Patent ID: 7724372
Filing Date: 2010-05-25
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus adapted to obtain a profile of a stationary density gradient sample independently of fractionation, the apparatus comprising: a light source; a probe comprising a first probe needle actuatable to extend into a tube containing the gradient, said probe being in communication with the light source and comprising a first light-transmitting means to receive light from the light source and transmit light through the gradient as the probe needle extends into the gradient, and a second light-transmitting means to receive light transmitted by said first light-transmitted means and transmit the received light, wherein the first light transmitting means comprises a transmitting fibre optic bundle and a first reflection means, said light being transmitted by the transmitting fibre optic bundle and reflected by the first reflection means into the gradient, and the second light transmitting means comprises a second reflection means and a receiving fibre optic bundle, said light reflected by the first reflection means being received by the second reflection means and reflected for receipt by the receiving fibre optic bundle; a signal-producing means positioned to receive light from the second light-transmitting means, wherein said signal-producing means translates the received light into a recordable signal to produce a profile of the gradient; and a piston actuatable to extend into the gradient-containing tube and to fractionate the gradient according to the sample profile; wherein the probe and piston are moveable between a resting position wherein the probe and piston are clear of the gradient tube, a probing position wherein the probe is in a gradient access position and the piston is in the resting position, and a fractionating position wherein the piston is in a gradient access position and the probe is in the resting position, said probe and piston being independently actuatable.