Sample analysis systems
AssigneeMolecular Devices, LLC
InventorsDouglas N. Modlin, Glenn R. Edwards, John C. Owicki, Michael T. Taylor, Samuel A. Marquiss
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems, and components thereof, for analyzing samples. These systems include apparatus and methods for generating, transmitting, detecting, and/or analyzing light, including without limitation high-throughput optical screening devices for analyzing samples at one or more assay sites. These systems also include apparatus and methods for supporting samples for analysis, including without limitation multiwell sample holders such as microplates.
Claims27
An apparatus for detecting light emitted from a composition, comprising:
- a stage for supporting a composition in an examination site, the composition being contained in a spatial volume lying between boundary interfaces located a different points along a Z-axis, wherein the Z-axis is substantially perpendicular to the stage;
- an automated registration device that automatically brings successive compositions, held in adjacent wells of a microplate, and the examination site into register for successive analysis of the composition;
- an arc lamp light source positioned to deliver light to the composition in the examination site;
- a detector positioned to receive light transmitted from the composition in the examination site;
- an optical relay structure located between the light source and the detector, the optical relay structure being capable of transmitting light substantially from a sensed volume of the composition, wherein the sensed volume is spaced away from at least one of the boundary interfaces of the composition;
- and
- an automated Z-axis optical adjustment device that automatically adjusts the position of the sensed volume along the Z-axis between and spaced away from the boundary interfaces.
An apparatus for measuring the polarization of light emitted from a composition, comprising:
- a stage for supporting the composition at an examination site;
- an automated registration device that automatically brings successive compositions and the examination site into register for successive analysis of the compositions;
- a continuous high color temperature light source;
- an excitation optical relay structure having an excitation polarizer, wherein the excitation optical relay structure directs light from the light source through the excitation polarizer toward the composition;
- a detector;
- and
- an emission optical relay structure having an emission polarizer, wherein the emission optical relay structure directs light emitted from the composition through the emission polarizer toward the detector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.