Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting – deodorizing – preser – Analyzer – structured indicator – or manipulative laboratory... – Means for analyzing liquid or solid sample
Patent
1997-09-04
2000-09-19
Alexander, Lyle A.
Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting, deodorizing, preser
Analyzer, structured indicator, or manipulative laboratory...
Means for analyzing liquid or solid sample
422 64, 422 681, 422103, 436 52, G01N 3300
Patent
active
061207365
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an analysis apparatus for carrying out chemical analyses having a base member in which there is at least one channel, and having at least one functional element which is in fluid or gaseous connection with the channel.
In certain chemical analyses, a chemical sample that is able to flow is mixed with at least one reagent. The reagent reacts with the sample. A resulting reaction product, for example, a colour change, can then be detected by a detector.
To control the route from sample to reagent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,250,263 describes an analysis apparatus which essentially consists of a plurality of plates which are layered one above another in the manner of a stack. In each plate there are channels in the form of grooves in one of the surfaces, bores or openings which together form with a plate arranged thereover longitudinally or transversely running channels or reaction chambers. Furthermore, between individual plates there are provided membranes which can be acted on with compressed air through separate channels. These membranes then act as pumps. Valves which control the path of the fluids through the channels, for example, preventing a back flow, are also provided in some plates.
Such an apparatus can be of relatively compact construction, which has the advantageous effect that the necessary amounts of sample and reagent can be kept relatively small. Certain problems arise in handling, however, because the functional elements, for example, the valves and the pumps, are virtually inaccessible for maintenance. If such a functional element is defective, it is frequently the case that the entire apparatus must be exchanged. Moreover, in an experimental environment it is relatively difficult to undertake changes, for example, in respect of the characteristics of the pumps or the valves, because to do so the apparatus has to be virtually completely destroyed. Since there are a number of channels which are formed by successive bores, it is virtually impossible on assembly to repeat the same flow-through characteristics of these channels. Even small shifts in the individual plates relative to one another cause irregularities in the walls of these channels, which change the flow conditions there. Provided that only a few stages are affected, this can be tolerated. In the case of the described large number of superimposed plates, however, satisfactory reproducibility is very unlikely. In practice, components cannot be exchanged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on the problem of providing an analysis apparatus in which maintenance is simplified and which is distinguished by a modular construction, the manufacture of which is simple and which is versatile and robust in operation.
That problem is solved in an analysis apparatus of the kind mentioned in the introduction in that the functional element is positioned on the outside of the base member and is in connection with the channel by way of at least one interface opening.
In this manner the conduction paths are separated from the functional elements from construction onwards. The conduction paths or channels (in most cases several channels will be provided) are located in the base member. The base member is formed from a rigid material which does not yield when subjected to the pressures prevailing in the channels and thus guarantees that the volume of the channels will be constant. The functional elements, for example, pumps, valves or detectors, are located on the outside. They can be compared with a printed circuit board in electronics, where the individual printed conductors are provided on the printed circuit board whilst the electrical or electronic components, such as transistors, resistors, capacitors and so on, are mounted on the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the printed conductors. The connection between base member and functional element is effected by way of an interface opening, that is, a defined point, at which the channel or a part branching therefrom is l
REFERENCES:
patent: 5250263 (1993-10-01), Manz
Ploug Ole
Poulsen Jacob B.o slashed.gh
Alexander Lyle A.
Danfoss A/S
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