Automated system for simultaneously performing a plurality of signal-based assays
US6746864B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/115831
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automated detection system includes a robotic fluid handling system for performing assays on the plurality of test samples; a detection system for imaging the assays as they are performed; and a computer control, data acquisition, and data analysis system for controlling the operation of the detection system and for collecting and analyzing imaging data. The automated detection system comprises a pipettor for simultaneously distributing a predetermined amount of a reagent to each of the plurality of samples containing a fluorescent dye or other indicator moiety; an excitation source for simultaneously exciting a fluorescent reaction of the fluorescent dye indicating the intensity of reaction between a sample and the reagent in each of the sample wells; a detector for detecting signal produced by the reaction in each of the sample wells over a period of time comprising a single CCD scanning device for optically scanning the plurality of samples simultaneously; and computerized controller for simultaneously coordinating the pipettor, the excitation source, and the detector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.