US4436822A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Reagent mixing system and method
Assignee: Covidien AG
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Filing: 1981-09-22
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Granted: 1984-03-13
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Expires: 2001-09-22
Abstract
Abstract A mixing system and method for analyzing a specimen is provided which includes introducing a predetermined number of discrete jets of liquid reagent into a container carrying a specimen. The jets of reagent cause turbulent mixing of the reagent and specimen. The jets are time-spaced to allow settling of the mixture between jets to prevent the escape of the mixture from the container. After the reagent and specimen are thoroughly mixed, a characteristic of the mixture is then detected.
Inventors
- 👤 Ali H. Eseifan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:06
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01F; B01F25/00; B01F25/20; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T436/00; Y10T436/11; Y10T436/119163; Y10T436/25; Y10T436/2575
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A method of introducing and mixing a predetermined amount of a liquid reagent with a predetermined amount of a sample in a process of analyzing a characteristic of the sample comprising the steps of successively introducing through nozzle means a plurality of discrete jets of a liquid reagent into a container holding a sample while the nozzle means is spaced from the container and with sufficient force to effect turbulent mixing of the reagent and specimen with each jet, predeterminately time spacing the jets so that the turbulent mixing caused by one jet is reduced in magnitude before the next jet is introduced, the plurality of the jets providing said predetermined amount of the liquid reagent, and after the last jet has been introduced into the container detecting a characteristic of the container contents.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
134 words
A method of introducing and mixing a predetermined amount of a liquid reagent with a predetermined amount of a sample in a process of analyzing a characteristic of the sample comprising the steps of successively introducing through nozzle means a plurality of discrete jets of a liquid reagent into a container holding a sample while the nozzle means is spaced from the container and with sufficient force to effect turbulent mixing of the reagent and specimen with each jet, predeterminately time spacing the jets so that the turbulent mixing caused by one jet is reduced in magnitude before the next jet is introduced, the plurality of the jets providing said predetermined amount of the liquid reagent, and after the last jet has been introduced into the container detecting a characteristic of the container contents.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein each of said jets introduces a like quantity of reagent into the container.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein more than one of said jets engage the bottom wall of said container.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein said detecting step includes passing light through the container and container contents, and detecting a signal proportional to the intensity of light passing through the container and container contents.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein said plurality of jets is greater than two.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the time between jets is less than one second.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the time between successive jets is greater than 100 milliseconds.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said plurality of jets is five.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 5 wherein each of the jets subsequent to the first jet effects a pressure of more than one pound per square inch on the surface of the liquid in the container.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
169 words
A method of mixing a predetermined amount of a liquid specimen with a predetermined amount of a liquid reagent in a container and thereafter detecting a characteristic of the specimen for medical analysis comprising the steps of introducing a liquid specimen of predetermined quantity into a container, then successively introducing through nozzle means at least two discrete jets of a liquid reagent of the same kind into the container with the specimen while the nozzle means is spaced from the container and is above the upper surface of the liquid in the container and with sufficient force to effect turbulent mixing of the reagent and specimen with each jet, predeterminately time spacing the jets so that the turbulent mixing caused by one jet is reduced in magnitude before the next successive jet is introduced into the container, said jets providing said predetermined amount of said liquid reagent, and after the last jet has been introduced into the container detecting a characteristic of the mixed liquid while in the container.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
169 words
A method of mixing a predetermined amount of a liquid specimen with a predetermined amount of a liquid reagent in a container and thereafter detecting a characteristic of the specimen for medical analysis comprising the steps of introducing a liquid specimen of predetermined quantity into a container, then successively introducing through nozzle means at least two discrete jets of a liquid reagent of the same kind into the container with the specimen while the nozzle means is spaced from the container and is above the upper surface of the liquid in the container and with sufficient force to effect turbulent mixing of the reagent and specimen with each jet, predeterminately time spacing the jets so that the turbulent mixing caused by one jet is reduced in magnitude before the next successive jet is introduced into the container, said jets providing said predetermined amount of said liquid reagent, and after the last jet has been introduced into the container detecting a characteristic of the mixed liquid while in the container.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 10 wherein said detecting step includes passing light through the container and mixed liquid therein, and detecting a signal proportional to the intensity of light passing through the container and mixed liquid therein for analyzing a characteristic of the mixed liquid.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 10 or 11 wherein said nozzle means includes a nozzle positioned so that each jet therefrom is directed substantially at the geometric center of the bottom of the container and with the nozzle stationary with respect to the container during and between the jets.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 12 wherein the nozzle effects only a single stream during each jet of liquid reagent and each jet subsequent to the first jet initially strikes the liquid contents in the container, and wherein the nozzle is above the liquid in the container.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 10 or 11 wherein each of said jets penetrates the liquid in the container more than one-half of the depth of that liquid.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 10 or 11 wherein at least some of the jets penetrate the full depth of the liquid in the container.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the nozzle means is spaced above the upper surface of the container.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-03-13 | 1987-09-12 | 1988-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-03-13 | 1991-09-12 | 1992-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-03-13 | 1995-09-12 | 1996-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |