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Matrices with memories and uses thereof

  • US 5,961,923 A
  • Filed: 09/30/1996
  • Issued: 10/05/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/25/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A system for writing and reading data from an optical memory device, comprising:

  • (a) a decoder/encoder instrument having a memory for storing data;

    (i) relating to one or a plurality of process steps, to the identity of a molecule or biological particle, or information categorizing or tracking the molecule or biological particle;

    (ii) identifying one or a plurality of unique indicators representative of each of the process steps or the identity or category of a molecule or biological particle; and

    (iii) for generating a data signal representative of each unique indicator;

    (b) optical writing means for receiving a data signal and writing an optically-encoded symbol on a surface, the optically-encoded symbol comprising a plurality of optically-contrasting symbols in a write sequence and having a decode orientation for decoding the optically-encoded symbol according to the write sequence;

    (c) a matrix material in contact with a solution containing a molecule or a biological particle or in contact with a molecule or biological particle, the matrix material comprising;

    a write surface formed from a material on which a contrast can be created by the optical writing means so that the optically-encoded symbol can be written thereupon;

    a binding surface for retaining molecules or biological particles;

    (d) an optical detector for detecting the optically-encoded symbol, generating an electrical signal representative of the detected optically-encoded symbol, and providing the electrical signal to the decoder/encoder.

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