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US 5,208,466 AGranted
Apparatus and method for aligning capillary column and detection optics
AssigneeBeckman Instruments, Inc.
InventorStephen L. Pentoney, Jr.
Life of this patent
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AssigneeBeckman Instruments, Inc.
InventorStephen L. Pentoney, Jr.
Estimating the term…
An apparatus xxx method of aligning a capillary with respect to a radiation source. More particularly, the capillary is aligned with a laser beam for laser induced fluorescence detection. The light reflection/scatter pattern of the laser beam originating from the capillary wall is utilized to determine optimum alignment. Photosensors may be implemented to detect the scatter pattern which represents optimum alignment. For dynamic alignment during electrophoresis, the photosensors provide feedback to a controller which controls a positioning mechanism for alignment of the capillary.
An apparatus for aligning a capillary with respect to a radiation source comprising:
An electrophoresis apparatus comprising:
A method of aligning a capillary with respect to a radiation source comprising the steps of:
A method of electrophoresis comprising the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
No related US applications are recorded in the indexed filing history.
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For testing the alignment of axes: using photoelectric detection means
Arrangements for investigating the separated zones, e.g. localising zones: by optical means
Detectors specially adapted therefor: optical detectors
Body: transparent to radiation
Term ended 8 Oct 2011 (estimated)
USPTO file history isn’t available for this patent, so only indexed dates are shown.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to optical detection of macromolecular components separated in a capillary column, and more particularly to the alignment of the capillary column with the detection optics.
2. Description of Related Art
FIG. 1 is a diametral sectional view of a capillary tube.
FIG. 2 is a schematic of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus with laser induced fluorescence detection.
FIG. 3 is a diametral sectional view of the detection section of the capillary tube.
The following description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims.
While the present invention is described hereinbelow in reference to capillary electrophoresis, it is however understood that the present invention is not limited to such application but is applicable to alignment of a capillary channel and a radiation source in other context as well.
A capillary tube 10 is shown in diametral sectional view in FIG. 1. The tube defines a cylindrical separation channel 12 of capillary dimension on the order of 5-500 micron, typically less than 200 micron. The cylindrical wall 14 of the capillary tube 10 can be made of glass, fused silica, or organic material such as teflon. To strengthen the wall 14, a polyimide coating 15 is bonded to its external surface. The capillary tube 10 is generally flexible, i.e. can be bent onto smooth curves.