BUCKET APPARATUS

专利摘要:
cuvette apparatus. an embodiment provides a cuvette apparatus (100) including: a lid and a body, the body including a fluid channel (101) disposed therein and an optical channel; and the cap including at least one opening aligned with a portion of the fluid channel, thus the access providing access to the fluid channel in the body.
公开号:BR112014031194B1
申请号:R112014031194-3
申请日:2013-06-12
公开日:2021-04-13
发明作者:Duncan Jim；Farjam Aria；Harbridge Jim；Harmon Brian；Lundgreen Ulrich；Macfarlan Darren；Moore Leon；Palumbo Perry；Louis Pherigo William；Stoughton Robert；Waaler Luke
申请人:Hach Company；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the following Interim US patent applications: Serial number 61 / 658,753, filed on June 12, 2012, entitled "WATER ANALYSIS DEVICES"; serial number 61 / 710,259, filed on October 5, 2012, entitled "DISPOSABLE TEST CUVETTES"; Serial number 61 / 710,294, filed on October 5, 2012, entitled "CUVETTE AND SAMPLE CUP"; Serial number 61 / 710,282, filed on October 5, 2012, entitled "READER AND ENCODED CUVETTE"; and Serial number 61 / 723,174, filed on November 16, 2012, entitled "DETERMINATION OF SAMPLE FLUID LOCATION WITHIN TEST CUVETTES"; and US Patent Application Serial Number 13 / 844,153, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety here. BACKGROUND
[0002] Accurate chemical analysis of fluids is important for many industries. For example, high alkalinity in drinking water can result in an unpleasant taste. Alkalinity is a necessary regulatory parameter for many regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The EPA listed pH as a secondary regulation of drinking water, limiting the pH to 6.5-8.5. Alkalinity concentration is also a parameter monitored in the regulation of industrial water discharge. BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] Water analysis is usually done using chemical reactions. In order to facilitate chemical analysis in the field, smaller portable mobile analysis units have been developed. In this regard, cuvette or chip components (the terms are used interchangeably here) are used, where the reagents are stored in a fluid channel in the cuvette such that a fluid sample, such as water, can react with various chemical reagents for analysis by an associated instrument.
[0004] In summary, an embodiment provides a cuvette apparatus comprising: a lid and a body, said body comprising a fluid channel disposed therein; and said cap comprising at least one opening aligned with a portion of the fluid channel, thus providing access to the fluid channel in the body.
[0005] The precedent is a summary and, therefore, may contain simplifications, generalizations and omissions of details; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way.
[0006] For a better understanding of the embodiments, together with other aspects and characteristics and advantages of the same, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the attached drawings. The scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Figure 1 illustrates a top-down view of an example cuvette with the cover removed.
[0008] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of an example bucket body and lid.
[0009] Figure 3 (A-E) illustrates enlarged views of example cracks in bucket components.
[0010] Figure 4A is a computer generated side view of a bucket body.
[0011] Figure 4B is a computer generated exploded view of an example body and cuvette lid.
[0012] Figure 5 (A-B) illustrates an example instrument in front (5 A) and top (5B) views.
[0013] Figure 6 illustrates an example cuvette having a coded area.
[0014] Figure 7 A illustrates a sample cell and reader.
[0015] Figure 7B-C is an approach view of the reader.
[0016] Figure 8 illustrates an example cuvette having a coded area.
[0017] Figure 9 illustrates an example analysis method of a fluid sample using a mobile water analysis instrument.
[0018] Figure 10 illustrates an example coded area of a cuvette.
[0019] Figure 11 illustrates an example mobile water analysis instrument with installed cuvettes and sample cup.
[0020] Figure 12 illustrates example cuvettes having coded areas and orientation indicators.
[0021] Figure 13 illustrates example cuvettes having coded areas and orientation indicators.
[0022] Figure 14 illustrates an example cuvette having an audible or tactile feedback feature.
[0023] Figure 15 (A-B) illustrates an example of an instrument slit.
[0024] Figure 16 (A-D) illustrates an example sample cup.
[0025] Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of an example cuvette inserted in an example instrument.
[0026] Figure 18 illustrates an example method of determining the location of a fluid sample in a cuvette.
[0027] Figure 18B illustrates an example of chip position measurement data with a 23 mm capsule.
[0028] Figure 19 illustrates a cuvette assembly, in diametric view with a circular optical chamber in which the light propagates in the thickness of the micro-fluid cuvette.
[0029] Figure 20 illustrates a cuvette assembly, in a diametric view in which the light spreads over the width of the micro-fluid cuvette.
[0030] Figure 21 illustrates a cuvette in top view of the substrate of an optical chamber with sharp corners.
[0031] Figure 22 illustrates in a diametric view a set of cuvette.
[0032] Figure 23 illustrates, in a cross section, a diametric view of Figure 22 with a light path resulting from TIR crossing the optical chamber twice.
[0033] Figure 24 illustrates in a cross-sectional view of Figure 22 with a ray trace resulting from TIR crossing the optical chamber twice.
[0034] Figure 25 illustrates in a cross-sectional view of Figure 26 with a trace of ray resulting from TIR crossing the optical chamber more than twice.
[0035] Figure 26 illustrates in a cross-sectional view of Figure 28 with a ray trace resulting from TIR crossing the optical chamber twice.
[0036] Figure 27 illustrates a trace of ray resulting from IRR and retraction through the optical chamber more than twice and including a means for converging light into the optical chamber.
[0037] Figure 28 illustrates in a cross-sectional view showing a trace of ray resulting from TIR and retraction through the optical chamber more than twice and including a means to confine light within the optical chamber, including auxiliary TIR optical surfaces.
[0038] Figure 29 illustrates a view of an optical feature of a lid of a cuvette. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] It will be easily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures described herein, can be arranged and designed from a wide variety of different configurations, in addition to the described examples of the embodiments. Thus, the following more detailed description of example embodiments, as depicted in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments, as claimed, but is merely representative of example embodiments.
[0040] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "embodiment" (or similar) means that a particular aspect, structure, or feature described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "one embodiment" or the like in various locations throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0041] In addition, the aspects, structures, or features described can be combined in any appropriate way into one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to enable an in-depth understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not presented or described in detail. The following description is for example only, and simply illustrates certain example embodiments. WATER ANALYSIS DEVICES
[0042] Embodiments are directed to chip-based chemicals and associated methods. It may be advantageous to carry out chemical analyzes in the field, for example, optical-based tests or colorimetry to determine the chlorine content of the water. Outside a laboratory setting, a portable or similar mobile instrument giving an accurate and precise chemical analysis is desirable, as one can be used for proper monitoring in connection with water treatment processes.
[0043] In the non-limiting example of measuring chlorine content in water, the chlorine content of the water sample can be determined by reaction with an indicator, such as a coloring component, because the reaction produces a colored product in a known proportion which, in turn, can be measured using a color sensitive sensor array, for example, indicating a degree of light absorption of the colored product in relation to a baseline, reference solution. Total chlorine and various species of chlorine (for example, chloramines) can be measured in this way, as described, for example, in greater detail.
[0044] In the laboratory, such measurements are relatively simple to perform. However, in the field maintaining the necessary reagents, a lack of appropriate working space, and unfavorable working conditions often create great difficulty in making such measurements. In addition, concerns regarding the accuracy, precision, and even stability (shelf life) of mobile laboratory products (suitable for use in the field) make the practical implementation of measurements in the field a complicated routine.
[0045] Thus, referring to Figure 1, embodiments provide provisions and associated methods for chemical analyzes based on the field, such as measuring the chlorine content in water. Several components provide or use a chip-based layout for analysis. In these arrangements, a chip or cuvette component 100 contains a fluid channel 101 which may include chemicals needed in or adjacent to fluid channel 101. The fluid (for example, test water) is moved along fluid channel 101 from an inlet 102 and is mixed with chemicals as it is withdrawn through the fluid channel 101 in one or both directions. Embodiments provide a manual instrument that moves the fluid in the fluid channel 101 in a programmed manner, allowing for the timed mixing and sequential addition of chemicals, along with optical measurements on an optical channel 103.
[0046] A 525 instrument (refer to Figure 5 (AB)) takes a fluid sample, for example, of about 30 μl, in the fluid channel 101. The 525 instrument moves the fluid sample through pneumatic pressure in one or both directions within the fluid channel 101. The movement of the fluid contacts the fluid with the chemical reagents 106, 107, 108, 109 contained in the fluid channel 101. This allows the addition of reagents to the fluid precisely and synchronized to achieve various objectives relevant to chemical analysis. One embodiment provides, first, to obtain a sample measurement of treated fluid (i.e., colored fluid) in an optical channel 103 using optical device 104 and a detector 105, followed by extinction of the treated fluid sample (for example, example, color bleaching) and then obtaining a reference measurement or blank sample in the optical chamber 103.
[0047] One embodiment provides, in the vicinity of sample entry 102 for fluid channel 101, an indicator 106 and a plug 107. Indicator 106 may be a color-generating material, such as N, N-diethyl-p - phenylenediamine (DPD, forming Wurster's dye, in the presence of chlorine). Indicator 106 and buffer 107 can be maintained separately, such as in adjacent areas near sample inlet 102 of fluid channel 101. The fluid sample thus contacts and mixes with indicator 106 and buffer 107 in sequence fast. Mixing can be facilitated through controlled shuttle movement of the fluid sample within fluid channel 101, and can occur in an area of fluid channel 101 having one or more mixing elements (e.g., ridges, baffles, etc.) . After adding and mixing buffer 107 and indicator 106, for example, after about 30 seconds, the fluid sample is removed into an optical chamber 103 for measurement.
[0048] Once an optical measurement is obtained, the fluid sample can be advanced further along the fluid channel 101, in addition to the optical chamber 103, and contacted with additional chemicals. For example, the fluid sample can be contacted with a monochloramine activating agent 108 (for example, potassium iodide, potassium bromide or other similar chemicals), with additional mixing above the optical chamber 103, and then by example, after about 180 seconds, re-inserted into the optical chamber 103 for further optical measurement of a color sample.
[0049] In order to obtain a blank reference or measurement of the fluid sample, after having obtained one or more measurements of the colored fluid sample, an embodiment can again take the fluid sample out of the optical chamber 103 and still bringing fluid channel 101 into contact with another chemical reagent 109. Chemical reagent 109 is an erasing or extinguishing agent to oxidize the colored product from previous reactions. In the example of measuring chlorine using DPD (and thus forming Wurster's dye), for example, chemical reagent 109 may include ascorbic acid, which oxidizes the indicator, for example, Wurster's dye, so that the fluid sample can be again reintroduced, after appropriate mixing, as appropriate, into chamber 103 for a blank or reference measurement. In one example, the extinguishing agent is allowed to oxidize the fluid sample for approximately one (1) hour before obtaining the reference or blank measurement.
[0050] Thus, an example embodiment provides for the withdrawal of a fluid sample through a fluid channel 101 which contacts the fluid sample with appropriate reagents, for example, a dye 106 and a buffer 107, provides arrangements of mixture to mix the fluid sample, dye 106 and buffer 107, allows optical measurement in an optical chamber 103, allows neutralization of the dyed or colored fluid sample by mixing with an erasing or extinguishing agent 109, and allows the measurement of the extinguished or extinguished fluid sample through the optical chamber 103. Consequently, after the dyed fluid sample is extinguished, it can be reintroduced into the optical chamber 103 for reference measurement by a reverse flow action.
[0051] An embodiment allows the measurement of free chlorine by withdrawing a measured amount of sample water in the fluid channel of the cuvette 101 through the inlet 102 and being placed inside a sample of water to be tested. The water is then withdrawn still inside the fluid channel by means of a pneumatic pump of a 525 instrument (refer to Figure 5 (A-B)) to contact the fluid sample with a pre-measured dye 106, such as DPD. The fluid sample and dye mixture 106 is then further extracted through fluid channel 101 to contact the fluid sample mixture containing dye 106 with a predetermined amount of buffer 107. The fluid sample forms a colored product which is then still extracted in an optical chamber 103, with an appropriate mixture, to measure the color content (correlated with the concentration of free chlorine).
[0052] The fluid sample can then be further extracted in the fluid channel 101 and in addition to the optical chamber 103 in contact with additional chemicals or reagents. In one example, free chlorine can be measured by contacting the fluid sample with a monochloramine activating agent 108. The fluid sample can then be reintroduced into the optical chamber 103 for measurement of total chlorine. The fluid sample can then be extinguished by extracting the fluid sample still above the fluid channel 101 and in contact with an extinguishing agent 109, for example, ascorbic acid. The extinguished or extinguished fluid sample can then be reintroduced into the optical chamber 103 by reverse fluid movement, in order to obtain a blank or reference measurement.
[0053] As described herein, embodiments may provide more or less reagents and additional or less flow operations in order to facilitate different chemical analyzes of a fluid sample.
[0054] One embodiment can be implemented with a fluid channel 101 that has a substantially shaped geometry to facilitate proper mixing with the various chemicals included in the fluid channel 101, as appropriate for a given chemical analysis. The fluid channel 101 provides adequate retention of the fluid sample in various orientations of the cuvette 100, which allows precise control of the location and movement of the fluid sample in the fluid channel 101. This includes maintaining the integrity of the fluid sample within fluid channel 101.
[0055] One embodiment may include a curved fluid channel 101, as, for example, illustrated in Figure 1, in which the aliquot of the fluid sample (i.e., quantity, length) is drawn into the cuvette 100 through the inlet 102 is precisely measured and controlled to be greater than the length of any straight portion of the fluid channel 101. This facilitates the stability of the fluid sample position in the fluid channel 101, even if the cuvette 100 is oriented at angles (for example, vertical, horizontal, etc.) during use. Some examples of geometry are illustrated in Figure 1.
[0056] One embodiment also includes a curved fluid channel 101 to maintain the integrity of the fluid sample without breaking the fluid sample into separate parts. In this regard, curves can be included within fluid channel 101 to ensure the integrity of the fluid sample within fluid channel 101. One embodiment generally provides a curved fluid channel 101 so that the fluid sample is longer than any straight portion of the fluid channel 101. In one embodiment, approximately 30 μl of fluid sample is drawn into the inlet 102 and introduced into the fluid channel 101. The curved fluid channel 101 helps to maintain the integrity of the fluid sample as it passes through the fluid channel 101, through and including the passage of the optical chamber 103, in one or both directions.
[0057] One embodiment may include a fluid channel 101 having at least one curve or change of direction 111 to ensure that the fluid sample maintains its integrity in the event that the chip undergoes a rapid movement or a change of direction . For example, a change of direction 111 may be included at the bottom of the cuvette 100 (for example, between the positions of the dye 106 and the buffer 107 and the optical chamber 103) in order to allow the fluid sample to maintain its integrity in the circumstance that the bucket 100 is moved or undergoes a change of orientation. For example, if the cuvette 100 was placed in a relatively vertical position to obtain the fluid sample, still reoriented in a horizontal position during fluid sample movement, mixing or measurement, the inclusion of a change of direction 111, as illustrated in Figure 1, helps to ensure the fluid sample retains its integrity and does not break into two or more parts.
[0058] One embodiment may include mixing elements along the fluid channel 101 at appropriate intervals to facilitate mixing (turbulent or non-turbulent) of the fluid sample with the chemicals or reagents disposed within the fluid channel 101. For example, an embodiment may include a mixing element formed by a restriction in the fluid channel 101 (for example, formed by reducing the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 101 by about 20 percent). An embodiment may include a plurality of mixing elements, as appropriate, given the nature of the fluid sample and the chemical (s) disposed (s) within the fluid channel 101. In one form of embodiment, mixing can be carried out by a back and forth motion of the fluid sample with respect to the mixing elements. An example geometry of the fluid channel 101 is illustrated in Figure 1.
[0059] In one embodiment, fluid sample extracted into fluid channel 101 via inlet 102 is larger than optical chamber 103, so the fluid sample fills optical chamber 103. This helps to ensure that the sample fluid can be successfully extracted into and beyond the optical chamber 103 during various movement routines.
[0060] One embodiment may include one or more specially shaped edges within the fluid channel 101, instead of sharp edges, at appropriate locations in the fluid channel 101 of the bucket 101. The specially shaped edges help to ensure proper movement of the fluid sample in the fluid channel 101. An example of such specially shaped edges 110 is illustrated in Figure 1. The fluid channel 101 can include a specially shaped or curved edge 110, for example, an edge including a variable radius, in the inlet and / or outlet of the optical chamber 103. This facilitates the gradual movement of the fluid sample along the fluid channel 101 in this region. By including such an edge 110, the fluid sample completely fills the corners in the fluid channel 101 gradually from the entrance of the optical chamber 103. This reduces or eliminates the possibility of air accumulation or retention in the fluid sample in this area. An example geometry of the fluid channel 101 having such an edge 110 is given in Figure 1.
[0061] In one embodiment, one or more curved edges are not implemented directly in the optical measurement area, that is, the area where the light passes through the optical chamber 103, in order to ensure an appropriate angle of entry of the light in the fluid sample. Therefore, an edge 110 leading to (and before) the optical chamber 103 is provided in the fluid channel 101, but this edge 110 does not impact the entry of light into the optical chamber 103. As an example, in one embodiment, an or more curved edges such as edge 110 can be provided at the front and / or rear entrance and / or exit of the optical chamber 103. This helps to ensure the gradual entry of fluid sample into the optical chamber 103 without impacting the angle of entry of light in the fluid sample.
[0062] The ch / p / bucket 100 can be obtained from relatively standardized injection-molded thermoplastic materials, such as polystyrene and polyethylene. The chemical properties of the thermoplastic must be compatible with the underlying chemistry, or interference may occur. Applicants have found that high grade materials are more appropriate and tend to exhibit less interfering effects. Preferred materials for the cuvette base include transparent PS and, for the lid, opaque PS.
[0063] A bucket 100 can be modular. Referring to Figure 2, a cuvette 200 may include a body 213 and a cap 212. During assembly of the cuvette 200, because a cuvette 200 is not normally sealed until after the reagents are disposed (for example, reagents 106, 107, 108 and 109 of Figure 1) within the fluid channel 201, it is difficult to verify the integrity of the seal of the fluid channel 201, that is, after assembly. If a cuvette 200 is not tested for leaks, there is a risk that a cuvette 200 may fail in the field. Any attempt to test for leaks after sealing, in turn, risks dislodging the reagents within the fluid channel 201 and thus compromising performance.
[0064] Furthermore, since the cell body 213 can be fully opened during the deposition of reagent, drying, and during transport to and including where the cap of the cell 212 is affixed to the body 213, there is a risk of splashing of reagents or be deposited in undesired locations inside or on the cell 200. In addition, the reagents can be combined with each other in an undesirable manner. It should be noted that some of the reagents interact catalytically, such that minute amounts in the wrong places are sufficient to compromise performance. Drying can involve rapid changes in gas pressure or speed that can dislodge reagents, as well as vibrations or shocks / impacts during transport.
[0065] Furthermore, if sonic welding is used to affix cap 212 to the body of cuvette 213, there is a serious risk of dislodging / damaging / dispersing reagents during the sonic welding process. Sonic soda generally uses vibration frequencies of 20 kHz or more, which can easily break down any crystalline structure in which the reagents dry out. In addition, shipping and then assembly of the cuvette 200 causes the risk of damage to the windows (one being indicated at 214 in Figure 2) placed over the optical chamber 103.
[0066] In one embodiment, a cuvette cap 212 is constructed with a narrow slot (s) corresponding to the location (s) where the reagents are to be distributed into the fluid channel 201. The cap 212, therefore, can be affixed to body 213 before dispensing the reagents into the fluid channel.
[0067] Figure 3 (A-D) illustrates enlarged views of the underside of a cap 312 having slits of various types, as described herein. In an embodiment where a cap 312 is affixed to a body 213 of a cuvette 200 using ultrasonic solder, a grooved energy driver is molded either on the cap 312 or on the body of the cuvette 213 (for example, as in Figure 2 in 271 ) on a continuous path surrounding the fluid channel 201 in the body of the cuvette 213 at any location except the fluid inlet 102. If ultrasonic welding is used, reagents disposed within the fluid channel 201 can be dislodged by the energy used for the ultrasonic welding. Alternatively, grooved energy director 313 can be located adjacent to fluid channel 101 in bucket body 213, as shown in Figure 2.
[0068] Consequently, one embodiment provides slits 315-318 in a cap 312 so that cap 312 can be welded to body 213 before dispensing the reagent to fluid channel 201. Thus, the solder and sealing of the cap 312 to body 213 occurs before the reagents are dispensed in the fluid channel 210.
[0069] In Figure 3A, a cap may include slits having sharp edges 315. The sharp edges 315 are essentially perpendicular to the flow of fluid within the fluid channel 201. In the event that the sharp edges 315 disturb the flow of fluid within the fluid channel 201 in an undesirable manner, other edges can be employed.
[0070] For example, Figure 3B illustrates an example of a slit employing a hollowed edge 316. The hollowed edge provides an angular transition for the fluid inlet of the fluid channel 201 into the slit of the cap 312. Thus, as the fluid enters the hollowed edge 316 of the slot, the angular transition is smoother. This smooth transition (compared to the sharp edge 315) facilitates the entry of fluid into the slit in the lid. This may be desirable, as the slot in the bottom side of the cap 312 will remain after the seal of the cuvette 200. The cap of the cuvette 312 will have its top side 219 (refer to Figure 2) covered with a cap seal. Thus, the cuvette 200 will be sealed after the cap 312 has been affixed to the body of the cuvette 213, for example, by ultrasonic welding of the grooved energy driver 313.
[0071] Thus, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant technique that if the slits in a lid 312 are formed as simple cuts in a lid in such a way that the slits have sharp edges 315, the sharp edges 315 on the edges of the slits can facilitate the formation of air bubbles in the fluid sample, which is undesirable. This can compromise the ability to perform optical readings in the optical chamber 103. To counteract this, in some embodiments the complete slot may include angular edges, or only a capsule (e.g., front and rear edges) can be formed. Various angular edges can be used, such as the hollowed edges 316 shown in Figure 3B, rounded edges 317 shown in Figure 3C, or beveled edges 318 shown in Figure 3D. In addition, an appropriate combination of the above can be used, as illustrated in Figure 3C.
[0072] Figure 3E is an alternative way of carrying out the cover in which the grooved energy director has been removed for the body.
[0073] It is illustrated in Figure 4A a cuvette body 413 having separately molded optical windows 419, 420 delimiting the optical chamber 403. Thus, the cuvette body 413 is formed by means of a first process (for example, injection molding) followed by incorporation of optical windows 419 and 420 via a second process (for example, second injection molding). This may be necessary where the body of the cell 413 is formed of opaque material such that a different material (for example, transparent or translucent material) is used to form the optical windows 419, 420 in order to allow light from the device optical 104, pass through the optical camera 403.
[0074] As illustrated in Figure 4B, the additional process for forming optical windows 419 and 420 can be avoided using a single process in which the body of the bucket 413 is molded from material suitable for the optical windows (for example, transparent material or translucent). Therefore, instead of separately incorporating the formed optical windows 419, 420, as illustrated in Figure 4A, in an alternative embodiment, the body of the bucket 413 is molded from a material that allows light from optical devices 104 go through the same. Thus, areas of the optical windows (one being illustrated in Figure 4B to 420) can be formed within the material of the bucket body 413, eliminating the need for additional processing step (s), (for example, molding by additional injection). The areas of the optical windows, for example, area 420, may be located in a location similar to that of the windows 419, 420 of Figure 4B.
[0075] The optical windows 419, 420 or the optical window area 412 can be formed in the body of the bucket 413 as highly polished and curved structures. This creates optical lenses arranged with the optical camera 403. In an embodiment of Figure 4B, cover 412 can be constructed separately from opaque material and include openings 422, 423. Opening 423 allows the fluid sample to enter 402 the fluid channel 401 and opening 422 allows light to pass through the opaque cover material of the cap 412 for optical analysis to be conducted through the optical chamber 403.
[0076] Because the body of the 413 cuvette can be molded entirely of light transmitting or translucent material, it can be beneficial to substantially wrap the entire body with an opaque material, for example, by providing a lid 412 or other cover of opaque material, in order to prevent or reduce ambient light or light overflowing from the optical device 104 from the entrance of the bucket 400. In the example of Figure 4B, the cover 412 prevents the entry of light through the clear, transparent or translucent body, 413, except where the cover 412 contains openings 422, 423. Additional cover material can be provided. Several examples of embodiments are disclosed in APPENDIX A. CODED READER AND BUCKETS
[0077] Referring to Figure 5 (A-B), embodiments provide a 525 manual instrument for field-based chemical analyzes, such as chlorine content in the measuring water. In a laboratory system on a chip, the cuvette 500 is inserted into a slot in the instrument 525. Once inserted, the cuvette 500 is immersed in the fluid sample (refer to Figure 11) and the fluid sample is placed inside the 500 cuvette for reaction with one or more reagents arranged in it for analysis. The cuvette 500 contains a fluid channel 101 (refer to Figure 1), internal to it which may include chemicals needed in or along the fluid channel for fluid sample analysis. Consequently, the cuvette 500 and the fluid channel 101 of the same provide mixing and transport of the appropriate chemicals for the analysis of a fluid sample as it is extracted through the fluid channel, in one or both directions, by the instrument. 525.
[0078] In one embodiment, instrument 525 comprises communication openings 528, as illustrated in Figure 5B. Communication openings 528 can be used, for example, to plug additional component (s) 529 for use with the 525 instrument. For example, the 525 instrument can be used in combination with a pH probe or a temperature probe. dissolved oxygen as an additional component 529 through a connection to a communication opening 528 of the instrument 525. Consequently, the instrument 525 can provide both on-chip fluid sample analyzes via cuvettes 500 and / or other analysis analyzes, for example, through the use of additional component (s) 528, for example, measurement of pH or dissolved oxygen. The instrument 525 may therefore include additional functionality, such as, for example, provided with an electrochemical probe of pH and / or dissolved oxygen. An example of such functionality for measuring pH and / or dissolved oxygen is included in the Hach HQ40d portable multi-parameter meter for pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, ORP, and ISE, available from Hach Company of Loveland, Colorado. The instrument 525, therefore, can incorporate communication openings 528 and support measurement functionality using inputs from several additional probes of components 539. Examples of probes or additional components 529 that can be connected to the instrument 529 include, but are not limited to, pH electrode filled with IntelliCAL PHC101 gel, irregular IntelliCAL LDO101 luminescent dissolved oxygen (LDO) probe, and / or IntelliCAL PHC301 standard refillable pH electrode, available from Hach Company of Loveland, Colorado. In addition, the instrument 525 may include a power opening (for charging a battery from the instrument 525) as one of the openings 528, which may be a dedicated power port or a power / data opening in combination.
[0079] The slit of the instrument 525, in which a cuvette 500 is inserted, can include a tray that houses the cuvette 500 in a detachable manner. The tray can be equipped with a temperature control element for a cell 500. For example, a tray can include a heating element arranged therein to facilitate the heating of a cell 500 inserted in a slot of the instrument 525. The element, as a heating element, it can be powered using battery power provided by the 525 instrument. A heating element can be used in a tray, for example, to increase the global temperature of the 500 bucket, as required by outdoor and / or environmental conditions , for example, to provide appropriate temperature regulation for a chemical reaction in cuvette 500 during fluid sample analysis.
[0080] Various analyzes can be conducted using cuvettes 500, depending, for example, on what type of cuvette 500 (chemical reagents placed along the fluid channel of the same) and / or routine analysis that are chosen (for example, how the fluid sample is moved through the fluid channel by the 525 instrument, the time and order of optical measurements taken by the 525 instrument, etc.). Consequently, as different cuvettes 500 can be used with instrument 525 for various analyzes, an embodiment provides an encoded cuvette for reading by a reader component, for example, provided by (within) instrument 525.
[0081] With reference to Figures 6 and 7 (AB), an encoded cuvette 600 may contain an encoded area 624 that is encoded with information that is readable or otherwise interpretable by another component of the system, such as a reader 730. The area coded 624 can carry information including, but not limited to, information to identify the type of cuvette 600 with respect to its chemical composition or carry information on which fluid sample movement routine should be performed by instrument 525 in connection with cuvette 600 .
[0082] For example, with reference to Figure 7A, a cuvette 700 may have a pattern printed on it in the coded area 724 in order to communicate to a reader 730 information relevant to the cuvette 700. In addition to a printed pattern (for example , an optical reading standard), the encoded area 724 may use other techniques, such as, for example, magnetically encoded information tag / reader combinations or radio frequency identification (RFID). Information coding arrangements and / or example standards are further described and illustrated here.
[0083] In an example embodiment, multiple slots of the instrument 525 can be provided for inserting cuvettes 500. Each of the slots of the instrument 525 can also include a reader 730 that reads the coded area 724 of the cuvette 700. For example , a reader 730 can be arranged inside the slot of the instrument 525 so that, when the bucket 700 is inserted into the slot of the instrument 525, the coded area 724 is located in the direction of the reader 730 and thus legible.
[0084] Different cuvettes 700 can be used in the different slots of the 525 instrument simultaneously and can be distinguished by the reader 730 due to the inclusion of the coded area 724 in the cuvettes 700 inserted in the 525 instrument. Thus, multiple samples and various types of measurement and / or routines can be performed by instrument 525 in parallel or substantially in parallel. An embodiment therefore allows for several chemical analyzes of a similar (or dissimilar) type to be carried out in parallel. Because of the coded area information 724, instrument 525 of the analysis system can check which cuvettes 700 have been inserted into the slots of instrument 525, and can perform the appropriate analysis routines. The reader 730 thus communicates the information read from the coded area 724 to the instrument 525.
[0085] In one embodiment, each slot of the multiple slots can be configured to read the type of bucket 700 inserted and perform an appropriate routine. For example, a type 700 cuvette 700 can be inserted into the instrument 525, which has a reader 730 disposed within the slot of the instrument 525 and positioned to read the coded area 724, and configure a sub-component (memory, processor, memory units) pump and the like) to perform a first routine. Another type B bucket 700 can be inserted into instrument 525 and also be read, firing a sub-component to perform a second routine. Thus, cuvettes 700 of type A and type B can be inserted to perform different chemical analyzes on a sample in parallel and / or simultaneously (free chlorine, total chlorine, mono-chloramine, alkalinity, magnesium, etc.). In one embodiment, four different slots are provided on instrument 525.
[0086] The cuvettes 700 of different types can be read as they are inserted, for example, through the provision of a reader 730 in the vicinity of the slot of the instrument 525 that contains an optical reader functionality (type of barcode) . Such a reader 730 can read a printed pattern over the coded area of the cell 724 as it is slid into a given slot in the instrument 525.
[0087] Reader 730 provides a low cost way to read encoded data within the coded area 724 of cell 700. In one embodiment, reader 730 reads data in the form of rectangles printed on a very low cost label applied to a cuvette 700. The coded area 724, and rectangles printed on it, thus move beyond the reader 730 as the cuvette 700 is inserted into the slot of the instrument 525 as the surface of the cuvette 700 having the coded area 724 is passed under the surface of the 730 reader. The physical volume available to accomplish this can be very limited in mobile or handheld instruments 525, preventing previous reader designs. The reader 730 is configured to operate safely even when the label speed of the coded area 724 changes irregularly.
[0088] Consequently, while many other optical scanners, such as barcode scanners, require a relatively large distance in order to function correctly, in the order of inches, in the normal direction to the plane of the label being read, an embodiment provides a reader 730 which is capable of reading a tag from the coded area 724 which is much closer, in the order of millimeters.
[0089] Other conventional optical readers only read a single track at a time, containing both clock information and data. To facilitate the recovery of the clock, this implies that scanning is done at a relatively consistent speed. In contrast, an embodiment can read several tracks at a time and accommodate speed variations when reading a tag from the coded area 724, as is often the case with inserting the bucket 700 into the slot of the instrument 525.
[0090] With reference to Figure 7 (A-B), an embodiment provides a reader 730 having a light source. The light source illuminates the coded area 724 and reads the reflected information. In a specific non-limiting example embodiment, with reference to Figure 7B, infrared (IR) light is emitted from an array 731 having five light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and focused on an optical element comprising five lenses, one of which is indicated at 732. This illuminates a region of the tag of the coded area 724 to be read. The light reflecting from a smaller detection region of the tag of the coded area 724, of, for example, approximately 1.77 cm, is focused by a similar optical element, comprising five lenses, one of which is indicated in 733, on five transistors IR light detectors (photodetectors) of the 730 reader.
[0091] For example, more light can be reflected from the areas of the coded area tag 724 representing the logics of the areas of the coded tag 724 representing logical zeros. The transistors of the detectors allow an electric current to pass through, which is proportional to the amount of light detected (falling on it). As the tag of the coded area 724 passes under the reader 730, the detection region moves effectively along the axis of the tag of the coded area 724, producing a time-varying voltage proportional to the IR reflectance of the tag surface. This voltage, along with the voltage from four other identical photodetectors (in a matrix of five 731 photodetectors) is filtered and sampled by an analog to digital converter, and processed by a microcontroller to produce bits of digital data used to encode information on the cell 700 to which the label is attached (coded area 724). Bucket may include a 1042 area for securing the cuvette (uncoded). Error checking bits can be included in the encrypted data in the encrypted area 724 to facilitate the integrity check.
[0092] One embodiment differs significantly from conventional optical readers in a variety of ways. For example, unlike other optical readers, which require inches of space between the reader and the tag to be read, an embodiment operates using only a few hundredths of an inch between the coded area tag 724 and the reader 730. The reader 730 itself is very small, being only a few tenths of an inch tall.
[0093] For example, in Figure 7C, the distance from the top of the 732/733 lens to the surface of the barcode label of the cell 724 is approximately 0.15 cm.
[0094] Additionally, the reader 730 precisely reads the data of the tags of the coded area 724 printed in a low resolution and low quality mode. The 730 reader may also have no moving parts. The reader 730 can incorporate a single optical arrangement 731, which can be manufactured with transparent optical quality plastic and which performs the function of ten independent components (in the example illustrated in Figure 7B).
[0095] With attention directed to Figure 8, the data coding format of the coded area 824 in an example includes several "data" tracks 834 (for example, including information on the chemistry of bucket 800) and a single clock track 835. Clock track 835 can be skewed (for example, for half a bit period) so that a transition in clock track 835 indicates the center of a bit over each of the 834 data tracks. Incorporating a track of clock 834 it is thus allowed that the data is correctly decoded, regardless of the insertion speed of the cuvette 800 in a slot of the instrument 525. It is also possible to pause the insertion of a cuvette 800 for an arbitrary period of time during the insertion process.
[0096] Thus, an embodiment allows a physically compact, low-cost method of coded reading areas, for example, 824 used to identify cuvettes 700, 800, for example, during insertion into instrument 525. Other provisions for coding and reading the cuvette information are obviously possible, as described here. The use of a printed pattern in the 824 coded area can avoid the need for additional lasers and mirrors on a 730 reader, which in turn can reduce the overall size of the system. In response to reading the coded area of the cuvette 824, the instrument 525 can be automatically configured to perform the appropriate routine for the type of cuvette identified.
[0097] When formed together, as shown in the disassembled view of Figure 7A, the coded area 700 of the cell 724 is arranged on (or integrated in) the cover 712 in a position that, when it is inserted into a slot of the instrument 525 , the pattern information is read by a reading component 730 of the instrument 525.
[0098] In the non-limiting example of Figure 7B, which illustrates the bottom of a reader 730, an arrangement of ten lenses 731 communicates the light emitted and reflected between five emitting diodes and five photodetectors. Each pair of lenses communicates radiation between the diodes and photodetectors and reads one of the "columns" or tracks (for example, 834, 835), comprising the pattern of the coded area 724 as the bucket 700 is slid into the instrument 525 (and thus , in addition to the 730 reader). Emitting diodes and photodetectors can be mounted on a circuit board (not shown for reasons of clarity). Between the emitting diodes / detector 731 is an arrangement that includes lenses or other optical devices and a light shield 736 can also be provided, as illustrated in Figure 7B. You can have a lens 732 for each of the emitting diodes and a lens 733 for each photodetector (for a total of ten). Arrangement 731 focuses on the emission from the emitting diodes to the coded area 724, then, the lenses of the photodetector 733 focus the reflected light from the coded area 724 to the photodetectors. Figure 7A illustrates an example of reader 730 in relation to a bucket 700. As illustrated, in an exemplary embodiment, the lenses of the reader 730 array 731 are only about 4 mm from the coded area 724.
[0099] Figure 7B illustrates the underside of reader 730 (that is, the side facing cell 700). The 731 lens arrangement may be made of a material that transmits the emission of the emitting diodes (for example, polycarbonate, acrylic, polystyrene, or glass). The 736 light shield can be made of a black santoprene rubber type material or other suitable material to protect from ambient light.
[00100] In an example method, with reference to Figure 9, a user in the field may wish to run tests on the water to determine the concentration of chlorine. The user can insert a coded cuvette into a slot in the instrument 100 in 910. The reader 730 reads the coded information from the cuvette in 920, for example, the information as printed on a label and placed in the coded area 724. The instrument 525, therefore , can be automatically configured to perform an appropriate routine in correspondence with the chemistry of the cuvette. Alternatively, the user can manually select a routine via an interface with a user interface provided by the 525 instrument.
[00101] The user can then place the coded cuvette in a 930 fluid sample, for example, immerse the cuvette tips or the tip portions in a fluid sample. In one embodiment, instrument 525 may include a sample detection feature (refer to Figure 11) to determine that the cuvette tips are appropriately located in the fluid sample, for example, through an electrical circuit being formed through electrical connection of electrodes sensitive to the fluid sample (contact) being electrically connected via a conductive fluid sample. In 940, after verifying that the cuvette is properly positioned within a fluid sample, the 525 instrument can signal this to the user, for example, through light, sound (for example, speaker, beeper) or otherwise , and start to extract the fluid sample in the cuvette, for example, through the inlet 102.
[00102] Once a sample has been placed into the cuvette, the user then removes one end of the cuvette from the 950 fluid sample. The 525 instrument can again confirm this via a fluid sample detection feature. Then, at 960, the instrument 525 can then initiate an appropriate predetermined routine of movement of the fluid sample within the fluid channel 101 for the given chemistry of the cuvette, as verified via user input, coded information area of the cuvette 724, or otherwise.
[00103] Obtaining samples in parallel can follow a routine similar to the one described above. Obtaining samples in parallel may again include obtaining samples for different chemical reactions / analyzes using different cuvettes, having the same or different predetermined routines and chemical reagents, as appropriate for the desired chemical analysis and as determined from the areas of the 724 cuvettes.
[00104] Some non-limiting example implementations of bucket 724 coding areas are now described. Although specific example coded areas 724 are described herein, other coded areas can be used.
[00105] Figure 10 provides a non-limiting and specific example of a standard label for use in a 1024 encoding area. In the example, a bit corresponds to a standard area (a dark or light rectangle in the illustrated examples). In a sample label, a maximum of 32 chemicals are available through different standards encoded on the label, although other chemicals may be available. For example, to have space for 64 different coded label chemicals, then an extra bit can be used, the 1024 coded area can include a lot / date code, a position code (lot position), type code chemical product, inclination correction code for particular chemicals and / or cuvettes, routine code, batch expiration dates, and the like. A checksum can also be included for checking the encrypted data. For example, 8 bits can be used for verification.
[00106] In one example, the information encoded in the 1024 encoded area can be encoded in 46 bits divided as follows: 6 bits for chemical identification (64 potential chemicals); 7 bits for the date (year); 9 bits for the date (day); 16 bits for the batch code; and 8 bits checksum. This coding arrangement assumes that a routine / fluid handling method does not change based on the batch. Another example is 26 bits: 6 bits for chemical identification (64 potential chemicals); 12 bits for payload number; and 8 bits for checksum
[00107] Another example of coded area 1020 can use 40 bits, with 4 bits used for the version code, 1 bit used to indicate whether a previous version is usable (for example, if the current version is not supported by the 525 instrument) , 15 bits for the date (for example, days of a special date), 8 bits for tilt adjustment (for example, supporting tilt adjustments for the various chemicals in the cuvette), 6 bits used for adjusting the displacement for products particular cuvette chemicals, and 6 additional bits that are not used / available (for example, bits of overhead lot code or similar).
[00108] Another example of a coded area can use 40 bits, with 4 bits for the version code, 11 bits for the date code (for example days of a special date), 2 unused bits (RFU), 10 used bits for the batch identification code, 5 bits used for the tray code, and 5 bits used for the tray location code.
[00109] Consequently, different combinations of bits and arrangements can be used in the 1024 encoded area depending on the information to be transmitted. In one embodiment, a portion of the coded area 1024 may remain constant or non-variable, while another portion or portions of the coded area may be variable. For example, a first portion of the 1024 coded area can be kept constant for a type of chemical. In a 1024 coded area kept constant for a chemical type, the first portion of the coded area can be kept constant (that is, they have the same pattern or a bit arrangement in it) such that the cuvette is identified as a special type , for example, a cuvette for measuring total chlorine, unlike another type of cuvette, for example, a cuvette for measuring total and free chlorine. The variable portion of the coded area 1024 may indicate variable information, such as batch information, date information, and the like. A reserved portion of the coded area 1024 may be the first row of bits found by reader 730 (in an insert of the cuvette in instrument 525), it may be the last row of bits found by reader 730, or it may be located elsewhere in a predetermined arrangement / location in the 1024 encoded area.
[00110] Some non-limiting examples of coded areas of bucket 1024 and reader arrangements 730 are given below. EXAMPLE OF MOBILE OPTICAL CODE
[00111] One embodiment can read an 1024 encoded area from the 600/700/800 encoded cuvette as it is inserted into the instrument 525 and thus in addition to an optical reader 730. The encoded area 1024 can be printed directly onto the cuvette, or the coded area 1024 can be a label that is applied to the cuvette. Examples of components included in a 730 reader can be as follows: five IR emitting diodes; five IR phototransistors; emitter diode drive circuit; code; and a micro-controller and / or a microprocessor.
[00112] One embodiment provides a relatively compact option compared to the standard rotating mirror optical barcode device. In one embodiment, the lenses of the reader 730 can be small and placed at 4 mm from where the coded area 1024 will be read. Photodiodes, emitting diodes and micro-controllers can also be small in order to accommodate inclusion within a 525 hand-held mobile instrument. One embodiment may use time-coded area 1024 with time code (clock bits 1034), with the advantage that the code can be short in length. A first 1041 clock bit can be included, which can set the time. If there is an inclination when bucket 500 is inserted, then clock bits 1034 cannot align with data bits 1035. Software included in reader 730 or instrument 525 can correct this. One embodiment may use a single 1024 encoded area (built-in clock) with the advantage that slope is not an issue, but the length of the 1024 encoded area may increase. One embodiment can be made waterproof. As the cuvette 500 is inserted, the insertion rate is not an issue, as described herein. The code can be pre-registered in bucket 500, and stored in an instrument memory 525. EXAMPLE OF STATIC OPTICAL BAR CODE
[00113] An embodiment can read a 1024 encoded area from the 600/700/800 encoded cuvette after the cuvette is inserted into the 525 instrument. The 1024 encoded area can for example be read when the user starts the 525 instrument. embodiment would not require a cuvette detection circuit on instrument 525. Specific components of reader 730 may include the following: an IR emitting diode; a linear array of diodes (128 pixels); an emitter diode drive circuit; a barcode lens; a barcode mirror; and a micro-controller (10 bits analog to digital). The size of the 730 reader can be dependent on the size of the code print of the coded area 1024 and the number of bits required. If a "bit" can be 0.0127 cm and 32 or 40 bits are used, then the size is relatively small. A side-by-side location of the code can be used to hold the image in the linear array 731 of the reader 730. Such an embodiment has the advantage of being able to read the code when the user presses to read on an instrument interface 525, thus, real-time detection to determine if a cuvette is present may not be necessary. Linear arrangement 731 can be a single source portion. Again, the code of the coded area 1024 can be pre-registered in the cuvette. EXAMPLE OF MOBILE CONDUCTIVE CODE
[00114] An embodiment may include a conductive code in the coded area 1024 to be read from the coded cell 600/700/800 as it is inserted into the instrument 525. The conductive code can either be printed directly on the cell, for example, with conductive ink, a conductive label printed with non-conductive ink, or a non-conductive label printed with conductive ink. Specific components of the 730 reader may include the following: small ball bearings; small springs; bearings / springs housings; and a microcontroller. This is a relatively compact option compared to the standard rotating mirror optical barcode device. The contact may be small and, as with other implementations, the micro-controller is small. A time code data code can be included in the conductive code, with the advantage that the code can be shorter in length. If there is an inclination when the cuvette is inserted, then the 1034 clock bits cannot align with the data bits 1035. Software can again correct this. A single code (built-in clock) can be used with the advantage that tilt is not an issue. However, the length of the 1024 encoded area may increase. EXAMPLE OF MAGNETIC READER
[00115] One embodiment may include a magnetic reader head, measurement electronics and a micro-controller on the 730 reader. The size may be relatively small, and may depend on the head. In use, the user can insert the cuvette with a magnetic strip into a slot in the 525 instrument at a speed greater than a certain minimum speed. One option is to fit the cuvette to a magnetic reader that is located elsewhere on the 525 instrument (except the slot) before insertion into the 525 instrument slot. EXAMPLE OF STATIC CONDUCTIVE CODE
[00116] An embodiment may include the use of a 1024 two-dimensional (2D) encoded area printed on a conductive label, similar to the mobile code examples described here. EXAMPLE OA / -C / - // P RFID
[00117] One embodiment may include an RFID tag in the cuvette in the coded area 1024 with corresponding RFID reader on instrument 525, for example, as reader 730. Once measurement analysis is complete, instrument 525 can in turn use RFID to write information such as information returns back to the RFID in the bucket. EXAMPLE OF COMPONENT ASSOCIATED ON CODE CHIP
[00118] One embodiment may include a code reader 730 on instrument 525 positioned appropriately in order to read another component, for example, a box (or other associated tea / bucket component) containing the cuvettes, and / or some other type of bucket identification. Similarly, an RFID tag in a bucket box can be used. MEMORY CHIP
[00119] One embodiment provides that the memory chip can be included in a bucket, including, for example, similar information such as a 1024 encoded area (and perhaps located in the 1024 encoded area), storing the information in digital form to be read by the 525 instrument. Memory chips include EPROMS such as the Dallas Semiconductor's DS1985F5 16 kbit add-on touch memory device.
[00120] Consequently, several exemplary embodiments have been described in which the cuvette (or an associated component) can be provided with encoded information that is readable by the 525 instrument or another component of the system. The coded information provides the system with information regarding the cuvette that is usable for carrying out the analysis, as well as the resolution of any problems associated with it. The coded cuvettes 600/700/800, on the other hand, relieve the user of heavy information management tasks in relation to the various cuvettes, such as combining them with appropriate slots of the 525 analysis instrument or choosing appropriate routines for chemical analyzes. Various example embodiments are described in APPENDIX B. SAMPLE BUCKET AND CUP
[00121] Referring to Figure 11, once inserted, cuvette 1100 is immersed in fluid sample 1138 and fluid sample 1138 is placed inside cuvette 1100 for reaction with one or more reagents for analysis. The cuvette 1100 contains an internal fluid channel 101 therein (for example, as illustrated in Figure 1) that includes required chemical (s) in or along the fluid channel 101, as previously described. Consequently, cuvette 1100 and its fluid channel 101 provide the mixture of chemicals suitable for analysis with a fluid sample 1138, as it is extracted through fluid channel 101, in one or both directions, by instrument 1125. The instrument may include a sample detection feature 1150, which provides input to the instrument 1125 confirming that the sample detection feature 1150 has been inserted into the fluid sample 1138, for example, through electrical contact completed by the sample from fluid 1138.
[00122] As shown in Figure 12, cuvette 1200 may contain an encoded area 1224 that is encoded with information that is readable or otherwise interpretable by another component of the system (for example, reader 730 of Figure 7). The coded area 1124 can transmit information including, but not limited to, information to identify the type of cuvette 1200 with respect to its chemistry or information carrying which fluid sample movement routine should be performed in connection with the cuvette 1200. The routine may include an appropriate set of program instructions, stored for example in a memory device of the 1125 instrument and executed by one or more processors of the instrument, such that in the execution of the program instructions the fluid sample is moved along the fluid channel 101 in a controlled mode.
[00123] Users may have difficulties with the correct orientation of cuvette 1200 for insertion into instrument 1125. It is possible that cuvette 1200 can be inserted into instrument 1125 in any of four orientations, only one of which will allow proper use ( for example, reading of the coded area 1124 by the 1125 instrument, appropriate admission and analysis of the fluid sample, etc.). Consequently, two potential difficulties can arise when a user tries to insert bucket 1200 into instrument 1125; that is, determine which end of the cell 1200 enters the slot of the instrument 1125 and determine which side of the cell 1200 faces "up" (facing the user). Correct orientation of the cuvette 1200 for insertion is important for the functionality of the system, as the instrument 1125 includes measurement sensors, such as optical devices 104, to perform measurements of the fluid sample when reacted with chemical (s) in the channel fluid 101 from cuvette 1200, a reader for coded area 1124, and the like.
[00124] Consequently, an embodiment provides a 1239 guidance feature that indicates correct insertion by a bucket 1200. A 1239 guidance feature can include either a textual or non-textual suggestion to inform users where they should attach bucket 1200 to in order to obtain the correct orientation for insertion in the 1125 instrument. The 1139 non-textual orientation feature can be a physical orientation feature or a graphic orientation feature. The non-textual aspect of the 1239 guidance feature ensures that the different guidance features do not need to be translated into different languages, as in the case of a textual suggestion.
[00125] In an example embodiment, illustrated in Figure 12, the non-textual guidance feature 1239 includes a thumb recess or a thumb-shaped area of ridges on top of bucket 1200, which provides an instinctive suggestion of that cuvette 1200 should be gripped at the appropriate tip (for example, proximal end of cuvette 1200), and with the appropriate side facing upwards for insertion of the distal end of cuvette 1200 into the slot of instrument 1125. The non-textual guidance feature 1239 it can also be a graph, like an arrow, the non-textual orientation feature 1239 as the thumb recess can be molded in bucket 1200 and therefore does not increase the cost. . In some embodiments, more than one 1239 non-textual guidance feature can be included. As illustrated in Figure 13, the 1339 non-textual guidance feature may include, but is not limited to, any of the following, alone or in combination: (1) the thumb-shaped area in recess on a 1200 material base ; (2) a high standard of a 1300 cuvette material base; and (3) a printed label that can be applied to the base material of the 1300 cuvette. In the examples in Figure 13, the non-textual guidance feature is included in an area outside the 1324 coded area.
[00126] Although a guidance feature such as the non-textual guidance features described here assists the user in obtaining the correct orientation of the 1100 cuvette for insertion into the 1125 instrument, the user may experience difficulty in confirming that an 1100 cuvette has been properly inserted or complete and fixed in the 1125 instrument slot. Consequently, an embodiment provides tactile and / or audible feedback cues to the user in order to confirm that the 1100 cuvette is properly inserted and secured within the 1125 instrument.
[00127] With reference to Figure 14, an embodiment provides a "click" feature in the form of recesses 1440 in body 1413 of cell 1400. This click characteristic 1440 provides a tactile and / or audible click when cell 1400 is fully and appropriately inserted into a slot in the 525 instrument. One embodiment provides one or more recesses for the click characteristic in a bucket 1400 that are in correspondence with one or more elastic elements 1541, with reference to Figure 15 (AB ) in a 1542 tray. The tray is arranged inside the slit of the instrument 525 that receives a bucket 1400 in insertion. The correspondence of recesses 1440 and resilient elements 1541 establishes that, when cuvette 1400 is properly oriented and inserted into a slot in the instrument 525, cuvette 1400 and tray 1542 combine to provide a tactile and / or audible feedback to the user, indicating that cuvette 1400 has been properly inserted into tray 1542.
[00128] In an example embodiment, cuvette 1400 contains "top" and "bottom" sides that have a larger area than the "side" sides. In one embodiment, four recesses 1440 can be provided for the bottom side of cuvette 1400, as shown in Figure 14. Four resilient elements 1541 are arranged in the tray portion 1542 of the instrument slot 525, as shown in 15 A, matching the four recesses 1440 of the bucket 1400. Figure 15B illustrates an example of mounted tray 1542. Additionally, a recess 1440 can be arranged on one or more of the side sides of the bucket 1400, as illustrated in Figure 14, with a resilient element 1541 matching on the side of tray 1542, as shown in Figure 15 (AB).
[00129] Tray 1542 can be equipped with an element for regulating the temperature of a 1400 cuvette. For example, a 1542 tray can include a heating element arranged therein to facilitate the heating of a 1400 cuvette inserted in a slot in the instrument. 525. The element can be energized using battery power provided by the 525 instrument. A heating element can be used in a 1542 tray, for example, to increase the global temperature of the 1400 cuvette, as required by external or environmental conditions, for example , to provide appropriate temperature regulation for a chemical reaction in cuvette 1400 during fluid analysis. Alternatively, the heating element can be molded in the cuvette and can fit contacts inside the 1542 tray.
[00130] In an example embodiment, when cuvette 1400 is inserted into a slot in the instrument 525, the resilient element 1541 in tray 1542 matching recess 1440 on the side of cuvette 1400 forces or guides cuvette 1400 in alignment with the four resilient elements 1541 in tray 1542 matching the recesses 1440 at the bottom of bucket 1400. Thus, the user receives a tactile "click" when bucket 1400 is completely inserted in the correct orientation so that bucket 1400 "clicks" in position. In addition, an audible feedback can be provided due to the type of resilient elements / recesses 1400/1541 (and their materials) chosen for tray 1542 and bucket 1400. Thus, when the resilient element 1541 "clicks" and / or "fits quickly "in recesses 1400, an audible" click "sound is provided to the user, along with a tactile click, ensuring that the user receives multiple levels of feedback, indicating the appropriate insertion of cuvette 1400 into the slot of instrument 525. The resilient elements 1541 can be formed in several ways. The resilient elements 1541 can be leaf springs, or they can be ball bearings that are spring loaded, or the like, provided they provide a release mechanism for the 1400 cuvette.
[00131] Figure 15A, referred to above, is an exploded version of tray 1542. Tray 1542 comprises an upper tray 1543 and a lower tray 1540, with a socket 1550 and pickup 1551 shown above and between the upper and lower tray components. . Socket 1550 is a partially hollow body that serves to connect in airtight manner with the pneumatic system. Pickup 1551 comprises three individual components, a face plate 1552 and two sealing rings that work to seal the nozzle of the bucket 115 (Figure 1) to the socket so that an airtight connection is made at the time of installing the bucket in the tray. Socket 1550 is riveted or anchored to both the top and bottom of the tray for durability. Top tray 1543 also has a slit 155, through which light or IR radiation is directed and reflected outside the coded area 724 as the cuvette is slid into the tray.
[00132] Referring back to Figure 11, once the 1100 cuvette has been properly oriented and properly inserted, an embodiment provides a sample cup 1137, illustrated in greater detail in Figure 16 (A-D), to facilitate the appropriate collection of the fluid sample for chemical analysis with the system. With the 1100 cuvette partially exposed from the 1125 instrument, as illustrated in Figure 11, the 1100 cuvette (its tips) and the 1125 instrument are inserted directly into the 1138 fluid sample for 2-3 seconds to collect the 1138 fluid sample. in cuvette 1100. The 1150 sample detection feature in the 1100 instrument detects the 1138 fluid sample, for example, water, initiates fluid sample collection by the 1125 instrument, and then alerts the user to remove the 1100 cuvette and 1125 instrument of the 1138 fluid sample, when then the chemical routine is automatically started.
[00133] The 1150 sample detection feature of the 1125 instrument certifies an electrical circuit (or signal) formed through the electrical connection of sensitive members to the 1138 fluid sample, for example, contact electrodes disposed within the 1150 sample detection feature , being in electrical connection through the conductive fluid sample 138. The location of the contact elements in the sample detection feature 1150 is above the opening of the fluid channel inside the cell 1100 so that the inlet of the cell fluid channel 102 it must be submerged within the 1138 fluid sample if the 1150 sample detection feature certifies a completed electrical circuit. When verifying that the cell 1100 is properly positioned inside the fluid sample 1138 through the sample detection feature 1150, the instrument 1100 can indicate or signal this to the user, for example, through light, sound (for example, loudspeaker). beeper) or otherwise, and start extracting the 1138 fluid sample. If the cell 1100 is removed from the 1138 fluid sample before an appropriate amount of sample has been taken, as sensed, for example, through the electrodes contact of the sample detection feature 1150 being removed from the fluid sample 1138 and signaling through an appropriate electrical connection to an 1100 instrument processor, the 1100 instrument can stop the routine, indicate or signal to the user, or a combination thereof appropriate.
[00134] If the cell 1100 remains in the fluid sample 1138 for a complete extraction of the fluid sample 1138 into the fluid channel, the instrument 1125, upon completing the extraction of the fluid sample 1138, can signal to the operator that the sample of fluid was successfully obtained. The user then removes the tip (s) of the cell 1100 from a sample of fluid 1138. The instrument 1125 confirms that the cell 1100 is no longer placed in the sample of fluid 1138, for example, through the electrodes contact of the sample detection feature 1150, and initiates the appropriate predetermined routine of fluid movement routine for a given chemistry of cell 1100, as verified via user input, coded information area of cell 724, or otherwise.
[00135] In one embodiment, instrument 1125 holds four 1100 cuvettes, one 1100 cuvette in each of four slots. In one embodiment, in order for all measurements to occur, all inserted cuvettes 1100 plus the sample detection feature 1150 must be in contact with the water sample 1138. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 11, the 1150 sample detection feature is located near or in the center of the four 1100 cuvettes.
[00136] Users may encounter several problems when asked to perform an analysis of a 1138 water sample with the 1125 instrument. Some users are concerned that the 1125 instrument will not get wet and may not recognize the function of the 1150 sample detection feature Therefore, users can attempt to immerse only the 1100 cuvette in the 1138 sample water, leaving the 1150 sample detection feature outside the 1137 sample cup (outside the 1138 water sample). This can lead to a problem of potentially not immersing all four cuvettes 1100 at once, which is ensured if the sample detection feature 1150 is immersed in the water sample 1138, thus failing to properly perform the intended measurements.
[00137] Consequently, an embodiment provides a 1637 sample cup which facilitates user training for instrument use, particularly collection of the 1138 fluid sample and appropriate analysis with the 1125 instrument. The 1637 sample cup can generally be formed having two main wall structures 1643, 1644. A first wall structure 1644 forms a narrower bottom of the sample cup 1637 in which the cuvette (s) 1100 can be immersed. A second wall structure 1643 extends from the first wall structure 1644, having a larger cross-sectional area, and thus providing additional space to accommodate the end of the instrument 1125 in which the cell (s) 1100 is (are) inserted. The transition between the first wall structure 1644 and the second wall structure 1643 can be configured to give a resting area or space 1645 to the end of the instrument 1125 having the bucket (s) 1100. In other words, the 1637 sample cup is tapered to match the end of the 1125 instrument containing the 1100 cuvette (s), thus giving a visual cue to the user to make an appropriate insert. The sample cup 1637 and its wall structures 1643, 1644 can be formed of a single piece, molded, for example, a single piece of molded plastic.
[00138] By providing a sample cup made to measure 1637, all the problems mentioned above with sample collection are solved. The 1637 sample cup is shaped to accommodate the end of the 1125 instrument (with the 1100 cuvettes inserted), encouraging users to properly immerse the 1125 instrument, 1100 cuvettes, and the 1150 sample detection feature all at once in the drinking water. sample 1138. The 1637 sample cup also discourages users from attempting to immerse only the 1100 cuvette and not the 1150 sample detection feature.
[00139] A clearly labeled filling line in the 1637 sample cup gives users instructions on how to collect the 1138 sample water in the 1637 sample cup to facilitate appropriate sample collection with the 1125 instrument and 1100 cuvettes. overflowing above the fill line prevents users from putting excessive water in the 1637 sample cup, ensuring that the 1637 sample cup does not overflow.
[00140] Although a filling line is included, the user may encounter difficulty due to a tendency to fill the 1637 sample cup straight up to the top, bypassing the filling line. Of course, this is not desirable, as sample water 1138 can spill out when instrument 1125 and cuvettes 1100 are properly placed in sample cup 1637 for sample collection. Several examples of embodiments are revealed in APPENDIX C. DETERMINATION OF FLUID SAMPLE LOCATION WITHIN TEST CELLS
[00141] With reference to Figure 17, the fluid sample can be moved by differential pressure created by the 1747 pump arrangement contained within the instrument body 1751 (for example, instrument 1125) through pneumatic communication between a chamber containing the body plunger 1751 and fluid channel 101 of bucket 1700. Thus, movement of the plunger of the pneumatic pump arrangement 1747 within the body 1751 by a motor can decrease or increase the pressure / create a vacuum or positive pressure within the fluid channel 101 in order to to move the fluid sample in a desired direction, for example, outside the distal end of the 1700 cuvette (with the fluid inlet) and towards the 1751 unit body. In addition, movement in the reverse direction can be obtained by moving the plunger of the pneumatic pump arrangement 1747 in an opposite direction, that is, creating positive pressure in the fluid channel 101.
[00142] As illustrated with the cross section of a 1700 cuvette in Figure 17, the fluid sample is reacted with one or more reagents 1706, 1707, 1708, and / or 1709 within a 1701 fluid channel of the 1700 cuvette. fluid sample can be measured in an optical chamber 1703 of cell 1700 (before and / or after the fluid sample has found / reacted with reagents 1706, 1707, 1708, and / or 1709). Consequently, optical measurements can be obtained by the 1751 unit body by operating an optical component 1704 (for example, including light source (s) such as LED (s), laser diode, or the like) on one side of the 1703 optical chamber and sensing / detecting light in an optical detector component 1705 at the other end of the optical chamber 1703. Light can be transmitted through optical windows 1721 of the cell 1700 fixed on each end of the optical chamber 1703, or formed integrally in the body of the cell, of the cell 1700. Thus, optical windows 1721 provide light transmission through cuvette 1700 along fluid channel 1701 in optical chamber 1703 for optical measurement.
[00143] Optical component 1704 can comprise numerous 1710 light sources depending on the available chromogenic test. For example, narrowband emission LEDs of various wavelengths including red, blue and green can be used to illuminate chromophores having certain absorbance bands. Diode lasers can also be used as a source of electromagnetic radiation. Broadband sources, such as the tungsten lamp, can be coupled with filters to select the wavelengths used to probe a chromophore. Infrared emitters can also be used. All of the above can be used alone or in combination with each other, the choice depending on the test / test to be detected.
[00144] In order to measure the optical resources of the fluid sample (either before or after the reaction one or more reagents 1706, 1707, 1708, and / or 1709), it is important to accurately and precisely determine the position of the fluid sample in the cuvette 1700 (for example, to determine whether the fluid sample found one more reagent 1706, 1707, 1708, and / or 1709, whether the fluid sample entered or re-entered the 1703 optical chamber, etc.).
[00145] To accurately and accurately transport and locate a fluid sample rate within the fluid channel 1701, an embodiment provides algorithms for determining the location of the fluid sample within the fluid channel 1701 using optical measurements, for example, as obtained through optical camera 1703 and associated components.
[00146] A displacement pump from a 1747 pneumatic pump device can be used to move an aliquot of fluid sample through fluid channel 1701 by means of changes in the spatial movement of a piston thereof communicated to the fluid sample as pneumatically. a change in pressure within the closed volume between the plunger and the sample aliquot, as limited by the fluid channel 1701. In an ideal situation, the change in pressure (with a known volume and known complement of gas / liquid within the channel 1701) can be precisely and precisely mapped to the location of the fluid sample in the 1701 fluid channel, such that the location of the fluid sample within the fluid channel 1701 can be determined. Other bi-directional pneumatic pumps can be used to move air in the 1760 pneumatic line to and from socket 15550, thereby moving air into and out of fluid channel 1701. Other well-known types of bi-directional pumps include diaphragm, peristaltic, magnetostrictive, and similar pneumatic pumps, which are well known to those skilled in the art and thus fall within the scope of this report. Accordingly, one embodiment provides methods and devices for accurately determining the position or location of the fluid sample within fluid channel 1701 (including a portion of the optical chamber 1703), and ensures that the variability in the location of the fluid sample can be accurately determined and considered before attempting to measure or characterize the fluid sample through the 1703 optical chamber.
[00147] In one embodiment, cuvette 1700 includes an optical chamber 1703 in fluid channel 1701 used, for example for determining the concentration of a constituent in the fluid sample (for example, determining chlorine concentration by colorimetric test , although other measurements can be made). One embodiment uses the optical chamber 1703 (and related components) to determine changes in the location of the fluid sample, for example, by detecting the presence or absence of a fluid sample in the optical chamber 1703.
[00148] For example, with reference generally to Figure 18, when the leading edge of the fluid sample moves inside the optical chamber 1703, the fluid interface between the gas and fluid sample is distorted due to surface tension and pressure acting at the gas / fluid interface. This results in a non-planar shape of the interface, which in turn results in a detectable refraction of light falling on the gas / liquid interface. This results in a change in the direction of the light transmitted through the 1703 optical chamber (compared to a reference measurement, obtained when no fluid sample is contained inside the 1703 optical chamber or via a predetermined expected measurement stored, for example, in a 1749 memory of the 1751 body).
[00149] Thus, when the gas / fluid interface enters the 1703 optical chamber, the light that would normally (in the absence of the gas / fluid interface) pass directly through the 1703 optical chamber is distorted in a detectable way by a detector component 1705 (arranged on the opposite side of the optical chamber 1703). Therefore, an embodiment may use a 1705 light detector (or similar component) to detect the reduction in the liquid / light gas interface and use that information (alone or in combination with related information, for example, fluid sample size , cross-sectional area of fluid channel 1701, etc.) to determine a location / position of the fluid sample within fluid channel 1701.
[00150] In one embodiment, in 1810 a reference measurement, for example, through a measurement obtained before transporting the fluid sample to the 1703 optical chamber (that is, a measurement of the optical transmission is made without the sample fluid present in the optical chamber 1703). Alternatively or in addition, a predetermined threshold value, for example, as stored in device memory 1749, can be obtained.
[00151] Then in 1820, the fluid sample is transported or moved along the fluid channel 1701 towards the optical chamber 1703, for example, by a displacement in increments of a plunger of a 1747 pneumatic pump arrangement located inside of the body 1751. For one or more of the movements in increments of the plunger, and corresponding movement of the fluid sample within the fluid channel 1701, a new measurement of the optical transmission can be made within the optical chamber 1703 for comparison with the reference measurement initial or threshold value predetermined in 1830. This repeated measurement process can be repeated until one or more measurements indicate the presence of the fluid sample inside the 1703 optical chamber in step 1840. In response to the detection of the fluid sample in the chamber optics at 1830, one or more actions can be performed in 1850. For example, the volume of the fluid sample can be determined, an indication warning can be given to the user if the volumes of the fluid sample or the position is not as expected (for example, based on the comparison of known values), the fluid sample can be automatically repositioned by changing the fluid movement routine, etc.
[00152] Thus, in one embodiment, the fluid sample movement routine within fluid channel 1701 can be modified based on information regarding the location of the fluid sample within fluid channel 1701 and / or other attributes of the fluid sample. As an example, an aliquot of the fluid sample can be repositioned as a result of not being located in an expected position. In addition, an error or warning indication may be given, for example in response to the determination of the fluid sample rate not being of an expected volume.
[00153] The volume of the fluid aliquot sample can be determined as follows. The length of a particular fluid aliquot sample can be determined using the determined location of the fluid sample and a known cross-sectional area of the fluid channel 1701. This can be obtained in response to checking for changes in inclination of the optical measurement or change of the relative standard deviation (RSD) in the transmission measurements that are correlated with movements in increments of the 1747 pneumatic displacement pump of the 1751 body that detect a leading edge of the fluid sample in the 1703 optical chamber. Each movement in increments of the pneumatic pump is proportional to the displacement in increments corresponding to the volume of the aliquot within the fluid channel 1701. The final edge of the fluid sample can be similarly found, for example, by estimating its location using the volume of the fluid sample, the volume of the fluid channel. fluid 1701, and the location of the leading edge of the fluid sample; or the final edge can be found by optical detection in a similar way as the front edge detection, as described herein. Thus, the final edge of the fluid sample aliquot can be detected through optical measurements coordinated with the final edge of the fluid sample exiting and / or re-entering optical chamber 1703 (in the case of a reverse directional flow of the sample aliquot fluid). The volume of the fluid sample aliquot can therefore be determined by adding the incremental movements of the pneumatic pump from the detection of the leading edge to detecting the final edge of the aliquot and correlating the total incremental movements to a total volume of the aliquot.
[00154] Embodiments, therefore, provide means for determining the location of a fluid sample with a 1700 test cuvette. Based on the determined position of the fluid sample in the 1700 cuvette, one or more additional determinations (for example, volume of fluid sample aliquot) can be done, and one or more actions can be taken (for example, modifying the fluid sample movement routine, giving an indication to the user regarding a potential problem or lack thereof , etc.).
[00155] In addition, the system can include or have access to a library of instructions (for execution to obtain sample fluid movement routines), and the system can select an appropriate set of instructions from the library based on the type of a 1700 cuvette that has been inserted into a 1751 instrument slot. The instruction set chosen for a particular type of 1700 cuvette, for example, a total chlorine measuring cuvette, will be coordinated to move the fluid sample along the fluid channel 1701 based on knowing exactly where in fluid channel 1701, on cell 1700, reagents 1706, 1707, 1708 and / or 1709 are placed. Once the system determines the type of measurement that needs to be performed and the leading edge of the fluid sample is found, the system can use the 1747 pump arrangement used to find the leading edge (which can be dedicated to a particular cuvette multiple cuvettes inserted in the 1751 instrument) to move the fluid sample to reagent locations 1706, 1707, 1708, and / or 1709 according to a desired sequence, time, mixture, etc.
[00156] Since fluid samples are typically transported by direct contact of the fluid sample with a plunger (for example, a plunger in a displacement pump syringe), direct contact of the fluid sample to the plunger can result in transport over the previous sample adhering to the plunger. If the plunger is not replaced or cleaned between subsequent sampling operations, contamination of subsequent samples due to transport may result. The embodiments, therefore, allow the re-use of the displacement plunger / pump, for example, as, for example, located in the 1751 body, instead of providing a disposable plunger and / or other components. This is achieved, for example, by eliminating any direct contact between the fluid sample and the components of the 1747 displacement pump (for example, a plunger), by including an intermediate gas phase between the plunger and the fluid sample disposed within the fluid channel 1701. Using embodiments, the intermediate gas phase can be used to communicate with the fluid, while maintaining the ability to accurately locate the position / location of the sample aliquot within the channel fluid from cuvette 1701 and make appropriate auxiliary determinations and / or take appropriate corrective actions, if necessary. Various example embodiments are described in Appendix D.
[00157] Figure 18B is a graph showing the% transmission of optical light camera down 1703 against the position of the sample portion in the chamber in millimeters (mm). There is a first discontinuity when the air in the 1703 optical chamber starts to be replaced by the front of the sample liquid. Transmission decreases from approximately 100% to 30% over a distance of 1-2 mm, and then quickly recovers around the 25 mm mark as the liquid portion fills the optical chamber. As it continues to pass through the chamber, the rear end of the portion becomes detectable around the 40 mm marks, the transmission again falls off quickly. As the portion leaves the chamber, the transmission returns to the 100% baseline. Here the transitions are safe and repeatable, and provide a new method for tracking the front and rear edges of the portion as it passes through the cuvette.
[00158] It will be easily understood that various embodiments can be implemented using any of a wide variety of devices or combinations of devices, for example, to determine the location of sample fluid within a fluid channel of a cuvette, movement samples inside the cuvette, optical analyzes and fluid sample measurements inside a cuvette, or other functionality, as described here. An example device that can be used in implementation embodiments includes a device in the form of a system or an instrument, as described herein, incorporating a 1751 body unit having one or more 1748 processors and the program code stored in memory or the 1749 non-signal program storage device. In this regard, a 1748 processor can execute program / code instructions configured to operate transmission and optical detection components, operate a pneumatic pump arrangement, calculate location / position / volume estimated sample fluid, perform optical analyzes on colored fluid samples, or perform other functionality of the embodiments, as described herein. Consequently, the system or instrument can represent a portable water analytical instrument with appropriate circuits and logic to perform the functions described here.
[00159] The components of the instrument may include, but are not limited to, at least one 1748 processing unit, a 1749 memory, and a communication bus or means of communication that couples various components including the 1749 memory to the (s) 1748 processing unit (s). the system or instrument may include or have access to a variety of media readable by the device. The 1749 system memory may include storage media readable by the device in the form of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) and / or random access memory (RAM). As an example, and not as a limitation, the 1749 system memory may also include an operating system, application programs, other program modules and program data.
[00160] In the example of a portable water analytical instrument, a user can interact with (for example, enter commands and information) the instrument through input devices. A display device can also be included with the instrument. In addition to the display device, the instrument may also include other input and / or output devices, for example, analog and / or digital / logic. The instrument can operate in a network or distributed environment using logical connections to other devices or databases. Devices can use logical connections to the instrument, and logical connections can include a network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or wireless networks, but it can also include other networks / buses .
[00161] As noted by one skilled in the art, aspects can be realized as a system, method and program product. Thus, aspects can take the form of a fully hardware embodiment, or include a software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.), which can all be generally referred to here as a "circuit" "," module "or" system ". In addition, embodiments can take the form of a program product embedded in at least one readable medium of the device having program code readable by the device incorporated therein.
[00162] Any combination of storage medium (s) readable by the device may be used. In the context of the document, a device-readable storage medium ("storage medium") can be any tangible, non-signable medium that can contain or store a program composed of program code configured for use by or in connection with a instruction execution system, apparatus or device. MICRO-FLUID BUCKET
[00163] A common means of facilitating optical measurements in a micro-fluidic cuvette, as an example micro-fluidic cuvette 1900 in Figure 19, is to transmit and measure changes in electromagnetic radiation, (hereinafter generally referred to as "light" for simplification, but it is understood that the teachings presented here are not limited to the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum), through the thickness of the bucket 1900 composed of a body 1913 and a cover 1912; that is, the length of the optical path is determined by the internal thickness of the 1903 optical chamber, as shown in Figure 19. In this embodiment, the light passes through the micro-fluidic cell along the 1951 optical axis through the 1903 optical chamber. The liquid sample is extracted into the fluid inlet tube 1902 formed by a cap 1912 through the fluid channel of the body 1913, for example, by means of differential pressure exerted between inlet 1902 and orifice 1952. The optical chamber 903 can be formed by a thin cylindrical cavity created by an expansion of the fluid channel 1901. Although light is easily presented and collected through the optical chamber 1903, due to the expansion of the fluid channel in 1901 in the optical chamber 1903, the path length is relatively short, which reduces the sensitivity of optical measurement or absorbance measurement in accordance with established principles (Beer-Lambert), in which the absorbance through the material is directly related triggered with the length of the path by; {1} A. = ε-h-c
[00164] where A is the absorbance, ε is the molar absorptivity of the material, b is the length of the path and c is the concentration of the analyte. The absorbance value is related to the light transmittance of a material by:
where lc is the incident energy, (intensity of incident light) and / is the energy transmitted through the material, (intensity of transmitted light).
[00165] To improve the sensitivity of the measurement, the length of the optical path b or the concentration c of the analyte can be increased. Where the material concentration is the independent variable, the path length can be increased to improve the sensitivity of the measurement.
[00166] In a second embodiment, the cuvette 2000 of Figure 20 makes an increase in the length of the optical path through the transmission of light across the width of the cuvette 2000. The trapped air or an air bubble present inside the optical chamber 2003 of the 2000 micro-fluid cell interferes with the measurement of absorbance by dispersing the light transmitted through the cell. If the remains of the fluid remain in the optical chamber 2003, after most of the fluid has been transported out of the optical chamber 2003, this interferes with determining the presence of fluid or position of the fluid within the optical chamber 2003.
[00167] The trapped air can occur inside the optical chamber 2003 of Figure 20, due to a lack of contact or lack of consistent wetting between the sample fluid and the fluid channel 2001 as the liquid is transported along the channel fluidic 2001. Specifically, there are areas in the optical chamber 2003 that may remain unswept during the transport of fluid inside the optical chamber 2003, due to the specific geometric features used for the unimpeded transmission of light through the optical chamber 2003, ie , an optical chamber of 2003 with flat windows 2019 and 2020, or otherwise described as planar optical surfaces placed at each end of the optical chamber 2003, through which light enters through a first window, interacts with the fluid inside the optical camera 2003 and leaves the optical camera 2003 through a second window along the optical axis 2051.
[00168] As shown in Figure 21 an optical chamber consisting of flat windows or planar optical surfaces and a closed fluidic channel 2101 or square / rectangular tube forms sharp corners where the flow of fluid through the optical chamber 2003 abruptly changes the directions on the face of the flat optical surface, as shown in Figure 21. This is, for example, where fluidic channel 2101 makes an abrupt curve in corners 2153 and 2154 of optical chamber 2103. The differential pressure between inlet 2102 and orifice 2152 of the micro- fluid 2100 exerts a force on the fluid inside the fluid channel 2101 and the optical chamber 2103 that causes the fluid to move along the fluid channel 2101, while sufficient differential pressure is applied to overcome the opposing resistive forces, such as gravity, viscosity or surface attraction.
[00169] Not wishing to be limited by a particular theory, it is currently believed that the attraction between the atoms of solid surfaces, body 2013 and cover 2012 and the atoms of the liquid inside the fluid channel 2101 and optical chamber 2103 creates a condition static, in which the atoms are essentially immobile at the solid / liquid interface or boundary layer. The viscosity of a liquid is the result of the inter-molecular attraction of atoms within the fluid. A liquid forced to move through a fluid channel 2101 by applying a differential pressure causes the front edge of the gas / fluid to have a convex shape, protruding towards the low pressure side of the gas / liquid interface as layers of liquid adjacent to the boundary layer are rapidly changed as the fluid is forced through fluid channel 2101 and optical chamber 2103. As the convex gas / liquid phase interface approaches corner 2153 and / or 2154, the gas / liquid interface comes into contact with the corner planar structures 2153 and / or 2154 or before the interface can reach the apex, thus potentially trapping a volume of gas inside the corner.
[00170] The volume of gas trapped inside corner 2153 and / or 2154 is, to a large extent, dependent on the viscosity and speed of the fluid. The trapped gas can take the form of a bubble or meniscus inside corner 2153 and / or 2154. The shape and size of the trapped gas is naturally inconsistent due to a wide variety of variables, some being, for example; variations in homogeneity within the fluid, small variations in the construction details of optical chamber 2103, changes in fluid velocity, inconsistency in the surface charges of building materials, and random molecular activity in the atoms of the fluid. Light that can otherwise pass through optical chamber 2103 in a direct path when no trapped gas is present in corner 2153 and / or 2154 with liquid present inside optical chamber 2103 is refracted and partially reflected by the presence of the gas / interface curved liquid of the volume of the trapped gas within the corner 2153 and / or 2154. The inconsistency of the trapped gas volume creates a variable error in the measurement whereby the expected transmission differs from the actual light transmission through the optical chamber 2103 from a micro-fluid cuvette 2100 for another or one measurement for the next.
[00171] The liquid remaining inside corners 2153 and / or 2154 of optical chamber 2103 of Figure 21 after the fluid has been transported out of optical chamber 2103 is equally problematic. Similar to trapping air inside the corners of the optical chamber, a fluid meniscus can bridge the walls or windows to form the corner that captures the fluid through capillary action due to a concentration of surface attraction within a corner structure. and the nature of a fluid to minimize the surface area in contact with a solid, due to the mutual charge within the fluid. Light that would otherwise pass through optical chamber 2103 in a direct path when no fluid is present in the corner of optical chamber 2103 is portrayed by the presence of the curved gas / liquid interface of the fluid volume trapped within corner 2153 and / or 2154 resulting in an error when the transmission of light through the optical chamber 2103 obtained before the introduction of the fluid into the optical chamber 2103 is compared with the result obtained after the fluid is removed from the optical chamber 2103 and this result is different.
[00172] The error due to the presence of liquid in the corner 2153 and / or 2154 of the optical chamber 2103 can create a situation that makes it difficult to detect the presence or absence of liquid inside the optical chamber 2103 or reestablish a measurement baseline, no liquid present. Without knowing with certainty whether the fluid is correctly positioned completely inside optical chamber 2103, (that is, optical chamber 2103 is completely full), inconsistency in the light measurements taken through optical chamber 2103 will result in an indefinite path length and loss of light due to reflection and / or refraction due to the presence of a gas / liquid interface of the partially filled optical chamber 2103.
[00173] In addition, the volume of fluid retained in the corners 2153 and / or 2154 of the optical chamber 2103 varies as the fluid is subsequently re-introduced and removed from the optical chamber 2103 due to the variations previously described for the variation in the volume of trapped gas. A method that is dependent on the differential measurement of light transmitted through a micro-fluid cell 2100 with the fluid present inside the optical chamber 2100, compared to a measurement of light transmitted through a micro-fluid cell 2100 after the fluid is removed can produce an erroneous result when the fluid is retained within the measuring portion of the 2103 optical chamber.
[00174] A 2103 micro-fluidic cuvette that minimizes errors due to gas trapping or residual fluid presence causes, modifying the shape and / or volume of the corner structure of a 2103 micro-fluidic cuvette to reposition the corners 2153 and / or 2154 in addition to the measuring portion of the optical chamber 2103. With the corner structure repositioned, light that is transmitted through the optical chamber 2103 does not find the trapped gas or the presence of residual fluid. For a similar result, the measuring portion of the optical chamber 2103 can be reduced by using an aperture to eliminate light transmission through the sharp corner of the micro-fluidic cuvette 2100.
[00175] Such mitigation strategies may not be completely successful. The modification of the corner structure of the optical chamber 2100 can have harmful consequences, such as the separation of the liquid inside the optical chamber 2100 due to sudden changes in cross-section in the speed of the fluid, as the fluid makes strategic maneuvers around the structure of the fluid. modified corner or limits the speed at which fluid can be transported through the optical chamber 2100. Reducing the measuring portion of the optical chamber 2100 by using an aperture results in a loss in incident light intensity and production, since a portion of the light that would otherwise pass through the 2100 optical chamber without the aperture is obstructed. As the amount of incident light is reduced, the quantification and / or the range in which the concentration of the analyte can be determined is limited by systematic noise by equations {1} and {2}; (that is, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is decreased for a given system noise, in which both 10 and / are subjected to quantification uncertainty due to the presence of noise).
[00176] An embodiment attenuates the error due to the unintended refraction of the light transmitted through the optical chamber of a micro-fluidic cuvette due to the trapping of gas and / or fluid retention inside the optical chamber. Trapped gas and / or fluid retention inside the optical chamber are mitigated by eliminating the need for the fluid to make strategic maneuvers inside the optical chamber and, by changing the optical ray path through the optical chamber by means of total internal reflection ( TIR) inside the substrate and modification of the structure closing the micro-fluidic cuvette resulting in a constant fluidic cross-section with or without accentuated oblique flexions along the fluid path.
[00177] In addition, an embodiment provides modifications to the substrate and / or the surrounding structure in order to limit the spread of light to the optical chamber as the light travels from one end of the optical chamber to the opposite end.
[00178] In addition, an embodiment improves the ability to detect the presence or absence of liquid inside the optical chamber of a micro-fluidic cuvette, increasing the number of surface reflections for the propagation of light through the optical chamber and / or by preventing light from directly transmitting through the optical chamber in the absence of liquid.
[00179] With reference to Figure 22, a micro fluidic cuvette embodiment 2200 is composed of body 2213 and cover 2212. Incorporated in body 2213 are a fluid communication nozzle 2252, optical surfaces 2219 and 2220 for the transmission of light in and out of body 2213 along optical axis 2251. Body 2213 and cap 2212 are connected to each other by welding, adhesive or other joining means to form fluid channel 2201, optical chamber 2203 and nozzle fluid communication 2252. Microfluidic cuvette 2200 composed of body 2213 and cap 2212 forms a continuous fluid channel 2201 capable of communicating a fluid internally by means of differential pressure exerted between inlet 2202 and nozzle 2252 through the fluid channel 2201 and including optical camera 2203.
[00180] Fluid channel 2201 of micro-fluidic cuvette 2200 provides a smooth communication path for flow through optical chamber 2203 by means of radial folds at each end of optical chamber 2203 shown as radial folds 2253 and 2254.
[00181] Optical axis 2251 and optical chamber 2203 of micro-fluidic cuvette 2200 are separated. Optical axis 2251 of micro-fluidic cuvette 2200 (and, by association, optical surfaces 2219 and 2220, which pierce optical axis 2251), are located inside the body 2213 adjacent to the optical chamber 2203. This is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of the Figure 24. Optical chamber 2203 is defined by the ray paths that cross fluid channel 2201.
[00182] The cross-sectional view of Figure 24 shows the light transmitted along the optical axis 2251, which interacts with the optical camera 2203. The optical feature 2255 (shown in this embodiment as a triangular feature) is formed in the body 2213 as two joint right-angle optical surfaces, which intersect the optical axis 2251 along the segment of radius 2256 collinear with the optical axis 2251 at 45 degrees internal to the body 2213. The path of radius 2256 is fully reflected internally (TIR) and redirected along the radius segment 2257 perpendicular to the radius segment 2256 in order to pass through the optical chamber 2203, perpendicular to the fluid flow and beyond the radial folds 2253 and / or 2254 of Figure 22. The radius segment 2257 is also reflected internally and redirected by the optical feature 2262 and 2261 incorporated in the cover 2212 as radius segments 2258 and 2259, resulting in radius segment 2259 again passing through the optical chamber 220 3 perpendicular to the fluid flow to affect the second optical feature surface 2255 of the body 2213. The optical feature 2255 internally reflects and redirects radius segment 2260 perpendicular to the radius segment 2259 collinear with the optical axis 2151.
[00183] Total internal reflection occurs at the boundary between two materials joined with different refractive indices for a ray propagating within a second material, with a relatively higher refractive index than that of the first material to which the ray is propagating towards and falls on the limit and at an angle exceeding the critical angle, (that is, the angle of refraction is equal to or exceeds 90 degrees), by Snell's Law:
where r i is the refractive index of a material less than n2, n2 is the refractive index of a material greater than Hi, and θc is the critical angle.
[00184] The concepts shown in Figures 22 to 24 can be expanded, as illustrated in Figures 25-28, by incorporating additional internal reflective surfaces. Any number of transitions can be used. In practice, the greater the number of incorporated transitions, the more sensitive the length of the path becomes to the variation of the channel thickness and the greater the losses in the light transmitted through the micro-fluidic cuvette due to dispersion, an increase in the focal ratio of the micro-fluidic cuvette and the accumulated losses due to the location and angular errors of optical surfaces inside the body and cover. To a large extent, the loss due to the increase in the focal ratio can be overcome by modifying the internal planar reflecting surfaces to those of a non-planar or toroidal shape. For a similar benefit, such as adding convex surfaces to the optical surfaces 2219 and 2220 of a micro-fluidic cuvette 2200, modifying some or all of the internal reflecting surfaces to a non-planar or toroidal shape of the micro-fluidic cuvette 2200 can be used to prevent the light from deviating beyond the extension of the optical chamber 2203 as the light travels from one end of the optical chamber to the other.
[00185] The auxiliary optical characteristic features or modifications to the features of the example cuvette embodiments can be incorporated to form additional embodiments, as shown in Figure 28 and Figure 29. The reference numbers in Figure 28 are increased by 100 compared to Figure 27. As an example, modification of the optical surface resources 3119 and 3120 to manipulate the optical axis and / or modification of the optical surface 3170 from a planar surface to a non-planar surface is possible. In fact, manipulation of the optical axis can be used to accommodate surface-mounted emitters and detectors, where the optical surface 3170 of the cap 3112 is modified to a non-planar surface to converge the rays 3163 as the light propagates within the optical chamber 3103 so that light that would otherwise exceed the extent of optical chamber 3103 is not lost for a given focal ratio. An advantage of the modification of optical surface 3170 in cap 3112, compared to the modification of optical surfaces 3166 and / or 3167 of body 3113 for the form of lenses, lies in the simplicity of manufacture, cost reduction and the redundancy of use. Manufacturing in such cases, does not require complex tools, decreases the cycle time required to generate the part, increases the size of the feature and allows the same optical surface to be used for multiple excursions through the 3103 optical chamber.
[00186] As shown in Figure 29, modification for optical surface 3270 of cover 3212 reflects rays 3263 impacting optical surface 3270 in a way that confines the rays 3263 inside the optical chamber during each excursion of light through the light. optical camera.
[00187] The detailed descriptions of the exemplary embodiments above buckets are not exhaustive descriptions of all the contemplated embodiments. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of examples of embodiments described above can be combined in various ways or omitted to create other embodiments, and these other embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the present invention. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above described embodiments can be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments. Various example embodiments are described in Appendix E.
[00188] This description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many modifications and variations will be evident to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to explain the principles and practical application, and to allow other experts to understand the description of various embodiments with various modifications as they are appropriate for the particular intended use.
[00189] Although the illustrative embodiments have been described here, including the non-limiting examples in the figures given, it should be understood that the embodiments are not limited to those examples of precise embodiments, and that several other changes and modifications they can be introduced by someone skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of disclosure. APPENDIX A
[00190] Another embodiment provides an apparatus comprising: a cover and a body; said body comprising a fluid channel disposed therein; and said cap comprising at least one opening aligned with a portion of the fluid channel, thus allowing access to the fluid channel in the body. The at least one opening can have at least one rounded end. The rounded end may have a hollow shape. The at least one opening may have a hollow end. The at least one slot may have a beveled edge. The body may have a male coupling member, and the cap may have a female coupling member that fits with the male coupling member. The cap may have a male coupling member, and the body may have a female coupling member that fits with the male coupling member. The channel can comprise at least one recess. The at least one recess in the channel can line up with the slot in the cover.
[00191] Another embodiment provides an apparatus comprising: a body and a cover; said body comprising a fluid channel disposed therein, wherein said fluid channel comprises a recess to contain at least one reagent; said cap covering at least a portion of said fluid channel.
[00192] Another embodiment provides an apparatus comprising: a cover and a body; said body comprising a fluid channel disposed therein; said body comprising a top, a bottom and two sides; said body being made of transparent material; said cover being made of opaque material; said cover covering at least a portion of the top and both sides of the body; and said cap comprising opposite openings aligned with a portion of said fluid channel. One or more optical lenses can be formed within the transparent material, each of said lenses being aligned with said fluid channel. The openings can be aligned with said lenses. Optical lenses can be attached over each of these openings. The fluid channel can comprise one or more recessed areas to contain one or more reagents. The cap may comprise at least one opening aligned with a portion of the fluid channel, thereby providing access to the fluid channel in the body.
[00193] Another embodiment provides an apparatus comprising: a body and an opaque cover, said body comprising a fluid channel; said body comprising an opaque portion and two transparent portions, said transparent portions creating windows that are aligned with a portion of the fluid channel. The one or more windows can be optical lenses. The fluid channel can comprise one or more recessed areas as it contains one or more reagents. The cap can comprise at least one opening aligned with a portion of the fluid channel, thereby providing access to the fluid channel in the body. The apparatus may further comprise at least one dust collector disposed within the fluid channel.
[00194] Another embodiment provides an apparatus comprising: a vessel having a fluid channel with an optical chamber; said fluid channel comprising at least one p-collector with a length greater than the expected length of a fluid sample. The apparatus may have a first and a second window opposite each other and allowing the visualization of the fluid sample in the optical chamber. Opposite windows can be optical lenses. Optical lenses can be affixed to opposite windows.
[00195] Another embodiment provides an apparatus, comprising: a cuvette having a fluid channel in it; said bucket comprising an external surface having at least one recess in it; wherein the at least one recess is configured to fit a resilient slot element within an instrument for removably securing the cuvette to said slot. The at least one recess may comprise at least one recess disposed in a side wall of said cuvette. The at least one recess may comprise a set of recesses in a bottom surface of said cuvette. The at least one recess may comprise: at least one recess disposed in a side wall of said cuvette; and a set of recesses being eliminated on a bottom surface of said bucket; wherein said at least one recess disposed in a side wall of said bucket is positioned to fit a corresponding resilient member to said slot in response to insertion in said slot; and in which, in response to said at least one recess disposed in a side wall of said cuvette fitting the corresponding resilient member in said slot, said set of recesses disposed in the bottom surface of said cuvette aligns and fits with a series of element resilient in said slot. The at least one recess may comprise a curved indentation within said outer surface. The resilient element can be a leaf spring arranged with said slot and configured to removably fit said curved indentation. The at least one recess may comprise a non-textual guidance feature. The at least one non-textual guidance feature may comprise a thumb-sized recess disposed within said outer surface of said cuvette. APPENDIX B
[00196] In summary, an embodiment provides a cuvette, comprising: a body having a fluid channel in it; and an external surface having encoded information arranged therein and readable by a reader of a sample instrument. The encoded information may comprise a pattern arranged in an encoded area. The pattern can comprise a series of areas that reflect and a series of areas that do not reflect. The cuvette may comprise one or more chemical reagents disposed within the fluid channel. The encoded information may comprise information relating to one or more chemical reagents disposed within the fluid channel. The coded information may comprise one or more batch information from said bucket, date information from said bucket, and revision number from said bucket. The encoded information may comprise a printed label. The printed label can be detachably attached to said cuvette. The encoded information can be arranged on the outer surface of said cuvette so that, while said cuvette is being inserted into a slot in said sample instrument, said encoded information passes through the reader of the sample instrument. The encoded information can comprise a pattern having a variable portion and a non-variable portion. The non-variable portion can be encoded with information comprising bucket-type information. The variable portion can be encoded with information comprising batch information from the cuvette. The non-variable portion may comprise a portion of the coded area arranged on said cuvette so that, in response to insertion into the sample instrument, the non-variable portion is found by a reader of the sample instrument after the variable portion. The encoded information can comprise multiple tracks. The various tracks may comprise one or more tracks containing data from the cuvette and one or more tracks containing synchronization information.
[00197] Another embodiment provides a water analysis instrument, comprising: a cuvette reader having one or more reading elements for reading coded information arranged in a cuvette having a fluid channel in it; and one or more communication elements to communicate the information read from the cuvette to a processor within the water analysis instrument. The one or more reading elements may further comprise one or more emitting elements, one or more lens elements and one or more sensing elements. The one or more emitting elements may comprise one or more light emitting diodes. The one or more detection elements can comprise one or more photodetectors. The one or more lens elements may be arranged in an optical element and positioned to focus the light from one or more light-emitting diodes. The one or more lens elements can be arranged in an optical element and positioned to focus the light onto the one or more photodetectors. The cuvette reader can be placed inside the slit of the water analysis instrument. The cuvette reader can be arranged inside the slit of the water analysis instrument so that when a coded cuvette is inserted into the slit of the water analysis instrument, a coded area of the coded cuvette is approximately 4 mm from a surface of the cuvette reader facing the coded area. The one or more reading elements may further comprise a radio frequency identification bed. The one or more reading elements may further comprise a magnetic reading element.
[00198] Another embodiment provides a system, comprising: a cuvette, comprising: a body having a fluid channel in it; said cuvette still comprising an external surface having encoded information arranged therein; and a water analysis instrument including a cuvette reader, the cuvette reader comprising: one or more reading elements for reading the coded information arranged in the cuvette; and one or more communication elements to communicate the information read from the cuvette to a processor within the water analysis instrument. APPENDIX C
[00199] An embodiment provides an apparatus, comprising: a cuvette having a fluid channel in it; said bucket comprising an external surface having at least one non-textual orientation feature; in which at least one non-textual orientation feature indicates the correct orientation for insertion of said cuvette into a slit inside an instrument. The at least one non-textual guidance feature may comprise a thumb-sized recess disposed within said outer surface of said cuvette. The cuvette may comprise a fluid inlet side, and further said thumb-sized recess is disposed in the vicinity of said fluid inlet side. The at least one non-textual guidance feature may comprise a series of raised ridges arranged on said external surface of said bucket. The cuvette can comprise a fluid inlet side, and furthermore, said series of raised ridges can be arranged in the vicinity of said fluid inlet side. The at least one non-textual guidance feature may comprise a graphic arranged on said external surface of said bucket. The graph can comprise a directional arrow indicating the appropriate direction of insertion of said cuvette into said slot.
[00200] Another embodiment provides an apparatus, comprising; a cuvette having a fluid channel therein; said cuvette comprising an external surface having a thumb-sized recess disposed thereon. The outer surface can also comprise at least one non-textual orientation feature; in which at least one non-textual orientation feature indicates the correct orientation for insertion of said cuvette into a slit inside an instrument. The at least one non-textual guidance feature can be located in the thumb-sized recess.
[00201] Another embodiment provides a sample cup, comprising: a flat bottom; a first wall structure in the vicinity of and extending upwardly from said flat bottom; said sample cup including a fluid fill level indicator configured to indicate an appropriate level of sample fluid for use with an instrument having cuvettes inserted therein; a second wall structure extending from said first wall structure and defining a larger cross-sectional area than said first wall structure; said second wall structure being formed to match an instrument's sampling end; wherein said first wall structure and said second wall structure define a resting area for said instrument sampling end. The flat bottom, said first wall structure and said second wall structure can be formed of a single molded material, the first wall structure can be dimensioned to accommodate one or more fluid inlet ends of one or more cuvettes. The fluid fill level indicator can be positioned to indicate a fluid fill level providing suitable sample fluid to allow a sample detection feature of said instrument to be triggered when said instrument is inserted into said sample cup and resting in that rest area.
[00202] Another embodiment provides a method comprising: inserting one or more cuvettes into one or more corresponding slots in an instrument; insert fluid into a sample cup; place the instrument inside the sample fluid, where the tips of one or more cuvettes are in contact with the sample fluid; determine, by the instrument, if the sample fluid is in contact with the sample fluid; and in response to a determination that the instrument is in contact with the sample fluid, the instrument draws the sample fluid out of one or more cuvettes. The instrument can further comprise the sample detection feature that detects contact with the sample fluid by completing an electrical circuit between two contacts of the sample detection feature using sample fluid conductivity. The method may further comprise, in response to a determination that the sample detection feature is not in contact with the sample fluid, giving an indication. In response to the determination that the sample detection feature is not in contact with the sample fluid, the instrument does not extract the sample fluid from one or more cuvettes. APPENDIX D
[00203] Another embodiment provides a method, comprising: operating an engine to position the sample fluid within a fluid channel in a cuvette; transmit light through an optical chamber of the cuvette; measure a received light value that was transmitted through the optical camera; compare the measured light value of one or more thresholds; determining the position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel based on the comparison of the comparison step; and generating a response based on the position of the sample fluid with the fluid channel. The one or more thresholds may comprise a threshold derived from light transmitted through the optical chamber and measured beforehand to operate the engine to position the sample fluid within the fluid channel. The one or more thresholds may comprise a threshold derived from one or more predetermined patterns. The one or more predetermined patterns can comprise one or more of a pattern associated with no sample fluid in the optical chamber and a pattern associated with a sample gas / fluid interface present in the optical chamber. The method may further comprise, in response to determining the position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel, giving an indication of a detected position. The indication of a detected position can be communicated to a user. The method may further comprise, in response to determining a position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel, operating the engine to another position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel. The method may further comprise, in response to determining the position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel, calculating a volume of sample fluid based on the cross-sectional area of the fluid channel and the length that the fluid sample occupies. The method may further comprise, in response to the calculation of a volume of the sample fluid, giving an indication. The method may also comprise giving a referral to a user. The method may further comprise measuring, via the optical chamber, one or more optical characteristics of the sample fluid when the fluid sample occupies the optical chamber. The method can also comprise the iteration of operation, light transmission, light measurement and threshold comparing the steps in a coordinated manner with the step of measuring the sample fluid of an optical characteristic.
[00204] Another embodiment provides a portable instrument, comprising: a housing for receiving at least one cuvette, wherein each cuvette comprises a fluid channel therein; a pump capable of creating a differential pressure in the fluid channel of at least one cell to move a sample fluid in and / or through the fluid channel of at least one cell; one or more processors; and a program storage device storing the program code executable by one or more processors, said program code comprising: program code configured to operate the pump and the position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel of a cuvette; program code configured to transmit light through an optical camera; program code configured to measure the received light that was transmitted through the optical camera; program code configured to compare the measured light to one or more thresholds; and program code configured to determine the leading edge and / or trailing edge of the sample fluid within the fluid channel based on a comparison of the measured light and the one or more thresholds. The program code may further comprise program code configured to determine a position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel. The program code can be configured to, in response to determining the position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel, give an indication of a detected position. The indication of a detected position can be communicated to a user by the instrument. The program code can be configured to, in response to determining the position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel, operate the engine to promote the position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel. The one or more thresholds may comprise a threshold derived from light transmitted through the optical chamber and light measured beforehand to operate the engine to position the sample fluid within the fluid channel. The one or more thresholds may comprise a threshold derived from one or more predetermined patterns. The one or more predetermined patterns can comprise one or more of an associated pattern without sample fluid in the optical chamber and a pattern associated with a gas / sample fluid interface present within the optical chamber.
[00205] Another embodiment provides a program product, comprising: a program storage device storing program code executable by one or more processors, said program code comprising: program code configured to operate a motor to position the fluid sample in a fluid channel of a cuvette; program code configured to transmit light through an optical camera; program code configured to measure the received light that was transmitted through the optical camera; program code configured to compare the measured light to one or more thresholds; and program code configured to determine a position of the sample fluid within the fluid channel based on a comparison of the measured light and the one or more thresholds. It may further comprise program code configured to determine a concentration of an analyte from the sample fluid positioned within the optical chamber based on a measured value of light transmitted through the sample fluid. APPENDIX E
[00206] An embodiment provides a micro-fluidic cuvette consisting of a substrate with an optical axis, a fluidic channel, an optical chamber, at least one optical surface for the ingress of electromagnetic radiation of interest in the substrate, at least one surface optics for the egress of electromagnetic radiation of interest outside the substrate, at least one optical feature of total internal reflection, an optical ray path passing through said optical chamber at least twice; a cover with at least one optical feature of total internal reflection and a fluidic surface joined to said substrate along the fluidic channel forming a fluidic tube.
[00207] An optical axis can be dissociated from said fluidic tube and said optical chamber, incorporated within said micro-fluidic cuvette substrate.
[00208] A substrate can be transparent to said electromagnetic radiation of interest along said optical ray path.
[00209] The cover can be transparent to said electromagnetic radiation of interest along said path of the optical ray.
[00210] An optical ray path may be comprised of a ray path perforating the optical surface for ingress of electromagnetic radiation of interest in the substrate along said optical axis, perforating the optical surface for the egress of electromagnetic radiation of interest outside the substrate along said optical axis, including reflection by means of an internal reflection optical feature of said substrate and including an internal reflection optical feature of said cover substantially passing through said optical chamber at least twice.
[00211] An optical ray path may have the intensity of rays transmitted from the optical surface for ingress of electromagnetic radiation of interest in the substrate along said optical axis for the egress of electromagnetic radiation of interest outside the substrate along said optical axis and can be depends on the position of the interface between two fluids within said optical chamber.
[00212] A fluid channel can be opened or communicated between both ends of said fluid channel. A fluid can include differential pressure by exerting a force on a fluid within said fluid channel to affect the movement of a fluid within the fluid channel. A fluid channel can be further comprised of at least one optical chamber incorporated along the fluid channel. The electromagnetic radiation of interest can transmit through said optical chamber orthogonal to said fluid channel. The electromagnetic radiation of interest can transmit through said oblique optical chamber to said fluid channel. One or more optical surface (s) can be substantially flat in shape. One or more optical surface (s) may have a shape in order to prevent the divergence of rays between the ingress optical surface and the egress optical surface
[00213] An internal reflection feature of the substrate can be composed of at least two planar optical surfaces. An internal reflection feature of the substrate can be composed of at least two optical surfaces, at least one of which is shaped to prevent the divergence of rays between the ingress optical surface and the egress optical surface. An internal reflection feature of the cover can be composed of at least one planar optical surface. An internal reflection feature of the cover can be composed of at least one optical surface, minus one of which is shaped to prevent the divergence of rays between the ingress optical surface and the egress optical surface.
[00214] An embodiment provides a micro-fluidic cuvette composed of: a substrate with an optical axis, a fluidic channel, an optical chamber, at least one optical surface for the ingress of electromagnetic radiation of interest in the substrate, at least one optical surface for the egress of electromagnetic radiation of interest outside the substrate, at least one optical feature of total internal reflection, an optical ray path passing through said optical chamber at least twice conditioned to the fluid refractive index inside said optical camera; a cover with at least one optical feature of total internal reflection and a fluidic surface joined to said substrate along the fluidic channel forming a fluidic tube.
[00215] An optical axis can be dissociated from said fluidic tube and said optical chamber, incorporated within said micro-fluidic cuvette substrate. A cuvette substrate can be transparent to said electromagnetic radiation of interest along said optical ray path. The cover of the cuvette can be transparent to said electromagnetic radiation of interest along said path of the optical ray. The optical path of the cuvette can be composed of a path of rays perforating the optical surface for the ingress of electromagnetic radiation of interest in the substrate along the said optical axis, perforating the optical surface for the egress of electromagnetic radiation of interest outside of the substrate along said optical axis, including reflection by means of the optical reflection internal feature of said substrate and including optical reflection internal feature of said covering substantially passing through said optical chamber at least twice conditionally on the refractive index of the fluid inside said optical chamber. The path of the optical ray of the cuvette can provide the propagation of rays from the optical surface for the ingress of electromagnetic radiation of interest in the substrate along the said optical axis for the egress of electromagnetic radiation of interest outside the substrate along the said axis optical, which is dependent on the refractive index of the fluid inside said optical chamber.
[00216] An optical ray path of the cuvette can provide the intensity of rays transmitted from the optical surface for the ingress of electromagnetic radiation of interest in the substrate along said optical axis for the egress of electromagnetic radiation of interest outside the substrate at along said optical axis is depends on the position of the interface of two fluids inside said optical chamber.
[00217] A fluidic tube from the cuvette can provide communication so as to exist between both ends of said fluidic tube. The fluidic tube of the cuvette may allow differential pressure to exert a force on a fluid within said fluidic tube so as to affect the movement of a fluid within the fluidic tube. The fluidic tube of the cuvette may also consist of at least one optical chamber incorporated along the fluidic tube.
[00218] The electromagnetic radiation of interest can transmit through said orthogonal optical chamber of said bucket to said fluidic tube. The electromagnetic radiation of interest can transmit through said optical camera oblique to said fluidic tube.
[00219] The optical surface (s) of the cuvette may be substantially planar in shape. The optical surface (s) of the cuvette may be shaped to prevent the rays from diverging between the ingress optical surface and the egress optical surface. An internal reflection feature of the cuvette substrate can be composed of at least two planar optical surfaces. The internal reflection feature of the cuvette substrate can be composed of at least two optical surfaces, at least one of which is shaped to prevent the divergence of rays between the ingress optical surface and the egress optical surface. An internal reflection feature of the cuvette cover can be comprised of at least one planar optical surface. The internal reflection feature of the cuvette cover can be composed of at least one optical surface, minus one of which is shaped to prevent the rays from diverging between the ingress optical surface and the egress optical surface.

权利要求:
Claims (16)
[0001]
1. Bucket apparatus for performing manual fluid analysis characterized by the fact that it comprises: a cap (212) and a body (213), said body comprising a fluid channel (201) disposed therein; said cap (212) comprising at least one opening (102) aligned with a portion of the fluid channel, thereby providing access to the fluid channel in the body; wherein said body (213) is made of transparent material and has a top portion and two sides; wherein said lid (212) comprises opaque material, said lid covering at least a portion of the top and extending the body downward to cover at least a portion on both sides of the body; and said cap (212) comprising opposite openings aligned with a portion of said fluid channel.
[0002]
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that one or more optical lenses are formed inside the transparent material, each of said lenses aligned with said fluid channel.
[0003]
Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the openings are aligned with said lenses, and said lenses are affixed over each of said openings.
[0004]
4. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that at least one opening has at least one rounded end.
[0005]
5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the rounded end has an excavated shape.
[0006]
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that at least one opening has an excavated end.
[0007]
7. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that at least one opening has a notched shape.
[0008]
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the notched shape has a beveled edge.
[0009]
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the body has a male coupling member, and the cap has a female coupling member that fits with the male coupling member.
[0010]
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the cap has a male coupling member, and the body has a female coupling member that fits with the male coupling member.
[0011]
Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid channel comprises at least one recess.
[0012]
Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that at least one recess in the channel aligns with at least one opening in the lid.
[0013]
13. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said body is made of transparent polystyrene.
[0014]
14. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said body is made of translucent polystyrene.
[0015]
Bucket apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said lid when engaged with said body covers at least a portion of a top of the body and extends the body downwards to cover at least a portion of the sides of the body; wherein said cuvette comprises an external surface having at least one recess in it; wherein at least one recess is configured to engage a resilient slot member within an instrument for releasably securing the cuvette to said slot; wherein at least one recess comprises at least one recess disposed in a side wall of said cuvette; and a set of recesses arranged on a bottom surface of said bucket; wherein said at least one recess disposed in a side wall of said bucket is positioned to engage the corresponding resilient member in said slot responding to insertion in said slot; and in which, responding to said at least one recess disposed in a side wall of said bucket engaging the corresponding resilient member in said slot, said set of recesses arranged in the bottom surface of said bucket aligns and engages with a series of resilient members in said crack with an audible sound.
[0016]
Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one recess comprises a curved indentation within said outer surface, and the resilient member can be a leaf spring disposed within said slot and configured to engage in a manner the curved indentation is releasable.

类似技术:

---

公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题

---

BR112014031194B1|2021-04-13|BUCKET APPARATUS

---

JP5175213B2|2013-04-03|Portable sample analysis system

---

US20060228259A1|2006-10-12|Joint-diagnostic spectroscopic and biosensor meter

---

JP2009521684A|2009-06-04|Portable sample analyzer cartridge

---

US11035784B2|2021-06-15|Methods and systems for optical hemoglobin measurement

---

JP2009521683A|2009-06-04|Analyzer system

---

US8850903B2|2014-10-07|Apparatus and method for aspirating and dispensing liquid

---

CN101379385A|2009-03-04|Portable sample analyzer cartridge

---

US9080985B2|2015-07-14|Optical sensor

---

KR101161322B1|2012-07-02|Connector for connecting between biosensor and measuring instrument thereof

---

US20100182606A1|2010-07-22|Apparatus and method for multi-parameter optical measurements

---

JP2005106784A|2005-04-21|Measuring cell of colorimeter or like, and use method thereof

---

EP3356546A1|2018-08-08|Systems and methods for a lateral flow test strip holder

---

MXPA06005538A|2006-12-14|Device and method for analysing a liquid sample.

---

CA2523486A1|2006-10-12|Joint-diagnostic spectroscopic and biosensor meter

---

EP3722790A1|2020-10-14|Component measurement system, measurement device, and measurement tip

---

JP6952045B2|2021-10-20|Component measuring device set and component measuring chip

---

US20190120819A1|2019-04-25|Blood analysis device

---

JP2007225555A|2007-09-06|Microchip, examination device using microchip, and examination system using microchip

---

JP2009300256A|2009-12-24|Inspecting system

---

WO2022055737A1|2022-03-17|Sensor array

同族专利:

---

公开号 | 公开日

---

US20160097710A1|2016-04-07|

---

AU2013274254A1|2015-01-15|

---

BR112014031194A2|2017-06-27|

---

CN104736996B|2017-09-15|

---

EP2877833B1|2017-08-09|

---

CN104736996A|2015-06-24|

---

EP2877833A1|2015-06-03|

---

WO2013188553A1|2013-12-19|

---

US9180449B2|2015-11-10|

---

US20170284990A1|2017-10-05|

---

US10215745B2|2019-02-26|

---

AU2013274254B2|2017-03-16|

---

US20130330245A1|2013-12-12|

---

US10591455B2|2020-03-17|

---

US20160097709A1|2016-04-07|

---

US9719914B2|2017-08-01|

引用文献:

---

公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

---

---

DE2229723C2|1972-06-19|1982-05-27|Hellma GmbH u.Co KG Glastechnische-optische Werkstätten, 7840 Müllheim|Flow cell for optical measurements|

---

US4933147A|1985-07-15|1990-06-12|Abbott Laboratories|Unitized reagent containment system for clinical analyzer|

---

EP1248112A3|1987-04-27|2004-08-25|Inverness Medical Switzerland GmbH|Immunochromatographic specific binding assay device|

---

US5338689A|1987-08-24|1994-08-16|Stiftung Fur Diagnostische Forschung|Method and card for detecting antigens and/or antibodies|

---

US4990075A|1988-04-11|1991-02-05|Miles Inc.|Reaction vessel for performing sequential analytical assays|

---

IL94408D0|1989-07-11|1991-03-10|Miles Inc|Method,reaction cassette and kit for performing analytical assays|

---

US5277871A|1989-10-20|1994-01-11|Hitachi, Ltd.|Liquid chromatographic analyzer, sample feeder and prelabeling reaction treating method|

---

JP2899360B2|1990-05-21|1999-06-02|興和株式会社|Method and apparatus for measuring particles in fluid|

---

CA2027434C|1990-10-12|1999-01-05|George Jackowski|Diagnostic kit for diagnosing and distinguishing chest pain in early onset thereof|

---

EP0488947B1|1990-11-26|1995-02-15|Ciba-Geigy Ag|Detector cell|

---

JP2868900B2|1991-01-11|1999-03-10|クイデルコーポレイション|One-step lateral flow non-absorbable assay|

---

JPH04318444A|1991-04-17|1992-11-10|Seiko Instr Inc|Chemiluminescence detector|

---

US5726026A|1992-05-01|1998-03-10|Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania|Mesoscale sample preparation device and systems for determination and processing of analytes|

---

US5498392A|1992-05-01|1996-03-12|Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania|Mesoscale polynucleotide amplification device and method|

---

US5637469A|1992-05-01|1997-06-10|Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania|Methods and apparatus for the detection of an analyte utilizing mesoscale flow systems|

---

US5304487A|1992-05-01|1994-04-19|Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania|Fluid handling in mesoscale analytical devices|

---

EP0639223B1|1992-05-01|1996-07-03|The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania|Microfabricated sperm handling devices|

---

US5427739A|1992-08-27|1995-06-27|Schering-Plough Healthcare Products, Inc.|Apparatus for performing immunoassays|

---

US5500187A|1992-12-08|1996-03-19|Westinghouse Electric Corporation|Disposable optical agglutination assay device and method for use|

---

US5399486A|1993-02-18|1995-03-21|Biocircuits Corporation|Disposable unit in diagnostic assays|

---

US5798215A|1993-02-18|1998-08-25|Biocircuits Corporation|Device for use in analyte detection assays|

---

US5503985A|1993-02-18|1996-04-02|Cathey; Cheryl A.|Disposable device for diagnostic assays|

---

US5372948A|1993-03-17|1994-12-13|Miles Inc.|Assay and reaction vessel with a compartmentalized solubilization chamber|

---

DE59410066D1|1993-04-23|2002-04-11|Boehringer Mannheim Gmbh|System for analyzing the contents of liquid samples|

---

US5571396A|1993-07-12|1996-11-05|Dade International Inc.|Fluid analysis system and sensing electrode, electrode assembly, and sensing module components|

---

AU7563294A|1993-08-24|1995-03-21|Metrika Laboratories, Inc.|Novel disposable electronic assay device|

---

US5478751A|1993-12-29|1995-12-26|Abbott Laboratories|Self-venting immunodiagnositic devices and methods of performing assays|

---

US5504411A|1994-03-04|1996-04-02|Motorola, Inc.|Battery charger contact protection circuit|

---

DE69405087T2|1994-04-27|1997-12-18|Hewlett Packard Gmbh|Optical detector|

---

DE4415866C1|1994-05-05|1995-06-22|Draegerwerk Ag|Gas mixture gas and vapour component identification device|

---

US5707799A|1994-09-30|1998-01-13|Abbott Laboratories|Devices and methods utilizing arrays of structures for analyte capture|

---

US5504011A|1994-10-21|1996-04-02|International Technidyne Corporation|Portable test apparatus and associated method of performing a blood coagulation test|

---

US5731212A|1994-12-20|1998-03-24|International Technidyne Corporation|Test apparatus and method for testing cuvette accommodated samples|

---

US5630924A|1995-04-20|1997-05-20|Perseptive Biosystems, Inc.|Compositions, methods and apparatus for ultrafast electroseparation analysis|

---

US5545531A|1995-06-07|1996-08-13|Affymax Technologies N.V.|Methods for making a device for concurrently processing multiple biological chip assays|

---

US5633168A|1995-06-07|1997-05-27|Glasscock; Larry M.|Controlled dispersion flow analysis system|

---

US6454945B1|1995-06-16|2002-09-24|University Of Washington|Microfabricated devices and methods|

---

KR970706902A|1995-09-12|1997-12-01|로드릭 리차드 제이|DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DNA AMPLIFICATION AND ASSAY|

---

DE19535046C2|1995-09-21|1998-04-16|Eppendorf Geraetebau Netheler|Handheld device for pipetting and photometric measurement of samples|

---

ES2191118T3|1995-12-01|2003-09-01|Isco Inc|DEVICE FOR ANALYZING SAMPLES OF LIQUID.|

---

US6709869B2|1995-12-18|2004-03-23|Tecan Trading Ag|Devices and methods for using centripetal acceleration to drive fluid movement in a microfluidics system|

---

US5736404A|1995-12-27|1998-04-07|Zia Yassinzadeh|Flow detection appartus and method|

---

US5762873A|1996-02-21|1998-06-09|Biomerieux Vitek, Inc.|Automatic sample testing machine|

---

AU2050297A|1996-02-23|1997-09-10|Universal Health-Watch, Inc.|Chromatographic strip having detection and control zones oriented parallel to the direction of flow|

---

US5948684A|1997-03-31|1999-09-07|University Of Washington|Simultaneous analyte determination and reference balancing in reference T-sensor devices|

---

US5716852A|1996-03-29|1998-02-10|University Of Washington|Microfabricated diffusion-based chemical sensor|

---

JP4912517B2|1996-04-03|2012-04-11|アプライドバイオシステムズリミテッドライアビリティーカンパニー|Devices and methods for detection of multiple analytes|

---

US7244622B2|1996-04-03|2007-07-17|Applera Corporation|Device and method for multiple analyte detection|

---

US5942443A|1996-06-28|1999-08-24|Caliper Technologies Corporation|High throughput screening assay systems in microscale fluidic devices|

---

JP3788519B2|1996-06-28|2006-06-21|カリパー・ライフ・サイエンシズ・インコーポレーテッド|High-throughput screening assay system for microscale fluid devices|

---

US5804436A|1996-08-02|1998-09-08|Axiom Biotechnologies, Inc.|Apparatus and method for real-time measurement of cellular response|

---

AU6152498A|1997-02-05|1998-08-25|California Institute Of Technology|Microfluidic sub-millisecond mixers|

---

US6632619B1|1997-05-16|2003-10-14|The Governors Of The University Of Alberta|Microfluidic system and methods of use|

---

AT264717T|1997-05-16|2004-05-15|Alberta Res Council|MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING IT|

---

EP1071942A1|1998-04-17|2001-01-31|LJL Biosystems, Inc.|Sample-holding devices and systems|

---

GB9719142D0|1997-09-09|1997-11-12|Glaxo Group Ltd|Analytical method and apparatus therefor|

---

DE19753847A1|1997-12-04|1999-06-10|Roche Diagnostics Gmbh|Analytical test element with capillary channel|

---

DE19755529A1|1997-12-13|1999-06-17|Roche Diagnostics Gmbh|Analysis system for sample liquids|

---

AU3491299A|1998-04-14|1999-11-01|Lumenal Technologies, L.P.|Test cartridge with a single inlet port|

---

GB9808836D0|1998-04-27|1998-06-24|Amersham Pharm Biotech Uk Ltd|Microfabricated apparatus for cell based assays|

---

EP0955084B1|1998-04-27|2006-07-26|Corning Incorporated|Method of depositing an array of biological samples using a redrawn capillary reservoir|

---

EP1046032A4|1998-05-18|2002-05-29|Univ Washington|Liquid analysis cartridge|

---

DE19826470C2|1998-06-13|2001-10-18|Eppendorf Ag|Cuvette system and cuvette|

---

US6153148A|1998-06-15|2000-11-28|Becton, Dickinson And Company|Centrifugal hematology disposable|

---

US6084660A|1998-07-20|2000-07-04|Lifescan, Inc.|Initiation of an analytical measurement in blood|

---

US6171870B1|1998-08-06|2001-01-09|Spectral Diagnostics, Inc.|Analytical test device and method for use in medical diagnoses|

---

US6214629B1|1998-08-06|2001-04-10|Spectral Diagnostics, Inc.|Analytical test device and method for use in medical diagnoses|

---

US6410341B1|1998-08-06|2002-06-25|Spectral Diagnostics, Inc.|Analytical test device and method for use in medical diagnoses|

---

CN1250970C|1998-08-06|2006-04-12|光谱诊断公司|Analytical test device and method|

---

WO2000017401A2|1998-09-21|2000-03-30|Ramot University Authority For Applied Research & Industrial Development Ltd.|Method and apparatus for effecting and monitoring nucleic acid amplification|

---

US6104485A|1998-10-07|2000-08-15|World Precision Instruments, Inc.|Method and apparatus for optical measurement of very small fluid samples|

---

GB9822242D0|1998-10-13|1998-12-09|Zeneca Ltd|Device|

---

US20020019059A1|1999-01-28|2002-02-14|Calvin Y.H. Chow|Devices, systems and methods for time domain multiplexing of reagents|

---

US6472141B2|1999-05-21|2002-10-29|Caliper Technologies Corp.|Kinase assays using polycations|

---

US6818185B1|1999-05-28|2004-11-16|Cepheid|Cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction|

---

US6750053B1|1999-11-15|2004-06-15|I-Stat Corporation|Apparatus and method for assaying coagulation in fluid samples|

---

US6680208B1|1999-11-19|2004-01-20|Becton, Dickinson And Company|Rapid protein identification using antibody mixtures|

---

US6589729B2|2000-02-04|2003-07-08|Caliper Technologies Corp.|Methods, devices, and systems for monitoring time dependent reactions|

---

AU4917601A|2000-03-14|2001-09-24|Micronics Inc|Microfluidic analysis cartridge|

---

GB2365122B|2000-05-31|2004-05-05|Abb Instrumentation Ltd|Analysis device|

---

FR2811765A1|2000-07-11|2002-01-18|Jacques Toledano|MOLECULAR DETECTION DEVICE AND METHOD|

---

US6615856B2|2000-08-04|2003-09-09|Biomicro Systems, Inc.|Remote valving for microfluidic flow control|

---

JP2004509335A|2000-09-18|2004-03-25|ユニバーシティ　オブ　ワシントン|Microfluidic device for rotating operation of fluid interface between multiple flow streams|

---

US20050011761A1|2000-10-31|2005-01-20|Caliper Technologies Corp.|Microfluidic methods, devices and systems for in situ material concentration|

---

DE60138824D1|2000-10-31|2009-07-09|Caliper Life Sciences Inc|MICROFLUIDIC PROCESS FOR IN-SITU MATERIAL CONCENTRATION|

---

US7026131B2|2000-11-17|2006-04-11|Nagaoka & Co., Ltd.|Methods and apparatus for blood typing with optical bio-discs|

---

US7087203B2|2000-11-17|2006-08-08|Nagaoka & Co., Ltd.|Methods and apparatus for blood typing with optical bio-disc|

---

US20030082568A1|2000-11-27|2003-05-01|Phan Brigitte Chau|Use of restriction enzymes and other chemical methods to decrease non-specific binding in dual bead assays and related bio-discs, methods, and system apparatus for detecting medical targets|

---

US20020172980A1|2000-11-27|2002-11-21|Phan Brigitte Chau|Methods for decreasing non-specific binding of beads in dual bead assays including related optical biodiscs and disc drive systems|

---

EP1390715A4|2001-05-23|2005-05-04|Hach Co|Optical turbidimeter with a lens tube|

---

US6919046B2|2001-06-07|2005-07-19|Nanostream, Inc.|Microfluidic analytical devices and methods|

---

SE0102331D0|2001-06-29|2001-06-29|Biacore Ab|Flow cell method|

---

US7250303B2|2001-07-20|2007-07-31|Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.|Chemistry system for a clinical analyzer|

---

US6836332B2|2001-09-25|2004-12-28|Tennessee Scientific, Inc.|Instrument and method for testing fluid characteristics|

---

AU2002351187A1|2001-11-30|2003-06-17|Fluidigm Corporation|Microfluidic device and methods of using same|

---

AU2002360499A1|2001-12-05|2003-06-17|University Of Washington|Microfluidic device and surface decoration process for solid phase affinity binding assays|

---

EP1499706A4|2002-04-01|2010-11-03|Fluidigm Corp|Microfluidic particle-analysis systems|

---

US20030209653A1|2002-04-24|2003-11-13|Biocontrol Systems, Inc.|Sample collection and testing system|

---

US8168139B2|2002-06-24|2012-05-01|Fluidigm Corporation|Recirculating fluidic network and methods for using the same|

---

US6710874B2|2002-07-05|2004-03-23|Rashid Mavliev|Method and apparatus for detecting individual particles in a flowable sample|

---

US20040081581A1|2002-10-24|2004-04-29|Mount Robert A.|Urine specimen cup toxicology indicator cap|

---

AU2003278040A1|2002-10-24|2004-05-13|Spectral Diagnostics Inc.|Diagnostic device|

---

US7256053B2|2002-10-24|2007-08-14|Nanogen, Inc.|Diagnostic device for analyte detection|

---

US7419638B2|2003-01-14|2008-09-02|Micronics, Inc.|Microfluidic devices for fluid manipulation and analysis|

---

US7220597B2|2003-01-30|2007-05-22|Zin Benedict L|Assay test device and method of making same|

---

US20040166551A1|2003-02-24|2004-08-26|John Moulds|Detection of agglutination of assays|

---

WO2004085668A2|2003-03-20|2004-10-07|Northeastern Ohio Universities College Of Medecine|Self-contained assay device for rapid detection of biohazardous agents|

---

US7604965B2|2003-04-03|2009-10-20|Fluidigm Corporation|Thermal reaction device and method for using the same|

---

JP4800209B2|2003-06-20|2011-10-26|エフホフマン−ラロッシュアクチェンゲゼルシャフト|Reagent stripe for test strip|

---

US20040259076A1|2003-06-23|2004-12-23|Accella Scientific, Inc.|Nano and micro-technology virus detection method and device|

---

US7077996B2|2003-07-15|2006-07-18|Randall Brandon L|Methods and apparatus for blood separation and analysis using membranes on an optical bio-disc|

---

US7169356B2|2003-07-18|2007-01-30|Dade Behring Inc.|Random access reagent delivery system for use in an automatic clinical analyzer|

---

US7459713B2|2003-08-14|2008-12-02|Microptix Technologies, Llc|Integrated sensing system approach for handheld spectral measurements having a disposable sample handling apparatus|

---

WO2005022169A1|2003-09-01|2005-03-10|Nec Corporation|Chip|

---

KR101165102B1|2003-09-03|2012-07-12|라이프 패치 인터내셔널, 인크.|Personal diagnostic devices and related methods|

---

JP4146780B2|2003-10-17|2008-09-10|株式会社日立ハイテクノロジーズ|Reagent cassette and automatic analyzer using the same|

---

US7283245B2|2004-01-20|2007-10-16|General Electric Company|Handheld device with a disposable element for chemical analysis of multiple analytes|

---

US20070281288A1|2004-01-27|2007-12-06|Shimshon Belkin|Method and System for Detecting Analytes|

---

US20050214161A1|2004-03-23|2005-09-29|Gupta Surendra K|Test device for simultaneous measurement of multiple analytes in a single sample|

---

US20050214737A1|2004-03-26|2005-09-29|Dejneka Matthew J|Transparent filtered capillaries|

---

WO2005095262A1|2004-04-01|2005-10-13|Nanyang Technological University|Microchip and method for detecting molecules and molecular interactions|

---

US20070292310A1|2004-05-17|2007-12-20|Danfoss A/S|Microanalysis Apparatus with Constant Pressure Pump System|

---

DE102004033317A1|2004-07-09|2006-02-09|Roche Diagnostics Gmbh|Analytical test element|

---

WO2006013573A2|2004-08-06|2006-02-09|Mendy Erad Ltd.|Early detection of harmful agents: method, system and kit|

---

GB0417601D0|2004-08-06|2004-09-08|Inverness Medical Switzerland|Assay device & method|

---

JP4375183B2|2004-09-22|2009-12-02|ウシオ電機株式会社|Microchip|

---

US20060065361A1|2004-09-30|2006-03-30|Matthias Stiene|Process for manufacturing an analysis module with accessible electrically conductive contact pads for a microfluidic analytical system|

---

EP1655606B1|2004-11-05|2011-08-10|F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG|Biochemical assay and device|

---

GB0426082D0|2004-11-26|2004-12-29|Norchip As|A device for carrying out biological assays|

---

US7258480B2|2005-01-10|2007-08-21|Dade Behring Inc.|Apparatus for mixing liquid samples using a two dimensional stirring pattern|

---

DE502006009183D1|2005-01-27|2011-05-12|Boehringer Ingelheim Micropart|Use of a device for examining sample liquid|

---

WO2006089192A2|2005-02-18|2006-08-24|Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.|Devices and methods for identifying genomic dna of organisms|

---

US7491366B2|2005-03-03|2009-02-17|Ecolab Inc.|Portable multi-channel device for optically testing a liquid sample|

---

EP1868725B1|2005-03-08|2012-01-18|Authentix, Inc.|Use of microfluidic device for identification, quantification, and authentication of latent markers|

---

WO2006105110A2|2005-03-29|2006-10-05|Inverness Medical Switzerland Gmbh|Assay device and methods|

---

EP2597471A3|2005-04-01|2014-03-05|Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic, Inc.|Micro integrated analysis system, testing chip, and testing method|

---

WO2006107016A1|2005-04-01|2006-10-12|Mitsubishi Kagaku Iatron, Inc.|Biosample multiple autoanalyzer, method of autoanalysis and reaction cuvette|

---

US7820109B2|2005-04-20|2010-10-26|Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic Inc.|Testing chip and micro analysis system|

---

US20060246513A1|2005-05-02|2006-11-02|Bohannon Robert C|Method and device to detect the presence of analytes in a sample|

---

US8741230B2|2006-03-24|2014-06-03|Theranos, Inc.|Systems and methods of sample processing and fluid control in a fluidic system|

---

WO2006122311A2|2005-05-11|2006-11-16|The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania|Microfluidic chip|

---

CA2608162C|2005-05-23|2013-11-12|Phadia Ab|Two step lateral flow assay methods and devices|

---

WO2007005907A1|2005-07-01|2007-01-11|Honeywell International, Inc.|A molded cartridge with 3-d hydrodynamic focusing|

---

WO2007035350A2|2005-09-15|2007-03-29|University Of Utah Research Foundation|Bioluminescence-based sensor with centrifugal separation and enhanced light collection|

---

KR100680267B1|2005-09-16|2007-02-08|주식회사 인포피아|Biosensor had the identification information and reading apparatus for the identification information recorded a biosensor|

---

US7910381B2|2005-10-13|2011-03-22|BioAssay Works|Immuno gold lateral flow assay|

---

AT502693B1|2005-11-08|2008-10-15|Gerhard Bonecker|MIXING CONTAINER FOR A PHOTOMETRIC MEASURING DEVICE, AND PHOTOMETRIC MEASURING METHOD FOR A SAMPLE LIQUID|

---

GB0523231D0|2005-11-15|2005-12-21|Redfern Jonathan|Liquid photometer using disposable pipette tip vessel|

---

GB2436616A|2006-03-29|2007-10-03|Inverness Medical Switzerland|Assay device and method|

---

US7598091B2|2006-04-04|2009-10-06|Micropoint Bioscience, Inc.|Micromachined diagnostic device with controlled flow of fluid and reaction|

---

WO2007133590A2|2006-05-08|2007-11-22|Auburn University|Systems for and methods of characterizing reactions|

---

KR101343034B1|2006-09-05|2013-12-18|삼성전자 주식회사|Centrifugal microfluidic device for target protein detection and microfluidic system comprising the same|

---

WO2008034102A2|2006-09-15|2008-03-20|Haemonetics Corporation|Surface mapping by optical manipulation of particles in relation to a functionalized surface|

---

US8012744B2|2006-10-13|2011-09-06|Theranos, Inc.|Reducing optical interference in a fluidic device|

---

US8409877B2|2006-12-29|2013-04-02|Intel Corporation|Enzymatic signal generation and detection of binding complexes in stationary fluidic chip|

---

WO2008086019A1|2007-01-09|2008-07-17|Cholestech Corporation|Device and method for measuring ldl-associated cholesterol|

---

EP2664916B1|2007-04-02|2017-02-08|Acoustic Cytometry Systems, Inc.|Method for manipulating a fluid medium within a flow cell using acoustic focusing|

---

WO2008126403A1|2007-04-05|2008-10-23|Panasonic Corporation|Sample liquid analytical chip|

---

US8633013B2|2007-05-03|2014-01-21|Clondiag Gmbh|Assays|

---

EP2009423A1|2007-06-28|2008-12-31|Bp Oil International Limited|Sample plate|

---

EP2008716A1|2007-06-28|2008-12-31|Bp Oil International Limited|Sample plate|

---

JP4614992B2|2007-07-27|2011-01-19|パナソニック株式会社|Analytical device, analytical apparatus and analytical method using the same|

---

US20090042737A1|2007-08-09|2009-02-12|Katz Andrew S|Methods and Devices for Correlated, Multi-Parameter Single Cell Measurements and Recovery of Remnant Biological Material|

---

EP2196806A1|2007-09-14|2010-06-16|TTM Co., Ltd.|Liquid fluid testing instrument and testing method|

---

EP2040073A1|2007-09-20|2009-03-25|Iline Microsystems, S.L.|Microfluidic device and method for fluid clotting time determination|

---

PL2040072T3|2007-09-22|2013-06-28|Hoffmann La Roche|Analysis system for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a bodily fluid|

---

KR100798471B1|2007-10-08|2008-01-28|주식회사 인포피아|Reaction cassette for measuring glycated hemoglobin and measuring method thereof|

---

US9696261B2|2007-10-12|2017-07-04|Ecolab Usa Inc.|Multi-channel device and method for measuring optical properties of a liquid|

---

US8582106B2|2007-11-09|2013-11-12|Hach Company|Automatic optical measurement system and method|

---

JP5470642B2|2008-03-25|2014-04-16|国立大学法人岡山大学|Micro droplet preparation device|

---

KR20120102100A|2009-12-04|2012-09-17|레피드 페써겐 스크리닝, 아이엔씨.|Multiplanar lateral flow assay with sample compressor|

---

EP2133149A1|2008-06-13|2009-12-16|F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ag|Lab-on-disc device|

---

CN102099676B|2008-07-16|2016-01-20|国际泰克尼迪纳公司|A kind of cup for blood clot detecting instrument|

---

CN102164531A|2008-08-05|2011-08-24|美艾利尔瑞士股份有限公司|A universal testing platform for medical diagnostics and an apparatus for reading testing platforms|

---

CN107121396B|2008-09-24|2020-06-30|曙光生命科学公司|Method for detecting an analyte|

---

KR101178009B1|2008-10-17|2012-08-28|액텀 아이엔씨.|Liquid test strip and the method|

---

WO2010101926A2|2009-03-02|2010-09-10|The Johns Hopkins University|Microfluidic system for high-throughput, droplet-based single molecule analysis with low reagent consumption|

---

GB2469071A|2009-03-31|2010-10-06|Diamatrix Ltd|Electrochemical test device|

---

DE102009016712A1|2009-04-09|2010-10-14|Bayer Technology Services Gmbh|Disposable microfluidic test cassette for bioassay of analytes|

---

CN102448612B|2009-04-13|2014-12-03|精密公司|Microfluidic clinical analyzer|

---

AU2010300092B2|2009-09-24|2016-02-04|Monash University|Testing device for identifying antigens and antibodies in biofluids|

---

US8609433B2|2009-12-04|2013-12-17|Rapid Pathogen Screening, Inc.|Multiplanar lateral flow assay with sample compressor|

---

EP2534494A4|2010-02-12|2016-05-04|Univ Northwestern|Assay card for sample acquisition, treatment and reaction|

---

US9180451B2|2010-06-28|2015-11-10|Stmicroelectronics S.R.L.|Fluidic cartridge for detecting chemicals in samples, in particular for performing biochemical analyses|

---

CN103140755B|2010-07-22|2016-03-16|哈希公司|For the lab on A Chip of alkalinity analyzing|

---

GB201014805D0|2010-09-07|2010-10-20|Multi Sense Technologies Ltd|Microfluidics based assay device|

---

EP2441520A1|2010-10-12|2012-04-18|Eppendorf AG|Real-time amplification and micro-array based detection of nucleic acid targets in a flow chip assay|

---

US8830449B1|2011-04-18|2014-09-09|Cercacor Laboratories, Inc.|Blood analysis system|

---

CN202119717U|2011-05-13|2012-01-18|嘉兴金石仪器科技有限公司|Portable color reaction device|

---

JP5903492B2|2011-09-16|2016-04-13|クレド バイオメディカル ピーティーイー リミテッド|Molecular diagnostic assay device and method of use|

---

US9023640B2|2011-12-13|2015-05-05|Fundamental Solutions Corporation|Device for rapid detection of infectious agents|

---

WO2013096804A2|2011-12-23|2013-06-27|Abbott Point Of Care Inc|Optical assay device with pneumatic sample actuation|

---

US8663583B2|2011-12-27|2014-03-04|Honeywell International Inc.|Disposable cartridge for fluid analysis|

---

US8741233B2|2011-12-27|2014-06-03|Honeywell International Inc.|Disposable cartridge for fluid analysis|CA2859167C|2011-12-12|2021-03-16|Step Ahead Innovations, Inc.|Submerged chemical indicator and holder|

---

KR20130086743A|2012-01-26|2013-08-05|삼성전자주식회사|Microfluidic device and control method thereof|

---

JP2016529483A|2013-06-19|2016-09-23|ステップ アヘッド イノベーションズ，インコーポレイテッド|Aqueous environmental water parameter test system and method|

---

US9784686B2|2013-06-19|2017-10-10|Step Ahead Innovations, Inc.|Aquatic environment water parameter testing systems and methods|

---

CN107850544A|2015-08-03|2018-03-27|菲尔德水检测有限责任公司|Equipment, system and method for water pollutant test|

---

US10273441B2|2015-08-26|2019-04-30|EMULATE, Inc.|Perfusion manifold assembly|

---

EP3150996A1|2015-10-02|2017-04-05|Hach Company|Apparatus and method for determining a water hardness value|

---

AU2017239168B2|2016-03-21|2022-02-03|University Of South Australia|Oxidant sensor|

---

EP3481539A4|2016-07-06|2020-02-26|Precision Nanosystems Inc|Smart microfluidic mixing instrument and cartridges|

---

EP3315963A1|2016-10-26|2018-05-02|Fuchs Petrolub SE|Sample receiving element, analyses set and method for analyzing a liquid, in particular a cooling lubricant emulsion|

---

US10366219B2|2016-11-16|2019-07-30|Bank Of America Corporation|Preventing unauthorized access to secured information using identification techniques|

---

US10474800B2|2016-11-16|2019-11-12|Bank Of America Corporation|Generating alerts based on vehicle system privacy mode|

---

WO2019229830A1|2018-05-29|2019-12-05|株式会社日立ハイテクソリューションズ|Water quality meter and water quality management system|

---

WO2021077153A1|2019-10-25|2021-04-29|University Of South Australia|Microfluidic sensor for continuous or semi-continuous monitoring of quality of an aqueous solution|

法律状态:
2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

---

2019-12-24| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

---

2020-11-24| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|

---

2021-03-23| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|

---

2021-04-13| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 12/06/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

---

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

---

US201261658753P| true| 2012-06-12|2012-06-12|

---

US61/658,753|2012-06-12|

---

US201261710259P| true| 2012-10-05|2012-10-05|

---

US201261710294P| true| 2012-10-05|2012-10-05|

---

US201261710282P| true| 2012-10-05|2012-10-05|

---

US61/710,294|2012-10-05|

---

US61/710,259|2012-10-05|

---

US61/710,282|2012-10-05|

---

US201261723174P| true| 2012-11-06|2012-11-06|

---

US61/723,174|2012-11-06|

---

US13/844,153|US9180449B2|2012-06-12|2013-03-15|Mobile water analysis|

---

PCT/US2013/045448|WO2013188553A1|2012-06-12|2013-06-12|Mobile water analysis|

---