High throughput method and apparatus for introducing biological samples into analytical instruments
US6827287B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N1/14
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Provided is a system for delivering a liquid sample to an inlet of an analytical instrument. Included is an acoustic ejector driven by a drive system that generates drive signals provided to the ejector. The drive signals are generated with a pulse width sufficient to eject at least a portion of the liquid sample. A reservoir provided for holding the liquid sample is in operational arrangement with the acoustic ejector. A liquid sample voltage source is located within the reservoir, and the liquid sample voltage source is designed to provide a charge to the liquid sample. An analytical instrument voltage source is in operational arrangement with the analytical instrument and is designed to provide a voltage bias between the reservoir and the analytical instrument.In another aspect of the invention, provided is a method for delivering a liquid sample to an inlet of an analytical instrument. The method includes generating an acoustic drive signal, with a pulse width sufficient to eject at least a portion of the liquid sample below a short pulse limit. The drive signal is delivered to an acoustic ejector whereby the acoustic ejector generates an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave is dir…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.