Inverness Medical Switzerland Gmbh

Akubio Limited

Alere Switzerland Gmbh

Mark John Frogley

Daniel Peterson Godfrey

Christopher Durham Whalen

A docking mechanism provided for analytical apparatus, such as an acoustic bio-sensor apparatus. The mechanism is operable releasably to receive a cartridge () for use in analysing a sample comprising a fluid and having a flow cell () for the sample and an electrically operated sensor () for performing the analysis. The docking mechanism has a clamping mechanism () for urging a fluid connector such as ferules () against the cartridge to provide a fluid connection between the flow cell inlet and a sample delivery device. The docking mechanism also has an electrical connector () for engaging the sensor to connect the latter to electrical circuitry for operating the sensor, the electrical connector being moveable towards and away from the sensor relative to the clamping mechanism, so that, in use, the electrical connector exerts on the sensor a force which is sufficient to maintain the necessary electrical connection, while not being so great as to have a substantial detrimental effect on the accuracy of the sensor. There is also shown analytical apparatus which includes such a docking mechanism.

Docking mechanism for a sensor cartridge

A cartridge for apparatus for analysing a sample comprising a fluid as a flow cell for receiving the sample. The cell is formed from a substantially rigid support surface (), a sensor comprising an electrical mechanical transducer (), for example a wafer of quartz crystal and adhesive means, such as double sided adhesive tape () attaching the sensor to the support surface. The support surface and sensor are spaced from each other by a membrane, which may form part of the double sides adhesive tape so as to define the flow cell between the support surface and the sensor. The flow cell also has an opening (for example,) through which, in use, the sample passes. The sensor, forming part of the flow cell, comes into contact with the sample to enable the sample to be analysed.

Growing community of inventors

Huntington, United Kingdom

Mark John Frogley