×

Cartridge-based analytical instrument using centrifugal force/pressure for metering/transport of fluids

  • US 6,348,176 B1
  • Filed: 02/11/1999
  • Issued: 02/19/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/11/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An analytical instrument for analyzing fluid sample in an analytical cartridge, said cartridge having a sample metering/separation system that is operated by centrifugal force, a sample transport system that is operated by pressure and a test element which provides a detectable property of said fluid sample, said sample transport system including a flexible septum that can be moved from a relaxed position to one or more compressed positions wherein movement from said relaxed position to said one or more compressed positions provides pressurization of said sample transport system and wherein said cartridge further includes a vent for said sample metering/separation system, said instrument comprising:

  • A) a cartridge carousel assembly which receives one or more of said analytical cartridges, said cartridge carousel assembly comprising;

    a) a cartridge rotor plate which comprises a center and a plurality of cartridge ports which are located in spaced relation radially outward from said center, said cartridge ports being shaped to receive said cartridges; and

    b) a rotary drive mechanism which rotates said cartridge rotor plate about the center thereof, wherein rotation of said cartridge rotor plate activates said centrifugal force operated sample metering/sample system;

    B) a sample transport actuator which activates the pressure operated sample transport system of said cartridge, said sample transport actuator comprising;

    a septum actuator having a surface which is movable into contact with said flexible septum of said cartridge to move said septum from said relaxed position to said one or more compressed positions when said cartridge is located in said cartridge carousel assembly, said septum actuator comprising a septum rod comprising a tip which comprises said surface which is movable into contact with said septum;

    a vent seal element having a surface which is movable to a position which seals said vent, said vent seal element comprising a seal rod comprising a tip which comprises said surface which seals said vent; and

    a sample actuator mechanism which jointly moves said septum actuator and vent seal element to provide movement of said flexible septum and sealing of said vent wherein said vent is sealed prior to movement of said septum from said relaxed position to said one or more compressed positions and wherein said vent is unsealed prior to movement of said septum from said one or more compressed positions to said relaxed position, said sample actuator mechanism comprising;

    a connector block which connects said septum rod to said seal rod to provide joint movement of said septum rod and said seal rod, said seal rod being oriented relative to said septum rod such that said seal rod tip contacts said vent on said cartridge prior to compression of said septum by said septum rod; and

    an actuator motor which moves said connector block so that said septum rod and seal rod move jointly between retracted positions and extended positions;

    a release mechanism connected to said seal rod wherein said release mechanism withdraws said seal rod tip from contact with said vent prior to movement of said connector block to withdraw said septum rod from contact with said septum;

    C) a detector which measures said detectable analytical property of said fluid sample which is provided by the test element of said cartridge when said cartridge is located in said cartridge carousel assembly; and

    D) a tracking and control unit which tracks and controls said rotary drive mechanism and sample transport actuator, said tracking and control unit comprising a user input interface for receiving data input from a user of the instrument, a central processing unit, a real time processor and a data output interface which provides output of results of the measurements made by said detector.

View all claims
  • 7 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×