Multiple light source orientation system for multi-well reaction plate
AssigneeBIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC., a corporation of the state of Delaware
InventorsJeffrey Goldman, Vladimir Krasheninin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Light-emitting diodes are mounted in a support block that holds the diodes in a fixed orientation. In certain embodiments, the orientation of the diodes by the support block causes the axes of the diodes to converge below the block to a common point where, in preferred embodiments, components of an excitation optical system are placed. The converging light then diverges for entry into an array of receptacles in which individual chemical reactions take place. The block contains engineered apertures that securely retain the diodes, each aperture including a shoulder for the flange at one end of each diode.
Claims16
A support block for a plurality of light-emitting diodes, each diode having a longitudinal diode axis and an external flange transverse to said diode axis, said support block comprising a plate with a plurality of apertures, each said aperture having a longitudinal aperture axis and contoured to receive a light-emitting diode in a fixed orientation with said diode axis aligned with said aperture axis.
Apparatus for supplying excitation light to a two-dimensional array of receptacles, said system comprising:
- a support block having a plurality of apertures, each said aperture having a longitudinal aperture axis and contoured to receive a light-emitting diode in a fixed orientation along said longitudinal aperture axis, said apertures oriented such that said longitudinal aperture axes converge at a focal point at a location spaced apart from said support block, and
- a lens positioned to direct diverging light from said focal point to each receptacle of said two-dimensional array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.