Abstract: A device and method for determining substances within a fluid stream through the employment of light projected therethrough or emitted by the substances energized in the fluid stream. The device features a fluid chamber through which light, at known wavelengths, is projected through the fluid stream to a light sensor. The substances in the fluid stream are determinable by ascertaining which respective light wavelengths emitted by the light emitter do not contact the light sensor because they are absorbed by respective substances in the fluid stream. Alternatively, the substances in the fluid stream can be energized to emit light in wavelengths which can be ascertained as emitted by individual substances.

Abstract: A system comprises: (a) a robotic arm; (b) a needle capillary coupled to the robotic arm; (c) a cell coupled to the robotic arm comprising: a housing; first and second windows disposed within the housing and defining a width of an internal chamber therebetween; a collimating lens optically coupled to the first window; a focusing lens optically coupled to the second window; an inlet port fluidically coupled to a first end of the internal chamber; and an outlet port fluidically coupled to a second end of the internal chamber; (d) a pump; (e) first and second tubings fluidically coupled, respectively, between the needle capillary and the inlet port and between the pump and the outlet port; (f) a light source; (g) a photodetector; and (h) first and second optical fibers optically coupled, respectively, between the light source and the collimating lens and between the photodetector and the focusing lens.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a system and method for detecting a surface of a substrate within a scanner.

Abstract: An immunoassay test slide for use in a dry chemistry analytical instrument includes a slide housing or case formed from two matable sections—a slide cover piece and a slide bottom piece. The slide housing defines an interior cavity in which is situated a sheet-like porous carrier matrix. The slide cover piece has an opening formed through the thickness thereof to expose a central portion of the fluid flow matrix so that a precise volume of fluid sample of blood, serum or the like, preferably pre-mixed with a conjugate reagent, and precise volumes of a wash reagent and a substrate (detector reagent), may be deposited on the matrix through the cover opening by a metering device of the analytical instrument. The bottom piece of the immunoassay test slide is transparent, and the slide is moved by a transport mechanism of the analytical instrument over a reflectometer or a fluorometer for performing reflectance or fluorescence measurements.

Abstract: A sampling tool for use with an infrared spectrophotometer, and method of use. The sampling tool comprises a bottom plate; and a mesh attached to the bottom plate, the mesh having a plurality of interstitial spaces, and the mesh having a mesh width and a mesh thickness, wherein the mesh is configured to receive a sample material and retain a portion of the sample material within the interstitial spaces of the mesh to form a sample having a sample thickness which is substantially the same as the mesh thickness. The mesh width may be sized to be in a range of about 1 to 3 times the width of an infrared beam directed toward the sampling tool from the spectrophotometer.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. In some embodiments, the system can include, for example, a slide ejector assembly having a slide staging device configured to receive a slide and an over-travel inhibitor that includes a first vacuum port positioned to draw a first vacuum between the slide and a standby platform as the slide is moved across at least a portion of the standby platform. The over-travel inhibitor includes a first sensor for detecting a presence of the slide on the standby platform. The system can also include a transfer assembly to transport slides away from the slide ejector assembly. The transfer assembly can include a floating transfer head having a vacuum port for drawing a partial vacuum for holding the slide.

Abstract: An image acquisition system includes a cassette mounting unit that holds slide glasses in a plurality of stages, a cassette having an identification code imparted thereto being mounted in the cassette mounting unit, an identification code reading unit that reads an identification code from the cassette, an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of a sample held on the slide glass, and a control computer that associates the image data with cassette identification information included in the identification code read by the identification code reading unit, wherein the cassette mounting unit includes a notch portion that exposes a bar code imparted to the cassette, and the identification code reading unit includes an imaging unit that images the identification code exposed from the notch portion in a reading position.

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 invention relates to a perfusion manifold assembly 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 an assembly so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

Abstract: A heating chamber (1) for a heating furnace is proposed, with which electrothermal vaporization of impurities from samples can be effected in order to be able to then analyze them spectrometrically. The heating chamber has a wall (3), a sample reception area (5), a nozzle area (7) and two electrical connection areas (9, 11). The heating chamber (1) is specially configured such that an electric current flows through the wall (3) in such a way that a heating capacity caused by it is higher in the nozzle area (7) than in the sample reception area (5).

Abstract: Systems are provided for a modular multi-wavelength UV-VIS detector unit, such as an absorbance detector (e.g., spectrophotometer) included in a high-performance liquid chromatography system. In one example, a detector unit includes one or more light emitters and a sliding assembly configured to slidingly move a flow cell relative to the one or more light emitters, the one or more light emitters mounted on a floating rig to facilitate alignment between the one or more light emitters and the flow cell when the sliding assembly is in a closed position.

Abstract: A glass vial illumination and inspection system may be provided with a light source and a stand. The stand may have an internal cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the light source. A recess may be located in the stand and configured to receive at least a portion of a glass vial. The stand may be configured to aim the light output from the light source toward the glass vial to illuminate the vial. The stand may be configured to position the vial such that an inspector can manually inspect the illuminated vial for defects. Methods of use are also disclosed.

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 nephelometer that measures turbidity of low volume suspensions using measurements of light transmitted through and/or scattered by the sample. The sample suspension is placed in a tiered cuvette adapted to facilitate measuring the turbidity of low volume samples. The lower portion of the cuvette has smaller dimensions, in horizontal cross section, than the top portion. Both lower and upper portions have angled surfaces. The lower, smaller portion of the cuvette is interrogated by the nephelometer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sample dishes for use with microscopes that are simple to mount on a microscope and facilitate easy manipulation of tissue samples disposed thereon during imaging as well as methods of their use. A sample dish comprises an optical interface and, optionally, a support member that holds the optical interface. The optical interface of a sample dish is suitably transparent and planar such that a focal plane of a microscope can reside uniformly at or within a surface of a sample during imaging. In certain embodiments, a support member comprises a dish for holding excess fluid. In certain embodiments, a sample dish comprises separation ribs. In certain embodiments, a sample dish comprises one or more manipulation members (e.g., tabs). In certain embodiments, a sample dish is used with an imaging artifact reducing fluid.

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: Continuous and automatic acquisition of electron beam holograms is made possible by using a sample holding mechanism that includes a sample end region that has a linear shape that is suited for electron beam holography, separates a thin-film rectangular window with an extreme-thin support film that supports a sample being disposed and a rectangular hole that has a linear-shaped edge and through which a reference wave is transmitted from each other, and configures a part of a layer that is thicker than the support film.

Abstract: An actuation system to manipulate an interface in an aircraft having an actuation controller, a vision system, a robotic arm, and a housing. Each of the vision system and the robotic arm assembly may be operatively coupled to the actuation controller. The vision system may be configured to optically image a display device of the preexisting interface, while the robotic arm assembly may be configured to engage a user-actuable device of the preexisting interface. The housing can be configured to affix to a surface adjacent the preexisting interface, where each of the vision system and the robotic arm assembly are coupled to the housing. In operation, the actuation controller may be configured to instruct the robotic arm assembly based at least in part on data from the vision system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring embryos in an incubator are described. The apparatus comprises an incubation chamber defined by an incubation chamber housing and a slide carrier comprising a plurality of compartment walls that define compartments for holding embryo slides within the incubation chamber for incubation. The slide carrier is moveable, for example by rotation, relative to the incubation chamber housing to allow a selected compartment to be moved to a loading position defined at least in part by a loading port wall associated with the incubation chamber housing. The loading port wall is arranged to cooperate with the wall of a compartment in the loading position to restrict the extent to which the environment of the compartment in the loading position is in fluid communication with the environments of other compartments in the incubation chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for imaging of samples using an array of micro optical elements and methods of their use. In some embodiments, an optical chip comprising an array of micro optical elements moves relative to an imaging window and a detector in order to scan over a sample to produce an image. A focal plane can reside within a sample or on its surface during imaging. Detecting optics are used to detect back-emitted light collected by an array of micro optical elements that is generated by an illumination beam impinging on a sample. In some embodiments, an imaging system has a large field of view and a large optical chip such that an entire surface of a sample can be imaged quickly. In some embodiments, a sample is accessible by a user during imaging due to the sample being exposed while disposed on or over an imaging window.

Abstract: A slide rack inventory and reinsertion system for use with a digital slide scanning apparatus is provided that determines, prior to scanning of glass slides in a slide rack, a status of each slot in the slide rack as properly occupied, improperly occupied, or empty. The system also determines whether a slide that has been removed from the slide rack for processing has been properly reinserted into the slide rack.

Abstract: A sensor platform (300) with a sensor surface (350) receives particles (400). A material extending from the sensor surface (350) having a refractive index higher than the one of the fluid (200), such that an electromagnetic wave (10) propagating in this platform material (310) and incident to the sensor surface (350) at an angle greater than the critical optical angle is totally reflected onto the sensor surface (350). The particles (400) suspended in the fluid (200) include a metallic material (410) enabling a localized surface plasmon resonance at resonant wavelength(s). An optical detector (102) detects a portion of a spectrum of the totally reflected wave (20), including the resonant wavelength(s). A processor determines a presence of the particles (400) on or close to the sensor surface (350) from a frustrated totally internal reflection (“FTIR”) signal retrieved from the detected wavelengths. The retrieving takes into account the detected resonant component(s) present in the FTIR signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in appendicitis patients and in patients at risk for appendicitis. In particular, the invention relates to using assays that detect one or more biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic biomarker assays in such patients.

Abstract: A method for producing a plurality of measurement regions on a chip, and a chip having a plurality of measurement regions which is obtainable by the method.

Abstract: Provided is a measuring chip, a measuring device and a measuring method, which are capable of performing a more simple and highly accurate measurement than the conventional measurement. Light introduced into an incoming part may propagate while totally reflecting within a propagating part of a propagation layer. A phase shift amount in the total internal reflection may be different between sections of an upper surface of the propagation layer where a ligand is formed and where a ligand is not formed. When an analyte is adsorbed to the ligand, the phase shift amount in the reflection may become larger than before attaching the analyte. As a result, a beam pattern of the light outputted from an outgoing part may change.

Abstract: A system for biological sample analysis includes a plurality of modular subassemblies and a precision mounting plate, wherein each modular subassembly includes an enclosure and a plurality of optical components pre-aligned to the enclosure, and the enclosure includes a plurality of precision mounting structures, and each modular subassembly is mechanically coupled to the precision mounting plate, such that each precision mounting structure from a modular subassembly attaches directly to a corresponding precision mounting structure located on the precision mounting plate or an adjacent modular subassembly to optimize optomechanical tolerance.

Abstract: A curing chamber for curing and drying a flat printing product printed with at least one UV-curing pigment comprising a first chamber wall which comprises a cooling surface or is a cooling surface, a second chamber wall which is opposite the first chamber wall, wherein at least one UV lamp directed onto the cooling surface is arranged on or in the second chamber wall, third and fourth chamber walls which are arranged opposite one another between the first and the second chamber walls and which each comprise an introductory slot or removal slot and/or form an appropriate slot to the first chamber wall, fifth and sixth side walls arranged opposite one another and arranged between the first and the second chamber walls, wherein a gas inlet or a gas outlet is arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth chamber walls, and the gas inlet is an inert gas inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus may have a first reflector and a second reflector positioned on either side of a sample volume for a gas sample. The configuration of the first reflector may be variable between at least first and second configurations, wherein each of the first and second configurations is arranged such that a beam of optical radiation from an optical beam origin is directed to a detector location via the sample volume. In the second configuration the beam of optical radiation is reflected at least once from each of the first and second reflectors and the path length of the beam of optical radiation through the sample volume is greater than in the first configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for propagating at least one microtissue, methods for manufacturing such devices, and the use us such devices, said devices comprise at least one well, wherein said at least one well comprises an open upper section comprising an open upper end and an open lower end, and a lower section comprising an open upper end and a bottom end, wherein the upper section and the lower section are in fluid communication, and wherein the bottom end of the lower section of at least one well of said plurality of wells is provided with a well bottom, said lower section of said at least one well has a smaller cross-sectional area than the open upper section of the same well.

Abstract: Drop-to-drop connection schemes are described for putting a microfluidic device in fluidic communication with a fluid source or another microfluidic device, including but not limited to, putting a microfluidic device in fluidic communication with the perfusion manifold assembly.

Abstract: Tissue samples embedded in settable, sectionable media such as paraffin can be cut into sections. Embedding one or more sectionable fiducial indicia in the medium permits identification of the plane along which the medium has been cut. However, prior methods of inserting indicia into embedded tissue sample blocks are cumbersome and difficult to perform. Sectionable fiducial indicia can be embedded in a block of medium by releasibly fixing the indicia to the sidewall or base of a mold used to shape the tissue block during embedding of a tissue sample in the medium block.

Abstract: Embodiments provide slide navigation technology that addresses challenges in digital pathology of navigating and viewing high resolution slide images. Example systems comprise a virtual slide stage (VSS) having at least one sensor that detects user movement of a target placed on the VSS, and an input component, coupled to the VSS, which provides quick function movement control of the target via quick functions. The systems also comprise a connector component that connects the VSS to a user device and transmits output from the at least one sensor and input component to the user device. The systems further comprise a computer processor, in communication with the VSS, which processes the output using a computational model to generate data representing movement profiles of the target. The computer processor executes a software component, causing the output, translated based on the movement profiles, to be relayed via a viewing application on the user device.

Abstract: A confocal slide-digitizing apparatus (100) includes a slide handling unit (20) and an imaging unit (10), wherein the slide handling unit (20) has a slide supplier unit (90). The imaging unit (10) has a light source (40) to illuminate the sample to be digitized at the imaging position through an objective (18) arranged in a light path that enables confocal imaging of at least a region of the sample and an image recording unit to receive light with information on at least an illuminated region of the sample through the objective (18) and generate a digital image of a section of a given thickness of said illuminated region. Moreover, said slide handling unit (20) and said imaging unit (10) are joined mechanically together in a tiltable manner relative to one another, thereby correcting the light path of said confocal imaging.

Abstract: A method for calibrating thermal analysis device includes: photothermal measurements on a sample consecutively held in the plurality of sample holders, or on a plurality of similar samples, which are in each case held in one of the plurality of sample holders, wherein a first side of the respective sample is irradiated with an electromagnetic excitation pulse and a thermal radiation emitted by a second side of this sample is captured; comparing results of the photothermal measurements for the plurality of sample holders; in each case determining at least one correction parameter for each sample holder based on a result of the comparison; and calibrating the temperature measuring system of the device and/or the temperature control systems of the device based on the determined correction parameters.

Abstract: A cell imaging apparatus captures images of cells contained in a liquid specimen comprising: an image capture unit including an objective lens, specimen cells each including an inner space which is capable of holding a liquid specimen and which is elongated in one direction, the specimen cells arranged such that the inner spaces are aligned in a row in a longitudinal direction of the inner spaces, a drive unit that moves at least one of: a) one or more specimen cells; and b) the objective lens; and a controller that controls the drive unit to move at least one of: a) one or more specimen cells; and b) the objective lens in the longitudinal direction and controls the image capture unit to capture images of cells contained in a liquid specimen held in the inner space of each of the specimen cells at multiple image capture positions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sample holder comprising: a base member; a holder member attached to the base member, the holder member having at least one flexible tab resiliently biased towards the base member; wherein one of the base member and the tab comprises a first formation provided on a face thereof so that a sample having a corresponding second formation can be located between the tab and the base member and retained by cooperation of the first and second formations.

Abstract: A method and device for analyzing a hematologic sample centrifuged within a capillary tube is provided. The device includes a tube holder, a sample imaging device, a processor, and a sample data display. The sample imaging device is operable to create a digital image of the sample within a region of the tube. The region is defined by substantially all of the radial width and axial length of the sample residing within the internal cavity of the tube in the region where the float resides after centrifugation. The sample imaging device is operable to produce signals representative of the image. The processor is adapted to produce information relating to bands of interest within the image based on the signals from the sample imaging device. The sample data display is adapted to display the results therefrom and/or a digital image of the sample within the region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell determination method for determining a cell type based on a content of glycogen in a cell, including: an acquisition step of acquiring optical path length data by measuring an optical path length of the cell; a calculation step of calculating an optical path length indicator correlated with the optical path length of the cell from the obtained optical path length data; a comparison step of comparing the calculated optical path length indicator with a threshold; and a determination step of determining whether the cell is a cell type having a high glycogen content in the cell or a cell type having a low glycogen content in the cell, based on the comparison result.

Abstract: The atomic absorption spectrophotometer is provided with an atomization unit, a light source, a detector, an optical system, a camera, and a captured image data storage unit. The atomization unit has a tube-like furnace and atomizes the sample injected into the furnace by heating the sample. The light source emits light of a wavelength of a measurement target toward the atomization unit so that the light passes through the furnace. The detector detects the light passed through the furnace. The camera captures an image of an inside of the furnace before performing a measurement process in which a sample is atomized in the furnace and its absorbance is measured. The captured image data storage unit stores the captured image data obtained by capturing the image by the camera in association with the measurement data corresponding to the captured image data.

Abstract: A method for aligning a reaction ring in an analyzer system using a gauge vertical reaction ring comprising at least one end slot includes inserting a light beam gauge into an aperture operable to hold the light beam gauge at a height corresponding to a photometer included in the analyzer system. The gauge vertical reaction ring is rotated on the reaction ring until the light beam gauge engages the end slot to confirm alignment of the reaction ring with the photometer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for imaging of samples using an array of micro optical elements and methods of their use. In some embodiments, an optical chip comprising an array of micro optical elements moves relative to an imaging window and a detector in order to scan over a sample to produce an image. A focal plane can reside within a sample or on its surface during imaging. Detecting optics are used to detect back-emitted light collected by an array of micro optical elements that is generated by an illumination beam impinging on a sample. In some embodiments, an imaging system has a large field of view and a large optical chip such that an entire surface of a sample can be imaged quickly. In some embodiments, a sample is accessible by a user during imaging due to the sample being exposed while disposed on or over an imaging window.

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: A specimen processing system is capable of processing specimens carried on slides. The specimen processing system can sequentially deliver slides and opposables to specimen processing stations. The specimen processing stations can use the opposables to apply a series of liquids to the specimens. The applied liquid can be moved along the slide using capillary action while the specimen processing stations control the processing temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination of a Fabry-Perot Tunable Filter (FPTF) wavelength selector, an internal reflection element (IRE) capable of measuring Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) spectra, and a pressure application element for applying pressure to samples, if needed. The resultant portable and compact device is called an FPTF-ATR spectrometer. The device measures data that can be used to identify chemical species in samples, predict properties of samples, and quantify amounts of chemical species in samples. Also disclosed are methods for using the FPTF-ATR for analyzing samples, especially analyzing compounds containing cannabis, hops, and other chemical species where portable chemical analysis is important.

Abstract: Technologies pertaining to a centrifuge that comprises a vector-seeking linkage are disclosed herein. In a general embodiment, the centrifuge comprises a spindle that is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The centrifuge also has an arm that is coupled to the spindle, and a vector-seeking linkage that is coupled to the arm. The vector-seeking linkage provides two rotational degrees of freedom with respect to a load coupled to the vector-seeking linkage. The centrifuge is well-suited for a variety of applications, including sensor testing, solution separation, and producing accelerations expected to be experienced during flight.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: A biological fluid analysis cartridge is provided. In certain embodiments, the cartridge includes a base plate extending between a sample handling portion and an analysis chamber portion. A handling upper panel is attached to the base plate within the sample handling portion. A collection port is at least partially formed with the handling upper panel. An initial channel and a secondary channel are formed between the handling upper panel and the base plate. The collection port and initial and secondary channels are in fluid communication with one another. A chamber upper panel is attached to the base plate within the analysis chamber portion. At least one analysis chamber is formed between the chamber upper panel and the base plate. The secondary channel and the analysis chamber are in fluid communication with one another.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an optical apparatus including at least one optical element including glass, at least one support including silicon and a housing including glass. Furthermore, the at least one optical element and the at least one support can be anodically bonded together, and the at least one support and the housing can be anodically bonded together. The disclosure further provides a method for fabricating optical components with durable bonds and incorporates active alignment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for detecting single molecules on an object. The method includes: providing a carrier; attaching the carrier on a surface of the object so that the surface of the object is indirect contact with the carrier; and detecting the single molecules on the object with a detector. The carrier includes a flexible substrate and a metal layer on the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate includes a base and a bulge pattern located on a surface of the base. The bulge pattern includes a number of strip-shaped bulges intersecting with each other to form a net and define a number of recesses. The metal layer is located on the bulge pattern. The carrier has a relative higher SERS and can enhance the Raman scattering.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lighting unit configured to irradiate a light emitting device package including a light transmitting resin containing a light conversion material with light having a certain color; a camera configured to capture an image of the light emitting device package; and a controller configured to determine color coordinates of the light emitting device package using the image, captured by the camera, to determine whether the light emitting device package is defective.