Technicon Instruments Corporation

Kent M Negersmith

Gregory A Farrell

Kenneth F Uffenheimer

A method for filtering a whole blood sample using a filter element constructed and arranged to block the passage of fibrous and particulate matter which may be present in a liquid sample, such as a whole blood sample, while allowing the blood cells to pass is disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter element is part of an in-line filter assembly which assembly may include two complementary mating components. One component may take the form of a coupling provided with a male threaded portion adapted to be received into and engage the female threaded portion of the complementary mating component. This complementary mating component may be another coupling or an analysis system component, such as a valve. Each complementary mating component is adapted to receive a liquid sample carrying conduit therethrough. The coupling is also adapted to receive a filter mount which holds a filter element constructed and arranged as discussed hereinabove. When the complementary mating components are assembled, their respective conduits and the filter element are brought into alignment and fluid tight seal. In an alternative embodiment, the filter element is permanently retained in a section of conduit which is provided with appropriate connecting means to allow the conduit section to be readily removed from the apparatus when cleaning or replacement is desired.

Method for filtering a whole blood sample using an in-line fluid filter

A fluid delivery system for dispensing precisely metered quantities of a fluid, and more particularly, a fluid delivery system incorporating a diaphragm pump for effectuation of the precise control over the dispensing of a metered quantity of the fluid through the formation of a fluid flow-occluding air bubble at the point of discharge inhibiting the formation of droplets tending to adversely influence the accuracy of the system. Also disclosed is a method for delivering and dispensing precisely metered quantities of a fluid through the utilization of the system.

System for dispensing precisely metered quantities of a fluid and method

Method is provided for the operation of substantially constant flow rate sample analysis apparatus in such manner that the adverse effects upon sample analysis accuracy of periodic variations in analysis apparatus flow rate and/or sample-analysis reagent proportioning are negated to insure the sample-to-sample consistency and accuracy of the sample analysis results.

Method for the operation of automated analysis apparatus

A dilutor/dispenser system wherein a marker, e.g., an air bubble, is introduced at the probe inlet prior to each aspiration cycle, so as to be displaced along the probe system during such cycle. The location of the marker is detected at the end of the aspiration cycle, to indicate whether an appropriate liquid volume has been aspirated. The aspirated liquid, along with the marker and a predetermined volume of diluent, is subsequently dispensed. An alarm may be activated, if an improper volume has been aspirated.

Short sample detection

Apparatus and method for analyzing successive liquid samples and conserving reagent. The method includes flowing a stream of discrete samples along a conduit from a source, which conduit includes a portion for reacting the successive samples with a reagent and a portion for analyzing the reaction product. It further includes introducing the reagent into the conduit upstream of the reaction portion to form a sample-reagent mixture, identifying the successive samples at the source, and responsive to such identification discontinuing the introduction of the reagent into the conduit and substituting therefore a pilot fluid displacing the mixture at the same flow rate along the reacting and analysis portions of the conduit.

Reagent supply control in automated fluid analysis

A liquid sample analyzer having a first fixed-volume chamber into which a first liquid is flowed filling it for subsequent displacement of the liquid volume therefrom by a second liquid into a substantially larger second fixed-volume chamber through a first port thereof, the second liquid acting as a pilot fluid. Prior to such liquid volume displacement from the first chamber, the second chamber, having an overflow outlet at a location remote with respect to the first port, is washed out and filled to an overflow level by a flow of the second liquid entering the second chamber through a second port. On such displacement of the volume of the first liquid into the second chamber, the last-mentioned volume and a relatively small volume of the second liquid entering the second chamber displace from the second chamber through the aforementioned outlet an equivalent volume of the second liquid, so that a reproducible volume of the first liquid remains in the second chamber with a reproducible volume of the second liquid. In this manner, the volumes of such liquids are precisely proportioned with substantial independence with respect to flow rates. One of the liquids may be a sample and the other may be a diluent. Sample analysis may take place in the second chamber prior to evacuation of the chamber contents therethrough the second port.

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Carmel, NY, United States of America

Kent M Negersmith