Abstract:
An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.
Abstract:
An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.
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. 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 measuring apparatus includes a dielectric block, a film layer which is formed on a first face of the dielectric block and is brought into contact with a sample, an optical system which causes a light beam to enter the dielectric block through a second face so that the light beam is reflected in total internal reflection at the interface of the dielectric block and the film layer and various angles of incidence of the light beam to the interface can be obtained, and a photodetector which detects the intensity of the light beam which is reflected in total internal reflection at the interface and goes outside the dielectric block through a third face thereof. A measuring chip includes a single dielectric block having all the first to third faces and the film layer integrally formed on the first face of the dielectric block.
Abstract:
Gases flow to individual gas analysis cells. The cells are sequentially aligned with an infrared detector, which senses the composition and quantities of the gas components. Each elongated cell is tapered inward toward the center from cell windows at the ends. Volume is reduced from a conventional cell, while permitting maximum interaction of gas with the light beam. Reduced volume and angulation of the cell inlets provide rapid purgings of the cell, providing shorter cycles between detections. For coal and other high molecular weight samples, from 50% to 100% oxygen is introduced to the tubes. Cells are suspended from adjustable holders on a frame which is spaced from a table. The table is moved by a linear motor and a fixed platen. Sides of the table are shielded to prevent electromagnetic and magnetic motor interference with detected results. The entire table, cells, mounting plate and linear motor are mounted in a housing with aligned holes for the analysis energy source and detector. The gas cells are calibrated for carbon dioxide and water vapor with a mass flow controlled oxidized fuel gas from a single analyzed source of such gas, oxygen and inert gas. Other calibration gases may be included, generated or added in the calibration gas stream.
Abstract:
A diagnostic microbiological testing apparatus and method includes at least one test tray including a plurality of reaction chambers, a light source disposed proximate to the test tray for directing light, at an excitation wavelength of a fluorescence emitting agent contained within the reaction chambers, at the test tray, a filter for passing therethrough only light generated by a fluorescence emitting reaction resulting from the interaction of the fluorescence emitting agent and a sample, and an imaging mechanism for detecting only the light generated by the fluorescence emitting reaction at the emission wavelength simultaneously from the plurality of reaction chambers.
Abstract:
The automatic chemical analyzer includes a turntable adapted to hold a plurality of disposable cuvettes. An optical system adjacent to the turntable can perform analytical absorbance or fluorescence tests on the contents of each cuvette as they are rotated on the turntable. A sample/reagent tray is rotatably mounted about an axis parallel to the turntable axis. A common probe arm pivoted about a third parallel axis mounts a pipette that can be moved along an arcuate path intersecting a cuvette access station on the turntable and at least one container access station on the sample/reagent tray for transferring liquids as required by specific test procedures. A sample tube entry port is provided to support individual draw tubes that are manually delivered to the analyzer at a sample access station and to facilitate removal of samples by the pipette without exposing operating personnel to accidental contact with liquid materials in the draw tube.
Abstract:
Single or multi-cell reservoir sensors with single illumination sources and one or more detectors per cell unit have an arrangement whereby a gaseous, vapor or liquid sample enters the cell body and interacts with a sensing solution to detect and quantify a given species. Entrance of the sample into the sensor is through an opening in the cell body which may be covered with a membrane to contain the sensing reagent and to presort the species entering the cell. Reservoir cells can be used with organic, inorganic or biochemical sensing materials. A variety of sensors as alcohol, drugs of abuse, organic halides, cyanide and inorganic ions are provided.
Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring the presence of microorganisms using fluorescent substances. A number of samples are measured continuously by enclosing the entire reacting and measurement sections within a thermostatically controlled enclosure. A number of samples are placed in containers with reactive liquids and placed in the reacting section of the enclosure. After the specified time within the enclosure, the container is rotated to the measuring section. The remaining liquid is filtered and activating light shined therethrough. The fluorescent light given off is measured to indicate the presence of microorganisms.
Abstract:
A device for optical inspection of a component located on a fixture. The fixture picks up the component at a delivery point, conveys it along a conveying path to a deposit point, and deposits it there. A light source delivers light at a first acute angle to the optical axis of an imaging sensor onto a first end face of the component when the component located at the holder is oriented with its end face at least normal to the optical axis of the imaging sensor. The latter inspects at least one side surface of the component and/or an area inside the component near a second of the end surfaces and near respective ones of the side surfaces. The imaging sensor detects light emerging from the first end face to signal a distribution of the intensity of the emerging light to an evaluation device.