Abstract: Biological cells in a liquid suspension are counted in an automated cell counter that focuses an image of the suspension on a digital imaging sensor that contains at least 4,000,000 pixels each having an area of 2×2 ?m or less and that images a field of view of at least 3 mm2. The sensor enables the counter to compress the optical components into an optical path of less than 20 cm in height when arranged vertically with no changes in direction of the optical path as a whole, and the entire instrument has a footprint of less than 300 cm2. Activation of the light source, automated focusing of the sensor image, and digital cell counting are all initiated by the simple insertion of the sample holder into the instrument. The suspension is placed in a sample chamber in the form of a slide that is shaped to ensure proper orientation of the slide in the cell counter.

Abstract: An optical blood monitoring system and corresponding method avoid the need to obtain a precise intensity value of the light impinging upon the measured blood layer during the analysis. The system is operated to determine at least two optical measurements through blood layers of different thickness but otherwise substantially identical systems. Due to the equivalence of the systems, the two measurements can be compared so that the bulk extinction coefficient of the blood can be calculated based only on the known blood layer thicknesses and the two measurements. Reliable measurements of various blood parameters can thereby be determined without certain calibration steps.

Abstract: A display is provided for an automatic analyzer to display statistics such as measurement results. A width of a display in a window that displays statistics may be adjusted and the amount of information to be displayed on the display is changed according to a level of detail of the information which the operator wants to confirm. Sample information, measurement results, and detailed information related to the measurement results are simultaneously displayed without a subwindow being displayed in overlapped form in the limited display area.

Abstract: A socket includes a first base member that includes a module mount unit allowing a module including an imaging device and an object to be placed thereon and an electric connector that electrically connects the imaging device to an external apparatus, a second base member having an opening, and an engagement unit that causes the first base member to be engaged with the second base member under a condition that the module placed on the module mount unit is sandwiched by the first and second base members. When the first base member is engaged with the second base member by the engagement unit under a condition that the module placed on the module mount unit is sandwiched by the first base member and the second base member, the electric connector is electrically connected to the imaging device, and the object receives illumination light from a light source through the opening.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for the microfluidic manipulation, dispensing, and/or sorting of particles, such as cells and/or beads. The systems may include a shaped focusing chamber and/or a branched diverting mechanism.

Abstract: In some examples, an image sensor system comprises a source module including a source housing having a source window and a source shielding member, the source module to emit a detection signal through the source window. the source shielding member surrounding the source window and extending in an outward direction from the source window. The image sensor system further comprises a detection module including a detection housing having a detection window and a detection shielding member, the detection module spaced apart from the source module and to detect the detection signal emitted from the source module and passed through the detection window, the detection shielding member surrounding the detection window and extending in an outward direction from the detection window.

Abstract: A pressure adjusting device includes a housing with a cylinder. A piston moves within the cylinder in an axial direction. A pulse motor is fixed to the housing. A switch provided on a surface of the cylinder is actuated by movement of the piston in the cylinder in the axial direction. The switch includes a fixed contact point and a moveable contact point. The piston presses the movable contact point to abut against the fixed contact point when the piston moves from a position other than the initial position to the initial position so that the movable contact point electrically contacts the fixed contact point.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-channel aerosol scattering absorption measuring instrument, comprising a light path device, a detection device and a gas path device. The light path device supplies three different wavelengths of laser entering the detection device in sequence; the detection device is provided with photoelectric detectors at multiple angles for measurement, so as to reduce the measurement error of aerosol scattering coefficient; the gas path device comprises a sample loading unit, a calibration unit and a sample discharging unit; and a light source from the light path device and a gas flow from the gas path device enter the photoacoustic cavity of the detection device respectively and are detected by a control unit.

Abstract: Fluid processing tube for use in optical analysis comprising at least one first portion being made from a first material suitable for optical analysis and being configured to include two optical paths of different lengths, and at least one second portion connected to said first portion and being made from a second material different from said first material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device useful for inspecting a sample. The device includes a camera in order to arrange that camera in an image field so that an interface line and a marker of the camera can be imaged as a recorded image. The device also has an evaluation unit which allows an evaluation of the recorded image and the marking in order to provide information to the observer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for inspecting a volume and/or a composition of at least one, especially fluid, sample. The method comprises the steps of making available at least one pipette, in which an interface is formed between a sample and a fluid which is adjacent to the sample. That interface being optically perceptible outside the pipette as an interface line between the sample and at least one fluid that extends approximately (about) horizontally A camera is arranged in an image so that the marking and at least a first section of the at least one pipette is shown in a recorded image The present invention thus provides an apparatus and method for a singular approach to detecting, evaluation and recording results.

Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions.

Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods for performing automated reagent-based analysis are provided. Also provided are methods for automated attachment of a cap to a reaction receptacle, and automated removal of a cap from a capped reaction receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for performing a light-absorption measurement on a test sample and a compliance measurement on a reference sample. A method includes moving a reference sample receptacle carrier of an apparatus to position a first reference sample receptacle received in the carrier at a second position in a light path, directing light from an illumination system to a detection system along the light path to perform a light-absorption measurement on a first reference sample at the second position, moving the carrier to position the first receptacle out of the light path, placing a test sample receptacle in a test sample receptacle holder of the apparatus in the light path at a first position different from the second position, and directing light along the light path to perform a light-absorption measurement on a test sample in the test sample receptacle holder at the first position.

Abstract: A method of flowing a fluid with a tracer in a microfluidic channel of an assay device and detecting the tracer for determining the channel location or condition of the channel.

Abstract: A method for determining an asphaltene onset condition of a crude oil is provided. The method includes receiving a crude oil within a downhole tool inside a well and taking a first measurement of an optical property of the received crude oil. The method also includes lowering the pressure or temperature of the crude oil after taking the first measurement of the optical property to cause aggregation of asphaltenes in the crude oil, and then separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil. Further, the method includes taking a second measurement of the optical property of the crude oil within the downhole tool after separating aggregated asphaltenes from the crude oil and determining an asphaltene onset condition of the crude oil through comparison of the first and second measurements of the optical property. Additional methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical measuring system measures polarization optical properties of a sample. The system includes (a) a light source that emits measuring light along an optical axis of an analysis beam path, (b) a polarization state generator, arranged downstream with respect to the light source in the analysis beam path which provides light with a defined polarization state, (c) a sample holder, arranged downstream with respect to the polarization state generator in the analysis beam path which accommodates the sample, (d) a polarization state analyzer, arranged downstream with respect to the sample holder in the analysis beam path which measures the polarization state of the measuring light after passing through the sample, and (e) a mechanical support structure, at which at least the polarization state generator, the sample holder and the polarization state analyzer are directly attached. Also described is a method for producing such an optical measuring system.

Abstract: Cuvette, comprising at least one measuring area on each one of two arms that are pivotally connected to each other such that from a swung-apart condition, they can be swung together into a measuring position in which the two measuring areas have a distance for positioning a sample between the measuring areas, and means for positioning the two arms in a measuring position in a cuvette shaft of an optical measuring device with a sample between the two measuring areas in a beam path of the optical measuring device that crosses the cuvette shaft.

Abstract: Provided herein is a sample processing apparatus including a sample-containing vessel and a thermal cycling apparatus, wherein the vessel has at least 3 fluidically isolated segments that are each thermally conductive, compressible, and expandable. The thermal cycling unit is capable of amplifying extracted nucleic acid and has at least a first processing station and a second processing station, each processing station defining a temperature zone, wherein thermal cycling is performed by alternatively transferring the contents of the sample vessel between the at least two processing stations.

Abstract: A computer readable memory medium comprising program instructions for graphically displaying information generated by an instrument is provided. The information is being displayed within a laboratory management system. The program instructions are executable by a processor to generate an instrument information representation in response to receiving information generated by an instrument and display the instrument information representation on a display. The instrument information representation visually presents the information generated by the instrument.

Abstract: Systems for analyzing fluids (e.g., gases) include a chamber structure with a reflective inner surface, emitters, a primary detector positioned to principally detect electromagnetic energy reflected numerous times through the gas(es) and a calibration detector positioned to detect electromagnetic energy not reflected numerous times through the gas(es). Calibration may be automatically performed. The primary detector relies principally on Raleigh scattering. An optional primary detector may be positioned to principally detect Raman scattered electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A particle detector that includes a flow cell that includes a through hole having a circular sectional shape and allowing a fluid containing a particle to flow therethrough, an inspection light source that irradiates the flow cell with inspection light in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the through hole, and an optical detector that detects reaction light generated by the particle and which exits the flow cell so as to be angled relative to a sector-shaped plane which has a vertex at an intersection point of the inspection light and the through hole of the flow cell, is parallel to an optical path of the inspection light, and is perpendicular to the extending direction of the through hole of the flow cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring the hemoglobin concentration in whole blood, wherein the system comprises: a light-radiating unit including a light source that emits two types of incident light having different wavelengths; a diffusion unit which diffuses the incident light emitted by the light-radiating unit; a cuvette-holding unit which is formed so as to hold a cuvette including a blood sample; a detection unit which detects each absorbance of the two types of incident light having different wavelengths; a processing unit which determines the hemoglobin concentration in the blood by processing the measured absorbance result; and a control unit which regulates the two types of incident light having different wavelengths in order to repeatedly/sequentially radiate same. Although the system for measuring hemoglobin in whole blood of the present invention uses a small amount of whole blood, it is possible to measure the total hemoglobin concentration in an accurate and reliable manner.

Abstract: An optical chamber for a gas detection device, which includes reflecting device for reflecting radiation issued from a radiation source and for redirecting the radiation toward a radiation detector, the reflecting device including a first series of adjacent mirrors and a second series of adjacent mirrors. The mirrors of the first series and the mirrors of the second series are of the truncated ellipsoid of revolution type. The first series of mirrors and the second series of mirrors are arranged relative to each other so that the radiation emitted by the radiation source is reflected alternatively by a mirror of the second series and by a mirror of the first series and defines an optical path extending from the radiation source to the radiation detector.

Abstract: A particle detection apparatus and a particle detection method capable of accurately detecting scattered light are provided. A scattered light detection unit of the particle detection apparatus having at least a light illumination unit for illuminating a particle with light and the scattered light detection unit for detecting scattered light emitted from the particle illuminated with light is provided with a first detection portion for detecting scattered light, a second detection portion for detecting illumination light onto a particle, and a signal processing unit for removing a noise component from a signal detected in the first detection portion based on a signal detected in the second detection portion.

Abstract: A method of measuring whole-blood hemoglobin parameters includes providing a LED light source, guiding light having the spectral range from the LED light source along an optical path, providing a cuvette module with a sample receiving chamber, providing a pair of first and second optical diffusers disposed in the optical path where the cuvette module is disposed between the pair of first and second optical diffusers, guiding light from the cuvette module into an optical spectrometer, and processing an electrical signal from the spectrometer into an output signal useable for displaying and reporting hemoglobin parameter values and/or total bilirubin parameter values of the sample of whole blood.

Abstract: A chip for plasma generation, a plasma generator, and a plasma spectrometry method, having high reproducibility of plasma light emission are described, wherein the chip for plasma generation contains a channel, wherein the channel has a first region, a narrow portion, and a second region, wherein the narrow portion is in communication with the first region and the second region and has a cross-sectional area smaller than the first region and the second region, and the chip further includes an air bubble movement prevention unit that prevents air bubbles generated in the narrow portion from moving from the narrow portion toward the upstream side of the narrow portion.

Abstract: A cuvette comprising a body having an upper part comprising an upper open top portion and upper walls forming four upper inner edges and an upper open bottom portion with a first substantially rectangular cross-section in a plane A-A; and a lower measurement chamber comprising a lower closed bottom portion and lower walls forming four lower inner edges and a lower open top portion with a second substantially rectangular cross-section in a plane B-B smaller than the first cross-section in the plane A-A. An abrupt transition zone is positioned between the plane A-A and the plane B-B comprising four transition inner edges connecting the four lower inner edges to the upper open bottom portion. At least in the plane B-B the lower inner edges comprise fillets having a first radius (R1). At least in the plane A-A the upper inner edges comprise fillets having a second radius (R2) being larger than (R1).

Abstract: A bodily fluid sampling device is operable to lance with a precise depth and express fluid from both fingertip and alternate sites. In one form, the device is operable to adjust the penetration depth of the lancet into the skin. The bodily fluid sampling device includes a lancet adapted to form an incision in skin. A skin contacting member has an orifice through which the lancet extends when lancing the skin. The orifice has a first opening size that is sized to flatten the skin around the lancet during lancing. The orifice has a second opening size that is larger than the first opening size after the incision is formed to express fluid from the incision.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of a system for handling and processing chemical and/or biological samples, a MicroChamber comprises a substrate, a reservoir formed on the substrate for receiving a chemical and/or biological sample, and an encoder such as a barcode or other suitable device. The encoder encodes information describing at least one characteristic of the substrate and/or reservoir.

Abstract: Optical window assemblies are provided. An example apparatus includes a first fixture defining a fluid flow passageway. The example apparatus also includes a second fixture defining an aperture. The second fixture is coupled to the first fixture. A first optical window is disposed in the aperture. The first optical window has a first end and a second end. The first end is to be in contact with fluid in the fluid flow passageway, and a cross-sectional size of the first optical window decreases from the first end toward the second end along a portion of the first optical window.

Abstract: A porous film microfluidic device includes a sample well, a porous film support structure, including a first, second, and third port, wherein the first port is connected to the sample well, a porous film is formed over the bottom of the porous film support structure, and a glass fiber film is formed between the porous film support structure and the porous film, a waste tank connected to the second port of the porous film support structure, wherein a water absorption element is disposed in the waste tank, a buffer solution tank connected to the third port of the porous film support structure and sealed by a sealing film, and a COC plastic prism disposed over the bottom of the porous film support structure. The COC plastic prism includes a metal film in contact with the porous film and a metal oxide layer formed over the COC plastic prism.

Abstract: Provided is a culture microscope including a culturing space that is provided with a stage on which a specimen is mounted; an adjacent space that is adjacent to the culturing space and in which a driving mechanism of the stage is disposed; a stationary partition that divides the adjacent space and the culturing space and that is also provided with a first through-hole; a tabular movable partition that is disposed at a position where the movable partition closes the first through-hole, that has a second through-hole that is smaller than the first through-hole, that is supported so as to be movable parallel to the stationary partition, and that is larger than the first through-hole; and a lid member that is disposed at a position where the lid member closes the second through-hole of the movable partition and that is supported so as to be movable parallel to the movable partition.

Abstract: A cuvette system may comprise a disposable cuvette element for holding a sample for analysis, with the cuvette element comprising an elongated strip having opposite faces and a well for receiving the sample to be analyzed. The well may be formed on the strip to hold a sample on the strip, and a hole may form at least a portion of the well and may extend through the strip. The well may be configured to hold a defined volume of the sample to be held therein. The system may comprise a reusable holder for removably receiving the cuvette element, with the holder having a substantially hollow interior for receiving at least a portion of the cuvette element. The holder may have a perimeter wall including a front wall and a rear wall of the holder, and a window may be formed in each of the front and rear walls and may be generally positioned in alignment with each other.

Abstract: Optical measuring apparatus for analysis of samples contained in liquid drops includes a liquid handling system with at least one liquid handling tip. The apparatus has a light source for irradiating the drop, a detector for measuring sample light, an optics system with first optical elements for transmitting irradiation light, and a processor for processing measurement signals. The drop is suspended at the liquid handling orifice of the tip in a position where the drop is penetrated by a first optical axis defined by the light source and the first optical elements. The drop is physically touched only by the liquid handling tip and the liquid sample inside the tip. The tip is attached to a robot arm which adjusts the position of the liquid drop with respect to at least one optical element of the optics system.

Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus and method for analysis of samples contained in liquid drops provided by a liquid handling system has a liquid handling tip. A light source irradiates the liquid drop; a detector measures sample light; and an optics system with first optical elements transmits irradiation light, and a processor processes the measurement signals. The liquid drop is suspended at the liquid handling orifice of the liquid handling tip in a position where the liquid drop is penetrated by a first optical axis defined by the light source and the first optical elements. The liquid drop is physically touched only by the liquid handling tip and the liquid sample inside the liquid handling tip. A mutual adaption of the size and position of the liquid drop with respect to the first optical elements is achieved.

Abstract: An analytical assembly within a unified device structure for integration into an analytical system. The analytical assembly is scalable and includes a plurality of analytical devices, each of which includes a reaction cell, an optical sensor, and at least one optical element positioned in optical communication with both the reaction cell and the sensor and which delivers optical signals from the cell to the sensor. Additional elements are optionally integrated into the analytical assembly. Methods for forming and operating the analytical system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tracker unit for a measuring instrument such as a total station is disclosed. The tracker unit comprises a first and at least a second optical radiation source arranged at different positions and each of which is noncoaxially arranged with respect to a tracker pointing axis and adapted to emit optical radiation towards the reflective target when activated. The first and the at least a second optical radiation source are arranged at such positions so that the tracker pointing axis and the position of the first optical radiation source define a first plane and the tracker pointing axis and the position of the at least a second optical radiation source define a second plane, such that the first optical radiation source is coaxial with respect to the tracker pointing axis in a plane perpendicular to the first plane and the at least a second optical radiation source is coaxial with respect to the tracker pointing axis in a plane perpendicular to the second plane.

Abstract: A luminescence detection system may include an excitation light source, a single element achromat, and a detector. The single element achromat may be configured to regulate the excitation light from the light source and direct the regulated light to a target, and the detector may be configured to detect luminescence generated by the target. The single element achromat may be configured to regulate the emission light from the target and direct the regulated light to a detector, and the excitation light source may be configured to direct the excitation light to the target. The single element achromat may be configured to regulate both the excitation light from the light source and the emission light from the target and direct the regulated light to, respectively, the target and a detector.

Abstract: A simple and compact apparatus, and a method, for determining the characteristics of a number of fluids used in the truck and automotive industries including coolant, bio-diesel, gas-ethanol and diesel engine fluid (DEF). The apparatus includes a sample container providing optical paths of different lengths for making measurements on a sample. The dual path length design allows the apparatus to capture both NIR and UV spectral ranges. The qualitative and quantitative properties of the fluid under test are compared to test results under normal conditions or to the properties of unused fluid. Two light sources are used within a spectrometer with each source being associated with a different optical path length.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to phase detection in multi-phase fluids where two fluid phases can be present in the fluid. Phase detection apparatus and methods are disclosed for determining the phase(s) (e.g., supercritical, liquid, and/or gas) of a fluid in a multi-phase fluid system, such as carbon dioxide based separation and chromatography system.

Abstract: A cartridge for an optical analysis, including a supporting body, having a first face and a second face opposite to one another; a plurality of wells adapted to receive a biological solution to be analyzed, the wells extending in the supporting body on the first face; at least one biocompatible layer extending inside each well; an anti-reflection layer extending on the first face outside the wells; and a reflection layer extending inside each well. Methods of using same are also provided.

Abstract: The current disclosure is directed to the field of pathology, and the automated handling of biological specimens from containers containing clear solutions wherein the biological specimens reside. A computer-implemented method is disclosed for extracting specimens from such containers via an extraction device attached to a robotic arm. The robotic arm is controlled by a robotic system controller. The three-dimensional location of all specimens are estimated using image analysis techniques using images obtained from a plurality of imaging systems. Image analysis is used to simultaneously guide the extraction device and track the location of specimens inside the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a urine sample analyzing method comprising: flowing a measurement specimen prepared by mixing a urine sample and reagent through a flow cell; irradiating epithelial cells in the measurement specimen flowing through the flow cell with linearly polarized light and thereby producing scattered light; detecting a change of polarization condition of the scattered light produced by each of the epithelial cells; and classifying the epithelial cells into at least two types based on the change of polarization condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing comprising a first substantially rigid zone, a second substantially flexible zone, a hinge region, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The housing is foldable about said hinge region to form a cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of said sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

Abstract: An optical sampling apparatus for disposable flexible bioprocessing vessels includes features for optical interrogation of the vessel contents by means of transmission or transflection spectroscopy. This optical interrogation allows for the determination of quantities and parameters of substances in fluids contained within the vessels during bioprocesses.

Abstract: A micro-analyzer is described. This micro-analyzer includes an outer surface region on a sampler surface that receives liquid droplets, and aggregates and moves the droplets radially toward an inner surface region on the sampler surface that receives the droplets. For example, the outer surface region may include a set of micro-patterned concentric rings, each of which includes a set of radially oriented wall-groove pairs. Moreover, the sampler surface may be increasingly less hydrophobic along a radial direction toward the center of the sampler surface, thereby creating an axisymmetric wettability gradient. After the droplets are aggregated, an analysis mechanism in an area within the inner surface region performs analysis on the aggregated droplets.

Abstract: A method for detecting and counting particles suspended in fluids, such as bacteria suspended in urine, utilizing dynamic features of the suspended particles and employing light scattering measurements. The disclosed method is suitable for determining the susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. A cuvette for detecting bacteria in fluids, which is especially suited for the light scattering measurements, is provided.

Abstract: A fluid analyzer includes an optical source and an optical detector defining an optical beam path through an interrogation region of a fluid flow cell. Motion control devices determine position of the interrogation region. Flow-control devices conduct analyte and reference fluids and manipulate fluid flow in response to control signals to position a fluid boundary across the interrogation region. A controller (1) generates a time-varying motion modulation signal to move the interrogation region across the fluid boundary, (2) samples an output signal from the optical detector at one time in which the interrogation region contains more analyte fluid than reference fluid and at a time at which the interrogation region contains more reference fluid than analyte fluid, thereby generating corresponding output signal samples, and (3) determines from the output signal samples a measurement value indicative of an optically measured characteristic of the analyte fluid.

Abstract: The invention comprises a transflexion probe for carrying out a transflexion measurement on a liquid located in a vessel, comprising a probe shaft (202) which is provided with a light guide path in its interior and at whose front end face there is arranged an open flow chamber (210) with a reflective plate (218) opposite the front end face of the probe shaft (202). The invention is distinguished by the fact that the probe shaft (202) is designed as a rigid cavity which is sealed at its front end face by a transparent window (206) and has at its rear end a first coupling device (204) for the rigid coupling of a sensor module (100) to the probe shaft (202).