Imaging apparatus with a gas manifold
An imaging box assembly is provided for capturing an image of a sample. The imaging box assembly includes a body having an interior cavity for receiving the sample, and having a front portion defining an opening into the cavity. The body further includes a view port enabling viewing of the sample contained in the interior cavity. A door is mounted to the body that is movable between an opened condition, enabling access to the interior cavity through the cavity opening, and a closed condition, positioning a door rear portion substantially adjacent the body front portion to prevent access through the cavity opening. The box assembly further includes a stage disposed in the cavity interior that supports the sample, and a gas manifold device in communication with the interior cavity. The manifold is configured to supply a gas to interior cavity proximate the sample. A tube transports the gas from outside the imaging box to the gas manifold device.
1 . An light-tight imaging system for capturing an image of a sample, the imaging system comprising:
an imaging box including:
a body including an interior cavity for receiving the sample, and having a front portion defining an opening into said cavity, said body further including a view hole enabling viewing of the sample; and
a door having a rear portion, said door movable between an opened condition, enabling access to the interior cavity through the cavity opening, and a closed condition, positioning said rear portion substantially adjacent the body front portion to prevent access through the cavity opening; and
a stage disposed in the cavity interior that supports the sample;
a gas manifold device in communication with said interior cavity, and configured to supply a gas to interior cavity proximate the sample; and
a tube configured to transport said gas from outside said imaging box to said gas manifold device.
2 . The imaging system according to claim 1 , wherein
said gas manifold is detachably coupled to said stage, and includes a first interface adapted to provide a gas to said sample.
3 . The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein
the gas manifold includes a non-reflective surface.
4 . The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein
the gas manifold includes a second interface adapted to provide said gas to said sample.
5 . The imaging system of claim 1 , further including:
a valve that controls gas flow to said sample through said first interface.
6 . The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein
the tube has a first end that opens outside of said imaging box and a second end inside said cavity interior that emits substantially no light within said cavity interior.
7 . The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein
the gas manifold is autoclavable.
8 . The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein
the stage is moveable.
9 . An imaging system for capturing an image of a sample, the imaging system comprising:
an imaging box having:
a body including an interior cavity for receiving the sample, and having a front wall defining an opening into said cavity;
a door having a rear wall and an exterior face, said door movable between an opened condition, enabling access to the interior cavity through the cavity opening, and a closed condition, positioning said rear wall substantially adjacent the body front wall to prevent access through the cavity opening;
a stage in the cavity interior configured to support the sample;
a gas manifold in the cavity interior and detachably coupled to said stage, said manifold including a first interface adapted to provide a gas to said sample; and
a tube configured to transport said gas from outside said imaging box to said gas manifold.
10 . The imaging system of claim 9 , wherein
the gas manifold comprises a non-reflective surface.
11 . The imaging system of claim 9 , wherein
the gas manifold comprises a second interface adapted to provide said gas to said sample.
12 . The imaging system of claim 9 , further including:
a valve that controls gas flow to said sample through said first interface.
13 . The imaging system of claim 9 , wherein
the tube has a first end that opens outside of said imaging box and a second end inside said cavity interior that emits substantially no light within said cavity interior.
14 . The imaging system of claim 9 , wherein
the gas manifold is autoclavable.
15 . The imaging system of claim 9 , wherein
the stage is moveable.
16 . The imaging system of claim 9 , wherein
the gas manifold is composed of glass.