Abstract: A multi-channel optical detection system includes a base unit adapted to receive a multi-chamber assay cartridge having a plurality of reaction chambers loaded with a sample and an optical detection reagent, and an optical detection unit having a multi-channel optical block having a plurality of detection channels each with an associated light source, and an optic sensor. The optical detection unit is connectable to the base unit so that interrogation ports of the detection channels are optically aligned with optically transparent windows of the reaction chambers of a loaded cartridge, so that upon initialization, light sources are activated to interrogate reaction products in the reaction chambers and detect the optical responses therefrom.

Abstract: A high voltage power supply of the flyback type typically used in cathode ray tube displays or TV receivers operates in synchronism with the scan rate frequency of display and may either be self-synchronizing, externally synchronized, or externally directly driven. The power supply has a relatively high efficiency (75%), regulates three output voltages to within .+-.0.1% against source voltage variations and regulates its highest level voltage output to within .+-.0.1% against source voltage and load variations.