Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
203 words
Apparatus for the step-wise synthesis of polynucleotides by sequential feed of appropriate nucleotide and other reagents to a polymer-nucleoside solid complex for reaction therewith, the apparatus comprising: a reaction column for receiving the solid complex and conducting reactions therewith; a solvent receiving reservoir upstream of said column; a fluid flow conduit extending from the solvent receiving reservoir to the reaction column; a plurality of nucleotide reagent receiving reservoirs; at least one reactant receiving reservoir; a plurality of two-way valves serially arranged in said conduit, each one associated with the respective nucleotide reagent receiving reservoir or a respective reactant receiving reservoir; each said valve having two exclusive and discreet flow paths therethrough and being disposable in a first position in which its first flow path is utilized to provide fluid communication from its respective associated reservoir to said conduit, and in a second position in which its second flow path is utilized to provide for flow of fluid from another, upstream reservoir through the valve in the downstream direction, and each said valve being biased towards its second said position; pumping means for delivery of solvent and reagents to the reaction column via said conduit, said pumping means being located downstream of the valves.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
203 words
Apparatus for the step-wise synthesis of polynucleotides by sequential feed of appropriate nucleotide and other reagents to a polymer-nucleoside solid complex for reaction therewith, the apparatus comprising: a reaction column for receiving the solid complex and conducting reactions therewith; a solvent receiving reservoir upstream of said column; a fluid flow conduit extending from the solvent receiving reservoir to the reaction column; a plurality of nucleotide reagent receiving reservoirs; at least one reactant receiving reservoir; a plurality of two-way valves serially arranged in said conduit, each one associated with the respective nucleotide reagent receiving reservoir or a respective reactant receiving reservoir; each said valve having two exclusive and discreet flow paths therethrough and being disposable in a first position in which its first flow path is utilized to provide fluid communication from its respective associated reservoir to said conduit, and in a second position in which its second flow path is utilized to provide for flow of fluid from another, upstream reservoir through the valve in the downstream direction, and each said valve being biased towards its second said position; pumping means for delivery of solvent and reagents to the reaction column via said conduit, said pumping means being located downstream of the valves.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 further including interlock means for said valves arranged to ensure that not more than one of said valves is in its first said position at any given time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 further including a drain conduit from the downstream end of said column, to permit drain of solvent and spent reactants from said column to a drain.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said drain conduit includes a plurality of serially arranged two-way re-cycle valves, each associated with the respective one of said nucleotide reagent receiving reservoirs, and adapted to provide selective re-cycle of unreacted nucleotide reagent from the column to its respective reservoir.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
78 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein each said re-cycle valve has two exclusive and discreet flow paths therethrough, and is disposable in a first position in which its first flow path is utilized to provide fluid communication from the drain conduit to the respective associated reservoir, and in a second position in which its second flow path is utilized to provide for flow of fluid from the column through the valve towards the drain, in a downstream direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein each said re-cycle valve is biased towards its second said position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 including four said nucleotide reagent receiving reservoirs and associated, serially arranged valves in the fluid flow conduit and valves in the drain conduit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 7 including three reactant receiving reservoirs with associated valves serially arranged in the fluid flow conduit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the valves associated with the reactant receiving reservoirs are serially arranged in the fluid flow conduit upstream from the valves associated with the nucleotide reagent receiving reservoirs.