Fluid handling – Systems – Multiple inlet with multiple outlet
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-03
2001-03-20
Fox, John (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Multiple inlet with multiple outlet
C137S637000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202687
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a matrix multiple valve system, more specifically, a matrix multiple valve system comprising a small number of operating valves which are positioned in an orthogonal manner, to control a large number of liquid pathways.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Recently, biotechnology has been regarded as a high value-added industry, accompanying the rapid development of genetic engineering. In line with the development, there is an increasing demand for automated apparatus which can be applied for the synthesis of desired oligomers such as oligonucleotides and oligopeptides. However, the conventional apparatus essentially requires tens to thousands of liquid pathways to synthesize tens to hundreds of oligomers and the same number of auxiliaries to control the said liquid pathways.
For example, to control each of (n×m) liquid pathways in the oligomer synthesis, the conventional synthesizers would require the same number of valves which are electronically operated, which, in turn, makes the apparatus become larger. Naturally, the conventional apparatus is proven to be less satisfactory in the sense that it is susceptible to errors in the intricate control of the liquid pathways and is too expensive to use in the various fields of biotechnology.
Under the circumstances, needs have continued to exist for the development of a matrix multiple valve system which can control tens to thousands of liquid pathways in a simple and precise manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a novel matrix multiple valve system which can control (n×m) array(n and m along X- and Y-axes, respectively) of liquid pathways using only (n+m) of operating valves is provided, which is fabricated based on the following principles:
First, along X- and Y-axes of a body, (n×m) array of liquid pathways running vertically from the top to the bottom of the body are provided, and (n+m) of control bars are inserted into channels such as holes for control bars or rooms between multi-assembled bodies, each of which are perpendicular to the liquid pathways, whereby the opening and the closing of the liquid pathways can be practiced by moving the control bars back and forth in a linear fashion through the channels.
Second, on the upper and the lower halves of various matrix-type bodies, (n×m) array of liquid pathways and (n+m) of air-channels which are connected to grooves linking two liquid pathways each other, whose one end is connected to an operating valves, are provided in a symmetrical manner, whereby the opening and closing of the liquid pathways can be practiced by controlling the operating valves modulating an air-pressure provided by the air channels.
A primary object of the invention is, therefore, to provide a matrix multiple valve system which can control a large number of liquid pathways using a small number of operating valves.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3512553 (1970-05-01), Legris
patent: 3744376 (1973-07-01), Carpenter
patent: 3765441 (1973-10-01), Chang
patent: 3881513 (1975-05-01), Chang
patent: 93/17785 (1993-09-01), None
patent: 94/01215 (1994-01-01), None
patent: 97/10896 (1997-03-01), None
Bioneer Corporation
Fox John
Jacobson Price Holman & Stern PLLC
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