Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum-driven fluidic system for a flow-type particle analyzer. The system includes a vacuum pump which creates a pressure drop downstream of the flow cell, which pulls sheath fluid and sample fluid through the flow cell. A variable-resistance fluidic resistor is configured to control the ratio of sample fluid flow to sheath fluid flow. Dual feedback circuits, one configured to modulate the vacuum pump power in response to the pressure drop across the flow cell, referred to as the dynamic pressure drop, and a second configured to modulate the vacuum pump power in response to the pressure drop created by the vacuum pump relative to ambient pressure, referred to as the static pressure drop, are used to automatically control the system. The present invention enables adjustment of the sample fluid flow rate while maintaining a constant total fluid flow through the flow cell, and further, enables pausing the system without significant fluctuations in the vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum-driven fluidic system for a flow-type particle analyzer. The system includes a vacuum pump which creates a pressure drop downstream of the flow cell, which pulls sheath fluid and sample fluid through the flow cell. A variable-resistance fluidic resistor is configured to control the ratio of sample fluid flow to sheath fluid flow. Dual feedback circuits, one configured to modulate the vacuum pump power in response to the pressure drop across the flow cell, referred to as the dynamic pressure drop, and a second configured to modulate the vacuum pump power in response to the pressure drop created by the vacuum pump relative to ambient pressure, referred to as the static pressure drop, are used to automatically control the system. The present invention enables adjustment of the sample fluid flow rate while maintaining a constant total fluid flow through the flow cell, and further, enables pausing the system without significant fluctuations in the vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention provides deflection plates for use in a flow-type particle sorter that are resistant to wetting. The deflection plates include a gas-porous, conductive plate. A gas, such as air, is passed through the plate from the outer face (away from the particle flow) towards the inner face (towards the particle flow). The flow of gas prevents condensation on the inner face of the defection plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides deflection plates for use in a flow-type particle sorter that are resistant to wetting. The deflection plates include a gas-porous, conductive plate. A gas, such as air, is passed through the plate from the outer face (away from the particle flow) towards the inner face (towards the particle flow). The flow of gas prevents condensation on the inner face of the defection plate.

Abstract: A flow cell and flow cytometer in which a nozzle at the end of a flow channel is disposed on a removable substrate held at a registered location on a flow cell. Other elements including illumination optics, light collection optics, and the flow cell may then be positioned at fixed locations and would not require subsequent periodic adjustment. The registered location for positioning the nozzle allows removal and replacement of the nozzle key with the nozzle subsequently positioned in the identical location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction chamber for use in processing liquid samples, particularly liquid specimens from medical patients. The reaction chamber of the present invention comprises a primary chamber and a capillary channel located at each of an inlet and an outlet of the primary chamber. The reaction chamber also has a capillary lock feature associated with it. The capillary lock feature positions the liquid specimen in the primary chamber and the capillary channels and retains the liquid sample therein. The reaction chamber of the present invention may be employed in a cartridge or other device that processes such liquid samples.