Beckman Instruments, Inc.

William M Blough, Jr

Jack J Keegan

Robert T Bell

John G Eiskamp

An improved fluid mixing device comprising a mixing chamber having end walls and a cylindrical side wall. A first fluid conduit joins the mixing chamber at a first port formed in the first end. A second fluid conduit joins the mixing chamber at a second port formed in the side wall. A second fluid conduit is angled with respect to the mixing chamber to direct fluid flow from the conduit through the second port generally along the wall of the mixing chamber to create a rapid vortexing action. A third conduit joins the mixing chamber at a third port in the second end. A fourth conduit intersects the third conduit, the center lines of the third and fourth conduits offset at the area of intersection.

Fluid mixing device

An ion selective electrode flow cell includes a first fluid conduit and at least two ion sensing electrodes each having ion sensing surfaces disposed within the first fluid conduit. A second fluid conduit and an ion sensing electrode having an ion sensing tip is disposed within the second conduit. There is an electrically conducting bridge connecting the first and second fluid conduits. A conductive member is disposed within the first fluid conduit proximate the ion sensing surfaces of two ion sensing electrodes and the bridge. A third fluid conduit may intersect the first fluid conduit and can include grounding for grounding fluid flowing through the third fluid conduit. Capacitors between exit and entry ports of the first and second fluid conduits and ground reduce electrical noise within the flow cell.

Flow cell

A method of validating measurement of a kinetic chemical reaction comprises a first tier of validation to validate the ability of a measurement and detection system to provide accurate data, a second tier of validation to validate the initiation and control of the kinetic chemical reaction and a third tier of validation which verifies first that the expected kinetic chemical reaction has proceeded in a characteristic manner and direction, and second, that parameters of the chemical reaction are within limitations characteristic of the measurement and detection system of a measuring instrument investigating the reaction.

Validation of kinetic chemical reaction

A kinetic assay method and apparatus for performing such method wherein a first sample containing predetermined concentrations of binary analytes is reacted with the reagent to form a reaction product. Reaction rates at first and second times are measured for the first reaction and a first ratio between such measured reaction rates is determined. A second reaction with a second sample and the reagent is also performed wherein the second sample contains predetermined concentrations of the binary analytes. Reaction rates at the first and second times are measured for the second reaction and a second ratio between such rates is determined. A third reaction with a third sample and the reagent is performed, the sample including unknown relative concentrations of the first and second analytes. Reaction rates are again measured at the first and second times and a third ratio between such measured reaction rates is determined. By comparing the first and third ratios, an indication can be provided to show that the reaction is not influenced by an interfering analyte. The third ratio may be compared to a range of ratios defined by the first and second ratios to determine the relative contribution of at least one of the analytes to a reaction product formed during the third reaction. The relative contribution of a selected one of the analytes may be used to determine a concentration of such analyte corrected for the influence or bias of the other analyte in the reaction.

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Brea, CA, United States of America

William M Blough, Jr