Random access single channel sheath stream apparatus
First Claim
1. A method comprising, the steps of, selecting a sample fluid source from a plurality of separate sources of different sample fluids, selecting a source of a sheath fluid which is optically compatible with the sample fluid from the thusly selected sample fluid source from a plurality of separate sources of different sheath fluids which are respectively optically compatible with different ones of said different sample fluids, connecting the selected one, only, of said plurality of different sample fluid sources to sheath stream flow cell analysis means which includes a single sheath flow cell, concomitantly connecting the selected one, only, of said plurality of different sheath fluid sources to said sheath stream flow cell, both connecting steps performed under the control of control means operatively associated with each of said different sample and sheath stream fluid sources and said sheath stream flow cell, and concomitantly flowing the thusly selected optically compatible sample and sheath fluids through said sheath stream flow cell for sample fluid analysis by concomitantly differentially pumping the same from the respective sources thereof through said sheath stream flow cell.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided for the precisely controlled and coordinated, concomitant supply at optimal flow rates, by differential pumping, of selected sample and sheath liquids from respective pluralities of different sources thereof, to the same sheath stream flow cell for successive different types of sample analyses, thereby maximizing sample analysis accuracy and reproducibility, and reducing apparatus complexity and costs. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in high-speed automated biomedical analytical systems.
78 Citations
16 Claims
- 1. A method comprising, the steps of, selecting a sample fluid source from a plurality of separate sources of different sample fluids, selecting a source of a sheath fluid which is optically compatible with the sample fluid from the thusly selected sample fluid source from a plurality of separate sources of different sheath fluids which are respectively optically compatible with different ones of said different sample fluids, connecting the selected one, only, of said plurality of different sample fluid sources to sheath stream flow cell analysis means which includes a single sheath flow cell, concomitantly connecting the selected one, only, of said plurality of different sheath fluid sources to said sheath stream flow cell, both connecting steps performed under the control of control means operatively associated with each of said different sample and sheath stream fluid sources and said sheath stream flow cell, and concomitantly flowing the thusly selected optically compatible sample and sheath fluids through said sheath stream flow cell for sample fluid analysis by concomitantly differentially pumping the same from the respective sources thereof through said sheath stream flow cell.
- 8. Apparatus comprising, a plurality of separate sources of different sample fluids, a plurality of separate sources of different sheath fluids which are respectively optically compatible with different ones of said different sample fluids, sheath stream flow cell analysis means which include a sheath stream flow cell, means for selecting one of said sample fluid sources, means for selecting sheath fluid source which is optically compatible with the sample fluid from the thusly selected sample fluid source, and means for concomitantly supplying of the thusly selected optically compatible sample and sheath fluids to said sheath stream flow cell, said selection and supply means comprising, flow directing and control means operatively associated with each of said sample and sheath fluid sources, and said sheath stream flow cell, respectively, said flow directing and control means being operable to connect selected ones, only, of said sample and sheath fluid sources, and said sheath stream flow cell, for concomitant flow of said selected optically compatible sample and sheath fluids through said sheath stream flow cell for sample fluid analysis, said apparatus further comprising, pump means operatively connected to said flow directing and control means and to said sheath stream flow cell and operable to concomitantly pump the selected ones of said sample and sheath fluids from respective pump and sheath fluid sources to said sheath stream flow cell for concomitant sample and sheath fluid flow therethrough, said pump means comprising differential pump means operatively connected to inlet and outlet means respectively, of said sheath stream flow cell, said differential pump means being operable to pump the selected one of said sample fluids to said sheath stream flow cell inlet means at a first flow rate, and to concomitantly aspirate the selected ones of said sample and sheath fluids through said sheath stream stream flow cell outlet means at a second, and greater flow rate whereby, the flow rate of said sample fluid through said sheath stream flow cell will be equal to the difference between said second and first flow rates, respectively.
Specification