A laser system includes a collimator configured to output a collimated laser beam, a support member to which the collimator is mounted, and a linear rail along which the support member is movable in a first dimension such that the collimator, mounted to the support member, and the collimated laser beam, outputted from the collimator, are movable in the first dimension. The laser system further includes a lens positioned downstream of the collimator and configured to direct the collimated laser beam to a target location on a specimen.

A laser system includes a collimator configured to output a collimated laser beam, a support member to which the collimator is mounted, and a linear rail along which the support member is movable in a first dimension such that the collimator, mounted to the support member, and the collimated laser beam, outputted from the collimator, are movable in the first dimension. The laser system further includes a lens positioned downstream of the collimator and configured to direct the collimated laser beam to a target location on a specimen.

Semen and sperm cell processing and preservation systems, and methods of producing a mammal and methods of producing mammalian embryos are disclosed. The present invention is directed to sperm cell preservation, fertilization, and insemination, maintaining or enhancing sperm quality and addressing one or more sperm cell characteristics, such as viability, motility, functionality, fertilization rates, and pregnancy rates. Further, sperm cell characteristics may be addressed within the context of various collection, handling, separation, storage, transportation, usage, fertilization, or insemination techniques.

Semen and sperm cell processing and preservation systems, and methods of producing a mammal and methods of producing mammalian embryos are disclosed. The present invention is directed to sperm cell preservation, fertilization, and insemination, maintaining or enhancing sperm quality and addressing one or more sperm cell characteristics, such as viability, motility, functionality, fertilization rates, and pregnancy rates. Further, sperm cell characteristics may be addressed within the context of various collection, handling, separation, storage, transportation, usage, fertilization, or insemination techniques.

A multi-actuated micro-pipette controller is actuated in at least three different ways. First, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller may be employed similar to a striper for denudation of cumulus cells and transfer of oocytes and embryos by depressing an actuator assembly operably coupled to a ballonet. Second, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller may be actuated similar to a SWEMED™ denudation pipette by pressing directly on the ballonet while it is seated in a primary housing and a secondary housing, without employing an actuator assembly of the primary housing. Third, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller may be actuated by removing the ballonet and employing it similar to a PASTEUR™ pipette.

A multi-actuated micro-pipette controller is actuated in at least three different ways. First, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller may be employed similar to a striper for denudation of cumulus cells and transfer of oocytes and embryos by depressing an actuator assembly operably coupled to a ballonet. Second, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller may be actuated similar to a SWEMED™ denudation pipette by pressing directly on the ballonet while it is seated in a primary housing and a secondary housing, without employing an actuator assembly of the primary housing. Third, the multi-actuated micro-pipette controller may be actuated by removing the ballonet and employing it similar to a PASTEUR™ pipette.

Artificial cervical fluid is disclosed that contains a mucilaginous extract from the okra plant. The mucilaginous extract can be produced using a hot aqueous extractant or cold extraction process followed by separation of larger particles from the extract. The extract finds many uses, for example as a sperm storage medium, a sperm freezing medium, a sexual lubricant, an artificial insemination medium, and an in vitro fertilization medium.

Artificial cervical fluid is disclosed that contains a mucilaginous extract from the okra plant. The mucilaginous extract can be produced using a hot aqueous extractant or cold extraction process followed by separation of larger particles from the extract. The extract finds many uses, for example as a sperm storage medium, a sperm freezing medium, a sexual lubricant, an artificial insemination medium, and an in vitro fertilization medium.

An apparatus is provided for use with a fluid that contains biological cells, e.g. seminal fluid. The apparatus (20) includes a tray (22) shaped to define a flat upper surface configured to support the fluid, and an underside. The apparatus (20) further includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from the underside of the tray, which may serve to separate the underside from a flat surface on which the tray is placed, or as delineating protrusions that facilitate subsequent retrieval of the fluid following placement on the tray. The tray has a thickness between 0.4 and 0.8 mm, and is transparent or translucent. The upper surface preferably has a level of hydrophobicity that is sufficient for droplets to maintain their shape to a certain extent. A handle (52) facilitates handling of the tray. The apparatus typically fits into a standard-sized cryogenic vial (70).

An apparatus is provided for use with a fluid that contains biological cells, e.g. seminal fluid. The apparatus (20) includes a tray (22) shaped to define a flat upper surface configured to support the fluid, and an underside. The apparatus (20) further includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from the underside of the tray, which may serve to separate the underside from a flat surface on which the tray is placed, or as delineating protrusions that facilitate subsequent retrieval of the fluid following placement on the tray. The tray has a thickness between 0.4 and 0.8 mm, and is transparent or translucent. The upper surface preferably has a level of hydrophobicity that is sufficient for droplets to maintain their shape to a certain extent. A handle (52) facilitates handling of the tray. The apparatus typically fits into a standard-sized cryogenic vial (70).