System for processing contents of a receptacle to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents

摘要

A system is configured to process the contents of one or more receptacles to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of each receptacle. Each receptacle is held within a receptacle station of a movable receptacle carrier disposed within a temperature-controlled chamber of an incubator. At least one signal detector is configured to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of a receptacle as the receptacle carrier moves each receptacle into an operative position with respect to the signal detector. A magnet holder is attached to the receptacle carrier and holds one or more magnets adjacent to an associated receptacle station so as to expose the contents of each receptacle carried in the receptacle station to a magnetic field when the receptacle is in the operative position with respect to the signal detector.

主权项

1. A system for processing the contents of one or more receptacles to detect an optical signal, if any, emitted by the contents of each receptacle, the system comprising:
an incubator including a temperature-controlled chamber configured to receive one or more receptacles; at least one signal detector configured to detect an optical signal, if any, emitted by the contents of a receptacle disposed within said chamber in an operative position with respect to the signal detector; a receptacle carrier disposed within said chamber and comprising one or more receptacle stations, each receptacle station being configured to receive and hold one or more receptacles; and at least one magnet holder attached to said receptacle carrier and holding one or more magnets in a fixed position adjacent to an associated receptacle carrier station so as to expose the contents of each of one or more receptacles carried in the associated receptacle station to a magnetic field when each of the receptacles is in the operative position with respect to said at least one signal detector, and wherein said receptacle carrier, including said one or more receptacle stations, said magnet holder, and said one or more magnets, is automatically moveable relative to said at least one signal detector.