Abstract:
An apparatus responsive to optical changes in a waveguide when the latter is contacted with an analyte capable of reacting with a specific reactant thereto attached to the surface of said guide involves, for containing the analyte, an interchangeable round bottomed cuvette temporarily held by a suitably shaped carrier in working relationship with the optical components of the apparatus, this arrangement ensuring a correct optical orientation thereof relative to said component whenever the exact positioning of the cuvette.
Abstract:
Samples are prepared and applied to a cuvette, and the cuvette is translated in a given direction. Laser light is coupled to the sample through a Bragg cell, which causes the beam to scan the sample transversely to the given direction. Select optical parameters are monitored, and when they occur, the scan is stopped or slowed for a more complete analysis of the illuminated cell.
Abstract:
A dispensing device, for dispensing reagent into an array of reaction wells (16) in a photographic recording apparatus, comprises an array of tubes (28) which are mounted in a support (23). The support (23) contains a common chamber (29) into which the tops of all the tubes (28) open. The chamber (29) is connected with atmosphere via an opening (32) which is sealable manually to retain liquid in the tubes (28) when the latter are immersed in a reservoir (40) and which is unsealed to dispense the liquid. The recording apparatus has a housing (10) closable at the top by part of the support (23). A plate (11) having an array of holes (15) therethrough rests on a shutter (13) disposed above a photographic film holder (12). The plate (11) carries the reaction wells (16) in the holes (15).
Abstract:
Improved devices, systems (14), and methods for sensing and/or identifying signals from within a signal detection region are well-suited for identification of spectral codes. Large numbers of independently identifiable spectral codes can be generated by quite small bodies (12a, 12b), and a plurality of such bodies or probes (12a, 12b) may be present within a detection region. Simultaneously imaging of identifiable spectra (60) from throughout the detection region allows the probes (12a, 12b) to be identified. As the identifiable spectra can be treated as being generated from a point source within a much larger detection field, a prism, diffractive grading, holographic transmissive grading, or the like (56) can spectrally disperse the images of the labels across a sensor surface. A CCD (18) can identify the relative wavelengths of signals making up the spectra. Absolute signal wavelengths may be determined by determining positions of the labels, by an interval wavelength reference within the spectra (60), or the like.
Abstract:
Devices, systems, methods, and compositions of matter can track and/or identify a library of elements, particularly for use with fluids, particulates, cells, and the like. Signals from one or more semiconductor nanocrystals may be combined to define spectral codes. Separation of signal wavelengths within dedicated wavelength ranges or windows facilitates differentiation of spectral codes, while calibration signals within the spectral codes can avoid ambiguity. Modeling based on prior testing can help derive libraries of acceptable codes.
Abstract:
Techniques are described for the detection of multiple target species in real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). For example, a system comprises a data acquisition device and a detection device coupled to the data acquisition device. The detection device includes a rotating disk having a plurality of process chambers having a plurality of species that emit fluorescent light at different wavelengths. The device further includes a plurality of removable optical modules that are optically configured to excite the species and capture fluorescent light emitted by the species at different wavelengths. A fiber optic bundle coupled to the plurality of removable optical modules conveys the fluorescent light from the optical modules to a single detector. The device further includes a heating element for heating one or more process chambers on the disk. In addition, the device may control the flow of fluid in the disk by locating and selectively opening valves separating chambers by heating the valves with a laser.
Abstract:
A microassay card (10) includes an upper layer (12) containing wells (14) for receiving a liquid sample (16). A second layer (20) of the card (10), beneath the first layer (12), includes a supporting surface (223) bound to a reactive species (114). A third layer (26) includes a superabsorbent support (26) impregnated with an indicator (228). Typically, the indicator (228) is a substrate (228) for an enzyme (16), such as a reduced dye precursor and a source of hydrogen peroxide necessary for the action of the enzyme (116), upon the substrate to cause a spectral change in the absorbent layer (26). By selecting the structure of the first (12) and second (20) layers, the card (10) can be formatted for a displacement assay or a competitive assay. The microassay card (10) of the present invention is particularly useful for drug testing.