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US 10,302,568 B2Granted
Cell counter
AssigneeDeNovix Inc.
InventorsFernando F. Kielhorn, Daniel A. Schieffer, David L. Ash, Kevin Kelley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Cell counters and methods of their use are disclosed herein. The cell counters comprise a sample mounting system that includes a base comprising a mounted lower sample surface and a cover comprising a mounted upper sample surface; a bright-field light source incorporated in the cover; an objective lens mounted below the sample mounting system; optionally, a fluorescence excitation source in optical communication with the sample mounting system; and an imaging system in optical communication with the bright-field light source and the objective lens. The mounted sample surfaces are configured for repeated use, such that disposable sample cartridges are not needed.
Claims21
A cell counter comprising:
- (i) a bright-field light source;
- (ii) an imaging system;
- and
- (iii) a sample mounting system comprising upper and lower sample surfaces configured for direct receipt of a cell suspension for counting, the system comprising:
- (A) a base having a base top side, a base bottom side, and an objective lens cavity located on the base so as to align with and receive an objective lens of the imaging system;
- (B) a hinge fixed to the base;
- (C) a movable arm fixed to the hinge, said movable arm having a movable arm top side, a movable arm bottom side, and a bright-field light source cavity located on a portion of the movable arm distal to the hinge and configured to receive the bright-field light source;
- (D) the lower sample surface mounted to the base top side in a position configured to receive bright-field light from the bright-field light source when the movable arm is in a closed position;
- and
- (E) the upper sample surface mounted to the movable arm bottom side of the movable arm in a position configured to receive bright-field light from the bright field light source;
- wherein a distance between the lower sample surface and the upper sample surface when the moveable arm is in the closed position is adjustable to accommodate variable volumes of cell suspension samples deposited between the upper and lower sample surfaces;
- wherein the system is re-usable by moving the movable arm to an open position and cleaning the sample surfaces.
9 more elements
A method of counting cells comprising:
- (a) providing a cell counter comprising:
- (i) a bright-field light source;
- (ii) an optional fluorescence excitation source;
- (iii) an imaging system;
- and
- (iv) a sample mounting system comprising:
- (A) a base having a base top side, a base bottom side, and an objective lens cavity located on the base so as to align with and receive an objective lens of the imaging system;
- and
- (B) a hinge fixed to the base;
- (C) a movable arm fixed to the hinge, said movable arm having a movable arm top side, a movable arm bottom side, and a bright-field light source cavity located on a portion of the movable arm distal to the hinge and configured to receive the bright-field light source;
- (D) a lower sample surface mounted to the base top side in a position configured to receive bright-field light from the bright-field light source when the movable arm is in a closed position;
- and
- (E) an upper sample surface mounted to the movable arm bottom side of the movable arm in a position configured to receive bright-field light from the bright field light source;
- wherein a distance between the lower sample surface and the upper sample surface when the movable arm is in the closed position is adjustable to accommodate variable volumes of liquid sample deposited between the upper and lower sample surfaces;
- (b) loading a cell suspension sample of known volume onto the lower sample surface;
- (c) before, after, or simultaneously with step (b), moving the movable arm to the closed position relative to the base;
- (d) illuminating the sample via the bright-field light source, the fluorescence excitation source if present, or a combination thereof;
- (e) detecting and counting cells via the imaging system to produce cell count data;
- (f) before, after or simultaneously with step (b), (c), (d) or (e), adjusting the distance between the lower sample surface and the upper sample surface to accommodate the volume of sample loaded onto the lower sample surface;
- and
- (g) preparing the cell counter for repeating steps (b) (f) by moving the movable arm into an open position relative to the base and removing the cell suspension sample from the upper and lower sample surfaces.
18 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.