Abstract: An apparatus and a method for optically analyzing a sample are provided. The apparatus includes a first optical device that transmits a narrow waveband of light and has a first filter and a first monochromator that provide different paths for the narrow waveband of the light. The apparatus may also include a light source that generates the light as broadband excitation light, in which case the first optical device transmits a narrow waveband of the broadband excitation light through the first filter or the first monochromator. Further, the apparatus may include a second optical device that directs the narrow waveband of the broadband excitation light onto the sample and receives emission light from the sample, a third optical device that transmits a narrow waveband of the emission light, and a detector that converts the narrow waveband of the emission light into an electrical signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for facilitating on-line payment particularly for goods or services purchased via a merchant site on the Internet. The system enables payment from an existing customer account at a financial institution, but does not require the user to provide credit card details. The payment is implemented in real-time from the customer account to a merchant account via a financial institution application such as an Internet banking website. An interface is provided which is initiated via the merchant site and which then interfaces the customer computer to the financial application having access to the customer computer's account. The customer can then enter payment details directly with the financial institution to pay the merchant directly for the transaction.

Abstract: A universal washing apparatus for use in washing wells provided in reaction containers such as wells of microtiter plates and the like. The washing apparatus has separate dispense and aspirate manifolds positioned one on top of the other which may be independently lowered or raised with respect to a microtiter plate for performing various wash operations. The washing apparatus uses an indexing mechanism for indexing the well plate relative to the manifolds in the horizontal plane so that the washing apparatus is compatible for washing different well plate configurations.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing between strips for different assays in an automated instrument, wherein characteristics to which the instrument is sensitive are selectively introduced in microwells of individual microstrips which are pretreated with a specific antigen or antibody for a particular test. On each microstrip, the wells having the characteristic collectively define a multi-bit code which corresponds to a particular condition or disease to be tested for. The automated instrument reads the characteristic from the selected wells and thus determines what test is to be conducted. The marks may have optical, radioactive, luminescent, fluorescent, or magnetic characteristics, in accordance with the test to be conducted.