Abstract: A scanning stage with opposing edges to secure a slide during scanning and guide the slide during unloading. In an embodiment, the system includes a reference edge with a surface facing a first edge of the slide and an opposing edge with a surface facing a second edge of the slide. The opposing edge is controlled by a processor to engage the second edge of the slide and press the first edge of the slide against the reference edge surface. The opposing edge surface is parallel to a side of a slide rack slot into which the slide will be inserted during unloading. The system also includes an assembly having a pull bar configured to pull the glass slide from the scanning stage into the slide rack slot while the first edge of the slide is simultaneously being pressed against the reference edge surface by the opposing edge surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for tissue processing and analysis. Tissue chambers are configured to allow single-container chemical processing, imaging, and wax embedding of tissue samples in a single container without manipulation between steps. Tissue chambers with features to support the tissue sample and allow fluid flow between the tissue sample and the tissue chamber surface are disclosed. The features may be index matched to sample structures of interest or dissolvable in clearing solution to allow for in-chamber imaging with minimal distortion. Specialized tissue processing and wax removal apparatuses are also disclosed including for use with tissue chambers having frangible portions to permit ease of wax removal.

Abstract: An analysis device employs an analysis kit including a chip provided with a capillary through which a sample flows and a cartridge superimposed on the chip and provided with a liquid reservoir. The analysis device includes a guide-in section into which the analysis kit is guided, a placement section on which the analysis kit placed so as to be supported, a pusher member that pushes the analysis kit from one side face of the analysis kit, contact members that oppose another side face on an opposite side in the horizontal direction to the one side face of the analysis kit placed on the placement section, and contact the other side face of the analysis kit being pushed in by the pusher member so as to position the analysis kit in the horizontal direction, and a measurement member that measures a component present in the sample in the analysis kit.

Abstract: A digital slide scanning apparatus slide stage is configured to hold 1×3 and 2×3 glass slides. The slide stage is configured to alter its position by lateral shift or rotation to present the 1×3 or 2×3 sized recess to a slide rack for loading of the slide onto the stage. Also, a removable insert may configure the stage to hold a 1×3 glass slide when present and to hold a 2×3 glass slide when removed. Alternatively, a gripper stage is described herein that includes a fixed arm and a movable arm, each with one or more contact points configured to engage a side surface of the glass slide. Once the glass slide is secured between the contact points of the movable arm and the contact points of the fixed arm, the slide is further processed for scanning.

Abstract: According to the invention, a Cartesian positioning device for positioning an optics includes an optics socket for holding the optics; a y actuating element for linear movement of the optics socket in the y direction, the y actuating element having a y slider at one end; an x actuating element for linear movement of the optics socket in the x direction, the x actuating element having an x slider at one end; wherein the x actuating element and the y actuating element are arranged on a support element and adjustable along the y direction. Furthermore, a laser machining head for machining a workpiece by means of a laser beam includes such a Cartesian positioning device for positioning an optics, the optics being arranged in a beam path of the laser machining head.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to system for transferring a substrate, such as a microscope slide, and holding the substrate within at least one device. The system includes a holder for holding the substrate and a gripper for transferring the substrate, such as between a cassette or stack and the holder. A method is also discussed herein.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus for securely holding a substrate, such as a microscope slide. A holder includes a frame including at least three walls, such as a base, a first arm, and a second arm. Each wall includes a platform or a portion of a platform to support the substrate. The first arm includes at least one securing block and a second arm opposite the first arm includes a secure bar with a securing block. The securing blocks include a ramp to guide the substrate off of the platforms and a stopper to set a maximum lift distance and to constrain the substrate.

Abstract: A slide imaging apparatus that includes a copy holder moving system and an imaging system. The copy holder moving system includes a movable stage configured to move along first and second slide movement axes relative to the imaging system, wherein the imaging system is configured to form an image of a sample mounted on a slide located in the/each imaging location on the movable stage during an image forming process that includes the movable stage moving relative to the imaging system along the first and second slide movement axes. The copy holder moving system also includes a copy holder configured to be mounted to the movable stage, wherein the copy holder is configured to be mounted to the movable stage in each of a plurality of indexing positions.

Abstract: Provided is a device for determining the live/dead bacterial state, with which it is possible to ascertain the accurate state of live bacteria/dead bacteria via a captured image in a relatively easy operation with which ascertaining the state of a bacterial cell is more accurate than conventional methods. This device for determining the live/dead bacterial state comprises: a case body in which a measurement mechanism is housed; an opening/closing lid body that allows a fungus base insertion port formed in the case body to be opened and closed; and the measurement mechanism, which is housed in the case body and is configured to measure the number of bacteria.

Abstract: Apparatus (A) for realizing a measuring device (D) includes workbench means (1) and a bearing structure (2) for at least a sliding operative head (4) with respect to said workbench means (1) on guide means (3) carried by said structure (2); said workbench means (1) having at least a flat surface (1a) on which a natural granite element (R) can be placed; on said element (R) a graduated glass plate (L) is being partially overlapped and firmly coupled and fixed to form the said measuring device (D).

Abstract: A microscope system includes a microscope body, a camera connected to an observation optical system of the microscope body, and an XY stage on which a slide of an observation object is placed and which is configured to move in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction that are orthogonal to each other. The XY stage includes an XY two-dimensional scale plate. The XY two-dimensional scale plate includes a first mark configured to provide X-axis direction axis information and Y-axis direction axis information of the stage, and a second mark which is provided within an observable region of the camera on the same plane as the first mark and which is available for recognizing a position of an XY plane of the first mark in a Z-axis direction at each of a plurality of points by focus detection of the camera.

Abstract: An optical imaging equipment and method. The optical imaging equipment includes an optical microscope, an objective table, a light source module and an objective lens.

Abstract: The tray for the storage of sample slides includes a plate with a plurality of cells. The plate has at least a bottom and two opposing side walls, having an entrance opening and being at least partly closed by a transverse wall. Each cell includes at least two protrusions protruding respectively at each of the side walls and forming adjacent sliding elements to guide the edges of a slide upon introduction into a cell. The bottom of each cell is inclined at an angle ? relative to the plane of the tray, while the length of each slide is less than the length of the slide that is intended to be stored in a cell. The invention also relates to a cabinet for storing such a tray and a device for identifying the slides stored in such a tray.

Abstract: A system and method for a reconfigurable surgical microscope is disclosed. The reconfigurable microscope includes an eyepiece; a relay lens system optically coupled to the eyepiece; a zoom lens system optically coupled to the eyepiece and the relay lens system; an illumination unit; and an objective lens capable of being repositioned between a first objective lens position and a second objective lens position, the first objective lens position comprising a slot located between the zoom lens system and the illumination unit and the second objective lens position comprising a slot located such that the illumination unit is located between the second objective lens position and the zoom lens system.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus for positioning and securing an excised biological tissue specimen for imaging and analysis. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a sample bag defining an inner volume configured to receive a biological tissue sample, and a sealing member coupled to the sample bag. An imaging window is disposed and configured to be placed in contact with at least a portion of the biological tissue sample, and a positioning member is coupled to the imaging window and is configured to be disposed against the sealing member to substantially seal the inner volume. The positioning member includes a vacuum port disposed and configured to be aligned with a vacuum source to withdraw air from the inner volume of the sample bag.

Abstract: Approaches are disclosed for calibrating a plurality of imaging devices, such as microscopes. In certain implementations, a calibration plate is employed that includes a variety of calibration features. The calibration features comprise a geometric calibration, an illumination calibration, and an optical calibration. Imaging devices calibrated in accordance with the present approaches may be used to generate images having consistent attributes, such as brightness, regardless of which imaging device is employed.

Abstract: A microscope system comprises a microscope body, an imaging unit connected to the microscope body and including an image sensor for capturing a microscopic image, and an XY stage configured to place a slide and move in an X direction and a Y direction. The microscope system changes an arrangement of the image sensor with respect to the microscope body so as to cause a direction defined by a pixel arrangement of the image sensor to align with one of the X direction and the Y direction of the XY stage.

Abstract: A slide rack determination system for a digital slide scanning apparatus. In an embodiment, a motor drives a slide rack at a known rate toward an engagement surface. The elapsed time until engagement may be used to detect the presence or absence of the slide rack and/or the height of the slide rack. In addition, one or more sensors may detect one or more features of the slide rack, and these feature(s) may be used to determine the presence or absence of a slide rack, whether usage of the slide rack is supported or unsupported by the digital slide scanning apparatus, the orientation of the slide rack, and/or the manufacturer and/or model of the slide rack.

Abstract: An imaging device for a microscope (20) is disclosed that comprises a plurality of individual light sources (40) and a detector (15). The plurality of the individual light sources (40) is mounted on a translation stage (110). The imaging device further includes moveable optics arranged to direct a light path (45) onto a stationary sample (60) and collect reflected or fluoresced radiation from the sample (60).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring and monitoring the properties of a fluid, for example, pressure, temperature, and chemical properties, within a sample holder for an electron microscope. The apparatus includes at least one fiber optic sensor used for measuring temperature and/or pressure and/or pH positioned in proximity of the sample.

Abstract: A tissue handling device is disclosed. A tissue collecting device is disclosed. A cassette for handling biological tissues is disclosed. A tissue dyeing device is disclosed. A method for handling biological tissues is disclosed. A method for dyeing biological tissues is disclosed.

Abstract: A microscope includes: a sample placement part having a placement surface on which to place a sample and a bottom face opposite to the placement surface; an observation lens; and an optical unit for generating sheet light and use of the microscope. The microscope of an embodiment is arranged such that the sheet light enters the sample placement part from the bottom face and passing through the sample placement part to irradiate the sample, and fluorescence from the sample passes through the sample placement part toward the bottom face to be received by the observation lens. The microscope can, with this arrangement, utilize the advantages of a SPIM, and allows observation of a sample which observation is free from a restriction of the size of a sample.

Abstract: A developing cartridge, comprising: a housing; a developing roller; a drive mechanism configured to transmit a driving force to the developing roller; and a restriction part configured to restrict movement of the housing when the restriction part engages with an external member, wherein the housing comprises: a first side wall; and a second side wall spaced from the first side wall in a first direction, wherein the drive mechanism is disposed to the second side wall, wherein: the restriction part is disposed to the first side wall; and the restriction part comprises projecting parts spaced from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A novel sample holder for specimen support devices for insertion in electron microscopes. The novel sample holder of the invention allows for the introduction of gases or liquids to specimens for in situ imaging, as well as electrical contacts for electrochemical or thermal experiments.

Abstract: A dual-configuration microscope is provided that may be converted into an upright or inverted microscope. The microscope includes a body having a plurality of planar surfaces, each planar surface configured to support the body on a working surface as the body is tilted between the upright and inverted configurations. The microscope further includes an objective, a condenser, a stage positioned between the objective and the condenser, and a portable display device to display a specimem.

Abstract: At least some embodiments of the technology are directed to an automated slide processing apparatus configured to apply at least one reagent to a specimen carried by a microscope slide. The slide processing station can include a support element with a support surface, at least one vacuum port, and a sealing member having a non-round shape. In an uncompressed state, the sealing member can extend upwardly beyond the support surface. In a compressed state, the sealing member can be configured to maintain an airtight seal with a backside of the microscope slide as the microscope slide is pulled against the support surface by a vacuum drawn via the at least one vacuum port.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a system for mounting a specimen on a slide, the system having an immersion chamber, a stage, and a pump. The immersion chamber is configured to hold a liquid and includes at least one wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The stage is configured to support the slide, and the stage is arranged within the immersion chamber such that the specimen may be supported substantially above the stage by the liquid. The pump is configured to draw the liquid from the immersion chamber such that the level of liquid in the immersion chamber decreases and the specimen is dispensed onto the slide.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an apparatus for securely holding a substrate, such as a microscope slide. A holder includes a frame including at least three walls, such as a base, a first arm, and a second arm. Each wall includes a platform or a portion of a platform to support the substrate. The first arm includes at least one securing block and a second arm opposite the first arm includes a secure bar with a securing block. The securing blocks include a ramp to guide the substrate off of the platforms and a stopper to set a maximum lift distance and to constrain the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a specimen on a slide, the system having an immersion chamber, a stage, a transducer, and a pump. The immersion chamber is configured to hold a liquid and includes at least one wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The stage is configured to support the slide, and the stage is arranged within the immersion chamber such that the specimen may be supported substantially above the stage by the liquid. The transducer is configured to induce a wave in the liquid in the immersion chamber such that the wave alters the motion of the specimen. The pump is configured to draw the liquid from the immersion chamber such that the level of liquid in the immersion chamber decreases and the specimen is dispensed onto the slide.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a microscope that is capable of precisely controlling the amount of an immersion medium held in a gap between an objective lens and a mounting part, and that is capable of observing a specimen without varying the mounting part. The microscope includes a supply port from which an immersion medium is supplied to a gap between a film-like mounting part on which a specimen is loaded and an immersion objective lens, and a suction port that is arranged so as to be able to be brought into contact with an immersion medium supplied from the supply port, and from which the immersion medium can be sucked.

Abstract: The invention provides a slide holder that utilizes edge detection algorithms to determine the location of various edges of a slide. From these edges, and integrating characteristic slide dimension, both linear offset of the edge of the slide in the holder and any rotation of the slide relative to the microscope stage axis are determined. The process of using the slide holder of the invention ensures precise and accurate placement of a slide during a first round of imaging and for reload in subsequent rounds.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for an optical scanning microscope and/or other appropriate imaging system includes components for scanning and collecting focused images of a tissue sample and/or other object disposed on a slide. The focusing system described herein provides for determining best focus for each snapshot as a snapshot is captured, which may be referred to as “on-the-fly focusing.” The devices and techniques provided herein lead to significant reductions in the time required for forming a digital image of an area in a pathology slide and provide for the creation of high quality digital images of a specimen at high throughput.

Abstract: A digital microscope system, having one or several objectives, a tube lens system, a digital image recording device, a stand, a holder for a specimen and an illuminating apparatus, and optionally at least one magnification changer. One or several objectives, the tube lens system, the digital image recording device and the illuminating apparatus are integrated into a compact optical assembly, and the optical assembly is joinable to the stand in several versions that differ with regard to the spatial position and orientation of the optical assembly relative to the stand and to the specimen. The spatial position and orientation of the optical assembly relative to the stand and to the specimen may correspond, in a first version of the joining, to an upright microscope configuration and, in a second version of the joining, to an inverted microscope configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact, inexpensive fluorescence microscope capable of high-resolution imaging with high light throughput suitable for use in both laboratory and field environments, and methods of use. A simple and inexpensive fluorescence microscope allows health care workers to perform various medical assays at the point of care instead of having to collect and transport biological samples to distant labs, and subsequently return the results to the patient. The microscope of the present invention is also useful for educational use and field use, and other uses as well.

Abstract: An inverted microscope includes an imaging lens configured to form an image of light which passes through an objective lens from a specimen, and a microscope main body in which a plurality of optical devices are configured to be arranged between the objective lens and the imaging lens in a direction of an optical axis of the objective lens and which includes therein a plurality of installation units that allow the plurality of optical devices to be fixed independently of one another. Each of the plurality of installation units includes an abutting reference surface on which any one of the plurality of optical devices is configured to be abutted. A plurality of abutting reference surfaces of the plurality of the installation units are shifted from one another in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the objective lens.

Abstract: A wireless fiber optic endface inspector includes a video microscope capable of wirelessly transmitting video streaming signal of endface image in real-time to a display device. The video microscope includes a microscope optical system, an adapting tip for interfacing an endface, an LED light source, a camera module for receiving and converting the endface image into video streaming signal, a Wi-Fi AP board, and a battery for supplying power. The video microscope may be constructed by adding a Wi-Fi AP board and a battery to a conventional inspector microscope. The display device has software for detecting when the endface is focused. Once the endface is focused, the display device emits an audio signal to alert the operator, who may then trigger the display device to analyze the endface image using an endface analysis software or save it to a folder, or transmit the image to a remote server.

Abstract: A novel sample holder for specimen support devices for insertion in electron microscopes. The novel sample holder of the invention allows for the introduction of gases or liquids to specimens for in situ imaging, as well as electrical contacts for electrochemical or thermal experiments.

Abstract: A novel specimen holder for specimen support devices for insertion in electron microscopes. The novel specimen holder of the invention provides mechanical support for specimen support devices and as well as electrical contacts to the specimens or specimen support devices.

Abstract: A specimen transporter connected to a specimen imaging apparatus, the specimen transporter including a specimen receiving section that receives a specimen plate and a specimen storage section that stores an imaged specimen plate. Specimen transporting sections transport the specimen plate from the specimen receiving section to the specimen imaging apparatus and from the specimen imaging apparatus to the specimen storage section. A control section controls operations of the specimen transporting sections to transport the specimen plate received by the specimen receiving section to the specimen imaging apparatus and transport the imaged specimen plate received from the specimen imaging apparatus to the specimen storage section.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing guided slicing of histological samples. The samples are acquired, spacially labeled with a fiducial marker, and imaged with a scanning system. The images are analyzed, either manually, semi-automatically or automatically, and likely locations of pathologies are identified. A slicing program is then generated and the sample sliced according to the slicing program, thereby ensuring that likely locations of pathologies are analyzed.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a system for mounting a specimen on a slide, the system having an immersion chamber, a stage, and a pump. The immersion chamber is configured to hold a liquid and comprises at least one wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The stage is configured to support the slide, and the stage is arranged within the immersion chamber such that the specimen may be supported substantially above the stage by the liquid. The pump is configured to draw the liquid from the immersion chamber such that the level of liquid in the immersion chamber decreases and the specimen is dispensed onto the slide.

Abstract: A receptor is mounted on a movable stage of a microscope slide scanner, the receptor being sized and shaped to receive a slide tray having one or more microscope slides thereon. A docking station automatically locks the receptor relative to the docking station whenever a tray is inserted or removed from the receptor without transmitting force to the movable stage.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for an optical scanning microscope and/or other appropriate imaging system includes components for scanning and collecting focused images of a tissue sample and/or other object disposed on a slide. The focusing system described herein provides for determining best focus for each snapshot as a snapshot is captured, which may be referred to as “on-the-fly focusing.” The devices and techniques provided herein lead to significant reductions in the time required for forming a digital image of an area in a pathology slide and provide for the creation of high quality digital images of a specimen at high throughput.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitted light illumination for light microscopes A diaphragm edge may be variably positioned in the direction of the optical axis, wherein a position of the diaphragm edge in the direction of the optical axis can be varied irrespectively of a position of the diaphragm edge transversely to the optical axis. A separate sample support table may be mounted on a housing. The housing has a passage opening, through which the diaphragm edge can be moved in the direction of the optical axis. A holding device is formed in the region of the passage opening of the housing or on a separate sample support table and a control device is present which is adapted to position the diaphragm edge in dependence at least upon a determined presence of a sample support table.

Abstract: A total internal reflection fluorescence imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes: a metal nanostructure layer, which includes a metal thin film and a nanostructure formed over the metal thin film; a light source unit, which provides incident light such that the incident light is totally reflected off the metal nanostructure layer and an evanescent wave localized in a horizontal direction is created between the metal nanostructure layer and a specimen arranged over the metal nanostructure layer; and a fluorescence image extracting unit, which extracts and images a fluorescence signal generated by the specimen due to the evanescent wave localized in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes: a first lens group having a negative refractive power; and a second lens group having a positive refractive power, provided in this order from an object side. Magnification is changed by moving the first lens group and the second lens group. The first lens group includes a first lens having a negative refractive power, a second lens, a third lens having a negative refractive power, and a fourth lens having a positive refractive power, provided in this order from the object side. The zoom lens satisfies predetermined conditional formulae.

Abstract: A system providing consistent and intense sunlight to light-guiding structures for redirecting sunlight to the interior of a building is presented. One aspect of the inventive subject matter includes an illumination system comprising a solar redirector and at least one optical converter. The solar redirector can be configured to extend outward from a wall of a building and to redirect sunlight to exterior sections of the wall below the solar redirector. The optical converter can be configured to mount on at least one of the exterior sections of the wall and to receive the redirected sunlight and distribute the redirected sunlight to an interior of the building.

Abstract: In an automated process of handling slides, such as in an imaging system, a slide hander must be able to get a hold of, lift up, and move slides, with tissues samples thereon, to multiple locations quickly and efficiently. To perform this function, the arm of the slide handler needs to be free to move from one location to the next and to advantageously respond in the event of encountering any unexpected or misplaced objects and/or other obstacles without jamming, being damaged and/or causing damage to a slide. A system described herein provides for the use of a slide handler having a crash head assembly with a spring-loaded flexible joint that may disengage if an unexpected obstacle is encountered and spring back to its proper location once the obstacle is cleared. Additionally, because the crash head assembly can flex, it is less likely to break or chip the glass slides.

Abstract: A microscope includes an illumination system, a stage, and an objective lens that forms an image of a specimen. The stage includes a fixed member whose position and inclination are fixed, a specimen holding member at least one of whose position and inclination is changeable, and a supporting member that supports the specimen holding member. A connection between the supporting member and the specimen holding member and a connection between the supporting member and the fixed member reside near sides of the specimen holding member. The microscope further includes an actuator that changes at least one of the position and the inclination of the specimen holding member with respect to the fixed member, and a buffer mechanism that suppresses transmission of any changes in the inclination of the specimen holding member to the actuator. The actuator and the specimen holding member are connected with the buffer mechanism interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A novel specimen holder for specimen support devices for insertion in electron microscopes. The novel specimen holder of the invention provides mechanical support for specimen support devices and as well as electrical contacts to the specimens or specimen support devices.