# US 10,120,136 B2 · Indexing signal detection module > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,120,136 B2 - Document ID: US10120136B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/287,358 - Filed: 2016-10-06 - Published: 2017-01-26 - Granted: 2018-11-06 - Earliest claimed: 2013-03-14 - Assignees: Gen-Probe Incorporated - Applicants: Gen-Probe Incorporated - Inventors: Norbert D. Hagen; David Opalsky - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10120136B2 ## CPC - G02B 6/3668: {with conversion in geometry of the cross section} - G01N 21/253: {for batch operation, i.e. multisample apparatus (analytical automats G01N35/00)} - G01N 21/6452: {Individual samples arranged in a regular 2D-array, e.g. multiwell plates} - G02B 6/06: the relative position of the fibres being the same at both ends, e.g. for transporting images - G02B 6/08: with fibre bundle in form of plate - G02B 6/3672: {with fibres arranged in a regular matrix array} - G02B 6/4214: {the intermediate optical element having redirecting reflective means, e.g. mirrors, prisms for deflecting the radiation from horizontal to down- or upward direction toward a device (G02B6/4246 takes precedence)} - G02B 6/4246: {Bidirectionally operating package structures} - G02B 6/4269: {with heat sinks or radiation fins} - G01N 2021/6484: {Optical fibres} - G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) ## Abstract An indexing signal detection module is configured to index one or more signal detectors past each of a plurality of sources of detectable signal emissions to detect or measure a signal emitted by each source. A plurality of signal transmission conduits transmit signal emitted by the sources from a first end of each conduit to a second end of each conduit where the signal may be detected by a signal detector. A conduit reformatter is configured to secure the first ends of the respective signal transmission conduits in a first spatial arrangement corresponding to a spatial arrangement of the signal emission sources and to secure the second ends of the respective signal transmission conduits in a second spatial arrangement different from the first spatial arrangement. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus for transmitting an optical signal emission from the contents of each of a plurality of receptacles, said apparatus comprising: a processing module configured to hold the plurality of receptacles; a plurality of signal transmission conduits, each signal transmission conduit comprising an optical fiber coupled to the processing module to transmit an optical signal emitted by the contents of an associated one of the plurality of receptacles between a first end and a second end thereof, wherein each of the plurality of signal transmission conduits transmits both an excitation and an emission signal; and a conduit reformatter constructed and arranged to secure the first ends of the respective signal transmission conduits in a first spatial arrangement corresponding to a spatial arrangement of the plurality of receptacles held within the processing module, such that the first end of each signal transmission conduit is positioned to receive an emission signal emitted by the contents of the associated receptacle, and to secure the second ends of the respective signal transmission conduits in a second spatial arrangement different from the first spatial arrangement. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first spatial arrangement is rectangular and comprises two or more rows, each row including two or more of the first ends of the signal transmission conduits. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second spatial arrangement comprises one or more circles, whereby the second ends of a plurality of signal transmission conduits are positioned about the circumference of a circle. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second spatial arrangement comprises one or more bundles whereby the second ends of a plurality of signal transmission conduits are collected in a bundle wherein the second ends of the transmission fibers in the bundle are in close proximity to each other. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said conduit reformatter comprises a reformatter frame comprising: an interface plate configured to secure the first ends of the respective signal transmission conduits in the first spatial arrangement; a base configured to secure the second ends of the respective signal transmission conduits in the second spatial arrangement; and and a side structure connecting the interface plate to the base at spaced-apart positions with respect to each other. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising heat dissipating fins extending from the interface plate. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a signal coupling element operatively disposed with respect to the first end of each signal transmission conduit. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the receptacles is in optical communication with a single signal transmission conduit. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processing module comprises an incubator. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: an interface plate configured to secure the first ends of the respective signal transmission conduits in the first spatial arrangement, wherein the incubator is disposed on the interface plate; and heat dissipating fins extending from the interface plate. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a fan to blow air across the heat dissipating fins. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of receptacle holders within the processing module, wherein the first end of each signal transmission conduit is coupled to an associated one of the receptacle holders. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more optical signal detectors, each optical signal detector being positioned or positionable with respect to the second ends of the respective signal transmission conduits and configured to emit an optical excitation signal that is transmitted from the second end of the transmission conduit to the first end of the transmission conduit and imparted to the contents of the associated receptacle and to receive an optical emission signal from the contents of the receptacle that is transmitted from the first end of the transmission conduit to the second end of the transmission conduit and convert the optical signal received to an electrical signal.