Abstract:
Devices, systems, kits, and methods for detecting and/or identifying a plurality of spectrally labeled bodies well-suited for performing multiplexed assays. By spectrally labeling the beads with materials which generate identifiable spectra, a plurality of beads may be identified within the fluid. Reading of the beads is facilitated by restraining the beads in arrays, and/or using a focused laser.
Abstract:
Spectrophotometric apparatus and methodology suitable for continuous and long-term use. The apparatus includes a monochromator (13) providing pre-dispersed monochromatic light to the optical inputs of a pair of fiber optic cables (34-37) and a translator (43) for alternatively positioning the fiber optic cables (34-37) at the same location with respect to the monochromator output. One of the cables (61) conducts light to a sample under study while the other cable (35b) provides a reference for light intensity measurements. The methodology includes the steps of performing two scans through the monochromator output for each measurement on the sample. The fiber optic cables are moved between scans so that the cable employed in the latter scan occupies the former position of the cable employed in prior scan.
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:
The invention relates to an apparatus, a method and a computer program for investigation of microtiter plates subjected to orbital shaking. The apparatus 10 comprises a housing 7, microtiter plates Ia, Ib, Ic, Id comprising wells, which may be arranged under respective clamp elements 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d arranged to hold the microtiter plate down to the frame 5. The apparatus 10 further comprises a processor 8 conceived to interrupt the motor of the frame 5 for a suitable interrupt period and to trigger the flatbed scanner 3a, 3b for generating two-dimensional images of respective bottoms of the wells present in the microtiter plates 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d. The flatbed scanner 3a, 3b is preferably mounted on respective frames 6a, 6b for support. The frames 6a, 6b may be attached to the housing 7. The processor 8 may be operable using a computer program 8a. The processor may be arranged to store the acquired images in a suitable memory unit 9. Alternatively or additionally, the processor 8 may be arranged to carry-out on-line or off-line analysis of the scan data using calibration data 8b and to adapt shaking mode using a signal S.
Abstract:
Devices, systems, methods (as depicted in figure 1a), 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:
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 internal wavelength reference within the spectra (60), or the like.
Abstract:
A computer based system for testing an optical monitoring system includes a program (212) having program instructions and optical monitoring system parameters, for implementing a plurality of tests of an optical monitoring system. A computer (202) includes at least one processor for executing the program instructions, storage components for storing program instructions and test data, including the optical system parameters, a user input for inputting commands, and a display for displaying a menu of available test commands, test results and other data. An interface (210) is provided for interfacing the optical monitoring system to the computer for exchange of control and data signals. A fixture (208) is provided for mounting the optical monitoring system during testing.
Abstract:
An inspection apparatus 1 for solar cells 100 includes: a visible light source 11 adapted to irradiate visible light; a CCD camera 15 adapted to measure a reflection image based on the visible light reflected by an antireflective film of a solar cell 100; an infrared light source 13 adapted to irradiate the solar cell 100 with infrared light; and a CCD camera 16 adapted to measure a transmission image based on the infrared light transmitting through the solar cell 100. In the inspection apparatus 1, as a result of comparing the reflection image and the transmission image with each other, of areas respectively appearing as bright spots in the reflection image, an area appearing as a dark spot in the transmission image is determined as an area including a particle, whereas of the areas respectively appearing as the bright spots in the reflection image, an area other than the area determined as the area including the particle is determined as an area including a pinhole.