Abstract: Systems, and components thereof, for analyzing samples. These systems include apparatus and methods for generating, transmitting, detecting, and/or analyzing light, including without limitation high-throughput optical screening devices for analyzing samples at one or more assay sites. These systems also include apparatus and methods for supporting samples for analysis, including without limitation multiwell sample holders such as microplates.

Abstract: A device for detecting chemiluminescence from a sample. The device may include a stage for supporting a sample and one or more of the following elements: (1) an optics head, (2) an optical relay structure for transmitting chemiluminescence from the sample to a detector, (3) a drive mechanism, (4) a sensor for detecting proximity of the optical relay structure to the sample, (5) a mask structure for selecting an effective diameter of the optical relay structure, and (6) a baffle for blocking extraneous light from entering the optical relay structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting cells or viruses comprises a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The chamber is defined by at least one wall having an external surface for contacting a transducer device. The transducer device has a vibrating surface for contacting the wall and for vibrating at an operating frequency and amplitude sufficient to generate pressure waves or pressure pulses in the chamber. The transducer device is coupled to the wall with a preload force sufficient to create a stress within the wall. The natural frequency of the wall, when the wall is stressed by the preload force, is equal to the operating frequency of the transducer device or differs from the operating frequency by less than 50% of the operating frequency.

Abstract: A container for holding cells or viruses for disruption comprises a chamber defined by two spaced apart, opposing major walls and side walls connecting the major walls to each other. At least one of the major walls has an external surface to which the transducer may be coupled and is sufficiently flexible to flex in response to vibratory motion of the transducer. The container also has at least one port for introducing the cells or viruses into the chamber. In some embodiments, the chamber contains beads for aiding the disruption of the cells or viruses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for disrupting cells or viruses to release the nucleic acid therefrom. The apparatus includes a container having a chamber for holding the cells or viruses. The apparatus also includes an ultrasonic transducer for contacting a wall of the chamber and for transmitting ultrasonic energy into the chamber through the wall. A support structure holds the container and the transducer against each other such that the transducer contacts the wall of the chamber. The support structure includes an elastic body, such as a spring, for applying to the container or to the transducer a substantially constant force to press together the transducer and the wall. The chamber also preferably contains beads for enhancing the disruption of the cells or viruses. The apparatus performs rapid and consistent lysis of cells or viruses, often in as little time as 5 to 10 seconds.

Abstract: A cartridge for separating a desired analyte from a fluid sample has a sample flow path and a lysing chamber in the sample flow path. The lysing chamber contains at least one filter for capturing cells or viruses from the sample as the sample flows through the lysing chamber. Beads are also disposed in the lysing chamber for rupturing the cells or viruses to release the analyte therefrom. An analyte flow path extends from the lysing chamber and diverges from the sample flow path. The analyte flow path preferably leads to a reaction chamber for chemically reacting and optically detecting the analyte. The cartridge also includes at least one flow controller (e.g., valves) for directing the sample into the waste chamber after the sample flows through the lysing chamber and for directing the analyte separated from the sample into the analyte flow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample. The cartridge provides for the efficient separation of cells or viruses in the sample from the remaining sample fluid, lysis of the cells or viruses to release the analyte (e.g., nucleic acid) therefrom, and optionally chemical reaction and/or detection of the analyte. The cartridge is useful in a variety of diagnostic, life science research, environmental, or forensic applications for determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in a sample.

Abstract: Devices for using optical filters in a filter holder that enable optical filters to be simply, conveniently, and flexibly interchanged.

Abstract: Devices for using optical filters in a filter holder that enable optical filters to be simply, conveniently, and flexibly interchanged.

Abstract: A method for separating a desired analyte from a fluid sample comprises the steps of introducing the sample into a cartridge having a sample flow path and a lysing chamber in the sample flow path. The lysing chamber contains at least one filter for separating cells or viruses from the sample. The sample is forced to flow through the sample flow path, thereby capturing the cells or viruses with the filter as the sample flows through the chamber. The ratio of the volume of sample forced to flow through the chamber to the volume capacity of the chamber is preferably at least 2:1, and the volume of sample forced to flow through the chamber is preferably at least 100 microliters. The captured cells or viruses are disrupted to release the analyte therefrom, and the analyte is eluted from the chamber.

Abstract: A device for detecting chemiluminescence from a sample. The device may include a stage for supporting a sample and one or more of the following elements: (1) an optics head, (2) an optical relay structure for transmitting chemiluminescence from the sample to a detector, (3) a drive mechanism, (4) a sensor for detecting proximity of the optical relay structure to the sample, (5) a mask structure for selecting an effective diameter of the optical relay structure, and (6) a baffle for blocking extraneous light from entering the optical relay structure.

Abstract: A high-throughput light detection instrument and method are described. In some embodiments, switch mechanisms and optical relay structures permit different light sources and/or detectors to be selected for different applications. In other embodiments, switch mechanisms and optical paths permit top/bottom illumination and/or top/bottom detection, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A high-throughput light detection instrument and method are described. Confocal optics structure enables exclusive light detection from a sensed volume in a composition.

Abstract: An autoinflator for automatically actuating a gas cartridge upon sensing of water. The autoinflator includes a fusible link actuator assembly positioned within a longitudinal bore. The fusible link assembly includes an actuator housing with a blind link hole, an actuator cap, and a pair of retaining balls protruding from the sides of said actuator housing which engage into a corresponding slot in the longitudinal bore to retain the actuator housing in a cocked position. A slidable link, positioned within the blind link hole, includes an annular groove positioned about its circumference at a rearward portion thereof and a taper positioned at a forward position thereof. A fusible link interconnects the actuator cap and the slidable link for retaining the slidable link rearwardly in a cocked position within the blind link hole.

Abstract: An electric autoinflator for inflating inflatable devices such as personal flotation devices, life rafts, buoys and emergency signalling equipment. The electric autoinflator comprises an actuator assembly including a fusible link. A water-sensing electrical circuit and battery supplies electrical current to the fusible link actuator assembly upon immersion in water for a predetermined period of time. Upon fusing of the link, the actuator assembly forcibly causes a firing pin of the inflator to pierce the frangible seal of a compressed gas cartridge. The escaping gas then inflates the inflatable device.

Abstract: A check valve having a presettable cracking pressure. The check valve employs a spring-loaded valve element in which the compression spring and valve element are held into position in the valve body by means of an apertured plug.