US 12,392,795 B2
Matrix and associated sample or mixing cup used for removing components of a liquid sample
Jesse Daniel Faller, Portland, ME (US); Robert W. Lachapelle, Leeds, ME (US); and Dominic Pelletier, Raymond, ME (US)
Assigned to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME (US)
Filed by IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME (US)
Filed on Mar. 8, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/195,020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/987,077, filed on Mar. 9, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0278431 A1, Sep. 9, 2021
Int. Cl. G01N 35/10 (2006.01); G01N 1/40 (2006.01); G01N 30/52 (2006.01); G01N 35/00 (2006.01)
CPC G01N 35/1072 (2013.01) [G01N 1/40 (2013.01); G01N 35/1011 (2013.01); G01N 2030/525 (2013.01); G01N 2030/528 (2013.01); G01N 2035/00564 (2013.01); G01N 2035/1013 (2013.01); G01N 2035/1058 (2013.01)] 28 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A combination for use in an automated chemical analyzer having a sample metering device comprising:
a mixing cup, the mixing cup defining an interior cavity; and
an insert mounted within the interior cavity of the mixing cup wherein the insert includes one or more side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall disposed opposite the top wall, the one or more side walls extending between the top wall and the bottom wall; and
a porous matrix formed of or carrying in an immobilized state functionalized particles having properties such that a targeted component of a liquid sample adheres to the functionalized particles, the porous matrix having a porosity that allows the liquid sample to flow therethrough, and wherein the insert is formed with a generally frusto-conical shape and includes a generally circular upper portion having a first diameter and situated at or near the top wall thereof, a tapered middle portion of decreasing diameter, extending from the upper portion, and a generally cylindrical lower portion extending from the middle portion and situated at or near the bottom wall thereof, the lower portion having a second diameter which is less than the first diameter of the upper portion.