Abstract: An array surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis instrument comprising a reflective SPR sensor array, a light source assembly arranged to project a collimated beam of light onto the reflective SPR sensor array to provide a reflected array image of the sensor array, and to scan the incident angle of the collimated beam of light over an angular range, and a detector assembly oriented to receive the reflected array image of the sensor array over the angular range, the detector assembly comprises a two-dimensional detector sensing element that is tilted with respect to the optical axis of the lens assembly in accordance with the Scheimpflug condition, and a lens assembly for focusing the reflected array image of said SPR sensor array onto said tilted detector sensing element.

Abstract: An optical analysis unit especially suitable for performing grating coupled surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging features a pivoting light source capable of scanning through a range of angles of incident light projected onto a stationary target sensor, such as an SPR sensor. The reflected image from the illuminated sensor is detected, e.g., by a CCD camera and the image and angular scan data are processed, for example by a fitting algorithm, to provide real time analysis of reactions taking place on the surface of the sensor.

Abstract: An optical resonance analysis system comprising a sensor means (60) and an illumination means (400) for generating non-monochromatic illumination. The illumination means (400) further comprises a means for generating illumination at a plurality of angles, a lens system for projecting said illumination at said plurality of angles (390) and a dispersive device (380) for dispersing said illumination at each of said plurality of angles so that there is a correlation between said plurality of angles and the wavelengths of said illumination such that a resonance condition is generated on said sensor mean (60) for all wavelengths generated by said non-monochromatic source simultaneously. The analysis system also comprises a detection means (90) for detecting the reflected or transmitted illumination. Another embodiment comprises an anamorphic imaging means (120).

Abstract: An optical resonance analysis system comprising a sensor means (60) and an illumination means (400) for generating non-monochromatic illumination. The illumination means (400) further comprises a means for generating illumination at a plurality of angles, a lens system for projecting said illumination at said plurality of angles (390) and a dispersive device (380) for dispersing said illumination at each of said plurality of angles so that there is a correlation between said plurality of angles and the wavelengths of said illumination such that a resonance condition is generated on said sensor mean (60) for all wavelengths generated by said non-monochromatic source simultaneously. The analysis system also comprises a detection means (90) for detecting the reflected or transmitted illumination. Another embodiment comprises an anamorphic imaging means (120).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction and preferably a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a reaction mixture in at least one capillary tube. Several different embodiments are disclosed. One embodiment cycles a sample through a capillary tube loop passing through two thermostatted fluid baths. Another embodiment has the capillary tube routed alternatingly between two heat exchangers to that the sample makes only one pass through the tube. Other embodiments maintain the heat exchangers stationary and translate the samples between them. Still further embodiments maintain the samples stationary and either automatically translate or rotate the heat exchangers past the samples contained within the capillary tubes to perform the thermal cycles necessary for the amplification reaction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction and preferably a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a reaction mixture in at least one capillary tube. Several different embodiments are disclosed. One embodiment cycles a sample through a capillary tube loop passing through two thermostatted fluid baths. Another embodiment has the capillary tube routed alternatingly between two heat exchangers to that the sample makes only one pass through the tube. Other embodiments maintain the heat exchangers stationary and translate the samples between them. Still further embodiments maintain the samples stationary and either automatically translate or rotate the heat exchangers past the samples contained within the capillary tubes to perform the thermal cycles necessary for the amplification reaction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction and preferably a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a reaction mixture in at least one capillary tube. Several different embodiments are disclosed. One embodiment cycles a sample through a capillary tube loop passing through two thermostatted fluid baths. Another embodiment has the capillary tube routed alternatingly between two heat exchangers to that the sample makes only one pass through the tube. Other embodiments maintain the heat exchangers stationary and translate the samples between them. Still further embodiments maintain the samples stationary and either automatically translate or rotate the heat exchangers past the samples contained within the capillary tubes to perform the thermal cycles necessary for the amplification reaction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction and preferably a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a reaction mixture in at least one capillary tube. Several different embodiments are disclosed. One embodiment cycles a sample through a capillary tube loop passing through two thermostatted fluid baths. Another embodiment has the capillary tube routed alternatingly between two heat exchangers to that the sample makes only one pass through the tube. Other embodiments maintain the heat exchangers stationary and translate the samples between them. Still further embodiments maintain the samples stationary and either automatically translate or rotate the heat exchangers past the samples contained within the capillary tubes to perform the thermal cycles necessary for the amplification reaction.

Abstract: A complete in situ PCR system for amplification of nucleic acids contained in a prepared cell or tissue sample. The containment system for the PCR sample comprises a glass microscope slide, a specimen sample containing the target nucleic acid sequence mounted on the slide, a flexible plastic cover over the sample, and a retaining assembly fastened to the slide and to the cover to retain and seal a reaction mixture against the sample during thermal cycling. The retaining assembly includes a rigid ring on a rim portion of the cover, a cross beam having spaced parallel rails joined by opposite flat ends, and a pair of clips which are pressed over the ends and opposite sides of the slide to fasten the cross beam and cover to the slide.

Abstract: An array of reaction tube covers adapted to seal a plurality of reaction tubes comprises a unitary body of flexible material having a plurality of flexible plastic nodules. Each nodule is adapted to seal one of the reaction tubes. Each of the nodules is flexible held in a predetermined planar spaced relationship from each other in rows, preferably in rows and columns, by an integral web having a plurality of apertures therethrough. Each of the nodules has a downwardly convex, generally hemispherical lower portion extending from the web, an upwardly convex upper portion extending from the web over the lower portion, and a centrally domed nipple extending upwardly from the upper portion.