公开(公告)号：US07169616B2

公开(公告)日：2007-01-30

申请号：US10353824

申请日：2003-01-27

Applicant: James E. Johnson ,  Neil R. Picha ,  Craig M. Storms ,  David A. Martin

Inventor： James E. Johnson ,  Neil R. Picha ,  Craig M. Storms ,  David A. Martin

IPC: G01N1/10 ,  B01L3/02 ,  F16T1/42

CPC classification number: B01L3/021 ,  B01L3/0268 ,  B01L2200/143 ,  B01L2200/148 ,  B01L2300/14 ,  B01L2400/02 ,  B01L2400/0487 ,  B01L2400/06 ,  B01L2400/0633 ,  B01L2400/0666 ,  G01N35/00594 ,  G01N35/00712 ,  G01N35/1002 ,  G01N35/1016 ,  G01N35/1065 ,  G01N2035/00237 ,  G01N2035/1041 ,  G01N2035/1044 ,  Y10T137/3003 ,  Y10T436/15 ,  Y10T436/2575

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering repetitive, precision, low volume liquid dispensing from a dispensing orifice of a non-contact liquid dispensing apparatus. An elongated communication passageway of the dispensing apparatus is defined by interior walls having one end in fluid communication with a system fluid reservoir and an opposite end terminating at the dispensing orifice. A system fluid is placed in the communication passageway extending substantially continuously from the system fluid reservoir to the dispensing orifice. A relatively small volume of gaseous fluid is aspirated through the dispensing orifice, and into the communication passageway in a manner such that the gaseous fluid extends substantially continuously across the transverse cross-sectional dimension of the communication passageway. Subsequently, a dispensing liquid is aspirated through the dispensing orifice and into the communication passageway in a manner such that the relatively small volume of aspirated gaseous fluid forms a minute, unitary air gap fully enclosed between the interior walls of the communication passageway and a liquid interface between the system fluid and the dispensing liquid contained in the communication passageway. This minute air gap substantially prevents dispersion and dilution therebetween at the liquid interface. To effect dispensing, a rapid pressure pulse with a predetermined pulse width is applied to the system fluid upstream from the minute air gap, causing the pressure pulse to traverse the minute air gap to the dispensing liquid without substantial fluid compression of the minute air gap. This enables substantially accurate, relatively small volume, non-contact liquid dispensing of the dispensing liquid from the dispensing orifice.

Abstract translation: 一种用于从非接触式液体分配装置的分配孔输送重复，精确，低体积的液体分配的装置和方法。 分配装置的细长的连通通道由具有与系统流体储存器流体连通的一端和终止于分配孔的相对端的内壁限定。 系统流体被放置在从系统流体储存器到分配孔基本上连续延伸的连通通道中。 通过分配孔吸入相对小体积的气态流体，并以这样的方式进入连通通道，使得气态流体基本上连续地延伸穿过连通通道的横截面尺寸。 随后，分配液体通过分配孔吸入并进入连通通道，使得相对较小体积的吸入气态流体形成完全封闭在连通通道的内壁之间的微小整体空气间隙和液体界面 在系统流体和包含在连通通道中的分配液体之间。 这种微小气隙基本上防止了液体界面处的分散和稀释。 为了实现分配，将具有预定脉冲宽度的快速压力脉冲施加到从微小空气间隙上游的系统流体，使得压力脉冲穿过分配液体的微小空气间隙，而不会明显地流体压缩微小气隙。 这使得能够从分配孔口实现分配液体的基本上精确的，相当小体积的非接触液体分配。

公开(公告)号：US06852291B1

公开(公告)日：2005-02-08

申请号：US09689548

申请日：2000-10-11

Applicant: James E. Johnson ,  Neil R. Picha ,  Mitchel J. Doktycz

Inventor： James E. Johnson ,  Neil R. Picha ,  Mitchel J. Doktycz

IPC: B01J19/00 ,  B67D7/02 ,  C12M1/00 ,  C40B60/14 ,  G01N1/00 ,  G01N1/14 ,  G01N35/10 ,  G01N37/00 ,  B01L3/02 ,  E03C1/18 ,  G01N1/10 ,  E03B11/01

CPC classification number: G01N35/1097 ,  B01J19/0046 ,  B01J2219/00315 ,  B01J2219/00394 ,  B01J2219/00412 ,  B01J2219/00605 ,  B01J2219/00659 ,  C40B60/14 ,  F16K11/0743 ,  F16K99/0001 ,  F16K99/0013 ,  F16K99/0028 ,  F16K2099/0084 ,  G01N1/14 ,  G01N2035/1041 ,  Y10T137/86863 ,  Y10T137/87249 ,  Y10T436/2575

Abstract: A hybrid valve apparatus for use with an aspiration actuator and a dispensing actuator to transfer fluid from a reservoir to a test site on a substrate surface. The hybrid valve includes a valve assembly movable between an aspiration condition and a dispensing condition, and a manifold device coupled to the valve assembly. The manifold device includes a fluid aspiration conduit having a first aspiration port in fluid communication with the aspiration actuator. On an opposite end of the aspiration conduit is a second aspiration port in selective fluid communication with the valve assembly to selectively aspirate a liquid sample slug from the reservoir into a discrete sample path when the valve assembly is in the aspiration condition. The manifold device further includes a fluid dispensing conduit having a first dispensing port in fluid communication with the dispensing actuator, and a second dispensing port in selective fluid communication with the valve assembly. When the valve assembly is in the dispensing condition, the sample path is fluidly coupled to the dispensing actuator to selectively dispense at least one droplet of the liquid sample slug therefrom, while simultaneously being out of fluid communication with the aspiration actuator. In contrast, in the aspiration condition, the sample path is in fluid communication with the aspiration actuator, while being out of fluid communication with the dispensing actuator.

公开(公告)号：US20100238444A1

公开(公告)日：2010-09-23

申请号：US12529477

申请日：2008-12-04

Applicant: James M. Anderson, JR. ,  Raaidah B. Saari-Norhaus ,  Washington J. Mendoza ,  Josef P. Bystron ,  Dirk Helgemo ,  Sheldon Nelson ,  Bruce D. Black ,  Neil R. Picha ,  Dennis K. Mc Creary

Inventor： James M. Anderson, JR. ,  Raaidah B. Saari-Norhaus ,  Washington J. Mendoza ,  Josef P. Bystron ,  Dirk Helgemo ,  Sheldon Nelson ,  Bruce D. Black ,  Neil R. Picha ,  Dennis K. Mc Creary

IPC: G01N21/00

CPC classification number: G01N30/82 ,  G01N30/28 ,  G01N30/74 ,  G01N30/78 ,  G01N2030/322 ,  G01N2030/621

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing a sample using at least one detector are disclosed.

Abstract translation: 公开了使用至少一个检测器分析样品的方法和装置。

公开(公告)号：US5540464A

公开(公告)日：1996-07-30

申请号：US317966

申请日：1994-10-04

Applicant: Neil R. Picha

Inventor： Neil R. Picha

IPC: G01N30/60 ,  F16L25/00

CPC classification number: G01N30/6039 ,  G01N30/6004 ,  G01N30/6034 ,  G01N30/6078 ,  Y10S285/911 ,  Y10S285/915

Abstract: A capillary column connector assembly includes a pair of body members fabricated from a resilient, inert ceramic having high compressive strength. Each body member has an inwardly tapering longitudinal throughbore within which the end of a capillary column can be inserted by press-fitting. A split sleeve holds the two body members in mutually facing alignment with inner end surfaces in compressed mutual contact. The inner end surfaces are slightly radiussed in order to deform upon compression and provide a fluid-tight seal surrounding the junction between the inner ends of the longitudinal bores, thereby eliminating the need for any separate sealing gasket.A mechanical assembly comprising an inner spool, an outer housing, a spring, and a bearing-mounted support provide axial compression forces tending to urge the ceramic body members into mutual facing contact with the radiussed surfaces deformed.

Abstract translation: 毛细管柱连接器组件包括由具有高抗压强度的弹性惰性陶瓷制成的一对主体部件。 每个主体构件具有向内渐缩的纵向通孔，毛细管柱的端部可以通过压配插入其中。 分开的套筒将两个本体构件以与压缩的相互接触的内端表面相互面对准的方式保持。 内端表面略微凸起，以便在压缩时变形，并且提供围绕纵向孔的内端之间的连接处的流体密封，从而消除对任何单独的密封垫圈的需要。 包括内部线轴，外部壳体，弹簧和轴承安装的支撑件的机械组件提供倾向于促使陶瓷本体构件与被变形的半径面相互面对接触的轴向压缩力。

公开(公告)号：US09027929B2

公开(公告)日：2015-05-12

申请号：US13233495

申请日：2011-09-15

Applicant: Neil R. Picha ,  Bruce D. Black ,  Jonathan D. Thompson

Inventor： Neil R. Picha ,  Bruce D. Black ,  Jonathan D. Thompson

IPC: G01N1/00 ,  G01N35/10 ,  B01L3/00 ,  G01N30/46 ,  G01N30/84 ,  G01N35/00

CPC classification number: G01N35/1097 ,  B01L3/565 ,  B01L3/567 ,  G01N30/463 ,  G01N30/468 ,  G01N2030/8411 ,  G01N2035/00277

Abstract: A fluidic processor includes a first sealing member having a first sealing face, a first compressive face and at least one first sealing member fluid conduit; a second sealing member having a second sealing face, a second compressive face and at least one second sealing member fluid conduit; the second sealing face of the second sealing member being sealingly and slidingly engaged in a substantially fluid tight manner with the first sealing face of the first sealing member; and at least one actuator mechanically engaging at least one of the first sealing member and the second sealing member, or an XY stage, or mechanism that provides motion in two axes on one sealing member only.

Abstract translation: 流体处理器包括具有第一密封面，第一压缩面和至少一个第一密封构件流体导管的第一密封构件; 第二密封构件，具有第二密封面，第二压缩面和至少一个第二密封构件流体导管; 第二密封构件的第二密封面与第一密封构件的第一密封面以基本上流体密封的方式密封地滑动接合; 以及至少一个机械地接合第一密封构件和第二密封构件中的至少一个的致动器，或仅在一个密封构件上在两个轴线上提供运动的XY平台或机构。

公开(公告)号：US20090074625A1

公开(公告)日：2009-03-19

申请号：US12326723

申请日：2008-12-02

Applicant: James E. Johnson ,  Neil R. Picha ,  Mitchel J. Doktycz

Inventor： James E. Johnson ,  Neil R. Picha ,  Mitchel J. Doktycz

IPC: B01L3/02

CPC classification number: G01N35/1097 ,  B01J19/0046 ,  B01J2219/00315 ,  B01J2219/00394 ,  B01J2219/00412 ,  B01J2219/00605 ,  B01J2219/00659 ,  C40B60/14 ,  F16K11/0743 ,  F16K99/0001 ,  F16K99/0013 ,  F16K99/0028 ,  F16K2099/0084 ,  G01N1/14 ,  G01N2035/1041 ,  Y10T137/86863 ,  Y10T137/87249 ,  Y10T436/2575

Abstract: A manifold device is provided for use with a valve assembly, an aspiration source and a dispensing source to transfer fluid from at least one of a plurality of fluid reservoirs to at least one test site on a substrate surface. The manifold device includes a manifold body that defines a plurality of fluid aspiration conduits, for fluid aspiration in an aspiration position, and a plurality of fluid dispensing conduits to selectively dispense at least one droplet of the corresponding liquid sample slug, in a dispensing position. In the aspiration position, the respective sample paths are out of fluid communication with the dispensing source and, in the dispensing position, the respective sample paths are out of fluid communication with the aspiration source.

Abstract translation: 提供歧管装置，用于与阀组件，抽吸源和分配源一起使用以将流体从多个流体储存器中的至少一个流体传送到基底表面上的至少一个测试部位。 歧管装置包括歧管主体，其限定多个流体抽吸导管，用于在抽吸位置中的流体抽吸，以及多个流体分配管道，用于在分配位置中选择性地分配相应液体样品块的至少一个液滴。 在抽吸位置中，各个样品路径不与分配源流体连通，并且在分配位置中，各个样品路径不与抽吸源流体连通。

公开(公告)号：US06983636B2

公开(公告)日：2006-01-10

申请号：US10353804

申请日：2003-01-27

Applicant: James E. Johnson ,  Neil R. Picha ,  Craig M. Storms ,  David A. Martin

Inventor： James E. Johnson ,  Neil R. Picha ,  Craig M. Storms ,  David A. Martin

IPC: G01F25/00

CPC classification number: B01L3/021 ,  B01L3/0268 ,  B01L2200/143 ,  B01L2200/148 ,  B01L2300/14 ,  B01L2400/02 ,  B01L2400/0487 ,  B01L2400/06 ,  B01L2400/0633 ,  B01L2400/0666 ,  G01N35/00594 ,  G01N35/00712 ,  G01N35/1002 ,  G01N35/1016 ,  G01N35/1065 ,  G01N2035/00237 ,  G01N2035/1041 ,  G01N2035/1044 ,  Y10T137/3003 ,  Y10T436/15 ,  Y10T436/2575

Abstract: A universal calibration apparatus and method to estimate the dispense output from a low volume, non-contact, liquid dispensing systems that may be applied for every hardware configuration (e.g., tube length, orifice diameter, tip design, etc), reagent solution property and environmental condition. This same calibration technique is applied to calibrate or tune these non-contact liquid dispensing systems to dispense desired volumes (in the range of about 0.050 μL to 50 μL), irrespective of the hardware configuration or the solution properties. That is, the calibration technique is not dependent on any variables, but the result (the actual dispense volume) is dependant on the variable mentioned. By actuating selected pulse widths, and measuring the resulting volume, a Calibration Profile can be generated correlating the liquid volume dispensed from the orifice to the respective pulse width of the dispensing valve thereof through calibration points. In particular, one is selected to deliver a first volume of liquid that is less than a lower base pulse width correlating to the lowest volume of the selected range of volumes of liquid, while a second pulse width is selected to deliver a second volume of liquid dispensed that is greater than an upper ceiling pulse width correlating to the highest volume of the selected range of volumes of liquid. Intermediary pulse widths are also applied, each selected to deliver a different, spaced-apart, respective intermediary low volumes of liquid dispensed from the dispensing orifice between the first volume and the second volume. Thus, applying the Calibration Profile, the pulse widths correlating to the one or more targeted discrete volumes for liquid dispensing can be extrapolated.

Abstract translation: 一种通用校准装置和方法，用于估计可用于每个硬件配置（例如，管长度，孔直径，尖端设计等）的低体积非接触式液体分配系统的分配输出，试剂溶液性质和 环境条件。 应用相同的校准技术来校准或调谐这些非接触式液体分配系统以分配所需体积（在约0.050μm至50μm的范围内），而不考虑硬件配置或溶液性质。 也就是说，校准技术不依赖于任何变量，但结果（实际分配量）取决于所提到的变量。 通过启动所选择的脉冲宽度并测量所得到的体积，可以产生校准曲线，其将通过校准点将从孔口分配的液体体积与其分配阀的相应脉冲宽度相关联。 特别地，选择一种来输送第一体积的液体，其小于与所选择的液体体积范围的最小体积相关的较低基本脉冲宽度，而选择第二脉冲宽度以输送第二体积的液体 分配大于与所选择的液体体积范围的最大体积相关的上顶脉冲宽度。 中间脉冲宽度也被应用，每个脉冲宽度被选择以在第一容积和第二容积之间输送从分配孔分配的不同的间隔开的相应的中等体积的液体。 因此，应用校准曲线，可以外推与液体分配的一个或多个目标离散体积相关的脉冲宽度。

公开(公告)号：US20180080908A1

公开(公告)日：2018-03-22

申请号：US15496956

申请日：2017-04-25

Applicant: Neil R. Picha

Inventor： Neil R. Picha

IPC: G01N30/20 ,  F16K31/04

CPC classification number: G01N30/20 ,  F16K11/076 ,  F16K31/041 ,  G01N2030/201 ,  G01N2030/202 ,  G01N2030/207

Abstract: An injection valve assembly with looping internal sample loop works to inject discrete fluid samples into analytical instrumentation. The assembly provides an internal sample loop that carries the fluid sample follows an outwardly looping path. This looping deposition enables internal sample loop to have a uniform cross section and a larger sample volume of fluid; thereby creating enhanced peak shape in chromatography readings. The assembly provides a stator defined by stator openings, and a rotor defined by rotor grooves. The rotor grooves are arranged to form a rotor circumference. A stator face engages the stator to maintain operational engagement between the stator and the rotor. Internal sample loop is defined by a generally looped shape and an inner tube diameter. Internal sample loop follows a path at least partially outside the rotor circumference; whereby more than half of the length of internal sample loop is outside the rotor circumference.

公开(公告)号：US07497995B2

公开(公告)日：2009-03-03

申请号：US11034389

申请日：2005-01-11

Applicant: James E. Johnson ,  Neil R. Picha ,  Mitchel J. Doktycz

Inventor： James E. Johnson ,  Neil R. Picha ,  Mitchel J. Doktycz

IPC: B01L3/02

CPC classification number: G01N35/1097 ,  B01J19/0046 ,  B01J2219/00315 ,  B01J2219/00394 ,  B01J2219/00412 ,  B01J2219/00605 ,  B01J2219/00659 ,  C40B60/14 ,  F16K11/0743 ,  F16K99/0001 ,  F16K99/0013 ,  F16K99/0028 ,  F16K2099/0084 ,  G01N1/14 ,  G01N2035/1041 ,  Y10T137/86863 ,  Y10T137/87249 ,  Y10T436/2575

Abstract: A hybrid valve apparatus for use with an aspiration actuator and a dispensing actuator to transfer fluid from a reservoir to a test site on a substrate surface. The hybrid valve includes a valve assembly movable between an aspiration condition and a dispensing condition, and a manifold device coupled to the valve assembly. The manifold device includes a fluid aspiration conduit having a first aspiration port in fluid communication with the aspiration actuator. On an opposite end of the aspiration conduit is a second aspiration port in selective fluid communication with the valve assembly to selectively aspirate a liquid sample slug from the reservoir into a discrete sample path when the valve assembly is in the aspiration condition. The manifold device further includes a fluid dispensing conduit having a first dispensing port in fluid communication with the dispensing actuator, and a second dispensing port in selective fluid communication with the valve assembly. When the valve assembly is in the dispensing condition, the sample path is fluidly coupled to the dispensing actuator to selectively dispense at least one droplet of the liquid sample slug therefrom, while simultaneously being out of fluid communication with the aspiration actuator. In contrast, in the aspiration condition, the sample path is in fluid communication with the aspiration actuator, while being out of fluid communication with the dispensing actuator.

Abstract translation: 一种用于吸入致动器和分配致动器的混合阀装置，用于将流体从储存器传送到衬底表面上的测试位置。 所述混合阀包括可在抽吸条件和分配状态之间移动的阀组件以及联接到所述阀组件的歧管装置。 歧管装置包括具有与抽吸致动器流体连通的第一抽吸端口的流体抽吸导管。 在抽吸导管的另一端是与阀组件选择性流体连通的第二抽吸端口，以便当阀组件处于抽吸状态时，将液体样品块从储存器中选择性地吸入离散的样品路径。 歧管装置还包括具有与分配致动器流体连通的第一分配端口和与阀组件选择性流体连通的第二分配端口的流体分配管道。 当阀组件处于分配状态时，样品路径流体地联接到分配致动器，以选择性地从其中分配液体样品块的至少一个液滴，同时与抽吸致动器脱离流体连通。 相反，在抽吸条件下，样品路径与抽吸致动器流体连通，同时不与分配致动器流体连通。

公开(公告)号：US06585296B1

公开(公告)日：2003-07-01

申请号：US09695011

申请日：2000-10-23

Applicant: Neil R. Picha ,  James E. Johnson

Inventor： Neil R. Picha ,  James E. Johnson

IPC: F16L3900

CPC classification number: F16L19/00

Abstract: A high pressure be seating assembly adapted for liquid sealing against a rigid surface having a connecting conduit. The tube sealing assembly includes a rigid, elongated, tube member having a spherical sector-shaped distal end portion with a radius substantially larger than the radius of the tube member. The tube member further includes a central conduit terminating at an apex of the spherical sector-shaped distal end portion to define an annular rim portion such that a fluid-tight seal can be formed between the central conduit of the tube member and the connecting conduit of the surface. This seal is formed at a contact interface between the rim portion and the surface when a relative axial force is applied therebetween.

Abstract translation: 高压座位组件适于液体密封抵靠具有连接导管的刚性表面。 管密封组件包括刚性的，细长的管构件，其具有球形扇形的远端部分，其半径基本上大于管构件的半径。 管构件还包括终止于球形扇形远端部分的顶点处的中心导管，以限定环形边缘部分，使得流体密封可以形成在管构件的中心导管和管构件的连接导管之间 表面。 当在其间施加相对的轴向力时，该密封件形成在边缘部分和表面之间的接触界面处。