US4115010A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automated plate reader
Assignee: Merck and Co Inc
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Filing: 1976-02-03
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Granted: 1978-09-19
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Expires: 1996-02-03
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and method for automatically reading a microtiter plate comprises a light source, a photo sensor, means enabling the photo sensor to measure light transmittance and means for recording and processing the measurements.
Inventors
- 👤 William J. McAleer
- 👤 William M. Hurni
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 20:06
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/17; G01N21/25; G01N21/251; G01N21/253
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
Apparatus adapted to carry out one or more viral assays simultaneously comprising carrier means including a plurality of test wells for holding and transporting a dry cell sheet which has been stained after undergoing viral attack, the concentration of virus in each well of an individual assay being different from that of every other well so as to provide a serial titration of virus concentration, a light source disposed beneath the virus growth carrier means, a plurality of photo sensors disposed above the virus growth carrier means, each sensor being energized when the light from the light source passes through the test well below that sensor, means for lowering the photo sensors into the test wells and measuring light transmittance of the dry, stained cell sheet when the photo sensors are in lowered position, and for raising the photo sensors therefrom, and digital computer means for recording the light transmittance measurements of the photo sensors.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
Apparatus adapted to carry out one or more viral assays simultaneously comprising carrier means including a plurality of test wells for holding and transporting a dry cell sheet which has been stained after undergoing viral attack, the concentration of virus in each well of an individual assay being different from that of every other well so as to provide a serial titration of virus concentration, a light source disposed beneath the virus growth carrier means, a plurality of photo sensors disposed above the virus growth carrier means, each sensor being energized when the light from the light source passes through the test well below that sensor, means for lowering the photo sensors into the test wells and measuring light transmittance of the dry, stained cell sheet when the photo sensors are in lowered position, and for raising the photo sensors therefrom, and digital computer means for recording the light transmittance measurements of the photo sensors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the peak output of the light source corresponds to the peak sensitivity of the photo sensors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the light source is a photoluminescent strip having a peak output at about 550 mμ.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the photo sensors have a peak sensitivity at about 550 mμ.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of the photo sensors reads only one assay sequence in the microtiter plate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the same portion of the light source is used for each assay.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the photo sensors have a light recovery time adapted to render the photo sensors insensitive to detrimental noise signals.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for carrying out a viral assay comprising disposing between a light source and a photo sensor a plurality of dry cell sheets which have been stained after undergoing viral attack, moving the photo sensor into contact with the cell sheet, energizing the photo sensor by means of a light source adapted to pass light through the cell sheet toward the photo sensor, and recording the light transmittance measurement of the photo sensor when light passes through the cell sheet in a digital computer programmed to determine presence or absence of cytopathic effect.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
94 words
A method for carrying out a viral assay comprising disposing between a light source and a photo sensor a plurality of dry cell sheets which have been stained after undergoing viral attack, moving the photo sensor into contact with the cell sheet, energizing the photo sensor by means of a light source adapted to pass light through the cell sheet toward the photo sensor, and recording the light transmittance measurement of the photo sensor when light passes through the cell sheet in a digital computer programmed to determine presence or absence of cytopathic effect.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 8 wherein two or more viral assays are carried out.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3627431A
Cited
US3773426A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-09-18 | 1982-03-20 | 1982-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-09-18 | 1986-03-20 | 1986-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-09-18 | 1990-03-20 | 1990-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |