Abstract: Methods for determining one or more operating parameters for a timing protocol of a microfluidic circuit are provided. In some embodiments, wet out times are measured for certain flow channels, and start times, flow rates and/or other parameters are calculated so that the various fluids in the microfluidic cartridge arrive at certain locations at a desired time and/or in a desired sequence. To help compensate for process variations, one or more fluidic process monitor components/structures may be fabricated along with the functional components/structures of a microfluidic cartridge. Test may be performed on the process monitor components/structures to help identify process variations in the particular microfluidic cartridge at hand. By using the process monitor data, the timing protocol for a particular microfluidic cartridge may be made more accurate.

Abstract: An optical element for conveying scattered and image light to several detectors. The optical element may have the properties of a diffractive beam splitter and imaging lens. The detected light may be from an illuminated target. Further, there may be an optical element for conveying scattered light from a target via several zones to specific detectors, respectively. The latter optical element may include a multiple annular zone diffractive structure on a hybrid lens.

Abstract: An optical alignment detection system for detecting the alignment of a first object relative to a second object is provided. One or more light sources and one or more light detectors, either or both of which are secured relative to the second object, are used to detect the position of one or more light scattering elements on the first object.

Abstract: A system relating to sample analyzers, and more particular, to sample analyzers that are simple to operate and have a reduced risk of providing an erroneous result to a user. In some cases, the sample analyzer may be a portable sample analyzer that includes a disposable fluidic cartridge. The operators of the analyzers need not be trained.

Abstract: A system relating to sample analyzers, and more particular, to sample analyzers that are simple to operate and have a reduced risk of providing an erroneous result to a user. In some cases, the sample analyzer may be a portable sample analyzer that includes a disposable fluidic cartridge. The operators of the analyzers need not be trained.

Abstract: A system relating to sample analyzers, and more particular, to sample analyzers that are simple to operate and have a reduce risk of providing an erroneous result to a user. In some cases, the sample analyzer may be a portable sample analyzer that includes a disposable fluidic cartridge. The operators of the analyzers need not be trained.

Abstract: An optical element for conveying scattered and image light to several detectors. The optical element may have the properties of a diffractive beam splitter and imaging lens. The detected light may be from an illuminated target. Further, there may be an optical element for conveying scattered light from a target via several zones to specific detectors, respectively. The latter optical element may include a multiple annular zone diffractive structure on a hybrid lens.

Abstract: An apparatus and approach for performing multipart differentiation such as, for example, three, four and five part differentiation of white blood cells in a card or cartridge. The may be a combination of several kinds of lysing and/or staining/marking in a variety of sequential and parallel runs to achieve the differentiation of the cells. Various cell counts may also be performed.

Abstract: An optical alignment detection system for detecting the alignment of a first object relative to a second object is provided. One or more light sources and one or more light detectors, either or both of which are secured relative to the second object, are used to detect the position of one or more light scattering elements on the first object.

Abstract: A system for detecting when a core stream in a channel of a flow device is adequate for sufficient data accession. The system may determine the time period from the beginning of a sample run in a channel of a flow device to when the core stream is adequate. Data of detected FALS versus SALS light scattered by particles of the core stream may be plotted in data frames during a series of time intervals. The quality of the grouping and count rate of the data may indicate which frame and corresponding time interval reveal an adequate core stream.

Abstract: A system for detecting when a core stream in a channel of a flow device is adequate for sufficient data accession. The system may determine the time period from the beginning of a sample run in a channel of a flow device to when the core stream is adequate. Data of detected FALS versus SALS light scattered by particles of the core stream may be plotted in data frames during a series of time intervals. The quality of the grouping and count rate of the data may indicate which frame and corresponding time interval reveal an adequate core stream.

Abstract: Methods for determining one or more operating parameters for a timing protocol of a microfluidic circuit are provided. In some embodiments, wet out times are measured for certain flow channels, and start times, flow rates and/or other parameters are calculated so that the various fluids in the microfluidic cartridge arrive at certain locations at a desired time and/or in a desired sequence. To help compensate for process variations, one or more fluidic process monitor components/structures may be fabricated along with the functional components/structures of a microfluidic cartridge. Test may be performed on the process monitor components/structures to help identify process variations in the particular microfluidic cartridge at hand. By using the process monitor data, the timing protocol for a particular microfluidic cartridge may be made more accurate.

Abstract: An optical alignment detection system for detecting the alignment of a first object relative to a second object is provided. One or more light sources and one or more light detectors, either or both of which are secured relative to the second object, are used to detect the position of one or more light scattering elements on the first object.

Abstract: An optical alignment detection system for detecting the alignment of a first object relative to a second object is provided. One or more light sources and one or more light detectors, either or both of which are secured relative to the second object, are used to detect the position of one or more light scattering elements on the first object.