Patent ID: 6737022
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: B01D,B01L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A system for separating an aqueous stream of mixed polynucleotides into a series of length-based polynucleotide fractions and collecting one or more of the length-based polynucleotide fractions into separate containers comprising:a separation column containing separation media for separating an aqueous stream of mixed polynucleotides into a series of length-based polynucleotide fractions; container means including one or more single-sample containers; an ejection chamber having a separated sample inlet for receiving the length-based polynucleotide fractions, a waste outlet for discharging uncollected sample, and a capillary-sized fraction outlet positioned to discharge a selected length-based polynucleotide fraction into a single-sample container; and means for effecting discharge of a selected length-based polynucleotide fraction into the single-sample container wherein the means for effecting discharge of a selected length-based polynucleotide fraction into a single sample container includes a puff valve having a pressurized gas inlet and a puff gas outlet and wherein the ejection chamber includes a puff gas inlet communicating with the puff gas outlet, whereby activation of the puff valve will discharge a puff of gas into the ejection chamber and will effect discharge of sample through the fraction outlet, wherein the means for effecting discharge of a selected length-based polynucleotide fraction into the single-sample container includes a flow restriction actuator, a flow restriction in the waste conduit which will restrict flow of uncollected sample upon actuation by the flow restriction actuator, whereby actuation of the flow restriction will effect an increase in liquid pressure in the ejection chamber.