Abstract: Method and apparatus testing engine component, for blockage of one or more through-holes in a portion of a wall. The method including (i) providing a supply of test fluid, (ii) causing or permitting flow of test fluid to occur from first to second region, (iii) illuminating the second region with electromagnetic radiation to cause scattering of electromagnetic radiation by material exiting substantially non-blocked through-holes in wall portion having passed therethrough from the first to second side, (iv) detecting said scattering of electromagnetic radiation from said substantially non-blocked through-holes; and (v) comparing said detected scattering of electromagnetic radiation from said substantially non-blocked holes with known pattern of through-holes in component wall portion to determine the presence and/or location and/or identity of any blocked or partially blocked through-holes in component wall portion.

Abstract: A fluid analysis system may include a stage configured to receive a sample holder including a fluid sample to be analyzed. The fluid analysis system may also include a fluid analyzer configured to monitor at least one characteristic of the fluid sample to be analyzed; and an inclined rail; wherein the stage is configured to move along the inclined rail to cause the sample holder to move with a first component of motion along an analysis axis of the fluid analyzer and simultaneously with a second component of motion orthogonal to the analysis axis of the fluid analyzer, wherein the first component of motion affects a focus of the fluid analyzer relative to at least one constituent of the fluid sample to be analyzed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sample handling assembly facilitating a sample holding cell used for XRD analysis. The assembly holds the sample cell upright during sample loading and analysis phases. The sample handling assembly is vibrated, partly by a tuning fork, to allow the powder to flow into the sample cell. After the XRD analysis, a rotating arm holding the sample cell is rotated 180° to orient the sample cell completely upside down so that the sample can be emptied. Also disclosed are jets of air that are pulsed onto the sample cell, and/or into the sample cell funnel-tube assembly, to shake and clean the components.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving and ejecting a test strip of a fluid testing device. The system includes parallel first and second guide rails defining a rail cavity between the guide rails. A sled includes a sled post and opposed first and second side leg sets each having at least one deflectable leg. Each of the deflectable legs is externally slidably engaged to one of the guide rails limiting the sled to only sliding motion in either a loading direction or an opposite ejection direction. An actuator arm is rotatably connected to a mechanism assembly. The sled post is received in an actuator arm slot. Actuator arm rotation in a loading rotational direction displaces the sled in the loading direction in a sliding motion. Subsequent opposite rotation of the actuator arm in an ejection rotational direction displaces the sled in the ejection direction and ejects the test strip.

Abstract: A basic unit for a mobile water analyzing system includes a photometer, a test element receptacle, a photometric measuring track, and a pump actuator. The photometer comprises a light source configured to generate a measurement beam and a light detector configured to receive the measurement beam. The test element receptacle is configured so as to allow a separate test element comprising a measuring section and a pump port to be inserted into the test element receptacle. The photometric measuring track is defined by the measuring section when the separate test element is inserted into the test element receptacle. The measurement beam and the photometric measuring track are aligned during a photometric measurement so that a photometric measurement occurs along a longitudinal length of each of the photometric measuring track and the measuring section. The pump actuator is cooperatively connected with the pump port.

Abstract: The invention concerns a thermal cycler and a microtiter plate. The cycler comprises a sample holder having a first surface and a surface and means for automated, controlled heating and cooling of the sample holder. The first surface of the sample holder is designed to hold a plurality of samples arrayed in a grid having a predefined pitch. The number of samples in one dimension is an exact match of the SBS plate standards for that sample pitch and in another dimension corresponds to a fraction of the number of samples in a second dimension of an SBS microtiter standard plate. According to the invention, the sample holder is shaped such that the area of the second surface is larger than the area of the first surface. By means of the invention, the thermal ramping speeds of the cycler can be significantly increased.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for preparation of complex specimen arrays for analysis by electron microscopy. These methods and compositions can permit high throughput screening of samples on single EM grid supports using sample volumes in the nanoliter and picoliter range.

Abstract: 3-dimensional surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as well as absorption/fluorescence/luminescence detection is carried out using a platform based on nanoparticle-functionalized flow-through multi-hole capillaries for rapid analyte detection. The configuration provides an increased active area and fluidic channels for efficient sample delivery, and also confines and transmits light for a large signal accumulation. Using a capillary consisting of thousands of micron-sized holes adsorbed with gold nanoparticles, a detection limit better than 100 fM is achieved.

Abstract: A spectrometer equipped with an integrating sphere is used to measure a reflection spectrum from a suspension in a container when the suspension is irradiated with measurement light, of which wavelengths are selected from a wavelength range including near infrared. Reflection spectra of a number of types of standard samples, of which concentrations in the suspension are already known, are used to prepare a measurement model in accordance with an assay technique on the basis of a recursion. A concentration of the material in the suspension is found using the measurement model.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and/or identifying target cells (e.g., bacteria) using engineered transduction particles are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes mixing a quantity of transduction particles within a sample. The transduction particles are associated with a target cell. The transduction particles are non-replicative, and are engineered to include a nucleic acid molecule formulated to cause the target cell to produce a series of reporter molecules. The sample and the transduction particles are maintained to express the series of the reporter molecules when target cell is present in the sample. A signal associated with a quantity of the reporter molecules is received. In some embodiments, a magnitude of the signal is independent from a quantity of the transduction particle above a predetermined quantity.

Abstract: A light source includes a light generating chamber and a collector disposed in the light generating chamber. A target material generator configured to propel a quantity of target material toward an irradiation region is disposed in front of a reflective surface of the collector. A plurality of photodetector modules is disposed external to the light generating chamber, with each of the photodetector modules being directed toward the irradiation region. A plurality of tubes is disposed between a corresponding photodetector module and the irradiation region. Each tube has a centerline directed toward the irradiation region, and each tube has a roughened inner surface. The surface roughness of the roughened inner surface is sufficient to cause grazing incidences of light to be eliminated rather than to be reflected off the roughened inner surface. A method of generating light and a method of measuring light energy also are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for conducting multiple simultaneous micro-volume chemical and biochemical reactions in an array format. In one embodiment, the format comprises an array of microholes in a substrate. Besides serving as an ordered array of sample chambers allowing the performance of multiple parallel reactions, the arrays can be used for reagent storage and transfer, library display, reagent synthesis, assembly of multiple identical reactions, dilution and desalting. Use of the arrays facilitates optical analysis of reactions, and allows optical analysis to be conducted in real time. Included within the invention are kits comprising a microhole apparatus and a reaction component of the method(s) to be carried out in the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking an accurate photometric measurement of a liquid by way of forming a specimen volume of a controlled optical path length for use with photometric measurement equipment is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a transparent body configured for displacing a volume of a fluid and at least one support element wherein the support element is configured to maintain the transparent body at a location such that specimen fluid may enter a void volume to form a specimen volume of a controlled optical path length. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a plurality of transparent bodies interconnected by a web such that the transparent bodies are maintained at a spacing arrangement which allows for them to be inserted into the wells of a microplate in order to create a plurality of specimen volumes of a controlled optical path length.

Abstract: Provided is a sample processing cartridge. The sample processing cartridge can include a housing and a channel disposed in the housing. The housing can include a sample inlet for receiving at least one biological sample. The channel can in fluidic communication with the sample inlet and can be defined by an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface can include a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion. The lower surface can include a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions of the upper and lower surfaces of the channel can be configured to isolate at least one aqueous reagent.

Abstract: A Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer that is free from an effect of interference condition change resulting from an accessory being mounted and has a high measurement accuracy is provided. A Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer according to the present invention is a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer including a common base on which a sample chamber 2 and an interference optical system are mounted, where an accessory 20 can be detachably in the sample chamber, the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer including: accessory information reading means 22 for reading accessory information provided to the accessory 20 when the accessory 20 is mounted in the sample chamber 2; and setting condition changing means (controller 30) for changing a setting condition for the interference optical system based on the accessory information read by the accessory information reading means 22, the setting condition varying depending on, e.g.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for making optical measurements of a sample is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a microvolume sampling mechanism comprised of two opposing optical measurement surfaces. A sample is held by surface tension between the two opposing optical measurement surfaces. Light is transmitted through the sample and received by optical fibers, which measure the absorbance of the sample. This absorbance can be used to determine the concentration of the sample.

Abstract: A optical microscopy vapor-condensation-assisted device comprises an air blowing device, a vapor producing device and a guide pipe connected with each other in seal. One end of the vapor producing device is connected to the air blowing device, another end of the vapor producing device is connected to the guide pipe. The vapor producing device produces vapor. The air blowing device blows air through the vapor producing device into the guide pipe.

Abstract: A scattering spectroscopy nanosensor includes a nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate to produce an optical scattering response signal indicative of a presence of an analyte when interrogated by an optical stimulus. The scattering spectroscopy nanosensor further includes a protective covering to cover and protect the nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate. The protective covering is to be selectably removed by exposure to an optical beam incident on the protective covering. The protective covering is to prevent the analyte from interacting with the nanoscale-patterned sensing substrate prior to being removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user's hand.

Abstract: A light transmittance measuring apparatus includes a housing made of opaque material, a light source device disposed in the housing and for emitting a first light beam and a second light beam to the object, a light sensor and a microcontroller. The first light beam and the second light beam have different wavelength ranges and have a first light intensity value and a second light intensity value, respectively. The light sensor is for sensing the first and second light beams after passing through the object and obtaining a third and fourth light intensity values, respectively. The microcontroller is for comparing the first and third light intensity values to obtain the light transmittance of the object under the first light beam and compare the second and fourth light intensity values to obtain the light transmittance of the object under the second light beam.

Abstract: A method for observing a sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a volume (G, V) of a substantially transparent medium having a first refractive index (nint) and having a first surface (S1) that is convex, rounded, or faceted, and a second substantially planar surface (S2), the first surface separating the volume from a surrounding medium (MA) having a second refractive index (nest) that is lower than the first index, the sample to be observed being contained inside the volume or being deposited on the first surface; b) observing the sample through the second substantially planar surface; and c) determining the presence of a substance or an object in the sample by detection during step b), a ring of light that correlates with the volume.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a section onto a substrate, the system comprising: a fluid channel including: a fluid channel inlet that receives the section, processed from a bulk embedded sample by a sample sectioning module positioned proximal the fluid channel inlet, a section-mounting region downstream of the fluid channel inlet, and a fluid channel outlet downstream of the section-mounting region; a reservoir in fluid communication with the fluid channel outlet; and a manifold, fluidly coupled to the reservoir, that delivers fluid from the reservoir to the fluid channel inlet, thereby transmitting fluid flow that drives delivery of the section from the fluid channel inlet toward the section-mounting region.

Abstract: To provide a specimen storage device capable of preventing liquid such as immersion oil and the like attached to the specimen plate from leaking to the outside of the rack and capable of enhancing the operation efficiency by automating the supply and discharge of the rack. Provided is a specimen storage device which stores a imaged specimen plate in a bottomed-shaped rack having an opening at an upper part, the specimen storage device including a rack transport mechanism which transports the rack with the opening directed upward, and a specimen transport mechanism which transports the specimen in an up-down direction, wherein the rack transport mechanism transports the rack to a predetermined specimen storage position, and the specimen transport mechanism stores the specimen to the rack positioned at the specimen storage position from above the rack.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a testing apparatus is provided. The testing apparatus may include a base portion configured to receive a device under test (DUT). The base portion may also include an array of light sensors to measure light leakage from the DUT. For example, the testing apparatus may receive, from the array of light sensors, one or more light intensity measurements associated with light leakage from between a bezel element and a display element along a first edge portion of the DUT. The testing apparatus may then transmit the measurements to a testing computer.

Abstract: A flow path groove is formed in the surface of at least one of two resin substrates; the two resin substrates are joined with the surface in which the flow path groove is formed facing inward; a through-hole having a substantially round cross section is formed in either one of the two resin substrates such that the through-hole connects with the flow path groove from the surface opposite the surface where the two resin substrates join; protruding parts, which protrude in the direction of thickness of the resin substrates and are disposed enclosing the through-hole, are formed in the surface on the opposite side; a space, which has a substantially round cross-sectional shape concentric with the through-hole and has depth in the same direction as the direction of thickness of the resin substrates, is formed in the joined surfaces when the protruding parts are projected from the direction substantially perpendicular to the joined surfaces; and the correlation of fc>fa is satisfied when the edges on the base e

Abstract: A jig for flexible optical measurement has a holding member which has a prescribed curvature that allows it to hold a flexible optical display panel with any given curvature, and a base member which has the same curvature as the holding member in order to shift the holding member and is used to shift the holding member. The holding member can be shifted using the base member, and when performing any measurement by shifting the flexible optical display panel and measuring, it is possible to measure the measurement position from the normal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the permeability of dentin. More particularly, the invention relates to devices and methods of quickly and accurately measuring the permeability of dentin using a flow cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automatically performing chemical, biochemical and biological analyses using the apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a plurality of subsystems for each performing different operations on microtiter plates; a transporting subsystem for automated movement of microtiter plates in three directions X, Y and Z in order to transport plates from one subsystem to another subsystem within the apparatus; a liquid handler comprising at least two liquid handling probes, wherein said liquid handler is integrated in the transporting subsystem; an insertion/removal subsystem for inserting, removing and storing microtiter plates and equipment for sampling and dilution operations, wherein said insertion/removal subsystem is mechanically operated, without the need for electrical components implemented in that subsystem.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a section onto a substrate, the system comprising: a fluid channel including: a fluid channel inlet that receives the section, processed from a bulk embedded sample by a sample sectioning module positioned proximal the fluid channel inlet, a section-mounting region downstream of the fluid channel inlet, and a fluid channel outlet downstream of the section-mounting region; a reservoir in fluid communication with the fluid channel outlet; and a manifold, fluidly coupled to the reservoir, that delivers fluid from the reservoir to the fluid channel inlet, thereby transmitting fluid flow that drives delivery of the section from the fluid channel inlet toward the section-mounting region.

Abstract: A target processing machine (100), such as a lithography or inspection machine, comprising a rigid base plate (150), a projection column (101) for projecting one or more optical or particle beams on to a target (130), a support frame (102) supporting the projection column, the support frame being supported by and fixed to the base plate, a stage comprising a movable part (128) for carrying the target and a fixed part (132, 133) being supported by and fixed to the base plate, a beam sensor (160) for detecting one or more of the beams projected by the column, the beam sensor at least in part being supported by and fixed to the base plate, and a vacuum chamber (110) enclosing the support frame and the column, for maintaining a vacuum environment in the interior space of the chamber, the vacuum chamber formed with the base plate forming part thereof and supporting a plurality of wall panels (171, 172) including a plurality of side wall panels (171) supported by and fixed thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a section onto a substrate, the system comprising: a fluid channel including: a fluid channel inlet that receives the section, processed from a bulk embedded sample by a sample sectioning module positioned proximal the fluid channel inlet, a section-mounting region downstream of the fluid channel inlet, and a fluid channel outlet downstream of the section-mounting region; a reservoir in fluid communication with the fluid channel outlet; and a manifold, fluidly coupled to the reservoir, that delivers fluid from the reservoir to the fluid channel inlet, thereby transmitting fluid flow that drives delivery of the section from the fluid channel inlet toward the section-mounting region.

Abstract: A sample analysis device capable of realizing the enhancement of a near-field light while increasing a hotspot areal density is provided. In a sample analysis device, multiple nanostructures are arranged on the surface of a base body. A dielectric body is covered with a metal film in each nanostructure. The nanostructures form multiple nanostructure lines. In each nanostructure line, the nanostructures are arranged at a first pitch SP which is smaller than the wavelength of an excitation light and the nanostructure lines are arranged in parallel with one another at a second pitch LP which is greater than the first pitch SP.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of measuring a hollow object such as a pipe including temporarily attaching to that object a reference target support such as a stencil that supports a plurality of scannable reference targets. When scanning the object with a movable scanner, most conveniently a hand-held scanner, the reference targets provide a positional reference for the scanner. A reference support that is attachable to or movable along a hollow object has a display face presenting and supporting a plurality of scannable reference targets. The display face can stand up from a surface of the object or can lie against a surface of the object. The reference target support and the scanner can be movable together along a pipe as an internal inspection pig.

Abstract: There is provided a sample analysis element capable of achieving enhancement of the near-field light while increasing the surface density of the hot spots. The sample analysis element is provided with a base body. Nanostructures are dispersed on a surface of the base body at a first pitch SP smaller than a wavelength of incident light. In each of the nanostructures, a dielectric body is covered with a metal film. The nanostructures form a plurality of nanostructure groups. The nanostructure groups are arranged in one direction at a second pitch LP larger than the first pitch SP.

Abstract: An analytical system is disclosed. The analytical system includes a storage container configured to store a plurality of capillaries. It also includes a gripper configured to receive at least one of the plurality of capillaries, and move the at least one capillary so that an end of the capillary contacts a sample in a sample container and draws the sample in the capillary. The system also includes a reader configured to detect a signal from the sample in the capillary.

Abstract: Metrology tool stage configurations and respective methods are provided, which comprise a pivoted connection arranged to receive a wafer and enable rotation thereof about a pivot; a radial axis arranged to radially move the rotatable pivoted connection attached thereto; and optics having a stationary part configured to generate a collimated illumination beam. For example, the optics may be stationary and the radial axis may be centrally rotated to enable stage operation without requiring additional space for guiding systems. In another example, a part of the optics may be rotatable, when configured to receive illumination via a mechanically decoupled or empty region, receive power and control wirelessly and deliver data wirelessly. The disclosed configurations provide more compact and more robust stages which efficiently handle large wafers. Stage configurations may be horizontal or vertical, the latter further minimizing the tool's footprint.

Abstract: A surrogate challenge set including a plurality of containers containing a fluid, wherein at least one of the containers contains particulate matter; and reference probability-of-detection (POD) data for the at least one container containing the particulate matter is described. The fluid may be water containing at least about 0.5 wt % of a preservative, such as benzyl alcohol. The containers may be pharmaceutically acceptable containers such as vials, bottles, syringes, ampules and intravenous bags. The particulate matter may consist of a single particle having a particle size of at least about 50 ?m. A method of making the challenge set may include: disposing particulate matter in at least one of a plurality of containers comprising a fluid; generating probability-of-detection (POD) data for the plurality of containers; and including the probability-of-detection (POD) data in the challenge set. Methods of using the surrogate challenges sets are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor chip capable of reliably combining propagating surface plasmon resonance with localized surface plasmon resonance of metal nanostructures is provided. A sensor chip includes a metal grating. The metal grating includes multiple long metal pieces extending in a first direction. The long metal pieces are arranged at a pitch smaller than the wavelength of an excitation light. A dielectric layer covers the surface of the metal grating. A linear concavo-convex pattern which extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction is formed on the dielectric layer. Metal nanostructures are placed on the surface of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to identify at least one component from a plurality of components in a fluid mixture, includes a first input channel containing the fluid mixture of components; at least one buffer input channel, into which at least one additional flow of buffer solution is introduced; a plurality of regions disposed at the other end of the apparatus, which are adapted to receive outputs of at least one selected component of the plurality of components, the selected component which is selectively removed from the first flow to one of the regions; a waste channel through which unselected components are removed from the first flow; a plurality of pumps connected to at least one reservoir, to control flow rates of the first flow and the additional flow(s); and a computer which controls a selection of one of the plurality of components from the fluid mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: A method for determining the area of an analysis chamber covered by a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within the chamber is provided. The chamber has a first panel with an interior surface, and a second panel with an interior surface, both of which panels are transparent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test apparatus including: test target sections each having a connector to connect a Device Under the Test (DUT); measuring sections that include measuring devices that have same measuring item respectively; a switch section that switches connection between the test target section and the measuring section under direction of a controller; wherein the controller selects one of the algorithms of connection, 1) searching vacancy of the measuring sections and directs the switch section to make a path between the test target section and the measuring section of vacancy, 2) holding the path that former selected.

Abstract: High speed height control of a surface of a substrate within a wafer inspection system includes positioning a substrate on a substrate stage of a dynamically adjustable substrate stage assembly, actuating the substrate perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, measuring a height error value of the surface of the substrate at a position of inspection of the surface, measuring a displacement value perpendicular to the surface of the substrate at the location of the substrate stage assembly, generating a displacement target from the height error value and the displacement value, and adjusting an actuation state of the actuator using the measured height error value and the generated displacement target in order to maintain the substrate surface at an imaging plane of a detector of the inspection system or a focus of illumination of the inspection system.

Abstract: A particulate contamination measurement method and apparatus are discussed. The method, for example, comprises pressing a measurement surface (5) of a polyurethane elastomer (2) against a surface (7) to be 2 measured, removing the polyurethane elastomer from the surface without leaving residues, then using an optical apparatus (11) to detect particles (8) which have been removed by the polyurethane elastomer from the surface and which have become attached to the polyurethane elastomer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a substrate for generating surface plasmons (SPs) and surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) by means of an excitation radiation, wherein the substrate has a carrier layer and a coating with gold or silver. A surface of the carrier layer is provided with identical surface structures arranged in an array of rows and columns The surface structures are recesses with an elongate shape which are arranged with a first periodicity (PH) and with a second periodicity (PV) in direction of the rows and orthogonal to the direction of the rows, respectively. The invention is further directed to a method for the production of the substrate and to uses of the substrate.

Abstract: A handheld diagnostic system may include a disposable sample holder and an analysis module having a chip-scale microscope. The sample holder may have a transparent portion that may be inserted into the analysis module. The transparent portion may have test chambers for containing respective portions of a biological sample. The transparent portion may also include built-in reference features such as reference surfaces, reference markings, and/or reference structures. The chip-scale microscope may include an image sensor for capturing images of the sample and the reference features as the sample holder is inserted into the analysis module. Images of the reference features may be compared with images of the sample and may be used to determine the color, opacity, reflectivity, cell size, and/or cell concentration associated with the sample. The analysis module may transmit sample imaging data to a portable electronic device.

Abstract: A sensor with a substrate includes nanowires extending vertically from the substrate, a hafnia coating on the nanowires that provides hafnia coated nanowires, and a noble metal coating on the hafnia coated nanowires. The top of the hafnia and noble metal coated nanowires bent onto one another to create a canopy forest structure. There are numerous randomly arranged holes that let through scattered light. The many points of contact, hot spots, amplify signals. The methods include the steps of providing a Raman spectroscopy substrate, introducing nano crystals to the Raman spectroscopy substrate, growing a forest of nanowires from the nano crystals on the Raman spectroscopy substrate, coating the nanowires with hafnia providing hafnia coated nanowires, and coating the hafnia coated nanowires with a noble metal or other metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in biological samples. More particularly, the invention relates to a system comprising a disposable cartridge and an optical cup or cuvette having a tapered surface; wherein the walls are angled to allow for better coating and better striations of the light, an optics system including an optical reader and a thermal controller; an optical analyzer; a cooling system; and an improved spectrometer. The system may utilize the disposable cartridge in the sample processor and the optical cup or cuvette in the optical analyzer.

Abstract: This device is for holding samples during their preparation prior to imaging in the electron microscope. The design means it can be transferred between the light and electron microscopes as well as trimming devices used to prepare the final sample. It can also be used at both ambient and cryo temperatures down to ?110° C. The device consists of a base plate that can be held on the stage of a light microscope. It has an aperture through which transmitted light can pass. In this aperture is a clamp which holds a small transparent plastic sphere; the sample sphere. The sample for preparation is bonded to this sphere. The shape of this clamp and sphere means that the sample can be held at any angle to allow for optimal imaging in any light microscope and in the trimming devices, including the ultramicrotome. Once trimmed, the entire universal sample holder can then be transferred into the scanning electron microscope, or held in the ultramicrotome for thin sectioning.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus and method for inspecting and optionally sorting gemstones. The apparatus includes a nozzle or array of nozzles operatively connected to a vacuum pump such that a gemstone located generally underneath one of the nozzles will be supported against that nozzle by air pressure when a vacuum is applied above the nozzle. A drive system moves the nozzles along a path past a gemstone pick-up location so that a gemstone can be picked up by each nozzle as that nozzle passes the pick-up location. One or more measurement devices are located on or near the predetermined path and configured to measure at least one property of the gemstone. One or more ejection locations are provided on the path at which the vacuum applied to each nozzle is reversible to eject the gemstone from that nozzle. The apparatus may also include a plurality of dispensing bins into which the gemstones are dispensed. The bin into which each gemstone is dispensed is chosen in dependence on the measured property.