Abstract: Flow cytometers including light collection enhancers are provided. In embodiments, the subject flow cytometers include a flow cell, a light source, an objective lens for focusing particle-modulated light propagating within a first light collection cone and a light collection enhancer configured to collect particle-modulated light propagating along an optical path within a second light collection cone and redirect the collected light such that it is back-propagated along the same optical path and focused by the objective lens for detection. Light collection enhancers of interest include a reflective optical element (e.g., a mirror) and a condenser lens positioned between the reflective optical element and the flow cell. Methods for analyzing a sample are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a particle sorter with a droplet deflector configured to apply a known offset deflection force to a droplet stream. Particle sorters according to certain embodiments include a flow cell, a light source, e.g., laser, for irradiating an interrogation point of the flow cell, a detector for detecting light from the interrogation point, a droplet generator for producing a droplet stream from fluid exiting the flow cell and a droplet deflector configured to apply a known offset deflection force to the droplet stream. In some cases, the droplet deflector comprises first and second plates configured to be offset from one another. Methods and particle sorting modules for applying a known offset deflection force are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining position information for particles in a flow stream of a flow cytometer. Methods according to certain embodiments include propagating a composition having particles through a flow stream that includes a core stream and a sheath flow stream, irradiating the particles of the composition with a light source, detecting light from the irradiated particles, determining light emission from the irradiated particles of the composition and determining the position of the irradiated particles in the core stream of the flow stream based on the detected light emission. In embodiments, particles are stably associated with (e.g., are covalently bonded to) an irradiation power density-sensitive compound that emits light having an intensity that depends on irradiation power density of the light source incident on the particle. Systems (e.g., flow cytometers) for practicing the subject methods are also described.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a particle sorter with a droplet deflector configured to apply a known offset deflection force to a droplet stream. Particle sorters according to certain embodiments include a flow cell, a light source, e.g., laser, for irradiating an interrogation point of the flow cell, a detector for detecting light from the interrogation point, a droplet generator for producing a droplet stream from fluid exiting the flow cell and a droplet deflector configured to apply a known offset deflection force to the droplet stream. In some cases, the droplet deflector comprises first and second plates configured to be offset from one another. Methods and particle sorting modules for applying a known offset deflection force are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems for detecting light from a particle in a flow stream by spectral discrimination. Light detection systems according to certain embodiments include a wavelength separator component configured to propagate light between a first set of linear variable optical filters and a second set of linear variable optical filters where each set of linear variable optical filters is configured to pass light having predetermined sub-spectral ranges and a plurality of photodetectors positioned to detect light from each sub-spectral range across the linear variable optical filters. Systems having a light source for irradiating a particle in a flow stream and a photodetector modulator component for binning data signals generated in a plurality of photodetector channels of the light detection system are also described. Methods for detecting light with the subject systems and kits having one or more components for detecting light according to the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems for irradiating particles in a flow stream. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source having a first laser configured for continuous irradiation of a flow stream and a second laser configured for irradiation of the flow stream in discrete intervals where each discrete interval of irradiation by the second laser is triggered by irradiation of a particle in the flow stream with the first laser. Methods for irradiating a sample in a flow stream with the subject light sources are also described. Computer readable storage medium for practicing the subject methods are provided. Kits having one or more lasers are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for integrating data quality assessment with data acquisition with a flow cytometer. Methods according to certain embodiments include detecting light with a light detection system from a sample irradiated by a light source in a flow stream, generating event data signals in response to events detected with the light detection system, binning the generated event data signals in a plurality of binning windows having overlapping data bins and assessing the plurality of binning windows for outlier events in the generated data signals. Systems having a processor with memory having instructions for practicing the subject methods are also described. Non-transitory computer readable storage medium is also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems for detecting light from a particle in a flow stream by spectral discrimination. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source configured to irradiate a particle propagating along a flow stream through an interrogation region, a light detection system that includes a wavelength separator component configured to pass light having a predetermined spectral range across the wavelength separator, a light adjustment component configured to continuously convey light from the irradiated particle across the wavelength separator as the particle is propagated along the flow stream through the interrogation region and a photodetector configured to detect light conveyed across the wavelength separator. Systems also include a processor for generating a photodetector signal pulse in response to light detected from the wavelength separator. Methods for detecting light with the subject systems are also described.

Abstract: Particle analyzers having scintillation counters are provided. Particle analyzers of interest include a flow cell for transporting particles in a flow stream, a light source for irradiating a particle in the flow stream at an interrogation point, a particle-modulated light detector for detecting light from the interrogation point, and a scintillation counter for assessing particle radioactivity. In embodiments, the scintillation counter is positioned within the flow cell and configured generate particle radioactivity data that may be associated with a given particle in a plurality of particles. Methods and non-transitory computer readable storage media for practicing the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Flow cytometers including light collection enhancers are provided. In embodiments, the subject flow cytometers include a flow cell, a light source, an objective lens for focusing particle-modulated light propagating within a first light collection cone and a light collection enhancer configured to collect particle-modulated light propagating along an optical path within a second light collection cone and redirect the collected light such that it is back-propagated along the same optical path and focused by the objective lens for detection. Light collection enhancers of interest include a reflective optical element (e.g., a mirror) and a condenser lens positioned between the reflective optical element and the flow cell. Methods for analyzing a sample are also provided.

Abstract: Systems for differentially detecting light from a sample in a flow stream (e.g., in a flow cytometer) across one or more dimensions are described. Light detection systems according to embodiments include a flow cell configured to propagate a sample in a flow stream, a light source configured to irradiate the sample in the flow cell and a detector system having an optical adjustment component and a detector that is configured to differentially detect light from the flow cell without a scatter bar. Systems according to certain embodiments are configured to differentially detect light by modulating one or more components of the optical adjustment component or the detector. Methods for differentially detecting light from a sample in a flow stream with a detector unit without a scatter bar are also described. Kits having two or more components for use in the subject systems are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a particle sorter with a droplet deflector configured to apply a known offset deflection force to a droplet stream. Particle sorters according to certain embodiments include a flow cell, a light source, e.g., laser, for irradiating an interrogation point of the flow cell, a detector for detecting light from the interrogation point, a droplet generator for producing a droplet stream from fluid exiting the flow cell and a droplet deflector configured to apply a known offset deflection force to the droplet stream. In some cases, the droplet deflector comprises first and second plates configured to be offset from one another. Methods and particle sorting modules for applying a known offset deflection force are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include systems for irradiating particles in a flow stream. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light source having a first laser configured for continuous irradiation of a flow stream and a second laser configured for irradiation of the flow stream in discrete intervals where each discrete interval of irradiation by the second laser is triggered by irradiation of a particle in the flow stream with the first laser. Methods for irradiating a sample in a flow stream with the subject light sources are also described. Computer readable storage medium for practicing the subject methods are provided. Kits having one or more lasers are also provided.

Abstract: Systems for differentially detecting light from a sample in a flow stream (e.g., in a flow cytometer) across one or more dimensions are described. Light detection systems according to embodiments include a flow cell configured to propagate a sample in a flow stream, a light source configured to irradiate the sample in the flow cell and a detector system having an optical adjustment component and a detector that is configured to differentially detect light from the flow cell without a scatter bar. Systems according to certain embodiments are configured to differentially detect light by modulating one or more components of the optical adjustment component or the detector. Methods for differentially detecting light from a sample in a flow stream with a detector unit without a scatter bar are also described. Kits having two or more components for use in the subject systems are also provided.

Abstract: Bale shredding apparatus comprises a rotatable drum of cylindrical form open at one end for receiving a bale to be shredded and closed at the opposite end by a stationary end wall having an opening through which projects a rotary cutter having axially projecting radial blades which act to tear material from a bale placed in the drum and deliver it to shredder teeth of the rotor from which the shredded material is discharged via an outlet chute. The drum is mounted on a frame comprising a drum mounting frame and a connector frame which are pivotally joined together such that the inclination of the axis of the drum can be varied from a horizontal position to a maximum working inclination less than 90.degree..