High throughput systems and methods for parallel sample analysis
First Claim
1. A system for analyzing a plurality of samples in parallel, the system comprising:
- a plurality of fluid phase separation process regions;
a plurality of ionization sources; and
a mass spectrometer having a plurality of sample inlets and a plurality of transducers;
wherein;
each separation process region is in fluid communication with the mass spectrometer through a different ionization source of the plurality of ionization sources and through a different inlet of the plurality of inlets; and
each transducer of the plurality of transducers is associated with a different ionization source of the plurality of ionization sources and is associated with a different inlet of the plurality of inlets.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems for analyzing multiple samples in parallel using mass spectrometric preferably coupled with fluid phase separation techniques are provided. A multi-analyzer mass spectrometer includes multiple inlets, multiple mass analyzers, and multiple transducers to conduct mass analyses of multiple samples in parallel. A modular mass analyzer may include a vacuum enclosure, a chassis, and multiple mass analysis modules disposed within the chassis. Modules are preferably disposed in a spatially compact two-dimensional array. A common multi-stage vacuum system may be utilized in conjunction with baffles or partitions disposed within and between modules to maintain differential vacuum conditions within the spectrometer utilizing a minimum number of pumps. Common control inputs may be provided to multiple modules or other components within a multi-analyzer spectrometer. Fluid phase separation devices for use with a multi-analyzer spectrometer may be microfluidic devices utilizing chromatographic, electrophoretic, or other separation methods.
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Citations
45 Claims
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1. A system for analyzing a plurality of samples in parallel, the system comprising:
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a plurality of fluid phase separation process regions; a plurality of ionization sources; and a mass spectrometer having a plurality of sample inlets and a plurality of transducers;
wherein;each separation process region is in fluid communication with the mass spectrometer through a different ionization source of the plurality of ionization sources and through a different inlet of the plurality of inlets; and each transducer of the plurality of transducers is associated with a different ionization source of the plurality of ionization sources and is associated with a different inlet of the plurality of inlets. - View Dependent Claims (13, 18, 19, 20, 45)
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2. A system for analyzing a plurality of samples in parallel, the system comprising:
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a plurality of fluid phase separation process regions; a plurality of ionization sources; and a mass spectrometer having a plurality of sample inlets, a plurality of mass analyzers, and a plurality of transducers;
whereineach separation process region is in fluid communication with the mass spectrometer through a different ionization source of the plurality of ionization sources and through a different inlet of the plurality of inlets; each ionization source of the plurality of ionization sources supplies ions to a different mass analyzer of the plurality of mass analyzers through a different inlet of the plurality of inlets; and each transducer of the plurality of transducers is associated with a different ionization source of the plurality of ionization sources and is associated with a different inlet of the plurality of inlets. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A modular mass spectrometer device for analyzing a plurality of samples in parallel, the device comprising:
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a vacuum enclosure defining a plurality of sample inlets; a chassis disposed at least partially within the vacuum enclosure; at least one vacuum pump for evacuating the vacuum enclosure; and a plurality of modules adapted to mate with the chassis within the vacuum enclosure, the plurality of modules including a plurality of mass analyzers disposed downstream of the plurality of sample inlets and including any of; a plurality of focusing elements disposed between the plurality of sample inlets and the plurality of mass analyzers; and a plurality of transducers disposed downstream of the plurality of mass analyzers. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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Specification