Abstract: Optical systems are disclosed for use in identifying an analyte, such as glucose in blood or interstitial fluid (ISF), using a biomaterial, such as glucose binding protein (GBP), that is brought into contact with the analyte. An optical system includes a first filter adapted to reflect light emitted from a light-emitting diode to illuminate a fluorescent body, and further adapted to transmit light emitted from the fluorescent body, and a second filter adapted to separate light transmitted by the first filter into signal band light and reference band light.

Abstract: Optical systems, and corresponding methods, for multiple reactions are provided. The optical systems are in a fixed position relative to a thermal assembly and include at least one array of excitation sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) configured to output excitation energy along an excitation optical path. In addition, a detector configured to receive emission energy along a detection optical path in the same plane as the excitation optical path is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical systems and methods for measurement of samples in multiple sample vessels using an array of light sources where the light from the light sources is divided into multiple light beams, and each beam is directed to a sample vessel.

Abstract: Optical systems, and corresponding methods, for multiple reactions are provided. The optical systems are in a fixed position relative to a thermal assembly and include at least one array of excitation sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) configured to output excitation energy along an excitation optical path. In addition, a detector configured to receive emission energy along a detection optical path in the same plane as the excitation optical path is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a system, method and kit for the detection and measurement of spectroscopic properties of light from a sample, or the scalable detection and measurement of spectroscopic properties of light from each sample present among multiple samples, simultaneously, wherein the system comprises: an optical train comprising a dispersing element; and an image sensor. The light detected and measured may comprise light scattered from a sample, emitted as chemiluminescence by a chemical process within a sample, selectively absorbed by a sample, or emitted as fluorescence from a sample following excitation.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector apparatus may include a ferrule having a hollow through its center. The hollow is sized and shaped to receive an optical fiber such that an end of each of the optical fiber is located at an endface of the ferrule. The endface of the ferrule is partitioned into a first section and a second section. The first section is perpendicular to an axis of the ferrule and the second section is angled with respect to the first section. When the connector is assembled, the ferrule can butt couple to a similarly configured second ferrule such that the perpendicular second portions of the endfaces of the ferrules are physically touching. The angle of the angled portions sets a distance between portions of the endfaces corresponding to endfaces of optical fibers received in the ferrules thereby setting a gap between the fiber endfaces.

Abstract: Optical systems, and corresponding methods, for multiple reactions are provided. The optical systems are in a fixed position relative to a thermal assembly and include at least one array of excitation sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) configured to output excitation energy along an excitation optical path. In addition, a detector configured to receive emission energy along a detection optical path in the same plane as the excitation optical path is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a systems and methods for regulating temperature and heat transfer in applications in which it is desirable to maintain temperature uniformity such as thermal cycling applications. A heat block is used to rapidly transfer heat to or from a set of one or more reaction vessels.

Abstract: A method of increasing the spatial uniformity of the detected intensity of a beam of light from a laser in a system including the laser and a light detector. In one embodiment the method includes the steps of generating a beam of light with the laser; and moving the beam of light and the light detector relative to each other, such that the detector averages the spatial intensity of the beam of light over time. In another embodiment the invention relates to a system for increasing the detected spatial uniformity of the intensity of a beam of light.

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: In a spectroscopic process a sample for producing a test spectral line or spectrum of at least one component contained in the sample is stimulated and the transmitted and/or emitted electromagnetic rays are used to create the test spectral line or spectrum. In order to improve such a spectroscopic process to such an extent that variations of certain parameters, which alter the shape and/or occurrence of a spectral line, are compensated, a comparison spectral line or spectrum of a known comparison material is produced under substantially the same parameters as the sample. The comparison spectral line or spectrum is compared with an ideal comparison spectral line or spectrum in order to calculate a transfer function, and the transfer function is applied to the test spectral line or spectrum in order to calculate a corrected test spectral line or spectrum.

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 apparatus for providing at least one item of value in cooperation with operation of a companion device delivering at least one first product to a user comprises: (a) a control means for controlling the providing; (b) a providing means for effecting the providing; the providing means being coupled with the control means; and (c) a link with the companion device for effecting the cooperation. The apparatus may further comprise (d) a communication means coupled with the control means for communicating operational information with the apparatus regarding operation of the apparatus; and (e) a memory means coupled with the communication means for storing the operational information.

Abstract: A light source for an atomizing device, specifically an atom absorption spectrometer comprising one, two, or more lamps, whose ray can be selected by means of at least one two-dimensionally moveable optical selection element, and which can be directed in the direction of atomizing device. Fine-tuning is thereby achieved quickly with little constructive expenditure and with low costs. A very high degree of accuracy is possible from the selector through a rotational and highly adjustable rotation spindle.

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: In a system for measuring variations in thickness of an optical etalon, a light source and a diffraction grating are mounted on a base structure with an axle. A lever arm is affixed to the axle, and a micrometer is held in contact with the lever arm. The grating directs a into an optical path a wavelength of radiation dependent on orientation of the grating. The etalon is supported in the optical path to effect a fringe pattern representing variations in thickness of in the etalon. The orientation is varied with the micrometer so as to vary the wavelength to the etalon and thereby positioning of the fringe pattern across the etalon which is viewed through a microscope. The micrometer measures the variation of orientation and thereby variation in thickness across the interference element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for correction of spectra for stray radiation in a spectrometric instrument, involving a sequence of steps as follows. Spectral patterns are obtained with the instrument initially for monochromatic radiation at a plurality of selected calibration wavelengths. By computer program, the peak profile at the calibration wavelength in each pattern is replaced with a substitute based on the remaining pattern. The resulting data are interpolated to effect values denoted "stray proportions" for the ordered wavelengths of the instrument. Spectral data at each ordered wavelength are obtained with the instrument for a sample, and multiplied in the computer program by stray proportions for corresponding wavelengths to effect further sets of values denoted "stray portions" that are identified to the ordered wavelengths. Each set is identified to one of the wavelength increments of the instrument across the spectral range.