DE2806383A1 - UNIT WITH A MEASURING OPENING FOR A PARTICLE ANALYZER - Google Patents

Description

GQUHEEH EEEC5K0HICS _p
Hialeahj Florida / U

"Unit with a heating opening for a particle analyzer"

The invention relates generally to inspection -of physical properties of microscopic particles ia ^ in suspension, and in particular on a . Arrangement for examining blood cells using iron signals generated when they pass through a branch opening and for determining the hemoglobin age,

There are already analyzing devices known with which size, Number and other physical properties: can be determined by blood cells. Devices are also known with which the hemoglobin content of the blood to be examined using light-sensitive hemoglobin analyzers is measurable.

The invention is based on the object of creating an exchangeable unit with a measuring opening for a particle analyzer, which allows not only a determination of size, number and the like. Properties of the blood cells but also the measurement of the hemoglobin content of the blood sample to be examined.

To solve this problem, the structural unit according to the invention characterized by a chamber with a narrowed portion with which the measuring opening on the outside of the

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Suspension unaffected side communicates, and by a set of lenses serving for visual observation of the measuring opening during the passage of the suspension, which is in a the second chamber is arranged in contact with the wall of the other chamber which delimits the narrowed section.

According to one feature of the invention, a specially designed electrode is provided for use with this assembly, which can be arranged in the middle of the structural unit without the possibility of visual observation of the structural unit arranged measuring opening to impair. The assembly is made very narrow, and in known arrangements therefore, it is difficult to direct a light beam onto the measuring opening in order to subdue it in an optical system, for example to be able to observe a microscope. According to the invention, the electrode has a wide area, the optimal one Effectiveness guaranteed, and is perforated by a central hole so that the light beam can pass through unhindered the assembly can be directed through to the measuring opening. The central arrangement of the electrode in relation to the structural unit prevents the suspension liquid from getting to any The body stagnates, which would lead to sedimentation, such as that which occurs when the electrode is on the inner wall the assembly is arranged so as not to obstruct the passage of light.

Thanks to its advantageous double puncture, the Assembly according to the invention, once installed in a particle analyzer, the implementation of both of the studies mentioned at the beginning, without therefore the to blood sample to be examined a? requires double handling.

Further refinements of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

The invention is described below with reference to the drawings described Ausfiirungsbeispiels described in more detail.

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In the drawings shows;

1 is an exploded perspective view of the structural unit having the measuring opening according to the invention with the associated vessel arrangement and a schetnatically indicated Hemoglobinometer;

Pig. 2 shows a section along line 2-2 in Pig. 1 when assembled;

Fig. 3 shows a section along the line 3-3 in] fig.1 in the assembled state; and

FIG. 4- is a section through the assembled arrangement, taken along line 4-4 in FIG.

The structural unit having the measuring opening is intended for use with electronic particle analyzers generally known as Ooulter devices. The Coulter device and its operation are described in particular in US-PS 3 ₅ 54-9,994-.

The structural unit 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be connected to a vessel 12 which has a chamber 13 for receiving a vessel to be examined Includes blood sample. The vessel 12 also includes an isolation or drip chamber 101 which at the same time protects against contamination, as follows will be described. The chamber 13 opens out via a connecting channel 100, which ends in a nipple 102, into the drip chamber 101. At the bottom of the drip chamber 101 is a drainage opening 19 provided; An opening 22 opening into the interior of the chamber 13 is formed in a side wall 20 of the vessel 12.

The structural unit 10 consists of a housing body 26 which has two chambers 28, 30 arranged at right angles to one another

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includes. The chamber 28 has a closed end on and an open end 31 for receiving a connection piece 32 for the leads of the common, grounded electrode 34 · of the Coulter device. (The one required for this device Measuring electrode 25 is in chamber 13 of vessel 12 arranged.) O-einge 35 or the like. Provide devices for a tight fit of the connection piece 32 inserted into the chamber 20 and prevent the open end of the chamber from leaking The electrodes are the electrical conductors 38 25 j 34 · with the detection device (not shown) connected to the Coulter device.

The chamber 30 extends "into the chamber 28 inside and is limited by the chamfer 76 whose wall 77 (FIG · ² O. The bevel 76 also limits a passing over into the closed end 29, narrowed portion 79 of the chamber 28. In the chamber 30, the lens set 40 of an objective can be inserted, which is used for visual observation of the passage opening between the measuring opening 56 in the membrane ^ A- of the structural unit 10.

A sample suspension carrying particles flows through Operation of the device, the measuring port 56, any, of Deposits or the like. Clogging caused by determine visual "monitoring of the measuring opening 56 by optics leaves. To illuminate the opening 56, a lamp 41 is provided as a light source, the light beam of which passes through the vessel 12 and the suspension contained therein are directed through to the opening 56; the lens set 40 allowed visual observation of the opening from the outside.

In the light beam path, the inner immersion electrode 25 is arranged on a rigid wire 37, which is connected to the in a corresponding Recess of the vessel 12 potted seated core wire 39 of the conductor 39, soldered or otherwise connected is. The electrode 25 is essentially plate-shaped and has a central hole 43 with a diameter of about 3 mm, which is the light beam lets pass freely.

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The liquid flow in the central section of the vessel 12 surrounding the electrode 25 keeps the electrode bare. Since the vessel is relatively narrow, the hole in the electrode does not significantly reduce the area exposed to the liquid that a good contact is guaranteed "The distance between the electrode and the wall 15 prevents the liquid from stagnating, which could lead to sedimentation with problematic consequences \ its rigid arrangement ensures that the electrode is fixed, regardless of any displacement or vibration of the device during operation *

The entire assembly and the vessel assembly are preferably made of transparent synthetic resin or some other material that allows light transmission with a minimum of distortion. In an annular extension 23 of the structural unit 10 _9, which is coaxial with the chamber JO and which is in communication with the chamber 28 via an opening 24, a small plate or membrane 54 is fastened with an adhesive cement or the like, in which on known Way, the measuring opening 56 is formed.

As can be seen from the drawings, the outer contour corresponds of the extension 23 essentially the opening 22 provided in the vessel 12, so that the structural unit 10 with the The vessel 12 can be connected by inserting it into its opening 22. This connection is made by an on the extension 23 between the vessel 12 and the unit 10 seated Hing 53 sealed so that no liquid can leak through. Another connection the unit 10 with the vessel 12 is carried out by screws 33.

The structural unit 10 points closely above the floor of the chamber 28 an inlet opening 60 and an outlet opening 70 in its upper, narrowed chamber portion; both openings 60, 70 are enclosed by a nipple 61 or 71, which are extend at right angles to chamber 28. The passage cross section of the narrowed portion 79 of the chamber 28 and the

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The diameter of the outlet openings 70 are essentially the same, so that the opening 70 to the constriction 79 over the entire Passage cross-section connects.

Wp.e indicated schematically in FIGS. 1 and 4 is the upper one Section of the vessel 12 is assigned a hemoglobin measuring device 200. This facility 200 consists of a hja? only schematically drawn light source and an optics 202, their design and arrangement ii the US-PS 3 »459,994 and 3,622,795 are described. The hemoglobin content of the blood sample contained in the vessel 12 can be measured with the device 200 measure up.

The hemoglobin measuring device 200 and the structural unit 10 carrying the measuring opening 56 operate as described below:

By introducing a sample 14- into the chamber 33 of the vessel 12, an automatic sequence of a series of examination processes is initiated via controls (not shown). A vacuum is applied to the opening 70 in order to clean To draw electrolyte from a supply (not shown) through inlet port 60 into chamber 28. the Inlet opening 60 is opened for a short period of time of about 1 second so that pure electrolyte flows through chamber 28 and it cleans or rinses. Then the inlet opening 60 is closed again. Then the hemoglobin content of the sample 14 measured by the device 200. At the Closing the inlet port 60, the sample 14 is th ie Sucked measuring port 56 and it is carried out an analysis in the Coulter device. Flows at the end of its run the sample suspension over the narrowed portion of the chamber 28 up through the outlet opening 70, whereupon the acting on the opening 70 vacuum is switched off.

In the sequence of operations described above, the sample suspension 14 flows during the operation of the hemoglobin measuring device 200 also at the same time through the opening 56, but preferably none takes place at this point in time

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Sampling or analysis of the sample in the Coulter device, since the signals generated to measure the hemoglobin content of the sample and the signals to be detected by the Coulter device could interfere with each other. These two signal trains should therefore not occur at the same time.

The workflow can also take place alternately, with the hemoglobin measurement by device 200 at the end of each cycle, i.e. after the! sample has been analyzed in the Coulter device and the vacuum is switched off at the opening 70, namely immediately before the flushing inlet a new, pure electrolyte into the chamber 28. This sequence of operations has the advantage that the sample suspension 14 can calm down in the vessel 12 and is then free of eddies. It can also perform the hemoglobin measurement cause less vortex formation in chamber 13 when the vacuum is switched off.

The formation of the structural unit 10 and the vessel arrangement offers numerous advantages over known constructions. Chamber 28 must be flushed through before each sample run and their new electrolyte will be introduced. The inlet opening is open during this flushing process 60 connected to an electrolyte supply, while a vacuum is effective at the outlet opening 70. The one in the Electrolyte flowing in to chamber 28 is passed upwards past electrode 34, along bevel 76 and directly behind the measuring opening 56 is sucked upwardly, with any air bubbles and others Unwanted particles deposited in the chamber and on the electrode are entrained. This flushing process takes place preferably between the individual measurement runs of the Coulter device, i.e. whenever there is no quell analysis is carried out. The bevel 76 and the exactly equally wide passage cross section of the outlet end the chamber 28 and the outlet opening 70 reduce the tendency for bubbles to form in the chamber and also prevent that in the area adjacent to the measuring opening

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Accumulate vesicles; any vesicles that may develop are flushed through the. opening 70 swept out.

As "already stated, the electrode 34 is common or the grounded electrode of the device receiving the assembly 10, and the electrode 25 in the vessel 12 is the signal or hot measuring electrode. This arrangement of the electrodes is preferably chosen because they are connected to the grounded electrode often form hydrogen bubbles. By placing the grounded electrode on the downstream side the measuring opening prevents bubbles from passing through the measuring opening and generating undesired interference signals. Besides that can be the grounded electrode 34 thanks to this arrangement Clean on the downstream side of the measuring opening in the flushing process described above.

- ^ i e arrangement of the signal or measuring electrode on the upstream downward side of the measuring opening in the vessel 12 calls for an electrical insulating chamber on the same Page. In addition, a drip chamber must cooperate with the sample chamber 13 in order to prevent the sample from passing through beforehand Liquids contained in the vessel 12 is contaminated (US Pat. No. 3,580,686). A single chamber 101 is sufficient for both Functions, i.e. it serves both as an isolation chamber as well as protection against contamination. The Chamber 13 protrudes with its outlet nipple 102 into the chamber 101, the nipple 102 through the sloping wall sections is separated from the side wall of the chamber 101. The tapering wall sections 103 therefore end above of the lower end of the nipple 102 and in this way cause electrical insulation of the drip chamber.

Thanks to the tapering neck section 105 of the sample chamber 13 at its transition to the one opening into the chamber 101 Connecting channel 100, the chamber 101 also acts as a protection against contamination. The neck portion 105 is smooth and without abrupt discontinuities according to the

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Teaching of US-ES 5,580,686 trained. Once a sample is introduced into the chamber 13, their most drops brush the entire inner surface of the chamber and take through Rinsing effect with all residues of previous liquids or the like. As additional protection against contamination the discharge opening 19 is arranged eccentrically in the bottom of the chamber 101; prevents this eccentricity, that any liquid that splashes up in the drainage area goes back directly into the "connecting channel 100. The drainage opening 19 is opened at the end of each working cycle of the device, i.e. as soon as the chamber 101 is flushed is required.

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Claims (11)

Lawyer file: 9785 jk 8MüncJien4Q, EUsabethstraße34 COULTER EGGTRONICS, INC. Hialeah, Florida / U.S.A. "Unit with a measuring opening for a particle analyzer" Expectations Structural unit with a measuring opening for a particle analyzer with a vessel for receiving one to be examined Particle suspension, consisting of a housing made of optically transparent material, what? includes two chambers and in the one chamber an element with a measuring opening formed therein is supported, which is into the vessel of the analyzer with the action of the suspension liquid on one side of the measuring opening extends, wherein in the measuring opening between the vessel and the structural unit by a arranged in the vessel -Electrode and a second electrode arranged in one chamber, an electrical ITeId can be generated, the chamber further having a A particle-free liquid is supplied and, at its outlet end, the suspension from the vessel is passed through the measuring opening can be connected into the arrangement moving a chamber and also a connection for the electrical Leads for the electrodes are provided, which can be connected to a detection device via electrical conductors 8 09833/10 9 0 which process electrical measurement signals generated on the electrodes when particles pass through the measurement opening, characterized in that one chamber (28) of the structural unit (10) has a narrowed section (79), with which the measuring opening (56) is in connection on its side not exposed to the suspension, and that one for visual observation of the Meßöffbung during the suspension passage serving lens set (40) in the second chamber (30) in contact with the narrowed section (79) delimiting wall of the chamber (28) is arranged. 2. Assembly according to claim 1, with a light beam through the vessel to the inside of the measuring opening for visual observation of the light source, thereby characterized in that the one, essentially plate-shaped electrode (25) is essentially in the center of the vessel (12) is arranged in alignment with the light source (41) and one that allows the light beam to pass through has central hole (43). 3. Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the electrode (2-5) on a relatively rigid, with the wall (105) of the vessel connected holder (37) is arranged. 4. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two chambers (28,30) in the are arranged at right angles to each other, the chamber (30) protruding into the chamber (28) and through the bevel (76) of the wall (77) of the chamber (28) is limited. 5. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the narrowed portion (79) of the chamber (28) has a closed end (29) and that the chamber (28) opens into the closed end (29) via one The outlet opening (70) can be connected to a liquid flow generating arrangement. 809833/1090 -SS- 6. Unit according to claim 5 *, characterized in that the diameter of the closed end (29) and the diameter of the outlet opening (70) in the main are the same and the outlet opening (70) is connected to the narrowed section (79) over its entire passage cross-section connects. 7. Unit according to one of the preceding Claimsj characterized in that the vessel (12) has a sample chamber combined with a drip chamber (101), wherein the sample chamber (13) opens into the drip chamber via a connecting channel (100) ending in a nipple (102). 8. Unit according to claim 7 »characterized in that the sample chamber (13) has a narrowing neck portion (105) which merges into the connecting channel (100). 9. Unit according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that that the wall sections (103) of the drip chamber (101) taper at an angle near the confluence of the connecting channel (100) and above the lower end of the nipple (102) end up. 10. Electronic particle measuring device with two vessels, between which a wall with a measuring opening is provided, through which in a liquid flowing through the opening suspended particles are measurable, with an electronic circuit arrangement, which is activated when passing through the Liquid electrical changes produced by the measuring opening in the liquid filling the measuring opening responds, wherein at least one electrode arranged in the one vessel can be connected to the circuit arrangement is, and also with a light source for visual observation of the measuring opening from the outside, by means of which a Light beam through the suspension liquid contained in the vessel and through onto the inside exposed to the suspension the measuring opening can be directed, characterized in that the essentially plate-shaped electrode (25) in the middle of one vessel (12) in the 809833/1090 device is arranged with the light source (41) and has a central hole (43) which allows the light beam to pass through. 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the electrode (25) on a relatively rigid, with a wall of the vessel (12) connected holder (37) is arranged. 809833/1090