Abstract: A data acquisition system coupled to a mains power source and a method of operating the data acquisition system are disclosed. A test probe is configured to be coupled to a subject, and an analog to digital converter converts a signal from the test probe to samples. A noise replica generator generates estimates of noise in the samples, and a noise removal block removes from each sample an estimate of noise therein. When the subject is undergoing stimulation, the samples are provided to only the noise removal block. When the subject is not undergoing stimulation, the samples are provided to both the noise replica generator and the noise removal block.

Abstract: A data acquisition system coupled to a mains power source and a method of operating the data acquisition system a disclosed. A test probe is configured to be coupled to a subject, and an analog to digital converter converts a signal from the test probe to samples. A noise replica generator generates estimates of noise in the samples, a noise removal block removes from each sample an estimate of noise therein. When the subject is undergoing stimulation, the samples are provided to only the noise removal block. When the subject is not undergoing stimulation, the samples are provided to both the noise replica generator and the noise removal block.

Abstract: A data acquisition system and a method of operating the data acquisition system are disclosed. A zero crossing detector generates a mains cycle start signal in accordance with a power line frequency of a mains power source. An analog-to-digital converter samples a signal provided by a test probe and generates data samples at a sampling rate. A noise replica generator generates noise replicas from the data samples at a replica generation rate, and noise estimates from the noise replicas at the sampling rate, wherein the noise replica generation rate is less than the sampling frequency. A noise removal module removes each noise estimate from a corresponding data sample.

Abstract: A validation apparatus for testing the measurement accuracy of a phase fluorimeter comprising: i) a photodetector responsive to the excitation light emitted by a phase fluorimeter; ii) electronics connected to the detector which calculates the phase of the light emitted by the phase fluorimeter and causes a light source in the validation apparatus to emit light of a wave length which will stimulate the detector of the phase fluorimeter but which is phase shifted relative to the light emitted by the phase fluorimeter.

Abstract: A port assembly for use with a polymeric bioreactor bag includes the following components: i) a hollow port member made from a material which can be fusibly affixed to the wall surface of the bioreactor bag; ii) at least one fluorophore spot positioned on the port member; iii) a conduit for conveying excitation light from an optical source to the fluorophore, which conduit can be a lens, a curved parabolic collimator, a shaped reflector or a wave guide; and iv) a second conduit for conveying fluorescent emission light from the excited fluorophore to a photo-detector, which second conduit although different from the first, can likewise be a lens, a curved parabolic collimator, a shaped reflector or a wave guide.

Abstract: A validation apparatus for testing the measurement accuracy of a phase fluorimeter comprising: i) a photodetector responsive to the excitation light emitted by a phase fluorimeter; ii) electronics connected to the detector which calculates the phase of the light emitted by the phase fluorimeter and causes a light source in the validation apparatus to emit light of a wave length which will stimulate the detector of the phase fluorimeter but which is phase shifted relative to the light emitted by the phase fluorimeter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the stimulation and collection of fluorescent signals from a target analyte. The apparatus comprises: i) a frequency modulated optical source which emits excitation light of a wavelength which will stimulate a target fluorophore to emit a fluorescent signal when illuminated by the excitation light, ii) a first optical filter interposed between the optical source and the target fluorophore, iii) a second optical filter interposed between the fluorophore and a photo-detector and positioned to receive the emitted fluorescent signal. The beam path of at least one, preferably both, of the excitation light and the fluorescent signal is transmitted substantially through free space. A data processor will normally be used to calculate and record the phase delay between the excitation light and the fluorescent signal.

Abstract: A port assembly for use with a polymeric bioreactor bag said assembly comprising: i) a hollow port member comprised at least in part of a material suitable to be fusibly affixed to the wall surface of said bioreactor bag; ii) at least one fluorophore spot positioned on said port member; iii) conduit means for conveying excitation light from an optical source to said fluorophore, said conduit means being an assembly comprising at least one of a lens, an optic fiber, a curved parabolic collimator, a shaped reflector or a wave guide; iv) conduit means for conveying fluorescent emission light from said fluorophore to a photo-detector, said conduit means being an assembly comprising at least one of a lens, an optic fiber, a curved parabolic collimator, a shaped reflector or a wave guide.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the stimulation and collection of fluorescent signals, said apparatus comprising: i) a frequency modulated optical source which emits excitation light of a wavelength which will stimulate a target fluorophore to emit a fluorescent signal when illuminated by said excitation light: ii) a first optical filter interposed between said optical source and said target fluorophore, iii) a second optical filter interposed between said fluorophore and a photo-detector positioned to receive said emitted fluorescent signal, and iv) a data processor which calculates and records the phase delay between said excitation light and said fluorescent signal wherein the beam path of at least one of the excitation light and the fluorescent signal is transmitted substantially through free space.