Other

Science Applications International Corporation

Merck + Co., Inc.

John Austin McNeil

Gonul Velicelebi

Michael Anthony Akong

Donald James Mierzeski

David Philip Karlton

James B Hickman

Michael W Isheim

An automated detection system includes a robotic fluid handling system for performing a plurality of assays; 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 fluid-handling and detection system and for collecting and analyzing imaging data. The automated detection system comprises a pipettor for simultaneously distributing a predetermined amount of a liquid and a signal-generating element to each of the plurality of wells; an excitation source for simultaneously exposing the wells to excitation radiation; a detector for simultaneously detecting signal emitted from each of the wells over a period of time comprising a single imager for optically imaging the plurality of wells simultaneously; and computerized controller for simultaneously coordinating the pipettor, the excitation source, and the detector. Further, a method for performing simultaneous assays includes the steps of simultaneously distributing a predetermined amount of a liquid solution to each of a plurality of samples, simultaneously exposing the wells to excitation radiation, simultaneously detecting signals emitted from the wells using a detector comprising a single imaging means, and simultaneously controlling and coordinating the distribution, excitation, and detection using a computerized controller.

Automated system and method for simultaneously performing a plurality of signal-based assays

Automated methods for simultaneously performing a plurality of signal-based assays

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.

Automated system for simultaneously performing a plurality of signal-based assays

A prior art single stock keeping unit for accommodating double, queen, and king sized beds with both support and under the bed drawers is equipped with foot actuated drawer opening. Each stock keeping unit includes faced box spring supporting paired face frame-less cabinets which are conveniently shipped stacked one upon another and are placed back to back when assembled for underlying box spring support. Each face frame-less cabinet includes two floor-contacting members, two box spring contacting members, and three vertical members including a head vertical member, a foot vertical member, and an intermediate vertical member. Conventional drawers on side mounted drawer roller bearing and slide guides to expose a finished drawer front without hardware for opening and closing. The floor contacting member adjacent the drawer front is recessed relative to the drawer front to permit relatively small retracting movement of the drawer on side mounted drawer roller bearing and slide guides, the slide having a recessed portion for holding the drawer in the closed position. A detent-actuated spring is mounted between the drawer back and frame from which the drawer is supported. When the drawer is initially closed, the detent retracts and the side mounted drawer roller bearing and slide guides move to a recessed portion of the slides, maintaining the drawer closed. When opening is desired, further inward pushing against the detent mechanism causes detent expansion, the drawer supporting rollers are urged out of engagement to the slide recess, and opening occurs. An under bed mounted drawer is disclosed which may be easily opened from the reclining, sitting, and/or standing position.

Drawer without hardware for installation under bed

A sheet roll assembly for a copying machine in which a sheet reproduction of a sheet original is printed and processed, the sheet reproduction and original being conveyed to the outside of the machine after printing and processing. The sheet roll assembly is attached to the exterior of the machine proximate to and below the level at which a sheet emerges from the machine. The sheet roll assembly comprises a belt conveyor having an upper surface moving in a direction opposite to the direction of displacement of the emerging sheet and adapted to engage the leading edge of the sheet, and a curved plate mounted on the end of the upper surface of the belt conveyor for catching the leading edge of the sheet and causing the sheet to be spirally rolled against the curved plate, the sheet being continuously driven against the curved plate by the translation motion of the belt conveyor.

Growing community of inventors

La Mesa, CA, United States of America

John Austin McNeil