Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a sample assembly to be used in a fluorescent measurement device. The sample assembly comprises a sample carrier, a sample holder that comprises at least one receptacle and a movable platform. The sample carrier is shaped in such a way that it can be secured into the receptacle by a suitable locking means. The sample holder is held in place on the movable platform through any suitable means, such as for example, a magnetic means. The movable platform is capable of moving in a linear trajectory, an arcuate trajectory and combinations thereof. The movement of the movable platform and hence, the entire sample assembly is effected by at least one stepper motor.

Abstract: A sample presentation apparatus comprises a round support movable in an optical assembly and having a flange region and an elevated gear shaped region having indexing gear cogs at intermediate radius locations of the support; a sample carrier slide holder removably supported on and movable with the support, the slide holder having at least one arm extending radially from a central hub of the sample carrier slide holder and being aligned between a first pair of indexing gear cogs; and at least one sample carrier slide removably supported on the support and aligned by the first pair of indexing gear cogs. In another embodiment of the invention, a self-aligning movable platform and support apparatus in an optical assembly comprises coarse and fine alignment mechanisms.

Abstract: A sample presentation apparatus comprises a round support movable in an optical assembly and having a flange region and an elevated gear shaped region having indexing gear cogs at intermediate radius locations of the support; a sample carrier slide holder removably supported on and movable with the support, the slide holder having at least one arm extending radially from a central hub of the sample carrier slide holder and being aligned between a first pair of indexing gear cogs; and at least one sample carrier slide removably supported on the support and aligned by the first pair of indexing gear cogs. In another embodiment of the invention, a self-aligning movable platform and support apparatus in an optical assembly comprises coarse and fine alignment mechanisms.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a sample assembly to be used in a fluorescent measurement device. The sample assembly comprises a sample carrier, a sample holder that comprises at least one receptacle and a movable platform. The sample carrier is shaped in such a way that it can be secured into the receptacle by a suitable locking means. The sample holder is held in place on the movable platform through any suitable means, such as for example, a magnetic means. The movable platform is capable of moving in a linear trajectory, an arcuate trajectory and combinations thereof. The movement of the movable platform and hence, the entire sample assembly is effected by at least one stepper motor.