Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microfluidic devices adapted for facilitating cytometry analysis of particles flowing therethrough. In certain embodiments, the microfluidic devices allow light collection from multiple directions. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices use spatial intensity modulation. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have magnetic field separators. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have the ability to stack. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have 3-D hydrodynamic focusing to align sperm cells. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have acoustic energy couplers. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have phase variation producing lenses. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have transmissive and reflective lenses. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have integrally-formed optics.

Abstract: An electro-optic display is produced using a sub-assembly comprising a front sheet, an electro-optic medium; and an adhesive layer. An aperture is formed through the adhesive layer where the adhesive layer is not covered by the electro-optic medium, and the sub-assembly is adhered to a backplane having a co-operating member with the aperture engaged with a co-operating member, thus locating the sub-assembly relative to the backplane. In another form of electro-optic display, a chip extends through an aperture in the electro-optic medium and adhesive layer. In a third form, the aforementioned sub-assembly is secured to a backplane and then a cut is made through both backplane and sub-assembly to provide an aligned edge.

Abstract: A fiber measurement system for precision measurement of individual fiber properties, including length and fiber length distribution is provided. The fiber measurement system includes a fiber introduction system configured to introduce a plurality of individualized fibers. A fiber guidance enclosure is configured to receive the fibers from the fiber introduction system. The fiber guidance enclosure has an enclosed pathway and a viewing area. The viewing area has a height that limits mobility of the fibers in a Z-direction and the viewing area has a width that is wider than the enclosed pathway. A sensing system is provided for detecting the presence of the fibers within the fiber guidance enclosure. An imaging system is positioned proximal the viewing area of the fiber guidance enclosure to capture an image of the individualized fiber as the fibers pass through the viewing area. A controller is provided for analyzing the image data to determine at least one property of the fibers.

Abstract: Relating to chiral detection systems, various improvements are disclosed including an improved apparatus for detecting a chiral property of a sample. It has a rugged and stable optical rail that operates as a heat sink to the systems' elements and comprises a captive guide structure of heat conductive material having an elevated top platform and a dove tailed lip on the sides. The elevated top platform has a substantial width in comparison to a height of the elevated top platform. The apparatus further includes a wide base portion of heat conductive material supportive of the captive guide structure. The base has a width that is at least twice the width of the elevated top platform and a substantial thickness relative to the captive guide structure. Multiple system elements can be securely mounted on the captive guide structure with some elements being in thermal contact with the elevated top platform.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for producing a collimated light path. Theses devices, systems and methods may be used to determine an optical property of a small volume sample.

Abstract: A fiber quality monitoring apparatus is constructed with a sample window for viewing a fiber sample. As the fiber sample passes the sample window, a bulb is strobed to produce a light pulse that is directed toward and reflected by the fiber sample. When the light pulse reaches a desired intensity, a first photo diode generates a synchronization signal. A second photo diode detects reflected light with a wavelength between about 500 nanometers and about 600 nanometers and produces a reflection signal. A third photo diode detects reflected light with a wavelength between about 430 nanometers and about 530 nanometers and produces a color signal. A charge coupled device camera is positioned to receive the reflected light pulse. The charge coupled device camera has an array of pixels which receive the reflected light pulse.

Abstract: A system for calibrating sensors used in analyzing agricultural solids which includes a calibration paddle possessing one or more calibration tiles for calibrating sensors used in analysis of agricultural solids and a rotary actuator for reversible translation of said calibration paddle between a dormant location which does not interfere with material flow or sample analysis, and an active location containing a calibration position suitable for sensor calibration.

Abstract: In a process for preparing and fixing samples of fibres to be analysed optically, a plurality of fibres (5) to be analysed is laid on a first transparent plate (2), the first plate (2) and the fibres (5) lying on it are covered by a second transparent plate (1) and the two plates (1,2) are pressed together and simultaneously displaced coplanarly with respect to each other to form a fixed sample composed of parallel, longitudinally aligned fibres (5).