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Apparatus and methods for selecting a variable number of test sample aliquots to mix with respective reagents

  • US 5,691,486 A
  • Filed: 07/30/1996
  • Issued: 11/25/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/30/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A sample shear valve system for combining a sample aliquot with one or more reagents comprising:

  • a first valve element having a first shear face;

    a second valve element having a second shear face, a first aliquot loop and a second aliquot loop, each of said first and second aliquot loops having a first opening and a second opening in said second shear face, the second shear face being in slidable contact with said first shear face to form a shear interface, the first and second valve elements having a first relative position and a second relative position;

    the first valve element further comprising a sample inlet, a sample outlet, and a sample conduit, wherein, in said first relative position, the sample inlet is in communication with said first opening of said first aliquot loop, the sample outlet is in communication with said second opening of said second aliquot loop, and the sample conduit connects said second opening of said first aliquot loop and said first opening of said second aliquot loop;

    a sampler connected to said sample inlet;

    a vacuum source switchably connected to said sample outlet;

    a rinse source switchably connected to said sample outlet;

    first reagent inlet and outlet passages in said first valve element, wherein, in said second relative position, the said first reagent inlet and outlet passages are respectively in communication with said first and second openings of said first aliquot loop at said shear interface;

    second reagent inlet and outlet passages in said first valve element, wherein, in said second relative position, the said second reagent inlet and outlet passages are respectively in communication with said first and second openings of said second aliquot loop at said shear interface;

    a bypass passage connecting said sample conduit and said sample outlet;

    a first valve disposed in said bypass passage proximate said sample conduit having an open state and a closed state; and

    a second valve disposed in said sample outlet between said bypass passage and said shear interface having an open state and a closed state.

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