Device for holding substrates in secondary devices

Abstract

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for securely mounting a substrate. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for securely holding a microscope slide on or in an imaging device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 62 / 812,695, filed March 1, 2019.

[0002] Incorporation by reference All publications and patent applications mentioned in this application are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0003] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for holding a substrate, and more particularly to an apparatus for securely holding a microscope slide on or within an imaging device. [Background technology]

[0004] When substrates are not consistently attached in a repeatable, predictable manner despite substrate inconsistencies or deformations, images may vary from substrate to substrate and it may be difficult to determine the correct surface location. As a result, practitioners, researchers, and their image specimens on substrates continue to seek devices to consistently, repeatably, and predictably attach substrates of varying inconsistencies or deformations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus including a frame including a first arm, a second arm, and at least two mounting blocks, and a mounting bar including at least two mounting blocks, the at least two mounting blocks of the frame and the at least two mounting blocks of the mounting bar on opposite sides of a cavity, (1) one end of the mounting bar is adjustable relative to the other end of the mounting bar, or (2) one end of the second arm is adjustable relative to the other end of the second arm, and at least one of the mounting blocks is at the adjustable end of the mounting bar or at the adjustable end of the second arm, and the adjustable end of the mounting bar or the adjustable end of the second arm is essentially adjustable along a z-axis.

[0006] In some embodiments, the device further includes a flexure that allows adjustment of the adjustable end of the mounting bar and the adjustable end of the second arm. The flexure is at least one of a cutout, a track, a groove, a notch, or one or more flexible materials. In some embodiments, the flexure includes a clasp configured to adjust at least one of a position, an angle, or a location of the adjustable end of the mounting bar and the adjustable end of the second arm. Each of the mounting blocks includes a stopper and a ramp. In some embodiments, the mounting bar is movable relative to the frame. The mounting bar can be coupled to the first arm of the frame with at least one bearing, the bearing configured to allow the mounting bar to move relative to the frame. The device can include a mount, the mount coupling the device to a secondary device. In some embodiments, the secondary device is a scanner, an imaging microscope, or a fluorescent microscope. The apparatus can include a slider adjacent the mounting bar and a connector adjacent the mount, with a portion of the slider fitting within a track of the connector. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a motor for moving the mounting bar relative to the frame. The first arm can include a platform configured to support a substrate. In some embodiments, the second arm can include a pedestal configured to support a substrate.

[0007] In another aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a frame including a first arm, a second arm, and at least two mounting blocks, a mounting bar including at least two mounting blocks, and a flexure positioned between the at least two mounting blocks of the first arm or between the at least two mounting blocks of the mounting bar, the mounting bar being moveable relative to the frame, and the two mounting blocks of the frame and the two mounting blocks of the mounting bar being on opposite sides of a cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the flexure is positioned between the at least two mounting blocks of the mounting bar. The flexure can be configured to adjust at least one of a position, angle, or location of at least one of the at least two mounting blocks of the mounting bar or at least one of the at least two mounting blocks of the first arm. In some embodiments, the flexure is configured to adjust at least one of a position, angle, or location of the at least two mounting blocks of the mounting bar independently of another one of the at least two mounting blocks of the mounting bar. The flexure is configured to adjust at least one of a position, angle, or location of the at least two mounting blocks of the mounting bar independently of another one of the at least two mounting blocks of the mounting bar and independently of another one of the at least two mounting blocks of the frame. The flexure can include a clasp. In some embodiments, the flexures are at least one of one or more flexible material, cutouts, tracks, grooves, or notches. The mounting bar can be movable to an open position to allow insertion of the substrate and to a closed position to allow retention of the substrate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] 1 shows an example mounting block. [Figure 1B] 1 shows an example mounting block. [Figure 2A] 1 shows an example mounting bar. [Figure 2B] 1 shows an example mounting bar. [Figure 2C] 1 shows an example mounting bar. [Figure 2D] 1 shows an example mounting bar. [Figure 3A] 1 shows an example mounting bar. [Figure 3B] 1 shows an example mounting bar. [Figure 3C] 1 shows an example mounting bar. [Figure 4A] 1 shows an example substrate holder. [Figure 4B] 1 shows an example substrate holder. [Figure 4C] 1 shows an example substrate holder. [Figure 5A] 1 shows an example substrate holder. [Figure 5B] 1 shows an example substrate holder. [Figure 5C] 1 shows an example substrate holder. [Figure 6A] 1 shows an example substrate holder. [Figure 6B] 1 shows an example substrate holder. [Figure 6C] 1 shows an example substrate holder. [Figure 6D] 1 shows an example substrate holder. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates an example substrate holder attached to a mount. [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates an example substrate holder attached to a mount. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for securely mounting a substrate, such as a microscope slide. Suitable apparatus, systems, and / or methods for holding a substrate may include those described in one or more of the following U.S. patents and published applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: 9,57,580; 2017 / 0315340; 2017 / 0363850; 2017 / 0261735; 2018 / 0003939; 2018 / 0003940.

[0011] Mounting block 1A-1B show a mounting block 100. The mounting block 100 includes a main body 102 with a stopper 104 and a ramp 106, both of which extend from the same side of the main body 102. The mounting block 100 is configured and / or oriented to move a substrate vertically, downward, horizontally, orthogonally, or a combination thereof. Thus, the mounting block 100 can be inverted, rotated, or adjusted in any desired manner to move the substrate in at least one desired direction. In one embodiment, the mounting block 100 provides a controlled reference surface for the substrate during imaging, processing, holding, etc. In one embodiment, the mounting block 100 provides a flat substrate surface for the substrate during imaging, processing, holding, etc., when the substrate has a non-flat (e.g., curved, twisted, warped, etc.) surface.

[0012] In one embodiment, the main body 102 can be a single piece. In one embodiment, the main body can be multi-piece, including at least two pieces. When the main body 102 is at least two pieces, a first piece includes the stopper 104 and a second piece includes the lamp 106.

[0013] In one embodiment, main body 102 includes at least one hole (not shown) for receiving at least one fastener 108 for attachment to a frame or mounting bar. In one embodiment, mounting block 100 includes at least one height adjuster (not shown), such as a shim, for adjusting the height of mounting block 100 relative to the frame or mounting bar.

[0014] In one embodiment, the stopper 104 can have any suitable shape, such as a triangle, a hemisphere, a parabola, a trapezoid, a cube, etc. In one embodiment, the lamp 106 can have any suitable shape, such as a triangle, a hemisphere, a parabola, a trapezoid, a cube, etc.

[0015] Mounting bar 2A-2D show a mounting bar 200. The mounting bar 200 includes a bracket 202 and a strut 204. The strut 204 includes a proximal end 212 that includes a first mounting block 100 and a distal end 212 that includes a second mounting block 100. In one embodiment, the bracket 202 and the strut 204 are one piece. In one embodiment, the bracket 202 and the strut 204 are separate pieces. When the bracket 202 and the strut 204 are separate pieces, the bracket 202 and the strut 204 can be attached, aligned, or bonded to one another by screws, dowels, rods, rivets, at least one dovetail joint, at least one tongue and groove joint, adhesive, epoxy, at least one magnet, or by any other suitable manner for attaching, aligning, or bonding two or more pieces.

[0016] In one embodiment, the bracket 202 may include at least one bearing 208 to allow rotation of the bracket 202 relative to at least one other component, including a substrate or a strut or frame (not shown), etc. In one embodiment, the bracket 202 may include two or more bearings 208.

[0017] In one embodiment, the bracket 202 includes a protrusion 206 extending outwardly from the bracket 202. In one embodiment, the bracket 202 includes two protrusions 206 extending outwardly in the same direction from the bracket 202. In one embodiment, the bracket 202 includes a flange 214 extending outwardly from the bracket 202 in the same direction as the protrusions 206.

[0018] In one embodiment, the bracket 202 may include at least one flexure 216, such as one or more flexible materials, cutouts (e.g., tracks, grooves, notches, etc.), a material that is less stiff than the other materials that make up the strut, etc. The at least one flexure 216 allows the mounting block 100 to move along a given axis (e.g., the z-axis) via the proximal or distal end 212 of the mounting bar 200 relative to the other end of the mounting bar 200. The at least one flexure 216 may extend partially through a top surface of the strut 204, may extend partially through a bottom surface of the strut 204, may extend partially through a side of the strut 204, or may extend entirely through the strut 204. The segment including at least one flexure 216 may also include a clasp 210 for setting the position, angle, location, etc. along a given axis (e.g., z-axis) of the mounting block 100 and the segment including the at least one flexure 216 once the desired position, angle, location, etc. is determined. The clasp 210 may include a screw, a dowel, a rod, a rivet, etc. The clasp 210 may also be used to adjust the position, angle, location, etc. of the segment including the at least one flexure 216. In one embodiment, the distal end 212 of the strut 204 may be adjusted (position, angle, location, etc.) by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, moving, etc. relative to the proximal end of the strut 204 and / or independently of the proximal end of the strut 204. The distal end 212 may also include at least one mounting block 100. In one embodiment, the proximal ends of the struts 204 can be adjusted (such as in position, angle, or location) by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, moving, etc., relative to and / or independently of the distal ends 212 of the struts 204. The proximal ends can also include at least one mounting block 100.

[0019] 3A-3B show a mounting bar 300. The mounting bar 300 is similar to the mounting bar 200, except that the mounting bar 300 includes a protrusion 306 at a distal end of the bracket 302. The mounting bar 300 includes a bracket 302 and a strut 304. The strut 304 includes a proximal end 310 that includes a first mounting block 100 and a distal end 310 that includes a second mounting block 100. In one embodiment, the bracket 302 and the strut 304 are one piece. In one embodiment, the bracket 302 and the strut 304 are separate pieces. When the bracket 302 and the strut 304 are separate pieces, the bracket 302 and the strut 304 can be attached, aligned, or bonded to one another by screws, dowels, rods, rivets, at least one dovetail joint, at least one tongue and groove joint, adhesive, epoxy, at least one magnet, or by any other suitable manner for attaching, aligning, or bonding two or more pieces.

[0020] In one embodiment, the bracket 302 may include at least one bearing 308 to allow rotation of the bracket 302 relative to a substrate or at least one other component, including a strut or frame (not shown), etc.

[0021] In one embodiment, the bracket 302 includes a protrusion 306 that extends outwardly from the bracket 302. In one embodiment, the bracket 302 includes two protrusions 306 that extend outwardly from the bracket 302 in the same direction.

[0022] In one embodiment, the bracket 302 may include at least one flexure 312, such as one or more flexible materials, cutouts (e.g., tracks, grooves, notches, etc.), a material that is less stiff than the other materials that make up the strut, etc. The at least one flexure 312 allows the mounting block 100 to move along a given axis (e.g., a z-axis) via the proximal or distal end 310 of the mounting bar 300 relative to the other end of the mounting bar 300. The at least one flexure 312 may extend partially through a top surface of the strut 304, may extend partially through a bottom surface of the strut 304, may extend partially through a side of the strut 304, or may extend entirely through the strut 304. The segment including at least one flexure 312 may also include a clasp for setting the position, angle, location, etc. along a given axis (e.g., z-axis) of the mounting block 100 and the segment including at least one flexure 312 once the desired position, angle, location, etc. is determined. The clasp may include a screw, a dowel, a rod, a rivet, etc. The clasp may also be used to adjust the position, angle, location, etc. of the segment including at least one flexure 312. In one embodiment, the distal end 310 of the strut 304 may be adjusted (position, angle, location, etc.) by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, moving, etc. relative to the proximal end of the strut 304 and / or independently of the proximal end of the strut 304. The distal end 310 may also include at least one mounting block 100. In one embodiment, the proximal ends of the struts 304 can be adjusted (such as in position, angle, or location) by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, moving, etc., relative to and / or independently of the distal ends 310 of the struts 304. The proximal ends can also include at least one mounting block 100.

[0023] Holder 4A-4C show a holder 400. The holder 400 includes a frame 402 and a mounting bar 200. The frame 402 includes a first arm 404 and a second arm 406. The mounting bar 200 can move, rotate, or translate freely and independently of the frame 402, such that the mounting bar 200 has an open position (i.e., to allow for insertion of a substrate) and a closed position (i.e., to allow for secure retention of a substrate). The holder 400 includes a cavity 412 formed by the mounting bar 200 and the frame 402 and sized and shaped to mate and receive a substrate (not shown). The first and second arms 404, 406 are side-by-side at the proximal end. In one embodiment, the first arm 404 is longer than the second arm 406. In one embodiment, the second arm 406 is longer than the first arm 404. In one embodiment, the first arm 404 and the second arm 406 are equal in length. In one embodiment, the first arm 404 and the second arm 406 are one piece. In one embodiment, the frame 402 is one piece. In one embodiment, the frame 402 is at least two pieces, such that the first arm 404 is part of or forms entirely of the first piece and the second arm 406 is part of or forms entirely of the second piece.

[0024] It should be noted that moving, rotating or translating the mounting bar 200, 300 from an open position to a closed position (or vice versa) moves, rotates or translates the entire mounting bar 200, 300. However, moving, rotating or translating the mounting bar 200, 300 is different from moving or adjusting the at least one mounting block via its proximal or distal end along a given axis. Thus, adjusting the at least one mounting block 100 along a given axis is such that the at least one mounting block 100 can be adjusted (i.e., angle, position or location, etc.) by translating, flexing, bending, twisting or moving the mounting bar 200, 300 or a segment of the frame 402, 502 to which the at least one mounting block 100 is disposed relative to or independent of other segments of the mounting bar 200, 300 or the frame 402, 502. In other words, for example, the entire mounting bar 200, 300 can have a first movement for opening and closing, and then a segment of the mounting bar 200, 300 can have a second movement for adjusting at least one mounting block 100 disposed on or at that segment.

[0025] The mounting bar 200 is proximal to a distal end of a first arm 404. In one embodiment, the first arm 404 is coupled to a strut 204 of the mounting bar 200. In one embodiment, the first arm 404 is coupled to a bracket 202 of the mounting bar 200. In one embodiment, the first arm 404 is coupled to at least one bearing 208 of the mounting bar 200.

[0026] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the first arm 404 includes a platform 410 located at least partially between the proximal and distal ends. The platform 410 is capable of supporting a substrate (not shown).

[0027] The second arm 406 includes at least two mounting blocks 100. In one embodiment, each of the mounting blocks 100 of the second arm 406 directly across the cavity 412 from a corresponding mounting block 100 of the mounting bar 200. In one embodiment, at least one of the mounting blocks 100 of the second arm 406 does not directly across the cavity 412 from a corresponding mounting block 100 of the mounting bar 200. In one embodiment, a distal end of the second arm 406 includes a pedestal 408 that extends toward the mounting bar 200. The pedestal 408 can support a substrate (not shown).

[0028] The mounting bar 200 has an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the mounting bar 200 of the holder 400 is moved from the open position to the closed position (or vice versa) by a motor (not shown, see FIGS. 6A-6D). In one embodiment, the motor (not shown) is adjacent to or coupled to the at least one protrusion 206 and / or flange 214 by a coupling (not shown). In one embodiment, the motor (not shown) is adjacent to or coupled directly to the at least one protrusion 206 and / or flange 214.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one mounting block 100 is adjustable along a given axis (e.g., the z-axis) while the other mounting blocks 100 are stationary except for adjusting their height relative to the frame 402 or mounting bar 200. In one embodiment, all of the mounting blocks 100 are adjustable along a given axis (e.g., the z-axis).

[0030] In one embodiment, at least one of the first or second arms 404, 406 of the frame 402 can include at least one flexure (not shown), such as one or more flexible materials, cutouts (e.g., tracks, grooves, notches, etc.), and materials that are less stiff than the other materials that make up the struts. For example, the second arm can include at least one flexure that allows the mounting block 100 to move along a given axis (e.g., z-axis) via a proximal or distal end of the second arm (e.g., depending on the location of the at least one flexure within the second arm) relative to the other end of the mounting bar 300. The at least one flexure (not shown) can extend partially through a top surface of the second arm, can extend partially through a bottom surface of the second arm, can extend partially through a side of the second arm 406, or can extend entirely through the second arm 406. The segment including at least one flexure (not shown) may also include a clasp (not shown) for setting the position, angle, location, etc. along a given axis (e.g., z-axis) of the mounting block 100 and the segment including at least one flexure (not shown) once the desired position, angle, location, etc. is determined. The clasp may include a screw, a dowel, a rod, a rivet, etc. The clasp (not shown) may also be used to adjust the position, angle, location, etc. of the segment including at least one flexure (not shown). In one embodiment, the distal end of the second arm 406 may be adjusted (position, angle, location, etc.) by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, moving, etc. relative to the proximal end of the second arm and / or independently of the proximal end of the second arm. The distal end may also include at least one mounting block 100. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the second arm 406 can be adjusted (such as in position, angle, or location) by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, moving, etc. relative to and / or independently of the distal end of the second arm 406.The proximal end may also include at least one mounting block 100 .

[0031] In one embodiment, all of the mounting blocks 100 have the same construction and design. In one embodiment, at least one of the mounting blocks 100 has a different construction and / or design than the other mounting blocks 100.

[0032] 5A-5C show a holder 500. The holder 500 is similar to the holder 400, except that the holder 500 includes a mounting bar 300. The holder 500 includes a frame 502 and a mounting bar 300. The frame 502 includes a first arm 504 and a second arm 506. The mounting bar 300 can move, rotate, or translate freely and independently of the frame 502, such that the mounting bar 300 has an open position (i.e., to allow for insertion of a substrate) and a closed position (i.e., to allow for secure retention of a substrate). The holder 500 includes a cavity 514 formed by the mounting bar 500 and the frame 502, sized and shaped to fit and receive a substrate (not shown). The first and second arms 504, 506 are side-by-side at the proximal end. In one embodiment, the first arm 504 is longer than the second arm 506. In one embodiment, the second arm 506 is longer than the first arm 504. In one embodiment, the first arm 504 and the second arm 506 are equal in length. In one embodiment, the first arm 504 and the second arm 506 are one piece. In one embodiment, the frame 502 is one piece. In one embodiment, the frame 502 is at least two pieces, such that the first arm 504 is part of or forms entirely of the first piece and the second arm 506 is part of or forms entirely of the second piece.

[0033] The mounting bar 300 is proximal to a distal end of a first arm 504. In one embodiment, the first arm 504 is coupled to a strut 304 of the mounting bar 300. In one embodiment, the first arm 504 is coupled to a bracket 302 of the mounting bar 300. In one embodiment, the first arm 504 is coupled to at least one bearing 208 of the mounting bar 300.

[0034] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the first arm 504 includes a platform 510 located at least partially between the proximal and distal ends. The platform 510 is capable of supporting a substrate (not shown).

[0035] The second arm 506 includes at least two mounting blocks 100. In one embodiment, each of the mounting blocks 100 of the second arm 506 crosses the cavity 514 directly from a corresponding mounting block 100 of the mounting bar 300. In one embodiment, at least one of the mounting blocks 100 of the second arm 506 does not cross the cavity 514 directly from a corresponding mounting block 100 of the mounting bar 300. In one embodiment, a distal end of the second arm 506 includes a pedestal 508 that extends toward the mounting bar 300. The pedestal 508 can support a substrate (not shown).

[0036] The mounting bar 300 may also include a spring 512 for preloading the mounting bar 300 and / or at least one bearing 308 of the mounting bar 300. In one embodiment, the spring 512 is coupled to the first arm 504. In one embodiment, the spring 512 is coupled to another element, such as a mount (not shown, see FIGS. 7A-7B). In one embodiment, the spring 512 is coupled to the first arm 504 and to a mount (not shown, see FIGS. 7A-7B).

[0037] In one embodiment, the distal end 310 is adjustable, but otherwise the mounting block 100 is stationary except for adjusting its height relative to the frame 502 or mounting bar 300 .

[0038] In one embodiment, at least one of the first or second arms 504, 506 of the frame 502 can include at least one flexure (not shown), such as one or more flexible materials, cutouts (e.g., tracks, grooves, notches, etc.), and materials that are less stiff than the other materials that make up the struts. For example, the second arm 506 can include at least one flexure that allows the mounting block 100 to move along a given axis (e.g., z-axis) via a proximal or distal end of the second arm 506 (e.g., depending on the location of the at least one flexure within the second arm 506) relative to the other end of the mounting bar 300. The at least one flexure (not shown) can extend partially through a top surface of the second arm, can extend partially through a bottom surface of the second arm 506, can extend partially through a side surface of the second arm 506, or can extend entirely through the second arm 506. The segment including at least one flexure (not shown) may also include a clasp (not shown) for setting the position, angle, location, etc. along a given axis (e.g., z-axis) of the mounting block 100 and the segment including at least one flexure (not shown) once the desired position, angle, location, etc. is determined. The clasp may include a screw, a dowel, a rod, a rivet, etc. The clasp (not shown) may also be used to adjust the position, angle, location, etc. of the segment including at least one flexure (not shown). In one embodiment, the distal end of the second arm 506 may be adjusted (position, angle, location, etc.) by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, moving, etc. relative to the proximal end of the second arm 506 and / or independently of the proximal end of the second arm 506. The distal end may also include at least one mounting block 100.In one embodiment, the proximal end of the second arm 506 can be adjusted (such as in position, angle, or location) by translating, flexing, bending, twisting, moving, etc., relative to and / or independently of the distal end of the second arm 506. The proximal end can also include at least one mounting block 100.

[0039] In one embodiment, all of the mounting blocks 100 have the same construction and design. In one embodiment, at least one of the mounting blocks 100 has a different construction and / or design than the other mounting blocks 100.

[0040] 6A-6D show holder 600. Holder 500 includes two holders 400, 500. In one embodiment, holder 600 includes two holders, both of which are holder 400. In one embodiment, holder 600 includes two holders, both of which are holder 500.

[0041] Holder 600 includes a motor 602 and a coupling 608. Although motor 602 and coupling 608 are shown in Figures 6A-6D for holder 600, motor 602 and coupling 608 can be used in any embodiment of any holder discussed herein, or any equivalents thereof.

[0042] In one embodiment, the holder 600 includes a slider 604 and a connector 606. The slider 604 is aligned or coupled to the mounting bar 200. The connector 606 can be aligned to a mount (not shown). A portion of the slider 604 can be fitted into a track or groove of the connector 606, thereby allowing movement of the slider 604 along a single or given plane such that the mounting bar 200 can be translated between an open position and a closed position via the motor 602 and the coupling 608. Although the slider 604 and the connector 606 are shown in FIGS. 6A-6D for the holder 600, the slider 604 and the connector 606 can be used in any embodiment of any of the holders discussed herein, or any equivalents thereof.

[0043] In one embodiment, a leaf spring (not shown) can be used in place of both the slider 604 and the connector 606 .

[0044] In one embodiment, the holder 600 can be attached to a secondary device, such as a scanner or imaging microscope or fluorescence microscope for imaging and / or processing, by a mount 702 (i.e., screws, nails, pegs, pins, bolts and nuts, dowels, staples, rivets, etc.), by adhesive, by welding, by clips, by tongue and groove joints, etc. The holder 600 and / or the mount 702 can include at least one hole to accommodate a mounting mechanism for proper and secure attachment to the secondary device. Although the mount 702 is shown in FIGS. 7A-7B for the holder 600, the mount 702 can be used with any embodiment of any holder discussed herein, or any equivalent thereof. In one embodiment, the holder 600 can be attached to a secondary device for imaging and / or processing by a mounting mechanism (i.e., screws, nails, pegs, pins, bolts and nuts, dowels, staples, rivets, etc.) for proper and secure attachment, by adhesive, by welding, by clips, by tongue and groove joints, etc. The holder 600 can include at least one hole for receiving a mounting mechanism for proper and secure attachment to the secondary device. Although the mounting mechanism is discussed for the holder 600, the mounting mechanism can be used in any embodiment of any holder discussed herein, or any equivalent thereof.

[0045] In one embodiment, the mount 702 can be adjusted, such as by a mounting mechanism, to be planar (ie, parallel or coplanar) with an imaging plane (eg, an xy plane).

[0046] method For convenience, the method will be described with reference to a slide as an example substrate and with respect to holder 400. However, the method described below is not intended to be so limited in scope. The method can be used in practice with any type of substrate (e.g., well plates, etc.) and with any embodiment of a holder, mounting bar, or mounting block.

[0047] In one embodiment, a reference slide is inserted into the holder 400. The reference slide can be placed on the platform 410 or pedestal 408, or can be placed in direct contact with at least two of the mounting blocks 100. The mounting bar 200 is in an open position. The mounting bar 200 is moved to a closed position. The ramps 106 of each mounting block 100 lift the reference slide upward, and the stops 104 of each mounting block 100 set a maximum lift distance for the reference slide and constrain the reference slide. When the mounting bar 200 is set in the closed position, the force exerted by the mounting block 100 on the reference slide constrains the translational movement of the reference slide relative to the holder 400. The mounting block 100 at the distal end 212 of the mounting bar 200 can be adjusted to account for warping or deformation in the reference slide, thereby making the reference slide planar or substantially planar with the imaging plane (e.g., the xy plane). Once the reference plate is mounted so that the planarity of the reference plate is observed in any suitable manner, the mounting bar is moved to an open position to release the force on the slide. The ramps of each mounting block guide the slide downward. The reference slide is then removed from the holder and the experimental slide (i.e., the slide containing the sample to be imaged) is inserted to restart the process.

[0048] In one embodiment, the above method is performed excluding the reference slide and juxtaposing (i.e., inserting, closing the mounting bar, and adjusting the mounting block). In one embodiment, the above method is performed for the first slide with the mounting block 100 excluding the reference slide and held in place for all subsequent slides.

[0049] When a feature or element is referred to herein as being on another feature or element, it may be directly on the other feature or element, or intervening features and / or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being directly on another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Also, when a feature or element is referred to as being "coupled," "attached," or "coupled" to another feature or element, it will be understood that the one feature or element may be directly coupled, attached, or coupled to the other feature or element, or intervening features and / or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is directly "coupled," "attached," or "coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment, the elements so described or illustrated may also apply to other embodiments. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a reference to a structure or feature being located "adjacent" another feature may have a portion that overlaps or underlies the adjacent feature.

[0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" as used herein identify the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all of one or more of the associated listed items and may be abbreviated as " / ".

[0051] Spatially relative terms such as "under," "below," "lower," "over," "upper," and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the drawings. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass the orientation of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings were inverted, an element described as "under" or "below" the other element or feature would be oriented "over" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary "under" can encompass both an orientation above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatially relative terms used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upwardly," "downwardly," "vertical," "horizontal," etc. are used herein for descriptive purposes only, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0052] Although the terms "first" and "second" are used in this application to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by these terms unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another. Furthermore, although "first" and "second" are used, these terms are not intended to limit the various features / elements to only one or two.

[0053] Throughout the following specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" refer to the various components used jointly in methods and articles (e.g., compositions and devices and apparatuses that include methods). For example, it will be understood that the term "comprising" means the inclusion of any described element or step but not the exclusion of any other elements or steps.

[0054] Unless otherwise specifically expressed, including as used in the examples, all numbers, as used herein and in the claims, can be read as if they are preceded by the word "about" or "approximately", even if not expressly stated. The phrase "about" or "approximately" can be used when describing a magnitude and / or location to indicate that the described value or location is within a range of reasonably expected values ​​and / or locations. For example, values ​​can have values ​​of + / -0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / -1% of the stated value (or range of values), + / -2% of the stated value (or range of values), + / -5% of the stated value (or range of values), + / -10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical value given in this application should also be understood to include about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates otherwise. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. Any numerical value described herein is intended to include all subranges encompassed therein. It is also understood that values ​​less than or equal to, greater than or equal to, and possible ranges between these values ​​are also disclosed as would be generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, if disclosed. For example, if a value "X" is disclosed, then values ​​less than or equal to "X" and greater than or equal to "X" (e.g., where "X" is a numeric value) are also disclosed. It is also understood that throughout this application, data is provided in a number of formats, and that this data indicates endpoints, starting points, and ranges for any combination of the data points.For example, if a specific data point "10" and a specific data point "15" are disclosed, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, 10 and 15, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 are disclosed, and between 10 and 15. It is also understood that each unit of the two specific units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0055] Although various exemplary embodiments have been described above, any of numerous modifications may be made to the various embodiments without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The order in which the various described method steps are preformed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features of the various devices and systems may be included in some embodiments and not included in other embodiments. Thus, the foregoing description has been provided primarily for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention.

[0056] The examples and illustrations included in this application show, by way of illustration and not by way of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As noted above, other embodiments may be utilized and may be derived, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention may be referred to individually or collectively under the term "invention" herein for convenience only, and without independently limiting the scope of the present application to any single invention or inventive concept when in fact more than one is disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any configuration calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above-described embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0057] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, has used specific terminology to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the systems and methods described herein. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments has been illustrated by way of example for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms described. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments best explain the principles and practical applications of the present disclosure, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications suited to the particular use envisaged. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. a frame including a first arm and a second arm, the second arm including at least two mounting blocks; a mounting bar including at least two mounting blocks; a flexure positioned between the at least two mounting blocks of the second arm or positioned between the at least two mounting blocks of the mounting bar, the at least two mounting blocks of the second arm and the at least two mounting blocks of the mounting bar are on opposite sides of a cavity and are configured to directly contact and hold a substrate; (1) the flexure is configured to adjust one mounting block of the mounting bar along a z-axis that is essentially perpendicular to the x-y plane of the mounting bar, or (2) the flexure is configured to adjust one mounting block of the second arm along a z-axis that is essentially perpendicular to the x-y plane of the second arm; The mounting bar is coupled to the first arm and configured to allow the mounting bar to move relative to the frame.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the flexure is at least one of a cutout, a track, a groove, a notch, or one or more flexible materials.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the flexure includes a clasp configured to adjust at least one of a position, angle, or location of the mounting bar or one of the mounting blocks of the second arm.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the mounting blocks includes a stopper and a ramp.

5. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting bar is coupled to the first arm of the frame with at least one bearing, the bearing configured to allow the mounting bar to move relative to the frame.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a mount, said mount coupling the device to a secondary device.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the secondary device is a scanner, an imaging microscope, or a fluorescence microscope.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising a slider adjacent the mounting bar and a connector adjacent the mount, a portion of the slider fitting within a track of the connector.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a motor for moving the mounting bar relative to the frame.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first arm further comprises a platform configured to support the substrate.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second arm further comprises a pedestal configured to support the substrate.

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