Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing an organic light-emitting display apparatus including: a test chamber for retaining a first substrate having a plurality of exposed cells, each cell including an organic emission unit; a stage in the test chamber, the stage configured to support the first substrate; a plurality of probe bars, each of the probe bars including a plurality of probe blocks for respectively contacting the exposed plurality of cells of the first substrate to supply an external signal to the exposed plurality of cells; a probe bar moving unit coupled to the probe bar; and a probe bar supply unit including the plurality of probe bars, wherein the probe bar moving unit is configured to move a probe bar to and from the stage and to and from the supply unit to obtain and unload a probe bar.

Abstract: An adapter cap including a cap body, a slot in the cap body, wherein the slot is configured to hold an optical flat, an attachment mechanism configured to attach the cap to an inspection device, and an alignment hole in the cap body, wherein the alignment hole is configured to hold an optical connector ferrule.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus and an inspection method is provided having a wafer chuck stage equipped with one or more wafer chucks; a position measurement unit for measuring the positions of the light emitting devices on each of the expanded wafers loaded respectively on the wafer chucks; a photodetector and at least one probe provided corresponding to each of the expanded wafers; and a control unit provided with means for moving the wafer chuck stage in the X axis and/or Y-axis directions such that the light emitting devices on each of the expanded wafers are sequentially brought under the corresponding probes, means for moving each of the probes to a place corresponding to the electrodes in the light emitting devices, and means for bringing the probes into contact with the corresponding electrodes.

Abstract: A presentation system for a low-volume solution sample for use in an analysis system is provided. An adapter positions aliquots of the low-volume sample solution for measurement by the analysis system. The adapter includes a recess formed in an upper surface of the adapter for removable receipt of a sample holder that holds the aliquots of the low-volume sample solution. The sample holder is seated in the recess when the sample holder is inserted into the recess. The shape of the recess substantially conforms to at least a portion of the shape of the sample holder such that the recess maintains the sample holder in place during measurement of the aliquots. The recess also has a depth sufficient to receive the sample holder and a cover plate when the sample holder and the cover plate are inserted into the recess.

Abstract: A hyperspectral method for detecting the present condition of an avian egg is disclosed in which a neural network algorithm is used to compare the spectrum of a test egg against a spectral library. The method can detect fertility with greater than 90% reliability on the day of laying and the gender of the chick with greater than 75% reliability on the 12th day after laying.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for imaging a sample, in particular to methods and devices for imaging electrophoretic gels which have been used to separate biological molecules such as proteins or nucleic acids. The invention overcomes the problems associated with interference due to Newton's Rings and chemical toxicity experienced with conventional imaging systems.

Abstract: A mounting system for samples and instruments for use with a measuring device such as a surface forces apparatus has a housing and a sample mount assembly positioned within the housing. The sample mount assembly has a pivot arm having a first edge and a flexing section. A spring has a first end coupled to the pivot arm. A first sample holder is coupled to the second end of the spring. A second sample holder is positioned in proximity to the first sample holder.

Abstract: A signal detection system configured for detecting a signal emitted by the contents of a reaction receptacle is also configured to apply thermal energy to a portion of the reaction receptacle to affect a reaction occurring within the reaction receptacle. More particularly, a system for detecting electromagnetic radiation emitted by the contents of a reaction receptacle includes a transmission element configured for transmitting electromagnetic radiation from the contents of the receptacle, a thermal element associated with the transmission element and configured to apply thermal energy to at least a portion of the receptacle, and a detector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the transmission element and to generate a signal corresponding to a characteristic of the electromagnetic radiation received by the detector.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least one measuring cell (10) is disclosed. The measuring cell comprises a first cavity (16 and a second cavity (18) perpendicular to the first cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity comprising an overlap at first respective ends and a reflective surface (20) at the opposite respective ends. A beam splitter (15) is located in the overlap and an electromagnetic radiation source (12) is arranged to project a beam of electromagnetic radiation onto the beam splitter (15) such that the beam is projected into each of the cavities. A phase detector (22) for detecting a phase difference between the respective electromagnetic radiation reflected by the first and second cavity (16; 18) is also provided. In addition, the apparatus has a fluid channel (26), at least a part of which runs parallel to the first cavity (16) such that the electromagnetic radiation projected into the first cavity extends into said part of the fluid channel.

Abstract: An optical apparatus and method comprising a light source, an array detector for area imaging and an optical cell assembly. The optical cell assembly comprises a chamber which is arranged to receive a sample of a material including an analyte, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet coupled to the chamber. A fluid dissolution medium stream passes through the chamber such that the sample can dissolve into the dissolution medium. The chamber is in at least one light path created between the light source and the array detector. The array detector comprises a two dimensional array of detector locations arranged to provide an output signal indicative of the light absorbance of the analyte within the chamber such that the output of the array detector is indicative of the concentration profile of the analyte near the surface of the sample.

Abstract: An automated 450 mm wafer sample stage for ellipsometers. The sample stage includes a plurality of sample support pins and sample guides for precision positioning. The sample support pins and sample guides may be mounted on the same holding arm which is electronically controlled by a computer user interface. The sample support pins and sample guides are raised to a predefined height to allow sufficient space for a 450 mm be transferred with a vacuum wand onto the support pins and position guides. By electronically lowering the support pins below the surface of the sample stage plate, the 450 mm wafer is placed on the ellipsometer's sample stage without any stress to the wafer surface.

Abstract: An optical signal inspection device includes a housing, a diagnostic unit, an optical specimen holder, a light-shielding module, and a guiding unit. A receiving space is defined internally of the housing. The housing has an optical fiber holding area formed thereon. The optical specimen holder has an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member. The light shielding module has a main body and two lateral shielding members disposed thereon. Two side portions of the lower jaw member are formed matchingly to the lateral shielding members. The guiding unit is secured to the upper or lower jaw member. When the upper and lower jaw members are used to clamp the optical fiber for inspection, interference due to ambient lighting can be prevented by the light shielding module. Thus, quick and accurate inspection results can be obtained by the user.

Abstract: A method of identifying the presence of heroin in an impure heroin composition which contains heroin and at least one fluorescent contaminant which interferes with a Raman signal from the heroin. The method may include contacting the mixture with a solvent such as an alcohol, then contacting the resulting alcohol composition with a SERS surface. The surface may then be exposed to laser light from a hand-held Raman spectrometer to detect a Raman signal from the heroin. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: An optical device is provided that includes a converging lens device, a transmitting optical fiber, a sample holder, and a receiving optical fiber. The converging lens device focuses light onto the transmitting optical fiber, which receives the focused light through an entrance face and transmits the light from an exit face, through a sample, and onto the receiving optical fiber. The sample holder holds the sample for analysis. The receiving optical fiber receives the light through an entrance face of the receiving optical fiber after transmission through the sample. The converging lens device is positioned to focus the light onto the entrance face of the transmitting optical fiber such that a half-angle of the angular distribution of the focused light that reaches the entrance face of the transmitting optical fiber is selected to underfill an entrance aperture of the entrance face of the receiving optical fiber in both a spatial dimension and an angular dimension.

Abstract: A light emitter emits light with a plurality of wavelengths towards a test object held in a spectrophotometer tool. A light receiver receives the light passing through the test object. A detector detects absorbances of wavelength components from the light received by the receiver. An optical path length calculator compares, in the absorbances of the wavelength components detected, a wavelength component absorbance of light absorbed by a pigment that absorbs light with a wavelength other than a wavelength of light absorbed by an analyte in the test object and a predetermined value of the wavelength component absorbance to calculate an optical path length passing through the test object. A corrector corrects the wavelength component absorbance detected excluding the wavelength of the light absorbed by the pigment using the optical path length calculated by the optical path length calculator to calculate a corrected wavelength component absorbance in a reference optical length.

Abstract: A multi-part injection mold (10) for producing a cuvette (1) or a receptacle vessel for liquid or gaseous media for spectroscopic, qualitative and/or quantitative analysis or measurement using a measuring region or measuring gap (2) through which radiation is able to penetrate is provided, with the cuvette being made of plastic through injection molding. To this end, the inner cavity or filling space (9) and the measuring gap (2) are formed and limited on the interior of the injection mold (10) by a contour core (11), the thickness of which is limited to about one millimeter or less in the region (11a) of the measuring gap (2). The contour core (11) is held on the end (11b) thereof having the smallest dimension during the injection molding process, initially by at least one support (14), and retracted during the injection molding process after partial filling of the mold with plastic such that the lower continuation of the walls of the measuring gap (2) is formed.

Abstract: A device includes first and second material facing towards each other as to form at least one focusing microstructure with a focal point located outside of the first material.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for combining a soil sample and extractant in a mixing chamber to produce a liquid extractant-soil mixture. A portion of the liquid extractant-soil mixture is directed from the mixing chamber through a sample measurement chamber coupled to the mixing chamber. The sample measurement chamber is coupled to a light source so that light propagates from the light source through the portion of the liquid extractant-soil mixture to an optical detector which generates an attenuation spectrum indicating light received by the detector at different wavelengths. The sample measurement chamber may include an attenuation cell having a specified optical path between a first measurement window and a second measurement window and angular surface directing particulates in the liquid extractant-soil mixture away from the attenuation cell.

Abstract: A liquid sample analysis device includes a holder part 11 holding a test piece 1, an optical system 20 that optically detects a reaction state of a liquid sample and a reagent, and a support member 30 that integrally supports the holder part 11 and the optical system 20. The orientation of the test piece 1 is changed with respect to the direction of gravitational force by rotating the support member 30.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to measure binding of a biochemical substance with a high throughput and with high sensitivity using a small cell capable of being filled with a small amount of chemical solution. A space between a first substrate and a second substrate such that probes are immobilized on their mutually facing planes is used as a cell that houses a specimen solution. Light is irradiated from a first substrate side, and reflected light is subjected to spectroscopy. Binding of the target with the probe is detected by a wavelength shift in the refection spectrum.

Abstract: Optical measurement devices including one or more sealing assemblies are described. The sealing assemblies are configured for use at relatively high temperatures and pressures, such as temperatures over 200 degrees F. and pressures over 10,000 psi. The sealing assemblies can include a deformable seal element surrounded on each side by a backup seal element. In some examples, the deformable seal element is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of a fluoroelastomer or polytetrafluoroethylene, and the backup seal elements are formed of a material selected from a group consisting of flexible graphite or metal foil. Optionally, at least one additional seal element functioning as an extrusion barrier can be placed on the opposite side of one or both backup seal elements from the deformable seal element. The additional seal element can be formed of polyether ether ketone or flexible graphite, for example. Additional devices and assemblies are described.

Abstract: A method for the formation of flexible surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates with filtering capabilities. The method produces thin flexible substrates that have a nanoparticle ink deposited thereon. The nanoparticle ink may be any suitable nanoparticle ink which includes stabilized nanoparticles such as silver, gold or copper nanoparticles. The substrates and nanoparticle ink undergo a thermal treatment for an amount of time sufficient to remove liquid vehicle and a substantial portion of the stabilizer. The thermal treatment provides a fractal aggregate nanoparticle layer on the substrate suitable for Raman spectroscopy. Such flexible SERS substrates may be used to detect trace amounts of analyte in large volume samples.

Abstract: Detection and characterization of immunologically detected substances are performed electronically on human and animal biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, milk, pleural and peritoneal fluids, and semen, which fluids are contained in a thin chamber forming a quiescent fluid sample, which chamber has at least two parallel planar walls, at least one of which is transparent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a sample processing device comprising a detection chamber, a motor configured to rotate the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and an optical module operatively positioned relative to the sample processing device and configured to determine whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber of the sample processing device. The method can include rotating the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and determining whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber, while rotating the sample processing device. In some embodiments, determining whether a selected volume of material is present can be performed by optically interrogating the detection chamber for an optical property of the material.

Abstract: An object mounting mechanism includes: a plate member on which an object is mounted. Bumps are arranged on an upper surface of the plate member which faces a reverse face of the object. In addition, the bumps are arranged sparsely in an area of a surrounding part of the plate member and densely toward an area of a center part of the plate member.

Abstract: A self-collecting substrate (10) for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy having a first surface (10a) and a second surface (10b) opposed thereto, comprising: a waveguiding layer (10?) supported on a support layer (10?), with the waveguiding layer associated with the first surface and the support layer associated with the second surface; and a plurality of metal nano-antennae (14) established on the first surface and operatively associated with the plurality of openings such that exposure of analyte (18) to the light causes preferential aggregation of the analystes in the vicinity of the nano-antennae. A system (50) for at least one of attracting the analytes 18) to the metal nano-antennae (14) and performing surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy using the substrate (10) and a method for increasing a signal for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy are provided.

Abstract: A chamber for optical observation is provided which not only reduces evaporation of a sample put therein but also hardly adsorbs the sample, and allows more accurate evaluation of motility of the sample, and so on. The chamber for optical observation includes a lower transparent plate on which a sample is placed and an upper transparent plate which covers an upper side of the sample. The lower transparent plate is formed of a flexible material. When the sample is placed on a central portion of the lower transparent plate and covered with the upper transparent plate, the central portion of the lower transparent plate is depressed due to its own weight and the weight of the sample. In this state, a peripheral portion of the lower transparent plate comes into contact with the upper transparent plate, whereby the sample can be sealed with the upper transparent plate and the lower transparent plate.

Abstract: Devices, methods of using the device, systems including the device that include a sample plate with sample containers (wells), wherein at least a portion of the surface of the sample plate and/or sample containers is coated with an optical reflective material. The optical reflective material, provides enhanced excitation signal intensity and enhanced Raman signal intensity. Such enhancement provides improved total signal detection capabilities, and methods of improved focusing algorithms.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention are directed to addressing the complexity, sample geometry, and even pressure feedback issues associated with mechanical-only mechanisms. In particular, by utilizing one or more bellows capsules in an attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) instrument as a pressure vessel that can expand, contract, and tilt in all directions, the mechanisms disclosed herein can substantially apply uniform pressure to an interposed sample surface to include non-orthogonal sample surfaces, and thus conform to any sample geometry within such instruments. The result of the novel arrangements described herein is to provide a user with a convenient and simple interface for operating the interrogating ATR optical instrument.

Abstract: A field use optical grain characterising system (101) includes a generally rectangular prismatic composite body (102) that defines a component cavity (103). A substantially vertical elongate channel (104) extends within cavity (103) for housing a grain sample (not shown). An electromagnetic radiation source, in the form of a 12 Volt halogen lamp (105), is disposed within cavity (103.) for directing NIR light into channel (104). An optical detection system (107) is disposed within cavity (103) for sensing selected light emerging from channel (104) and for providing a sensor signal. A processor, which is included within detection system (107), is also disposed within cavity (103) and is responsive to the sensor signal for providing data indicative of a characteristic parameter of the grain sample. A display device, in the form of a 5.7-inch touch screen LCD display (108), is connected with body (102) for selectively presenting the data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a light absorbing wall material to eliminate stray light paths in light-guiding structures, such as those used for HPLC absorbance detection. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of carbon-doped Teflon® AF, or “black Teflon® AF,” for all or part of the walls of a light-guiding flowcell adapted for use in HPLC absorbance detection.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates improvements in laser ablation of solid samples to be analyzed by an external inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometer, ICP/mass-spectrometer (ICP-MS), or flowing afterglow (FAG) mass spectrometer (FAG-MS) for elemental analysis (ICP and ICP-MS) or molecular analysis (FAG-MS). A novel invention mirror-with-hole beam combiner eliminates chromatic aberration in the invention sample view and allows rad-hardening the laser ablation invention for use in a radiation hot cell for analysis of high activity nuclear waste. Many other novel invention rad-hardening attributes facilitate a comprehensive rad-hardened laser ablation system (the world's first).

Abstract: A system and method for capturing a target analyte in advance of performing spectroscopic analysis to determine the existence of the target analyte from a source contacted with a collection substrate. The collection substrate is fabricated of a material selected to have an affinity for the target analyte, sufficiently transparent in a spectral region of interest and capable of immobilizing the target analyte thereon in a manner that limits scattering sufficient to obscure spectral analysis. The collection substrate may be coated with a material selected to react with, bind to, or absorb the target analyte. The method optionally includes the step of transferring the captured target analyte to a second substrate, which may be an optical substrate. The target analyte may be captured to the collection substrate by one or more of wiping, dabbing or swabbing a target analyte carrier with the collection substrate.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a light transmissive optical component (18) comprising a plurality of optical fibres fused side-by-side, the fibres extending between and terminating at opposite faces of the component for transmission of light through the component. A gold film (20) is coated on one face of the optical component, and a plurality of nanohole arrays are formed in the gold film.

Abstract: A cryostat includes: a casing having an inlet port and exit port; a cell housing provided in the casing; a temperature controller for adjusting the temperature of the cell; a first optical path tube for guiding a light beam from the inlet port of the casing to the cell housing; a second optical path tube for guiding the light beam having passed through the cell housing to the exit port of the casing; first and second optical windows disposed at openings, exposed to the outside, of the first and second optical path tubes, respectively; and sealing materials having a water vapor transmission rate of 30000 cc·cm2·mm·sec·cm Hg×1010 or lower, disposed at the peripheries of the first and second optical windows to seal the first and second optical path tubes.

Abstract: A surface plasmon apparatus includes a light source, a sensor unit for Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) which includes a transparent sensor structure forming at least one wall of a cavity, the wall being defined by a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, wherein the inner surface is provided with a layer of a conductive material capable of supporting a surface plasmon, a flow structure in the cavity so as to form at least one compartment for sample between the flow structure and the inner wall of the cavity, a detector for detecting reflected light from the sensor unit, and a processing unit.

Abstract: A bio-sample image pickup device includes a light source module, a carrier, an image pickup unit, a first filter set, and a second filter set. The carrier carries the light source module and the bio-sample, and moves between a first position and a second position. The first filter set between the light source module and the image pickup unit for filtering the light emitted by the light source module, and the image pickup unit picks up the image of the bio-sample through the first filter set in the first position. The second filter set in the second position filters the light emitted by the light source module for allowing an operator to see the bio-sample in the second position through the second filter.

Abstract: A nano particle tracking device includes a channel structure. The channel structure of the nano particle tracking device includes a pair of microchannels in which a specimen including nano particles is accommodated and which face each other, at least one nano channel which is between the pair of microchannels, which connects the pair of microchannels to each other and through which the nano particles in the specimen are moved, and a nano grating below the nano channel and crossing the nano channel perpendicularly.

Abstract: A test apparatus is configured for testing a notebook including a liquid crystal display section and a body section. The positioning structure includes an optical testing module, an adjustable OTM mount, a fine-tuning module, a clamping module and a adjustable LCD mount. The optical testing module tests the liquid crystal display section, and is mounted to the adjustable OTM mount for moving the optical testing module. The optical testing module is attached to the fine-tuning module. The clamping module is for clamping the notebook. The adjustable LCD mount is mounted to the clamping module, and rotates the notebook relative to the optical testing module.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for consistently comparing at least two paint color panels. The apparatus includes a stand having a telescoping pole, a planar plate, at least one magnetic strip, and an angle measuring apparatus. The method of comparing at least two color samples includes the steps of affixing a first color sample to the planar plate, affixing the second color sample to planar plate, raising the planar plate to the eye level of the user, adjusting the planar plate to a first predetermined angle, visually comparing the first color sample to the second color sample, adjusting the planar plate to a second predetermined angle, visually comparing the first color sample to the second color sample, and repeating the steps of adjusting the planar plate to a predetermined angle and comparing the first color sample to the second color sample until testing is complete.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for positioning at least one preferably biological specimen in the specimen space of a microscope arrangement, and to devices for carrying out these methods. Methods and devices are proposed, wherein the specimen's orientation relative to a detection objective's optical axis can be repeatedly changed and, in doing so, the specimen is held so that a substantially unobstructed view of the specimen is ensured from every detection direction. In different constructional variants, the specimen is held at a supporting device by adhesive forces or by a flowing medium, the specimen is held at a capillary opening by capillary action, or at least one specimen is embedded in a body of transparent gel, and the gel body is fixed in the specimen space by means of a rotatable holding device, and the detection direction is changed by rotating the holding device by a given angle of rotation.

Abstract: Sample storage, in which barcodes and two-dimensional codes printed on the outer surface of the sample storage can be read correctly. A storage tube 110 is transparent, comprising a top opening. An opaque writable outer element 120 covers storage tube 110 throughout from the bottom surface to the side surface. An opaque writable outer element 120 is a medium on which coded information that can be read by optical reading is written. The opaque writable outer element 120 is pushed in and irreversibly fixed to the storage tube 110 by a locking mechanism. At least one window 125 is provided, which enables a sample 200 contained to be observed, with the opaque writable outer element 120 installed outside. Accordingly, coded information written on the opaque writable outer element 120 can be read, and sample 200 observed through the window 125.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for combining a soil sample and extractant in a mixing chamber to produce a liquid extractant-soil mixture. A portion of the liquid extractant-soil mixture is directed from the mixing chamber through a sample measurement chamber coupled to the mixing chamber. The sample measurement chamber is coupled to a light source so that light propagates from the light source through the portion of the liquid extractant-soil mixture to an optical detector which generates an attenuation spectrum indicating light received by the detector at different wavelengths. The sample measurement chamber may include an attenuation cell having a specified optical path between a first measurement window and a second measurement window and angular surface directing particulates in the liquid extractant-soil mixture away from the attenuation cell.

Abstract: A tray, a testing apparatus and a testing method using the same are disclosed. The testing apparatus includes a tray having a plurality of light sources received therein, the plurality of light sources outputting light when power is applied thereto; a plurality of optical receiver units arranged to correspond to the plurality of light sources and receiving the light outputted from each of the plurality of light sources; a plurality of probe units arranged to correspond to the plurality of light sources and applying power to each of the plurality of light sources; a power supply control unit selectively controlling power applied to the plurality of probe units; and an optical properties analyzing unit analyzing properties of optical signals from the light received by the optical receiver units.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer, comprising: an imaging device for imaging a sample container which has translucency and contains a sample; a measuring device for aspirating the sample contained in the sample container and measuring the aspirated sample; a transporting device for transporting the sample container to a supply position for supplying the sample contained in the sample container to the measuring device; a sample volume obtainer for obtaining sample volume information relating to volume of the sample in the sample container, based on an image obtained by imaging the sample container by the imaging device; and a transport controller for controlling the transporting device to perform a transport operation in accordance with the sample volume information obtained by the sample volume obtainer.

Abstract: A gas analyzer is disclosed herein. The gas analyzer includes a light source for transmitting a radiation and a sampling chamber having a first opening for receiving a gas sample, a second opening for removing the gas sample, at least one optical window towards the radiation allowing the radiation to traverse the gas sample and also having a first wall and a second wall opposite to the first wall, the first wall and second wall edging the sampling chamber to guide the gas sample from the first opening to the second opening. The gas analyzer also includes at least one detector for receiving the radiation after traversing the gas sample. The first wall and the second wall of the sampling chamber is curved and at a predetermined distance from each other, an overall shape of the second wall being mostly similar to the first wall.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a sample including providing a microchannel flow channel; associating the sample with magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic polystyrene-coated beads; moving the sample with said magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic polystyrene-coated beads in the microchannel flow channel; holding the sample with the magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic polystyrene-coated beads in a magnetic trap in the microchannel flow channel; and analyzing the sample obtaining an enhanced analysis signal. An apparatus for analysis of a sample includes magnetic particles connected to the sample, a microchip, a flow channel in the microchip, a source of carrier fluid connected to the flow channel for moving the sample in the flow channel, an electromagnet trap connected to the flow line for selectively magnetically trapping the sample and the magnetic particles, and an analyzer for analyzing the sample.

Abstract: A sample preparation apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting a predetermined cell included in a biological sample; a sample preparation section for preparing a measurement sample from the biological sample and a predetermined reagent; and a controller configured to generate, based on a detection result by the detector, concentration information reflecting a concentration of the predetermined cell in the biological sample and to control, based on the concentration information, the amount of the biological sample supplied to the sample preparation section.

Abstract: A field use optical grain characterising system (101) includes a generally rectangular prismatic composite body (102) that defines a component cavity (103). A substantially vertical elongate channel (104) extends within cavity (103) for housing a grain sample (not shown). An electromagnetic radiation source, in the form of a 12 Volt halogen lamp (105), is disposed within cavity (103.) for directing NIR light into channel (104). An optical detection system (107) is disposed within cavity (103) for sensing selected light emerging from channel (104) and for providing a sensor signal. A processor, which is included within detection system (107), is also disposed within cavity (103) and is responsive to the sensor signal for providing data indicative of a characteristic parameter of the grain sample. A display device, in the form of a 5.7-inch touch screen LCD display (108), is connected with body (102) for selectively presenting the data.

Abstract: A method of measuring a characteristic of a skin, including varying an air pressure in a chamber positioned adjacent to a skin, in which the chamber has an opening that exposes the skin to changes in the air pressure in the chamber. A plurality of measurements of surface profiles of the skin are made over a period of time as the surface profile of the skin varies in response to changes in the air pressure.