公开(公告)号：US09423803B2

公开(公告)日：2016-08-23

申请号：US13810381

申请日：2011-07-08

Applicant: William D. Dunfee ,  Robert E. Myers ,  Lawrence D. Huppman ,  Nathan A. Small ,  John P. Mizzer ,  Richard H. Carter, Jr.

Inventor： William D. Dunfee ,  Robert E. Myers ,  Lawrence D. Huppman ,  Nathan A. Small ,  John P. Mizzer ,  Richard H. Carter, Jr.

IPC: B01L7/00 ,  F28D20/00 ,  F28D21/00 ,  G01N35/00 ,  F24H1/12 ,  G01N1/44 ,  G05D23/13 ,  G01N35/10 ,  F24H9/20

CPC classification number: G05D23/1306 ,  B01L7/00 ,  F24H1/12 ,  F24H9/2007 ,  F28D2021/0019 ,  G01N1/44 ,  G01N35/1016 ,  Y10T137/0329 ,  Y10T137/6579 ,  Y10T137/8766

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and apparatus adapted to control a temperature of a process fluid in an instrument. In one aspect, the systems and apparatus are adapted to control fluid temperature provided to a feed tank. The feed tank may feed a metering system and metering line of an instrument such as a clinical analyzer. The fluid temperature control system includes a process fluid inflow, a process fluid outflow, a first fluid path fluidly coupled to the process fluid inflow and outflow, and at least one heat exchanger thermally coupled to the first fluid path, wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to extract heat for at least one heat-generating component of the instrument. Controlling a temperature of the process fluid at the feed tank improves metering accuracy. Methods of operating the system are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract translation: 公开了适于控制仪器中工艺流体温度的系统和装置。 在一个方面，系统和装置适于控制提供给进料罐的流体温度。 进料罐可以馈送诸如临床分析仪的仪器的计量系统和计量管线。 流体温度控制系统包括过程流体流入，过程流体流出，流体耦合到过程流体流入和流出的第一流体路径以及热耦合到第一流体路径的至少一个热交换器，其中热交换器被适配 为仪器的至少一个发热部件提取热量。 控制进料罐处理流体的温度提高了计量精度。 还提供了操作系统的方法，以及其他方面。

公开(公告)号：US20150276534A1

公开(公告)日：2015-10-01

申请号：US14432983

申请日：2013-10-02

Applicant: William D. DUNFEE

Inventor： William D. Dunfee

IPC: G01L19/00

CPC classification number: G01L19/00 ,  B01L3/02 ,  B01L2200/146 ,  G01N35/1016 ,  G01N2035/1034

Abstract: A method adapted to allow aspiration verification of a liquid such as a biological liquid or liquid reagent at low aspiration volumes (e.g., less than 25 μL). The method includes attempting to aspirate a volume of a liquid into a probe at an aspiration frequency, measuring an aspiration pressure associated with the attempted aspiration of the liquid and providing a measured pressure signal, and filtering the measured pressure signal with a filter. The filter has a passband frequency containing the aspiration frequency and excluding the frequencies of a disturbance causing noise in the measured pressure signal. Apparatus for carrying out the method are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract translation: 一种适于允许在低抽吸体积（例如小于25μL）下对诸如生物液体或液体试剂的液体进行抽吸验证的方法。 该方法包括尝试以抽吸频率将一定体积的液体吸入探针中，测量与液体的试图抽吸相关联的抽吸压力并提供测量的压力信号，以及用过滤器过滤所测量的压力信号。 滤波器具有包含抽吸频率的通带频率，并且排除所测量的压力信号中引起噪声的干扰的频率。 与其他方面一样，提供了用于实施该方法的装置。

公开(公告)号：US20130112761A1

公开(公告)日：2013-05-09

申请号：US13810381

申请日：2011-07-08

Applicant: William D. Dunfee ,  Robert E. Myers ,  Lawrence D. Huppman ,  Nathan A. Small ,  John P. Mizzer ,  Richard H. Carter, JR.

Inventor： William D. Dunfee ,  Robert E. Myers ,  Lawrence D. Huppman ,  Nathan A. Small ,  John P. Mizzer ,  Richard H. Carter, JR.

IPC: G05D23/13 ,  F24H9/20 ,  F24H1/12

CPC classification number: G05D23/1306 ,  B01L7/00 ,  F24H1/12 ,  F24H9/2007 ,  F28D2021/0019 ,  G01N1/44 ,  G01N35/1016 ,  Y10T137/0329 ,  Y10T137/6579 ,  Y10T137/8766

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and apparatus adapted to control a temperature of a process fluid in an instrument. In one aspect, the systems and apparatus are adapted to control fluid temperature provided to a feed tank. The feed tank may feed a metering system and metering line of an instrument such as a clinical analyzer. The fluid temperature control system includes a process fluid inflow, a process fluid outflow, a first fluid path fluidly coupled to the process fluid inflow and outflow, and at least one heat exchanger thermally coupled to the first fluid path, wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to extract heat for at least one heat-generating component of the instrument. Controlling a temperature of the process fluid at the feed tank improves metering accuracy. Methods of operating the system are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract translation: 公开了适于控制仪器中工艺流体温度的系统和装置。 在一个方面，系统和装置适于控制提供给进料罐的流体温度。 进料罐可以馈送诸如临床分析仪的仪器的计量系统和计量管线。 流体温度控制系统包括过程流体流入，过程流体流出，流体耦合到过程流体流入和流出的第一流体路径以及热耦合到第一流体路径的至少一个热交换器，其中热交换器被适配 为仪器的至少一个发热部件提取热量。 控制进料罐处理流体的温度提高了计量精度。 还提供了操作系统的方法，以及其他方面。

公开(公告)号：US09909945B2

公开(公告)日：2018-03-06

申请号：US14432983

申请日：2013-10-02

Applicant: William D. Dunfee

Inventor： William D. Dunfee

IPC: G01N35/10 ,  G01L19/00 ,  B01L3/02

CPC classification number: G01L19/00 ,  B01L3/02 ,  B01L2200/146 ,  G01N35/1016 ,  G01N2035/1034

Abstract: A method adapted to allow aspiration verification of a liquid such as a biological liquid or liquid reagent at low aspiration volumes (e.g., less than 25 μL). The method includes attempting to aspirate a volume of a liquid into a probe at an aspiration frequency, measuring an aspiration pressure associated with the attempted aspiration of the liquid and providing a measured pressure signal, and filtering the measured pressure signal with a filter. The filter has a passband frequency containing the aspiration frequency and excluding the frequencies of a disturbance causing noise in the measured pressure signal. Apparatus for carrying out the method are provided, as are other aspects.

公开(公告)号：US07228048B1

公开(公告)日：2007-06-05

申请号：US11384530

申请日：2006-03-20

Applicant: William D. Dunfee ,  David G. Henderson ,  Thomas E. Weitkamp

Inventor： William D. Dunfee ,  David G. Henderson ,  Thomas E. Weitkamp

IPC: G02B6/00 ,  H01R6/24 ,  H01R6/26

CPC classification number: H02G3/32

Abstract: An improved mounting clamp adapted to simultaneously secure flat ribbon cables and a number of fluid tubes to a surface and having a locking feature to facilitate assembly and release.

Abstract translation: 一种改进的安装夹具，其适于将扁平带状电缆和多个流体管同时固定到表面并且具有锁定特征以便于组装和释放。

公开(公告)号：US07240477B1

公开(公告)日：2007-07-10

申请号：US11384986

申请日：2006-03-20

Applicant: William D. Dunfee ,  David G. Henderson ,  Thomas E. Weitkamp

Inventor： William D. Dunfee ,  David G. Henderson ,  Thomas E. Weitkamp

IPC: F16G13/16 ,  F16L3/14

CPC classification number: F16G13/16 ,  F16L3/26 ,  H02G11/006

Abstract: An improved energy tube-cable-router for securing flat cables and fluid carrying tubes and adapted to eliminate an undesirable pumping action of the fluid within the tubes by maintaining the longitudinal axis of tubes in a plane containing the central radius of curvature of tube-cable-router.

Abstract translation: 一种用于固定扁平电缆和流体输送管的改进的能量管 - 电缆路由器，并且适于通过将管的纵向轴线保持在包含管电缆的中心曲率半径的平面中来消除管内的流体的不期望的泵送作用 -路由器。

公开(公告)号：US06571934B1

公开(公告)日：2003-06-03

申请号：US09992917

申请日：2001-11-14

Applicant: David R. Thompson ,  Tumkur R. Vijay ,  William D. Dunfee ,  Daniel E. Gillund

Inventor： David R. Thompson ,  Tumkur R. Vijay ,  William D. Dunfee ,  Daniel E. Gillund

IPC: B65G3500

CPC classification number: B65G23/18 ,  B65G47/1485 ,  B65G2201/0261 ,  G01N35/026 ,  G01N35/04 ,  G01N2035/0477

Abstract: A magnetic sample rack adapted to support liquid containers is urged along a surface by means of a magnetic conveyor system located beneath the surface. The magnetic conveyor system comprises a plurality of magnetic housings driven by a belt, the magnetic housings including a magnet slideably contained in a closed upper cavity. Magnetic forces emanating from the magnet overcome frictional resistive forces between the sample racks and the operating surface and move the sample racks along input and output lanes defined in the operating surface. Abrupt movements of the sample racks are eliminated because the housing magnet slides smoothly towards the sample rack, secures the sample rack, and pulls the rack along the operating surface as the housings are moved at a steady rate by the belt.

Abstract translation: 适于支撑液体容器的磁性样品架通过位于表面下方的磁性输送系统沿表面被推动。 磁性输送系统包括由带驱动的多个磁性壳体，磁性壳体包括可滑动地容纳在闭合的上部空腔中的磁体。 从磁体发出的磁力克服了样品架和操作表面之间的摩擦阻力，并沿着操作表面中限定的输入和输出通道移动样品架。 消除样品架的突然移动，因为壳体磁体平滑地朝着样品架滑动，固定样品架，并且当壳体通过皮带以稳定的速度移动时，沿着操作表面拉动齿条。

公开(公告)号：US5718509A

公开(公告)日：1998-02-17

申请号：US724859

申请日：1996-10-03

Applicant: William D. Dunfee

Inventor： William D. Dunfee

IPC: B01F13/00

CPC classification number: B01F13/0093 ,  B01F13/0094 ,  B01F15/0253 ,  B01L3/5025 ,  B01L2200/0694 ,  B01L2300/0829 ,  B01L2400/0472 ,  B01L2400/065 ,  G01N1/38

Abstract: A dispersion apparatus for microgravity experiments comprises two blocks in face to face relationships, each having an array of wells for containing liquids and being relatively slidable so that the wells in one of the blocks can be brought into communication with corresponding wells in the other block. The blocks are held together by a retention mechanism which imparts a substantially constant pressure at the interface between the blocks. The retention mechanism comprises rails situated in grooves in the outside surfaces of the blocks and a series of coiled tension springs connected to the rails. The springs, acting through the rails, apply pressure to the blocks, but impart almost no force tending to cause the blocks to slide relative to each other. The blocks are guided by guide plates which cooperate with grooves in the mating faces of the blocks. An embodiment in which one of the blocks has a row of wells with optical windows, utilizes a guided camera to observe the interior of the wells.

Abstract translation: 用于微重力实验的分散装置包括面对面关系的两个块，每个块具有用于容纳液体并且相对滑动的井的阵列，使得其中一个块中的井可以与另一个块中的相应的井连通。 这些块通过保持机构保持在一起，该保持机构在块之间的界面处施加基本上恒定的压力。 保持机构包括位于块的外表面中的凹槽中的轨道和连接到轨道的一系列卷绕的拉伸弹簧。 通过导轨作用的弹簧对块施加压力，但几乎不施加任何力，导致块相对于彼此滑动。 这些块由与块的配合面中的槽配合的引导板引导。 其中一个块具有带有光学窗口的一排井的实施例，利用引导的相机来观察井的内部。

公开(公告)号：USRE41760E1

公开(公告)日：2010-09-28

申请号：US11039777

申请日：2005-01-19

Applicant: David R. Thompson ,  Tumkur R. Vijay ,  William D. Dunfee ,  Daniel E. Gillund

Inventor： David R. Thompson ,  Tumkur R. Vijay ,  William D. Dunfee ,  Daniel E. Gillund

IPC: B65G35/00

CPC classification number: B65G23/18 ,  B65G47/1485 ,  B65G2201/0261 ,  G01N35/026 ,  G01N35/04 ,  G01N2035/0477

Abstract: A magnetic sample rack adapted to support liquid containers is urged along a surface by means of a magnetic conveyor system located beneath the surface. The magnetic conveyor system comprises a plurality of magnetic housings driven by a belt, the magnetic housings including a magnet slideably contained in a closed upper cavity. Magnetic forces emanating from the magnet overcome frictional resistive forces between the sample racks and the operating surface and move the sample racks along input and output lanes defined in the operating surface. Abrupt movements of the sample racks are eliminated because the housing magnet slides smoothly towards the sample rack, secures the sample rack, and pulls the rack along the operating surface as the housings are moved at a steady rate by the belt.

Abstract translation: 适于支撑液体容器的磁性样品架通过位于表面下方的磁性输送系统沿表面被推动。 磁性输送系统包括由带驱动的多个磁性壳体，磁性壳体包括可滑动地容纳在闭合的上部空腔中的磁体。 从磁体发出的磁力克服了样品架和操作表面之间的摩擦阻力，并沿着操作表面中限定的输入和输出通道移动样品架。 消除样品架的突然移动，因为壳体磁体平滑地朝着样品架滑动，固定样品架，并且当壳体通过皮带以稳定的速度移动时，沿着操作表面拉动齿条。