Fluorescence detection apparatus
First Claim
1. An apparatus for detecting light transmitted from a composition disposed in one of a plurality of sample wells, said apparatus comprising:
- a single light detector;
a reflector comprising means for selectively receiving light from any one of a plurality of detection emitters positioned about said reflector and of reflecting light toward said light detector; and
a plurality of detection carriers, each of said detection carriers comprising means for carrying light from one of the wells to one of said detection emitters.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fluorescence analysis system detects light transmitted from wells in a sample plate. One embodiment of the system includes a single light detector. A reflector is capable of receiving light from any one of several detection emitters and of reflecting the light toward the light detector. One reflector includes a prism which is mounted on a stepping motor. The prism is selectively rotated so that it faces each detection emitter in turn. The light from several wells in a row is directed toward the light emitter by rotating the prism to face, one-by-one, each of the emitters corresponding to the wells. The detection emitters include one end of an optical fiber bundle. The other end of each bundle is positioned near the wells, with each bundle positioned by a different well to carry light from that well to the corresponding emitter. A collimating lens is positioned between each detection emitter and the rotating prism to focus light from the emitter onto the prism. A baffle is positioned between the light detector and the prism. Light from a xenon arc excitation lamp is carried by optical fiber bundles toward the sample wells. A computerized controller coordinates light detection with the activities of an automated liquid handling system.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An apparatus for detecting light transmitted from a composition disposed in one of a plurality of sample wells, said apparatus comprising:
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a single light detector; a reflector comprising means for selectively receiving light from any one of a plurality of detection emitters positioned about said reflector and of reflecting light toward said light detector; and a plurality of detection carriers, each of said detection carriers comprising means for carrying light from one of the wells to one of said detection emitters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for detecting light transmitted from a composition disposed in one of a plurality of sample wells, said apparatus comprising:
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a single photomultiplier tube; a prism comprising means for selectively receiving light from any one of a plurality of detection emitters positioned about said prism and of reflecting the light toward said photomultiplier tube; and a plurality of detection carriers, each of said detection carriers comprising a fiber bundle comprising means for carrying light from one of the wells to one of said detection emitters. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18)
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17. An apparatus for detecting light in a predetermined wavelength band, the light being transmitted from a composition disposed in one of a plurality of sample wells, said apparatus comprising:
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a single photomultiplier tube; a prism comprising means for selectively receiving light from any one of a plurality of detection emitters positioned about said prism and of reflecting the light toward said photomultiplier tube; a plurality of collimating lenses, each of said lenses being positioned between one of said detection emitters and said prism; a plurality of detection carriers, each of said detection carriers comprising a fiber bundle comprising means for carrying light from one of the wells to one of said detection emitters; an excitation light source comprising means for producing excitation light; and a plurality of excitation carriers, each of said excitation carriers comprising a fiber bundle comprising means for carrying light from said excitation light source toward one of the wells; wherein said prism is selectively rotatable between a plurality of predetermined positions, said prism in each position comprising means for receiving light from one of said detection emitters and of reflecting the light toward said photomultiplier tube. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification