Abstract: Described herein is a method of analyzing nutrient content in soil, the method comprising a) obtaining a soil sample, b) adding a liquid to the soil sample to form a soil slurry, c) flowing the soil slurry through a filter, whereby the filter is oriented such that the soil slurry flows downward through the filter at least partially under the effects of gravity, d) blending a reagent composition with the soil slurry to form a soil mixture, and e) measuring an absorbance of the soil mixture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to index-gradient antireflective coatings that include a differential concentration of nanovoids versus thickness of the coating. In one embodiment, an index-gradient antireflective coating may have an index of refraction that varies from a first value to that of a second material. In another embodiment, the substrate may be optically transparent, and made of, for example, polymer, glass, or ceramics. The index-gradient antireflective coating can be fabricated using a non-uniform spin-coating process, by successive thermal evaporation, or by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. In another embodiment, the spin-coating process can include multiple steps that include different concentrations of monomers to solvent, different spin-speeds, or different annealing times/temperatures. Similarly, the thermal evaporation can include multiple steps that include different concentrations of monomers, initiators, solvents, and associated processing parameters.

Abstract: To accurately measure chromaticity and turbidity while achieving downsizing and employing a turbidity measurement method based on water quality standards of each country, an optical measurement includes a cell that accommodates a liquid sample, a transmitted light measurement light source that irradiates the liquid sample in the cell with light for transmittance, a scattered light measurement light source that irradiates the liquid sample in the cell with light for scattering, a photodetector that detects light from both sources, and a reflection mirror that reflects the light for transmittance in the cell to cause the light for transmittance to be directed to the photodetector. The scattered light measurement light source emits the light for scattering toward a post-reflection optical path of the light for transmittance reflected by the reflection mirror and directed to the photodetector so that the light for scattering intersects the post-reflection optical path at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A fluid processing device includes a detection assembly having a light source, an adjustment system, and a light detector. The light source is associated with a component of the fluid processing device, provided in an initial position with respect to said component of the fluid processing device, and configured to emit a light. The adjustment system is associated with the light source and configured to adjust the position of the light source. The light detector is configured to receive at least a portion of the light from the light source and generate a signal indicative of the amount of light received by the light detector. The fluid processing device further includes a controller configured to receive the signal from the light detector and control the adjustment system to move the light source to a monitoring position based at least in part on the signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for spatial analysis of analytes are provided. A data structure is obtained comprising an image, as an array of pixel values, of a sample on a substrate having a identifier, fiducial markers and a set of capture spots. The pixel values are used to identify derived fiducial spots. The substrate identifier identifies a template having reference positions for reference fiducial spots and a corresponding coordinate system. The derived fiducial spots are aligned with the reference fiducial spots using an alignment algorithm to obtain a transformation between the derived and reference fiducial spots. The transformation and the template corresponding coordinate system are used to register the image to the set of capture spots. The registered image is then analyzed in conjunction with spatial analyte data associated with each capture spot, thereby performing spatial analysis of analytes.

Abstract: A breast pump milk flow sensor system and apparatus for accurately assessing both a flow rate and amount of milk expressed during a pumping session is provided. The breast pump milk flow rate sensor system and apparatus may be contained within a breast pump.

Abstract: A method for scanning microscope slides using a device with at least one feed unit for microscope slide holders, at least two microscope slide scanners, at least one depositing device, and at least one industrial robot, includes: a) loading the feed unit with at least one microscope slide holder, which holds at least one microscope slide, b) removing the microscope slide from the at least one microscope slide holder, c) inserting the removed microscope slide into one of the microscope slide scanners, d) removing the microscope slide from one of the microscope slide scanners, and e) depositing the microscope slide in the depositing device, wherein steps b) to e) are carried out by at least one industrial robot.

Abstract: A modular housing for a spectrometer, the housing comprising at least two modules, the housing further comprising: a sensor recess configured to receive a sensor, the sensor being configured for determining at least one light spectrum characteristic of light received after optical interaction of the light with a sample; an aperture configured for receiving and guiding the light received after the optical interaction along a reception path extending from an entrance of the aperture to the sensor recess; and at least two channels configured for guiding and emitting light out of the modular housing, such that the light, after the optical interaction with the sample, is received at the entrance of the aperture; wherein the at least two channels are arranged along intersecting or skew axes; and wherein at least two of the at least two modules comprise respective ones of the at least two channels.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making a membrane or textile having a mechanically robust surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate by in a first step adhesively bonding a micropatch array to a substrate, the micropatch array having a plurality of micron-scale pillars, each of the micron-scale pillars in the plurality of micron-scale pillars containing a plurality of plasmonic nanoparticles dispersed within a polymer matrix; and in a subsequent step etching a portion of the polymer matrix to expose at least a portion of the plasmonic nanoparticles at or near a surface of the micron-scale pillars. Membranes and textiles containing the mechanically robust surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, and systems are provided for image analysis. Methods of image analysis may include observation, measurement, and analysis of images of biological and other samples; devices, apparatus, and systems provided herein are useful for observation, measurement, and analysis of images of such samples. The methods, devices, apparatus, and systems disclosed herein provide advantages over other methods, devices, apparatus, and systems.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection system is provided and adapted to provide a selectable excitation beam to an optical transmission path for irradiation of a device under test, including a driving module, a lighting module, a first optical module and a second optical module. The driving module includes a first shaft and a second shaft parallel thereto. The lighting module is fixed to the first shaft. The first optical module and the second optical module are fixed to the second shaft. A driving operation enables the driving module to rotate the lighting module, the first optical module and the second optical module simultaneously, determining quickly a combination of one light source, one filter and one spectroscopic module on the optical transmission path, with the combination corresponding in position to the device under test, so as to reduce the volume and cost the fluorescence detection system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample acquiring device holder (3) for a housing (2) of an analysis apparatus (1). The sample acquiring device holder (3) may comprise an activating element (5) and a reception recess (11) for receiving a sample acquiring device (4). A first portion (10) of the activating element (5) may protrude into the reception recess (11), if the activating element (5) is in a non-activating position. The activating element (5) may be adapted to be moved into an activating position by the sample acquiring device (4), if the sample acquiring device (4) is inserted into an intended measurement position within the reception recess (11). The activating element (5) may be adapted to activate a measurement triggering element (15), if the activating element (5) is in its activating position, such that the measurement triggering element (15) activates a measurement of the analysis apparatus (1).

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for securing fabric, paper, and film samples for analysis by laser ablation. A method embodiment includes, but is not limited to, securing a thin, solid sample with a sample holder system, the sample holder system configured to hold the thin, solid sample in a taut configuration between a piston and a sample holder base; transferring the sample holder system to a laser ablation system; and ablating at least a portion of the thin, solid sample in the taut configuration with the laser ablation system to provide an ablated sample.

Abstract: A slide imaging apparatus that includes a copy holder moving system and an imaging system. The copy holder moving system includes a movable stage configured to move along first and second slide movement axes relative to the imaging system, wherein the imaging system is configured to form an image of a sample mounted on a slide located in the/each imaging location on the movable stage during an image forming process that includes the movable stage moving relative to the imaging system along the first and second slide movement axes. The copy holder moving system also includes a copy holder configured to be mounted to the movable stage, wherein the copy holder is configured to be mounted to the movable stage in each of a plurality of indexing positions.

Abstract: A sample holder for use in a centrifuge, the sample holder being generally planar and comprising: an aperture or recess for releasably retaining a sample storage member including a sample chamber adapted to contain a volume of liquid; a centre point around which the holder will rotate during use; and one or more calibration features, wherein the calibration feature(s) comprise one or more outer edges, which lie on the side of the or each calibration feature which is furthest from the centre point, and the one or more outer edges comprise a series of radially spaced-apart outer edge portions or positions which are spaced at different distances from the centre point as a function of angular position around the centre point.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for microfluidic fluid evaporation using femtosecond laser-patterned surfaces are disclosed. A microfluidic device may comprise a femtosecond laser-patterned substrate having at least one input path and at least one output path. The femtosecond laser-patterned substrate may comprise both superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic sections. Fluid deposited at an input path may be wicked to an output path due to the surface pattern. A heating device may be provided to heat the fluid to evaporate volatiles therefrom. Vacuums and gas streams may be used to aid in volatile removal. Gas streams may add gas to the microfluidic device to react with the fluid.

Abstract: Double-walled containment cells are described as may be used for storage, transport, and examination of a sample held within the cell by use of optical analysis techniques. A double-walled containment cell can include multiple types of windows that can be located as desired on the containment cells and thereby provide for optical access to a sample for multiple optical analysis techniques. Disclosed containment cells can be sized and designed for use with existing optical analysis systems, e.g., laser ablation, X-ray diffraction, spectral analysis (e.g., Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, etc.), imaging analysis, etc.

Abstract: A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body. A method for pressure control is contemplated to allow the control of flow rate (while perfusing cells) despite limitations of common pressure regulators. The method for pressure control allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly, so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, devices, kits, apparatus, and methods for rapid homogenous cell staining and imaging. Particularly, in some embodiments, the present invention can immunochemically stain a cell or a tissue in less than 60 seconds without washing. In some embodiments, the present invention stains and observers analyte (protein or nucleic acid) inside a cell in 60 seconds without wash.

Abstract: A process is provided for imaging a surface of a specimen with an imaging system that employs a BD objective having a darkfield channel and a bright field channel, the BD objective having a circumference. The specimen is obliquely illuminated through the darkfield channel with a first arced illuminating light that obliquely illuminates the specimen through a first arc of the circumference. The first arced illuminating light reflecting off of the surface of the specimen is recorded as a first image of the specimen from the first arced illuminating light reflecting off the surface of the specimen, and a processor generates a 3D topography of the specimen by processing the first image through a topographical imaging technique. Imaging apparatus is also provided as are further process steps for other embodiments.

Abstract: A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body. A method for pressure control is contemplated to allow the control of flow rate (while perfusing cells) despite limitations of common pressure regulators. The method for pressure control allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly, so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

Abstract: A placement holder 1 for an analysis according to the present invention includes a frame portion 10 for placing an analysis plate, and a coupling portion 11; wherein the analysis plate includes, respectively at opposite ends in a longitudinal direction thereof, protrusions protruding in the longitudinal direction; the frame portion 10 includes a pair of wall portions that are opposed to each other, and a space surrounded by the frame portion 10 has an area 12 in which the analysis plate is to be placed; the pair of wall portions have a pair of cavities 13 into which the protrusions of the analysis plate are to be inserted, and at least one of the pair of cavities 13 is a through hole; the wall portion having the through hole has, on an inner surface thereof, an inclined surface 14 formed such that an interval between inner surfaces of the pair of wall portions gradually decreases from an upper end side toward the through hole of the wall portion; and the coupling portion 11 is disposed below the pair of cavit

Abstract: A perfusion manifold assembly is described that allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate. A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for the chromatic confocal measurement of a local height and/or orientation of a surface (S) of a sample comprising—a light source (2) configured to generate a polychromatic light beam (9)—a projection lens (4) comprising a lens (4) with axial chromatism configured to apply the light beam (9) to the surface (S) of the sample, —an optical sensor, configured to receive a light beam (9) reflected by the surface (S) of the sample and measure a total energy of the reflected light beam (9) received during an integration interval, —a scanning system (10), coupled to the projection lens (4) and configured to move the propagation axis of the light beam (9) relative to the projection lens (4), such that the total energy measured by the optical sensor corresponds to a dynamic spatial average of the total energy of the light beam (9) reflected by the surface (S) of the sample.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an infrared spectrometer comprising first and second opposing reflectors spaced apart by a spacing length, and a plurality of discrete concave reflecting facets, the reflecting facets being facets of at least one of the opposing reflectors. An infrared laser source is arranged to form a laser beam. The opposing reflectors are arranged such that the laser beam is reflected alternately from each of the opposing reflectors, including being reflected at least once by each of the reflecting facets. A detector is arranged to detect spectral properties of the laser beam after reflection from each of the plurality of reflecting facets, and an analyser then determines properties of a sample disposed between the first and second opposing reflectors from the detected spectral properties.

Abstract: A fine particle measurement device includes a support stand (20) that has a groove (F) extending in a predetermined direction and is configured to support in the groove an observation container (10), which has an elongate shape and accommodates a liquid sample containing a fine particle therein such that an extending direction of the groove (F) coincides with a longitudinal direction of the observation container (10); and an imaging unit (40) that is configured to capture an image of the fine particle in the observation container (10) at a position where the support stand is out of a field of view, the observation container (10) being supported by the support stand (20).

Abstract: An illuminator, comprising: an illumination waveguide, and a controller; the illumination waveguide being a planar waveguide configured to receive a light wave at a receiving end and guide it to a mirror end; the mirror end comprising a patterned mirror configured to reflect at least part of the light wave back into the illumination waveguide, the patterned mirror comprising a pattern configured to confer a diffraction pattern to the reflected light, the diffraction pattern contributing to an interference pattern, the interference pattern having an evanescent field outside the illumination waveguide, wherein the evanescent field of the interference pattern is configured to illuminate an object in close relation to the illumination waveguide; wherein the controller is configured to control a wavefront of the received light wave and to set a relation between the controlled wavefront and the pattern of the patterned mirror such that the interference pattern forms at least one element of constructive interference

Abstract: A method for detecting dust mite antigens includes the steps of collecting a dust sample, applying an extraction and cleanup procedure for dust mite antigens from the dust sample in order to obtain a sample solution ready for measurement, and placing the sample solution on a SERS chip without immunological modification and under a Raman spectrometer for SERS detection in order to identify whether any dust mite antigens exist in the sample solution.

Abstract: A biological sensing apparatus includes an optical waveguide substrate, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) layer, and a lossy mode resonance (LMR) layer. The optical waveguide substrate includes a light input end and a light output end opposite to each other, and a biological sensing area is formed on one surface of the optical waveguide substrate between the light input end and the light output end. The SPR layer includes a metal layer and a plurality of biological probes. The metal layer is arranged on part of the biological sensing area, and the plurality of biological probes are evenly arranged on the metal layer. The LMR layer is arranged on part of the biological sensing area, and the LMR layer and the SPR layer are not overlapped. The present disclosure further includes a biological sensing system and a method of using the same.

Abstract: Provided is a method that, when pulp fibers are recovered from used absorbent articles that have been put into collection bags, makes it possible to safely and sanitarily crush the used absorbent articles while suppressing costs. A method for recovering pulp fibers from used absorbent articles, the method comprising: a crushing step (S12) in which collection bags (A) in which used absorbent articles have been sealed are put into a container (65), the collection bags in the container are transferred to a crushing device (12) that communicates with the container, and, bag by bag, the crushing device crushes the used absorbent articles in the collections bags in a deactivating aqueous solution; and a separation step (S13) in which the pulp fibers, a highly water-absorbent polymer, and the deactivating aqueous solution are separated from the crushed product and deactivating aqueous solution obtained in the crushing step.

Abstract: A hematology test slide has the same or similar dimensions as a chemical reagent test slide and an immunoassay test slide so that it may be used with these other slides on a single clinical instrument. The hematology slide includes, in order from top to bottom, a slide housing having a top housing member, a top cover slip, a U-shaped, transfer tape spacer, a bottom cover slip, a base gasket and a base plate. The U-shaped spacer has a curved end portion which defines a sample deposit area, where a blood sample is pipetted thereon, and a pair of straight, parallel, spaced apart legs extending from the curved end portion. The legs define a read area. A blood sample deposited on the hematology slide at the sample deposit area will flow by capillary action to the read area, where optical measurements are made on the sample.

Abstract: A prism for measuring liquid concentration includes: an accommodating space for accommodating a liquid; an interface formed on a bottom surface of the accommodating space; a first light transmission surface and a second light transmission surface respectively formed on two side surfaces of the accommodating space; a third light transmission surface and a light emitting surface respectively formed relative to the interface. When a first incident light beam enters the prism, the first incident light beam is reflected to the light emitting surface by the interface, and exits the prism from the light emitting surface. When a second incident light beam enters the prism to the first light transmission surface, the second incident light beam exits the prism to the accommodating space from the second incident light beam, passes through the liquid and the second light to the prism, and exits the prism from the third light transmission surface.

Abstract: A setpoint adjustment apparatus for a displacement meter (10) includes a determiner (343) to determine whether a measurement value acquired by an acquirer (341) in measurement of a reference workpiece using an applying setpoint, to be used in measurement of the reference workpiece, is within the range of a desired measurement value (352), and a changer (345) to change the applying setpoint. When the measurement value is within the range of the desired measurement value (352), the applying setpoint used in acquisition of the measurement value is employed as an applying setpoint for inspection of a measurement target (1). When the measurement value is out of this range, the applying setpoint used in acquisition of the measurement value is changed to a different applying setpoint, and whether the measurement value from the reference workpiece using this applying setpoint is within the range of the desired measurement value (352) is determined.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for tracking site-specific microstructure evolutions and local mechanical fields in metallic samples deformed along biaxial strain paths. The method is based on interrupted bulge tests carried out with a custom sample holder adapted for SEM-based analytical measurements. Embodiments include elliptical dies used to generate proportional and complex strain paths in material samples. One example holding device includes a base having a floor and walls that extend to form a chamber for a sample, the floor having apertures for receiving a pressure-supplying fluid, a cover having an opening and configured such that the cover and base can be coupled together to tightly clamp a sample in the chamber, and washers disposed between the base and the cover, each washer having openings extending therethrough change at least one of a shape and a size of the opening formed in the cover.

Abstract: Among other things, the present disclosure is related to devices and methods of performing biological and chemical assays, such as but not limited to immunoassays and nucleic assay acid, particularly a homogeneous assay that does not use a wash step and that is fast (e.g., 60 seconds from dropping a sample to displaying results). The present disclosure is related to both competitive and non-competitive homogeneous assays.

Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.

Abstract: A system is capable of detecting substrates and can differentiate between zero, one, or multiple transparent or semi-transparent substrates in a stack. The system can include an optical sensor, an optically anti-reflective element, and a detector. The optical sensor outputs light towards the optically anti-reflective element. The light detector is positioned to detect light from the light source that is reflected by substrates, if any, positioned within a detection zone between the optically anti-reflective element and the detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a light-spectroscopic analysis of a, for example, liquid sample. In particular, light should be guided through a sample and then detected and/or analyzed photometrically, spectrophotometrically, fluorometrically, spectrofluorometrically and/or by means of phosphorescence or luminescence.

Abstract: An elongated incubation trough has an indentation open toward a top end as well as a bottom. The indentation has a first receiving area to receive an elongated test strip as well as a second receiving area to receive an end section of a fluid line. The second receiving area is in fluidic communication with the first receiving area. A maximum width of the second receiving area at bottom height is greater than a maximum width of the first receiving area at bottom height.

Abstract: An emitter structure includes a substrate with a membrane arrangement. The membrane arrangement includes at least one first membrane, a first heating path and a second heating path in different substrate planes. The first heating path and the second heating path are positioned with respect to one another such that a projection of the first heating path and a projection of the second heating path onto a common plane lie at least partly next to one another in the common plane.

Abstract: An improved sample conveyer for articulating a sample across the flat platen of a spectrum analyzer relative to a scan window in the platen. The conveyor includes a sample truck configured for movement across the surface of the platen, the sample truck having a scan aperture. A spur gear is rotatably mounted about the aperture, and a drive gear is engaged to the spur gear. The drive gear has a plurality of magnets embedded therein, and a second plurality of magnets is affixed to the sample truck. A translation mechanism resides beneath the platen which includes a sled mounted on parallel rails for linear translation there along, and a motor mounted on the sled. Magnets on both the sled and drive gear index and engage corresponding magnets on the sample truck to implement complex orbital, hypotrochoid or epitrochoid scan patterns for more accurate particulate analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to digital pathology. In order to provide an improved handling of probes in digital pathology, a slide-holder (10) for digital pathology is provided that comprises a tray basis (12), a plurality of mounting means (14) and a plurality of slide-holder registration points (16). The tray basis is configured to carry a plurality of slides (20) to be imaged by a digital pathology system, for which the tray basis provides a plurality of slide-receiving positions. The plurality of mounting means are arranged on the tray basis to mount the plurality of slides on the tray basis in a plurality of slide-receiving positions to image each slide in a separate imaging position. The slide-holder registration points comprise a plurality of interacting portions (22) that provide a mechanical registration of the tray basis with a digital pathology system for each of the imaging positions.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process contains a sample processing system, an excitation source, an excitation optical system, an optical sensor, and an emission optical system. The sample processing system is configured to retain a first sample holder and a second sample holder, wherein the number of sample cells is different for each sample holder or a characteristic dimension for the first sample cells is different from that of the second sample holder. The instrument also includes an excitation source temperature controller comprising a temperature sensor that is coupled to the excitation source. The temperature controller is configured to produce a first target temperature when the first sample holder is retained by the instrument and to produce a second target temperature when the second sample holder is retained by the instrument.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a surface light source that emits illumination light and a micro louver film that limits components of a divergence of the illumination light that are parallel to a light emission plane of the surface light source. The illumination apparatus satisfies the following conditional expression: 20°?A?60°??(1) where A indicates, with reference to a direction for which the micro louver film limits the divergence of the illumination light, the maximum spread angle of the illumination light passing through the micro louver film.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a measurement system capable of rapid spectroscopic and calorimetric analysis of the chemical makeup of a test sample. Systems in accordance with the present disclosure include a low-thermal-mass sample holder having a substrate whose surface has been engineered to create a large-area sample-collection surface. The sample holder includes an integrated temperature controller that can rapidly heat or cool the test sample. As a result, the sample holder enables differential scanning calorimetry Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (DSC-FTIR) that can be performed in minutes rather than hours, as required in the prior art.

Abstract: A fixed reference edge system that guides a glass slide from a slot of a slide rack onto a scanning stage and guides the glass slide from the scanning stage into the slot of the slide rack. In an embodiment, the fixed reference edge has a first side that is parallel to a side of the slot of the slide rack. The system comprises an assembly that includes a push bar configured to push the slide from the slot onto the scanning stage, and a pull bar configured to pull the slide from the scanning stage into the slot of the slide rack. When the slide is pulled into the slide rack, the long edge of the slide is pressed against the first side of the fixed reference edge to maintain a parallel orientation between the slide and the slot of the slide rack.

Abstract: A surface enhanced luminescence (SEL) sensor may include a substrate and nano fingers extending from the substrate. In one implementation, the nano fingers may be arranged in a cluster of at least three nano fingers extending from the substrate. The nano fingers of the cluster having different geometries so as to bend into a closed state such that each of the nano fingers of the cluster are linked to one another.

Abstract: A device for performing biological sample reactions may include a plurality of flow cells configured to be mounted to a common microscope translation stage, wherein each flow cell is configured to receive at least one sample holder containing biological sample. Each flow cell also may be configured to be selectively placed in an open position for positioning the at least one sample holder into the flow cell and a closed position for reacting biological sample contained in the at least one sample holder. The plurality of flow cells may be configured to be selectively placed in the open position and the closed position independently of each other.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) having a heating device (7) with at least one stiffened area (9, 10, 27) on a printed circuit board (8). At least one heating element (11) of the heating device is arranged in the stiffened area (9, 10, 27), and the heating device (7) is laid flat, from the outside, on a metallic head part (4) at the distal end (3) of the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for detecting foam in a specimen container. The method includes the following steps: transporting a specimen container into a locator well; centering the specimen container in the locator well; rotating the specimen container around a vertical axis in the locator well; imaging the specimen container during the rotation; analyzing an image of the specimen container captured during the rotation; and detecting foam in the specimen container based on the analysis of the image. An apparatus configured to perform the steps is also provided. The method and apparatus may be used in conjunction with a system for automatically determining whether a sample is positive for microorganism growth.