Reaction cell for protein sequencer and the like
AssigneeCalifornia Institute of Technology
InventorMark L. Stolowitz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention comprises a reaction cell for a sequencer and the like which includes a sample carrier assembly having a flexible, resilient spacer with a hole therein for retaining the sample on a membrane, a pair of alumina cells which bracket the spacer, one or more pads or spacers to retain the assembly in a tight fitting relation and a cap to secure the assembly together. The reagents are input and withdrawn from opposite edges of the sample membrane. The present invention has a minimal dead volume as a result of the spacer arrangement. It also permits benchtop sample loading due to the separation of the assembly into a carrier and base housing. The fluid lines are self-sealing to the reaction cell.
Claims20
A reaction chamber assembly comprising:
- a pair of chemically inert, transparent plates, one of said plates having a plurality of holes for the input and outlet of fluids;
- and
- a flat spacer means disposed between said plates and formed from an inert material, said spacer means having a cutout defining a volume in which to place a sample, and a plurality of channels, each of said plurality of channels being aligned with one of said plurality of holes in said plate, said plurality of channels being in fluid communication with said cutout;
- and
- sample carrier with a cylindrical collar, wherein said plates and said spacer are disposed inside said cylindrical collar.
A reaction chamber assembly comprising:
- a sample carrier comprising a housing including a plate having a cylindrical cavity, said sample carrier further comprising:
- a cap means removably coupled to said cylindrical cavity sample carrier;
- a washer disposed adjacent said cap;
- a first inert transparent flat plate disposed adjacent said washer;
- at least one flat spacer having a cutout therein with a channel extending from opposite ends of said cutout, wherein said flat space is disposed adjacent said first plate;
- and
- a second inert transparent flat plate having holes therein aligned with the ends of said channels, which are furthest from said cutout, said first flat plate, and second flat plate forming a fluid tight seal around the edges of the spacer, and defining an inlet and outlet by said holes;
- and
- a base house to which the sample carrier is attached, and wherein said base housing fixed to a sequencer, said base housing comprising:
- a heating block;
- which contacts the sample carrier when said sample carrier is attached to said base housing;
- a circuit board means including a light source;
- and
- a thermal insulating means disposed between said heating block and said circuit board;
- wherein said circuit board means is separated from said heating block by said thermal insulating means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.