Phase-modulated standing wave mixing apparatus and methods

Abstract

Disclosed are mixing apparatus adapted to provide mixing of components in an automated analyzer. The mixing apparatus includes a reservoir configured to contain a coupling liquid, a transducer configured to be driven at a frequency and communicate with the coupling liquid, and a signal generation unit configured to provide a phase modulatable drive signal to the transducer. In some embodiments, improved patient sample and reagent mixing may be provided. Systems and methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Description

[0001] related application [0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 056,194, filed September 26, 2014, entitled "PHASE-MODULATED STANDING WAVE MIXING APPARATUS AND METHODS," the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety Incorporated into this article. technical field [0003] The present invention generally relates to methods and systems adapted to mix various components, such as liquids or combinations of liquids and solids. Background technique [0004] In the implementation of an automated clinical chemistry test method, a liquid sample (eg, a patient sample) is combined with reagents and possibly other process fluids. Conventionally, a liquid sample (e.g., patient sample), one or more process fluids (e.g., purified water), and reagents are transferred to a reaction vessel within an automated clinical analyzer, such as by using a probe (otherwise known as a pipette). (e.g., test tubes) for aspi...

Images