Cell Counter
AssigneeDeNovix Inc.
InventorsFernando F. Kielhorn, Daniel A. Schieffer, David L. Ash, Kevin Kelley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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:
- a sample mounting system comprising:
- (A) a base comprising a mounted lower sample surface;
- and
- (B) a cover comprising a mounted upper sample surface;
- (ii) a bright-field light source incorporated in the cover;
- (iii) an objective lens mounted below the sample mounting system;
- and
- (iv) an imaging system in optical communication with the bright-field light source and the objective lens.
A method of counting cells comprising:
- (a) providing a cell counter comprising:
- (i) a sample mounting system comprising:
- (A) a base comprising a mounted lower sample surface;
- and
- (B) a cover comprising a mounted upper sample surface;
- (ii) a bright-field light source incorporated in the cover;
- (iii) an objective lens mounted below the sample mounting system;
- (iv) an imaging system in optical communication with the bright-field light source and the objective lens;
- and
- (v) an optional fluorescence excitation source in optical communication with the sample mounting system;
- (b) loading a sample onto the mounted lower sample surface;
- (c) before, after, or simultaneously with step (b), moving the cover to a 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;
- and
- (e) detecting and counting cells via the imaging system.
A cell counter comprising:
- (i) a bright-field light source;
- (ii) an imaging system;
- and
- (iii) a sample mounting system comprising:
- (A) a base having a base top side, a base bottom side, and an objective lens cavity configured to align with 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 near a proximal end of the movable arm 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 the 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.
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 configured to align with 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 near a proximal end of the movable arm 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 the 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;
- (b) loading a sample onto the lower sample surface;
- (c) before, after, or simultaneously with step (b), moving the movable arm to a 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;
- and
- (e) detecting and counting cells via the imaging system to produce cell count data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.