Systems and methods for fluorescence detection with a movable detection module
DCFirst Claim
1. A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler, the apparatus comprising:
- a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler;
a shuttle movably mounted on the support structure; and
a detection module attached to the shuttle, the detection module including;
a housing having an opening oriented toward the plurality of wells;
an excitation light generator disposed within the housing; and
an emission light detector disposed within the housing,wherein, when the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler, a heating element is disposed between the detection module and the sample wells and the shuttle is movable to position the detection module in optical communication with different wells of the plurality of wells through a plurality of openings extending through the heating element.
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Litigations
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler, the apparatus comprising:
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a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler; a shuttle movably mounted on the support structure; and a detection module attached to the shuttle, the detection module including; a housing having an opening oriented toward the plurality of wells; an excitation light generator disposed within the housing; and an emission light detector disposed within the housing, wherein, when the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler, a heating element is disposed between the detection module and the sample wells and the shuttle is movable to position the detection module in optical communication with different wells of the plurality of wells through a plurality of openings extending through the heating element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A thermal cycler apparatus comprising:
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a thermal cycler having an exterior housing and a plurality of sample wells for holding reaction vessels; a heater to prevent condensation from forming on a surface of the reaction vessels when the reaction vessels are in the sample wells, the heater having a plurality of transparent portions to permit optical communication with each of the plurality sample wells; a support structure disposed inside the exterior housing on an opposite side of the heater from the sample wells; a shuttle movably mounted on the support structure; and a detection module attached to the shuttle, the detection module including; a module housing having an opening that is oriented toward the plurality of sample wells when the thermal cycler is in an operating state; an excitation light generator disposed entirely within the module housing; and an emission light detector disposed entirely within the module housing; wherein, when the thermal cycler is in the operating state, the shuttle is movable to position the detection module in optical communication with different sample wells of the plurality of sample wells through the transparent portions of the heater. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification