Beckman Coulter, Inc.

Coulter International Corp.

Santos E Vargas

Pedro P Cabrera

William Weigong Li

Roberto Del Valle

Rongchang Xin

Imran T Siddiqui

Eric Malcolm Grace

Thomas E Domack

Thomas Wollitzer

Tomas Betancourt

William Li

A method for preparing a volume of blood for cellular analysis in a hematology instrument includes the step of gently mixing the blood sample with a reagent and/or diluent using a stream of air. Preferably, the air stream is directed at the liquid(s) to be mixed at a relatively steep angle, preferably less than about 10 degrees from the normal to the liquid surface. A mixing vessel adapted for use in a hematology instrument for carrying out the method of the invention comprises a cap that supports an air jet for directing the air stream at an angle in keeping with the method of the invention.

Method and apparatus for mixing blood samples for cell analysis

A method for preventing either the introduction of air into a liquid aspirated from a container through an aspiration line passing through a container cap, or the over-filling or non-filling of a container by a liquid dispensed through a dispensing line passing through a container cap. Such method comprises the steps of simultaneously detecting that (a) the container cap is properly positioned on and secured to a liquid container from which liquid is to be aspirated, or into which a liquid is to be dispensed, and (b) detecting that the level of liquid in the container is either above or below a predetermined level.

Fail-safe method and apparatus for aspirating and/or dispensing liquids in automated laboratory instruments

An apparatus for analyzing a population of particles is set forth. The apparatus includes an emitter adapted to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation, such as from a laser, and a particle chamber disposed in a path of the electromagnetic radiation beam. The apparatus also includes a sensor to detect electromagnetic radiation scattered by or otherwise received from the particle chamber. A sensor alignment unit supports the sensor along a detection axis and allows adjustment of the position of the sensor along orthogonal axes lying in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the detection axis. In one embodiment, the sensor alignment unit includes a first support platform and a first adjustment mechanism disposed to adjust the position of the first support platform along a first orthogonal axis. The sensor alignment unit also includes a second support platform that supports the sensor. The second support platform is connected to the first support platform in such a manner as to allow the second support platform to move along a second orthogonal axis. A second adjustment mechanism is provided to adjust the position of the second support platform with respect to the first support platform along the second orthogonal axis. In this manner, the position of the sensor can be adjusted to optimize detection of the desired particle characteristics.

Sensor alignment apparatus for an analysis system

A method and apparatus for aspirating a liquid (e.g., blood) from a container uses an electrically biased thermistor element, mounted proximate the tip of a liquid-aspirating probe, to determine that the probe is safely submerged within a body of liquid to be aspirated at all times during the aspiration process. Also disclosed are different aspiration probe assemblies that are useful in the method and apparatus of the invention.

Method and apparatus for aspirating liquid from a container

A method and apparatus for aspirating and dispensing precise volumes of liquid, e.g. whole blood, comprises an aspiration probe or needle having an internal volume precisely equal to a desired volume to be dispensed, and a computer-controlled shear valve for trapping aspirated liquid inside the probe for subsequent dispensing. A liquid sensor positioned downstream of the shear valve cooperates with a liquid level sensor on the probe tip to assure that the probe lumen is filled with the aspirated liquid.

Method and apparatus for aspirating and dispensing liquids

A self-adjusting pick-up tube assembly for aspirating liquid from containers of varying heights. Such assembly comprises (a) a platform member adapted to be positioned in contact with the bottom of a container when the pick-up tube is being used to aspirate liquid from such container; (b) a disk-shaped member adapted to be retained in a position proximate the container's liquid filling aperture when the pick-up tube is in use; (c) a flexible conduit interconnecting respective liquid passageways in the platform and disk-shaped members, and (d) a telescopic mount for enabling relative movement between the platform and disk-shaped members to accommodate containers of different height.

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Miami Lakes, FL, United States of America

Santos E Vargas