Etaluma Inc.

Amgen Inc.

Brian K Rasnow

Chuck Z Li

Robert K Levin

Stephen Robert Wilson

Walter D Niles

Chris Shumate

Mel Schehlein

The present invention provides a compact, inexpensive fluorescence microscope capable of high-resolution imaging with high light throughput suitable for use in both laboratory and field environments, and methods of use. A simple and inexpensive fluorescence microscope allows health care workers to perform various medical assays at the point of care instead of having to collect and transport biological samples to distant labs, and subsequently return the results to the patient. The microscope of the present invention is also useful for educational use and field use, and other uses as well.

Compact, high-resolution fluorescence and brightfield microscope and methods of use

A method of loading a plurality of pipette tips on a plurality of mandrels of a pipetter is provided. A plurality of pipette tips are inserted in a plurality of receptacles of a tip loading assembly. The plurality of pipette tips are oriented with respect to each other by a plate. The tip loading assembly includes, but is not limited to, an insertion surface. The insertion surface includes the plurality of receptacles configured to accept the plurality of pipette tips. A receptacle from among the plurality of receptacles includes a receptacle wall and a beveled surface that extends from at least a portion of the insertion surface. A retention force is applied to the plate. The plurality of pipette tips are attached to a plurality of mandrels of a pipetter and are separated from the plate.

Pipette tip loading assembly

An apparatus is provided that is capable of interleaving detection of fluorescence and luminescence signals emitted from a plurality of samples. The apparatus is suitable for analysis of samples containing single cells or tissues up to and including living organisms. It contains an optical assembly or 'sandwich' for producing a spectrally pure and spatially dispersed light source for illuminating the sample. The invention also provides a plurality of optical sandwiches that can be variously geometrically arranged and their intensities programmed to create spatially uniform illumination over a large sample. The invention further provides an apparatus having at least one of the optical sandwich and a detector system capable of interleaving detection of fluorescent and luminescent signals when a suitable sample is illuminated by the light source of the optical sandwich. Methods for preparing samples and using the sandwiches, arrays and apparatus, are further provided by this invention. A method for interleaving detection of fluorescent and luminescent signals emitted from a plurality of samples is disclosed.

Apparatus and method for interleaving detection of fluorescence and luminescence

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Newbury Park, CA, United States of America

Brian K Rasnow