Patent Description:
Sampling programs are used to monitor critical raw materials, in-process materials, finished goods, and processing environments in the food and beverage industry. Similar sampling programs are also used in healthcare settings to monitor the effectiveness of decontaminating environmental surfaces in a patient environment as well as instruments and devices used in screening and therapeutic procedures. Routine sampling and testing can allow quality assurance personnel to detect undesirable materials, such as microorganisms, at a very early stage and take steps to prevent subsequent contamination of equipment and/or products. A variety of tests can be performed to detect these undesirable materials. Examples of such tests include chemical residue tests (e.g., Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence tests and protein colorimetric tests), culture methods, genetic tests (e.g., PCR), immunodiagnostic tests, and bioluminescent tests.

Sample-collection devices or apparatuses are typically used to collect surface samples for environmental tests. Commercially-available sample-collection devices include absorbent devices such as sponges, swabs, and the like. In addition, certain sample-collection devices are capable of collecting a predetermined volume of a liquid sample.

Because of its use as energy "currency" in all metabolizing systems, ATP can indicate the presence of organic or bioorganic residues in a sample. The presence of ATP can be measured using a bioluminescent enzymatic assay. For example, a luciferin/luciferase enzyme assay system uses ATP to generate light. This light output can be detected and quantified in a light detection device, e.g., a luminometer. The presence of ATP in a sample may be a direct indicator of the presence of a microorganism (i.e., the ATP is derived from microorganisms in a sample containing no other sources of ATP), or the ATP may be an indirect indicator of the presence of a microorganism (i.e., the ATP is derived from vegetative or animal matter and indicates that nutrients that support the growth of microorganisms may be present in the sample). In addition, the presence or absence of ATP in a sample is used routinely to assess the efficacy of cleaning processes, e.g., in food, beverage, healthcare (e.g., environmental surfaces, surgical instruments, endoscopes, and other medical devices), water, and sanitation industries.

For example, ATP measurement systems have been utilized as monitoring tools in the food industry for over <NUM> years to audit the efficacy of sanitation processes. Such systems can detect very small amounts of ATP (e.g., <NUM> femtomole) on a variety of surfaces commonly found in food processing operations that need to be cleaned and disinfected. Detecting the presence of ATP on surfaces that are supposed to be sanitized can indicate a failure of the cleaning and disinfection process.

More recently, ATP monitoring tools have been adopted for a similar purpose in clinical applications to monitor the cleanliness of a patient's environment. There is now compelling clinical evidence that contaminated surfaces in a hospital make an important contribution to the epidemic and endemic transmission, e.g., of C. difficile, VRE, MRSA, A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa, and to the endemic transmission of norovirus. Effective infection prevention programs include systematic monitoring of the environment's cleanliness. ATP monitoring, for example, can provide a quantitative measurement system that can be used to support such a program.

<CIT> describes meters and methods for sampling, transporting, and/or analyzing a fluid sample. The meters may include a meter housing and a cartridge. In some instances, the meter may include a tower which may engage one or more portions of a cartridge. The meter housing may include an imaging system, which may or may not be included in the tower. The cartridge may include one or more sampling arrangements, which may be configured to collect a fluid sample from a sampling site. A sampling arrangement may include a skin-penetration member, a hub, and a quantification member.

In general, the present disclosure provides a light detection device as set out in claim <NUM>. The light detection device, which is a luminometer, a photometer, a turbidimeter, a colorimeter or a fluorometer, includes a housing comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the housing extends along a housing axis between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein the housing further comprises a handle portion disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a port formed in the top surface of the housing, wherein the port is adapted to receive a sample. The detection device also includes a door connected to the housing. The door includes an actuator portion adapted to selectively move the door between a closed position and an open position; and a cover portion integral with the actuator portion and adapted to close the port when the door is in the closed position and open the port when the door is in the open position to allow external access to the port. The actuator portion is disposed adjacent the handle portion of the housing, such that the actuator portion is disposed closer to the handle portion than to either the top surface or the bottom surface of the housing and so as to allow a user to grasp a handle portion with a hand and, with the same hand, engage the actuator portion to selectively move the door between the closed position and the open position. The light detection device further comprises a hinge, wherein the door is connected to the housing by the hinge and biased in the closed position, wherein the actuator portion is adapted to selectively move the door by rotating the door between the closed position and the open position and wherein the light detection device is configured and arranged such that when the user presses the actuator portion the door rotates from the closed position to the open position and the door returns to the closed position under the biasing of the door upon release of the actuator portion.

All headings provided herein are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of any text that follows the heading, unless so specified.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the disclosure that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances; however, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

In this application, terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terms "a," "an," and "the" are used interchangeably with the term "at least one.

The phrases "at least one of" and "comprises at least one of' followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.

As used herein in connection with a measured quantity, the term "about" refers to that variation in the measured quantity as would be expected by the skilled artisan making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objective of the measurement and the precision of the measuring equipment used. Herein, "up to" a number (e.g., up to <NUM>) includes the number (e.g., <NUM>).

Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range as well as the endpoints (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM> includes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.).

These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims.

Throughout the specification, reference is made to the appended drawings, where like reference numerals designate like elements, and wherein:.

In general, the present disclosure provides a light detection device that include a housing comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the housing extends along a housing axis between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein the housing further comprises a handle portion disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a port formed in the top surface of the housing wherein the port is adapted to receive a sample. The detection device also includes a door connected to the housing. The door includes an actuator portion and a cover portion integral with the actuator portion. The actuator portion is adapted to selectively move the door between a closed position and an open position. When in the closed position, the cover portion is adapted to close the port. Further, when in the open position, the cover portion is adapted to open the port to allow external access to the port. The actuator portion is disposed adjacent the handle portion of the housing, such that the actuator portion is disposed closer to the handle portion than to either the top surface or the bottom surface of the housing and so as to allow a user to grasp a handle portion of the housing with a hand and, with the same hand, engage the actuator portion to selectively move the door between the closed position and the open position with the hand. The light detection device further comprises a hinge, wherein the door is connected to the housing by the hinge and biased in the closed position and wherein the actuator portion is adapted to selectively move the door by rotating the door between the closed position and the open position. The device is configured and arranged such that when the user presses the actuator portion the door rotates from the closed position to the open position and the door returns to the closed position under the biasing of the door upon release of the actuator portion.

The light detection devices described herein include luminometers, photometers (UV/visible), turbidimeters, colorimeters, fluorometers (e.g., portable devices that use light detection for environmental surface and water sampling, including both biological (microbial) testing and chemical content testing). In one or more embodiments, a light detection device can include a light source (e.g., one or more light emitting diodes), a sample chamber, a light detector (e.g., a photomultiplier tube (PMT), a photodiode, etc.), and in some embodiments an optical system (including, e.g., one or more reflectors, filters, or lenses) to direct the light. In one or more embodiments, a test sample can emit light that is detected by a detector of the light detection device. Devices that detect light from a sample or detect the interaction of light with a sample can include one or more elements that block ambient light from interacting with the detector of the device, e.g., doors, gaskets, opaque housings, etc..

The light detection device can be utilized in any suitable application. For example, in one or more embodiments, the light detection device can be utilized to detect and measure light emitted by a sample disposed within the device. The sample can include any suitable sample, e.g., a bioluminescent sample. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can detect the presence of ATP in a bioluminescent sample by analyzing light emitted by the sample that is produced by a luciferin-luciferase enzymatic reaction.

The accuracy and repeatability of currently available ATP detection systems can vary significantly. Such variability can be caused by difficulties in acquiring samples in a repeatable manner. Further, systems that employ a luciferin-luciferase detection chemistry can vary because of the lack of repeatability of how the reagent composition is formulated and the form factor employed to provide the reagents in an assay. In addition, the optical characteristics of the detection system can affect accuracy and repeatability. For example, some detection systems utilize a photomultiplier tube as the detector whereas other systems employ photodiodes. These detection systems can include a port that is connected to a detector disposed within a housing of the system. A sample can be disposed within the housing through the port. These ports, however, can allow ambient light to be transmitted into the detector, which can hinder accurate readings and potentially damage the detector. Some systems may include a door or cap that covers the port to prevent ambient light from being transmitted into the detector. These systems, however, may be awkward to operate as they may require one hand to grasp the system and the other to open and close the door that covers the port.

<FIG> are various views of one embodiment of a light detection device <NUM>. The light detection device <NUM> may be e.g., a luminometer. In one or more embodiments, the device <NUM> can be part of a light detection system that can also include a sampling apparatus (not shown) that can be disposed within the device <NUM> and contain a sample. Any suitable sampling apparatus can be utilized, e.g., the sampling apparatuses described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

The device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> can take an ergonomic shape or combination of shapes that allows a user to grasp the housing and operate the device <NUM> with a single hand. Further, the housing <NUM> can be a single, unitary housing or can include two or more pieces, sections, or portions that are attached together using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. The housing <NUM> extends along a housing axis <NUM> between a top surface <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM>. The housing <NUM> also includes an handle portion <NUM> disposed between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM>. The handle portion <NUM> can include any suitable shape or combination of shapes. The housing <NUM> can also include a front surface <NUM> that extends between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM>, and a back surface <NUM> that also extends between the top surface and the bottom surface.

The housing <NUM> also includes a port <NUM> disposed in the top surface <NUM> of the housing (<FIG> and <FIG>). The port <NUM> can be adapted to allow a user to dispose a sample within the housing <NUM> such that light emitted by or interacting with the sample can be detected by a detector (not shown) disposed within the housing. The detector can be any suitable detector, e.g., the detectors described in cofiled <CIT> (Atty Docket No. 76073US002). In one or more embodiments, the port <NUM> can be connected to the detector such that a sample can be disposed within the housing through the port and positioned within the housing such that the detector can measure one or more characteristics of the sample. For example, if the sample includes a photoluminescent sample, then the detector can be utilized to measure, e.g., an intensity of light emitted by the photoluminescent sample.

The port <NUM> is adapted to receive a sample. The sample can be disposed within the housing <NUM> in any suitable manner. For example, in one or more embodiments, the sample can be directly disposed within the housing through the port <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the sample can be contained within a sampling apparatus that is adapted to be disposed within the housing by being inserted into the port <NUM>. The port <NUM> can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes. In one or more embodiments, the port <NUM> can be adapted to receive a sampling apparatus.

In one or more embodiments, the port <NUM> can be connected to a receptacle (not shown) that is disposed within the housing <NUM>. The receptacle can be adapted to receive a sampling apparatus and position the apparatus within the housing such that the detector can measure one or more characteristics of a sample disposed within the sampling apparatus. Any suitable receptacle can be utilized, e.g., one or more of the receptacles described in cofiled <CIT> (Atty Docket No. 76073US002).

The light detection device <NUM> can also include one or more controls <NUM> that are adapted to provide an interface for the user to perform various functions with the device <NUM>. Any suitable control or controls <NUM> can be provided with the device <NUM>. Further, in one or more embodiments, the controls <NUM> can be disposed in any suitable location on or in the housing <NUM>. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the controls <NUM> are disposed on or in a front surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> such that a user can grasp the handle portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and operate the controls with a thumb or finger of the grasping hand. Such positioning of the controls <NUM> can allow operation of the device <NUM> with a single hand. The controls <NUM> can provide an interface for a user and can be electrically coupled to any suitable circuitry disposed within the housing <NUM> of the device <NUM>. Such circuitry can include any suitable electronic device or devices, e.g., one or more controllers, processors, storage devices, power converters, analog/digital converters, GPS components, wireless antennas and receivers, etc. The circuitry can be electrically coupled to any suitable power source or sources, e.g., batteries, external power sources, etc. The circuitry can be connected to any suitable external device or power source through, e.g., one or more additional ports <NUM> disposed on or in the housing in any suitable location.

The device <NUM> can also include a display <NUM> that is adapted to provide a user with an interface with the circuitry disposed within the housing <NUM> of the device. The display <NUM> can be in any suitable location on or in the housing <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the display <NUM> is disposed in the front surface <NUM> of the housing. The display <NUM> can include any suitable display. In one or more embodiments, the display <NUM> can be a touch-sensitive display that can provide the user with control of the device and can also display information to the user. Any suitable touch sensitive display <NUM> can be utilized with device <NUM>.

The light detection device <NUM> also includes a door <NUM>. The door <NUM> is connected to the housing <NUM> of the device <NUM> using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. The door <NUM> can include any suitable material or combination of materials. In one or more embodiments, the door <NUM> includes the same material or combination of materials as the housing <NUM> of the device <NUM>. Further, the door <NUM> can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes and have any suitable dimensions.

The door <NUM> includes an actuator portion <NUM> and a cover portion <NUM>. The actuator portion <NUM> is integral with the cover portion <NUM>.

The door <NUM> is adapted such that it can be disposed in a closed position or an open position. For example, <FIG> and <FIG> are various views of the device <NUM> when the door <NUM> is disposed in a closed position <NUM>. Further, for example, <FIG> and <FIG> are various views of the device <NUM> when the door is disposed in an open position <NUM>. The actuator portion <NUM> is adapted to selectively move the door <NUM> between the closed position <NUM> and the open position <NUM>. Further, the cover portion <NUM> of door <NUM> is adapted to close the port <NUM> when the door is in the closed position <NUM> and open the port when the door is in the open position <NUM>. When in the open position <NUM>, the cover portion <NUM> can allow external access to the port <NUM>.

The door <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM> by a hinge <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The hinge <NUM> can be any suitable hinge. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the hinge <NUM> includes a protuberance <NUM> that is adapted to be disposed within an opening <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>. The door <NUM> can include any suitable number of protuberances <NUM> such that the hinge <NUM> attaches the door to the housing <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the hinge <NUM> can be attached to the housing <NUM> by inserting the protuberance <NUM> into the opening <NUM> disposed in one or both of two sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can be secured together by screws <NUM> that are inserted through openings <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> can be disposed in any suitable location on or in the housing <NUM> and in any suitable orientation relative to the housing axis <NUM>.

Further, in one or more embodiments, a spring <NUM> can be disposed between the door <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. Any suitable spring can be utilized. The spring <NUM> is adapted to allow the door <NUM> to pivot between the closed position <NUM> and the open position <NUM>. The door <NUM> is biased in the closed position <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the spring <NUM> biases the door <NUM> in the closed position <NUM> such that the port <NUM> is closed to the external environment. By biasing the door <NUM> in the closed position <NUM>, the cover portion <NUM> can protect the port <NUM> and prevent ambient light or other environmental elements (e.g., moisture) from entering the interior of the housing <NUM> through the port. When in the closed position <NUM>, the cover portion <NUM> can also prevent ambient light from entering a detector disposed within the housing.

The actuator portion <NUM> of the door <NUM> is adapted to rotate the door about a rotation axis <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The rotation axis <NUM> can be oriented in any suitable relationship to the housing axis <NUM>. For example, in one or more embodiments, the rotation axis <NUM> can be substantially orthogonal to the housing axis <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As used herein, the phrase "substantially orthogonal" means that the rotation axis <NUM> is disposed such that an angle of between <NUM>° to <NUM>° is formed with the housing axis <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the rotation axis <NUM> can be aligned with the hinge <NUM> (<FIG>).

The actuator portion <NUM> of door <NUM> is adapted to selectively move the door from the closed position <NUM> to the open position <NUM>. Further, the actuator portion <NUM> can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes. In one or more embodiments, the actuator portion <NUM> can take a curved shape such that it is adapted to receive a finger of a hand of a user. Further, in one or more embodiments, the actuator portion <NUM> can include a textured surface <NUM> such that the user can more easily engage the actuator portion to place the door either in the closed position <NUM> or the open position <NUM>.

The actuator portion <NUM> is disposed adjacent the handle portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. As used herein, the phrase "adjacent the handle portion" means that the actuator portion <NUM> is disposed closer to the handle portion <NUM> than to either the top surface <NUM> or the bottom surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The actuator portion <NUM> is disposed adjacent the handle portion <NUM> such that the user can grasp the handle portion and engage the actuator portion with a single hand. In other words, the light detection device <NUM> can be adapted to allow a user to grasp the handle portion <NUM> with a hand and, with the same hand, engage the actuator portion <NUM> to selectively move the door <NUM> between the closed position <NUM> and the open position <NUM>.

The cover portion <NUM> is adapted to close the port <NUM> when the door <NUM> is in the closed position <NUM> and open the port when the door is in the open position <NUM> to allow external access to the port. In one or more embodiments, the cover portion <NUM> of the door <NUM> is adapted to minimize the amount of ambient light entering the port <NUM> when the door is in the closed position <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the door <NUM> is adapted to prevent substantially all ambient light from entering the port <NUM> when the door is in the closed position <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the door <NUM> is adapted to block a sufficient amount of ambient light from entering the housing <NUM> such that the ability to detect and measure a light signal associated with the sample is not compromised.

The cover portion <NUM> can be disposed in any suitable relationship relative to the housing <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the cover portion <NUM> is disposed such that it forms a portion of the top surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the cover portion <NUM> can be level or flush with the top surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> when the door <NUM> is in the closed position <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the port <NUM> can include a ledge <NUM> that is adapted to engage the cover portion <NUM> when the door <NUM> is in the closed position <NUM>. The ledge <NUM> can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes. Further, the ledge <NUM> can be disposed along an entire perimeter of the port <NUM> or along any suitable portion of the perimeter of the port. The combination of the cover portion <NUM> and ledge <NUM> can prevent ambient light from entering the port <NUM> when the door <NUM> is in the closed position <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the port <NUM> can also include a gasket (not shown) that is disposed between the cover portion <NUM> and the ledge <NUM>. The gasket can extend along any suitable portion of the ledge <NUM> of the port <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the gasket extends along the entire ledge <NUM>. The gasket, ledge <NUM>, and the cover portion <NUM> can combine to prevent ambient light from entering the port <NUM>. Further, in one or more embodiments, the gasket can also provide a seal between the cover portion <NUM> and the ledge <NUM> to prevent external environmental elements from entering the port <NUM>, e.g., moisture. Further, one or more of the gasket, ledge <NUM>, and cover portion <NUM> can prevent a sample disposed within the housing <NUM> from undesirably leaking out of the housing.

In one or more embodiments, the port <NUM> can also include an overhang (not shown) that covers any space between the top surface <NUM> and the cover portion <NUM> when the door <NUM> is in the closed position <NUM>. The overhang can take any suitable shape and be located in any suitable location. In one or more embodiments, the overhang can be connected to the top surface <NUM> and/or the cover portion <NUM>.

The door <NUM> can also include a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> (<FIG>). In one or more embodiments, the actuator portion <NUM> is adjacent the first end <NUM> and the cover portion <NUM> is adjacent the second end <NUM>. As used herein, the phrase "adjacent the first end" means that the actuator portion <NUM> is disposed closer to the first end <NUM> of the door <NUM> than to the second end <NUM> of the door. Similarly, the phrase "adjacent the second end" means that the cover portion <NUM> is disposed closer to the second end <NUM> of the door than to the first end <NUM>.

As mentioned herein, the rotation axis <NUM> can be disposed at any suitable location relative to the door <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the rotation axis <NUM> can be disposed between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the door <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the rotation axis <NUM> is disposed at approximately a midpoint between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the door <NUM>. As used herein, the term "approximately" means that the rotation axis <NUM> is disposed within <NUM> of the midpoint between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the door <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the rotation axis <NUM> is disposed closer to the first end <NUM> of the door <NUM> than to the second end <NUM>. Further, in one or more embodiments, the rotation axis <NUM> is disposed closer to the second end <NUM> of the door <NUM> than to the first end <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the rotation axis <NUM> is disposed closer to the midpoint between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the door <NUM> than to either the first end or the second end of the door. In one or more embodiments, the rotation axis <NUM> is disposed about halfway between the midpoint located between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the door <NUM> and the first end. In one or more embodiments, the rotation axis <NUM> is disposed about halfway between the midpoint located between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the door <NUM> and the second end.

In one or more embodiments, the actuator portion <NUM> can be defined as a portion of the door <NUM> disposed between the rotation axis <NUM> and the first end <NUM>. Further, in one or more embodiments, the cover portion <NUM> of the door <NUM> can be defined as a portion of the door disposed between the rotation axis <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the door. The actuator portion <NUM> can include any suitable portion of door <NUM>, e.g., no greater than about <NUM>%, no greater than about <NUM>%, no greater than about <NUM>%, no greater than about <NUM>%, no greater than about <NUM>%, etc. In one or more embodiments, the actuator portion <NUM> can be at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>% of the door <NUM>. Further, the cover portion <NUM> of door <NUM> can include any suitable portion of the door, e.g., no greater than about <NUM>%, no greater than about <NUM>%, no greater than about70%, no greater than about <NUM>%, no greater than about <NUM>%, etc. In one or more embodiments, the door portion <NUM> can be at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>%, at least about <NUM>% of the door <NUM>.

The light detection device <NUM> can also include a switch (not shown) that is coupled to the door <NUM> and adapted to activate circuitry and/or a detector disposed within the housing (not shown) when the door is disposed in the closed position <NUM>. Any suitable switch or combination of switches can be utilized. Further, in one or more embodiments, the switch can deactivate circuitry and/or a detector disposed within the housing <NUM> when the door <NUM> is disposed in the open position <NUM> to prevent ambient light from damaging the detector. The switch can be disposed in any suitable position relative to the door <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the switch can be positioned between the actuator portion <NUM> and the housing <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the door <NUM> is disposed such that the actuator portion <NUM> is adjacent the back surface <NUM> of the housing. As used herein, the phrase "adjacent the back surface" means that the actuator portion <NUM> is disposed closer to the back surface <NUM> of housing <NUM> than to the front surface <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the back surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can include a recessed portion <NUM> that is adapted to receive the door <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In one or more embodiments, the door <NUM> can sit within the recessed portion <NUM> of the back surface <NUM> such that an outer surface of the door is level or flush with the adjacent back surface.

In one or more embodiments, the door can be disposed on a side surface of the housing <NUM> between the front surface <NUM> and the back surface <NUM>. Further, in one or more embodiments, the door <NUM> can be disposed on the front surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> adjacent the display <NUM> such that a user can engage the actuator portion <NUM> of the door with the thumb of the grasping hand. In such embodiments, the door <NUM> can include an opening or openings such that the user can access the controls <NUM> and view the display <NUM> through the door. In one or more embodiments, the door <NUM> can be disposed on the front surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> on either side of the display <NUM> such that the user can access the controls <NUM> and view the display <NUM>.

The back surface <NUM> can also include a finger receiving region <NUM> adjacent the actuator portion <NUM> of the door <NUM> (<FIG>). As used herein, the phrase "adjacent the actuator portion" means that the finger receiving region <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is disposed closer to the actuator portion <NUM> than to the cover portion <NUM> of door <NUM>. The finger receiving region <NUM> is adapted to receive one or more fingers of a user's hand when the user grips the handle portion <NUM> of the light detection device <NUM>. The finger receiving region <NUM> is shaped such that a finger of a user can engage the actuator portion <NUM> of the door <NUM> and engage the actuator portion to move the cover portion <NUM> between the closed position <NUM> and the open position <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, when the actuator portion <NUM> is engaged such that the door <NUM> is moved to the open position <NUM>, the finger receiving region <NUM> accommodates a finger of a user to allow the finger to hold the actuator portion against the recessed portion <NUM> of the back surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the finger receiving region <NUM> takes a shape that is complementary with the shape of the actuator portion <NUM> when the actuator portion is engaged and the door <NUM> is in the open position <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The light detection device <NUM> can be utilized in any suitable manner to measure one or more characteristics of a sample disposed within the housing <NUM> of the device. For example, <FIG> illustrate one technique for utilizing the device <NUM>. As illustrated, a hand <NUM> of the user is shown in <FIG> grasping the handle portion <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The hand <NUM> can engage the actuator portion <NUM> of the door <NUM> to move the door between the closed position <NUM> (<FIG>) and the open position <NUM> (<FIG>). When in the open position <NUM>, the cover portion <NUM> opens the port <NUM> to allow external access to the port. In one or more embodiments, the user can engage the actuator portion <NUM> of the door <NUM> by pressing the actuator portion with a finger or thumb <NUM> of the hand <NUM> that is grasping the handle portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Engaging the actuator portion <NUM> can cause the door <NUM> to rotate about the rotation axis <NUM> to the open position <NUM>. Since the door <NUM> is biased in the closed position <NUM>, pressing the actuator portion <NUM> of the door <NUM> opens the door, i.e., places the door in the open position <NUM>.

When the door <NUM> is in the open position <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, a sample or a sampling apparatus can be disposed within the housing <NUM> through the port <NUM>, e.g., into a receptacle disposed within the housing. While the sample is being disposed within the housing <NUM>, the finger or thumb <NUM> of the hand <NUM> of the user can maintain a force on the actuator portion <NUM> of the door <NUM> to keep the door in the open position <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, a latch (not shown) can be attached to the housing <NUM>. The latch can be adapted to hold the door <NUM> in the open position <NUM> such that the user's finger can be disengaged from the actuator portion without the door returning to the closed position <NUM>. Any suitable latch can be utilized. In embodiments where a latch is included, the door <NUM> can be moved from the open position <NUM> to the closed position <NUM> by engaging the actuator portion <NUM> of the door by applying a force to the actuator portion in a direction toward the interior of the housing <NUM>, thereby releasing the door from the latch. Once the latch is released, the biasing of the door <NUM> will return the door to the closed position <NUM> when the user reduces the force applied to the actuator portion <NUM>. In other words, the user can then move the door <NUM> from the open position <NUM> to the closed position <NUM> by releasing the actuator portion <NUM> such that the biasing of the door returns the door to the closed position <NUM> and the cover portion <NUM> of the door closes the port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the device <NUM> can include a switch that activates circuitry disposed within the housing when the sample is disposed within the housing and the door is in the closed position <NUM>. The circuitry can be activated by the switch using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. One or more characteristics of the sample can be measured after the door <NUM> has been moved from the open position <NUM> to the closed position <NUM>. Any suitable characteristic or characteristics of the sample can be measured, e.g., intensity of light emitted by the sample.

In one or more embodiments, the detection device <NUM> can also include a tilt detection component (not shown) that can, in one or more embodiments, measure a tilt angle of the detection device <NUM>. As used herein, the term "tilt angle" means an angle formed between the housing axis <NUM> and a vertical axis. As used herein, the term "vertical axis" refers to an axis that is aligned with the Earth's gravitational field. The tilt detection component can provide feedback to a user when the device <NUM> is positioned within a proper tilt angle and/or when the device is positioned at an improper tilt angle. Such feedback can be provided to the user using any suitable technique or combination of techniques, e.g., the feedback can be provided as a readout on the display <NUM>, or the device <NUM> can be adapted to provide haptic feedback to the user. For example, during detection of light emitted by a sample, the user can be warned by an on-screen message on display <NUM>, or the device <NUM> can provide haptic feedback, when the instrument is not being held at the correct tilt angle and/or when the instrument is being held at the correct tilt angle. On-screen instructions can be provided to the user to reorient the device <NUM> such that it is positioned within the correct tilt angle. The tilt detection component can be utilized to indicate to a user any suitable tilt angle or range of tilt angles. In one or more embodiments, a desirable tilt angle can be determined, e.g., by the quantity of a sample disposed within the housing, and by the optical properties and configurations of the detector within the housing. In general, the tilt angle can be selected to provide the most accurate detection of one or more characteristics of a sample disposed within the housing.

The tilt detection component can include any suitable circuitry or elements that can determine an orientation of the device <NUM> relative to the vertical axis. For example, in one or more embodiments, the tilt angle can be measured by a tilt sensor that is sampled by a microprocessor disposed either within the housing <NUM> of the device <NUM> or external to the housing <NUM> and coupled to the tilt sensor either wirelessly or through a wired coupling. Data provided by the tilt sensor can be averaged or normalized to yield a stable approximation of the tilt angle of the device <NUM> prior to or during analysis of the sample. The tilt detection component can be calibrated to have any suitable accuracy. For example, in one or more embodiments, the tilt detection component can be calibrated such that it provides, e.g., a <NUM>% tilt angle measurement accuracy.

A calibrated <NUM> Clean-Trace™ NG Luminometer (commercially available from <NUM> Company, St. Paul, MN) was used to measure light in relative light units (RLUs) emitted by several bioluminescence samples disposed in several different sampling apparatuses. The Luminometer was fixtured in a holder for stability and repeatability of tilt angles during the test. The following tilt angles were measured: <NUM> degrees (vertical), <NUM> degrees (a commonly observed viewing angle used by users to maximize display contrast), and <NUM> degrees (simulates the Luminometer resting horizontally on a work surface). These three states were cycled through two times and return to vertical. A plurality of RLU readings was automatically acquired in each angle state to average out temporal variation and assay decay. The Luminometer was controlled by a computer running an RLU data logging program with a sample interval of <NUM> seconds.

<FIG> is a graph of RLUs versus time that illustrates RLUs relative to various tilt angles that were measured. Tilt angles of <NUM> degrees typically reduced RLU readings by <NUM>%. Tilt angles of <NUM> degrees typically reduced RLU readings by <NUM>%.

While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, measuring a sample with an instrument not held at the appropriate angle can yield a measured value difference greater than <NUM>% relative to the real value because the sample being measured can typically be a small volume (less than <NUM>) liquid sample disposed in a cuvette portion of the sampling apparatus, where the sample can have an appreciable meniscus. When the device is held in an improper angle, at least a portion of the sample can be disposed outside of a light cavity of the detection device of the system that directs light to a detector, thereby reducing a volume of the sample that can emit light into the light cavity and, therefore, potentially yielding an erroneous signal. This tilt can, therefore, affect the radiance of the sample being analyzed.

In one or more embodiments, the tilt detection component can also be utilized to measure customer usage behaviors and abuse events that can be useful in predicting desired service intervals or provide training and guidance. Further, one or more embodiments of the tilt detection component can provide real-time mathematical normalization of RLU data based on measured tilt angle. This algorithm may be constrained to practical tilt angle limits. For example, measured angles greater than <NUM> degrees would prompt an immediate warning and suppress a normalization algorithm. In one or more embodiments, providing a user feedback on the tilt angle can allow the user to maintain the same tilt angle across multiple samples, thereby allowing for more consistent readings from sample to sample and from sampling period to sampling period.

Any suitable technique or combination of techniques can be utilized to maintain the light detection device <NUM> in a position having a desired tilt angle. For example, in one or more embodiments, a support member or members can be connected to the housing of the device such that the device can be placed on a working surface at the desired tilt angle.

For example, <FIG> are various views of one embodiment of a light detection device <NUM>. All of the design considerations and possibilities regarding the light detection device <NUM> of <FIG> apply equally to the light detection device <NUM> of <FIG>. The light detection device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> that extends along a housing axis <NUM> between a top surface <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM>. The housing <NUM> also includes a front surface <NUM> that extends between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM>, and a back surface <NUM> that also extends between the top surface and the bottom surface.

One difference between light detection device <NUM> and device <NUM> of <FIG> is that device <NUM> includes a support member <NUM>. Support member <NUM> can be connected to the housing <NUM> in any suitable location and using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> is integral with the housing <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM> and can be removed from the housing without damaging either the housing or the support member.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the support member <NUM> is connected to the housing <NUM> adjacent the bottom surface <NUM>. As used herein, the phrase "adjacent the bottom surface" means that the support member <NUM> is connected to the housing <NUM> closer to the bottom surface <NUM> than to the top surface <NUM>. The support member <NUM> can be connected to the housing <NUM> using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. For example, <FIG> is a schematic perspective view of the bottom surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The support member <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment is attached to the bottom surface <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> can include any suitable hinge. In one or more embodiments, the hinge <NUM> can be a living hinge. Further, in one or more embodiments, the hinge <NUM> can be a ratcheted hinge that includes teeth <NUM> formed in the bottom surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> that engage one or more notches <NUM> formed in the hinge. The ratcheted hinge <NUM> can be adapted to allow adjustment of the positioning of the support member <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> can be adapted to selectively move from a closed position <NUM> to an open position <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, the support member <NUM> is in a closed position <NUM>, i.e., a second major surface <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) faces the bottom surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In <FIG>, the support member <NUM> is disposed in the open position <NUM>, i.e., the second major surface <NUM> of the support member does not face the bottom surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> can be fixed in the open position <NUM> and is not movable to a closed position <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> can be adapted to maintain the light detection device <NUM> in an upright position when the bottom surface <NUM> and the support member are in contact with a working surface <NUM> and the support member is in the open position <NUM> as is shown in <FIG>. As used herein, the phrase "upright position" means that the light detection device <NUM> is disposed such that the top surface <NUM> is above the bottom surface <NUM> as viewed from the user's perspective, and the housing axis <NUM> forms an angle with a vertical axis that is less than <NUM>°. In one or more embodiments, the housing axis <NUM> forms any suitable angle with the working surface <NUM> when the light detection device <NUM> is in the upright position and in contact with the working surface <NUM>. At least a portion of the second major surface <NUM> of the support member <NUM> is adapted to contact the working surface <NUM> when in the open position <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Further, any suitable angle <NUM> can be formed between the housing axis <NUM> and the vertical axis <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, angle <NUM> can be <NUM>°, at least <NUM>°, no greater than <NUM>°, no greater than <NUM>°, no greater than <NUM>°, no greater than <NUM>°.

In one or more embodiments, the bottom surface <NUM> can be adapted such that it is generally perpendicular to the housing axis <NUM>. In such embodiments, the device <NUM> can rest on the working surface <NUM> such that the bottom surface <NUM> is flat with the working surface and the device is in a vertical position, i.e., the housing axis <NUM> is parallel to the vertical axis <NUM>.

The bottom surface <NUM> can include a recessed portion <NUM> that is adapted to receive the support member <NUM> when the member is in the closed position <NUM> as is illustrated in <FIG>. In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> is flush with the bottom surface <NUM> when the member is disposed within the recessed portion <NUM> and, therefore, in the closed position <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the recessed portion <NUM> of the bottom surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is adapted to engage the support member <NUM> in a snap-fit relationship when the support member is in the closed position <NUM>. The support member <NUM> can be attached to the bottom surface <NUM> using any suitable hinge such that the support member can be received by a recessed portion formed in both of the front and back surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

The bottom surface <NUM> can also include a second recessed portion <NUM> that is adapted to house the hinge <NUM> such that the support member <NUM> is flush with the bottom surface <NUM> when in the closed position <NUM> (<FIG>). The hinge <NUM> can be disposed in the second recessed portion <NUM>. The second recessed portion <NUM> can also include a ledge <NUM> that is adapted to engage the support member <NUM> when the support member is in the open position <NUM> (<FIG>). The ledge <NUM> can prevent the support member <NUM> from being over rotated such that the first major surface <NUM> contacts the back surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The user can engage the support member <NUM> by engaging a portion of the member when the member is in the closed position <NUM>, and moving the member from the closed position to the open position <NUM> by rotating the member about the hinge <NUM> until the member engages the ledge <NUM> of the recessed portion <NUM>. In embodiments where the hinge <NUM> is a ratcheted hinge, the user can rotate the support member <NUM> from the closed position <NUM> to the open position <NUM> to achieve a selected angle between the first major surface <NUM> of the support member and the housing axis <NUM>. Once the desired angle has been selected, the user can operate the device <NUM> while either holding the device in a hand or resting the device on the working surface <NUM> such that the device rests in an upright position at the selected angle <NUM> between the housing axis <NUM> and the vertical axis <NUM>. If desired, the user can, in one or more embodiments, grasp the device <NUM> and lift it from the working surface <NUM> to adjust the angle between the first major surface <NUM> of the support member <NUM> and the housing axis <NUM>, and then place the device on the working surface at a selected second angle between the housing axis <NUM> and the vertical axis <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> can be held in the closed position <NUM> using a tab or other interference feature. The support member <NUM> can then be released from the closed position <NUM> and moved to the open position <NUM> either manually or by using a button or switch to move the tab or interference feature out of the way. In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> can move from the closed position <NUM> to the open position <NUM> with the assistance of a spring mechanism.

As mentioned herein, the support member <NUM> can be connected to the housing <NUM> of the light detection device <NUM> in any suitable location. For example, <FIG> are various views of another embodiment of a light detection device <NUM>. All of the design considerations and possibilities regarding the light detection device <NUM> of <FIG> and the light detection device <NUM> of <FIG> apply equally to the light detection device <NUM> of <FIG>. The device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> extending along a housing axis <NUM> between a top surface <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM>. The device <NUM> also includes a support member <NUM> connected to the housing <NUM> and adapted to be selectively moved between a closed position <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) and an open position <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The support member <NUM> is also adapted to maintain the light detection device <NUM> in an upright position when the bottom surface <NUM> and the support member <NUM> are in contact with a working surface <NUM> and the support member is in the open position <NUM> (<FIG>). The housing axis <NUM> can form any suitable angle <NUM> with a vertical axis <NUM> when the bottom surface <NUM> and the support member <NUM> are in contact with the working surface <NUM> and the support member is in the open position <NUM>.

One difference between device <NUM> of <FIG> and device <NUM> of <FIG> is that the support member <NUM> is attached to a back surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and not the bottom surface <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> can be in contact with the back surface <NUM> of the housing when the support member is in the closed position <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In the closed position <NUM>, a first major surface <NUM> of the support member <NUM> can face away from the housing <NUM> and a second major surface <NUM> can face the housing. The back surface <NUM> can include a recessed portion (not shown) that is adapted to receive the support member <NUM> when the support member is in the closed position <NUM> (see <FIG>). In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> can be snap-fit into the recessed portion such that the support member remains in the closed position <NUM> as the user holds the device in various orientations. For example, the support member <NUM> can be snap-fit within the recessed portion such that the support member remains in the closed position <NUM> when the device is in a horizontal orientation, i.e., the housing axis <NUM> is substantially parallel to a horizontal axis. In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> can be flush with the back surface <NUM> when the support member is in the closed position <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> can be connected to the housing <NUM> using any suitable technique or combination of techniques. In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> can be attached to the housing with any suitable hinge. The hinge can also include a ratcheted hinge, e.g., ratcheted hinge <NUM> of <FIG>.

A user can grasp a portion of the support member <NUM> and move the support member from the closed position <NUM> to the open position <NUM> by rotating the support member about the hinge until a desired angle is formed between the first major surface <NUM> of the support member and the housing axis <NUM>. The user can place the light detection unit <NUM> on the working surface <NUM> such that the support member <NUM> maintains the device in an upright position when the bottom surface <NUM> of the device and the support member are in contact with the working surface. Any suitable angle <NUM> can be formed between the housing axis <NUM> and the vertical axis <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> can stabilize the light detection device <NUM> when the device is resting on the working surface <NUM>.

In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> can be held in the closed position <NUM> using a tab or other interference feature. The support member <NUM> can then be released from the closed position <NUM> to the open position <NUM> either manually or by using a button or switch to move the tab or interference feature out of the way. In one or more embodiments, the support member <NUM> can move from the closed position <NUM> to the open position <NUM> with the assistance of a spring mechanism.

Claim 1:
A light detection device (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) comprising a top surface (<NUM>) and a bottom surface (<NUM>), wherein the housing extends along a housing axis (<NUM>) between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein the housing further comprises a handle portion (<NUM>) disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface;
a port (<NUM>) formed in the top surface of the housing, wherein the port is adapted to receive a sample; and
a door (<NUM>) connected to the housing, the door comprising:
an actuator portion (<NUM>) adapted to selectively move the door between a closed position (<NUM>) and an open position (<NUM>); and
a cover portion (<NUM>) integral with the actuator portion and adapted to close the port when the door is in the closed position and open the port when the door is in the
open position to allow external access to the port;
wherein the actuator portion is disposed adjacent the handle portion of the housing, such that the actuator portion is disposed closer to the handle portion than to either the top surface or the bottom surface of the housing and so as to allow a user to grasp the handle portion with a hand and, with the same hand, engage the actuator portion to selectively move the door between the closed position and the open position;
wherein the light detection device is a luminometer, a photometer, a turbidimeter, a colorimeter or a fluorometer;
wherein the light detection device further comprises a hinge (<NUM>), wherein the door (<NUM>) is connected to the housing (<NUM>) by the hinge and biased in the closed position (<NUM>), wherein the actuator portion (<NUM>) is adapted to selectively move the door by rotating the door between the closed position (<NUM>) and the open position (<NUM>) and wherein the light detection device is configured and arranged such that when the user presses the actuator portion the door rotates from the closed position to the open position and the door returns to the closed position under the biasing of the door upon release of the actuator portion.