U.S. patent application number 10/674403 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for fluid analyzing apparatus.
Invention is credited to Jiang, Pei-Shin, Lee, Kun Feng, Lin, Yuh-Jiuan.
Application Number | 20050100922 10/674403 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32591144 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050100922 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee, Kun Feng ; et
al. |
May 12, 2005 |
Fluid analyzing apparatus
Abstract
A fluid analyzing apparatus. The fluid analyzing apparatus
sequentially or simultaneously detects and analyzes a multiplex
fluid sample with suitable analyzing elements. Meanwhile, the fluid
analyzing apparatus may be disassembled to a first unit, a second
unit and a third unit, such that the analyzing elements therein are
easily disposed and replaced. The fluid analyzing apparatus
analyzes and detects the multiplex fluid sample by allowing the
multiplex fluid sample to sequentially or simultaneously flow
through a plurality of target chambers. The fluid analyzing
apparatus sequentially or simultaneously transports the multiplex
fluid sample to the target chambers, thereby enhancing the speed
and analysis thereof.
Inventors: |
Lee, Kun Feng; (Kaohsiung,
TW) ; Jiang, Pei-Shin; (Taichung, TW) ; Lin,
Yuh-Jiuan; (Taipei, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
32591144 |
Appl. No.: |
10/674403 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
435/6.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 35/08 20130101;
G01N 2035/00326 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/006 |
International
Class: |
C12Q 001/68 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 21, 2003 |
TW |
92101221 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fluid analyzing apparatus for sequentially analyzing a
multiplex fluid sample, comprising: a first unit having a fluid
inlet, a first upper portion and a fluid outlet, wherein the first
upper portion is formed on the lower part of the first unit, the
multiplex fluid sample flowing into the fluid analyzing apparatus
via the fluid inlet and flowing out of the fluid analyzing
apparatus via the fluid outlet; a second unit disposed under the
first unit and having a pipeline, a first lower portion and a
second upper portion, wherein the first lower portion is formed on
the upper part of the second unit and corresponds to the first
upper portion to combine the first upper portion to form a first
target chamber, the second upper portion is formed on the lower
part of the second unit, and the pipeline is sequentially connected
to the fluid inlet, first lower portion, second upper portion and
fluid outlet; a third unit disposed under the second unit and
having a second lower portion, wherein the second lower portion is
formed on the upper part of the third unit and corresponds to the
second upper portion to combine the second upper portion to form a
second target chamber; a first analyzing element disposed in the
first target chamber to analyze and detect the multiplex fluid
sample; and a second analyzing element disposed in the second
target chamber to analyze and detect the multiplex fluid
sample.
2. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
pipeline of the second unit is sequentially connected to the fluid
inlet, first lower portion, second upper portion and fluid outlet
with an inclined angle.
3. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a first sealing element disposed between the first upper
portion and first lower portion to prevent leakage of the multiplex
fluid sample from the first target chamber.
4. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a second sealing element disposed between the second
upper portion and second lower portion to prevent leakage of the
multiplex fluid sample from the second target chamber.
5. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
first analyzing element further comprises a first signal connecting
portion extending out of the fluid analyzing apparatus.
6. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
second analyzing element further comprises a second signal
connecting portion extending out of the fluid analyzing
apparatus.
7. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
first and second analyzing elements are physical or/and biological
or/and chemical sensing elements.
8. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
physical sensing element is an electrode, a quartz crystal
microbalance (QCM), a flexural plate wave (FPW) device, a thermal
sensing element, a pressure sensing element, an optical sensing
element or a viscosity sensing element.
9. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
biological sensing element is a nucleic acid, protein, antibody,
enzyme, microorganism or other biochemical substances.
10. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising at least one bolt to combine the first, second and third
units.
11. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the first, second and third units are composed of acrylic, Teflon
or glass.
12. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a pump to pump the multiplex fluid sample into the fluid
analyzing apparatus.
13. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the multiplex fluid sample is respectively analyzed or detected by
the first and second analyzing elements.
14. A fluid analyzing apparatus for simultaneously analyzing a
multiplex fluid sample, comprising: a first unit having a fluid
inlet and a dispersing portion disposed on the lower part of the
first unit and connected to the fluid inlet, wherein the multiplex
fluid sample flows into the dispersing portion via the fluid inlet;
a second unit disposed under the first unit and having a first
pipeline, a second pipeline, a first upper portion, a second upper
portion and a collective portion, wherein the first upper portion,
second upper portion and collective portion are formed on the lower
part of the second unit, the first pipeline is connected to the
dispersing portion of the first unit, first upper portion and
collective portion, and the second pipeline is connected teethe
dispersing portion of the first unit, second upper portion and
collective portion; a third unit disposed under the second unit and
having a first lower portion, a second lower portion and a fluid
outlet, wherein the first lower portion is formed on the upper part
of the third unit and corresponds to the first upper portion to
combine the first upper portion to form a first target chamber, the
second lower portion is formed on the upper part of the third unit
and corresponds to the second upper portion to combine the second
upper portion to form a second target chamber, the fluid outlet is
connected to the collective portion of the second unit, and the
multiplex fluid sample flows out of the fluid analyzing apparatus
via the fluid outlet; a first analyzing element disposed in the
first target chamber to analyze and detect the multiplex fluid
sample; and a second analyzing element disposed in the second
target chamber to analyze and detect the multiplex fluid
sample.
15. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the first pipeline of the second unit is connected to the
dispersing portion of the first unit, first upper portion and
collective portion with an inclined angle, and the second pipeline
of the second unit is connected to the dispersing portion of the
first unit, second upper portion and collective portion with the
same inclined angle.
16. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, further
comprising a first sealing element disposed between the first upper
portion and first lower portion to prevent leakage of the multiplex
fluid sample from the first target chamber.
17. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, further
comprising a second sealing element disposed between the second
upper portion and second lower portion to prevent leakage of the
multiplex fluid sample from the second target chamber.
18. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the first analyzing element further comprises a first signal
connecting portion extending out of the fluid analyzing
apparatus.
19. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the second analyzing element further comprises a second signal
connecting portion extending out of the fluid analyzing
apparatus.
20. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the first and second analyzing elements are physical or/and
biological or/and chemical sensing elements.
21. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein
the physical sensing element is an electrode, a quartz crystal
microbalance (QCM), a flexural plate wave (FPW) device, a thermal
sensing element, a pressure sensing element, an optical sensing
element or a viscosity sensing element.
22. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein
the biological sensing element is a nucleic acid, protein,
antibody, enzyme, microorganism or other biochemical
substances.
23. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, further
comprising at least one bolt to combine the first, second and third
units.
24. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the dispersing portion of the first unit is circular.
25. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the first, second and third units are composed of acrylic, Teflon
or glass.
26. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, further
comprising a pump to pump the multiplex fluid sample into the fluid
analyzing apparatus.
27. The fluid analyzing apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the multiplex fluid sample is respectively analyzed or detected by
the first and second analyzing elements.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a fluid analyzing
apparatus, and in particular to a fluid analyzing apparatus that
sequentially or simultaneously analyzes a multiplex fluid
sample.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A multiplex fluid sample, such as blood and urine, may be
composed of many constituents with unknown concentrations. The
multiplex fluid sample may include substances of interest or
prohibited substances. In order to analyze or sieve out specific
constituents in the multiplex fluid sample, U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,398,765, 6,306,659 and 6,144,447 discloses several conventional
fluid analyzing devices.
[0005] In the U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,765, the fluid analyzing device
is a complex structural design. It is composed of many ducts for
analyzing of breast milk.
[0006] In the U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,659, the fluid analyzing device
belongs to one kind of microfluidic devices. The device with
numerous working areas is used for analyzing a plurality of
compounds and performing high throughput screening assays.
Meanwhile, the microducts in this fluid analyzing device are
manufactured by means of a complex MEMS process. The fluid
analyzing device does not disclose the function of sequentially or
simultaneously analyzing the compounds.
[0007] In the U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,447, the fluid analyzing device
employs electrochemical and optical means to measure different
physical or chemical parameters of a multiplex fluid sample in a
flow cell. The electrochemical and optical means are directly
disposed on the wall of the flow cell of the fluid analyzing
device, thereby limiting the size of the flow cell and the amount
of the multiplex fluid sample flowing therein. Accordingly, since
the multiplex fluid sample flows in the flow cell with a limited
size, the friction and surface tension between the multiplex fluid
sample and wall of the flow cell are greater. The flowing speed of
the multiplex fluid sample near the wall of the flow cell is
different from that near the center thereof. Thus, the analysis of
the multiplex fluid sample is adversely affected.
[0008] Hence, there is a need to provide an improved fluid
analyzing apparatus to overcome the aforementioned problems. The
present fluid analyzing apparatus sequentially or simultaneously
detects and analyzes a multiplex fluid sample with suitable
analyzing elements. Furthermore, the fluid analyzing apparatus
analyzes and detects the multiplex fluid sample by allowing the
multiplex fluid sample to sequentially or simultaneously flow
through a plurality of target chambers with a suitable volume,
thereby enhancing the speed and analysis thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a
fluid analyzing apparatus to sequentially analyze a multiplex fluid
sample. The fluid analyzing apparatus comprises a first unit, a
second unit, a third unit, a first analyzing element and a second
analyzing element. The first unit has a fluid inlet, a first upper
portion and a fluid outlet. The first upper portion is formed on
the lower part of the first unit. The multiplex fluid sample flows
into the fluid analyzing apparatus via the fluid inlet and flows
out of the fluid analyzing apparatus via the fluid outlet. The
second unit is disposed under the first unit and has a pipeline, a
first lower portion and a second upper portion. The first lower
portion is formed on the upper part of the second unit and
corresponds to the first upper portion to combine the first upper
portion to form a first target chamber. The second upper portion is
formed on the lower part of the second unit. The pipeline is
sequentially connected to the fluid inlet, first lower portion,
second upper portion and fluid outlet. The third unit is disposed
under the second unit and has a second lower portion. The second
lower portion is formed on the upper part of the third unit and
corresponds to the second upper portion to combine the second upper
portion to form a second target chamber. The first analyzing
element is disposed in the first target chamber to analyze and
detect the multiplex fluid sample. The second analyzing element is
disposed in the second target chamber to analyze and detect the
multiplex fluid sample.
[0010] Accordingly, the pipeline of the second unit is sequentially
connected to the fluid inlet, first lower portion, second upper
portion and fluid outlet with an inclined angle (45 degrees).
[0011] Accordingly, the fluid analyzing apparatus further comprises
a first sealing element disposed between the first upper portion
and first lower portion to prevent leakage of the multiplex fluid
sample from the first target chamber.
[0012] Accordingly, the fluid analyzing apparatus further comprises
a second sealing element disposed between the second upper portion
and second lower portion to prevent leakage of the multiplex fluid
sample from the second target chamber.
[0013] Accordingly, the first analyzing element further comprises a
first signal connecting portion extending out of the fluid
analyzing apparatus.
[0014] Accordingly, the second analyzing element further comprises
a second signal connecting portion extending out of the fluid
analyzing apparatus.
[0015] Accordingly, the first and second analyzing elements are
physical or/and biological or/and chemical sensing elements.
[0016] Accordingly, the physical sensing element is an electrode, a
quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), a flexural plate wave (FPW)
device, a thermal sensing element, a pressure sensing element, an
optical sensing element or a viscosity sensing element.
[0017] Accordingly, the biological sensing element is a nucleic
acid, protein, antibody, enzyme, microorganism or other biochemical
substances.
[0018] Accordingly, the fluid analyzing apparatus further comprises
at least one bolt to combine the first, second and third units.
[0019] Accordingly, the first, second and third units are composed
of acrylic, Teflon or glass.
[0020] Accordingly, the fluid analyzing apparatus further comprises
a pump to pump the multiplex fluid sample into the fluid analyzing
apparatus.
[0021] Accordingly, the multiplex fluid sample is respectively
analyzed or detected by the first and second analyzing
elements.
[0022] Another object of the invention is to provide a fluid
analyzing apparatus to simultaneously analyze a multiplex fluid
sample. The fluid analyzing apparatus comprises a first unit, a
second unit, a third unit, a first analyzing element and a second
analyzing element. The first unit has a fluid inlet and a
dispersing portion disposed on the lower part of the first unit and
connected to the fluid inlet. The multiplex fluid sample flows into
the dispersing portion via the fluid inlet. The second unit is
disposed under the first unit and has a first pipeline, a second
pipeline, a first upper portion, a second upper portion and a
collective portion. The first upper portion, second upper portion
and collective portion are formed on the lower part of the second
unit. The first pipeline is connected to the dispersing portion of
the first unit, first upper portion and collective portion. The
second pipeline is connected to the dispersing portion of the first
unit, second upper portion and collective portion. The third unit
is disposed under the second unit and has a first lower portion, a
second lower portion and a fluid outlet. The first lower portion is
formed on the upper part of the third unit and corresponds to the
first upper portion to combine the first upper portion to form a
first target chamber. The second lower portion is formed on the
upper part of the third unit and corresponds to the second upper
portion to combine the second upper portion to a form second target
chamber. The fluid outlet is connected to the collective portion of
the second unit. The multiplex fluid sample flows out of the fluid
analyzing apparatus via the fluid outlet. The first analyzing
element is disposed in the first target chamber to analyze and
detect the multiplex fluid sample. The second analyzing element is
disposed in the second target chamber to analyze and detect the
multiplex fluid sample.
[0023] Accordingly, the first pipeline of the second unit is
connected to the dispersing portion of the first unit, first upper
portion and collective portion with an inclined angle, and the
second pipeline of the second unit is connected to the dispersing
portion of the first unit, second upper portion and collective
portion with the same inclined angle.
[0024] Accordingly, the fluid analyzing apparatus further comprises
a first sealing element disposed between the first upper portion
and first lower portion to prevent leakage of the multiplex fluid
sample from the first target chamber.
[0025] Accordingly, the fluid analyzing apparatus further comprises
a second sealing element disposed between the second upper portion
and second lower portion to prevent leakage of the multiplex fluid
sample from the second target chamber.
[0026] Accordingly, the first analyzing element further comprises a
first signal connecting portion extending out of the fluid
analyzing apparatus.
[0027] Accordingly, the second analyzing element further comprises
a second signal connecting portion extending out of the fluid
analyzing apparatus.
[0028] Accordingly, the first and second analyzing elements are
physical or/and biological or/and chemical sensing elements.
[0029] Accordingly, the physical sensing element is an electrode, a
quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), a flexural plate wave (FPW)
device, a thermal sensing element, a pressure sensing element, an
optical sensing element or a viscosity sensing element.
[0030] Accordingly, the biological sensing element is a nucleic
acid, protein, antibody, enzyme, microorganism or other biochemical
substances.
[0031] Accordingly, the fluid analyzing apparatus further comprises
at least one bolt to combine the first, second and third units.
[0032] Accordingly, the dispersing portion of the first unit is
circular.
[0033] Accordingly, the first, second and third units are composed
of acrylic, Teflon or glass.
[0034] Accordingly, the fluid analyzing apparatus further comprises
a pump to pump the multiplex fluid sample into the fluid analyzing
apparatus.
[0035] Accordingly, the multiplex fluid sample is respectively
analyzed or detected by the first and second analyzing
elements.
[0036] A detailed description is given in the following embodiments
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The present invention can be more fully understood by
reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with
references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the concept of sequential
analysis of the fluid analyzing apparatus of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 2 shows the inner structure of the fluid analyzing
apparatus of the first embodiment of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the concept of
simultaneous analysis of the fluid analyzing apparatus of the
invention; and
[0041] FIG. 4 shows the inner structure of the fluid analyzing
apparatus of the second embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, the fluid analyzing apparatus of this
embodiment is directed to the concept of sequential analysis of a
multiplex fluid sample. The multiplex fluid sample sequentially
flows through a first target chamber 11, a second target chamber
12, a third target chamber 13 and so on via a fluid inlet 1. Then,
the multiplex fluid sample flows out via a fluid outlet 2.
Additionally, same or different analyzing elements are respectively
disposed in the first target chamber 11, second target chamber 12
and third target chamber 13 to analyze the multiplex fluid sample
or sieve out specific constituents from the multiplex fluid
sample.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the fluid analyzing apparatus 100
includes a first unit 110, a second unit 120 and a third unit 130.
The first unit 110 has a fluid inlet 111, a first upper portion
112, a third upper portion 113, a fifth upper portion 114 and a
fluid outlet 115. Meanwhile, the first upper portion 112, third
upper portion 113 and fifth upper portion 114 are formed on the
lower part of the first unit 110.
[0044] The second unit 120 is disposed under the first unit 110 and
has a pipeline 121, a first lower portion 122, a second upper
portion 123, a third lower portion 124, a fourth upper portion 125,
a fifth lower portion 126 and a sixth upper portion 127. Meanwhile,
the first lower portion 122, third lower portion 124 and fifth
lower portion 126 are formed on the upper part of the second unit
120 and respectively correspond to the first upper portion 112,
third upper portion 113 and fifth upper portion 114. The second
upper portion 123, fourth upper portion 125 and sixth upper portion
127 are formed on the lower part of the second unit 120.
[0045] The third unit 130 is disposed under the second unit 120 and
has a second lower portion 131, a fourth lower portion 132 and a
sixth lower portion 133. Meanwhile, the second lower portion 131,
fourth lower portion 132 and sixth lower portion 133 are formed on
the upper part of the third unit 130 and respectively correspond to
the second upper portion 123, fourth upper portion 125 and sixth
upper portion 127.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, when the first unit 110, second unit 120
and third unit 130 are fixed together by two bolts 140, the first
upper portion 112, second upper portion 123, third upper portion
113, fourth upper portion 125, fifth upper portion 114 and sixth
upper portion 127 respectively combine the first lower portion 122,
second lower portion 131, third lower portion 124, fourth lower
portion 132, fifth lower portion 126 and sixth lower portion 133 to
form a first target chamber A, a second target chamber B, a third
target chamber C, a fourth target chamber D, a fifth target chamber
E and a sixth target chamber F. Meanwhile, the pipeline 121 of the
second unit 120 is sequentially connected to the fluid inlet 111 of
the first unit 110, first target chamber A, second target chamber
B, third target chamber C, fourth target chamber D, fifth target
chamber E, sixth target chamber F and fluid outlet 115 of the first
unit 110 with an inclined angle of 45 degrees. Thus, the multiplex
fluid sample can smoothly flow in the pipeline 121 and bubbles
halting therein may be prevented (particularly when the multiplex
fluid sample is liquid and the diameter of the pipeline 121 is
small, such as 1 mm).
[0047] Additionally, a first analyzing element (not shown), a
second analyzing element (not shown), a third analyzing element
(not shown), a fourth analyzing element (not shown), a fifth
analyzing element (not shown) and a sixth analyzing element (not
shown) are respectively disposed in the first target chamber A,
second target chamber B, third target chamber C, fourth target
chamber D, fifth target chamber E and sixth target chamber F. The
first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth analyzing elements
may have different analyzing functions. For example, the first,
second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth analyzing elements may be a
physical sensing element, a biological sensing element or a
chemical sensing element which requires an additional
identification element and a specific transducer. The physical
sensing element may be and is not limited to an electrode, a quartz
crystal microbalance (QCM), a flexural plate wave (FPW) device, a
thermal sensing element, a pressure sensing element, an optical
sensing element or a viscosity sensing element. The biological
sensing element is a nucleic acid, protein, antibody, enzyme,
microorganism or other biochemical substances. Additionally, the
first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth analyzing elements
respectively have a first signal connecting portion (not shown), a
second signal connecting portion (not shown), a third signal
connecting portion (not shown), a fourth signal connecting portion
(not shown), a fifth signal connecting portion (not shown) and a
sixth signal connecting portion (not shown) extending out of the
fluid analyzing apparatus 100 to output corresponding analyzing
signals to other devices for further processing.
[0048] Accordingly, since the multiplex fluid sample flows in the
pipeline 121, first target chamber A, second target chamber B,
third target chamber C, fourth target chamber D, fifth target
chamber E and sixth target chamber F, a sealing element, such as a
rubber O-ring, is disposed between the upper portion and lower
portion of each target chamber to prevent the multiplex fluid
sample from flowing out of each target chamber via the connection
thereof.
[0049] In this embodiment, the fluid analyzing apparatus 100 is
composed of acrylic and the size thereof is approximately 90
mm.times.20 mm.times.49 mm. The diameter of the pipeline 121 is 1
mm. The volume of each target chamber is equal to or smaller than
30 uL.
[0050] When a multiplex fluid sample, particularly a multiplex
fluid sample with mixed substances, is pumped into the fluid
analyzing apparatus 100 via the fluid inlet 111 by a pump (not
shown) the multiplex fluid sample flows into the first target
chamber A, second target chamber B, third target chamber C, fourth
target chamber D, fifth target chamber E and sixth target chamber F
in sequence. The analyzing element disposed in each target chamber
reacts with specific constituents in the multiplex fluid sample to
output a corresponding signal. Then, the multiplex fluid sample
flows out of the fluid analyzing apparatus 100 via the fluid outlet
115.
[0051] Specifically, the fluid analyzing apparatus 100 is not
limited to the six target chambers A, B, C, D, E and F. Namely, the
fluid analyzing apparatus 100 may have more target chambers to
analyze and detect the multiplex fluid sample.
[0052] The fluid analyzing apparatus 100 of this embodiment has the
following advantages. The fluid analyzing apparatus 100 may be
manufactured by means of a common mechanical process, thereby
reducing the manufacturing costs thereof. The fluid analyzing
apparatus 100 can be disassembled to three units, such that the
analyzing elements therein are easily disposed and replaced. Each
target chamber has a predetermined volume, such that the amount of
fluid in each target chamber increases and the reaction sensitivity
thereof is enhanced. The fluid analyzing apparatus 100 can analyze
and detect a small amount of fluid, particularly when only a small
amount of fluid, such as a drop of blood, exists. Since the
pipeline 121 is connected to the first, second, third, fourth,
fifth and sixth target chambers with an inclined angle (45
degrees), the bubbles formed therein can be easily removed by the
sample when the sample is liquid. Thus, interference does not occur
during analysis.
Second Embodiment
[0053] Referring to FIG. 3, the fluid analyzing apparatus of this
embodiment is directed to the concept of simultaneous analysis of a
multiplex fluid sample. The multiplex fluid sample simultaneously
flows through a first target chamber 31, a second target chamber
32, a third target chamber 33 and so on via a fluid inlet 3. Then,
the multiplex fluid sample gathers and flows' out via a fluid
outlet 4. Additionally, same or different analyzing elements are
respectively disposed in the first target chamber 31, second target
chamber 32 and third target chamber 33 to analyze the multiplex
fluid sample or sieve out specific constituents from the multiplex
fluid sample.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 4, the fluid analyzing apparatus 200
includes a first unit 210, a second unit 220 and a third unit 230.
The first unit 210 has a fluid inlet 211 and a dispersing portion
212. Meanwhile, the dispersing portion 212 is formed on the lower
part of the first unit 210 and connected to the fluid inlet 211.
Additionally, the dispersing portion 212 is circular.
[0055] The second unit 220 is disposed under the first unit 210 and
has a first pipeline 221, a second pipeline 222, a first upper
portion 223, a second upper portion 224 and a collective portion
225. Meanwhile, the first upper portion 223, second upper portion
224 and collective portion 225 are formed on the lower part of the
second unit 220. The first pipeline 221 is connected to the
dispersing portion 212 of the first unit 210, first upper portion
223 and collective portion 225. The second pipeline 222 is
connected to the dispersing portion 212 of the first unit 210,
second upper portion 224 and collective portion 225.
[0056] The third unit 230 is disposed under the second unit 220 and
has a first lower portion 231, a second lower portion 232 and a
fluid outlet 233. Meanwhile, the first lower portion 231 is formed
on the upper part of the third unit 230 and corresponds to the
first upper portion 223, and the second lower portion 232 is formed
on the upper part of the third unit 230 and corresponds to the
second upper portion 224.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, when the first unit 210, second unit 220
and third unit 230 are fixed together by a bolt (not shown), the
first upper portion 223 combines the first lower portion 231 to
form a first target chamber A' and the second upper portion 224
combines the second lower portion 232 to form a second target
chamber B'. Meanwhile, the first pipeline 221 of the second unit
220 is connected to the dispersing portion 212 of the first unit
210, first upper portion 223 and collective portion 225 with an
inclined angle of 45 degrees, and the second pipeline 222 of the
second unit 220 is connected to the dispersing portion 212 of the
first unit 210, second upper portion 224 and collective portion 225
with the same inclined angle of 45 degrees. Thus, the multiplex
fluid sample can flow smoothly in the first pipeline 221 and second
pipeline 222 and bubbles halted therein may be prevented,
specifically when the sample is liquid and the diameter of the
first pipeline 221 and second pipeline 222 is small, such as 1
mm.
[0058] Additionally, a first analyzing element (not shown) and a
second analyzing element (not shown) are respectively disposed in
the first target chamber A' and second target chamber B'. The first
and second analyzing elements may have different analyzing
functions. For example, the first and second analyzing elements may
be a physical sensing element, a biological sensing element or a
chemical sensing element which requires an additional
identification element and a specific transducer. The physical
sensing element may be and is not limited to an electrode, a quartz
crystal microbalance (QCM), a flexural plate wave (FPW) device, a
thermal sensing element, a pressure sensing element, an optical
sensing element or a viscosity sensing element. The biological
sensing element is a nucleic acid, protein, antibody, enzyme,
microorganism or other biochemical substances. Additionally, the
first and second analyzing elements respectively have a first
signal connecting portion (not shown) and a second signal
connecting portion (not shown) extending out of the fluid analyzing
apparatus 200 to output corresponding analyzing signals to other
devices for further processing.
[0059] Accordingly, since the multiplex fluid sample flows in the
first pipeline 221, first target chamber A', second pipeline 222
and second target chamber B', a sealing element, such as a rubber
O-ring, is disposed between the upper portion and lower portion of
each target chamber to prevent the multiplex fluid sample from
flowing out of each target chamber via the connection thereof.
[0060] In this embodiment, the fluid analyzing apparatus 200 is
composed of acrylic and the size thereof is approximately 60 mm
(diameter).times.60 mm (height). The diameter of the first pipeline
221 and second pipeline 222 is 1 mm. The volume of each target
chamber is equal to or smaller than 30 uL.
[0061] When a multiplex fluid sample, particularly a multiplex
fluid sample containing a mixture of substances, is pumped into the
fluid analyzing apparatus 200 via the fluid inlet 211 by a pump
(not shown), the multiplex fluid sample flows into the dispersing
portion 212 and is thereby dispersed. Then, the multiplex fluid
sample simultaneously flows into the first target chamber A' and
second target chamber B' via the first pipeline 221 and second
pipeline 222. The analyzing element disposed in each target chamber
reacts with specific constituents in the multiplex fluid sample to
output a corresponding signal. Eventually, the multiplex fluid
sample flows into the collective portion 225 via the first pipeline
221 and second pipeline 222 and flows out of the fluid analyzing
apparatus 200 via the fluid outlet 233.
[0062] Specifically, the fluid analyzing apparatus 200 is not
limited to the two target chambers A' and B'. Namely, the fluid
analyzing apparatus 200 may have more target chambers to analyze
and detect the multiplex fluid sample, thereby reducing the
analyzing time thereof.
[0063] The fluid analyzing apparatus 200 of this embodiment has the
following advantages. The fluid analyzing apparatus 200 may be
manufactured by means of a common mechanical process, thereby
reducing the manufacturing costs thereof. The fluid analyzing
apparatus 200 can be disassembled to three units, such that the
analyzing elements therein are easily disposed and replaced. Each
target chamber has a predetermined volume, such that the amount of
fluid in each target chamber increases and the reaction sensitivity
thereof is enhanced. The fluid analyzing apparatus 200
simultaneously analyzes the multiplex fluid sample when the
multiplex fluid sample is sufficient, thereby reducing the time
spent in analyzing the multiplex fluid sample. Since the first
pipeline 221 and second pipeline 222 are respectively connected to
the first target chamber A' and second target chamber B' with an
inclined angle (45 degrees), the bubbles formed therein can be
easily removed by the sample when the sample is liquid. Thus,
interference does not occur during analysis.
[0064] While the invention has been described by way of example and
in terms of the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that
the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the
contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar
arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art)
Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the
broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications
and similar arrangements.
* * * * *