Precision small volume fluid processing apparatus
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A high precision, small volume fluid processing system, comprising:
- a sample fluid station;
a reagent fluid dispensing device;
a sample fluid handling device having a single open ended capillary tube fluidly connected to a precision linear actuator;
monitoring means for determining position information of ends of a fluid segment in the capillary tube;
positioning means for precisely positioning the fluid sample handling device in a reference plane with respect to the reagent fluid dispensing device and the sample fluid station; and
,control means, operatively connected to the linear actuator and the positioning means, for positioning the capillary tube and operating the actuator to receive within the capillary tube both a precisely metered volume of sample fluid from the sample fluid station and at least one precisely metered volume of at least one reagent fluid from the reagent dispensing device.
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Abstract
A high precision, small volume fluid processing system employs open ended capillary tubes to meter, aliquot and mix small volumes of sample fluid and reagents. The system has an automatic mechanism for moving the capillary tubes as well as automated sub-systems for incubating and mixing fluids within the capillary tubes.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A high precision, small volume fluid processing system, comprising:
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a sample fluid station; a reagent fluid dispensing device; a sample fluid handling device having a single open ended capillary tube fluidly connected to a precision linear actuator; monitoring means for determining position information of ends of a fluid segment in the capillary tube; positioning means for precisely positioning the fluid sample handling device in a reference plane with respect to the reagent fluid dispensing device and the sample fluid station; and
,control means, operatively connected to the linear actuator and the positioning means, for positioning the capillary tube and operating the actuator to receive within the capillary tube both a precisely metered volume of sample fluid from the sample fluid station and at least one precisely metered volume of at least one reagent fluid from the reagent dispensing device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A high precision, small volume fluid aliquoting system, comprising:
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a sample fluid station; a receiving capillary tube having at least one open end; a sample fluid handling device having a single aliquoting capillary tube having one end fluidly connected to a precision linear actuator, including control means for aspirating and handling a precisely metered volume of sample fluid through an open end of the aliquoting capillary tube; and
,positioning means cooperatively coupled with the control means for precisely positioning the fluid sample handling device in a reference plane with respect to the sample fluid station and the receiving capillary tube so that the open ends of the receiving and aliquoting tubes can be precisely positioned adjacent one another for transferring a precise volume of sample fluid from the aliquoting capillary tube to the receiving capillary tube. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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Specification