Devices and methods for measuring viscoelastic changes of a sample
Assigneeenicor GmbH
InventorHarald Leyser
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus for use in viscoelastic analysis, for example in coagulation testing of sample liquids, such as blood and/or its elements. In the apparatus for use in viscoelastic analysis, the rotating means are provided below the cup, pin and cup receiving element. The present invention further provides capacitive detection means and temperature control devices, which may be used in the apparatus for use in viscoelastic analysis. The present invention further provides a method of performing viscoelastic analysis, e.g. coagulation analysis, on a sample using the devices and apparatuses.
Claims11
A thromboelastic measurement apparatus comprising:
- a support member;
- a cup for holding a sample, the cup being rotatable with respect to the support member;
- and
- a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the cup, without contacting the cup, while measuring the coagulation characteristics of the sample in the thromboelastic measurement apparatus, the temperature control device comprising:
- (a) a heating means comprising an electromagnetic radiation emitting element emitting radiation, the heating means mounted in fixed relation to the support member to permit radiation to be emitted inwardly towards the cup to heat the sample, so that the cup rotates with respect to the heating means;
- (b) a temperature sensing element for contactless measurement of thermal radiation, the temperature sensing element mounted in fixed relation to the support member and the heating means, so that the cup rotates with respect to the temperature sensing element, the temperature sensing element receiving radiation emitted outwardly from the cup;
- and
- (c) controlling means for activating or deactivating the heating depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensing element.
A thromboelastic measurement apparatus comprising:
- a base support member;
- a cup for holding a sample, a cup receiving element, which is attached to a shaft, the cup being rotatable with respect to the base support member so that the cup receiving element and the cup can rotate around the extension line of the shaft;
- and
- a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the cup and/or of a cup receiving element, without contacting the cup or a cup receiving element, while measuring the coagulation characteristics of the sample in the thromboelastic measurement apparatus, the temperature control device comprising:
- (a) a heating means comprising an electromagnetic radiation emitting element emitting radiation with an emission maximum in the wavelength range from 300 to 3,000 nm, the heating means mounted in fixed relation to the base support member to permit radiation to be emitted towards the cup and/or the cup-receiving element to heat the sample and in close vicinity of the cup and the cup receiving element to permit radiation to be emitted inwardly towards the cup and/or the cup receiving element to heat the sample, so that the cup rotates with respect to the heating means;
- (b) a temperature sensing element for contactless measurement of thermal radiation in the wavelength range from more than 3,000 nm to 30,000 nm, the temperature sensing element mounted in fixed relation to the base support member and the heating means, the temperature sensing element receiving radiation emitted outwardly from the cup and/or the cup-receiving element, so that the cup rotates with respect to the temperature sensing element;
- and
- (c) controlling means for activating or deactivating the heating means depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensing element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.