Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes a stage on which an object is placed, an image capturer, and a controller that relatively moves the stage within a predetermined plane with respect to the image capturer to move a unit image capturing region, and simultaneously causes the image capturer to perform image capturing a plurality of times. The image capturer includes a light source, an objective lens having an optical axis in a direction intersecting the predetermined plane, a multifocal diffractor that generates a plurality of rays of diffracted light including a ray of diffracted light of 0 order from incident light entering through the objective lens, the plurality of rays of diffracted light having focusing positions being different from each other, and an image capturing member that receives each of the plurality of rays of diffracted light in each of a plurality of segment regions defined in a light receiving surface.

Abstract: A microscope system may comprise a plurality of microscope modules, a cassette for holding a plurality of slides, a slide loader configured to move the plurality of slides between the cassette and the plurality of microscope modules, and a processor coupled to the slide loader. The processor may be configured with instructions which, when executed, cause the slide loader to move a slide into or from a selected microscope module among the plurality of microscope modules. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aligning a sample carrier of a microscope includes: capturing an overview image in which the sample carrier and/or a sample carrier environment is at least partially visible; evaluating the overview image with a machine learning model of a computer program, which performs an object localization in the overview image with respect to at least one predefined object; evaluating whether the sample carrier is centred in the overview image with the computer program based on the object localization; if the sample carrier is evaluated as not centred in the overview image: determining a centring movement based on the object location with the computer program, the centring movement indicating a sample stage movement for moving the sample carrier towards an image centre of the overview image; performing a sample stage adjustment based on the centring movement; and capturing a centred overview image after the sample stage adjustment has been performed.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a signal acquisition unit and a rotation unit. The signal acquisition unit includes an illumination unit including a light source and configured to irradiate a sample with a light beam, a photodetector including a plurality of light-receiving portions two-dimensionally arranged, and a detection optical system configured to guide light having been irradiated from the illumination unit to the sample and passed through the sample, to the photodetector. The rotation unit rotates the sample and the signal acquisition unit relative to each other, about a first axis intersecting an optical axis of the detection optical system in the sample. The illumination unit irradiates the sample with light beams at two or more incident angles in a plane including the optical axis and the first axis.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging optical system. The imaging apparatus includes a holding member that holds the imaging optical system. The imaging apparatus includes an imaging device including a light-receiving region and located in an image-forming plane of the imaging optical system. The imaging apparatus includes an elastic member that is located close to the imaging device toward the imaging optical system and surrounds the light-receiving region without overlapping the light-receiving region when viewed in an optical axial direction of the imaging optical system. The elastic member is in contact with the imaging device such that the area of contact between the elastic member and the imaging device is ring-shaped.

Abstract: A dust-proof member includes a base portion, a protruding portion. The base portion has a hollow shape. The protruding portion includes an elastic member and arranged so as to protrude from the base portion in a direction opposite to a mounting direction when the base portion is mounted on a mounting portion of a housing. A contact surface portion of the base portion has an inclination from an inner circumferential end portion to an outer circumferential portion, the contact surface portion coming in contact with the mounting portion of the housing.

Abstract: A holder for a microscope slide includes a receiving area that has a first contact surface and a second contact surface opposite the first contact surface, a first counter-surface that at least partially spans the first contact surface, and a second counter-surface that at least partially spans the second contact surface. The receiving area is bounded on three sides by side elements and has an opening on one side for insertion of the microscope slide. At least one pressure element is arranged within the receiving area and configured to exert a restoring force directed towards an interior of the receiving area.

Abstract: A shield coating on a microscope slide, and particularly a selective application of a paraffin layer to shield biomaterials and inorganic chemical deposits from microbial attack and oxidation, and more particularly, an application of a paraffin layer on a microscope slide as an exposure shield over deposited biomaterial reactive targets. The paraffin shield layer blocks the biomaterial and chemical targets from exposure, which may lead to degradation due to oxidation and provides resistance to fungal growth, while using the existing stain processing steps to remove the paraffin from the shield and co-resident tissue section.

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: 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: 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: 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 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.