Automation system builder Meikle Automation and Agilent Technologies have entered a nonexclusive partnership to generate business leads, evaluate market potential, integrate equipment and validate production processes, particularly in photonics. Meikle recently announced a new platform in photonics automation and said it is poised for significant growth in ultrahigh-precision manufacturing industries.   . . .   James G. Fujimoto, Ph.D., and Eric A. Swanson, founders and board members of LightLab Imaging (Westford, Mass.), received The Rank Prize Funds for their pioneering work in developing optical coherence tomography imaging technology by the Royal Society of Medicine in London.   . . .   David Spaight has been appointed to the new position of vice president of global sales and service for PerkinElmer's Analytical Instruments Div.