Flow cell assemblies and related systems and methods
By designing interchangeable flow cell components and box components, and using pneumatic interfaces and receptacles to achieve fluid coupling, the problem of insufficient design flexibility of flow cell components in the prior art is solved, and lower cost and higher flexibility are achieved sequencing platform.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380031842.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-12-22
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-15
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-10
AI Technical Summary
The existing sequencing platforms lack flexibility in the design and use of flow cell components when performing different processes, resulting in poor interchangeability between devices and increasing component counting and related costs.
A device including a system, a reservoir, a box assembly and a flow cell assembly is designed, and fluid coupling is achieved through a pneumatic interface and a receptacle. The flow cell assembly is composed of a main body, a first laminate, a second laminate and a flow cell assembly. The tank is constructed to support the formation of fluid channels, allowing mechanical and fluid coupling to the box assembly and interchangeability through snap fit connectors.
Improves interchangeability between flow cell components and box components, reduces component count and cost, while enhancing system flexibility and scalability.
Smart Images

Figure CN119110751A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Related patent applications
[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 434,851, filed on December 22, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes. Background Art
[0003] When performing different processes, the sequencing platform can use a flow cell assembly. Summary of the invention
[0004] By providing a circulation pool assembly and related systems and methods, advantages over the prior art and benefits described later in this disclosure can be achieved. Various specific implementations of the apparatus and methods are described below, and these apparatus and methods (including and excluding the additional specific implementations listed below) in any combination (provided that these combinations are not inconsistent) can overcome these shortcomings and achieve the beneficial effects described herein.
[0005] According to the first specific implementation, a device includes a system, a reservoir, a box assembly and a circulation cell assembly. The system includes a pneumatic interface and a receptacle, and the reservoir can be received in the receptacle and has a main body, the main body includes a storage chamber, a pneumatic port that can be fluidically coupled to the storage chamber, and a fluid port that is fluidically coupled to the storage chamber. The box assembly includes a fluid interface that can be coupled to the fluid port, a well recess, a channel that is fluidically coupled between the fluid interface and the well recess, and an outlet port that is fluidically coupled to the well recess. The circulation cell assembly includes a main body, a first laminate, a second laminate, and a circulation cell. The main body carries a circulation cell inlet gasket, a circulation cell outlet gasket, an outlet gasket, and includes a fluid hole. The first laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a first fluid channel between the circulation cell outlet gasket and the fluid hole, and the second laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a second fluid channel between the fluid hole and the outlet gasket. The circulation cell is supported by the main body and includes a channel with a circulation cell inlet and a circulation cell outlet. The circulation cell inlet fluid is coupled to the circulation cell inlet gasket, and the circulation cell outlet fluid is coupled to the circulation cell outlet gasket. The outlet port is fluidly coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket.
[0006] According to a second specific implementation, a device includes a box assembly and a circulation cell assembly. The box assembly includes a fluid interface, a well recess, a channel fluidly coupled between the fluid interface and the well recess, and an outlet port fluidly coupled to the well recess. The circulation cell assembly includes a main body, a first laminate, a second laminate, and a circulation cell. The main body carries a circulation cell inlet gasket, a circulation cell outlet gasket, and an outlet gasket. The main body includes a fluid hole. The first laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a first fluid channel between the circulation cell outlet gasket and the fluid hole. The second laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a second fluid channel between the fluid hole and the outlet gasket. The circulation cell is supported by the main body and includes a channel having a circulation cell inlet and a circulation cell outlet. The circulation cell inlet fluid is coupled to the circulation cell inlet gasket, and the circulation cell outlet fluid is coupled to the circulation cell outlet gasket. The outlet port fluid is coupled to the circulation cell inlet gasket.
[0007] According to a third specific implementation, an apparatus includes a circulation cell assembly having a main body, a first laminate, a second laminate, and a circulation cell. The main body carries a circulation cell inlet gasket, a circulation cell outlet gasket, and an outlet gasket. The main body includes a fluid hole. The first laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a first fluid channel between the circulation cell outlet gasket and the fluid hole. The second laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a second fluid channel between the fluid hole and the outlet gasket. The circulation cell is supported by the main body and includes a channel having a circulation cell inlet and a circulation cell outlet. The circulation cell inlet fluid is coupled to the circulation cell inlet gasket, and the circulation cell outlet fluid is coupled to the circulation cell outlet gasket.
[0008] According to a fourth specific implementation, a method includes coupling a circulation cell inlet gasket, a circulation cell outlet gasket and an outlet gasket to a main body of a circulation cell assembly. The main body includes a fluid hole. The method includes coupling a first laminate to the main body and forming a first fluid channel between the circulation cell outlet gasket and the fluid hole. The method also includes coupling a second laminate to the main body to form a second fluid channel between the fluid hole and the outlet gasket, and coupling the circulation cell to the main body. The circulation cell includes a channel having a circulation cell inlet and a circulation cell outlet. The circulation cell inlet fluid is coupled to the circulation cell inlet gasket, and the circulation cell outlet fluid is coupled to the circulation cell outlet gasket.
[0009] According to a fifth embodiment, an apparatus includes a cartridge assembly, a first flow cell assembly including a first flow cell, and a second flow cell assembly including a second flow cell different from the first flow cell. The first flow cell assembly and the second flow cell assembly are interchangeably mechanically and fluidically couplable with the cartridge assembly.
[0010] According to a sixth implementation, an apparatus includes a cartridge assembly, a first flow cell assembly including a single flow cell, and a second flow cell assembly including a pair of flow cells. The first flow cell assembly and the second flow cell assembly are interchangeably mechanically and fluidically couplable with the cartridge assembly.
[0011] According to the seventh specific implementation, a method includes causing liquid to flow into a well recess of a box assembly including a dry reagent under positive pressure to rehydrate the dry reagent. The box assembly includes a well recess and an outlet port coupled to the well recess by fluid. The method also includes using a pump to cause the rehydrated reagent to flow into a circulation cell inlet gasket of a circulation cell assembly. The circulation cell assembly includes a main body carrying the circulation cell inlet gasket and a circulation cell supported by the main body, and the circulation cell inlet gasket is fluidically coupled to the outlet port and the circulation cell.
[0012] Further according to the foregoing first embodiment, second embodiment, third embodiment, fourth embodiment, fifth embodiment, sixth embodiment and / or seventh embodiment, a device and / or method may also include any one or more of the following:
[0013] In one implementation, the flow cell assembly is coupled to the cartridge assembly via a coupling.
[0014] In another implementation, the coupling includes a snap-fit connection.
[0015] In another specific implementation, the cartridge assembly includes a pair of locating posts, and the body of the flow cell assembly includes a pair of locating holes aligned with the corresponding locating posts.
[0016] In another specific implementation, the cartridge assembly includes a pump coupled to at least one of the outlet gaskets of the flow cell assembly or between the well and the flow cell assembly.
[0017] In another implementation, the pump comprises a syringe pump.
[0018] In another implementation, the apparatus further comprises a dried reagent contained within the well, and the syringe pump is used to flow the rehydrated dried reagent from the well to the flow cell.
[0019] In another specific implementation, the body includes a first groove and a second groove. The first laminate covers the first groove to form a first fluid channel, and the second laminate covers the second groove to form a second fluid channel.
[0020] In another specific implementation, the flow cell assembly includes a second flow cell supported by the body.
[0021] In another specific implementation, the flow cell and the second flow cell are fluidically coupled in series.
[0022] In another specific implementation, a flow cell outlet of the flow cell is coupled to a flow cell outlet gasket via a second flow cell fluid.
[0023] In another specific implementation, the main body of the flow cell assembly and the second flow cell are coupled by a coupling.
[0024] In another specific implementation, the main body of the flow cell assembly and the flow cell are coupled by a coupling.
[0025] In another specific implementation, the coupling includes a first snap-fit cantilever and a second snap-fit cantilever. The first snap-fit cantilever is positioned on a first side of the flow cell, and the second snap-fit cantilever is positioned on a second side of the flow cell.
[0026] In another specific implementation, the first snap-fit cantilever arm offsets the flow cell in the x-direction and the second snap-fit cantilever arm offsets the flow cell in the y-direction.
[0027] In another specific implementation, the coupling includes a pair of retainers including lips positioned above the top of the flow cell.
[0028] In another implementation, both retainers are positioned on one side of the flow cell.
[0029] In another specific implementation, the coupling includes an x-reference protrusion and a y-reference protrusion that engage the flow cell.
[0030] In another implementation, the apparatus includes a second x-reference protrusion.
[0031] In another specific implementation, the apparatus includes a second flow cell assembly including a second flow cell different from the flow cell. The second flow cell assembly can be coupled to the cartridge assembly in place of the flow cell assembly.
[0032] In another specific implementation, the apparatus includes a third flow cell assembly including a third flow cell and a fourth flow cell. The third flow cell assembly replaces the flow cell assembly and is coupleable to the cartridge assembly in place of the second flow cell assembly.
[0033] In another specific implementation, the flow cell assembly includes a second flow cell supported by the body.
[0034] In another specific implementation, the flow cell and the second flow cell are fluidically coupled in series.
[0035] In another specific implementation, the body carries a second flow cell inlet gasket and a second flow cell outlet gasket. The second flow cell includes a channel including a flow cell inlet and a flow cell outlet. The flow cell inlet fluid of the second flow cell is coupled to the second flow cell inlet gasket, and the flow cell outlet fluid of the second flow cell is coupled to the second flow cell outlet gasket.
[0036] In another embodiment, the second laminate forms a second fluid channel between the second flow cell outlet gasket and the outlet gasket.
[0037] In another specific implementation, the apparatus includes a third fluid channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the second flow cell inlet gasket.
[0038] In another implementation, the second laminate forms a third fluid channel.
[0039] In another specific implementation, the body includes a first groove, a second groove, and a third groove. A first laminate covers the first groove to form a first fluid channel and covers the third groove to form a third fluid channel, and a second laminate covers the second groove to form a second fluid channel.
[0040] In another specific implementation, the body includes a locating post, and the second laminate includes a locating hole that receives a corresponding locating post.
[0041] In another implementation, the body defines a window to allow visual access to the flow cell.
[0042] In another specific implementation, the body includes a locating post, and the first laminate includes a locating hole that receives a corresponding locating post.
[0043] In another specific implementation, the body includes a plurality of first pads and a plurality of second pads. The first pads are opposite to the second pads.
[0044] In another specific implementation, the flow cell is placed on the first pad.
[0045] In another specific implementation, the body defines a window to allow visual access to the flow cell. The window includes a corner. The first pad and the second pad are located adjacent to the corresponding corner.
[0046] In another specific implementation, the main body of the flow cell assembly and the flow cell are coupled by a coupling.
[0047] In another implementation, the coupling member is a tape.
[0048] In another specific implementation, the flow cell assembly includes a second flow cell supported by the body.
[0049] In another specific implementation, the flow cell and the second flow cell are fluidically coupled in series.
[0050] In another specific implementation, the flow cell and the second flow cell have longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other.
[0051] In another specific implementation, the flow cell and the second flow cell have substantially coaxial longitudinal axes.
[0052] In another specific implementation, the flow cell and the second flow cell are fluidly coupled in parallel.
[0053] In another specific implementation, the flow cell and the second flow cell have longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other.
[0054] In another specific implementation, the flow cell and the second flow cell have substantially coaxial longitudinal axes.
[0055] In another specific implementation, the method includes coupling a circulation cell inlet gasket, a circulation cell outlet gasket, and an outlet gasket to a body of a second circulation cell assembly, the body of the second circulation cell assembly including a fluid hole; coupling a first laminate to the body of the second circulation cell assembly to form a first fluid channel between the circulation cell outlet gasket and the fluid hole of the second circulation cell assembly; coupling a second laminate to the body of the second circulation cell assembly to form a second fluid channel between the fluid hole of the second circulation cell assembly and the outlet gasket; and coupling the second circulation cell and the body of the second circulation cell assembly.
[0056] In another embodiment, the flow cell and the second flow cell are different.
[0057] In another specific implementation, a method includes mechanically and fluidically coupling the flow cell assembly or a second flow cell assembly to the cartridge assembly.
[0058] In another specific implementation, the flow cell assembly and the second flow cell assembly are interchangeably capable of being mechanically and fluidly coupled to the cartridge assembly.
[0059] In another specific implementation, the cartridge assembly includes a fluid interface, a well, a channel fluidly coupled between the fluid interface and the well, and an outlet port fluidly coupled to the well and to one of the flow cell assembly or a second flow cell assembly.
[0060] In another specific implementation, flowing the liquid under positive pressure includes using a gas source.
[0061] In another specific implementation, the cartridge assembly includes a pump.
[0062] In another implementation, the pump comprises a syringe pump.
[0063] In another specific implementation, the pump is positioned upstream of the flow cell.
[0064] In another embodiment, the pump is positioned downstream of the flow cell.
[0065] In another specific implementation, causing the liquid to flow into the well under positive pressure includes pressurizing a storage chamber of a reagent reservoir containing the liquid and causing the liquid to flow from the storage chamber to the cartridge assembly.
[0066] In another specific implementation, a flow cell assembly includes a body carrying a flow cell inlet gasket, a flow cell outlet gasket, and an outlet gasket. The body includes a fluid hole; a first laminate, the first laminate is coupled to the body and forms a first fluid channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the fluid hole; a second laminate, the second laminate is coupled to the body and forms a second fluid channel between the fluid hole and the outlet gasket; and a flow cell supported by the body and including a channel, the channel including a flow cell inlet and a flow cell outlet, the flow cell inlet is fluidly coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket and the flow cell outlet is fluidly coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket.
[0067] In another embodiment, the reagents are flowed through a flow cell assembly.
[0068] 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 particular benefits of particular 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
[0069] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a specific implementation of a system according to the teachings of the present disclosure is shown.
[0070] Figure 2 It can be used to implement Figure 1 An isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a box assembly and a flow cell assembly.
[0071] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An isometric partially expanded view of the flow cell assembly.
[0072] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A top isometric view of the main body of the flow cell assembly.
[0073] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Isometric view of the bottom of the body of the flow cell assembly.
[0074] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Isometric view of the bottom of the body of the flow cell assembly.
[0075] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Detailed top isometric view of the flow cell assembly.
[0076] Figure 8 It can be used to implement Figure 1An expanded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a flow cell assembly having a body.
[0077] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Top isometric view of a flow cell assembly with the flow cell and second laminate not shown.
[0078] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 Isometric view of the bottom of the flow cell assembly.
[0079] Fig.11 It can be used to implement Figure 1 An expanded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a flow cell assembly having a body.
[0080] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Top isometric view of the flow cell assembly, with the second flow cell and second laminate not shown.
[0081] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 Bottom isometric view of the flow cell assembly.
[0082] Fig.14 It can be used to implement Figure 1 An expanded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a flow cell assembly of a flow cell assembly.
[0083] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 An expanded isometric view of an exemplary implementation of a pool assembly.
[0084] Fig.16 It can be used to implement Figure 1 A plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a flow cell assembly of a flow cell assembly.
[0085] Fig.17 It can be used to implement Figure 1 A plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a flow cell assembly of a flow cell assembly.
[0086] Fig.18 It can be used to implement Figure 1 A plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a flow cell assembly of a flow cell assembly.
[0087] Fig.19 It can be used to implement Figure 1 A plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a flow cell assembly of a flow cell assembly.
[0088] Fig. 20 It can be used to implement Figure 1A plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a flow cell assembly of a flow cell assembly.
[0089] Fig.21 Shows the manufacturing Figures 1 to 20 Flow cell assembly and / or Figure 1 to Figure 2 A flowchart of a method of a cartridge assembly or any of the other implementations disclosed herein.
[0090] Fig. 22 Shows the use of Figures 1 to 20 Flow cell assembly and / or Figure 1 to Figure 2 A flowchart of a method of a cartridge assembly or any of the other implementations disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0091] 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 specific implementations will still fall within the scope of the claims.
[0092] The disclosed specific implementations relate to flow cell assemblies and related box assemblies that allow the flow cell assemblies to be used interchangeably with the same box assemblies. The same box assemblies and / or the same system / instrument can be used together with these different flow cell assemblies, which allows customers to have greater flexibility while also reducing component count and associated costs. Some flow cell assemblies can include smaller flow cells, some flow cells can include larger flow cells, and / or some flow cells can include two or more flow cells. Once attached, the flow cell assembly just can be integrated into the box assembly.
[0093] The flow cell assembly may include a body that may be mechanically coupled to the cartridge assembly via a snap-fit connection. The flow cell assembly may also include an inlet gasket and an outlet gasket positioned to allow the gaskets to be fluidically coupled to the cartridge assembly regardless of the attached flow cell assembly.
[0094] Figure 1The schematic diagram of the specific implementation of the system 100 according to the teaching content of the present disclosure is shown. The system 100 can be used for performing analysis on one or more samples of interest. The sample may include linearization to form one or more DNA clusters of single-stranded DNA (sstDNA). In the specific implementation shown, the system 100 receives a reservoir 102, a box assembly 104 and a circulation pool assembly 106, and partially includes a pneumatic interface 108, a receptacle 110, a regulator 112, a gas source 114, a drive assembly 116, an actuator 117, a controller 118, an imaging system 120 and a waste reservoir 122. The reservoir 102 and / or the box assembly 104 may be referred to as consumables, a reagent reservoir or a reagent assembly. For example, the waste reservoir 122 may be alternatively carried by the reservoir 102. Controller 118 is electrically and / or communicatively coupled to regulator 112, drive assembly 116, actuator 117, and imaging system 120, and causes regulator 112, drive assembly 116, actuator 117, and / or imaging system 120 to perform various functions as disclosed herein.
[0095] The reservoir 102 is receivable within the receptacle 110 and has a body 124 including a storage chamber 126, a pneumatic port 128 capable of being fluidly coupled to the storage chamber 126, and a fluid port 130 capable of being fluidly coupled to the storage chamber 126. The cartridge assembly 104 has a fluid interface 132 capable of being coupled to the fluid port 130, a well 134, and a channel 136 fluidly coupled between the fluid interface 132 and the well 134. The cartridge assembly 104 also includes an outlet port 138 fluidly coupled to the well 134, an inlet port 139, and an outlet port 140 fluidly coupled to the waste reservoir 122. When the waste reservoir 122 is omitted and / or included with the reservoir 102, the outlet port 140 may alternatively be fluidly coupled to the reservoir 102.
[0096] Circulation cell assembly 106 comprises a main body 142 carrying a circulation cell inlet gasket 144, a circulation cell outlet gasket 146 and an outlet gasket 148. The main body 142 also comprises a fluid hole 150. A circulation cell assembly 106 is shown, which comprises a first laminate 152, a second laminate 154 and a circulation cell 156 supported by the main body 142. As used herein, a "circulation cell" may comprise a device with a cap, which extends above a reaction structure to form a flow channel communicated with a plurality of reaction sites of a reaction structure therebetween, and may comprise a detection device for detecting a specified reaction occurring at or near the reaction site. Circulation cell inlet gasket 144 may be referred to as a circulation cell assembly inlet gasket, and outlet gasket 148 may be referred to as a circulation cell assembly outlet gasket. Therefore, circulation cell inlet gasket 144 may be both the inlet gasket of a circulation cell assembly 106 and the inlet gasket of a circulation cell 156.
[0097] The flow cell 156 can support a sample of interest. The cartridge assembly 104 can include a flow cell receptacle that receives the flow cell 156. The first laminate 152 is coupled to the body 142 and forms a first fluid channel 158 between the flow cell outlet gasket 146 and the fluid hole 150, and the second laminate 154 is coupled to the body 142 and forms a second fluid channel 160 between the fluid hole 150 and the outlet gasket 148. The first laminate 152 and / or the second laminate 154 can be coupled to the body 142 by laser welding.
[0098] The flow cell 156 is supported by the body 142 and includes a channel 162 having a flow cell inlet 164 and a flow cell outlet 166. The flow cell inlet 164 is fluidly coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket 144, and the flow cell outlet 166 is fluidly coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket 146. For example, once the flow cell assembly 106 is coupled to the cartridge assembly 104, the outlet port 138 of the cartridge assembly 104 is fluidly coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket 144.
[0099] In the illustrated implementation, the flow cell assembly 106 is coupled to the cartridge assembly 104 via a coupling 168. The coupling 168 may be a snap-fit connector 170. However, the coupling 168 may be implemented in different ways. The cartridge assembly 104 also includes a pair of locating posts 171, and the body 142 of the flow cell assembly 106 has a pair of locating holes 172 aligned with the corresponding locating posts 171. For example, one of the locating holes 172 may be circular, while the other of the locating holes 172 may be oval.
[0100] In the specific implementation shown, the box assembly includes a pump 174 coupled to the outlet gasket 148 of the circulation cell assembly 106. Alternatively, the pump 174 can be positioned between the well recess 134 and the circulation cell assembly 106 or in another position. The pump 174 can be a syringe pump 176 and a dry reagent 178 contained in the well recess 134, and the syringe pump 176 is used to make the rehydrated dry reagent 178 flow from the well recess 134 to the circulation cell 156. For example, the dry reagent and / or dry reagent can be a lyophilized reagent. Alternatively, the pump 174 can be a part of the system 100. Alternatively, the pump 174 can be omitted. The pump 174 can be realized by a syringe pump 176, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump, etc. Although the pump 174 can be positioned downstream of the circulation cell 156 as shown in the figure, the pump 174 can be positioned upstream of the circulation cell 156 or completely omitted.
[0101] The reservoir 102 is receivable within the receptacle 110 and includes a body 124, a cover 180, and a cap assembly 182. The body 124 has a top surface 184 and a storage chamber 126 having an opening 186 at the top surface 184. The body 124 also has an aspirator chamber 188 having an opening 190 at the top surface 184 and a fluid sinus 192 fluidly coupling the storage chamber 126 and the aspirator chamber 188.
[0102] The lid 180 covers the opening 186 of the storage chamber 126, and the cap assembly 182 is coupled to the top surface 184. The cap assembly 182 can be laser welded to the top surface 184 of the reservoir 102. However, the cap assembly 182 can be coupled to the top surface 184 in different ways, including, for example, adhesive or using another coupling. The lid 180 can be implemented by plastic, foil, rubber, seals and / or plugs. These
[0103] The cap assembly 182 has a first portion 194 covering the opening 186 of the reservoir chamber 126 and a second portion 196 covering the opening 190 of the extractor chamber 188. The top surface 184 of the body 124 and the second portion 196 define a plenum 198.
[0104] The first portion 194 of the cap assembly 182 has the pneumatic port 128, the cantilever 200, and the compliant barrier 202. In some implementations, a two-shot molding process can be used to form the cantilever 200 and the compliant barrier 202. For example, the compliant barrier 202 can include or be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The compliant barrier 202 can have a thickness of about 0.9 millimeters (mm). However, the compliant barrier 202 can be made of another material and / or have a different thickness.
[0105] The pneumatic port 128 is fluidly coupled to the plenum chamber 198. The cantilever 200 may be referred to as a piercer. The cantilever 200 has a distal end, and a compliant barrier 202 covers the cantilever 200 and defines a portion of the plenum chamber 198. The fluid port 130 is fluidly coupled to the opening 190 of the aspirator chamber 188.
[0106] The actuator 117 is movable to engage the compliant barrier 202 in operation and move the distal end of the cantilever 200 to pierce the cap 180 and allow the reservoir 126 to be fluidly coupled to the plenum 198. The system 100 can thus indirectly actuate the cantilever 200 without the system 100 damaging and / or entering the interior of the reservoir 102. Thus, the engagement between the actuator 117 and the compliant barrier 202 does not allow the plenum 198 to communicate with the atmosphere.
[0107] Liquid 203 is contained in storage chamber 126, and dry reagent 178 is contained in well recess 134. Liquid 203 can be rehydration liquid and / or washing buffer. However, liquid 203 can be different types of liquids. For example, dry reagent 178 can be a lyophilized reagent. Reservoir 102 can include any number of storage chambers 126, including one storage chamber as shown in the figure, and box assembly 104 can include any number of well recess 134, including one well recess as shown in the figure. In some examples, the number of storage chambers 126 that reservoir 102 has can correspond to the number of well recess 134 that box assembly 104 has.
[0108] The reservoir 102 and / or the cartridge assembly 104 include thermoplastics. The reservoir 102 and / or the cartridge assembly 104 may additionally or alternatively include polypropylene and / or cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and overmolded Santoprene thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or another thermoplastic elastomer. Other materials may prove suitable for the reservoir 102 and / or the cartridge assembly 104.
[0109] The cover 180 covering the opening 186 may include a foil, and the compliant barrier 202 may include an elastomer and / or a compliant foil. In some implementations, the foil may be a foil having a lacquer backing for bonding to the thermoplastic plastic of the body 124. The lacquer is a coating applied to the cover 180 that promotes bonding to the body 124, for example, when hot melted. The cover 180 and / or the compliant barrier 202 may additionally or alternatively include plastic. The body 124 of the reservoir 102 includes a port 204, and in the illustrated implementation, the distal end of the port 186 is defined. The cover 180 is coupled to the port 204. For example, the cover 180 may alternatively be coupled within the port 204 to seal the port 204. Alternatively, the port 204 may be omitted.
[0110] For example, the cover 180 is pierced by the cantilever 200 in operation before the reservoir 126 is pressurized by the gas source 114. The cantilever 200 piercing the cover 180 may allow the pneumatic interface 108 to pressurize the reservoir 126. The actuator 117 may engage and move the compliant barrier 202, and in turn move the cantilever 200 to pierce the cover 180. However, the cover 180 may be pierced in different ways.
[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover assembly 182 includes a body 205 having a cantilever 200, and a compliant barrier 202 is coupled to the body 205 and covers the cantilever 200. The body 205 has a hole 206, and the compliant barrier 202 covers the hole 206. The hole 206 may alternatively be referred to as an opening or a window. The actuator 117 can move the cantilever 200 by moving the compliant barrier 202 relative to the hole 206 and / or moving the compliant barrier through the hole. A larger hole 206 can reduce the amount of force used to actuate the cantilever 200. The cantilever 200 can be adapted to pierce the cover 180 and allow the cover 180 to be pneumatically coupled to the plenum 198. The body 205 has a living hinge 207 coupled to the cantilever 200. The living hinge 207 allows the cantilever 200 to move relative to the rest of the body 205 and allows the cantilever 200 to pierce the cover 180. However, the cantilever 200 can be movably coupled to the body 205 in a different manner.
[0112] The cartridge assembly 104 includes a cover 208 shown covering the well 134. The cover 208 may include and / or form a vent 210 that allows air to flow out of the well 134. The vent 210 is sized to substantially retain the dried reagent 178 within the well 134. In the disclosed implementation, the use of dried reagents 178 can simplify storage requirements, reduce shipping costs, and increase the speed of the workflow by, for example, avoiding thawing time before the reagents can be used.
[0113] The well 134 includes a port 212, and in practice the liquid 203 can flow into the well 134 via the port 212 to rehydrate the dried reagent 178. The vent 210 can exhaust gas from the well 134 when the liquid 203 flows into the well 134, and the cover 208 prevents or inhibits the dried reagent 178 and / or the liquid 203 from escaping from the well 134. In other words, the vent 210 keeps the dried reagent 178 and / or the liquid 203 within the well 160 and prevents or inhibits the dried reagent 178 and / or the liquid 203 from migrating out of the well 160. When the reservoir 102 includes more than one well 134, the vent 210 and the cover 208 prevent or inhibit cross contamination between reagents. The liquid 203 and the dried reagent 178 can flow into and out of the well 134 to mix the liquid 203 and the dried reagent 178 from the reservoir 102. In some implementations, the system 100 and / or the reservoir 102 can include a mixing chamber for mixing the liquid 203 and the dry reagent 178 .
[0114] The gas source 114 can be used to pressurize the reservoir 102 to flow the liquid 203 into the wells 134 and / or the pump 174 can draw the liquid 203 from the reservoir 102 and flow the liquid 203 into the wells 134 to rehydrate the dried reagent 178. In some implementations, the pump 174 can be used to draw the rehydrated reagent from the wells 134 and flow the rehydrated reagent into the flow cell 156. The gas source 114 can be provided by the system 100 and / or the gas source 114 can be carried by the reservoir 102. Alternatively, the gas source 114 can be omitted.
[0115] The cartridge assembly 104 is shown to include a valve 214 that can be actuated to control the flow of the liquid 203 from the reservoir 102 to the well 134 and / or the flow cell 156. The valve 214 can be implemented by a three-way valve, a valve manifold, a rotary valve, a selector valve, a pinch valve, a flat valve, a solenoid valve, a check valve, a piezoelectric valve, or the like.
[0116] The reservoir 102 and / or the system 100 include a valve 216 that can be selectively actuated to control the flow of a fluid (gas) to the reservoir 102. The valve 216 can be implemented by a valve manifold, a rotary valve, a selector valve, a pinch valve, a flat valve, a solenoid valve, a check valve, a piezoelectric valve, etc. The regulator 112 can be positioned between the gas source 114 and the valve 216 and regulate the pressure of the gas provided to the valve 216. The regulator 112 can be a valve that controls the flow of the gas from the gas source 114.
[0117] The gas source 114 and / or pump 174 can flow the liquid 203 to rehydrate the dry reagent 178 and to flow one or more liquid reagents (e.g., A, T, G, C nucleotides) interacting with the sample through the reservoir 102. The gas source 114 can flow the liquid 203 to rehydrate the dry reagent 178 on the box assembly 104, and the pump 174 on the box assembly 104 can flow the rehydrated reagent (e.g., A, T, G, C nucleotides) interacting with the sample to the circulation pool 156. In a specific implementation, a reagent with a reversible terminator allows a single nucleotide to be integrated by sstDNA in each cycle. In such specific implementations, one or more nucleotides in the nucleotides have a unique fluorescent label that emits a color when excited. The color (or absence of color) is used to detect the corresponding nucleotide. In the specific implementation shown, the imaging system 120 excites one or more identifiable labels in the identifiable labels (e.g., fluorescent labels), and then obtains image data for these identifiable labels. The markers may be excited by incident light and / or laser light, and the image data may include one or more colors emitted by the corresponding markers in response to the excitation. The image data (e.g., detection data) may be analyzed by the system 100. The imaging system 120 may 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).
[0118] After acquiring the image data, the drive assembly 116 interfaces with the reservoir 102 to flow another reaction component (e.g., a reagent) through the flow cell 156 before the reaction component is received by the waste reservoir 122 and / or otherwise exhausted by the cartridge assembly 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.
[0119] Referring now to the drive assembly 116, in the illustrated implementation, the drive assembly 116 includes a pump drive assembly 218 and a valve drive assembly 220. The pump drive assembly 218 interfaces with the pump 174 to pump fluid through the reservoir 102 and / or the flow cell 156, and the valve drive assembly 220 interfaces with the valves 214 and / or 216 to control the position of the valves 214 and / or 216.
[0120] Referring to the controller 118, in the illustrated implementation, the controller 118 includes a user interface 222, a communication interface 224, one or more processors 226, and a memory 228 storing instructions that can be executed by the one or more processors 226 to perform various functions including the disclosed implementation. The user interface 222, the communication interface 224, and the memory 228 are electrically and / or communicatively coupled to the one or more processors 226.
[0121] In one implementation, the user interface 222 receives input from a user and provides information to the user associated with the operation of the system 100 and / or the analysis performed. The user interface 222 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).
[0122] In one implementation, the communication interface 224 enables communication between the system 100 and a remote system (e.g., a computer) via a network. The network may include an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, etc. Some communications provided to the remote system may be associated with analysis results, imaging data, etc. generated or otherwise obtained by the system 100. Some communications provided to the system 100 may be associated with fluid analysis operations, patient records, and / or protocols to be executed by the system 100.
[0123] The one or more processors 226 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 226 and / or the system 100 include 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 those described herein.
[0124] Memory 228 may include one or more of a hard drive, 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 disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), cache, and / or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., permanently, temporarily, for an extended period of time, for buffering, for caching).
[0125] Figure 2 It can be used to implement Figure 1104 and the flow cell assembly 106. The cartridge assembly 300 includes a fluid interface 132 and a plurality of wells 134. The flow cell assembly 302 is coupled to the cartridge assembly 300 by a snap-fit connector 170. The flow cell assembly 302 also includes a second flow cell 304 supported or otherwise carried by the body 142. In some implementations, the first flow cell 156 and the second flow cell 304 may be substantially the same structure. In other implementations, the first flow cell 156 and the second flow cell 304 may be different structures. The first flow cell 156 and the second flow cell 304 are shown as being in an end-to-end vertical configuration relative to the cartridge assembly 300. If the first flow cell 156 and the second flow cell 304 are oriented to be approximately 90° from the position shown, the first flow cell 156 and the second flow cell 304 may be considered to be in an end-to-end horizontal configuration relative to the cartridge assembly 300. The second circulation cell 304 comprises a passage 162, which comprises a circulation cell inlet 164 and a circulation cell outlet 166. The circulation cell 156 can be referred to as the 3rd circulation cell, and the second circulation cell 304 can be referred to as the 4th circulation cell. In the specific implementation shown, the circulation cell 156 and the second circulation cell 304 are fluidically coupled in series. However, the circulation cell 156 and the second circulation cell 304 can be coupled in different ways. For example, the circulation cell 156 and the second circulation cell 304 can be coupled in parallel and / or oriented differently.
[0126] Figure 3 yes Figure 2106 . The flow cell assembly 302 is an isometric partially expanded view of the flow cell assembly 302. The flow cell assembly 302 shows the first laminate 152 and the second laminate 154 used to form the first fluid channel 158 and the second fluid channel 160. The body 142 of the flow cell assembly 106 and the flow cell 156 are coupled by a coupling 306. The coupling 306 includes a first snap-fit cantilever 308 and a second snap-fit cantilever 310. The first snap-fit cantilever 308 is positioned on a first side 312 of the flow cell 156, and the second snap-fit cantilever 310 is positioned on a second side 314 of the flow cell 156. In the specific implementation shown, the first snap-fit cantilever 308 offsets the flow cell 156 in the x-direction, and the second snap-fit cantilever 310 offsets the flow cell 156 in the y-direction. The coupling 306 also includes a pair of retainers 316 having a lip 318 arranged to be positioned above the top of the flow cell 156. Two retainers 316 are positioned on the side 320 of the circulation cell 156. The retainers 316 can be in different positions. In the specific implementation shown, the coupling 306 has an x-reference protrusion 322 and a y-reference protrusion 324 that engage with the circulation cell 156. The coupling 306 also includes a second x-reference protrusion 326. The first snap-fit cantilever 308 biases the circulation cell 156 to engage with the x-reference protrusions 322, 326, and the second snap-fit connector 310 biases the circulation cell 156 to engage with the y-reference protrusion 324. The second circulation cell 304 and the body 142 of the circulation cell assembly 106 are coupled by a coupling 328 similar or identical to the coupling 306.
[0127] In the illustrated implementation, the body 142 has locating posts 329 and the second laminate 154 has locating holes 330 that receive corresponding locating posts 329. The locating holes 330 that receive the locating posts 329 align the second laminate 154 relative to the body 142 to form the second fluid passage 160.
[0128] Figure 4 yes Figure 2304 is a top isometric view of the body 142 of the flow cell assembly 302. The flow cell assembly 302 includes a flow cell inlet gasket 144 and a flow cell outlet gasket 146 for the flow cell 304, and also includes a second flow cell inlet gasket 331 and a second flow cell outlet gasket 332 for the second flow cell 156. The second flow cell outlet gasket 332 can be referred to as a flow cell outlet gasket, and the second flow cell inlet gasket 331 can be referred to as a flow cell inlet gasket. When the second flow cell 304 is supported by the flow cell assembly 302, the flow cell inlet 164 of the second flow cell 304 is fluidically coupled to the second flow cell inlet gasket 331, and the flow cell outlet 166 of the second flow cell 304 is fluidically coupled to the second flow cell outlet gasket 332. The arrangement of the gaskets 144, 146, 331, 332 allows the flow cell 156 and the second flow cell 304 to be coupled in series. In the illustrated implementation, the flow cell outlet 166 of the flow cell 156 is fluidly coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket 332 via the second flow cell 304 .
[0129] In the illustrated implementation, the body 142 further includes a groove 334. The groove 334 may be referred to as a second groove. The groove 334 may be covered by the second laminate 154 to form the second fluid channel 160.
[0130] The body 142 includes a plurality of first pads 336 and a plurality of second pads 338 ( Figure 5 ). The first pad 336 is opposite to the second pad 338. When the flow cell 156, 304 is supported by the flow cell assembly 302, the flow cell 156 and / or 304 is placed on the corresponding first pad 336. For example, the pads 336, 338 can be positioned to allow a force to be applied to the flow cell 156 and / or 304 and allow the force to be transmitted to the pads 336, 338 through the flow cell 146 and / or 304 and to the cartridge assembly 300 and / or the instrument.
[0131] The body 142 includes a window 340 that allows visual access to the flow cell 156. The window 340 has a corner 341, and the first pad 336 and the second pad 338 are positioned adjacent to the corresponding corner 341. The body 42 also includes a second window 342 that allows visual access to the second flow cell 304. When the flow cell assembly 302 does not include the second flow cell 304, the second window 342 can be omitted in a specific implementation.
[0132] Figure 5 yes Figure 2A bottom isometric view of the body 142 of the flow cell assembly 302. The body 142 includes a groove 145, and the first laminate 152 covers the groove 145 to form a first fluid channel 158. The groove 145 can be referred to as a first groove. The flow cell assembly 302 also includes a third fluid channel 346 between the flow cell outlet gasket 146 and the second flow cell inlet gasket 331. In the specific implementation shown, the first laminate 152 forms the third fluid channel 346. Alternatively, the flow cell assembly 302 may include another laminate that is coupled to the body 142 of the flow cell assembly 302 to form the third fluid channel 346.
[0133] In the illustrated implementation, the body 142 has locating posts 348 and the first laminate 152 has locating holes 350 that receive corresponding locating posts 348. The locating holes 350 that receive the locating posts 348 align the first laminate 152 relative to the body 142 to form the first and third fluid passages 158, 346.
[0134] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The bottom isometric view of the body 142 of the flow cell assembly 302. The body 142 has a first groove 352, a second groove 334 ( Figure 4 ) and the third groove 354. Figure 5 As shown, the first laminate 152 covers the first groove 352 to form the first fluid channel and covers the third groove 354 to form the third fluid channel 346, and as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the second laminate 154 covers the second groove 334 to form the second fluid channel 160 .
[0135] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Detailed top isometric view of the flow cell assembly 302 of FIG. The second laminate 154 is coupled to the body 142 to form the second fluid channel 160 , and the coupling 306 is shown to secure the flow cell 156 to the body 142 of the flow cell assembly 302 .
[0136] Figure 8 It can be used to implement Figure 1FIG. 1 is an expanded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of another flow cell assembly 400 having a body 401 of the flow cell assembly 106 of the embodiment of the present invention. The flow cell assembly 400 may be referred to as a second flow cell assembly 400. The flow cell assembly 400 is similar to the flow cell assembly 302 in that both the flow cell assembly 302 and the flow cell assembly 400 are interchangeably mechanically and fluidically coupled to the box assembly 300 and / or the system 100. The flow cell assembly 302 and the flow cell assembly 400 have a cantilever 402 of a snap-fit connector 170 at the same or substantially the same position to allow the flow cell assembly 302 and the flow cell assembly 400 to be mechanically coupled to the box assembly 300 in the same or similar manner. The flow cell assembly 302 and the flow cell assembly 400 may also have a flow cell inlet gasket 144 and an outlet gasket 148 at the same or substantially the same position to allow the flow cell assembly 302 and the flow cell assembly 400 to be fluidically coupled to the box assembly 300 in the same or similar manner.
[0137] In the illustrated implementation, the flow cell assembly 400 includes the flow cell 404 but does not include additional flow cells. The flow cell 404 may be referred to as a second flow cell. The flow cell 404 may be different from Figure 2 156 shown in FIG. 15. For example, the flow cell 404 may have Figure 2 The flow cell channel volume of the flow cell 156 shown in FIG. 1 is different from the flow cell channel volume of the flow cell 156. The flow cell outlet gasket 146 is shown as being positioned closer to the flow cell inlet gasket 144 to allow the flow cell inlet 164 and the flow cell outlet 166 of the flow cell 404 to be fluidically coupled to the gaskets 144, 146. Figure 2 Compared with the relative positions of the flow cell outlet gasket 146 and the flow cell inlet gasket 144 in the flow cell assembly 302, the flow cell outlet gasket 146 can be positioned closer to the flow cell inlet gasket 144 in the flow cell assembly 400.
[0138] The flow cell assembly 400 includes a Figure 2 The first laminate 152 and the second laminate 154 of the laminates 152, 154 used with the flow cell assembly 302 of the flow cell assembly 400. The flow cell assembly 400 does not include an additional flow cell, so the laminates 152, 154 used with the flow cell assembly 302 have the same Figure 2 The laminations 152, 154 are used in different configurations with the flow cell assembly 400. The first lamination 152 should be coupled to the body 401 and form a first fluid channel 158 between the flow cell outlet gasket 146 and the fluid hole 150, and the second lamination 154 should be coupled to the body 401 and form a second fluid channel 160 between the fluid hole 150 and the outlet gasket 148. The body 142 also defines a window 406 to allow visual access to the flow cell 156.
[0139] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 4 is a top isometric view of a flow cell assembly 400, wherein the flow cell 404 and the second laminate 154 are not shown. The flow cell assembly 400 includes a coupling 306 for fixing the flow cell 404 to the body 401, and also includes a groove 334 that can at least partially define the second fluid line 160.
[0140] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 4 is a bottom isometric view of a flow cell assembly 400. The flow cell assembly 400 includes a first laminate 152 coupled to a body 401 and forming a first fluid channel 158 between a flow cell outlet gasket 146 and a fluid hole 150.
[0141] Fig.11 It can be used to implement Figure 1 106 of the system 100. Flow cell assembly 500 is similar to flow cell assembly 106 and flow cell assembly 400 in that each of flow cell assembly 106, flow cell assembly 400, and flow cell assembly 500 is interchangeably mechanically and fluidically coupled to cartridge assembly 300 and / or system 100. Flow cell assembly 106, flow cell assembly 400, and flow cell assembly 500 have cantilever arms 402 of snap-fit connector 170 at the same or substantially the same locations to allow flow cell assembly 106, flow cell assembly 400, and flow cell assembly 500 to be mechanically coupled to cartridge assembly 300 in the same or similar manner. The flow cell assembly 106, the flow cell assembly 400, and the flow cell assembly 500 may also have the flow cell inlet gasket 144 and the outlet gasket 148 at the same or substantially the same locations to allow the flow cell assembly 106, the flow cell assembly 400, and the flow cell assembly 500 to be fluidically coupled to the cartridge assembly 300 in the same or similar manner. The system 100 and / or the cartridge assembly 300 may remain the same or substantially the same while allowing the flexibility of using different flow cell assemblies.
[0142] In the illustrated embodiment, the flow cell assembly 500 includes the flow cell 502 but does not include additional flow cells. Figure 8 The flow cell 404 and / or Figure 2 156 shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B. For example, the flow cell 502 may have the same Figure 2 The flow cell channel volume of the flow cell 156 shown in FIG. 1 is different from the flow cell channel volume.
[0143] The flow cell assembly 500 includes a Figure 8The first laminate 152 and the second laminate 154 of the laminates 152, 154 used with the flow cell assembly 400. Figure 8 Due to the size of the flow cell 502, Fig.11 The gaskets 144, 146 of the flow cell assembly 500 are further spaced apart. Therefore, compared with the length of the first lamination 152 in the flow cell assembly 400, the first lamination 152 of the flow cell assembly 500 is longer to accommodate the position of the gaskets 144, 146 of the flow cell assembly 500.
[0144] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 4 is a top isometric view of a flow cell assembly 500, wherein the second flow cell 404 and the second laminate 154 are not shown. The flow cell assembly 500 includes a coupling 306 for securing the second flow cell 404 to the body 401, and also includes a groove 334 that can at least partially define the second fluid line 160. The body 501 also includes a first pad 336 on which the flow cell 502 will be positioned.
[0145] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 4 is a bottom isometric view of a flow cell assembly 500. The flow cell assembly 500 includes a first laminate 152 coupled to the body 401 and forming a first fluid channel 158 between the flow cell outlet gasket 146 and the fluid hole 150. The body also includes a second gasket 338.
[0146] Fig.14 It can be used to implement Figure 1 An expanded isometric view of an exemplary implementation of the flow cell assembly 600 of the flow cell assembly 106 . Fig.14 The flow cell assembly 600 is similar to Figure 2 Circulation pool assembly 302. Fig.14 The flow cell assembly 600 includes a main body 601, and the main body 601 and the flow cell 156 are connected with Figure 2 The coupling member 306 of the flow cell assembly 302 is coupled to a different coupling member 602 . Fig.14 The coupling member 602 includes a tape 604. The tape 604 can be a double-sided foam tape. A body 601 is shown, which includes a pad 606 on which the tape 604 is positioned. The tape 604 allows the flow cell 156 to be relatively fixed in the x-direction and / or y-direction, but allows the flow cell 156 to move in the z-direction, for example when the tape 604 is implemented by a double-sided tape.
[0147] Fig.15 yes Fig.14FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary implementation of a flow cell assembly 600 . The flow cell assembly 600 includes a flow cell 156 , which is shown coupled to a body 601 via a coupling 602 .
[0148] Fig.16 It can be used to implement Figure 1 106 of the flow cell assembly 700. The flow cell assembly 700 includes a flow cell 156 and a second flow cell 304 coupled in series. In the illustrated implementation, the flow cell 156 and the second flow cell 304 have longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other. The arrangement of the flow cells 156, 304 can be referred to as a side-by-side configuration.
[0149] Fig.17 It can be used to implement Figure 1 106 of the flow cell assembly 106. The flow cell assembly 800 includes a flow cell 156 and a second flow cell 304 coupled in series. The flow cell 156 and the second flow cell 304 have longitudinal axes that are substantially coaxial with each other. The arrangement of the flow cells 156, 304 can be referred to as an end-to-end vertical configuration. The end-to-end vertical configuration can be the position of the flow cells 156, 304 relative to the box assembly 300 when the flow cells 156, 304 are coupled to the flow cell assembly 106.
[0150] Fig.18 It can be used to implement Figure 1 106 of the flow cell assembly 900. The flow cell assembly 900 includes a flow cell 156 and a second flow cell 304 coupled in series. The flow cell 156 and the second flow cell 304 have longitudinal axes that are substantially coaxial with each other. The arrangement of the flow cells 156, 304 can be referred to as an end-to-end horizontal configuration. Fig.17 Flow cell assembly 800 and Fig.18 The flow cell assembly 900 is essentially the same, but Fig.17 The flow cell assembly 800 has an end-to-end vertical configuration and Fig.18 The flow cell assembly 900 has an end-to-end horizontal configuration. The end-to-end horizontal configuration can be the position of the flow cell 156, 304 relative to the cartridge assembly 300 when the flow cell 156, 304 is coupled to the flow cell assembly 106. The flow cell 156, 304 can be positioned within the cartridge assembly 104 and / or 300 in an end-to-end vertical configuration and / or an end-to-end horizontal configuration.
[0151] Fig.19 It can be used to implement Figure 11000 of an exemplary embodiment of a flow cell assembly 106. The flow cell assembly 1000 includes a flow cell 156 and a second flow cell 304 coupled in parallel fluidly. The flow cell 156 and the second flow cell 304 have longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other. The arrangement of the flow cells 156, 304 can be referred to as a side-by-side horizontal configuration.
[0152] Circulation cell assembly 1000 includes a shared fluid line 1002 on one side of the circulation cell 156, 304 and separate fluid lines 1004, 1006 on the other side of the circulation cell 156, 304. The shared fluid line 1002 is shown as being fluidically coupled to the circulation cell inlet 164, and the separate fluid lines 1004, 1006 are shown as being fluidically coupled to the corresponding circulation cell outlet 166. However, the shared fluid line 1002 can be fluidically coupled to the circulation cell outlet 166, and the separate fluid lines 1004, 1006 can be fluidically coupled to the corresponding circulation cell inlet 164. The sample of interest can be loaded into the circulation cell 156, 304 from the rear of the circulation cell 156, 304. Loading the sample of interest from the rear of the circulation cell 156, 304 can be referred to as "post-loading". Post-loading the sample of interest into the circulation cell 156, 304 can reduce contamination.
[0153] Fig. 20 It can be used to implement Figure 1 1000 of an exemplary embodiment of a flow cell assembly 1100 of a flow cell assembly 106. The flow cell assembly 1000 includes a flow cell 156 and a second flow cell 304 coupled in parallel. The flow cell 156 and the second flow cell 304 therefore have longitudinal axes that are substantially coaxial with each other. The shared fluid line 1002 is shown as being fluidically coupled to the flow cell inlet 164, and the individual fluid lines 1004, 1006 are shown as being fluidically coupled to the corresponding flow cell outlet 166. The arrangement of the flow cells 156, 304 can be referred to as an end-to-end configuration.
[0154] Fig.21 Shows the manufacturing Figures 1 to 20 The flow cell assembly 106, 302, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 and / or 1100 and / or Figure 1 to Figure 2 The flowchart of the method of the box assembly 104 and / or 300 or any specific implementation in other specific implementations disclosed herein. The execution order of the blocks can be changed, and / or some of the blocks described can be changed, eliminated, combined and / or subdivided into multiple blocks.
[0155] Fig.21The process 1200 begins by coupling a flow cell inlet gasket 144, a flow cell outlet gasket 146, and an outlet gasket 148 to a body 142, 401, 501, 601 of a flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 (block 1202). The gasket 144, 146, 148 can be coupled to the body 142, 401, 501, 601 using a molding process (e.g., a two-shot molding process). However, the gasket 144, 146, 148 can be coupled to the body 142, 401, 501, 601 in different ways. The body 142, 401, 501, 601 has a fluid hole 150.
[0156] The first laminate 152 is coupled to the body 142, 401, 501, 601 to form a first fluid channel 158 between the flow cell outlet gasket 146 and the fluid hole 150 (box 1204), and the second laminate 154 is coupled to the body 142, 401, 501, 601 to form a second fluid channel 160 between the fluid hole 150 and the outlet gasket 148 (box 1206). The flow cell 156, 304, 404, 502 and the body 142, 401, 501, 601 are coupled together (box 1208). The flow cell 156, 304, 404, 502 and the body 142, 401, 501, 601 can be coupled using a coupling 306 including snap-fit cantilever arms 308, 310 and / or a coupling 602 including tape 604. The flow cell 156 , 304 , 404 , 502 has a channel 162 including a flow cell inlet 164 and a flow cell outlet 166 , wherein the flow cell inlet 164 is fluidly coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket 144 and the flow cell outlet 166 is fluidly coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket 146 .
[0157] Fig.21The process also includes coupling the flow cell inlet gasket 144, the flow cell outlet gasket 146, and the outlet gasket 148 to the body 142, 401, 501, 601 of the second flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 (block 1210). The body 142, 401, 501, 601 of the second flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 also has a fluid hole 150. The first laminate 152 is coupled to the body 142, 401, 501, 601 of the second flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 to form a first fluid channel 158 between the flow cell outlet gasket 146 and the fluid aperture 150 of the second flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 (block 1212) , and the second laminate 154 is coupled to the body 142, 401, 501, 601 of the second flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 to form a second fluid channel 160 between the fluid hole 150 and the outlet gasket 148 of the second flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 (block 1214). The second flow cell 156, 304, 404, 502 is coupled to the body 142, 401, 501, 601 of the second flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 (block 1216). The flow cell 156, 304, 404, 502 and the second flow cell 156, 304, 404, 502 can be different. The flow cell 156, 304, 404, 502 and the second flow cell 156, 304, 404, 502 can and / or include channels of different sizes, can include different numbers of channels, can be different sizes, and / or can include different numbers of sensors (e.g., one sensor versus two sensors). For example, the flow cell 156, 304, 404, 502 can be longer (e.g., longer than the second flow cell 156, 304, 404, 502). Figure 3 and 6 The flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 and / or the second flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 can carry one or more flow cells 156, 304, 404, 502 (see Figures 3 to 7 , Figures 14 to 20 ).
[0158] The flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 or the second flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 and the cartridge assembly 104, 300 are mechanically and fluidically coupled (block 1218). The flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 and the second flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 are interchangeably mechanically and fluidically coupled to the cartridge assembly 104, 300. Using the disclosed examples, different flow cell assemblies having the same or different one or more flow cells 156 can be used with the cartridge assembly 104, 300, thereby allowing greater design flexibility and reduced costs while maintaining the same or substantially the same mechanical footprint of the flow cell assembly. The cartridge assembly 104, 300 includes a fluid interface 132, a well 134, a channel 136 fluidly coupled between the fluid interface 132 and the well 134, and an outlet port 138 fluidly coupled to the well 134 and coupled to one of the flow cell assemblies 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 or a second flow cell assembly 106, 302, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100.
[0159] Fig. 22 Shows the use of Figures 1 to 20 The flow cell assembly 106, 302, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 and / or 1100 and / or Figure 1 to Figure 2 The flowchart of the method of the box assembly 104 and / or 300 or any specific implementation in other specific implementations disclosed herein. The execution order of the blocks can be changed, and / or some of the blocks described can be changed, eliminated, combined and / or subdivided into multiple blocks.
[0160] Fig. 22 The process 1200 begins by flowing a liquid 203 under positive pressure into a well 134 of a cartridge assembly 104, 300 including a dry reagent 178 to rehydrate the dry reagent 178 (block 1302). The cartridge assembly 104, 300 includes a well 134 and an outlet port 138 fluidly coupled to the well 134. In some implementations, flowing the liquid 203 under positive pressure includes using a gas source 114.
[0161] The rehydration reagent 178 is pumped into the flow cell inlet gasket 144 of the flow cell assembly 106, 302, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 and / or 1100 using a pump 176 (frame 1304). The flow cell assembly 106, 302, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 and / or 1100 includes a body 142 carrying the flow cell inlet gasket 144 and a flow cell 156 supported by the body 142. The flow cell inlet gasket 144 is fluidically coupled to the outlet port 138 and the flow cell 156. The cartridge assembly 104, 300 may include a pump 176. Alternatively, the system 100 may include a pump 176. The pump 176 may include a syringe pump. In some specific implementations, the pump 176 is positioned upstream of the flow cell 156. In other implementations, the pump 176 is positioned downstream of the flow cell 156. By pressurizing the storage chamber 126 of the reagent reservoir 102 including the liquid 203 and flowing the liquid 203 from the storage chamber 126 to the cartridge assembly 104, 300, the liquid 203 may be caused to flow into the well 134 under positive pressure.
[0162] Embodiment 1. A device, the device comprising: a system, the system comprising: a pneumatic interface; a receptacle; a reservoir, the reservoir being receivable in the receptacle and having: a body, the body comprising a storage chamber, a pneumatic port being fluidically coupled to the storage chamber, and a fluid port being fluidically coupled to the storage chamber; and a box assembly, the box assembly comprising: a fluid interface, the fluid interface being coupleable to the fluid port; a well recess; a channel, the channel being fluidically coupled between the fluid interface and the well recess; and an outlet port, the outlet port being fluidically coupled to the well recess; and a circulation cell assembly, the circulation cell assembly comprising: a circulation cell inlet gasket, a circulation cell outlet gasket, ... A body of a port gasket and an outlet gasket, the body including a fluid hole; a first laminate, the first laminate is coupled to the body and forms a first fluid channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the fluid hole; a second laminate, the second laminate is coupled to the body and forms a second fluid channel between the fluid hole and the outlet gasket; and a flow cell, the flow cell is supported by the body and includes a channel, the channel includes a flow cell inlet and a flow cell outlet, the flow cell inlet is fluidically coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket and the flow cell outlet is fluidically coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket, wherein the outlet port is fluidically coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket.
[0163] Embodiment 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the flow cell assembly is coupled to the cartridge assembly via a coupling.
[0164] Embodiment 3. The apparatus of Embodiment 2, wherein the coupling comprises a snap-fit connection.
[0165] Embodiment 4. The apparatus of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises a pair of locating posts, and the body of the flow cell assembly comprises a pair of locating holes aligned with the corresponding locating posts.
[0166] Embodiment 5. The apparatus of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises a pump coupled to at least one of the outlet gaskets of the flow cell assembly or between the well and the flow cell assembly.
[0167] Embodiment 6. The apparatus of Embodiment 5, wherein the pump comprises a syringe pump.
[0168] Embodiment 7. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 5 to 6, further comprising a dried reagent contained within the well, and wherein the syringe pump is used to flow rehydrated dried reagent from the well to the flow cell.
[0169] Embodiment 8. The device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the body comprises a first groove and a second groove, the first laminate covers the first groove to form the first fluid channel, and the second laminate covers the second groove to form the second fluid channel.
[0170] Embodiment 9. A device, the device comprising: a box assembly, the box assembly comprising: a fluid interface; a well recess; a channel, the channel fluid is coupled between the fluid interface and the well recess; and an outlet port, the outlet port fluid is coupled to the well recess; and a circulation pool assembly, the circulation pool assembly comprising: a main body carrying a circulation pool inlet gasket, a circulation pool outlet gasket and an outlet gasket, the main body comprising a fluid hole; a first laminate, the first laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a first fluid channel between the circulation pool outlet gasket and the fluid hole; a second laminate, the second laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a second fluid channel between the fluid hole and the outlet gasket; and a circulation pool, the circulation pool is supported by the main body and comprises a channel, the channel comprises a circulation pool inlet and a circulation pool outlet, the circulation pool inlet is fluidly coupled to the circulation pool inlet gasket and the circulation pool outlet is fluidly coupled to the circulation pool outlet gasket, wherein the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the circulation pool inlet gasket.
[0171] Embodiment 10. The apparatus of embodiment 9, wherein the flow cell assembly comprises a second flow cell supported by the body.
[0172] Embodiment 11. The apparatus of Embodiment 10, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell are fluidically coupled in series.
[0173] Embodiment 12. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 10 to 11, wherein the flow cell outlet of the flow cell is coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket via the second flow cell fluid.
[0174] Embodiment 13. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 10 to 12, wherein the body of the circulation cell assembly and the second circulation cell are coupled by a coupling.
[0175] Embodiment 14. The apparatus of any one of Embodiments 9 to 13, wherein the body of the circulation cell assembly and the circulation cell are coupled by a coupling.
[0176] Embodiment 15. An apparatus according to embodiment 14, wherein the coupling comprises a first snap-fit cantilever and a second snap-fit cantilever, the first snap-fit cantilever being positioned on a first side of the circulation pool and the second snap-fit cantilever being positioned on a second side of the circulation pool.
[0177] Embodiment 16. The apparatus of Embodiment 15, wherein the first snap-fit cantilever offsets the flow cell in the x-direction and the second snap-fit cantilever offsets the flow cell in the y-direction.
[0178] Embodiment 17. The apparatus of any one of Embodiments 14 to 16, wherein the coupling comprises a pair of retainers comprising a lip positioned above a top portion of the flow cell.
[0179] Embodiment 18. The apparatus of embodiment 17, wherein both of the retaining members are positioned on one side of the circulation pool.
[0180] Embodiment 19. The apparatus of any one of Embodiments 14 to 18, wherein the coupling comprises an x-reference protrusion and a y-reference protrusion that engage with the flow cell.
[0181] Embodiment 20. The apparatus of Embodiment 19, further comprising a second x-reference protrusion.
[0182] Embodiment 21. A device according to any one of embodiments 9 to 20, wherein the device also includes a second circulation cell assembly, the second circulation cell assembly includes a second circulation cell different from the circulation cell, and the second circulation cell assembly can be coupled to the box assembly instead of the circulation cell assembly.
[0183] Embodiment 22. The device according to embodiment 21 further comprises a third circulation cell assembly, the third circulation cell assembly comprising a third circulation cell and a fourth circulation cell, the third circulation cell assembly replacing the circulation cell assembly and being capable of being coupled to the box assembly instead of the second circulation cell assembly.
[0184] Embodiment 23. A device, comprising: a circulation cell assembly, the circulation cell assembly comprising: a main body carrying a circulation cell inlet gasket, a circulation cell outlet gasket and an outlet gasket, the main body comprising a fluid hole; a first laminate, the first laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a first fluid channel between the circulation cell outlet gasket and the fluid hole; a second laminate, the second laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a second fluid channel between the fluid hole and the outlet gasket; and a circulation cell, the circulation cell is supported by the main body and comprises a channel, the channel comprises a circulation cell inlet and a circulation cell outlet, the circulation cell inlet fluid is coupled to the circulation cell inlet gasket and the circulation cell outlet fluid is coupled to the circulation cell outlet gasket.
[0185] Embodiment 24. An apparatus according to Embodiment 23, wherein the flow cell assembly includes a second flow cell supported by the body.
[0186] Embodiment 25. The apparatus of Embodiment 24, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell are fluidically coupled in series.
[0187] Embodiment 26. An apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 24 to 25, wherein the body carries a second circulation cell inlet gasket and a second circulation cell outlet gasket, the second circulation cell comprises a channel, the channel comprises a circulation cell inlet and a circulation cell outlet, the circulation cell inlet fluid of the second circulation cell is coupled to the second circulation cell inlet gasket, and the circulation cell outlet fluid of the second circulation cell is coupled to the second circulation cell outlet gasket.
[0188] Embodiment 27. The apparatus of Embodiment 26, wherein the second laminate forms the second fluid channel between the second flow cell outlet gasket and the outlet gasket.
[0189] Embodiment 28. The apparatus of any one of embodiments 26 to 27, further comprising a third fluid channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the second flow cell inlet gasket.
[0190] Embodiment 29. The apparatus of Embodiment 28, wherein the second laminate forms the third fluid channel.
[0191] Embodiment 30. An apparatus according to embodiments 28 to 29, wherein the body includes a first groove, a second groove and a third groove, the first laminate covers the first groove to form the first fluid channel and covers the third groove to form the third fluid channel, and the second laminate covers the second groove to form the second fluid channel.
[0192] Embodiment 31. The apparatus of Embodiments 23 to 30, wherein the body includes locating posts and the second laminate includes locating holes that receive the corresponding locating posts.
[0193] Embodiment 32. The apparatus of any one of Embodiments 23 to 31, wherein the body defines a window to allow visual access to the flow cell.
[0194] Embodiment 33. The apparatus of any one of Embodiments 23 to 32, wherein the body includes locating posts and the first laminate includes locating holes that receive the corresponding locating posts.
[0195] Embodiment 34. The apparatus of any one of Embodiments 23 to 33, wherein the body comprises a plurality of first pads and a plurality of second pads, the first pads being opposite to the second pads.
[0196] Embodiment 35. The apparatus of Embodiment 34, wherein the flow cell is disposed on the first pad.
[0197] Embodiment 36. The apparatus of any one of Embodiments 33 to 35, wherein the body defines a window to allow visual access to the flow cell, the window includes a corner, and wherein the first pad and the second pad are positioned adjacent to the corresponding corner.
[0198] Embodiment 37. The apparatus of any one of Embodiments 23 to 36, wherein the body of the circulation cell assembly and the circulation cell are coupled by a coupling.
[0199] Embodiment 38. The apparatus of Embodiment 37, wherein the coupling member comprises tape.
[0200] Embodiment 39. The apparatus of any one of Embodiments 23 to 38, wherein the flow cell assembly comprises a second flow cell supported by the body.
[0201] Embodiment 40. The apparatus of Embodiment 39, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell are fluidically coupled in series.
[0202] Embodiment 41. An apparatus according to Embodiment 40, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell have longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other.
[0203] Embodiment 42. An apparatus according to Embodiment 40, wherein the circulation cell and the second circulation cell have substantially coaxial longitudinal axes.
[0204] Embodiment 43. The apparatus of Embodiment 39, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell are fluidically coupled in parallel.
[0205] Embodiment 44. An apparatus according to Embodiment 43, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell have longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other.
[0206] Embodiment 45. An apparatus according to Embodiment 43, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell have substantially coaxial longitudinal axes.
[0207] Embodiment 46. A method, comprising: coupling a circulation pool inlet gasket, a circulation pool outlet gasket and an outlet gasket to a body of a circulation pool assembly, the body comprising a fluid hole; coupling a first laminate to the body and forming a first fluid channel between the circulation pool outlet gasket and the fluid hole; coupling a second laminate to the body to form a second fluid channel between the fluid hole and the outlet gasket; and coupling a circulation pool to the body, the circulation pool comprising a channel, the channel comprising a circulation pool inlet and a circulation pool outlet, the circulation pool inlet fluid being coupled to the circulation pool inlet gasket and the circulation pool outlet fluid being coupled to the circulation pool outlet gasket.
[0208] Embodiment 47. A method according to Embodiment 46, wherein the method further comprises coupling a circulation cell inlet gasket, a circulation cell outlet gasket and an outlet gasket to a main body of a second circulation cell assembly, the main body of the second circulation cell assembly comprising a fluid hole; coupling a first laminate to the main body of the second circulation cell assembly to form a first fluid channel between the circulation cell outlet gasket and the fluid hole of the second circulation cell assembly; coupling a second laminate to the main body of the second circulation cell assembly to form a second fluid channel between the fluid hole of the second circulation cell assembly and the outlet gasket; and coupling a second circulation cell and the main body of the second circulation cell assembly.
[0209] Embodiment 48. A method according to Embodiment 47, wherein the circulation cell and the second circulation cell are different.
[0210] Embodiment 49. The method of any one of Embodiments 47 to 48, further comprising mechanically and fluidically coupling the flow cell assembly or the second flow cell assembly to a cartridge assembly.
[0211] Embodiment 50. A method according to Embodiment 49, wherein the flow cell assembly and the second flow cell assembly are interchangeably capable of being mechanically and fluidically coupled to the box assembly.
[0212] Embodiment 51. A method according to any one of Embodiments 49 to 50, wherein the box assembly comprises: a fluid interface; a well recess; a channel, the channel fluidly coupled between the fluid interface and the well recess; and an outlet port, the outlet port fluidly coupled to the well recess and fluidly coupled to one of the circulation cell assembly or the second circulation cell assembly.
[0213] Embodiment 52. A device, comprising: a box assembly; and a first circulation cell assembly, the first circulation cell assembly comprising a first circulation cell; and a second circulation cell assembly, the second circulation cell assembly comprising a second circulation cell different from the first circulation cell, wherein the first circulation cell assembly and the second circulation cell assembly are interchangeably capable of being mechanically and fluidically coupled to the box assembly.
[0214] Embodiment 53. A device, comprising: a box assembly; and a first circulation cell assembly, the first circulation cell assembly comprising a single cell; and a second circulation cell assembly, the second circulation cell assembly comprising a pair of circulation cells, wherein the first circulation cell assembly and the second circulation cell assembly are interchangeably capable of being mechanically and fluidically coupled to the box assembly.
[0215] Embodiment 54. A method, comprising: allowing liquid to flow under positive pressure into a well of a box assembly comprising a dry reagent to rehydrate the dry reagent, the box assembly comprising the well and an outlet port fluidly coupled to the well; and using a pump to allow the rehydrated reagent to flow into a circulation cell inlet gasket of a circulation cell assembly, the circulation cell assembly comprising a body carrying the circulation cell inlet gasket and a circulation cell supported by the body, the circulation cell inlet gasket being fluidly coupled to the outlet port and the circulation cell.
[0216] Embodiment 55. A method according to Embodiment 54, wherein causing the liquid to flow under positive pressure includes using a gas source.
[0217] Embodiment 56. The method of any one of Embodiments 54 to 55, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises the pump.
[0218] Embodiment 57. A method according to any one of Embodiments 54 to 56, wherein the pump comprises a syringe pump.
[0219] Embodiment 58. The method of any one of Embodiments 54 to 57, wherein the pump is positioned upstream of the flow cell.
[0220] Embodiment 59. The method of any one of Embodiments 54 to 57, wherein the pump is positioned downstream of the flow cell.
[0221] Embodiment 60. The method of any one of Embodiments 54 to 59, wherein causing the liquid to flow into the well under positive pressure comprises pressurizing a storage chamber of a reagent reservoir containing the liquid and causing the liquid to flow from the storage chamber to the cartridge assembly.
[0222] Embodiment 61. A method according to any one of embodiments 54 to 60, wherein the circulation cell assembly includes the main body carrying the circulation cell inlet gasket, the circulation cell outlet gasket and the outlet gasket, the main body including a fluid hole; a first laminate, the first laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a first fluid channel between the circulation cell outlet gasket and the fluid hole; a second laminate, the second laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a second fluid channel between the fluid hole and the outlet gasket; and the circulation cell, the circulation cell is supported by the main body and includes a channel, the channel includes a circulation cell inlet and a circulation cell outlet, the circulation cell inlet fluid is coupled to the circulation cell inlet gasket and the circulation cell outlet fluid is coupled to the circulation cell outlet gasket.
[0223] Embodiment 62. A method comprising:
[0224] Allow the reagents to flow through the flow cell assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 45.
[0225] Embodiment 63. The apparatus of Embodiment 1, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises a pump coupled to at least one of the outlet gaskets of the flow cell assembly or between the well and the flow cell assembly.
[0226] Embodiment 64. The apparatus of Embodiment 63, wherein the pump comprises a syringe pump.
[0227] Embodiment 65. The apparatus of Embodiment 63, further comprising a dried reagent contained within the well, and wherein the syringe pump is used to flow rehydrated dried reagent from the well to the flow cell.
[0228] Embodiment 66. The apparatus of Embodiment 1, wherein the body comprises a first groove and a second groove, the first laminate covers the first groove to form the first fluid channel, and the second laminate covers the second groove to form the second fluid channel.
[0229] Embodiment 67. The apparatus of Embodiment 9, wherein the body of the circulation cell assembly and the circulation cell are coupled via a coupling.
[0230] Embodiment 68. A device according to embodiment 67, wherein the coupling member includes a first snap-fit cantilever and a second snap-fit cantilever, the first snap-fit cantilever is positioned on a first side of the circulation pool and the second snap-fit cantilever is positioned on a second side of the circulation pool.
[0231] Embodiment 69. The apparatus of Embodiment 68, wherein the first snap-fit cantilever offsets the flow cell in the x-direction and the second snap-fit cantilever offsets the flow cell in the y-direction.
[0232] Embodiment 70. The apparatus of Embodiment 9, wherein the coupling comprises a pair of retainers comprising a lip positioned above a top of the circulation pool.
[0233] Embodiment 71. The device according to embodiment 9 further comprises a second circulation cell assembly, the second circulation cell assembly comprising a second circulation cell different from the circulation cell, the second circulation cell assembly being capable of being coupled to the box assembly instead of the circulation cell assembly.
[0234] Embodiment 72 The apparatus of Embodiment 23, wherein the body includes locating posts and the second laminate includes locating holes that receive the corresponding locating posts.
[0235] Embodiment 73. An apparatus according to Embodiment 23, wherein the body defines a window to allow visual access to the circulation pool.
[0236] Embodiment 74 The apparatus of Embodiment 23, wherein the body includes locating posts and the first laminate includes locating holes that receive the corresponding locating posts.
[0237] Embodiment 75. The apparatus of Embodiment 23, wherein the body comprises a plurality of first pads and a plurality of second pads, the first pads being opposite to the second pads.
[0238] Embodiment 76. The apparatus of Embodiment 75, wherein the flow cell is disposed on the first pad.
[0239] Embodiment 77. The method of Embodiment 54, wherein the pump comprises a syringe pump.
[0240] Embodiment 78. A method according to Embodiment 54, wherein the pump is positioned upstream of the circulation pool.
[0241] Embodiment 79. A method according to Embodiment 54, wherein the pump is positioned downstream of the circulation pool.
[0242] Embodiment 80. The method of Embodiment 54, wherein causing the liquid to flow into the well under positive pressure comprises pressurizing a storage chamber of a reagent reservoir containing the liquid and causing the liquid to flow from the storage chamber to the cartridge assembly.
[0243] Embodiment 81. A method according to embodiment 54, wherein the circulation pool assembly includes the main body carrying the circulation pool inlet gasket, the circulation pool outlet gasket and the outlet gasket, the main body including a fluid hole; a first laminate, the first laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a first fluid channel between the circulation pool outlet gasket and the fluid hole; a second laminate, the second laminate is coupled to the main body and forms a second fluid channel between the fluid hole and the outlet gasket; and the circulation pool, the circulation pool is supported by the main body and includes a channel, the channel includes a circulation pool inlet and a circulation pool outlet, the circulation pool inlet fluid is coupled to the circulation pool inlet gasket and the circulation pool outlet fluid is coupled to the circulation pool outlet gasket.
[0244] 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.
[0245] Although this paper describes box and reservoir about test kit and reagent reservoir, these boxes or reservoirs can also be used to hold other liquids, including but not limited to buffer, sample and washing solution, separated or combined with reagent or other liquids.For example, box can have the first chamber that holds reagent, the second chamber that holds buffer and the third chamber that holds washing solution.In addition, box and reservoir as herein described can comprise one or more additional chambers that can be used as waste chamber on box, for example, which may or may not comprise corresponding aspirator chamber.
[0246] 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.
[0247] 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 can 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%.
[0248] The terms "connected," "connected," "contacted," "coupled," and the like are broadly defined herein to encompass a variety of discrete arrangements and assembly techniques. These arrangements and techniques include, but are not limited to: (1) the direct engagement of one component with another component without intervening components (i.e., the components are in direct physical contact); and (2) the engagement of one component with another component with one or more components in between, provided that the one component is "connected to" or "contacted with" or "coupled to" the other component to some extent in operational communication (e.g., electrical, fluidic, physical, optical communication, etc.) with the other component (although there are one or more additional components in between). It should be understood that some components that are in direct physical contact with each other may or may not be in electrical and / or fluidic contact with each other. In addition, two components that are electrically connected, electrically coupled, optically connected, optically coupled, fluidically connected, or fluidically coupled may or may not be in direct physical contact, and one or more other components may be disposed between the two components.
[0249] 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.
[0250] 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 each specific implementation described throughout the present 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.
[0251] 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. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A device, comprising: A system, comprising: Pneumatic interfaces; and Seat capacity; a reservoir receivable within the receptacle and having: a body including a reservoir chamber, a pneumatic port fluidically coupled to the reservoir chamber, and a fluid port fluidly coupled to the reservoir chamber, and A box assembly, the box assembly comprising: a fluid interface capable of being coupled to the fluid port; Well depression; a channel fluidly coupled between the fluid interface and the well; and an outlet port fluidly coupled to the well; and A circulation cell assembly, the circulation cell assembly comprising: a body carrying a flow cell inlet gasket, a flow cell outlet gasket, and an outlet gasket, the body including a fluid aperture; a first laminate coupled to the body and forming a first fluid channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the fluid aperture; a second laminate coupled to the body and forming a second fluid passage between the fluid aperture and the outlet gasket; and a flow cell supported by the body and comprising a channel including a flow cell inlet and a flow cell outlet, the flow cell inlet fluidly coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket and the flow cell outlet fluidly coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket, Wherein the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circulation pool assembly is coupled to the box assembly via a coupling.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the coupling comprises a snap-fit connection.
4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the box assembly includes a pair of locating posts, and the body of the circulation pool assembly includes a pair of locating holes aligned with the corresponding locating posts.
5. The apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises a pump coupled to at least one of the outlet gaskets of the flow cell assembly or between the well and the flow cell assembly.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pump comprises a syringe pump.
7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 6, further comprising a dried reagent contained within the well, and wherein the syringe pump is used to flow rehydrated dried reagent from the well to the flow cell.
8. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises a first groove and a second groove, the first laminate covering the first groove to form the first fluid channel, and the second laminate covering the second groove to form the second fluid channel.
9. A device, comprising: A box assembly, the box assembly comprising: Fluid interface; Well depression; a channel fluidly coupled between the fluid interface and the well; and an outlet port fluidly coupled to the well; and A circulation cell assembly, the circulation cell assembly comprising: a body carrying a flow cell inlet gasket, a flow cell outlet gasket, and an outlet gasket, the body including a fluid aperture; a first laminate coupled to the body and forming a first fluid channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the fluid aperture; a second laminate coupled to the body and forming a second fluid passage between the fluid aperture and the outlet gasket; and a flow cell supported by the body and comprising a channel including a flow cell inlet and a flow cell outlet, the flow cell inlet fluidly coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket and the flow cell outlet fluidly coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket, Wherein the outlet port is fluidly coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the flow cell assembly comprises a second flow cell supported by the body.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell are fluidically coupled in series.
12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the flow cell outlet of the flow cell is coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket via the second flow cell fluid.
13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the main body of the circulation cell assembly and the second circulation cell are coupled by a coupling.
14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the body of the circulation cell assembly and the circulation cell are coupled by a coupling.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the coupling comprises a first snap-fit cantilever and a second snap-fit cantilever, the first snap-fit cantilever being positioned on a first side of the circulation pool and the second snap-fit cantilever being positioned on a second side of the circulation pool.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first snap-fit cantilever arm offsets the flow cell in the x-direction and the second snap-fit cantilever arm offsets the flow cell in the y-direction.
17. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the coupling comprises a pair of retainers comprising a lip positioned above the top of the flow cell.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein both of the retaining members are positioned on one side of the flow cell.
19. The apparatus of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the coupling comprises an x-reference protrusion and a y-reference protrusion that engage with the flow cell.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a second x-reference protrusion.
21. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 20, further comprising a second circulation cell assembly, the second circulation cell assembly comprising a second circulation cell different from the circulation cell, the second circulation cell assembly being capable of being coupled to the box assembly instead of the circulation cell assembly.
22. The device according to claim 21 further comprises a third circulation cell assembly, the third circulation cell assembly comprising a third circulation cell and a fourth circulation cell, the third circulation cell assembly replacing the circulation cell assembly and being capable of being coupled to the box assembly instead of the second circulation cell assembly.
23. A device, comprising: A circulation cell assembly, the circulation cell assembly comprising: a body carrying a flow cell inlet gasket, a flow cell outlet gasket, and an outlet gasket, the body including a fluid aperture; a first laminate coupled to the body and forming a first fluid channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the fluid aperture; a second laminate coupled to the body and forming a second fluid passage between the fluid aperture and the outlet gasket; and A flow cell is supported by the body and includes a channel including a flow cell inlet and a flow cell outlet, the flow cell inlet fluidly coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket and the flow cell outlet fluidly coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the flow cell assembly comprises a second flow cell supported by the body.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell are fluidically coupled in series.
26. An apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 25, wherein the body carries a second circulation cell inlet gasket and a second circulation cell outlet gasket, the second circulation cell comprises a channel, the channel comprises a circulation cell inlet and a circulation cell outlet, the circulation cell inlet fluid of the second circulation cell is coupled to the second circulation cell inlet gasket, and the circulation cell outlet fluid of the second circulation cell is coupled to the second circulation cell outlet gasket.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the second laminate forms the second fluid channel between the second flow cell outlet gasket and the outlet gasket.
28. The apparatus of any one of claims 26 to 27, further comprising a third fluid channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the second flow cell inlet gasket.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the second laminate forms the third fluid channel.
30. The apparatus of claims 28 to 29, wherein the body comprises a first groove, a second groove and a third groove, the first laminate covers the first groove to form the first fluid channel and covers the third groove to form the third fluid channel, and the second laminate covers the second groove to form the second fluid channel.
31. Apparatus as claimed in claims 23 to 30, wherein the body comprises locating posts and the second laminate comprises locating holes receiving the corresponding locating posts.
32. An apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the body defines a window to allow visual access to the circulation cell.
33. Apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein the body comprises locating posts and the first laminate comprises locating holes receiving the corresponding locating posts.
34. The apparatus of any one of claims 23 to 33, wherein the body comprises a plurality of first pads and a plurality of second pads, the first pads being opposite the second pads.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the flow cell is disposed on the first pad.
36. The apparatus of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the body defines a window to allow visual access to the flow cell, the window includes a corner, and wherein the first pad and the second pad are positioned adjacent to the corresponding corner.
37. The apparatus of any one of claims 23 to 36, wherein the body of the circulation cell assembly and the circulation cell are coupled by a coupling.
38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the coupling comprises tape.
39. An apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 38, wherein the flow cell assembly includes a second flow cell supported by the body.
40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell are fluidically coupled in series.
41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell have longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other.
42. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell have substantially coaxial longitudinal axes.
43. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell are fluidically coupled in parallel.
44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell have longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other.
45. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell have substantially coaxial longitudinal axes.
46. A method comprising: coupling a flow cell inlet gasket, a flow cell outlet gasket, and an outlet gasket to a body of a flow cell assembly, the body including a fluid aperture; coupling a first laminate to the body and forming a first fluid channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the fluid aperture; coupling a second laminate to the body to form a second fluid passage between the fluid aperture and the outlet gasket; as well as A flow cell is coupled to the body, the flow cell comprising a channel including a flow cell inlet and a flow cell outlet, the flow cell inlet fluidly coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket and the flow cell outlet fluidly coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket.
47. The method of claim 46, further comprising: coupling a flow cell inlet gasket, a flow cell outlet gasket, and an outlet gasket to a body of a second flow cell assembly, the body of the second flow cell assembly including a fluid aperture; coupling a first laminate to the body of the second flow cell assembly to form a first fluid channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the fluid aperture of the second flow cell assembly; coupling a second laminate to the body of the second flow cell assembly to form a second fluid channel between the fluid aperture of the second flow cell assembly and the outlet gasket; as well as A second flow cell is coupled to the body of the second flow cell assembly.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the flow cell and the second flow cell are different.
49. The method of any one of claims 47 to 48, further comprising mechanically and fluidically coupling the flow cell assembly or the second flow cell assembly to a cartridge assembly.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein the flow cell assembly and the second flow cell assembly are interchangeably capable of being mechanically and fluidly coupled to the cartridge assembly.
51. The method of any one of claims 49 to 50, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises: Fluid interface; Well depression; a channel fluidly coupled between the fluid interface and the well; and An outlet port is fluidly coupled to the well and to one of the flow cell assembly or the second flow cell assembly.
52. A device, comprising: Box assembly; and a first flow cell assembly, the first flow cell assembly comprising a first flow cell; and a second flow cell assembly, the second flow cell assembly comprising a second flow cell different from the first flow cell, Wherein the first flow cell assembly and the second flow cell assembly are interchangeably capable of being mechanically and fluidically coupled to the box assembly.
53. A device, comprising: Box assembly; and a first flow cell assembly, the first flow cell assembly comprising a single cell; and a second flow cell assembly, the second flow cell assembly comprising a pair of flow cells; Wherein the first flow cell assembly and the second flow cell assembly are interchangeably capable of being mechanically and fluidically coupled to the box assembly.
54. A method comprising: flowing a liquid under positive pressure into a well of a cartridge assembly including a dry reagent to rehydrate the dry reagent, the cartridge assembly including the well and an outlet port fluidly coupled to the well; and A pump is used to flow the rehydration reagent into a flow cell inlet gasket of a flow cell assembly, the flow cell assembly including a body carrying the flow cell inlet gasket and a flow cell supported by the body, the flow cell inlet gasket being fluidically coupled to the outlet port and the flow cell.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein causing the liquid to flow under a positive pressure comprises using a gas source.
56. The method of any one of claims 54 to 55, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises the pump.
57. The method of any one of claims 54 to 56, wherein the pump comprises a syringe pump.
58. A method according to any one of claims 54 to 57, wherein the pump is positioned upstream of the circulation pool.
59. The method of any one of claims 54 to 57, wherein the pump is positioned downstream of the circulation pool.
60. The method of any one of claims 54 to 59, wherein causing the liquid to flow into the well under positive pressure comprises pressurizing a storage chamber of a reagent reservoir containing the liquid and causing the liquid to flow from the storage chamber to the cartridge assembly.
61. The method of any one of claims 54 to 60, wherein the flow cell assembly comprises the body carrying the flow cell inlet gasket, the flow cell outlet gasket and the outlet gasket, the body comprising a fluid aperture; a first laminate coupled to the body and forming a first fluid channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the fluid aperture; a second laminate coupled to the body and forming a second fluid passage between the fluid aperture and the outlet gasket; and the flow cell, which is supported by the body and includes a channel, the channel including a flow cell inlet and a flow cell outlet, the flow cell inlet fluid is coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket and the flow cell outlet fluid is coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket.
62. A method comprising: The reagents are passed through a flow cell assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 45.
63. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cartridge assembly comprises a pump coupled to at least one of the outlet gaskets of the circulation cell assembly or between the well and the circulation cell assembly.
64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the pump comprises a syringe pump.
65. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising a dried reagent contained within the well, and wherein the syringe pump is used to flow rehydrated dried reagent from the well to the flow cell.
66. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a first groove and a second groove, the first laminate covers the first groove to form the first fluid channel, and the second laminate covers the second groove to form the second fluid channel.
67. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the body of the circulation cell assembly and the circulation cell are coupled via a coupling.
68. An apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the coupling comprises a first snap-fit cantilever and a second snap-fit cantilever, the first snap-fit cantilever being positioned on a first side of the circulation pool and the second snap-fit cantilever being positioned on a second side of the circulation pool.
69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the first snap-fit cantilever offsets the flow cell in the x-direction and the second snap-fit cantilever offsets the flow cell in the y-direction.
70. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the coupling comprises a pair of retainers comprising a lip positioned above a top of the circulation pool.
71. The device according to claim 9 further comprises a second circulation cell assembly, the second circulation cell assembly comprising a second circulation cell different from the circulation cell, the second circulation cell assembly being capable of being coupled to the box assembly in place of the circulation cell assembly.
72. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the body includes locating posts and the second laminate includes locating holes that receive the corresponding locating posts.
73. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the body defines a window to allow visual access to the circulation pool.
74. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the body includes locating posts and the first laminate includes locating holes that receive the corresponding locating posts.
75. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the body comprises a plurality of first pads and a plurality of second pads, the first pads being opposite to the second pads.
76. The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the flow cell is disposed on the first pad.
77. The method of claim 54, wherein the pump comprises a syringe pump.
78. The method of claim 54, wherein the pump is positioned upstream of the circulation pool.
79. The method of claim 54, wherein the pump is positioned downstream of the circulation pool.
80. The method of claim 54, wherein causing the liquid to flow into the well under positive pressure comprises pressurizing a storage chamber of a reagent reservoir containing the liquid and causing the liquid to flow from the storage chamber to the cartridge assembly.
81. The method of claim 54, wherein the flow cell assembly comprises the body carrying the flow cell inlet gasket, the flow cell outlet gasket, and the outlet gasket, the body comprising a fluid aperture; a first laminate coupled to the body and forming a first fluid channel between the flow cell outlet gasket and the fluid aperture; a second laminate coupled to the body and forming a second fluid passage between the fluid aperture and the outlet gasket; and the flow cell, which is supported by the body and includes a channel, the channel including a flow cell inlet and a flow cell outlet, the flow cell inlet fluid is coupled to the flow cell inlet gasket and the flow cell outlet fluid is coupled to the flow cell outlet gasket.
