Method and apparatus for flow cytometry
US6589792B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2015/1443
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flow cytometer (20) capable of utilizing an imaging system including a sensor (88) to determine various properties of the flow cytometer (20). Importantly, the imaging allows for determination of a drop delay time (154). Other characteristics that can be determined include at least the width of the stream, pressure of the stream, effect of charged droplets on other droplets (44), trajectory of the stream, resonant frequency, wavelengths, change in position of droplet break-off point (150), and others. An automatic warning system (180) can be used to alert an operator of an anomaly during setup or during normal operation. Furthermore, a mechanical interrupter can be used to shield a sort result from contamination by an incorrectly functioning stream. The cytometer (20) also allows for the disablement of the sort, particularly the charging and deflection systems. In addition, a more accurate system for detecting the speed of the stream can be used. The imaging system including a sensor (88) can allow for the removal of background noise and the monitoring of a change in a stream characteristic.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.