Beckman Instruments, Inc.

Chiron Corporation

Other

Beckman Coulter, Inc.

Victor P Burolla

Brian David Warner

Rick T Smethers

David W Cheng

Ian K Glasgow

An integrated apparatus for capillary electrophoresis which is automated using conveyors which carry vials containing electrolytes and samples, a capillary contained in a modular, portable, and interchangeable cartridge, and actuators for bringing the capillary into flow communication with the fluids in the vials. Electropotential is applied to the ends of the capillary to cause electrophoretic separation. The cartridge may include an opening to allow detection of fluid in the capillary using a detector provided in the apparatus.

Automated capillary electrophoresis apparatus

A luminometer is described comprising a tray for receiving an array of sample wells, a photodetector assembly, and means for relatively moving the tray and photodetector assembly in one direction to align the sample wells received by the tray in a predetermined sequence with the photodetector assembly. The photodetector assembly of the luminometer includes a stage, a photodetection head having a detection aperture permitting passage of light therethrough, a means for mounting the photodetection head to the stage that permits movement of the head in a direction substantially normal to the direction of relative tray and photodetector assembly movement, and a means for biasing the photodetection head toward a selected sample well so that the detection aperture is substantially isolated from light emitted from adjacent wells. Internal and external photodetector calibration systems and a sample heater are also contemplated.

Luminometer with reduced sample crosstalk

A luminometer comprising a tray for receiving an array of sample wells, a photodetector assembly, and device for relatively moving the tray and photodetector assembly in one direction to align the sample wells received by the tray in a predetermined sequence with the photodetector assembly. The photodetector assembly of the luminometer includes a stage, a photodetection head having a detection aperture permitting passage of light therethrough, a device for mounting the photodetection head to the stage that permits movement of the head in a direction substantially normal to the direction of relative tray and photodetector assembly movement, and a device for biasing the photodetection head toward a selected sample well so that the detection aperture is substantially isolated from light emitted from adjacent wells. Internal and external photodetector calibration systems and a sample heater are also contemplated.

A cartridge for holding a capillary for electrophoresis. The cartridge has a body defining a passage along which the capillary is threaded. Exits are provided on the body for extending the ends of the capillary to access external fluid sources. The same cartridge may be used for different lengths of capillaries. An aperture is provided on the cartridge for optical detection of electrophoretic separation in the capillary held in the cartridge. The cartridge may include a hollow space defined about the capillary for circulating coolant fluid.

Capillary cartridge for electrophoresis

A vial holder for a septum closed vial is disclosed which vial holder enables automated vial insertion to and withdrawal from puncturing hypodermics for the removal of contents or the communication of electrodes to liquids within the sealed vial. The vial--a commercial item of manufacture--includes a cylindrical glass body closed at the bottom and terminating upwardly at a narrowed neck to an opening. The opening accommodates both a septum and a septum retaining cap. A vial holder having an inside vial containing cavity with inside dimension complementary to the outside dimension of the vial is disclosed. This vial holder is formed from elastic material such as semirigid commercially available plastics and is vertically slotted from an open top at least partially to and towards the bottom of the holder. The vial holder is provided at the open top with inwardly extending fingers which register to the outside of the narrow neck of the septum sealed vial. These inwardly extending fingers form together an annulus that traps the vial in the holder at the narrow neck portion of the vial. The bottom of the vial holder is provided with a narrow shaft terminating at a depending boss.

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Livermore, CA, United States of America

Victor P Burolla