Microsample analysis system using syringe pump and injection port
OwnerDong C. Lianginventor
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Abstract
This invention pertains to a method of chemical analysis by full automation of a microsyringe pump autosampler apparatus. The microsampling feature of this invention makes it possible to analyze small sample volumes undiluted. The time for sample preparation is minimized by the use of the autosampler apparatus, which performs the tasks of aspirating, mixing, and dispensing sample mixtures, and washing the apparatus, in a single sequence of steps.
Claims22
A system for delivering small liquid samples to an analyzer, said system comprising at least one delivery channel, said delivery channel including:
- (a) an electro-mechanically controlled microsyringe pump having a plunger slidably moveable in sealing contact with a barrel, said pump operative to aspirate and eject a sample liquid;
- (b) a tube in fluid communication with said barrel, said tube including a two-way valve having a first path and a second path;
- and
- (c) an injection port having an input and an output, said input operative to receive and mix said sample liquid, and said output couplable to said analyzer;
- wherein said first path is coupled to a diluent liquid tube, said diluent liquid tube operative to channel a diluent liquid into said barrel;
- and
- wherein said second path is coupled to a sample liquid tube, said sample liquid tube operative to take up said sample liquid, to deliver said sample liquid to said injection port, and to deliver said diluent liquid to said input of said injection port.
A method for delivering small sample mixtures to an analyzer, said method comprising:
- (a) providing a system for delivering small liquid samples to an analyzer, said system comprising an electro-mechanically controlled microsyringe pump having a plunger slidably moveable in sealing contact with a barrel, said pump operative to aspirate and eject a sample liquid, and a tube in fluid communication with said barrel, said tube including a two-way valve having a first path and a second path, said first path coupled to a diluent liquid tube, said second path coupled to a sample liquid tube, and an injection port having an input and an output, said input operative to receive and mix said sample liquid, and said output couplable to said analyzer;
- (b) aspirating a diluent liquid into said diluent liquid tube through said first path into said barrel;
- (c) aspirating a sample liquid into said sample liquid tube;
- (d) injecting said sample liquid into said input of said infection port;
- (e) delivering said sample liquid from said output of said injection to said analyzer;
- (f) injecting said diluent liquid from said barrel through said second path into said sample liquid tube to said input of said injection port.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.