System for detection of spaced droplets
DCFirst Claim
Patent Images
1. A detection system for droplet-based assays, comprising:
- a channel network defining a flow path for droplets extending through a confluence region configured to increase an average distance between droplets, and to an examination region disposed downstream of the confluence region; and
a detector operatively connected to the examination region,wherein the channel network includes a droplet inlet channel configured to carry droplets to the confluence region, wherein the droplet inlet channel forms a tapered region and a neck region extending from the tapered region to the confluence region, wherein the tapered region is sized such that droplets enter the neck region in single file, wherein the flow path has a smaller diameter in the neck region than in the examination region, and wherein at least one dilution inlet channel meets the droplet inlet channel at the confluence region and is configured to provide a dilution fluid that increases the average distance between droplets.
2 Assignments
Litigations
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
System, including methods and apparatus, for detection of spaced droplets.
318 Citations
34 Claims
-
1. A detection system for droplet-based assays, comprising:
-
a channel network defining a flow path for droplets extending through a confluence region configured to increase an average distance between droplets, and to an examination region disposed downstream of the confluence region; and a detector operatively connected to the examination region, wherein the channel network includes a droplet inlet channel configured to carry droplets to the confluence region, wherein the droplet inlet channel forms a tapered region and a neck region extending from the tapered region to the confluence region, wherein the tapered region is sized such that droplets enter the neck region in single file, wherein the flow path has a smaller diameter in the neck region than in the examination region, and wherein at least one dilution inlet channel meets the droplet inlet channel at the confluence region and is configured to provide a dilution fluid that increases the average distance between droplets. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A detection system for droplet-based assays, comprising:
-
a tip extending downward to an open end configured to be placed into a container holding an emulsion such that the open end contacts the emulsion; a channel network defining a flow path for droplets, the flow path extending from the open end of the tip, through a confluence region configured to increase an average distance between droplets, and to an examination region disposed downstream of the confluence region; and a detector operatively connected to the examination region, wherein the channel network includes a droplet inlet channel configured to carry droplets to the confluence region, wherein the droplet inlet channel forms a tapered region and a neck region extending from the tapered region to the confluence region, and wherein the tapered region is sized such that droplets enter the neck region in single file. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
-
-
25. A detection system for droplet-based assays, comprising:
-
a channel network defining a flow path for droplets, the flow path extending through a confluence region configured to increase an average distance between droplets, and to an examination region disposed downstream of the confluence region; and a detector operatively connected to the examination region, wherein the channel network includes a droplet inlet channel configured to carry droplets to the confluence region, wherein the droplet inlet channel forms a tapered region and a neck region extending from the tapered region to the confluence region, wherein the tapered region is sized such that droplets enter the neck region in single file, and wherein the neck region has a diameter that is approximately equal to an average diameter of the droplets. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
-
Specification