The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 02, 2000
Filed:
Apr. 28, 1998
Jeffrey Martin McMillan, Morgan Hill, CA (US);
Turner Designs, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Abstract
A sample reading apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a detection system for reading samples, a sample carrier support for holding a sample carrier in position for reading by the detection system, and a mask configured to expose selected portions of the sample carrier while covering other portions of the sample carrier such that the detection system reads the exposed portions of the sample carrier. At least one of the sample carrier and mask are movable to expose different portions of the sample carrier while covering other portions of the sample carrier. The method includes positioning a sample carrier on a support, obstructing a surface of the sample carrier with a mask which exposes selected portions of the sample carrier while covering other portions of the sample carrier, activating a detection system to read the contents of the portions of the sample carrier exposed by the mask, producing relative motion of the sample carrier and the mask to expose different portions of the sample carrier while covering other portions of the sample carrier including the previously exposed portions of the sample carrier, and activating a detection system to read the contents of the different portions of the sample carrier exposed by the mask.