System and method of flow cytometry and sample handling

US 20020005076A1
Filed: 07/20/2001
Published: 01/17/2002
Est. Priority Date: 12/03/1999
Status: Active Grant

First Claim

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1. A flow cytometer system, comprising:

a. a sample injection tube having an injection point through which a sample may be introduced;

b. a sheath fluid container having a bottom end and wherein said sample injection tube is located within said sheath fluid container;

c. a sheath fluid port connected to said sheath fluid container;

d. a single torsional orientation nozzle located at least in part below said injection point; and

e. an analytical system which senses below said single torsional orientation nozzle.

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Abstract

An improved nozzle system for a flow cytometer and accompanying methods have been invented for a high efficiency orientation and sorting process of a flat sample and dedicates items such as equine or bovine sperm cells. This improved nozzle system comprises a nozzle with a novel interior surface geometry that can both gently accelerate the cells and can include an elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element within the nozzle, i.e., a single torsional orientation nozzle. The elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element may have a laminar flow surface and may produce the simplest flow path for applying minimal forces which act in either an accelerative nature or orienting hydrodynamic forces, namely, the single torsional orientation forces, to orient a flat sample such as animal sperm cells into a proper direction for an analyzing and efficiently sorting process in clinical use, for research and for the animal insemination industry.

Citations

180 Claims

1. A flow cytometer system, comprising:
- a. a sample injection tube having an injection point through which a sample may be introduced;
  
  b. a sheath fluid container having a bottom end and wherein said sample injection tube is located within said sheath fluid container;
  
  c. a sheath fluid port connected to said sheath fluid container;
  
  d. a single torsional orientation nozzle located at least in part below said injection point; and
  
  e. an analytical system which senses below said single torsional orientation nozzle.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69)
- - 2. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 1 wherein said single torsional orientation nozzle comprises a single torsional interior surface element.
  - 3. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 2 wherein said single torsional interior surface element comprises a tapered, elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element.
  - 4. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 1 and further comprising:
    - a. a first axial motion surface in said nozzle;
      
      b. a second axial motion surface in said nozzle; and
      
      c. a limited maximal acceleration differentiation transition area between said first axial motion surface in said nozzle and said second axial motion surface in said nozzle wherein said limited maximal acceleration differentiation transition area is coordinated with said sample so as to be affirmatively limited to not exceed the practical capabilities of said sample over its length.
  - 5. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 4 wherein said first axial motion surface comprises a first axial acceleration surface and wherein said second axial motion surface comprises a second axial acceleration surface.
  - 6. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 5 wherein said nozzle has acceleration values caused by its internal surface and wherein said acceleration values are selected from a group comprising:
    - not more than about 0.16 m/sec per micron, not more than about 0.05 m/sec per micron away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.10 m/sec per micron away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.13 m/sec per micron away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.16 m/sec per micron in the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.20 m/sec per micron in the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.23 m/sec per micron in the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 100×
      
      10^−
      
      3m/sec per micron at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, not more than about 50×
      
      10^−
      
      3m/see per micron at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, not more than about 25×
      
      10^−
      
      3m/sec per micron at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, such acceleration values with respect to axial location as do not discontinuously change along a central axis, not more than about 100,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 10,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 2,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 1,100×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 100,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 50,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 10,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 5,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 1,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 300×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 200×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, not more than about 100×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, such rate of change of acceleration values with respect to axial location as do not discontinuously change along a central axis, and such rate of change of acceleration values with respect to axial location as do not change sign along a central axis away from the vicinity of the exit orifice.
  - 7. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 4 wherein said limited maximal acceleration differentiation transition area comprises a unitary surface.
  - 8. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 4 wherein said limited maximal acceleration differentiation transition area comprises a unitary exit orifice.
  - 9. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 4 wherein said analytical system which senses below said nozzle operates at a rate selected from a group comprising at least 500 sorts per second, at least 1000 sorts per second, and at least 1500 sorts per second.
  - 10. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 4 and further comprising a pressurization system which operates at least about 50 psi.
  - 11. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 9 and further comprising a sperm collection system.
  - 12. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 10 and further comprising a sperm collection system.
  - 13. A flow cytometer system as described in claims 4, 7, 8, 9, or 10 wherein said sample comprises sperm cells selected from a group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells.
  - 14. A sexed sperm specimen produced with a flow cytometer system as described in claims 11 or 12.
  - 15. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 14 wherein said sample comprises sperm cells selected from a group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells.
  - 16. A mammal produced through use of a sexed sperm specimen produced with a flow cytometer system as described in claims 11 or 12.
  - 17. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 16 wherein said sample comprises sperm cells selected from a group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells.
  - 18. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 3 wherein said tapered, elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element comprises:
    - a. an ellipse-like demarcation location located at about said injection point; and
      
      b. an ellipticity-decreasing zone extending from below said ellipse-like demarcation location.
  - 19. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 3 wherein said tapered, elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element comprises:
    - a. an ellipticity-increasing zone;
      
      b. an ellipse-like demarcation location downstream from said ellipticity-increasing zone; and
      
      c. an ellipticity-decreasing zone extending from said ellipse-like demarcation location.
  - 20. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 18 and further comprising:
    - a. a conical zone located below said ellipticity-decreasing zone;
      
      b. a cylindrical zone located below said conical zone;
      
      wherein both said conical zone and said cylindrical zone comprises a laminar flow surface;
      
      c. a circular exit orifice located below said cylindrical zone;
      
      d. an oscillator to which said circular exit orifice is responsive; and
      
      e. a flow cytometry sorting system below said single torsional orientation nozzle.
  - 21. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 19 and further comprising:
    - a. a conical zone located below said ellipticity-decreasing zone;
      
      b. a cylindrical zone located below said conical zone;
      
      wherein both said conical zone and said cylindrical zone comprises a laminar flow surface; and
      
      c. a circular exit orifice located below said cylindrical zone;
      
      d. an oscillator to which said circular exit orifice is responsive; and
      
      e. a flow cytometry sorting system below said single torsional orientation nozzle.
  - 22. A flow cytometer system as described in claims 18 wherein said tapered, elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element, said conical zone, and said cylindrical zone are unitary.
  - 23. A flow cytometer system as described in claims 20 wherein said tapered, elliptical-like, a single torsional interior surface element, said conical zone, said cylindrical zone, and said circular exit orifice are unitary.
  - 24. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 22 wherein said ellipse-like demarcation location has a major axis and a minor axis having a ratio, and wherein said ratio of said major axis to minor axis comprises an optimal ratio for a sample.
  - 25. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 24 wherein said major axis of said desired ellipse-like demarcation location is about 2.2 mm and wherein said minor axis of said desired ellipse-like demarcation location is about 1.0 mm.
  - 26. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 19 wherein said ellipse-like demarcation location has a major axis and a minor axis, wherein said major axis of said desired ellipse-like demarcation location is about 2.2 mm and wherein said minor axis of said desired ellipse-like demarcation location is about 1.0 mm.
  - 27. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 22 wherein said single torsional orientation nozzle has a downstream direction, wherein said ellipticity-decreasing zone has cross sections and cross section areas, wherein said cross sections of said ellipticity-decreasing zone undergo transitional changes from ellipse-like shapes to circular shapes downstream, and wherein said cross section areas become progressively smaller downsteam.
  - 28. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 27 wherein each of said cross sections of said ellipticity-decreasing zone has a major axis and a minor axis and wherein said major axis and said minor axis progressively become equal downstream.
  - 29. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 21 wherein said conical zone is about 0.3 mm in height.
  - 30. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 29 wherein said cylindrical zone is about 0.15 mm in height.
  - 31. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 2 wherein said single torsional interior surface element comprises a gradually tapered, single torsional interior surface element.
  - 32. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 31 wherein said gradually tapered, single torsional interior surface element comprises an interior surface element that tapers at about 23°
    - .
  - 33. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 19 wherein said tapered, single torsional interior surface element comprises an interior surface element that tapers at about 23°
    - .
  - 34. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 23 wherein said single torsional orientation nozzle comprises a single torsional, ceramic orientation nozzle.
  - 35. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 22 wherein said single torsional orientation nozzle has a height and a top with an outer diameter, and wherein said height is about 13 mm, and wherein said outer diameter about 6 mm.
  - 36. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 20 wherein said flow cytometer system comprises a circular exit orifice, and wherein said tapered, elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element has a mouth and wherein said mouth is about 5.25 mm in diameter and said circular exit orifice is about 0.07 mm in diameter.
  - 37. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 35 wherein said flow cytometer system comprises a circular exit orifice, and wherein said tapered, elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element has a mouth and wherein said mouth is about 5.25 mm in diameter and said circular exit orifice is about 0.07 mm in diameter.
  - 38. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 36 wherein said conical zone has a top with an inner diameter, and wherein said inner diameter at said top of said conical zone is about 0.19 mm.
  - 39. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 37 wherein said conical zone has a top with an inner diameter, and wherein said inner diameter at said top of said conical zone is about 0.19 mm.
  - 40. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 18 wherein said sample injection tube comprises an orientation-improving sample injection tube.
  - 41. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 40 wherein said orientation-improving sample injection tube comprises a beveled tip.
  - 42. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 41 wherein said beveled tip has a circular mouth and wherein said circular mouth has a diameter of about 0.01 mm.
  - 43. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 41 wherein said tapered, elliptical-like interior zone has a major axis and a minor axis at said injection point, and wherein said major axis of said beveled tip is aligned with said major axis of said tapered, elliptical-like interior zone at said injection point.
  - 44. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 43 wherein said single torsional orientation nozzle has a bottom, wherein said beveled tip has a circular mouth, wherein said flow cytometer system further comprises a circular exit orifice located at said bottom of said single torsional orientation nozzle, and wherein said injection point is located at a distance from said circular exit orifice of said single torsional orientation nozzle at which a sample exiting from said circular mouth of said beveled tip receives minimal torquing forces to achieve an orientationally aligned status.
  - 45. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 44 wherein said injection point is located at a distance from said circular exit orifice at which said orientationally aligned status of said sample is substantially maintained when said sample exits said circular orifice of said single torsional orientation nozzle.
  - 46. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 45 wherein said injection point is located about 6 mm from said circular exit orifice of said single torsional orientation nozzle.
  - 47. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 9 wherein said flow cytometer system has dimensions established according to claims 26, 29, 30, 36, 38 or 46.
  - 48. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 1 wherein said sample comprises sperm cells in a sperm compatible buffer.
  - 49. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 48 wherein said analytical system comprises a flow cytometry sorting system.
  - 50. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 49 and further comprising a sperm compatible collection system.
  - 51. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 49 wherein said sample comprises sperm cells in a sperm compatible buffer and wherein said sperm cells are selected from a group consisting of equine sperm cells and bovine sperm cells.
  - 52. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 51 wherein said flow cytometer system has dimensions established according to claims 26, 29, 30, 36, 38, or 46.
  - 53. A sexed sperm specimen produced with a flow cytometer system as described in any of claims 1, 20, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, 32, 39, 41, 44, 45, 51, or 52.
  - 54. A mammal produced through use of a sexed sperm specimen produced with a flow cytometer system as described in any of claims 1, 20, 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, 32, 39, 41, 44, 45, 51, or 52.
  - 55. A flow cytometer system as described in claims 18, 23, 26, 29, 30, 32, 37, 39, 42, 46 and further comprising:
    - a. a first axial motion surface in said nozzle;
      
      b. a second axial motion surface in said nozzle; and
      
      c. a limited maximal acceleration differentiation transition area between said first axial motion surface in said nozzle and said second axial motion surface in said nozzle wherein said limited maximal acceleration differentiation transition area is coordinated with said sample so as to be affirmatively limited to not exceed the practical capabilities of said sample over its length.
  - 56. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 55 wherein said limited maximal acceleration differentiation transition area comprises a unitary surface.
  - 57. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 55 wherein said limited maximal acceleration differentiation transition area comprises a unitary exit orifice.
  - 58. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 55 wherein said analytical system which senses below said nozzle operates at a rate selected from a group comprising at least 500 sorts per second, at least 1000 sorts per second, and at least 1500 sorts per second.
  - 59. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 55 and further comprising a pressurization system which operates at least about 50 psi.
  - 60. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 58 and further comprising a sperm collection system.
  - 61. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 59 and further comprising a sperm collection system.
  - 62. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 55 wherein a said sample comprises sperm cells selected from a group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells.
  - 63. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 57 wherein a said sample comprises sperm cells selected from a group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells.
  - 64. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 58 wherein a said sample comprises sperm cells selected from a group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells.
  - 65. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 59 wherein a said sample comprises sperm cells selected from a group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells.
  - 66. A sexed sperm specimen produced with a flow cytometer system as described in claim 60.
  - 67. A sexed sperm specimen produced with a flow cytometer system as described in claim 64.
  - 68. A mammal produced through use of a sexed sperm specimen produced with a flow cytometer system as described in claim 60.
  - 69. A mammal produced through use of a sexed sperm specimen produced with a flow cytometer system as described in claim 64.

70. A method of flow cytometry sample processing, comprising the steps of:
- a. establishing a sheath fluid;
  
  b. injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point;
  
  c. establishing a single torsional surface in a nozzle having a central axis around which a torque is applied;
  
  d. generating single torsional hydrodynamic forces from said single torsional surface;
  
  e. orienting said sample with said single torsional hydrodynamic forces;
  
  f. exiting said sample from said nozzle;
  
  g. analyzing said sample.
- View Dependent Claims (71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143)
- - 71. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 70 wherein said step of establishing a single torsional surface comprises the step of utilizing a single torsional interior surface in said nozzle.
  - 72. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 71 wherein said step of establishing a single torsional surface in a nozzle comprises the step of establishing a tapered, elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface in said nozzle.
  - 73. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 72 wherein said tapered elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface has an ellipticity which varies along its length and further comprising the step of smoothly varying said ellipticity of said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface.
  - 74. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 70 and further comprising the steps of:
    - a. subjecting said sample to a first axial motion surface in a nozzle;
      
      b. transitioning to a second axial motion surface in said nozzle;
      
      c. subjecting said sample to said second axial motion surface in said nozzle wherein said first and said second axial motion surfaces transition with a maximal acceleration differentiation;
      
      d. coordinating said maximal acceleration differentiation so as to not exceed the practical capabilities of said sample over its length; and
      
      e. affirmatively limiting said maximal acceleration differentiation so as to not exceed the practical capabilities of said sample over its length.
  - 75. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 74 wherein said step of subjecting said sample to a first axial motion surface in a nozzle comprises the step of subjecting said sample to a first axial acceleration surface in said nozzle and wherein said step of subjecting said sample to said second axial motion surface in said nozzle comprises the step of subjecting said sample to a second axial acceleration surface wherein said first and said second axial motion surfaces transition with a maximal acceleration differentiation.
  - 76. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 75 wherein said nozzle creates acceleration values though its internal surface and wherein said acceleration values are selected from a group comprising:
    - not more than about 0.16 m/sec per micron, not more than about 0.05 m/sec per micron away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.10 m/sec per micron away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.13 m/sec per micron away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.16 m/sec per micron in the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.20 m/sec per micron in the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.23 m/sec per micron in the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 100×
      
      10^−
      
      3m/sec per micron at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, not more than about 50×
      
      10^−
      
      3m/sec per micron at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, not more than about 25×
      
      10^−
      
      3m/sec per micron at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, such acceleration values with respect to axial location as do not discontinuously change along a central axis, not more than about 100,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 10,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 2,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 1,100×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 100,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 50,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 10,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 5,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 1,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 300×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 200×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, not more than about 100×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, such rate of change of acceleration values with respect to axial location as do not discontinuously change along a central axis, and such rate of change of acceleration values with respect to axial location as do not change signs along a central axis away from the vicinity of the exit orifice.
  - 77. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 74 wherein said single torsional hydrodynamic forces and said maximal acceleration differentiation combine and are affirmatively chosen so as to not exceed the practical capabilities of said sample over its length.
  - 78. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 77 wherein said step of transitioning to a second axial motion surface in said nozzle comprises the step of subjecting said sample to a unitary surface.
  - 79. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 78 wherein said step of transitioning to a second axial motion surface in said nozzle comprises the step of subjecting said sample to a unitary exit orifice.
  - 80. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as, described in claim 74 and further comprising the steps of:
    - a. forming drops around said sample after it has exited said nozzle; and
      
      b. sorting said drops at a rate selected from the group comprising at least 500 sorts per second, at least 1000 sorts per second, and at least 1500 sorts per second.
  - 81. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 74 and further comprising the step of pressurizing said nozzle at a pressure of at least 50 psi.
  - 82. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 80 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 83. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 81 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 84. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claims 74, 78, 79, 80, or 81 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells selected from the group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 85. A method of creating a sexed sperm specimen comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in claims 82 or 83 and wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 86. A method of creating a sexed sperm specimen comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in claim 85 wherein said step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid comprises the step of injecting sperm cells selected from the group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 87. A method of creating a mammal comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in claims 82 or 83 and wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 88. A method of creating a mammal comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in claim 87 wherein said step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid comprises the step of injecting sperm cells selected from the group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 89. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 73 wherein said step of smoothly varying said ellipticity of said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface comprises the step of decreasing the ellipticity of said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface downstream from said injection point.
  - 90. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 73 wherein said step of smoothly varying said ellipticity of said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface comprises the steps of:
    - a. increasing the ellipticity of said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface downstream in said nozzle;
      
      b. reaching an ellipse-like demarcation location; and
      
      c. decreasing the ellipticity of said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface downstream from said ellipse-like demarcation location.
  - 91. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 89 and further comprising the steps of:
    - a. laminarly flowing said sheath fluid within said nozzle;
      
      b. subjecting said sheath fluid to a conical zone;
      
      c. subjecting said sheath fluid to a cylindrical zone;
      
      d. creating an exit stream having a circular cross section;
      
      e. forming drops from said exit stream; and
      
      f. sorting said drops.
  - 92. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 90 and further comprising the steps of:
    - a. laminarly flowing said sheath fluid within said nozzle;
      
      b. subjecting said sheath fluid to a conical zone;
      
      c. subjecting said sheath fluid to a cylindrical zone;
      
      d. creating an exit stream having a circular cross section;
      
      e. forming drops from said exit stream; and
      
      f. sorting said drops.
  - 93. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 91 wherein said step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a conical zone and said step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a cylindrical zone both comprise the step of utilizing a unitary surface.
  - 94. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 91 wherein said step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a conical zone, and said step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a cylindrical zone, and said step of creating an exit stream having a circular cross section all comprise the step of utilizing a unitary surface.
  - 95. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 89 wherein said ellipticity has a ratio of a major axis to a minor axis at said injection point, and further comprising the step of optimizing said ratio for said sample.
  - 96. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 95 wherein said step of optimizing said ratio for said sample comprises the step of setting said ratio at 2.2.
  - 97. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 90 wherein said ellipticity has a ratio of a major axis to a minor axis at said injection point, and further comprising the step of setting said ratio at 2.2.
  - 98. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 93 wherein said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface has cross section areas, and wherein said step of smoothly varying said ellipticity of said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface further comprises the step of decreasing the cross section areas downstream from said injection point.
  - 99. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 98 wherein said ellipticity has a major and a minor axis and wherein said step of smoothly varying said ellipticity of said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface comprises the step of making said major and a minor axis progressively become equal downstream.
  - 100. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 92 wherein said step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a conical zone comprises the step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a conical zone for an optimal length for said sample as it travels downstream.
  - 101. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 100 wherein said step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a conical zone for an optimal length for said sample as it travels downstream comprises the step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a 0.3 mm long conical zone.
  - 102. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 100 wherein said step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a cylindrical zone comprises the step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a cylindrical zone for an optimal length for said sample as it travels downstream.
  - 103. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 102 wherein said step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a cylindrical zone for an optimal length for said sample as it travels downstream comprises the step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a 0.15 mm long cylindrical zone.
  - 104. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 72 wherein said step of establishing a tapered, elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface in said nozzle comprises the step of gradually tapering said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface.
  - 105. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 104 wherein said step of gradually tapering said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface comprises the step of setting a taper at about 23°
    - .
  - 106. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 90 wherein said step of increasing the ellipticity of said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface downstream in said nozzle and decreasing the ellipticity of said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface each comprises the step of setting a taper at about 23°
    - .
  - 108. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 93 wherein said step of utilizing a unitary surface comprises the step of establishing a nozzle having a height of about 13 mm and an outer diameter of about 6 mm.
  - 109. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 92 wherein said step of creating an exit stream having a circular cross section comprises the step of creating an exit stream having a diameter of about 0.07 mm, and wherein said step of smoothly varying said ellipticity of said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface comprises the step of establishing a mouth of about 5.25 mm in diameter.
  - 110. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 108 wherein said step of creating an exit stream having a circular cross section comprises the step of creating an exit stream having a diameter of about 0.07 mm, and wherein said step of smoothly varying said ellipticity of said elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface comprises the step of establishing a mouth of about 5.25 mm in diameter.
  - 111. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 108 wherein said step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a conical zone comprises the step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a conical zone having an inner diameter at a top of said conical zone of about 0.19 mm.
  - 112. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 110 wherein said step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a conical zone comprises the step of subjecting said sheath fluid to a conical zone having an inner diameter at a top of said conical zone of about 0.19 mm.
  - 113. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 89 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of assisting in orienting said sample at said injection point.
  - 114. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 113 wherein said step of assisting in orienting said sample at said injection point comprises the step of creating a beveled flow near said injection point.
  - 115. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 114 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of establishing a beveled tip having circular mouth with a diameter of about 0.01 mm.
  - 116. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 114 and further comprising the step of aligning said beveled flow with said tapered, elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface in said nozzle.
  - 117. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 70 wherein said step of orienting said sample with said single torsional hydrodynamic forces comprises the step of minimally torquing said sample.
  - 118. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 117 wherein said sample travels a distance after accomplishing said step of generating single torsional hydrodynamic forces from said single torsional surface and before accomplishing said step of exiting said sample from said nozzle and further comprising the step of minimizing said distance.
  - 119. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 118 wherein said step of exiting said sample from said nozzle occurs at an exit orifice and wherein said step of minimizing said distance comprises setting the distance from said injection point to said exit orifice at about 6 mm.
  - 120. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 80 wherein said sample is oriented as described in any of claims 97, 101, 103, 109, 111, or 119.
  - 121. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 70 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells in a sperm compatible buffer into said sheath fluid.
  - 122. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 121 and further comprising the steps of:
    - a. forming drops around said sperm cells after they have exited said nozzle; and
      
      b. sorting said drops.
  - 123. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 121 and further comprising the step of collecting said sperm cells after accomplishing said step of sorting said drops.
  - 124. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 122 wherein said step of injecting sperm cells in a sperm compatible buffer into said sheath fluid comprises the step of injecting sperm cells in a sperm compatible buffer into said sheath fluid selected from a group consisting of equine sperm cells and bovine sperm cells.
  - 125. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 124 wherein said sample is oriented as described in any of claims 97, 101, 103, 109, 111, or 119.
  - 126. A method of creating a sexed sperm specimen comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in any of claims 70, 91, 94, 95, 97, 101, 103, 105, 112, 114, 117, 118, 124, or 125.
  - 127. A method of creating a mammal comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in any of claims 70, 91, 94, 95, 97, 101, 103, 105, 112, 114, 117, 118, 124, or 125.
  - 128. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claims 89, 94, 97, 101, 103, 105, 110, 112, 115, or 119 and further comprising the steps of:
    - a. subjecting said sample to a first axial motion surface in a nozzle;
      
      b. transitioning to a second axial motion surface in said nozzle;
      
      c. subjecting said sample to said second axial motion surface in said nozzle wherein said first and said second axial motion surfaces transition with a maximal acceleration differentiation;
      
      d. coordinating said maximal acceleration differentiation so as to not exceed the practical capabilities of said sample over its length; and
      
      e. affirmatively limiting said maximal acceleration differentiation so as to not exceed the practical capabilities of said sample over its length.
  - 129. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 128 wherein said single torsional hydrodynamic forces and said maximal acceleration differentiation combine and are affirmatively chosen so as to not exceed the practical capabilities of said sample over its length.
  - 130. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 129 wherein said step of transitioning to a second axial motion surface in said nozzle comprises the step of subjecting said sample to a unitary surface.
  - 131. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 130 wherein said step of transitioning to a second axial motion surface in said nozzle comprises the step of subjecting said sample to a unitary exit orifice.
  - 132. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 128 and further comprising the steps of:
    - a. forming drops around said sample after it has exited said nozzle; and
      
      b. sorting said drops at a rate selected from the group comprising at least 500 sorts per second, at least 1000 sorts per second, and at least 1500 sorts per second.
  - 133. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 128 and further comprising the step of pressurizing said nozzle at a pressure of at least 50 psi.
  - 134. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 132 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 135. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 133 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 136. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 128 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells selected from the group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 137. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 131 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells selected from the group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 138. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 132 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells selected from the group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 139. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 133 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells selected from the group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 140. A method of creating a sexed sperm specimen comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in claim 134 and wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 141. A method of creating a sexed sperm specimen comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in claim 138 and wherein said step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid comprises the step of injecting sperm cells selected from the group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 142. A method of creating a mammal comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in claim 134 and wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 143. A method of creating a mammal comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in claim 138 and wherein said step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid comprises the step of injecting sperm cells selected from the group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells into said sheath fluid.

107. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 107 wherein said step of utilizing a unitary surface comprises the step of utilizing a unitary ceramic surface.

144. A flow cytometer system, comprising:
- a. a sample injection tube having an injection point through which a sample may be introduced;
  
  b. a sheath fluid container having a bottom end and wherein said sample injection tube is located within said sheath fluid container;
  
  c. a sheath fluid port connected to said sheath fluid container;
  
  d. a first axial motion surface in a nozzle;
  
  e. a second axial motion surface in said nozzle;
  
  f. a limited maximal acceleration differentiation transition area between said first axial motion surface in said nozzle and said second axial motion surface in said nozzle wherein said limited maximal acceleration differentiation transition area is coordinated with said sample so as to be affirmatively limited to not exceed the practical capabilities of said sample over its length; and
  
  g. an analytical system which senses below said nozzle.
- View Dependent Claims (145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161)
- - 145. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 144 wherein said first axial motion surface comprises a first axial acceleration surface and wherein said second axial motion surface comprises a second axial acceleration surface.
  - 146. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 145 wherein said nozzle has acceleration values caused by its internal surface and wherein said acceleration values are selected from a group comprising:
    - not more than about 0.16 m/sec per micron, not more than about 0.05 m/sec per micron away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.10 m/sec per micron away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.13 m/sec per micron away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.16 m/sec per micron in the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.20 m/sec per micron in the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.23 m/sec per micron in the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 100×
      
      10^−
      
      3m/sec per micron at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, not more than about 50×
      
      10^−
      
      3m/sec per micron at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, not more than about 25×
      
      10^−
      
      3m/sec per micron at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, such acceleration values with respect to axial location as do not discontinuously change along a central axis, not more than about 100,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 10,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6micron², not more than about 2,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 1,100×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 100,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 50,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 10,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 5,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 1,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 300×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 200×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, not more than about 100×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, such rate of change of acceleration values with respect to axial location as do not discontinuously change along a central axis, and such rate of change of acceleration values with respect to axial location as do not change sign along a central axis away from the vicinity of the exit orifice.
  - 147. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 144 wherein said limited maximal acceleration differentiation transition area comprises a unitary surface.
  - 148. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 144 wherein said limited maximal acceleration differentiation transition area comprises a unitary exit orifice.
  - 149. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 144 wherein said analytical system which senses below said nozzle operates at a rate selected from a group comprising at least 500 sorts per second, at least 1000 sorts per second, and at least 1500 sorts per second.
  - 150. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 144 and further comprising a pressurization system which operates at least about 50 psi.
  - 151. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 149 and further comprising a sperm collection system.
  - 152. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 150 and further comprising a sperm collection system.
  - 153. A flow cytometer system as described in claims 144, 147, 148, 149, or 150 wherein said sample comprises sperm cells selected from a group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells.
  - 154. A sexed sperm specimen produced with a flow cytometer system as described in any of claims 144, 147, 148, 148, 150, 151, or 152.
  - 155. A mammal produced through use of a sexed sperm specimen produced with a flow cytometer system as described in any of claims 144, 147, 148, 148, 150, 151, or 152.
  - 156. A flow cytometer system as described in claims 144, 148, 149, 150, or 151 and further comprising a single torsional orientation nozzle located at least in part below said injection point.
  - 157. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 156 and further comprising a sperm collection system.
  - 158. A sexed sperm specimen produced with a flow cytometer system as described in claim 157.
  - 159. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 158 wherein said sample comprises sperm cells selected from a group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells.
  - 160. A mammal produced through use of a sexed sperm specimen produced with a flow cytometer system as described in claim 157.
  - 161. A flow cytometer system as described in claim 160 wherein said sample comprises sperm cells selected from a group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells.

162. A method of flow cytometry sample processing, comprising the steps of:
- a. establishing a sheath fluid;
  
  b. injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point;
  
  c. subjecting said sample to a first axial motion surface in a nozzle;
  
  d. transitioning to a second axial motion surface in said nozzle;
  
  e. subjecting said sample to said second axial motion surface in said nozzle wherein said first and said second axial motion surfaces transition with a maximal acceleration differentiation;
  
  f. coordinating said maximal acceleration differentiation so as to not exceed the practical capabilities of said sample over its length;
  
  g. affirmatively limiting said maximal acceleration differentiation so as to not exceed the practical capabilities of said sample over its length;
  
  h. exiting said sample from said nozzle;
  
  i. analyzing said sample.
- View Dependent Claims (163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180)
- - 163. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 162 wherein said step of subjecting said sample to a first axial motion surface in a nozzle comprises the step of subjecting said sample to a first axial acceleration surface and wherein said step of subjecting said sample to said second axial motion surface in said nozzle comprises the step of subjecting said sample to a second axial acceleration surface wherein said first and said second axial motion surfaces transition with a maximal acceleration differentiation.
  - 164. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 162 wherein said nozzle creates acceleration values though its internal surface and wherein said acceleration values are selected from a group comprising:
    - not more than about 0.16 m/sec per micron, not more than about 0.05 m/sec per micron away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.10 m/sec per micron away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.13 m/sec per micron away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.16 m/sec per micron in the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.20 m/sec per micron in the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 0.23 m/sec per micron in the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 100×
      
      10^−
      
      3m/sec per micron at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, not more than about 50×
      
      10^−
      
      3m/sec per micron at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, not more than about 25×
      
      10^−
      
      3m/sec per micron at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, such acceleration values with respect to axial location as do not discontinuously change along a central axis, not more than about 100,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 10,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 2,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 1,100×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron², not more than about 100,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 50,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 10,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 5,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 1,000×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 300×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²away from the vicinity of the exit orifice, not more than about 200×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, not more than about 100×
      
      10^−
      
      6m/sec per micron²at a distance of more than 300 um away from the exit orifice, such rate of change of acceleration values with respect to axial location as do not discontinuously change along a central axis, and such rate of change of acceleration values with respect to axial location as do not change sign along a central axis away from the vicinity of the exit orifice.
  - 165. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 162 wherein said step of transitioning to a second axial motion surface in said nozzle comprises the step of subjecting said sample to a unitary surface.
  - 166. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 162 wherein said step of transitioning to a second axial motion surface in said nozzle comprises the step of subjecting said sample to a unitary exit orifice.
  - 167. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 162 and further comprising the steps of:
    - a. forming drops around said sample after it has exited said nozzle; and
      
      b. sorting said drops at a rate selected from the group comprising at least 500 sorts per second, at least 1000 sorts per second, and at least 1500 sorts per second.
  - 168. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 162 and further comprising the step of pressurizing said nozzle at a pressure of at least 50 psi.
  - 169. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 167 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 170. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 168 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 171. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claims 162, 165, 166, 167, or 168 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells selected from the group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 172. A method of creating a sexed sperm specimen comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in any of claims 162, 165, 166, 167, or 168.
  - 173. A method of creating a mammal comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in any of claims 162, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, or 170.
  - 174. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claims 162, 166, 167, 168, or 169 and further comprising the steps of:
    - a. establishing a single torsional surface in said nozzle;
      
      b. generating single torsional hydrodynamic forces from said single torsional surface; and
      
      c. orienting said sample with said single torsional hydrodynamic forces.
  - 175. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 174 wherein said single torsional hydrodynamic forces and said maximal acceleration differentiation combine and are affirmatively chosen so as to not exceed the practical capabilities of said sample over its length.
  - 176. A method of flow cytometry sample processing as described in claim 175 wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 177. A method of creating a sexed sperm specimen comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in claim 176 and wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 178. A method of creating a sexed sperm specimen comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in claim 177 wherein said step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid comprises the step of injecting sperm cells selected from the group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 179. A method of creating a mammal comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in claim 176 and wherein said step of injecting a sample into said sheath fluid at an injection point comprises the step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid.
  - 180. A method of creating a mammal comprising the step of producing a sexed sperm specimen as described in claim 179 wherein said step of injecting sperm cells into said sheath fluid comprises the step of injecting sperm cells selected from the group comprising bovine sperm cells and equine sperm cells into said sheath fluid.

Specification

Resources

Litigation Campaign Assessment

Current Assignee
XY, LLC (Inguran LLC)
Original Assignee
XY Incorporated (Inguran LLC)
Inventors
Herickhoff, Lisa A., Buchanan, Kris S.

Granted Patent

US 6,357,307 B2
Time in Patent Office

Days
Field of Search
US Class Current

73/865.5
CPC Class Codes

G01N 15/01   specially adapted for biolo...

G01N 15/1404   Handling flow, e.g. hydrody...

G01N 15/1409   Handling samples, e.g. inje...

G01N 15/149   specially adapted for sorti...

G01N 2015/1006   for cytology

G01N 2015/1413   Hydrodynamic focussing

G01N 2015/1415   Control of particle position

Y10T 436/101666   Particle count or volume st...

System and method of flow cytometry and sample handling

First Claim

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Abstract

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180 Claims

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System and method of flow cytometry and sample handling

First Claim

7 Assignments

Subscription Required

Subscription Required

0 Petitions

Subscription Required

Accused Products

Subscription Required

Abstract

Citations

180 Claims

Specification

Subscription Required

Solutions

Use Cases

Quick Links