Actuation system and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses an actuation system and method. An apparatus includes a system, the system includes a flow cell receptacle and a valve drive assembly, the valve drive assembly includes a shape memory alloy actuator and a flow cell, the shape memory alloy actuator includes a pair of shape memory alloy wires, the flow cell can be set in the flow cell receptacle and has a diaphragm valve. The system actuates the diaphragm valve via the shape memory alloy actuator by applying a voltage to a first shape memory alloy wire of the shape memory alloy wires, and the system does not apply the voltage to a second shape memory alloy wire of the shape memory alloy wires.

Description

[0001] Related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 116,765, filed on November 20, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] Fluid cartridges and flow cells that carry reagents are sometimes used in conjunction with fluid systems. The fluid cartridge can be fluidically coupled to the flow cell. The fluid cartridge includes a fluid line through which the reagent flows to the flow cell. Summary of the invention

[0004] By providing an actuation system and method, the shortcomings of the prior art can be overcome, and the advantages and benefits described later in this disclosure can be achieved. Various specific implementations of the device and method are described below, and these devices and methods (including and excluding the additional specific implementations listed below) can overcome these shortcomings and achieve the advantages and benefits described herein in any combination (provided that these combinations are not inconsistent).

[0005] According to a first specific implementation, an apparatus includes a shape memory alloy actuator assembly having a housing including a pair of lateral sides and a transverse portion connecting the lateral walls, each lateral side having a first end and a second end. A printed circuit board is connected to the first end of the housing, an end plate is connected to the second end of the housing, and a plurality of shape memory alloy actuators are positioned between the printed circuit board and the end plate. Each shape memory alloy actuator includes a pair of wire mounts connected to opposite sides of the printed circuit board, an actuator rod is positioned between the lateral sides of the housing and includes a wire guide and a shape memory alloy wire connected to the wire mount and positioned around the wire guide. Applying a voltage to the shape memory alloy wire causes the shape memory alloy wire to retract and cause the corresponding actuator rod to move between a first position and a second position.

[0006] According to a second specific implementation, an apparatus includes a system, the system including a flow cell receptacle and a valve drive assembly, the valve drive assembly including a shape memory alloy actuator and a flow cell, the shape memory alloy actuator including a pair of shape memory alloy wires, the flow cell can be disposed in the flow cell receptacle and has a diaphragm valve. The system actuates the diaphragm valve via the shape memory alloy actuator by applying a voltage to a first shape memory alloy wire of the shape memory alloy wires, and the system does not apply the voltage to a second shape memory alloy wire of the shape memory alloy wires.

[0007] According to a third specific implementation, a device includes: a system including a valve drive assembly, the valve drive assembly including a plurality of shape memory alloy actuators; and a circulation cell assembly, the circulation cell assembly including a circulation cell inlet, a circulation cell outlet, a circulation cell and a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly includes a common fluid line having a first side and a second side. The circulation cell is connected to the common fluid line, a plurality of reagent fluid lines are arranged on the second side of the common fluid line, and a plurality of diaphragm valves selectively fluidically connect the common fluid line and corresponding reagent fluid lines in the plurality of reagent fluid lines. Each shape memory alloy actuator corresponds to a diaphragm valve in the diaphragm valves and can be actuated to selectively control the reagent flow between each of the reagent fluid lines and the common fluid line.

[0008] According to a fourth specific implementation, an apparatus includes a shape memory alloy actuator including a guide defining a hole and including a wire mount. An actuator rod is movable through the hole and includes a plunger at a distal end, a wire guide, and a spring seat. A spring is positioned between the guide and the spring seat. A shape memory alloy wire is coupled to the wire mount and positioned around the wire guide. Applying a voltage to the shape memory alloy wire causes the shape memory alloy wire to retract and cause the actuator rod to move between a first position and a second position.

[0009] According to a fifth specific implementation, a device includes a shape memory alloy actuator assembly, which includes a housing, a printed circuit board, a plurality of shape memory alloy actuators and an actuator manifold assembly. The housing includes a pair of lateral sides and a transverse portion connecting the pair of lateral sides, each lateral side having a first end and a second end. The printed circuit board is connected to the first end of the housing, and the plurality of shape memory alloy actuators are positioned between the printed circuit board and the second end. Each shape memory alloy actuator includes a pair of wire mounts, an actuator rod and a shape memory alloy wire. The pair of wire mounts are connected to opposite sides of the printed circuit board, and the actuator rod is positioned between the lateral walls of the housing and includes a wire guide. The actuator rod includes a side port and an end face, the end face having a vacuum port and a plunger portion. The side port is fluidly connected to the vacuum port. The shape memory alloy wire is connected to the wire mount and positioned around the wire guide. The actuator manifold assembly is connected to the printed circuit board and includes a body and a plurality of pneumatic lines. The body has an outlet port and a plurality of inlet ports, and each pneumatic line is coupled between a side port of the actuator rod and an inlet port of the actuator manifold assembly. Applying a voltage to the shape memory alloy wire causes the shape memory alloy wire to retract and move the corresponding actuator rod between a first position and a second position.

[0010] According to a sixth implementation, an apparatus includes a system having a flow cell receptacle and a plurality of shape memory alloy actuators.

[0011] According to a seventh specific implementation, a method includes applying a voltage to a first shape memory alloy wire of a shape memory alloy actuator, and not applying the voltage to a second shape memory alloy wire of the shape memory alloy actuator. The method also includes actuating a diaphragm valve using the shape memory alloy actuator in response to applying the voltage to the first shape memory alloy wire of the shape memory alloy wire.

[0012] According to an eighth embodiment, a method includes sealingly engaging a portion of a membrane of a diaphragm valve with a vacuum port of an actuator stem of a shape memory alloy actuator and applying a voltage to a shape memory alloy wire of the shape memory alloy actuator. The method also includes moving the actuator stem and the portion of the membrane between a first position and a second position in response to applying the voltage to the shape memory alloy wire.

[0013] Further according to the foregoing first embodiment, second embodiment, third embodiment, fourth embodiment, fifth embodiment, sixth embodiment, seventh embodiment and / or eighth embodiment, the device and / or method may further include or comprise any one or more of the following:

[0014] In one implementation, the device further includes a housing surrounding the housing and defining one or more vents positioned to allow a flow of air (air or gas) through the shape memory alloy wire.

[0015] In another embodiment, the vent is an elongated opening extending relative to the one or more shape memory alloy wires.

[0016] In another implementation, the housing has an open side.

[0017] In another specific implementation, the apparatus further includes an air flow assembly for flowing air through the shape memory alloy wire.

[0018] In another implementation, the airflow assembly includes a fan.

[0019] In another specific implementation, the shape memory alloy actuator assembly is a first shape memory alloy actuator assembly, and the apparatus further includes a second shape memory alloy actuator assembly opposite the first shape memory alloy actuator assembly.

[0020] In another specific implementation, each of the plurality of shape memory alloy actuators of the first shape memory alloy actuator assembly applies a tensile force, and each of the plurality of shape memory alloy actuators of the second shape memory alloy actuator assembly applies a thrust force.

[0021] In another specific implementation, the pulling force is less than the pushing force.

[0022] In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a plurality of biasing elements positioned to bias the actuator stem toward the first position.

[0023] In another implementation, the first position is a closed position of an associated valve.

[0024] In another implementation, the first position is an open position of an associated valve.

[0025] In another implementation, the biasing element is positioned between the printed circuit board and the spring seat of the actuator stem.

[0026] In another specific implementation, the end of each actuator rod defines a bias rod hole. The bias rod is positioned in the corresponding bias rod hole and extends toward the biasing element. The bushing is positioned around each bias rod and is positioned to interact with the corresponding biasing element.

[0027] In another implementation, the biasing element includes a leaf spring.

[0028] In another specific implementation, the transverse portion includes a plurality of lateral guide grooves, and each actuator rod is positioned in a corresponding lateral guide groove.

[0029] In another specific implementation, the lateral guide channel includes a first lateral guide channel defined on a first side of the lateral portion and a second lateral guide channel defined on a second side of the lateral portion.

[0030] In another specific implementation, the first lateral guide grooves are staggered relative to the second lateral guide grooves.

[0031] In another specific implementation, the transverse portion defines a plurality of guide rod holes, and each actuator rod includes a guide rod extending through a corresponding guide rod hole.

[0032] In another implementation, the guide rod holes are staggered between the lateral sides.

[0033] In another specific implementation, each actuator stem includes a plunger portion arranged to actuate an associated valve.

[0034] In another specific implementation, each actuator rod includes a body, a plunger portion, and one or more lateral guides coupled between the body and the plunger portion.

[0035] In another implementation, the one or more lateral guides include a pair of opposing lateral guides.

[0036] In another specific implementation, the end plate defines a plurality of slots positioned to receive the plunger portion.

[0037] In another specific implementation, each actuator rod defines a transverse wire guide through which a corresponding shape memory alloy wire extends.

[0038] In another implementation, the lateral wire guide includes a curved surface.

[0039] In another specific implementation, the system includes a counter that counts the number of instances in which the system causes a voltage to be applied to a first shape memory alloy wire among the shape memory alloy wires, and when the number of instances satisfies a reference number, the system causes a voltage to be applied to a second shape memory alloy wire among the shape memory alloy wires without applying it to the first shape memory alloy wire among the shape memory alloy wires.

[0040] In another specific implementation, the system tests the operability of a first one of the shape memory alloy wires, and when the system identifies that the first one of the shape memory alloy wires is inoperable, causes voltage to be applied to a second one of the shape memory alloy wires without applying voltage to the first one of the shape memory alloy wires.

[0041] In another implementation, the system includes a fan mounted to the system to cool the shape memory alloy wire and spaced apart from the shape memory alloy actuator to prevent vibrations from the fan from being transferred to the shape memory alloy actuator.

[0042] In another specific implementation, the fan may be operated at a first speed when the flow cell and associated diaphragm valve are spaced a first distance from the fan, and the fan may be operated at a second speed when the flow cell and associated diaphragm valve are spaced a second distance from the fan.

[0043] In another specific implementation, the diaphragm valve is a volcano valve.

[0044] In another specific implementation, each shape memory alloy actuator includes a plunger, a spring biasing the plunger, and a shape memory alloy wire.

[0045] In another specific implementation, actuating the shape memory alloy actuator includes the system causing a voltage to be applied to the shape memory alloy wire, which causes the plunger to retract against a force of a spring.

[0046] In another specific implementation, each of the shape memory alloy actuators includes a pair of shape memory alloy wires, and actuating the shape memory alloy actuators includes a system that applies a voltage to a first shape memory alloy wire of the shape memory alloy wires, and the system does not apply the voltage to a second shape memory alloy wire of the shape memory alloy wires.

[0047] In another specific implementation, the shape memory alloy wire is a first shape memory alloy wire, and the actuator stem includes a second wire guide. The second shape memory alloy wire is coupled to the wire mount and positioned around the second wire guide.

[0048] In another specific implementation, when no voltage is applied to the second shape memory alloy wire, a voltage is applied to the first shape memory alloy wire to actuate the shape memory alloy actuator.

[0049] In another specific implementation, the method further includes applying a voltage to the second shape memory alloy wire when no voltage is applied to the first shape memory alloy wire.

[0050] In another specific implementation, the voltage is not applied to the first shape memory alloy wire after a threshold amount of time, after a threshold number of cycles, or if the first shape memory alloy wire is damaged.

[0051] In another specific implementation, the shape memory alloy wire is a first shape memory alloy wire, the guide is a first guide, and the actuator rod includes a second wire guide. The device also includes a second guide having a wire mount, and the second shape memory alloy wire is coupled to the wire mount of the second guide and positioned around the second wire guide.

[0052] In another specific implementation, the method further includes applying a voltage to the first conductive line and the second conductive line substantially simultaneously.

[0053] In another specific implementation, the method further includes applying a voltage to the first conductive line and the second conductive line in parallel.

[0054] In another specific implementation, applying a voltage to the first shape memory alloy wire retracts the first shape memory alloy wire and moves the actuator rod between the first position and the second position, and applying a voltage to the second shape memory alloy wire retracts the second shape memory alloy wire and moves the actuator rod between the second position and the first position.

[0055] In another specific implementation, the plurality of shape memory alloy actuators includes a first row of shape memory alloy actuators and a second row of shape memory alloy actuators, the shape memory alloy actuators in the first row being staggered relative to the shape memory alloy actuators in the second row.

[0056] In another specific implementation, the plurality of shape memory alloy actuators includes a first shape memory alloy actuator located on a first side of the flow cell receptacle and a second shape memory alloy actuator located on a second side of the flow cell receptacle.

[0057] In another specific implementation, the first shape memory alloy actuator is opposite to the second shape memory alloy actuator.

[0058] In another specific implementation, the first shape memory alloy actuator applies a pulling force and the second shape memory alloy actuator applies a pushing force.

[0059] In another specific implementation, the pulling force is less than the pushing force.

[0060] In another specific implementation, a system includes a fan positioned to flow air toward the plurality of shape memory alloy actuators.

[0061] In another implementation, a device includes a housing surrounding a shape memory alloy wire.

[0062] In another specific implementation, a housing has a first housing assembly and a second housing assembly, each of the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly having a housing body coupled to the housing and having an inlet port assembly.

[0063] In another implementation, an inlet port assembly has an inlet port and a diffuser.

[0064] In another specific implementation, the inlet port assembly further includes a high pressure homogenizer and a nozzle array. The high pressure homogenizer is positioned between the nozzle array and the diffuser, and the diffuser is positioned between the high pressure homogenizer and the inlet port.

[0065] In another implementation, the axes of the nozzles of the nozzle array are substantially parallel to the axis of the inlet port.

[0066] In another specific implementation, each shape memory alloy actuator includes a sensor or a target carried by the actuator stem, and the housing carries the other of the sensor or the target.

[0067] In another specific implementation, the device includes a circulation cell assembly, which includes a circulation cell inlet, a circulation cell outlet, a circulation cell and a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly includes a common fluid line, a plurality of reagent fluid lines and a plurality of diaphragm valves. The circulation cell is connected to the common fluid line, and the diaphragm valve selectively fluidically connects the common fluid line and the corresponding reagent fluid lines in the plurality of reagent fluid lines. Each diaphragm valve has a main body and a film connected to the surface of the main body. The main body includes a valve seat and limits a chamber that is fluidically connected to the corresponding reagent fluid line and is covered by a part of the film.

[0068] In another specific implementation, opening the diaphragm valve includes sealingly engaging the portion of the membrane corresponding to the vacuum port of the shape memory actuator and moving between the first position and the second position.

[0069] In another specific implementation, each shape memory alloy actuator includes a sensor or a target carried by the actuator stem, and each diaphragm valve carries the other of the sensor or the target.

[0070] In another specific implementation, in response to the distance between the sensor and the target being greater than a threshold, the shape memory alloy actuator moves the actuator stem toward the portion of the membrane and causes the vacuum port of the corresponding shape memory actuator to sealingly engage the portion of the membrane.

[0071] In another implementation, the chamber and the portion of the membrane have a width greater than a width of the valve seat.

[0072] In another embodiment, the chamber and the portion of the membrane are squarish.

[0073] In another implementation, the chamber and the portion of the membrane are teardrop shaped.

[0074] In another specific implementation, closing the diaphragm valve includes a plunger portion corresponding to the shape memory actuator moving the membrane from the second position to the first position and urging the membrane into engagement with the valve seat.

[0075] In another specific implementation, each actuator rod includes a second side port, and the end surface has a second vacuum port. The plunger portion is positioned between the vacuum port and the second vacuum port.

[0076] In another specific implementation, each diaphragm valve defines a second chamber covered by the second portion of the membrane. A valve seat is positioned between the chamber and the second chamber.

[0077] In another specific implementation, opening the diaphragm valve includes sealingly engaging a second portion of the membrane in response to a second vacuum port of the shape memory actuator and moving between a first position and a second position.

[0078] In another specific implementation, a pneumatic line of the actuator manifold assembly is coupled between the second side port of the actuator stem and a corresponding inlet port of the actuator manifold assembly.

[0079] In another specific implementation, the method includes counting the number of instances of applying voltage to a first shape memory alloy wire among the shape memory alloy wires, and when the number of instances meets a reference number, applying voltage to a second shape memory alloy wire among the shape memory alloy wires without applying voltage to the first shape memory alloy wire among the shape memory alloy wires.

[0080] In another specific implementation, a method includes testing operability of a first shape memory alloy wire of the shape memory alloy wires.

[0081] In another specific implementation, a method includes: identifying that a first shape memory alloy wire among the shape memory alloy wires is inoperable; and after identifying that the first shape memory alloy wire among the shape memory alloy wires is inoperable, applying a voltage to a second shape memory alloy wire among the shape memory alloy wires without applying a voltage to the first shape memory alloy wire among the shape memory alloy wires.

[0082] In another specific implementation, a method includes cooling a shape memory alloy wire.

[0083] In another specific implementation, a method includes cooling the shape memory alloy wire, including using a fan.

[0084] In another implementation, a method includes preventing vibrations from a fan from being transmitted to a shape memory alloy actuator.

[0085] In another embodiment, the method includes identifying that the distance between the actuator rod and the diaphragm valve is greater than a threshold value, and in response to the distance between the actuator rod and the diaphragm valve being greater than the threshold value, moving the actuator rod toward the portion of the membrane and causing the vacuum port of the shape memory actuator to sealingly engage the portion of the membrane.

[0086] In another implementation, the method includes closing the diaphragm valve by using a plunger portion of an actuator stem to move the portion of the membrane from the second position to the first position and urge the portion of the membrane into engagement with a valve seat of the diaphragm valve.

[0087] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and the additional concepts discussed in more detail below (assuming such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein and / or can be combined to achieve specific benefits of specific aspects. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a specific implementation of a system according to the teachings of the present disclosure is shown.

[0089] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a specific implementation of a manifold assembly with the associated valve in a closed position.

[0090] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a specific implementation of a manifold assembly with the associated valve in an open position.

[0091] Figure 4 is a top view of an exemplary implementation of a manifold assembly and a flow cell including a diaphragm valve positioned on a first side of a common reagent fluid line and a diaphragm valve positioned on a second side of a common fluid line.

[0092] Figure 5A An isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a valve drive assembly, a manifold assembly, and a flow cell that can be used to implement Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Valve drive assembly.

[0093] Figure 5B for Figure 5A Another isometric view of the valve drive assembly and manifold assembly.

[0094] Figure 5C for Figure 5A A top cross-sectional schematic diagram of a first actuator assembly.

[0095] Figure 6 is an isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a valve drive assembly, a manifold assembly, and a flow cell that can be used to implement Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Valve drive assembly.

[0096] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Isometric detailed view of the interface between the first actuator assembly and the second actuator assembly.

[0097] Fig. 8A for Figure 6 An isometric view of a first actuator assembly showing a plurality of biasing elements positioned to bias the actuator stem toward a first position.

[0098] Figure 8B Shown around Figure 6 The housing of the wires of the actuator assembly.

[0099] Figure 8C Shown along Figure 8B The line 8C-8C is intercepted Figure 8B A partial cross-sectional view of a second housing component of a housing.

[0100] Fig. 9 for Figure 6 An isometric view of the first actuator assembly.

[0101] Fig.10 for Figure 6 An isometric view of multiple biasing elements of a first actuator assembly.

[0102] Fig.11 for Figure 6 An isometric view of the housing and actuator stem of the first actuator assembly.

[0103] Fig.12 for Figure 6 An isometric view of the actuator rod of the first actuator assembly.

[0104] Fig.13 An isometric view of the housing and end plate showing the receiving Figure 6 The narrow slot of the lateral guide of the actuator rod of the first actuator assembly.

[0105] Fig.14 for Figure 6 Side view of the actuator rod and end plate of the first actuator assembly.

[0106] Fig.15 for Figure 5A An enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment or any disclosed embodiment of a membrane of a manifold assembly and an actuator stem of a first and / or second actuator assembly.

[0107] Fig.16 for Figure 5A An enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment or any disclosed embodiment of a membrane and an actuator rod of a first and / or second actuator assembly.

[0108] Fig.17 for Figure 5A An enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment or any disclosed embodiment of a membrane and an actuator rod of a first and / or second actuator assembly.

[0109] Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary implementation of a shape memory alloy actuator in a first position that can be used to implement Figure 5A actuator.

[0110] Fig.19 Shown in the second position Fig.18 Cross-sectional view of a shape memory alloy actuator.

[0111] Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary implementation of a shape memory alloy actuator that can be used to implement Figure 5A actuator.

[0112] Fig.21 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary implementation of a shape memory alloy actuator that can be used to implement Figure 5A Actuator.

[0113] Fig. 22 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary implementation of a shape memory alloy actuator that can be used to implement Figure 5A Actuator.

[0114] Fig.23 Shows Figure 6 An isometric view of a second actuator assembly illustrating a plunger portion of an actuator stem extending through a printed circuit board and actuatable to interface with an associated manifold assembly.

[0115] Fig.24 Shows Figure 6 Another isometric view of a second actuator assembly showing the housing, multiple actuator rods, and circuit board.

[0116] Fig.25 Shown include Figure 6 Another isometric view of the multiple actuator rods of the spring seat of the second actuator assembly.

[0117] Fig.26 for Figure 1 A top view of another exemplary implementation of a manifold assembly.

[0118] Fig. 27 for Fig.26 Bottom view of the manifold assembly.

[0119] Fig.28 To be used to implement Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 An isometric view of an exemplary valve drive assembly of a valve drive assembly.

[0120] Fig.29 for Fig.28 Isometric view of an actuator assembly with a printed circuit board and multiple shape memory alloy actuators.

[0121] Fig.30 A top view of an exemplary flow cell assembly including a manifold assembly and a flow cell that can be used to implement Figure 1 Flow cell assembly.

[0122] Fig.31 To be used to implement Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 An isometric view of a portion of an exemplary valve drive assembly of a valve drive assembly.

[0123] Fig.32 for Fig.31 An isometric view of a valve drive assembly including an actuator manifold assembly coupled to a printed circuit board and including a body and fluid lines.

[0124] Fig.33 Detailed view of an end face of one of the actuator rods including first and second vacuum ports, with a plunger portion positioned between vacuum ports 432.

[0125] Fig.34 A top view of an exemplary flow cell assembly including a manifold assembly and a flow cell that can be used to implement Figure 1 Flow cell assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0126] Although the following text discloses a detailed description of a specific implementation of the method, apparatus and / or article of manufacture, it should be understood that the legal scope of the property rights is defined by the text of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. Therefore, the following detailed description should be understood to be merely exemplary and does not describe every possible specific implementation, because it is impractical, if not impossible, to describe every possible specific implementation. Many alternative specific implementations can be implemented using current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent. It is contemplated that such alternative embodiments will still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0127] It may be advantageous or beneficial to have a valve actuator that provides accurate and precise dispensing of small volumes of fluid (e.g., liquid reagents), which in some cases may be pressurized, while maintaining a small overall footprint, including width, height, and depth.

[0128] The present disclosure relates to a valve drive assembly of a system (e.g., a sequencing system) that interfaces with a reagent cartridge and a flow cell assembly including a diaphragm valve. The system includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, and the diaphragm valve is a part of a manifold assembly. The SMA actuator can be positioned very close to each other on a circuit board at a spacing of -10 millimeters (mm) or less. The use of the SMA actuator advantageously allows the diaphragm valves to be spaced closer together (minimum footprint), thereby reducing the amount of dead volume in the fluid network. For example, the disclosed SMA actuator allows the diaphragm valves to be spaced apart in a manner that reduces the dead volume between the reagent fluid line and the common fluid line. Therefore, less consumables such as reagents can be used. In addition, by spacing the diaphragm valves closer together, the length of the common reagent line can be reduced, thereby shortening the cycle time and run time of the instrument / system implementing the disclosed embodiment.

[0129] In some embodiments, the SMA actuator includes a plunger, a spring biasing the plunger, and an SMA wire. The SMA actuator is actuated by applying a voltage to the SMA wire, which causes the SMA wire and the plunger to retract against the force of the spring. In other embodiments, the SMA actuators each include a pair of SMA wires, wherein one of the SMA wires is actuated at a time to extend the service life of the SMA actuator. As an example, the system may actuate the SMA actuator by applying a voltage to a first SMA wire in the SMA wires without applying a voltage to a second SMA wire in the SMA wires. If the system identifies that the first SMA wire in the SMA wires has been used a threshold number of times or is no longer operable, the system may actuate the SMA actuator by applying a voltage to the second SMA wire in the SMA wires while not applying a voltage to the first SMA wire in the SMA wires.

[0130] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a specific implementation of a system 100 according to the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. The system 100 can be used to perform analysis on one or more samples of interest. The sample can include one or more DNA clusters that are linearized to form single-stranded DNA (sstDNA). In the specific implementation shown, the system 100 includes a reagent cartridge receptacle 102 that can accommodate a reagent cartridge 104. The reagent cartridge 104 carries a flow cell assembly 106.

[0131] In the illustrated implementation, the system 100 includes, in part, a drive assembly 108, a controller 110, an imaging system 112, and a waste reservoir 114. The drive assembly 108 includes a pump drive assembly 116 and a valve drive assembly 118, and an airflow assembly 120 that is arranged to flow air over one or more components of the system 100, including, for example, the valve drive assembly 118. The airflow assembly 120 can be mounted to the system 100 in a vibration-reducing manner and can operate at a first speed when the valve drive assembly 118 is positioned a first distance from the airflow assembly 120, and can operate at a second speed when the valve drive assembly 118 is positioned a second distance from the airflow assembly 120. The airflow assembly 120 may not be mounted directly to the valve drive assembly 118, as doing so would transfer more vibrations from the airflow assembly 120 to the valve drive assembly 118.

[0132] Returning to the controller 110, in the illustrated implementation, the controller 110 is electrically and / or communicatively coupled to the drive assembly 108, the imaging system 112, and the gas flow assembly 120, and can cause the drive assembly 108, the imaging system 112, and / or the gas flow assembly 120 to perform various functions as disclosed herein. The waste reservoir 114 can be selectively received within a waste reservoir receptacle 122 of the system 100. In other implementations, the waste reservoir 114 can be included in the reagent cartridge 104.

[0133] The reagent cartridge 104 can carry one or more samples of interest. The drive assembly 108 interfaces with the reagent cartridge 104 to flow one or more reagents (eg, A, T, G, C nucleotides) that interact with the sample through the reagent cartridge 104 and / or the flow cell assembly 106 .

[0134] In one embodiment, a reversible terminator is attached to a reagent to allow each cycle to be incorporated into a single nucleotide by sstDNA. In some such embodiments, one or more nucleotides have a unique fluorescent label that emits a color when excited. The color (or the absence of color) is used to detect the corresponding nucleotide. The imaging system 112 can excite one or more identifiable labels (e.g., fluorescent labels) and then obtain image data of the identifiable labels in the embodiment shown. The label can be excited by incident light and / or laser, and the image data may include one or more colors emitted by the corresponding label in response to the excitation. The image data (e.g., detection data) can be analyzed by the system 100. The imaging system 112 can be a fluorescence spectrophotometer including an objective lens and / or a solid-state imaging device. The solid-state imaging device may include a charge coupled device (CCD) and / or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

[0135] After obtaining the image data, the drive assembly 108 interfaces with the reagent cartridge 104 to flow another reaction component (e.g., a reagent) through the reagent cartridge 104, which is then received by the waste reservoir 114 and / or otherwise exhausted by the reagent cartridge 104. The reaction components undergo a flushing operation that chemically cleaves the fluorescent label and reversible terminator from the sstDNA. The sstDNA is then ready for another cycle.

[0136] The circulation cell assembly 106 includes a housing 124 and a circulation cell 126. As used herein, a "circulation cell" may include a device with a cap extending above a reaction structure to form a flow channel communicating with a plurality of reaction sites of the reaction structure therebetween, and may include a detection device for detecting a specified reaction occurring at or near the reaction site. The circulation cell 126 includes at least one channel 128, a circulation cell inlet 130, and a circulation cell outlet 132. The channel 128 may be U-shaped, or may be straight and extend across the circulation cell 126. Other configurations of the channel 128 may prove suitable. Each channel in the channel 128 may have a dedicated circulation cell inlet 130 and a dedicated circulation cell outlet 132. Alternatively, a single circulation cell inlet 130 may be fluidly coupled to more than one channel 128 (via, for example, an inlet manifold). Alternatively, a single circulation cell outlet 132 may be coupled to more than one channel (via, for example, an outlet manifold). In one embodiment, the flow cell assembly 106 can be formed by multiple layers (e.g., laminated layers). In such embodiments, the flow cell 126 and / or the channel 128 can include one or more microstructures or nanostructures. Nanoimprint lithography patterns or embossing can be used to form the microstructures. Other manufacturing techniques can prove to be suitable. The nanostructures can include holes, columns, electrodes, gratings, etc.

[0137] In the illustrated implementation, the reagent cartridge 104 includes a flow cell receptacle 134, a common fluid line 136, a plurality of reagent fluid lines 138, and a manifold assembly 139. In other implementations, the manifold assembly 139 is part of the flow cell assembly 106 and / or part of the system 100. The reagent cartridge 104 includes a reagent cartridge body 140.

[0138] The flow cell receptacle 134 can receive the flow cell assembly 106. Alternatively, the flow cell assembly 106 can be integrated into the reagent cartridge 104. In such implementations, the flow cell receptacle 134 can be excluded, or at least the flow cell assembly 106 can be non-removably received within the reagent cartridge 104. In some implementations, the flow cell assembly 106 can be separated from the reagent cartridge 104 and can be received in the flow cell receptacle 134 of the system 100.

[0139] Each of the reagent fluid lines 138 can be coupled to a corresponding reagent reservoir 142 that can contain a fluid (e.g., a reagent and / or another reactive component). The reagent cartridge body 140 can be formed of solid plastic using injection molding techniques and / or additive manufacturing techniques. In some implementations, the reagent reservoir 142 is integrally formed with the reagent cartridge body 140. In other implementations, the reagent reservoir 142 is formed separately and coupled to the reagent cartridge body 140.

[0140] In the illustrated implementation, the manifold assembly 139 includes a plurality of diaphragm valves 144 and a plurality of actuators 146 disposed within the manifold assembly 139. In other implementations, one or more of the actuators 146 may be excluded. The diaphragm valves 144 may be stem-flap valves or volcano valves. The manifold assembly 139 fluidly couples the common fluid line 136 with each of the reagent fluid lines 138. Each diaphragm valve 144 is coupled between the common fluid line 136 and a corresponding reagent fluid line 138. Alternatively, the actuators 146 may be omitted.

[0141] The valve drive assembly 118 interfaces with the actuator 146 and / or the diaphragm valve 144 in operation to control the flow of reagent between the reagent fluid line 138 and the common fluid line 136. In some embodiments and as further disclosed below, the valve drive assembly 118 includes a plurality of shape memory alloy actuators that can be selectively actuated to control the position of the corresponding actuator 146 and / or diaphragm valve 144. The shape memory alloy actuator is moved (actuated) between a first position and a second position by applying a voltage to the shape memory alloy wire, which increases the temperature of the wire and causes the wire to contract. When the voltage is no longer applied to the wire, the temperature of the wire decreases and the wire relaxes. In order to increase the rate at which the temperature of the wire decreases, in the embodiment shown, the system 100 includes an airflow assembly 120 that causes air to flow through the wire to increase heat dissipation and reduce the amount of time it takes for the wire to move from a contracted position to a relaxed position. The airflow assembly 120 may be one or more fans or another air source, such as a pressurized air source (e.g., Figure 1 The airflow assembly 120 can reduce the rate at which the wire cools or relaxes by a factor of about 1 / 7.3. When the system 100 is operating and / or when the shape memory alloy actuator is actuated, the airflow assembly 120 can cause air to flow over the wire.

[0142] Referring now to the manifold assembly 139, in the illustrated embodiment, the manifold assembly 139 includes a manifold body 148, which may be formed of polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymers, cyclic olefin polymers, and / or other polymers. The manifold body 148 defines a portion 150 of the common fluid line 136 and a portion 152 of the reagent fluid line 138. A membrane 154 is coupled to a portion 156 of the manifold body 148, while another portion 157 of the membrane 154 is not coupled to the manifold body 148. Thus, the membrane 154 may be partially bonded to the manifold body 148, while a portion 157 of the manifold body 148 above the valve seat 158 ​​is not bonded to the membrane 154 to allow for the formation of a fluid passage. The membrane 154 may be formed of a flat sheet. The membrane 154 may be elastomeric.

[0143] In the illustrated embodiment, the diaphragm valve 144 is formed by a membrane 154 and a manifold body 148. The manifold body 148 includes a valve seat 158 ​​disposed between portions 156 of the manifold body 148, and the valve seat 158 ​​is not coupled to the membrane 154. Therefore, the membrane 154 can move away from the valve seat 158 ​​to allow fluid to flow through the corresponding diaphragm valve 144. The actuator 146 can move the membrane 154 away from the valve seat 158 ​​when actuated to allow fluid to flow through the corresponding diaphragm valve 144. When using, for example, negative pressure (e.g., a syringe pump) to draw fluid through the diaphragm valve 144, the use of the actuator 146 can be advantageous. In other embodiments, the membrane 154 can move away from the valve seat 158 ​​in response to the positive pressure of the reagent, thereby allowing the actuator 146 to be omitted.

[0144] To close the diaphragm valve 144, the valve drive assembly 118 interfaces with the membrane 154 and drives the membrane 154 against the valve seat 158. The valve drive assembly 118 can allow the membrane 154 to move away from the valve seat 158 ​​to open the diaphragm valve 144. In an embodiment where the valve drive assembly 118 includes a plurality of plungers, the plungers can selectively move away from the valve seat 158 ​​to allow the membrane 154 to move away from the valve seat 158. In another embodiment, the valve drive assembly 118 includes a plunger coupled to the membrane 154. The coupling between the plunger and the membrane 154 can be a snap-fit ​​connection or a magnetic connection. Other types of couplings may prove suitable. For example, the valve drive assembly 118 can be mechanically coupled to the membrane 154.

[0145] Manifold assembly 139 includes a stop valve 160 in the illustrated embodiment, which can interface with valve drive assembly 118 and can further control the flow between at least one of reagent fluid lines 138 and common fluid line 136. For example, after the process of using a reagent from corresponding reagent reservoir 142 is completed, stop valve 160 can be actuated to a closed position. Stop valve 160 can be positioned upstream or downstream of corresponding diaphragm valve 144. Such methods can further prevent cross contamination from occurring between different reagents. Due to the reduced possibility of cross contamination, less wash buffer can be used.

[0146] System 100 includes a pressure source 162, which, in some embodiments, can be used to pressurize reagent cartridges 104. The reagent pressurized by pressure source 162 can be pushed through manifold assembly 139 and toward flow cell assembly 106. In another embodiment, pressure source 162 can be carried by reagent cartridges 104. Regulator 164 is positioned between pressure source 162 and manifold assembly 139, and regulates the pressure of the gas provided to manifold assembly 139. Gas can be air, nitrogen and / or argon. Other gases can prove to be suitable. Alternatively, regulator 164 and / or pressure source 162 may not be included.

[0147] Referring now to the drive assembly 108, in the illustrated implementation, the drive assembly 108 includes a pump drive assembly 116 and a valve drive assembly 118. The pump drive assembly 116 may interface with one or more pumps 166 to pump fluid through the reagent cartridge 104. The pump 166 may be implemented by a syringe pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, etc. Although the pump 166 may be positioned between the flow cell assembly 106 and the waste reservoir 114, the pump 166 may be positioned upstream of the flow cell assembly 106 or omitted entirely in other implementations.

[0148] Referring to the controller 110, in the illustrated implementation, the controller 110 includes a user interface 168, a communication interface 170, one or more processors 172, and a memory 174 that stores instructions executable by the one or more processors 172 to perform various functions, including the disclosed implementation. The user interface 168, the communication interface 170, and the memory 174 are electrically and / or communicatively coupled to the one or more processors 172.

[0149] In one implementation, the user interface 168 may receive input from a user and provide information to the user associated with the operation of the system 100 and / or the analysis performed. The user interface 168 may include a touch screen, a display, a keyboard, a speaker, a mouse, a trackball, and / or a voice recognition system. The touch screen and / or the display may display a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0150] In one specific implementation, the communication interface 170 can enable communication between the system 100 and a remote system (e.g., a computer) via a network. The network can include the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a coaxial cable network, a wireless network, a wired network, a satellite network, a digital subscriber line (DSL) network, a cellular network, a Bluetooth connection, a near field communication (NFC) connection, etc. Some communications provided to the remote system can be associated with analysis results, imaging data, etc. generated or otherwise obtained by the system 100. Some communications provided to the system 100 can be associated with fluid analysis operations, patient records, and / or protocols to be executed by the system 100.

[0151] The one or more processors 172 and / or the system 100 may include one or more of a processor-based system or a microprocessor-based system. In some implementations, the one or more processors 172 and / or the system 100 include one or more of a programmable processor, a programmable controller, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a reduced instruction set computer (RISC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a field programmable logic device (FPLD), a logic circuit, and / or another logic-based device that performs various functions, including the functions described herein.

[0152] Memory 174 may include semiconductor memory, magnetically readable memory, optical memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical storage drive, a solid-state storage device, a solid-state drive (SSD), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random access memory (RAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory, compact disks (CD), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD), Blu-ray disks, redundant array of independent disks (RAID) systems, cache, and / or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., permanently, temporarily, for a long period of time, for buffering, for caching).

[0153] Figure 2 To include Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of an implementation of a manifold assembly 139 of a diaphragm valve 144 and a valve drive assembly 118. In the implementation shown, the diaphragm valve 144 is a stem-flap valve in a closed position, and the valve drive assembly 118 includes portions on both sides of the manifold assembly 139. Thus, the valve drive assembly 118 interfaces with the diaphragm valve 144 on a first side 175 of the manifold assembly 139 and the actuator 146 on a second side 176 of the manifold assembly 139.

[0154] In the illustrated implementation, the manifold assembly 139 includes a manifold body 148 and opposing membranes 154, 177 coupled to the manifold body 148. The actuator 146 is captured between the opposing membranes 154, 177 that also form a portion of the reagent fluid line 138. The membranes 154 and / or 177 may have a thickness of approximately 1 millimeter (mm). However, other thicknesses may prove suitable.

[0155] In the illustrated implementation, the actuator 146 is a cantilever having a distal end 180 movable relative to the membranes 154, 177 and a proximal end 182 coupled to the manifold body 148. The manifold body 148 includes a concave cutout 188 adjacent the distal end 180 of the actuator 146 that allows the membrane 177 to be urged via the valve drive assembly 118 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 184 without stressing the membrane 177 in a manner that may damage the membrane 177. The actuator 146 can be actuated via the valve drive assembly 118 in operation to move the distal end 180 in a direction generally indicated by arrow 184 between an extended position and a retracted position, as shown. Thus, the distal end 180 can move the membrane 154 away from the corresponding valve seat 158 ​​in response to engagement by the valve plunger 186 of the valve drive assembly 118.

[0156] Relative to Figure 2 The valve drive assembly 118, oriented as shown, positioned on the bottom of the manifold assembly 139 actuates the diaphragm valve 144. The diaphragm valve 144 is shown in a closed position with the valve plunger 186 in an extended position, thereby urging the diaphragm 154 against the valve seat 158.

[0157] Figure 3 for Figure 2 139, with the associated diaphragm valve 144 in an open position. As shown, the valve drive assembly 118 above the manifold assembly 139 interfaces with the membrane 177 to move the actuator 146 and the opposing membrane 154 away from the valve seat 158. The valve drive assembly 118 below the manifold assembly 139 is spaced apart from the membrane 154 to allow fluid to flow between the membrane 154 and the valve seat 158.

[0158] Figure 4 A top view of an exemplary flow cell assembly 195 including a manifold assembly 196 and a flow cell 126 that can be used to implement Figure 1 106 of the circulation cell assembly. The circulation cell assembly 195 includes a diaphragm valve 144 positioned on a first side 190 of the common fluid line 136 and a diaphragm valve 144 positioned on a second side 192 of the common fluid line 136. The diaphragm valve 144 is opened in operation, and the reagent flows to the circulation cell 126 and flows to an outlet 194 associated with the waste reservoir 114. The diaphragm valves 144 can be spaced apart by about 4 millimeters (mm). For example, the diaphragm valves 144 on each side of the common reagent fluid line 136 can be spaced apart by about 4 mm (the spacing between the centers of the diaphragm valves 144 is about 4 mm), so that the length of the common fluid line 136 can be reduced.

[0159] Figure 5Aisometric view of an exemplary implementation of a valve drive assembly 118, a manifold assembly 139, and a flow cell 126 that may be used to implement Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 1. The valve drive assembly 118 includes a first shape memory alloy actuator assembly 200 positioned to interface with the diaphragm valve 144 on the first side 175 of the manifold assembly 139 and a second shape memory alloy actuator assembly 202, the first shape memory alloy actuator assembly being opposite the first actuator assembly 200 and being positioned to interface with the manifold assembly 139 on the second side 176 of the manifold assembly 139. A back plate 205 is shown coupled to the manifold assembly 139 that prevents the manifold assembly 139 from bending when the diaphragm valve 144 is actuated. The first actuator assembly 200 may have a height of approximately 85 millimeters (mm), and the second manifold assembly 202 may have a height of approximately 89 mm. However, either of the first actuator assembly 200 and / or the second actuator assembly 202 may have any suitable height including the same height.

[0160] In the illustrated implementation, the first actuator assembly 200 includes a housing 204 including a pair of lateral sides 206 and a transverse portion 212 connecting the lateral sides 206, each lateral side having a first end 208 and a second end 210. The housing 204 can be an H-shaped frame, and the lateral sides 206 can be lateral walls of the H-shaped frame. Although the housing 204 is shown as a frame, the housing 204 can include one or more solid blocks or sheets of material that define an actuator rod hole. The first actuator assembly 200 also includes a printed circuit board 214 coupled to the first end 208 of the housing 204 and an end plate 216 coupled to the second end 210 of the housing 204. The end plate 216 of the first actuator assembly 200 is positioned adjacent to the manifold assembly 139, and the printed circuit board 214 is spaced apart from the manifold assembly 139. In contrast, the end plate 216 of the second actuator assembly 202 is spaced apart from the manifold assembly 139 , while the printed circuit board 214 is positioned proximate to the manifold assembly 139 .

[0161] The first actuator assembly 200 also includes a plurality of shape memory alloy actuators 218 positioned between the printed circuit board 214 and the end plate 216. In the illustrated implementation, each actuator 218 includes a pair of wire mounts 220 coupled to opposite sides 222, 224 of the printed circuit board 214, and an actuator rod 226 positioned between the lateral sides 206 of the housing 204 and including a wire guide 228. The actuator 218 also includes a shape memory alloy wire 230 coupled to the wire mounts 220 and positioned through the wire guide 228. The wire 230 may have a wire diameter of 60 μm and may include a superpure alloy. Although each of the first actuator assembly 200 and the second actuator assembly 202 are shown as including seven actuators 218 , any number of actuators 218 may be included, and the first actuator assembly 200 may have the same number of actuators 218 or a different number of actuators 218 as the second actuator assembly 200 .

[0162] Still referring to the first actuator assembly 200, a plurality of biasing elements 231 are positioned to bias the actuator rod 226 toward the first position. In the illustrated implementation, the biasing element 231 is positioned between the printed circuit board 214 and the spring seat 233 of the actuator rod 226, and pushes the actuator rod 226 toward the manifold assembly 139, thereby causing the associated diaphragm valve 144 to close. The biasing element 231 is shown as a coil spring, but other types of biasing elements may also be used. For example, Belleville washers, torsion springs, leaf springs, etc. may be used. In addition, although the biasing element 231 is shown as surrounding the actuator rod 226 and sitting against the spring seat 233 of the actuator rod 226, the biasing element 231 may be arranged differently. The end of the actuator rod 226 may include a spring seat, and the biasing element 231 may be positioned, for example, between the printed circuit board 214 and the end of the actuator rod 226. When the actuator stem 226 of the first actuator assembly 200 is urged toward the manifold assembly 139, the biasing element 231 of the second actuator assembly 202 is positioned to urge the actuator stem 226 away from the manifold assembly 139, thereby enabling the associated diaphragm valve 144 to close and / or the actuator 146 to move to the non-actuated position (see Figure 2 ).

[0163] In order to actuate the actuator 218 of the first actuator assembly 200 in the direction generally indicated by the arrow 232 and move the actuator rod 226 away from the associated diaphragm valve 144, a voltage is applied to the wire 230, which retracts the wire 230 and moves the corresponding actuator rod 226 between the first position and the second position. The distance between the first position and the second position can be about 0.8 millimeters (mm). However, different stroke lengths can be achieved. In addition, using the first actuator assembly 200 and the second actuator assembly 202, the diaphragm valve 144 can move between the open position and the closed position in approximately less than 90 milliseconds. Advantageously and based on the faster cycle time of the diaphragm valve 144, when the reagent moves under positive pressure, a smaller volume of reagent, such as about 24 μL, can be dispensed.

[0164] In some implementations, energizing the wire 230 of the first actuator assembly 200 applies a force of approximately 2.4 Newtons (N) to the actuator 218 in the direction generally indicated by arrow 232, and energizing the wire 230 of the second actuator assembly 202 applies a force of approximately 3.7 N to the actuator 218 in the direction generally indicated by arrow 232. However, other forces may be achieved. The actuator 218 of the first actuator assembly 200 may be used to push the diaphragm 154 against the valve seat 158, and the actuator 218 of the second actuator assembly 202 may be used to move the stem flap valve of the manifold assembly 139 (see Figure 3 ) actuator 146.

[0165] In some implementations, the pulse width modulation (PWM) is tuned and applied for approximately 45 milliseconds (ms), for example, to enable the diaphragm valve 144 to open and / or close relatively quickly while reducing vibration. In some implementations, a smaller amount of power can be applied to the wire 230, causing the wire 230 to move more slowly from the first position to the second position, but increasing the rate at which the wire 230 moves from the second position back to the first position (e.g., an increased cooling rate). In addition, wires 230 of different diameters can be used to increase or decrease the cooling time of the wire 230 to which the voltage is applied.

[0166] While the above description describes the first actuator assembly 200, the second actuator assembly 202 has a similar structure and can operate in a similar manner. However, in contrast, applying a voltage to the wire 230 of the second actuator assembly 202 causes the actuator stem 226 to move toward the associated diaphragm valve 144, and therefore also in the direction generally indicated by arrow 232. In other words, actuating the first actuator assembly 200 pulls the actuator stem 226 away from the manifold assembly 139, and actuating the second actuator assembly pushes the actuator stem 226 toward the manifold assembly 139. In addition, because the actuator stem 226 of the second actuator assembly 202 can be used to actuate the actuator 146 captured within the manifold assembly 139, the second actuator assembly 202 can generate a greater amount of force to hold the membrane 154 against the valve seat 158 ​​than the amount of force generated by the first actuator assembly 200.

[0167] Figure 5B for Figure 5A 1 and 139. The manifold assembly 139 is oriented so that the ports 234 for flowing reagent to the reagent fluid lines 138 are visible in the illustrated embodiment. Figure 5B The first actuator assembly 200 and the second actuator assembly 202 are also shown to have a housing 236, 238 surrounding the housing 204. The housing 236, 238 defines one or more vents 240, which are positioned to allow air to flow through the wires 230. The vents 240 can be defined on opposite sides of the housing 236, 238, or more generally, can be defined on one or more sides of the housing 236, 238. The vents 240 advantageously focus the air flowing out of, for example, the airflow assembly 120 to more quickly reduce the temperature of the wires 230 and allow the corresponding actuator 218 to move back to a relaxed position. The vents 240 are shown as elongated openings 242 extending relative to one or more of the wires 230. However, the vents 240 can be of any shape and / or any size. The sides 237 of the housing 236, 238 can also be open. In this way, air can flow freely through the housings 236 , 239 in the direction generally indicated by arrows 239 , and through and around the space defined by the wires 230 .

[0168] Figure 5C for Figure 5A2 is a top cross-sectional schematic diagram of the first actuator assembly 200. In the illustrated implementation, the transverse portion 212 includes a plurality of lateral guide grooves 292, and each actuator rod 226 is positioned in a corresponding lateral guide groove 292. The first lateral guide groove 296 is defined on a first side 298 of the transverse portion 212, and the second lateral guide groove 300 is defined on a second side 301 of the transverse portion 212. In the illustrated implementation, the first lateral guide grooves 296 are staggered relative to the second lateral guide grooves 300 to enable the actuator rods 226 to be aligned with a staggered arrangement of the diaphragm valves 144 (such as Figure 4 valve arrangement shown).

[0169] Figure 6 is an isometric view of another exemplary implementation of a valve drive assembly 118, a manifold assembly 139, and a flow cell 126 that can be used to implement Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The valve drive assembly 118 is provided. Figure 6 The valve drive assembly 118 is similar to Figure 5A The valve drive assembly 118. However, in contrast, Figure 6 The actuator stem 226 of the valve drive assembly 118 includes a pair of lateral wire guides 228 .

[0170] Figure 7 for Figure 6 2 is an isometric detailed view of an interface 243 between the first actuator assembly 200 and the second actuator assembly 202. In the illustrated implementation, the actuator rod 226 includes plunger portions 244, 246, wherein the plunger portion 244 of the first actuator assembly 200 has a flat end 248 and the plunger portion 246 of the second actuator assembly 202 has a rounded end 250.

[0171] Fig. 8A for Figure 6 2 is an isometric view of a first actuator assembly 200, which shows a plurality of switches 252 positioned to trip when the actuator stem 226 is in the second position. When one of the switches 252 is tripped, further flow of electricity to the corresponding wire 230 is reduced, thereby allowing the wire 230 to remain in the second position, but at a lower temperature than before. This, in turn, enables the wire 230 to return to the first position more quickly once the first position is commanded (otherwise, the temperature difference (Δ) from the first position to the second position would be higher due to the higher current, thereby hindering a quick switch from position one to position two). In the illustrated implementation, the switch 252 is positioned between the printed circuit board 214 and the end 254 of the actuator stem 226.

[0172] Figure 8B Shown around Figure 6200 of the first actuator assembly 200. The housing 800 has a first housing assembly 802 positioned on a first side 806 of the housing 204 and a second housing assembly 804 positioned on a second side 808 of the housing 204. Each of the housing assemblies 802, 804 has a housing body 810 coupled to the housing 204 and has an inlet port assembly 812. The housing body 810 tapers from the inlet port assembly 812 toward the end plate 216 of the housing 204, thereby directing the flow of fluid (e.g., air or gas) in the direction generally indicated by arrows 811, 813. As shown, the end plate 216 is a flange integral with the housing 204. Alternatively, the end plate 216 may be coupled to the housing 204.

[0173] In the illustrated implementation, the inlet port assemblies 812 each have an inlet port 814 that can be fluidly coupled to the airflow assembly 120, which flows fluid into the inlet port 814 and through the wire 230 to increase heat dissipation. Flowing fluid through the wire 230 also reduces the amount of time for the wire 230 to move from a retracted position to a relaxed position by, for example, 50%, or more specifically, to approximately 33.7 milliseconds (ms), 48.4 ms, 54.4 ms, 56.0 ms. The inlet port assembly 812 evens out the flow within the housing assembly 802 and / or 804 and / or evens out the pressure within the housing assembly 802, 804.

[0174] Figure 8C Shown along Figure 8B 8C-8C of the second housing assembly 804. The second housing assembly 804 includes an inlet port 814, a diffuser 816, a high pressure homogenizer 818, and a nozzle array 820 having a plurality of nozzles 822. The nozzle array 820 is a rectangular array including 15 nozzles 822. One or more of the nozzles 822 (two of the nozzles 802) may be adjacent to and spaced apart from the outer side 821 of the second housing assembly 804. A different number and / or different arrangement of nozzles 822 may be included.

[0175] The high pressure homogenizer 818 is positioned between the nozzle array 820 and the diffuser 816, and the diffuser 816 is positioned between the high pressure homogenizer 818 and the inlet port 814, and the axis of the nozzle 822 is shown as being substantially parallel to the axis of the inlet port 814. Alternatively, the axis of the inlet port 814 may be at an angle, such as substantially perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle 822. The axis of the nozzle 822 and the axis of the inlet port 814 may be arranged in different ways. As described herein, substantially parallel refers to about 5° of parallel, including parallel itself, and substantially perpendicular refers to about 5° of perpendicular, including perpendicular itself.

[0176] Fig. 9 for Figure 6 2 is an isometric view of the first actuator assembly 200. In the illustrated implementation, the end 254 of each actuator rod 226 defines a rod hole 256. A rod 258 is positioned in the corresponding rod hole 256 and extends toward the switch 252. The rod hole 256 can be a blind hole so that the rod 258 can move the switch 252 toward the printed circuit board 214. A bushing 260 can be positioned around each rod 258 and positioned to interact with the corresponding switch 252. In such an example, the rod 258 can be used to maintain the position of the bushing 260 relative to the actuator rod 226, and the bushing 260 can be used to transfer the force of the switch 252 to the actuator rod 226.

[0177] Fig.10 for Figure 6 2 is an isometric view of a plurality of switches 252 of a first actuator assembly 200. In the illustrated implementation, the switch 252 is a leaf spring 262 having a pair of pins 264 that can be used to couple the switch 252 to the printed circuit board 214. The ends 266 of the leaf spring 262 are positioned to engage contacts of the printed circuit board 214 and trip the corresponding switch 252. The position of the leaf spring 262 is based on the corresponding position of the actuator rod 226. Thus, the engagement portions 290 of some of the leaf springs 262 are arranged to be positioned adjacent to (e.g., below) the first side 222 of the printed circuit board 214, and the engagement portions 290 of other of the leaf springs 262 are arranged to be positioned relatively adjacent to the second side 224 of the printed circuit board 214.

[0178] Fig.11 for Figure 6 2 is an isometric view of a housing 204 and an actuator rod 226 of a first actuator assembly 200. In the illustrated implementation, the transverse portion 212 includes a plurality of lateral guide slots 292, and each actuator rod 226 has a leg 294 positioned in a corresponding lateral guide slot 292, wherein the first lateral guide slot 296 is defined on a first side 298 of the transverse portion 212, and the second lateral guide slot 300 is defined on a second side 301 of the transverse portion 212. In the illustrated implementation, the first lateral guide slots 296 are staggered relative to the second lateral guide slots 300. The transverse portion 212 defines a plurality of guide rod holes 302, and each actuator rod 226 includes a guide rod 304 extending through a corresponding guide rod hole 302. Interaction between the guide rod 304 and the surface of the transverse portion 212 defining the guide rod hole 302 induces relative movement of the actuator rod 226. The guide rod holes 302 are staggered between the lateral sides 206.

[0179] Fig.12 for Figure 62 is an isometric view of the actuator rods 226 of the first actuator assembly 200. In the illustrated implementation, each of the actuator rods 226 includes a body 306, a plunger portion 244, and one or more lateral guides 308 coupled between the body 306 and the plunger portion 244. Fig.12 The lateral guides 308 of the embodiment include a pair of opposing lateral guides 308 that are sized to correspond to the slots 310 defined by the end plates 216 (see Fig.13 ) accepted.

[0180] Fig.13 2 is an isometric view of the housing 204 and the end plate 216 showing the slots 310 that receive the lateral guides 308 of the actuator rod 226. The slots 310 in the illustrated implementation are staggered and include rectangular portions 312 that receive the lateral guides 308 and are positioned on either side of a circular center portion 314 that receives the plunger portion 244 of the actuator rod 226.

[0181] Fig.14 for Figure 1 200 and the side view of the actuator rod 226 and end plate 216 of the first actuator assembly 200. In the specific implementation shown, each actuator rod 226 limits a transverse wire guide 316, and corresponding wire 230 extends through this transverse wire guide. Transverse wire guide 316 has a curved surface 318, and wire 230 engages against this curved surface to reduce wear. Also as shown in the figure, each transverse wire guide in the transverse wire guide 228 limits a slot 320, and this slot comprises a curved surface 322, and wire 230 engages against this curved surface to reduce wear.

[0182] Fig.15 for Figure 5A FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the membrane 154 and the actuator rod 226 of the manifold assembly 139 or any disclosed embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator rod 226 is coupled to the membrane 154. The actuator rod 226 includes a protrusion 324, and the membrane 154 includes a recess 326. The recess 326 is defined by a blind hole in the shape of an arrow. The cross section of the protrusion 324 corresponds to the cross section of the recess 326.

[0183] The projection 324 as shown is received by the recess 326. A snap fit connection is formed between the actuator rod 226 and the film 154. When the actuator rod 226 moves in the direction indicated generally by the arrow 328, the coupling between the actuator rod 226 and the film 154 causes the film 154 to physically move in the same direction generally. Therefore, in some specific implementations, the reagent may not be pressurized, and the actuator rod 226 may pull the film 154 away from the valve seat 158 ​​so that the pump may push and / or pull the reagent into the common fluid line 136.

[0184] Fig.16 for Figure 5A 154 and the actuator rod 226 of the membrane 154 and the actuator rod 226 of the embodiment of the present invention or any disclosed embodiment. In the embodiment shown, the actuator rod 226 is connected to the membrane 154. The actuator rod 226 includes a first magnet 330 and the protrusion 324 includes a second magnet 332. The first magnet 330 is attracted to the second magnet 332 so that moving the actuator rod 226 correspondingly moves the membrane 154. Alternatively, one of the first magnet 330 or the second magnet 332 can be a magnet and the other can include a material that is attracted to magnets (ferromagnetic material). In some embodiments, the second magnet 332 can be embedded and / or impregnated in the membrane 154.

[0185] Fig.17 To be used to implement Figure 5A 218 or any actuator disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator rod 226 is coupled to the membrane 154. The actuator rod 226 includes a protrusion 324, and the membrane 154 includes a recess 326. Fig.15 In contrast to the embodiment of the present invention, no snap-fit ​​connection is formed when the male portion 324 is received by the female portion 326. The female portion 326 includes an inwardly tapered side 334 that corresponds to the inwardly tapered side 336 of the male portion 324. The inwardly tapered sides 334, 336 meet at corresponding rounded ends.

[0186] Fig.18 and Fig.19 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary implementation of a shape memory alloy actuator 218 is shown, which may be used to implement Figure 5A The actuator 218 or any actuator disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 218 includes a guide 338 that defines a hole 340 and includes a wire mount 342. The actuator 218 also includes an actuator rod 344 that is movable through the hole 340 and includes a plunger 346 located at a distal end 348, a wire guide 350, and a spring seat 352. The wire guide 350 can be formed of a wear-resistant material 353 to extend the service life of the actuator 218 by preventing the wire 230 from cutting into and / or otherwise wearing the actuator rod 344. If the wire 230 cuts into the actuator rod 344, the length of the stroke of the actuator 218 can be reduced. The material 353 can be a rigid and insulating material and can resist friction wear.

[0187] The spring 354 is positioned between the guide 338 and the spring seat 352 and pushes the actuator rod 344 in the direction generally indicated by the arrow 356. The shape memory alloy wire 230 is coupled to the wire mount 342 and is positioned around the wire guide 350. In order to reduce the footprint of the actuator 218, the angle 358 at the interface with the wire guide 350 is relatively small. In practice and as shown Fig.19 As shown, when voltage is applied to the wire 230 the wire retracts, thereby moving the actuator rod 344 between the first position and the second position and in a direction generally opposite to the direction of arrow 356 .

[0188] Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary implementation of a shape memory alloy actuator 218 is shown, which may be used to implement Figure 5A The actuator 218 is similar to the actuator 218 of Fig.18 and Fig.19 34 and 35. In contrast, however, the actuator stem 34 includes a second wire guide 360, and the second shape memory alloy wire 230 is coupled to the wire mount 342 and positioned about the second wire guide 360. In some implementations, voltage is sequentially applied to the wires 230 such that when voltage is not applied to the second shape memory alloy wire 230, voltage is applied to the first shape memory alloy wire 230 to actuate the actuator 218, and when voltage is not applied to the first shape memory alloy wire 230, voltage is applied to the second shape memory alloy wire 230. The first wire 230 may be used for a first half of the useful life of the system 100, and the second wire 230 may be used for a second half of the useful life of the system 100. In other words, after a threshold amount of time, after a threshold number of cycles, or if the first shape memory alloy wire 230 is damaged and / or otherwise fails, voltage may no longer be applied to the first shape memory alloy wire 230. System 100 may determine whether lead 230 is functioning by, for example, measuring the impedance of lead 230 and comparing the measured impedance value to a reference impedance value, thereby determining whether the measured impedance value is outside a threshold of the reference impedance value indicating that lead 230 is no longer functioning properly.

[0189] When the second conductor 230 is to be used, the first conductor can be retired (no longer used) and / or burned out using excess current. The longer conductor 230 has a longer service life. However, by providing Fig. 20The shorter two or more wires 230 shown can achieve the same or similar service life of the actuator 218 while reducing the height 362 of the actuator 218. If the length of the wire 230 increases, the service life of each of the wires 230 can be increased proportionally. Although two wires 230 are shown, any number of wires 230 (e.g., 3, 4, 5, etc.) can be included. However, certain specific implementations may have limitations on the width of the actuator (among other limitations), thereby limiting the number of wires that can be placed adjacent to each other for a single actuator. In addition, although it is mentioned that the voltage is applied to the wires 230 sequentially, the voltage can also be applied to the wires 230 in parallel. This method of applying voltage to two wires 230 at the same time can increase the force generated by each actuator 218, while enabling the length of the wires 230 to be reduced and / or allowing the diameter of the wires 230 to be reduced. Shorter wires and / or wires with smaller diameters can cool faster and therefore allow the corresponding valve to be actuated faster.

[0190] Fig.21 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary implementation of a shape memory alloy actuator 218 is shown, which may be used to implement Figure 5A Actuator 218 or any actuator disclosed. Fig.21 The actuator 218 is similar to Fig. 20 366. In contrast, however, the second wire 230 is coupled to the wire mount 342 of the second guide 364. Application of voltage to the first wire 230 advantageously causes the first wire 230 to retract and cause the actuator rod 344 to move between the first position and the second position and in a direction generally indicated by arrow 366, and application of voltage to the second shape memory alloy wire 230 causes the second shape memory alloy wire 230 to retract and cause the actuator rod 344 to move between the second position and the first position and in a direction generally opposite to the direction of arrow 366. Fig.21 As shown, using the second wire 230 can reduce the time for the actuator 218 to return to the first position, and thus reduce the time to actuate (open and / or close) the associated diaphragm valve 144. In other words, the second wire 230 helps the spring 354 close the associated diaphragm valve 144 faster.

[0191] Fig. 22 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary implementation of a shape memory alloy actuator 218 is shown, which may be used to implement Figure 5A Actuator 218 or any actuator disclosed. Fig. 22 The actuator 218 is similar to Fig.212. However, in contrast, the first wire 230 is coupled to a first wire guide 350 and the second wire guide 230 is coupled to a second wire guide 350 that is spaced apart from the first wire guide 350. The first wire guide 350 is positioned toward the distal end of the actuator rod 226 and the second wire guide 350 is positioned toward the proximal end of the actuator rod 226 so that the wires 230 cross over each other but do not touch, thereby enabling the profile of the actuator 218 to be reduced. Furthermore, in the illustrated implementation, the first wire and the second wire 230 are substantially the same length, or at least the second wire 230 is substantially longer than the first wire 230. Fig.21 The second wire 230 is longer than the first wire 230.

[0192] Fig.23 Shows Figure 6 1 is an isometric view of the second actuator assembly 202 of the valve drive assembly 118 showing the plunger portion 244 of the actuator rod 226 extending through the printed circuit board 214 and being actuatable to interface with the associated manifold assembly 139.

[0193] Fig.24 Shows Figure 6 FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the second actuator assembly 202 showing the housing 204 , the plurality of actuator rods 226 , and the printed circuit board 214 .

[0194] Fig.25 Shown include Figure 6 Another isometric view of a plurality of actuator rods 226 of a spring seat 363 of the second actuator assembly 202. A spring, such as a coil spring, may be seated within the spring seat 363 and positioned to act against the printed circuit board 214 and urge the actuator rods 226 in the direction generally indicated by arrow 364.

[0195] Fig.26 and Fig. 27 for Figure 1 A top view and a bottom view of another exemplary embodiment of a manifold assembly 139 are shown. Figure 4 Compared to the manifold assembly 139, Fig.24 and Fig.25 The manifold assembly 139 includes a volcano valve 366 .

[0196] Fig.28 To be used to implement Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary valve drive assembly 400 of the valve drive assembly 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve drive assembly 400 includes a Figure 1The diaphragm valve 144 of the manifold assembly 139 interfaces with the shape memory alloy actuator assembly 402. The valve drive assembly 400 may have a height 404 of approximately 56 millimeters (mm) and a length 406 of approximately 76 mm. However, the valve drive assembly 400 may have different dimensions.

[0197] The actuator assembly 402 includes a housing 408 including a pair of lateral sides 409 and a transverse portion 413 connecting the lateral sides 206, each lateral side having a first end 410 and a second end 412. The housing 204 can be an H-shaped frame, and the lateral sides 409 can be lateral walls of the H-shaped frame. Although the housing 408 is shown as a frame, the housing 408 can include one or more solid blocks or pieces of material that define the actuator rod hole. The actuator assembly 500 also includes a printed circuit board 414 coupled to the first end 410 of the housing 408.

[0198] Fig.29 for Fig.28 4 and 5. An isometric view of a printed circuit board 414 and a plurality of shape memory alloy actuators 416 of an actuator assembly 402 of FIG. 4. Each shape memory alloy actuator 416 includes a pair of wire mounts 418 coupled to opposite sides 420, 422 of the printed circuit board 414 and an actuator stem 424 including a wire guide 426. Each of the actuator stems 424 includes a side port 428 and an end face 430 having a vacuum port 432 fluidly coupled to the side port 428 and a plunger portion 434 that can be used to close a corresponding diaphragm valve 144 by pushing the membrane 154 against the valve seat 158.

[0199] Re-reference Fig.28 , the housing 408 of the actuator assembly 402 includes a slot 439 that allows the wires 230 of the actuator 416 to pass therethrough. The actuator assembly 402 also has an actuator manifold assembly 440 that is coupled to the printed circuit board 414 and includes a body 442 and a plurality of pneumatic lines 444. The body 442 has an outlet port 446 and a plurality of inlet ports 448. The outlet port 446 is positioned at an end 450 of the body 442, and the inlet port 448 is positioned on a side 452 of the body 442. The pneumatic line 444 is coupled between the side port 428 of the actuator rod 424 and the inlet port 448 of the actuator manifold assembly 440. The pneumatic line 444 may be a flexible fluid line to allow the pneumatic line 444 to move based on the relative movement between the actuator rod 424 and the body 442 of the actuator manifold assembly 440.

[0200] Pumps such as Figure 1The pump 166 of the system 100 may be connected to the outlet port 446 and used to create a vacuum that draws air through the vacuum port 432 and the side port 428 of the corresponding actuator 416, through the inlet port 448 of the actuator manifold assembly 440, and out the outlet port 446. The vacuum created at the vacuum port 432 allows the vacuum port 448 to sealingly engage the membrane 154 of the diaphragm valve 144 and move the membrane 154 away from the valve seat 158 ​​based on corresponding movement of the actuator stem 424.

[0201] Each actuator rod 424 carries a target 454 (see Fig.29 ), and the housing 408 and / or the printed circuit board 414 carry a sensor 456 for each target 454. The target 454 can be magnetic (e.g., a magnet or ferromagnetic material) and the sensor 456 can be a Hall effect sensor that can be used to determine the travel distance of the corresponding actuator rod 424, thereby allowing the actuator 416 to control the travel of the actuator rod 424. The travel can be between about 0.1 μm and about 100 μm or another distance. Although it is mentioned that the actuator rod 424 carries the target 454, and it is mentioned that the housing 408 and / or the printed circuit board 414 carries the sensor 456, the actuator rod 424 can carry the sensor 456, and the housing 408 and / or the printed circuit board 414 can carry the target 454. Additionally or alternatively, each of the actuator rods 424 may include a sensor 456 and the corresponding diaphragm valve 144 may include a target 454, thereby allowing the relative position between the end face 430 and the membrane 154 to be determined. In such specific implementations, in response to the distance between the sensor 556 carried by the actuator rod 424 and the target 454 carried by the diaphragm valve 144 being greater than a threshold, the actuator 416 may move the actuator rod 424 toward the membrane 154 and cause the vacuum port 432 of the corresponding actuator 416 to sealingly engage the membrane 154. Using the sensor 557 to monitor the relative relationship between the actuator rod 424 and the diaphragm valve 144 allows the actuator 416 and / or the corresponding system 100 to determine when a sealed connection no longer exists between the actuator rod 424 and the membrane 154.

[0202] See also Fig.29, each actuator rod 424 includes a portion 458 and a movable portion 460 having a hole 462 that receives the portion 458 and defines a spring seat 464. The movable portion 460 can function as a valve plug having a plunger portion 434 that selectively engages the membrane 154 of the corresponding diaphragm valve 144 to close the diaphragm valve 144. The actuator rod 424 interacts with a surface of the movable portion 460 to guide the movable portion 460 to move in a direction generally indicated by arrow 466 and between a first position and a second position. A biasing element 468 surrounds each of the actuator rods 424 and biases the corresponding actuator rod 424 in a direction generally opposite to the direction generally indicated by arrow 466.

[0203] Fig.30 is a top view of an exemplary flow cell assembly 500 including a manifold assembly 502 and a flow cell 126 that can be used to implement Figure 1 106 of the flow cell assembly. The manifold assembly 502 includes a diaphragm valve 504 formed by a manifold body 148 and a membrane 154 coupled to a surface of the manifold body 148. For example, the diaphragm valve 504 supports high flow rates and reduces impedance to 0.01 psi / min / mL. For each diaphragm valve 504, the manifold body 148 includes a valve seat 506 and defines a chamber 508 that is fluidly coupled to the reagent fluid line 138 and positioned between the reagent fluid line 138 and the valve seat 506. A portion 510 of the membrane 154 covers the chamber 508. In the specific implementation shown, the width of the chamber 508 and the portion 510 of the membrane 154 is greater than the width of the valve seat 506.

[0204] The width of the chamber 508 and the portion 510 increases the surface area of ​​the chamber 508 and the portion 510, allowing a greater force to be applied to the membrane 154 and significantly reducing the burst pressure when the actuator 416 opens the corresponding diaphragm valve 504. The burst pressure can be between about 0.4 pounds per square inch (psi) and about 1.2 psi, and specifically, for example, about 0.45 psi, about 0.54 psi, about 0.74 psi, about 0.75 psi, about 0.77 psi, about 1.1 psi, about 1.12 psi, about 1.2 psi.

[0205] Chamber 508 and portion 510 are shown as being squarish, teardrop-shaped, etc. Other shapes of chamber 508 and portion 510 are suitable for achieving a reduced bursting pressure, such as rectangular, triangular, circular, diamond, stadium-shaped, and / or other shapes that facilitate flushing of chamber 508, such as shapes with rounded corners.

[0206] The diaphragm valve 504 can be opened by the vacuum port 432 of the corresponding actuator 416 sealingly engaging the portion 510 of the membrane 154 and the actuator stem 424 moving between the first position and the second position. The diaphragm valve 504 can be closed by the plunger portion 434 of the corresponding actuator 416 moving the membrane 154 from the second position to the first position and pushing the membrane into engagement with the valve seat 506.

[0207] Fig.31 To be used to implement Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 6 is an isometric view of a portion of an exemplary valve drive assembly 600 of the valve drive assembly 118 . Fig.31 The valve drive assembly 600 is similar to Fig.28 However, in contrast, each of the actuator rods 424 includes a first side port 428 and a second side port 429, and an end face 430 of the actuator rod 424 has a first vacuum port 432 and a second vacuum port 433 that are fluidly coupled to the corresponding side ports 428, 429. A plunger portion 434 is positioned between the first vacuum port 432 and the second vacuum port 433.

[0208] Fig.32 for Fig.31 4 is an isometric view of a valve drive assembly 600 that includes an actuator manifold assembly 602 coupled to a printed circuit board 414 and includes a body 604 and a pneumatic line 444. The body 604 has an outlet port 446 positioned at an end 450 of the body 604 and an inlet port 448 positioned on the sides 452, 606 of the body 442. The pneumatic line 444 is coupled between a side port 428 of the actuator stem 424 and a corresponding inlet port 448 of the actuator manifold assembly 440. The valve drive assembly 600 may have a height 607 of approximately 56 millimeters (mm), a length 608 of approximately 76 mm, and a width 610 of approximately 55 mm. However, the valve drive assembly 600 may have different dimensions.

[0209] Fig.33Detailed view of the end face 430 of one of the actuator stems 226 including a first vacuum port 432 and a second vacuum port 433, with a plunger portion 434 positioned between the vacuum ports 432. In the illustrated implementation, each of the vacuum ports 432, 433 includes a receptacle 610 defined by a sidewall 612 and a base 614 having an aperture 616 that allows the vacuum ports 432, 433 to be fluidly coupled to a corresponding side port 428. The receptacle 610 allows the vacuum ports 432, 433 to exert a greater vacuum force on the membrane 154 of the diaphragm valve 144, and thus allows the membrane 154 to be more easily moved away from the valve seat 158 ​​by the actuator 416. Alternatively, the receptacle 610 may be omitted, and the base 614 and aperture 616 may be placed proximate to and / or engaging the membrane 154 of the diaphragm valve 144.

[0210] Fig.34 is a top view of an exemplary flow cell assembly 700 including a manifold assembly 702 and a flow cell 126 that can be used to implement Figure 1 The flow cell assembly 106. The manifold assembly 702 includes Fig.30 The diaphragm valve 704 is similar to the diaphragm valve 504 of the manifold assembly 502. Fig.30 Compared to the diaphragm valve 504 of the manifold assembly 502, each diaphragm valve in the diaphragm valve 704 includes a first chamber 508 and a second chamber 509 and a first portion 510 and a second portion 511 of the membrane 154 covering the first chamber 508 and the second chamber 509. The diaphragm valve 504 supports high flow rate and bidirectional flow and reduces impedance. The valve seat 506 is positioned between the first chamber 508 and the second chamber 509.

[0211] The above description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. Although the subject technology has been described in detail with reference to various drawings and configurations, it should be understood that these drawings and configurations are only for illustrative purposes and should not be considered to limit the scope of the subject technology.

[0212] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word "one" or "a kind of" should be understood not to exclude a plurality of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly indicated. In addition, reference to "a specific implementation" is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional specific implementations that also include the described features. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, a specific implementation that "includes" or "has" one or more elements having a particular property may include additional elements, whether or not they have that property. In addition, the terms "includes," "has," etc. are used interchangeably herein.

[0213] The terms "substantially", "approximately" and "about" used throughout this specification are used to describe and illustrate small fluctuations, such as small fluctuations caused by variations in processing. For example, they may refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%.

[0214] There may be many other ways to realize the subject technology. Without departing from the scope of the subject technology, the various functions and elements described herein may be divided differently from those shown and elements. Various modifications to these specific implementations may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other specific implementations. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the subject technology, those of ordinary skill in the art may make many changes and modifications to the subject technology. For example, different numbers of given modules or units may be adopted, one or more different types of given modules or units may be adopted, given modules or units may be added or given modules or units may be omitted.

[0215] Underlined and / or italicized headings and subheadings are used for convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are not referenced in conjunction with the explanation of the description of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various specific implementations described throughout this disclosure that are known or will later be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the subject technology. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.

[0216] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and the additional concepts discussed in more detail below (assuming such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device comprising: A system including a valve drive assembly including a plurality of shape memory alloy actuators; and A flow cell assembly, the flow cell assembly comprising a flow cell inlet, a flow cell outlet, a flow cell and a manifold assembly, the manifold assembly comprising: a common fluid line having a first side and a second side, the flow cell being coupled to the common fluid line; a plurality of reagent fluid lines disposed on the second side of the common fluid line; and a plurality of diaphragm valves that selectively fluidly couple the common fluid line and corresponding reagent fluid lines of the plurality of reagent fluid lines, Each of the shape memory alloy actuators corresponds to one of the diaphragm valves and is actuatable to selectively control reagent flow between each of the reagent fluid lines and the common fluid line.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm valve is a volcano valve.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each shape memory alloy actuator comprises a plunger, a spring biasing the plunger, and a shape memory alloy wire.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein actuating the shape memory alloy actuator comprises the system causing a voltage to be applied to the shape memory alloy wire, which causes the plunger to retract against the force of the spring.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the shape memory alloy actuators comprises a pair of shape memory alloy wires, and wherein actuating the shape memory alloy actuators comprises the system causing a voltage to be applied to a first of the shape memory alloy wires, and the system not applying the voltage to a second of the shape memory alloy wires.

6. A device comprising: A shape memory alloy actuator, comprising: a guide defining a bore and including a wire mount; an actuator rod movable through the aperture and comprising a plunger at a distal end, a first wire guide, a second wire guide, and a spring seat; a spring positioned between the guide and the spring seat; a first shape memory alloy wire coupled to the wire mount and positioned about the first wire guide, and a second shape memory alloy wire coupled to the wire mount and positioned about the second wire guide, Applying a voltage to the first shape memory alloy wire causes the shape memory alloy wire to retract and causes the actuator rod to move between a first position and a second position. 7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein when the voltage is not applied to the second shape memory alloy wire, the voltage is applied to the first shape memory alloy wire to actuate the shape memory alloy actuator. 8 . The apparatus of claim 7 , further comprising applying the voltage to the second shape memory alloy wire when the voltage is not applied to the first shape memory alloy wire.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the voltage is not applied to the first shape memory alloy wire after a threshold amount of time, after a threshold number of cycles, or if the first shape memory alloy wire is damaged.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein applying the voltage to the first shape memory alloy wire causes the first shape memory alloy wire to retract and cause the actuator rod to move between the first position and the second position, and applying the voltage to the second shape memory alloy wire causes the second shape memory alloy wire to retract and cause the actuator rod to move between the second position and the first position.

11. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a fan positioned to flow air toward the shape memory alloy actuator.

12. A device comprising: A shape memory alloy actuator assembly, the shape memory alloy actuator assembly comprising: a housing including a pair of lateral sides and a transverse portion coupling the lateral sides, each lateral side having a first end and a second end; a printed circuit board coupled to the first end of the housing; a plurality of shape memory alloy actuators positioned between the printed circuit board and the second end, each shape memory alloy actuator comprising: a pair of wire mounts coupled to opposite sides of the printed circuit board; an actuator stem positioned between the lateral sides of the housing and including a wire guide, the actuator stem including a side port and an end face having a vacuum port and a plunger portion, the side port being fluidly coupled to the vacuum port; a sensor or target carried by the actuator rod; and a shape memory alloy wire coupled to the wire mount and positioned about the wire guide; and an actuator manifold assembly coupled to the printed circuit board, the actuator manifold assembly comprising: a body having an outlet port and a plurality of inlet ports; and a plurality of pneumatic lines, each pneumatic line coupled between the side port of one of the actuator rods and one of the inlet ports of the actuator manifold assembly; Applying a voltage to the shape memory alloy wire causes the shape memory alloy wire to retract and causes the actuator rod to move between a first position and a second position.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the housing carries the other of the sensor or the target.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each diaphragm valve carries the other of the sensor or the target.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein in response to the distance between the sensor and the target being greater than a threshold, the shape memory alloy actuator moves the actuator stem toward a portion of a membrane of the diaphragm valve and causes the vacuum port of the shape memory alloy actuator to sealingly engage the portion of the membrane.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein closing the diaphragm valve comprises the plunger portion of the shape memory alloy actuator moving a membrane of the diaphragm valve from the second position to the first position and urging the membrane into engagement with a valve seat of the diaphragm valve.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the actuator stem includes a second side port and the end surface has a second vacuum port, the plunger portion being positioned between the vacuum port and the second vacuum port.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein each diaphragm valve defines a second chamber covered by a second portion of the membrane, a valve seat of the diaphragm valve being positioned between the chamber and the second chamber.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein opening the diaphragm valve further comprises a second vacuum port of the shape memory alloy actuator sealingly engaging the second portion of the membrane and moving between the first position and the second position.

20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the pneumatic line of the actuator manifold assembly is coupled between a second side port of the actuator stem and a corresponding inlet port of the actuator manifold assembly.

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