Abstract: A flow cytometry system is disclosed for oscillating the exterior of a flow cytometer nozzle. Oscillating the exterior of a flow cytometer nozzle at selected oscillations or a sweeping range of oscillations disintegrates particles and gas entrapped within the flow cytometer nozzle. Adherents absorbed to the exterior of the flow cytometer nozzle may also be removed. An energy source (1) serves to generate a selected oscillation or range of oscillations. The energy source (1) is connected to a flexible transfer element (2) which conducts the electrical signals to an oscillation system (3). The oscillation system (3) turns the electrical energy from the energy source (1) into mechanical oscillations and is connected to a portable device (4) which disintegrates particles, dislocates gas within the flow cytometer nozzle and cleans the exterior of the flow cytometer aperture.

Abstract: A flow cytometer (20) capable of utilizing an imaging system including a sensor (88) to determine various properties of the flow cytometer (20). Importantly, the imaging allows for determination of a drop delay time (154). Other characteristics that can be determined include at least the width of the stream, pressure of the stream, effect of charged droplets on other droplets (44), trajectory of the stream, resonant frequency, wavelengths, change in position of droplet break-off point (150), and others. An automatic warning system (180) can be used to alert an operator of an anomaly during setup or during normal operation. Furthermore, a mechanical interrupter can be used to shield a sort result from contamination by an incorrectly functioning stream. The cytometer (20) also allows for the disablement of the sort, particularly the charging and deflection systems. In addition, a more accurate system for detecting the speed of the stream can be used.

Abstract: A flow cytometer capable of utilizing an imaging system to determine various properties of the flow cytometer. Importantly, the imaging allows for determination of a drop delay time. Other characteristics that can be determined include at least the width of the stream, pressure of the stream, effect of charged droplets on other droplets, trajectory of the stream, resonant frequency, wavelengths, change in position of droplet break-off point, and others. An automatic warning system can be used to alert an operator of an anomaly during setup or during normal operation. Furthermore, a mechanical interrupter can be used to shield a sort result from contamination by an incorrectly functioning stream. The cytometer also allows for the disablement of the sort, particularly the charging and deflection systems. In addition, a more accurate system for detecting the speed of the stream can be used. The imaging system can allow for the removal of background noise and the monitoring of a change in a stream characteristic.