Abstract: The invention relates to an optical detection system for a thermal cycling device including at least one light source, a light detection device for detecting light received from a plurality of biological samples, and a lens having first and second surfaces formed on the lens, the second surface substantially opposed to the first surface. The first surface may be configured to collimate light and the second surface may be configured to direct light into each of the plurality of biological samples.

Abstract: A small-sized hidden motion detector that can be incorporated in a decorative manner into a decorative lantern. The motion detector can be incorporated into lighting fixture designs not previously amenable to a hidden motion detector in the body of the lighting fixture. A small decorative motion detector housing is provided defining a compact interior region with a PIR sensor mounted inside and providing a sufficient optical pathway for a practical motion detector of wide angular field of view that can nevertheless fit inside commonly found small-sized decorative lantern elements. In one embodiment the motion detector is hidden in a small generally cylindrical decorative element of the sort that is found in a number of traditional decorative lantern designs and that has not previously been amenable to a hidden motion detector.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for performing nucleic acid amplification on a plurality of biological samples positioned in a sample well tray. The thermal cycling device includes a sample block assembly, an optical detection system, and a sample well tray holder configured to hold the sample well tray. The sample block assembly is adapted for movement between a first position permitting the translation of the sample well tray into alignment with sample block assembly, and a second position, upward relative to the first position, where the sample block assembly contacts the sample well tray. A method of performing nucleic acid amplification on a plurality of biological samples positioned in a sample well tray in a thermal cycling device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for filling sample chambers with liquid. The system includes a substrate defining the sample chambers and having a fill port, and a network of passageways connecting the sample chambers to the fill port. The system also includes a substrate support to retain the substrate in a fill position and a valve module on the substrate support. The valve module has a fill port seal opening to connect with the fill port of the substrate in the fill position, and a vacuum opening for connection to a source of vacuum. The system further includes a valve body having a liquid outlet port and a vacuum port, and means for operating the valve body so that the liquid outlet port and the vacuum port are alternately in fluid communication with the fill port seal opening.

Abstract: A cover for a PCR plate having multiple wells including a rigid sheet, and a resiliently compliable sheet cooperating with one side of the substantially rigid sheet to a press a sealing sheet against the surface of the PCR plate to maintain a seal in the wells. The cover further includes at least one retaining device attached to the rigid sheet to engage with the PCR plate and retain the substantially rigid sheet and the resiliently compliable sheet in a condition to press the sealing sheet against the surface of the PCR plate. Also disclosed is an assembly that includes a PCR plate and a cover that is designed to prevent sample loss.

Abstract: The invention includes a filtration apparatus for processing a plurality of fluid samples into sample wells is provided. In one embodiment, the filtration apparatus includes a purification tray and a sample well tray with a plurality of sample wells. The purification tray includes a filter plate having a plurality of columns with discharge openings at the bottom thereof, at least one filter positioned in the columns of the filter plate for filtering the fluid samples as they pass therethrough, a heat plate positioned adjacent the columns of the filter plate, and a vent plate positioned below the heat plate. The heat plate is configured for transferring heat to the columns of the filter plate. The vent plate includes vents for permitting aerosols from the sample wells of the sample well tray to escape. A sample well tray with a plurality of the sample wells is positioned so that the sample wells align with the discharge openings of the filter plate columns to receive the liquid sample therein.

Abstract: A motion detector based on mirrored optics for use in decorative lighting fixtures. The motion detector includes a mirror assembly that may be disposed within decorative elements such as saucers and chimneys that are common elements of lighting fixtures. Apertures are defined in the decorative element to admit infra-red radiation, which impinges on the mirror assembly. The mirror assembly comprises a plurality of opaque elongate members that are azimuthally spaced about a central longitudinal axis in such a way as to define an alternating sequence of open elongate slots and opaque elongate members. Each elongate member is formed with a mirror face on its inner surface which is generally facing the central longitudinal axis, and a PIR sensor is also disposed at the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A motion detector assembly for a decorative lighting fixture that conceals the presence of the motion detector in a decorative element integrated into the design of the lighting fixture and that uses only mirrored optics instead of Fresnel lenses. The motion detector assembly includes a housing having a decorative external appearance harmonious with the style of the lighting fixture and forming an integral part of the lighting fixture. Included within the housing are a mirror assembly and PIR sensor. The mirror assembly includes a number of mirror faces that define a number of monitored zones in the field of view. Each respective mirror face defines an optical path in which radiation admitted through an aperture in the housing from an associated zone is directed to the sensor solely by the respective mirror face without the need for secondary mirrors or auxiliary lenses to complete the optical path.

Abstract: A motion detector with a lens-sensor mounting and adjustment arrangement that permits a user to adjust the effective range of the motion detector without altering the sensor's sensitivity settings. The mounting arrangement provides for relative movement of the sensor in relation to the lens matrix through an adjustment accessible to a user from outside the motion detector housing. In a disclosed embodiment a sensor is mounted on a printed circuit board that is disposed to slide on elongate rails. An expansible actuator assembly includes a threaded traveling member coupled to a threaded drive member, one end being accessible through the motion detector housing for engagement by a user and the other end being coupled to the printed circuit board so as to actuate movement of the sensor with respect to the lens.

Abstract: A light fixture controlled by a passive infrared motion detector including a base, one or more lamp holders attached to the base, and a detector housing also attached to the base and containing the motion detector. The lamp holders each comprise a socket housing for receiving a floodlight bulb or the like and a shade or reflector at the front of the socket housing. The lamp holder assembly is connected to the base by a support arm that is pivotably connected to a side wall of the socket housing offset from the end of the socket housing instead of being connected at the end of the socket housing as is conventional. The pivoting side mounting of the lamp holder permits the lamp holder to pivot with a moment arm that is significantly shorter than the overall length of the lamp holder.

Abstract: A snap-fit plastic ball joint that may be molded using a plurality of shutoffs on inner and outer mold pieces without the need for a solid or collapsible ball-shaped core. The ball joint includes a socket and a plurality of molded plastic retaining fingers disposed around the perimeter of the socket and extending away from the socket. The retaining fingers extend longitudinally along a ball seated in the socket and are formed to engage the ball and retain it in its seated position. The socket itself is formed by a plurality of seating fingers that are disposed around the socket alternating with a plurality of web members. The web members form extensions of the retaining fingers. The alternating seating fingers and web members are joined at their neighboring edges to define the socket. The seating fingers are shaped at their distal ends to define a concave seat for seating the ball of the ball joint and the web members provide support for the seating fingers.

Abstract: A simple, low-cost method and apparatus for supporting a lighting fixture, motion detector or the like while it is being electrically connected and mounted on a junction box in a side wall or ceiling. A disposable support link is provided for supporting the weight of the fixture during installation. The support link is easily attachable to the junction box and to the fixture without the need for tools, and can even be attached with only one hand. When the electrical connections are completed and the fixture is ready to be mounted on the junction box, the support link may simply be left in place in the junction box or in one embodiment may be removed with one hand as easily as it was attached. The support link is secured to the back side of the fixture in a position that will face the junction box when the fixture is in its installed configuration on the junction box.

Abstract: A quartz lamp that permits the bulb to be replaced from a side port without disassembling the lamp housing, and without having to touch the quartz envelope of the bulb. The lamp has an access port in a side wall of the lamp housing through which an expired bulb is extracted and a replacement bulb is installed. A knob seats in the access port where it is lockable into its seated position. Attached to the inner surface of the knob is a first bulb holder assembly, which receives and holds the bulb at one of its ends and establishes electrical contact with the bulb at that end. A second bulb holder assembly is secured within the lamp housing at a position opposite the access port and in registration with the first bulb holder assembly. The second bulb holder assembly receives and holds, and establishes electrical contact with, the bulb at the opposite end when it is inserted into the lamp housing through the access port.