Abstract

A microfluidic cartridge and associated apparatus for performing exchange of buffers or concentrating biologics in liquid are disclosed. The cartridge may include a liquid transport mechanism, a sample container, a series of concentration measurement chambers, and air pressure driven valves for flow control. The cartridge may have a port through which the sample is transported to viscosity, static light scattering, and/or dynamic light scattering measuring devices in sequence for measurement of interaction parameter, molecular weight, hydrodynamic radius, opalescence, viscosity, and/or osmolality.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01D 61/22 - Controlling or regulating
• B01D 61/12 - Controlling or regulating
• B01D 61/14 - UltrafiltrationMicrofiltration
• B01D 63/00 - Apparatus in general for separation processes using semi-permeable membranes
• B01D 63/08 - Flat membrane modules
• B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers

Abstract

This application describes a viscosity measuring instrument that measures viscosity as a function of shear rate in a high throughput manner. The instrument may include multiple viscosity measurement sensor chips arranged in parallel so that viscosity is measured at multiple shear rates simultaneously for many samples. For example, the instrument may include multiple viscosity sensors with liquid flow channels for measuring viscosities of liquids flowing through the flow channels and multiple syringes, each outlet of which is connected to a corresponding inlet of multiple viscosity sensors. The instrument may also include a pump module with a pusher block having a mechanism to lock and unlock ends of pistons of the multiple syringes.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/08 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture by measuring pressure required to produce a known flow
• G01N 11/00 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties

Abstract

A viscometer includes a viscosity sensor with a liquid flow channel for measuring a viscosity of a liquid flowing through the liquid flow channel, a manifold with an inlet and an outlet for receiving a liquid sample through the inlet of the manifold and providing the received liquid sample through the outlet of the manifold to the viscosity sensor, and a pump coupled with the manifold for causing an in-flow of the liquid sample into the manifold through the inlet of the manifold and an out-flow of the received liquid sample from the manifold through the outlet of the manifold. Also disclosed is a viscosity sensor module with two or more viscosity sensors.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/08 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture by measuring pressure required to produce a known flow
• G01N 11/00 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties

Abstract

A viscometer includes a viscosity sensor with a liquid flow channel and at least two pressure sensors positioned along the liquid flow channel and configured to measure a pressure drop of a liquid flowing through the liquid flow channel, and a dispensing mechanism configured to cause dispensing of a liquid from the syringe to the viscosity sensor at a known flow rate. The dispensing mechanism and the viscosity sensor are configured to couple with a syringe configured to contain a liquid. The viscometer further includes an electronic controller configured to control operations of the dispensing mechanism and receive and process data from the viscosity sensor. The viscometer includes a sample loading interface, included in the syringe, through which the viscometer is configured to receive the liquid. The sample loading interface includes a selection valve coupled with, and located between, the viscosity sensor and the syringe.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/02 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material
• G01N 11/08 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture by measuring pressure required to produce a known flow
• G01N 25/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of melting pointInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of freezing pointInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of softening point
• G01N 33/487 - Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material
• G01N 11/00 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties

Abstract

This application describes a viscosity measuring instrument that measures viscosity as a function of shear rate in a high throughput manner. The instrument may include multiple viscosity measurement sensor chips arranged in parallel so that viscosity is measured at multiple shear rates simultaneously for many samples. For example, the instrument may include multiple viscosity sensors with liquid flow channels for measuring viscosities of liquids flowing through the flow channels and multiple syringes, each outlet of which is connected to a corresponding inlet of multiple viscosity sensors. The instrument may also include a pump module with a pusher block having a mechanism to lock and unlock ends of pistons of the multiple syringes.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/08 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture by measuring pressure required to produce a known flow
• G01K 1/04 - Scales

Abstract

A viscometer includes a viscosity sensor with a liquid flow channel for measuring a viscosity of a liquid flowing through the liquid flow channel, a manifold with an inlet and an outlet for receiving a liquid sample through the inlet of the manifold and providing the received liquid sample through the outlet of the manifold to the viscosity sensor, and a pump coupled with the manifold for causing an in-flow of the liquid sample into the manifold through the inlet of the manifold and an out-flow of the received liquid sample from the manifold through the outlet of the manifold. Also disclosed is a viscosity sensor module with two or more viscosity sensors.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61M 5/31 - Syringes Details

Abstract

A viscometer includes a viscosity sensor with a liquid flow channel for measuring a viscosity of a liquid flowing through the liquid flow channel, a manifold with an inlet and an outlet for receiving a liquid sample through the inlet of the manifold and providing the received liquid sample through the outlet of the manifold to the viscosity sensor, and a pump coupled with the manifold for causing an in-flow of the liquid sample into the manifold through the inlet of the manifold and an out-flow of the received liquid sample from the manifold through the outlet of the manifold. Also disclosed is a viscosity sensor module with two or more viscosity sensors.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/08 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture by measuring pressure required to produce a known flow
• G01N 11/00 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties

Abstract

A viscometer includes a viscosity sensor with a liquid flow channel and at least two pressure sensors positioned along the liquid flow channel and configured to measure a pressure drop of a liquid flowing through the liquid flow channel, and a dispensing mechanism configured to cause dispensing of a liquid from the syringe to the viscosity sensor at a known flow rate. The dispensing mechanism and the viscosity sensor are configured to couple with a syringe configured to contain a liquid. The viscometer further includes an electronic controller configured to control operations of the dispensing mechanism and receive and process data from the viscosity sensor. The viscometer includes a sample loading interface, included in the syringe, through which the viscometer is configured to receive the liquid. The sample loading interface includes a selection valve coupled with, and located between, the viscosity sensor and the syringe.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/02 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material
• G01N 11/08 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture by measuring pressure required to produce a known flow
• G01N 25/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of melting pointInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of freezing pointInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of softening point
• G01N 33/487 - Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material
• G01N 11/00 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties

Abstract

A viscometer includes a viscosity sensor with a liquid flow channel and at least two pressure sensors positioned along the liquid flow channel and configured to measure a pressure drop of a liquid flowing through the liquid flow channel, and a dispensing mechanism configured to cause dispensing of a liquid from the syringe to the viscosity sensor at a known flow rate. The dispensing mechanism and the viscosity sensor are configured to couple with a syringe configured to contain a liquid. The viscometer further includes an electronic controller configured to control operations of the dispensing mechanism and receive and process data from the viscosity sensor. The viscometer includes a sample loading interface, included in the syringe, through which the viscometer is configured to receive the liquid. The sample loading interface includes a selection valve coupled with, and located between, the viscosity sensor and the syringe.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/02 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material
• G01N 11/08 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture by measuring pressure required to produce a known flow
• G01N 25/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of melting pointInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of freezing pointInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of softening point
• G01N 33/487 - Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material
• G01N 11/00 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties

Abstract

A viscometer includes a viscosity sensor with a liquid flow channel and at least two pressure sensors positioned along the liquid flow channel and configured to measure a pressure drop of a liquid flowing through the liquid flow channel, and a dispensing mechanism configured to cause dispensing of a liquid from the syringe to the viscosity sensor at a known flow rate. The dispensing mechanism and the viscosity sensor are configured to couple with a syringe configured to contain a liquid. The viscometer further includes an electronic controller configured to control operations of the dispensing mechanism and receive and process data from the viscosity sensor. The viscometer includes a sample loading interface, included in the syringe, through which the viscometer is configured to receive the liquid. The sample loading interface includes a selection valve coupled with, and located between, the viscosity sensor and the syringe.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/02 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material
• G01N 25/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of melting pointInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of freezing pointInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of softening point
• G01N 33/487 - Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material
• G01N 11/00 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties

Abstract

A viscometer includes a viscosity sensor with a liquid flow channel and at least two pressure sensors positioned along the liquid flow channel and configured to measure a pressure drop of a liquid flowing through the liquid flow channel, and a dispensing mechanism configured to cause dispensing of a liquid from the syringe to the viscosity sensor at a known flow rate. The dispensing mechanism and the viscosity sensor are configured to couple with a syringe configured to contain a liquid. The viscometer further includes an electronic controller configured to control operations of the dispensing mechanism and receive and process data from the viscosity sensor. The viscometer includes a sample loading interface, included in the syringe, through which the viscometer is configured to receive the liquid. The sample loading interface includes a selection valve coupled with, and located between, the viscosity sensor and the syringe.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/02 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material
• G01N 11/08 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture by measuring pressure required to produce a known flow
• G01N 25/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of melting pointInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of freezing pointInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating changes of state or changes of phaseInvestigating or analysing materials by the use of thermal means by investigating sintering of softening point
• G01N 33/487 - Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material
• G01N 11/00 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties

Abstract

A viscometer includes a viscosity sensor with a liquid flow channel and at least two pressure sensors positioned along the liquid flow channel and configured to measure a pressure drop of a liquid flowing through the liquid flow channel, and a dispensing mechanism configured to cause dispensing of a liquid from the syringe to the viscosity sensor at a known flow rate. The dispensing mechanism and the viscosity sensor are configured to couple with a syringe configured to contain a liquid. The viscometer further includes an electronic controller configured to control operations of the dispensing mechanism and receive and process data from the viscosity sensor. The viscometer includes a sample loading interface, included in the syringe, through which the viscometer is configured to receive the liquid. The sample loading interface includes a selection valve coupled with, and located between, the viscosity sensor and the syringe.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/04 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture

Goods & Services

Rheometers and viscometers for measuring the viscosity, viscoelasticity, temperature, and pressure of fluids

Goods & Services

Rheometers and viscometers for measuring the viscosity, viscoelasticity, temperature, and pressure of fluids

Abstract

A portable viscometer includes a pump mechanism which cooperates with a positive displacement sample container referred to as a positive displacement pipette, for dispensing, at a known flow rate, a sample of liquid for which viscosity is desired to be determined. The dispensed liquid flows through a flow through miniature viscosity sensor having at least two pressure sensors which measure the pressure drop of the liquid as it flows through a rectangular flow channel, the pressure drop at the known flow rate being proportional to the viscosity. A controller controls operation of the viscometer and processes sensor data, and the resulting measurements of viscosity can be displayed on a display. The positive displacement pipette is removably positioned in the viscometer so that it can be removed from the viscometer when a viscosity test is completed and replaced with another positive displacement pipette containing another liquid to be tested.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/08 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture by measuring pressure required to produce a known flow

Abstract

A portable viscometer includes a pump mechanism which cooperates with a positive displacement sample container referred to as a positive displacement pipette, for dispensing, at a known flow rate, a sample of liquid for which viscosity is desired to be determined. The dispensed liquid flows through a flow through miniature viscosity sensor having at least two pressure sensors which measure the pressure drop of the liquid as it flows through a rectangular flow channel, the pressure drop at the known flow rate being proportional to the viscosity. A controller controls operation of the viscometer and processes sensor data, and the resulting measurements of viscosity can be displayed on a display. The positive displacement pipette is removably positioned in the viscometer so that it can be removed from the viscometer when a viscosity test is completed and replaced with another positive displacement pipette containing another liquid to be tested.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/08 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture by measuring pressure required to produce a known flow

Abstract

A micro-rheometer for measuring flow characteristics such as viscosity, elasticity, and flow rate of a sample liquid combines well defined micro-fabricated flow channels having geometry changes forming a constriction region therein to a monolithically fabricated pressure sensor arrays. The pressure sensor array positions pressure sensors to measure the viscosity of the sample liquid while flowing in a uniform length of the flow passage and to measure the extensional viscosity while flowing through the constriction region of the passage. The invention can improve the measurement accuracy of the flow rate, viscosities, or elasticity's over a wide range of shear rate. The accuracy of the viscosity over a broader range of shear rate or flow rate measurement over broader range of flow rates can be accomplished by employing monolithically integrated pressure sensors fabricated with different sensitivities disposed in a known manner. The invention further includes necessary components such as a display, a pumping system, valve manifolds, and software for a portable or laboratory measurement instrument, process control, and high throughput measurements.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 11/08 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by measuring flow of the material through a restricted passage, e.g. tube, aperture by measuring pressure required to produce a known flow
• G01N 11/00 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties

Goods & Services

Rheometers and viscometers for measuring the viscosity, viscoelasticity, temperature, and pressure of fluids