Patent ID: 8124024
Filing Date: 2012-02-28
Classification: B01F,B01L,B03C,C12N,C12Q,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: a first housing defining a first chamber, a second chamber and an opening in fluid communication with the first chamber, the first chamber configured to contain at least a sample and a plurality of magnetic particles; a valve at least partially disposed within the first housing, the valve including a valve housing and a movable valve member, the valve housing defining a first valve opening in fluid communication with the first chamber and a second valve opening in fluid communication with the second chamber, the valve member defining a cavity configured to receive the plurality of magnetic particles to transfer the plurality of magnetic particles between the first chamber and the second chamber when the valve member moves relative to the valve housing between a first position and a second position, the valve configured to seal the plurality of magnetic particles within the cavity when the valve member moves relative to the valve housing, the cavity in fluid communication with the first valve opening when the valve member is in the first position, the cavity in fluid communication with the second valve opening when the valve member is in the second position; a second housing defining a reagent chamber configured to contain a reagent, the second housing including a puncturable portion defining a portion of a boundary of the reagent chamber; and a plunger at least partially disposed within the reagent chamber, a protrusion of the plunger configured to puncture the puncturable portion when the plunger is moved within the reagent chamber, a portion of the second housing configured to be disposed inside the first housing via the opening such that the puncturable portion defines a portion of a boundary of the first chamber and such that the reagent can be transferred from the reagent chamber to the first chamber of the first housing when the plunger is moved.