Cytyc Corporation

Scott Wolpert

David J Zahniser

Patrick Guiney

Techniques are provided for illuminating cytological specimens using light emitting diodes (LEDs). In one implementation, a pulse width modulated (PWM) LED source allows for color and intensity adjustment. A user may select the desired color and intensity of light, or the desired color and intensity may be electronically calculated. Using various colors of LEDs, such as red, blue, and green LEDs, various colors can be produced by modulating each LED duty cycle, for example, using a PWM controller.

Microscope with LED illumination source

System and method for calibrating the orientation or arrangement of slides in a storage receptacle. A reflective marking is asymmetrically applied to a side or edge of a slide, forming reflective and non-reflective sections. Light is directed to the slide, and a sensor detects light that is reflected by the reflective sections and generates signal or data representing an orientation of the slide. A controller processes the signal or data to determine whether the slide is properly oriented on a tray in the storage receptacle, e.g., whether the slide is flat or at an angle, upside down, rotated. The marking can be reflective ink, paint or an adhesive. Reflective and non-reflective markings can also be formed by laser etching, polishing, or by frosting.

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Westford, MA, United States of America

Scott Wolpert