Modular automated chromatography system

US10082489B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Robert Iovanni · Vallejo, US
• Alec Gordon · San Francisco, US
• Bob Avarbock · Benicia, US
• Wayne Bland · Martinez, US
• Glenn Price · Martinez, US
• Ken Baker · Martinez, US
• Farah Mavandadi · San Mateo, US
• Christof Schultz · Orinda, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 2016
• Grant date: Sep 25, 2018
• Expiry date: Oct 30, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2035/00326
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Valves, pumps, detectors, sample loops, fraction collectors and the like are individually incorporated into modules that are mountable in interchangeable manner at individual mounting sites on a base unit which also supports one or more chromatography columns. Each module includes fluid connections to other modules and a microcontroller joining the module to a computed and monitor through an electronic connector at each mounting site. The fluid connections between the modules and the column(s) are removed from the electronic connections and accessible to the user. A software platform recognizes the modules and their locations, coordinates fluid connections between the modules, and provides a variety of control, monitoring, data generating and data processing functions to generate chromatographic data.