in the flow cell, and second image pick-up means for picking up an image of the sample solution in the flow cell irradiated by the second light source. When a particle is detected from the image pick-up data from the second image pick-up means, the first light source is flashed, based upon detection of the particle, in a predetermined image pick-up interval of the first image pick-up means.

Abstract: The visual monitoring apparatus includes a transparent tube section with coupling flanges at each end for coupling to adjacent conduit sections carrying a stream of conditioned sludge which includes agglomerated solid bodies. Control rods extend between the coupling flanges to strengthen the tube. A strobe light is mounted in a housing which is mountable alongside the tube and closely conforms to the shape thereof for confining the strobe light to a predetermined area of the tube and isolating that area from ambient light. The housing accommodates the control rods therethrough and contains a mirror which directs light reflected from the illuminated contents of the tube along a viewing path through a view port in the housing which is closed by a door or hatch. The frequency of the strobe can be adjusted to correspond to the flow rate of the fluid in the tube for creating the visual impression of substantially stopping the movement of the solid bodies in the tube.

Abstract: A strobe light provides uniformly intense, monochromatic illumination of an object photographed by a video camera. The strobe light includes a circuit board having a central aperture and a plurality of light-emitting diodes mounted on the circuit board and generally surrounding the aperture. The circuit board is attached to the camera with the aperture positioned in front of the camera lens such that the video camera views the object through the aperture as the diodes illuminate the object. The strobe light further includes an oscillator providing an output square wave signal of adjustable frequency and duty cycle. A transistor switch controlled by the square wave signal periodically connects a constant voltage across the diodes, thereby causing the diodes simultaneously to generate flashes of light with a frequency and duty cycle determined by the square wave signal.

Abstract: An improved stroboscopic system permits higher response speeds in the order of nanoseconds and a richness of control fatures for highlighting different viewing surfaces including pulse flash length control in addition to frequency, color control, light emitting area control and light focussing features for concentration of available light on the viewing field. Thus, new applications such as the viewing the movement of selected portions of the surface of a high frequency piezoelectric responsive crystal structure are now possible. This is achieved by flashing at least one solid state light emitting element that produces light in an emitting area defined by the shape of a light emitting surface activated in response to externally derived synchronization pulses.

Abstract: A movable marking apparatus for marking a supporting surface includes a housing member, wheels rotatably mounted to the housing for engaging the supporting surface and rolling on it, and a handle assembly for controlling the apparatus and actuating the nozzle of a spray can. The apparatus also includes a speed indicating assembly rotatably mounted on the apparatus and connected to a wheel of the apparatus. This assembly has at least one set of indicia disposed in spaced intervals on the assembly. This indicia appears as a solid line when a user moves the apparatus at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A dynamic particulate observation apparatus for monitoring a moving particle comprises a black box having an internal space enclosed therewithin, which shields said space from the infiltration of light outside; means for generating particles moving across said black box; means for emitting flash light within said black box at a predetermined frequency; and means for taking down the images of the particles generated by said generating means when said emitting means emits flashlights. The dynamic particulate observation apparatus according to this invention is cheap and easy to assemble, and renders all the necessary functions of a conventional dynamic particulate observation apparatus.

Abstract: Printed webs leaving a printing press at speeds above 500 feet per minute are inspected with precision across the full width of the web by a stroboscope method and apparatus. Each repetitive image or design imprinted on the high speed web is rendered stationary relative to the eyes of a viewer at a web inspection station by bright short flashes of light emitted by an elongated xenon flash tube or tubes spanning the web transversely of its path of movement. Light flashes triggered by an improved strobe circuit which is synchronized with the images at all times permits an inspector to inspect any number of images, spaced around the press cylinder, whether or not the images are equally spaced. Additionally, the system can be used in either an image lock mode for side-by-side comparison with a standard or in a controlled pan or scroll mode to allow optimal inspection of entire impression sequences.

Abstract: A system for determining range, particularly for robotic applications, is disclosed. The system preferably includes a single camera and at least two light sources. The lights can be turned on and off independently and are located at different distances from the target object. To determine the range, the intensity of each pixel is recorded with the front light on, then the intensity is recorded with the rear light on. The ratio of these two intensities is a unique function of range, regardless of the reflectivity of the object. If there is ambient light illuminating the object, its value must be subtracted from the intensity measurements prior to calculating the ratio.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flow cytometry in which laser light pulses are focused on a sheathed stream, a still picture of cells passing by the region of the focal point is taken by an objective lens-CCD camera combination, the still picture obtained is processed and analyzed to acquire information relating to the shape and internal state of individual cells, and the cells are subjected to analysis based on the information acquired.

Abstract: A video endoscope has a strobe lamp operable in a mode wherein the strobing is synchronized to a selected tone or a periodic vibration in a patient, such as from the vocal cords, and is alternatively operable in a mode wherein the strobing is so rapid so as to appear as a substantially continuous light source. In the second mode, wherein the resulting image is to be displayed by a video system, the trigger circuit for operating the lamp is supplied with the video signal so that the lamp is triggered during either the horizontal or vertical blanking interval so that triggering of the strobe lamp does not cause interference in the video picture.

Abstract: A new method and electronic circuit are provided to prevent image creep in automated centrifuges. The method and circuitry automatically substract a fixed time delay, which is associated with the strobe detection and firing circuitry, from a longer variable time period, which is inversely proportional to the rotational speed of the centrifuge, to thereby delay the flash of the strobe by a time inversely proportional to centrifuge rotation speed.