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US 10,471,425 B2Granted
Automated machine for sorting of biological fluids
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsHuan Hu, Michael A. Pereira, Joshua T. Smith, Benjamin H. Wunsch
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A technique relates to a machine for sorting. A removable cartridge includes a nanofluidic module. The removable cartridge includes an input port and at least two output ports. The nanofluidic module is configured to sort a sample fluid. A holder is configured to receive the removable cartridge. A pressurization system is configured to couple to the input port of the removable cartridge. The pressurization system is configured to drive the sample fluid into the nanofluidic module for separation to the at least two output ports.
Claims22
An apparatus comprising:
- a removable cartridge including a nanofluidic module, the removable cartridge including an input port and at least two output ports, wherein the nanofluidic module is configured to sort particles in a sample fluid;
- a holder configured to receive the removable cartridge;
- and
- a pressurization system configured to couple to the input port of the removable cartridge, the pressurization system being configured to drive the sample fluid into the nanofluidic module for separation to the at least two output ports, wherein the holder includes supports that create a void such that the removable cartridge fits between the supports;
- and wherein the holder includes a top lid having an air inlet port connected to a feed line, the top lid sealably connects to the input port of the removable cartridge such that air from the pressurization system is driven into the air inlet port of the top lid to the input port of the removable cartridge via the feed line.
2 more elements
A method of configuring an apparatus, the method comprising:
- providing a removable cartridge including a nanofluidic module, the removable cartridge including an input port and at least two output ports, wherein the nanofluidic module is configured to sort particles in a sample fluid;
- positioning the removable cartridge in a holder;
- and
- coupling a pressurization system to the input port of the removable cartridge, the pressurization system being configured to drive the sample fluid into the nanofluidic module for separation to the at least two output ports, wherein the holder includes supports that create a void such that the removable cartridge fits between the supports;
- and wherein the holder includes a top lid having an air inlet port connected to a feed line, the top lid sealably connects to the input port of the removable cartridge such that air from the pressurization system is driven into the air inlet port of the top lid to the input port of the removable cartridge via the feed line.
2 more elements
An automated machine for separating sample fluid, the machine comprising:
- a removable cartridge including a nanofluidic module, the removable cartridge including an input port and at least two output ports, wherein the nanofluidic module is configured to sort particles in the sample fluid;
- a holder configured to receive the removable cartridge;
- a pressurization system configured to couple to the input port of the removable cartridge, the pressurization system being configured to drive the sample fluid into the nanofluidic module for separation to the at least two output ports;
- and
- a controller configured to automatically control pressure in the removable cartridge by controlling the pressurization system according to operating parameters, the controller being configured to receive the operating parameters from a user interface, wherein the holder includes supports that create a void such that the removable cartridge fits between the supports;
- and wherein the holder includes a top lid having an air inlet port connected to a feed line, the top lid sealably connects to the input port of the removable cartridge such that air from the pressurization system is driven into the air inlet port of the top lid to the input port of the removable cartridge via the feed line.
3 more elements
A method of configuring an automated machine for separating sample fluid, the method comprising:
- providing a removable cartridge including a nanofluidic module, the removable cartridge including an input port and at least two output ports, wherein the nanofluidic module is configured to sort particles in the sample fluid;
- providing a holder configured to receive the removable cartridge;
- providing a pressurization system configured to couple to the input port of the removable cartridge, the pressurization system being configured to drive the sample fluid into the nanofluidic module for separation to the at least two output ports;
- and
- using a controller to automatically control pressure in the removable cartridge by controlling the pressurization system according to operating parameters, the controller being configured to receive the operating parameters from a user interface, wherein the holder includes supports that create a void such that the removable cartridge fits between the supports;
- and wherein the holder includes a top lid having an air inlet port connected to a feed line, the top lid sealably connects to the input port of the removable cartridge such that air from the pressurization system is driven into the air inlet port of the top lid to the input port of the removable cartridge via the fee line.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.