Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting – deodorizing – preser – Analyzer – structured indicator – or manipulative laboratory... – Means for analyzing liquid or solid sample
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-21
2001-02-06
Speer, Timothy M. (Department: 1775)
Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting, deodorizing, preser
Analyzer, structured indicator, or manipulative laboratory...
Means for analyzing liquid or solid sample
C356S445000, C436S164000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06183696
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates in general to the field of optic based sensors and more specifically to a miniaturized sensor platform with integrated flow channels for directing the sample analyte of interest uniformly over the sensor/sample interface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with the Surface Plasmon Resonance (“SPR”) phenomenon in connection with miniaturized optical sensors. It should be understood that the principles disclosed may be applied to various sensor configurations including light transmissive, fluorescence-based and critical angle among others.
Optical sensor systems have been developed and used in the fields of chemical, biochemical, biological or biomedical analysis, process control, pollution detection and control and other areas. With SPR-based optical sensors, a resonance is observed when a polarized beam of monochromatic light is totally internally reflected from a dielectric surface having a thin metal film formed thereon. The light internally reflected at the surface has a minimum intensity at a particular angle referred to as the resonant angle. This angle is determined by the dielectric conditions adjacent the metal film and the properties of the film itself. The interface between the sensor surface and the sample of interest shall be referred to as the “sensor/sample interface.”
Recent advances in light emitting components and detectors units have allowed the design of small, lightweight, fully integrated sensors. Such sensors can measure less than a few centimeters in length and are easily transported and used near the sample of interest. In addition, since most of the sensor components are readily available their overall cost of manufacturing is low.
While miniaturized sensors are becoming available for use in a wide range of field applications, their effectiveness as an analytical tool is largely determined by the properties of the sample analyte of interest. Fluctuations in sample concentration, temperature and other environmental conditions effect the reactive properties of film deposit in the presence of the sample. Ideally, a controlled amount of the sample with uniform properties is brought in contact with the sensor/sample interface during the sampling process. With larger systems, a flow cell may be used to control the flow rate of the sample. However, there is no equivalent control mechanism for the miniaturized optical sensors.
Accordingly, a device configuration that channels a uniform quantity of the sample analyte of interest across the reactive film deposit of sensor's sampling surface would ensure a more confident analysis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a miniaturized sensor platform with integrated channels for controlling the flow of sample over the sensor/sample interface.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a miniaturized integrated sensor capable of use in optically guided sensing applications. The sensor package of the present invention integrates a light source, detector means, light guide optics and a simplified system interface into a compact miniaturized package. Flow channels are molded inside the sensor housing and extend to an area along the sensor sampling surface. In one embodiment, an inlet channel guides the sample into the housing from the outside where it collects in a cavity topped by a portion of the biosensing film. A constant flow of pressure is provided to move the sample via an outlet channel to the outside.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a biosensor configuration that can be inserted into a hand held instrument for practical field use. The instrument provides an opening where the sample to be tested is poured, collected and directed towards the sensor. Function buttons control the instrument's operation and a display may be provided for on-the-spot analysis. This may be particularly advantageous where a preliminary diagnosis of sample properties is required prior to more thorough analysis at a larger facility. In this regard, the instrument can be equipped with a storage compartment or the sample poured into a container for transport.
Disclosed in one embodiment of the invention, is a miniaturized sensor package that improves the confidence measure of given sample reading by directing the flow of sample uniformly over the biosensing film of the sensor. An inlet channel is provided with an opening at a sensor surface that guides the sample to a cavity carved out along the sampling surface interface. An outlet channel directs the sample of interest outside the device. The light source, detector array and interface form part of the sensor providing a fully integrated device. Various well known methods of manufacturing may be used including mill casting, split molding and double mold processes.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, including its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5545567 (1996-08-01), Gretillat et al.
patent: 5898503 (1999-04-01), Keller et al.
patent: 5946083 (1999-08-01), Melendez et al.
Carr Richard A.
Elkind Jerry
Melendez Jose
Brady III Wade James
McNeil Jennifer
Speer Timothy M.
Swayze, Jr. W. Daniel
Telecky , Jr. Frederick J.
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