Patent ID: 11865534
Assignee: FIRST LIGHT DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
Field: Measurement (Instruments)
Classification: CPC B  A  G | IPC A  B  G

Claim 0:
1. An automated imaging analyzer for detecting individual microscopic targets at low magnification, the automated image analyzer comprising:
a sample cartridge, the sample cartridge comprising a sample input reservoir having a sample therein, a first plurality of wells configured for fluid communication with the sample input reservoir, and a plurality of imaging wells, wherein each imaging well of the plurality of imaging wells is configured for fluid communication with a respective well of the first plurality of wells, each imaging well comprising a detection surface;
a housing configured to accept the sample cartridge;
a reagent processing subsystem operable to:
mobilize the sample within the sample input reservoir of the sample cartridge to disperse the sample into the first plurality of wells through a first plurality of channels of the sample cartridge, and
mobilize the sample from each well of the first plurality of wells of the sample cartridge into a respective imaging well of the plurality of imaging wells of the sample cartridge through a second plurality of channels of the cartridge,
wherein the reagent processing subsystem is configured to actuate at least one valve of the sample cartridge and apply a pressure gradient to the sample cartridge to cause flow of the sample within the sample cartridge to disperse the sample into the first plurality of wells, and

a magnetic station comprising a magnet connected to the housing and disposed to apply a selective force to move magnetic particles in each respective imaging well to deposit the magnetic particles on said detection surface of the respective imaging well;
an imaging station comprising a collecting lens arranged to collect optical signal from the detection surface;
a photoelectric array detector connected to the housing and disposed to receive the optical signal and produce an image of individual particles deposited on the detection surface; and
a conveyor operable to move the sample cartridge between a plurality stations within the housing, the plurality of stations comprising the imaging station and the magnetic station,
wherein the image has lower than 5-fold magnification, and wherein the individual microscopic targets are detectable within the image.