Multifunction valve
US5750906A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 12, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N35/1097
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention features a sample probe and reagent selector valve that enables selection among multiple functions of withdrawing a biological sample from a syringe or capillary into a fluid parameter sensor module, providing calibration and quality control reagents to the sensor module, and flowing a washing fluid through intake passages to prevent cross-contamination and clogging. The valve and sensor module are used in conjunction with an automated analytical instrument, such as an automated blood analyzer, to increase the speed of the analysis, minimize cross contamination between samples, and to overcome the inherent dangers of using the conventional needle/syringe or capillary methods of withdrawing fluids to be tested. The design of the valve provides performance benefits in the form of lower sample and reagent waste volumes, elimination of auxiliary valves and manifolds, and superior performance and reduced cost.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.