摘要:
A high-throughput light detection instrument and method are described. In some embodiments, switch mechanisms and optical relay structures permit different light sources and/or detectors to be selected for different applications. In other embodiments, switch mechanisms and optical paths permit top/bottom illumination and/or top/bottom detection, or combinations thereof.
摘要:
The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.
摘要:
A device for detecting chemiluminescence from a sample. The device may include a stage for supporting a sample and one or more of the following elements: (1) an optics head, (2) an optical relay structure for transmitting chemiluminescence from the sample to a detector, (3) a drive mechanism, (4) a sensor for detecting proximity of the optical relay structure to the sample, (5) a mask structure for selecting an effective diameter of the optical relay structure, and (6) a baffle for blocking extraneous light from entering the optical relay structure.
摘要:
A piston is disposed inside a tube having an inner cross sectional size and shape uniform along its length. The tube has an open end. The piston is free to move linearly inside the tube and preferably may move out of the tube through the open end. If the tube is cylindrical, for example, it has a constant inner diameter. The open end of the tube is neither tapered or flaring. Liquid samples are aspirated into the device by pulling the piston back. The sample is then ejected by accelerating the piston to a minimum velocity to force the liquid sample out of the open end of the tube. The velocity of the sample is sufficient to render negligible the effects of surface tension forces. The volume of the liquid sample dispensed is determined by the inner diameter of the tube and the piston displacement. Accurate positioning of the piston provides samples of accurate volumes. A specific embodiment of the present invention uses a tube with an inner diameter of 0.5 mm, resulting in a volume displacement of 1.9 microliters per centimeter of piston travel.
摘要:
A method of producing a probe for aspirating and dispensing liquid. A fluid conduit and rod are positioned in the central bore of a tube so that an inlet end of the conduit and a contact end of the rod protrude from an upper end of the tube and a discharge end of the conduit and a sensing end of the rod protrude from a lower end of the tube. The tube has a heat-shrinkable outer layer and a meltable inner layer. The tube is heated so that its outer layer shrinks and its inner layer melts to encapsulate middle portions of the conduit and rod. A circuit board having first and second traces and first and second holes is placed on the upper end of the tube so that the inlet end of the conduit is inserted through the first hole and the contact end of the rod is inserted through the second hole. The conduit and rod are attached to the board so that the conduit is electrically connected to the first trace and the rod is electrically connected to the second trace. First and second conducting pins are also attached to the board. The conducting pins electrically connect the traces to a voltage sensing circuit when the probe is attached to a probe positioning device.
摘要:
The invention provides an integrated sample-processing system and components thereof for preparing and/or analyzing samples. The components may include a transport module, a fluidics module, and an analysis module, among others.
摘要:
Devices and methods for containing and analyzing small sample volumes that are sandwiched between solid surfaces. The devices may include an automated drive mechanism that controls the relative positions of the surfaces and an environmental-control mechanism that controls the humidity, temperature, and/or other environmental conditions around the small sample volume. In some embodiments, at least one of the surfaces has a light-transmissive window for allowing optical analysis of a sample contained between the surfaces.