US 6,024,920 A · Microplate scanning read head

Abstract

A scanning head assembly is provided, the scanning head suited for use with instruments that characterize the absorption, fluorescence, and/or luminescence properties of one or more samples contained within a sample plate or microplate. The scanning head assembly is coupled to a pair of scanning mechanisms, thereby allowing the head assembly to be raster scanned along both the x- and y-axis. Although the scanning preferably follows a serpentine pattern, other scan patterns can be utilized. Single or multiple measurements can be made per sample well, multiple measurements either being reported individually or averaged together. Although the scanning head assembly can utilize a variety of configurations, in the preferred embodiment the scanning head assembly has a C-shape with the light source and associated optics mounted in the lower arm of the assembly and the detector and associated optics mounted in the upper arm. Preferably the optics associated with the source include one or more optical filters that regulate the wavelength of light radiating the sample.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A sample plate scanning system, comprising:

a head assembly with a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a connecting portion rigidly coupling said first and second arm portions;
a first transport system coupled to said head assembly for scanning said head assembly along a first axis;
a second transport system coupled to said head assembly for scanning said head assembly along a second axis, said second axis substantially orthogonal to said first axis;
a sample plate holder for holding a sample plate in a sample reading position, wherein said sample plate is interposed between said first arm portion and said second arm portion when said sample plate is in said sample reading position;
a source of radiation coupled to said first arm portion, wherein said radiation is directed along a first optical path from said first arm portion towards said second arm portion;
and
a detector coupled to said second arm portion, wherein said detector detects radiation along said first optical path, said detector outputting a signal corresponding to an amplitude associated with said detected radiation.

4 more elements

A sample plate scanning system, comprising:

a head assembly with a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a connecting portion rigidly coupling said first and second arm portions;
a first transport system coupled to said head assembly for scanning said head assembly along a first axis;
a second transport system coupled to said head assembly for scanning said head assembly along a second axis, said second axis substantially orthogonal to said first axis;
a controller coupled to said first and second transport systems and controlling a scan pattern associated with said head assembly;
a sample plate holder for holding a sample plate in a sample reading position, wherein said sample plate is interposed between said first arm portion and said second arm portion when said sample plate is in said sample reading position;
a source of radiation mounted within said first arm portion, said source of radiation comprising:
a lamp emitting said radiation;
a first lens, wherein said radiation from said lamp passes through said first lens;
a turning mirror, wherein said radiation passing through said first lens is directed along a first optical path by said turning mirror;
and
a second lens, wherein said radiation directed by said turning mirror along said first optical path passes through said second lens prior to exiting said first arm portion towards said second arm portion along said first optical path;
and
a detection system mounted within said second arm portion, said detection system comprising:
a detector;
and
a third lens, wherein said third lens collects at least a portion of said radiation passing along said first optical path from said first arm portion, wherein said lens focuses said collected radiation onto said detector, wherein said detector outputs a signal corresponding to an amplitude associated with said detected radiation.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Microplate scanning read head

Life of this patent

Microplate scanning read head

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21