Summary of the invention
Be used for fluid-operated document and method
According to first aspect of the present invention, fluid handling structure is provided, comprising: in order to realize the mobile activation zone of fluid in the control structure; With at least one actuated components in the activation zone; Wherein activation zone is arranged as and triggers or control at least one actuated components.In certain embodiments, activation zone comprises that controller flows with the fluid in the control device.
In another embodiment, micro fluidic device is provided, has comprised the controller that flows in order to the fluid in the control device, its middle controller can trigger more than one and interior related pumping or the valve control parts of fluid flowing phase of device simultaneously.
According to an embodiment, controller can manually or pneumatically be operated.But, can use any suitable operating means.For example, controller can electromagnetic ground, mechanically, hydraulically, through sound or through operations such as piezoelectrics.
According to second aspect of the present invention, fluid handling structure is provided, comprising: the activation zone of using the fluid in the control structure to flow; In flow cavity or the passage at least one; Form the pellicle at least one border of flow cavity or passage, this pellicle be arranged as allow the control fluid through and flow in flow cavity or the passage, the fluid that promotes thus, limits or stop in flow cavity or the passage flows.The control fluid can comprise any suitable fluid and can also for example be liquid, gas or their combination.One embodiment comprises second pellicle on second border that forms flow cavity, passage or Flow Control network.Do not need second border directly to be communicated with flow cavity or passage.For example, it can be in addition along the Flow Control network.
In another embodiment, micro fluidic device is provided, has comprised limit fluid and/or particle pellicle through passing through.According to aspect of the present invention, pass through of fluid (for example gas or liquid) postponed or prevention.Can be used so that for example separation, de-bubble, filtration, pumping, valve control, mixing, filling, function such as quantitative to be provided according to the film of aspect of the present invention.For example, according to an embodiment, just can pass film up to reaching certain internal pressure fluid, fluid will pass film when arriving this pressure.This specific embodiment can be used for sample storage and injection, pumping, valve control.
According to another embodiment, film permission gas passes but does not allow liquid to pass (it is blocked) and is used for for example degasification, pumping, valve control, reagent storage and function of injecting.According to another embodiment, the particle in the membrane filtration fluid.These particles can for example comprise cell, microorganism, big molecule, antigen etc.
According to another embodiment, recirculation Flow Control network is provided.Recirculation Flow Control network can for example comprise inlet; In pump or valve or the bubble trap at least one.Recirculation Flow Control network also can comprise test chamber.In certain embodiments, inlet can be used as bubble trap in addition.
According to another embodiment, instrument-card is configured so that card provides some Pneumatic pipe engineering (plumbing).According to another embodiment, pump and valve control are driven by same accumulator.
Fluid pumping, valve control, degasification, filtration, sample introduction, reagent storage and controlled dosage can be used for carrying out complicated chemical rules (protocol).Common problem in micro-fluidic is the indivisible and accurate transmission of fluid.The present invention includes the multiple fluid Processing Structure, it comprises movable part, pellicle, electrode or their combination.Can trigger controller simultaneously through providing, can operate by simplification device, and therefore simplified the requirement of fluid handling component for instrument more than parts.Actuating can directly manually be carried out by the user, or carries out with instrument is auxiliary.The method that is used to overcome filling, sample introduction, injection, reagent storage, mixing and bubble problem also is disclosed as part of the present invention.
According to another aspect of the present invention, fluid handling structure is provided, comprising: the fluid passage; And deformable material; Wherein, fluid passage part is at least defined by deformable material, and deformable material is arranged as generation restriction or compression point in passage.In certain embodiments, restriction can be implemented in alternatively and set up the fluid wave of advancing in the passage.Structure can also comprise rigid basement, and wherein, fluid passage part at least is formed in the rigid basement.
In another embodiment, device is provided, it comprises: the passage that is at least partly limited deformable material, wherein the distortion of deformable material can be set up the fluid wave of advancing in passage.According to an embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, device is a micro fluidic device.
According to the additional embodiments of this aspect of the present invention, set up fluid wave through applying power to fluid moment along the single position of passage.According to another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, install and be micro fluidic device, it is not to be processed by silicon.Preferably, it is range upon range of micro fluidic device, and preferably, and it is unfavorable sets up fluid wave with electromagnetism mechanism.
According to other aspect of the present invention, the method for pumping fluid in microfluidic channel is provided, comprising: in passage, utilize deformable material to produce the fluid wave of advancing.
According to other aspect of the present invention; Micro fluidic device is provided; Comprise: the microfluidic channel that at least partly limits deformable material; Wherein the cross section of deformable material is substantially greater than the cross section of passage, and deformable material made its admission passage at least in part by distortion fully, and the fluid that influences thus in the passage flows.Deformable material according to this aspect of the present invention can be the type that is fit to arbitrarily.Experienced staff can easily identify suitable material.For example, specific elastomeric compound has suitable characteristic.
Deformable material is including, but not limited to polymer, polymer composites, metal and glass.In the situation that deformable material can't fully be out of shape too firmly, then deformable material is constituted as and allows distortion, and/or is combined in or is replaced by other material with suitable elastic characteristic, for example rubber, Santoprene
TM, polymer (dimethyl siloxane), gather (dimethyl siloxane), nitrile, polyurethane, silicone, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polychlorobutadiene, polyisobutene or gather (s-B-S) etc.
Use can be set up the fluid wave of advancing in passage deformable material provides the simple geometric shape, makes it possible to carry out the fluid transmission of desired precision, and has promoted low-cost production in enormous quantities simultaneously.In addition, the invention enables can be at high actuated components and carry out more economic distribution cheaply between the fluid handling component.According to a preferred embodiment, actuated components is outside at the fluid treating device that comprises deformable material.Can process with polymeric material according to fluid treating device of the present invention, and all or part of distortion through making fluid handling component is flowed fluid to produce fluid mobile for example to limit, to exert pressure or to cause.
As used herein, term " fluid " refers to gas or liquid phase material.
As used herein, term " activation zone " refers to the zone that actuator acted on fluid treating device.
Optical measuring device and method
The present invention also provides the method and apparatus that is used for systems incorporate flow unit and vertical light path (for example, microfluidic system).Especially, the apparatus and method that provided are used to make light longitudinally to pass along passage, and are used for specially assembling ejaculation light, and pass through described other device enhancing signal response thus here, and strengthen the sensitivity of selected measuring system thus.
Therefore, in one aspect of the invention, flow control apparatus is provided, has comprised: at least one passage that is configured for electromagnetic path of advancing.In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the length of passage, the path is longitudinally substantially.In certain embodiments, the path substantially perpendicular to or transverse at least a portion of the length of passage.In other embodiment, the path substantially perpendicular to or transverse at least a portion of the length of passage.Electromagnetic wave can comprise at least a in visible light, ultraviolet light, microwave, radio wave, x-ray and the gamma-rays.
Of the present invention other aspect in, device is provided, comprising: be applicable to passage, wherein measure and can carry out through electromagnetic wave is longitudinally advanced along part passage at least substantially based on the characteristic of the fluid in the electromagnetic wave measurement passage.
According to an embodiment, electromagnetic wave is a visible light.But, can use this purpose electromagnetic wave that is applicable to of arbitrary form.Therefore, for example can use ultraviolet or infrared light, microwave, radio wave, x-ray, and can use gamma-rays equally.
Can be used for any suitable purpose that relates to optical sensing according to device of the present invention.According to an embodiment, device is used for microfluidic applications.
According to additional embodiments, device is a micro fluidic device, and comprises the layer of combination (for example, bonding), to form micro fluidic device (' range upon range of ' device).According to another embodiment, device comprises that at least one optical window gets into and/or leave passage to allow electromagnetic wave (for example light).According to additional embodiments, device is not to be processed by silicon or silica-base material.
In one embodiment, the optical clear window that light is passed in an end of passage gets into flow unit, and reflection or refracting means guiding light path is to the path along the longitudinal direction of passage or flow unit there.Passage everywhere light level (light level) be able to keep (or light loss is minimized), this is to realize along the inner full-reflection of the length of passage or flow unit with maximization through cremasteric reflex surface or suitable refraction index changing.At test point, reflection and/or refraction structure guiding and, if desired, assemble the light that penetrates passage and be used for testing goal.
In another embodiment, flow unit is provided, it can be longitudinally and/or laterally throws light on or detection.
The method and apparatus of this aspect of the present invention is applicable to through traditional micro fluidic device of being produced with the reel-to-reel manufacture process based in batches, including, but not limited to Laser Processing, die-cut, impression, injection moulding and laminating method.
As used herein, term " micro-fluidic " or " Flow Control " refer to have at least one can be less than fluid treatment, operation or the process in the structure of one millimeter size.
As used herein, term " light " refers to more than one the edge equidirectional electromagnetic radiation photon of advancing substantially.
As used herein, the term electro magnetic radiation refers to the energy with the form of photon or ripple, and comprises that perhaps the light of visible light, ultraviolet light or infrared light reaches the for example ripple of the radiation of microwave, radio wave, x-ray, gamma-rays etc.
The instrument configuration method
The present invention also provides the method that is used for software or firmware upgrade and through using other parts in one or more removable inserts to be used for the method for control instrument.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the method for utilizing instrument to carry out function is provided, method comprises: insert is connected with instrument, insert comprise program code, data or instruct in one or more, it makes it possible to carry out function.Instrument can for example comprise: digital multimeter, oscillograph, frequency spectrograph, chemical analyzer, biological analyser, dna sequence analysis appearance, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, electrochemical analysis device, mobile phone, computer, personal digital assistant or digital multimedia player.
In another embodiment, provide use (i) instrument and (ii) insert to bear the method for function, having comprised with proprietary feature data: (a) insert is engaged in instrument, (b) from insert transmit data to instrument and (c) instrument accomplish function.
According to another aspect of the present invention, provide configuration to be used for instrument carrying out the insert of function, insert comprises one or more in program code, data or the instruction, it makes it possible to carry out function.Insert can for example comprise: sensor, box, cassette tape, micro fluidic device, flash card, memory stick, smart card or printed circuit or other memory storage component.
In another embodiment, provide to be used for instrument to carry out the insert of function, wherein insert comprises that instrument is desired in order to accomplish the function proprietary data of function.
According to other aspect of the present invention, the software of upgrading instrument or the method for firmware are provided, method comprises: insert is connected with instrument; And transmit some or all program code, data or instruct to instrument and accomplish upgrading thus.Instrument can for example comprise: digital multimeter, oscillograph, frequency spectrograph, chemical analyzer, biological analyser, dna sequence analysis appearance, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, electrochemical analysis device, mobile phone, computer, personal digital assistant or digital multimedia player.
In another embodiment, the software of upgrading instrument or the method for firmware are provided, wherein instrument supplies insert to use, and comprising: (a) insert is connected with instrument and (b) through data are transferred to the instrument instrument of upgrading from insert.
According to other aspect of the present invention, provide to supply insert that instrument uses to carry out function, wherein insert comprises the data of the software and the firmware of the instrument that is used to upgrade.
According to another aspect of the present invention, be provided at instrument and have between the insert of mutual exclusive data and set up mutual method, comprising: (a) insert is connected with instrument, (b) from insert transmit data to instrument and (c) instrument accomplish function.
Usually, the main application of insert is the needed running stores function of normal running of instrument.Through additional function is provided on insert, user's operation is simplified, and the development cycle of new product is minimized, and has further protected the data security of product and the intellectual property of product.Usually, some or all is used to that upgrade or be used for the data of instrumentation agreement can be partly or integrally be included in according to one or more removable inserts of the present invention.
The invention provides instrument and insert framework, therein, one or more inserts that just are being usually used in the physical function property of instrument become the part of the software/firmware upgrade approach that is used for instrument.More specifically, insert or a plurality of insert comprise some or all upgrade information.This method has been simplified user's operation, because the process of upgrade software is carried out automatically; Need new software be installed from other media.In addition, through no longer requiring to produce and issue independent upgrading media to have reduced expense (logisticoverhead) after sale.
The invention provides and between instrument and one or more removable insert, to issue program code, data or the instruction of (ratio exists and changes, for example from 1: 0 to 1: 1 by 0: 1).More particularly; Generalized subroutine can be provided on the instrument and uses proprietary executable program and/or operating data is provided on one or more removable inserts; The major function of insert can be as disposable running stores; Realizing at instrument under the situation of physics control, hold and carries out chemical test and the analysis that is directed against biological sample.
Distributed structure/architecture has minimized the software development that is associated with the new application and development of the insert that is used for instrument and connection thereof.The instrument of programming then can be accepted new application program and not need customer upgrade software generally, and has also avoided any to using or the instruments design personnel expect the requirement of new " as yet not invention ".
The present invention provides improved user-operable property and operation automation through provided data to instrument by insert to carry out part or all of application operating automatically and to offer the setting that the user defined.Thus, simplified user interactions, this has strengthened the reliability of system and has simplified instrumentation.
In addition, invention provides additional software security, because the program execution command needn't be present in the instrument.In a particular embodiment, insert carries instruction with configure instrument, is used for the application-specific of insert.According to this embodiment, invention has produced more difficult reverse engineering approach, because successful copy needs the execution of complete prehension program.If unlikely situation has taken place, promptly instrument and insert finally be reversed engineering alternately, the then last executable program that generates has only disclosed the data that are used to make the applied concrete application of special-purpose insert, can't expose other data to the open air.
The present invention also allows to carry out cumulative and permanent change to being included in use data on the insert, make reverse engineering instrument can not with new insert co-operating.
Upgrade information or distributed program data can be encoded on one or more inserts, and can adopt many different forms, including, but not limited to: through the electric coding of electrode connection; Resistance value; Magnetic stripe; Integrated circuit; Optical encoding; And mechanical coding.
The additional advantage that in insert, has upgrading and configuration data is extra security feature, and it requires the coupling between the inserted device of instrument, interface and coupling.
As used herein, for simplicity, the insert that term " expendable insert " also refers to have one or more purposes.
Such as here use, speech " device " and " instrument " can exchange with using in meaning.
The specific embodiment
Fluid-operated document and method
Different embodiments of the invention comprise: the controller that flow of control fluid in device; With various fluid handling structures, comprise one or more movable parts, pellicle, electrode, sensor or their combination.
Can adopt any suitable form according to controller of the present invention, and preferably include actuator in order to trigger and the interior related parts of fluid flowing phase of device.
Fluid treatment or actuated components can be processed by any suitable material.For example, they can be processed by substrate or a plurality of substrate of single moulding.Fluid handling structure can adopt any suitable mode to form, and for example, it can be formed in the substrate of monoblock or formed by the substrate of several layers.
Actuator can be in outside or the part of fluid treating device of device, or is formed with outside resolution element by the part of fluid treating device.
Actuating can be carried out through any suitable device, and for example, it can manually directly be carried out by the user, or under instrument is assisted, directly manually or automatically carries out.
According to an embodiment, actuator be through and external instrument between the Pneumatic pressure that provides of interface.
According to the other preferred embodiment of describing, use the exterior mechanical actuator in order on the auto levelizer of exerting pressure in the device internal strain and use the deformable material of pneumatic or fluid pressure, or manually actuated by operating personnel's finger.Therefore, according to these preferred embodiments, deformable substrate can be the integration section of fluid handling structure, and actuation mechanisms is separated.Mechanical actuator can adopt any suitable form, and for example, they can comprise: bearing; Pin; Piston; Oscillating deck; Cam; And scraping blade.The embodiment of other expectation can comprise and use the energy of using through different modes, for example, and through comprising the instrument or the device of light, static, electric, resistance, piezoelectricity, electromagnetism, pneumatic, hydraulic pressure, linearity and magnetic force actuator.
Activation zone can cover whole surface or only the cover part is surperficial.Fig. 1 is the indicative icon that comprises the activation zone (03) of the actuated components (01) that has cross aisle (02).
Activation zone can be on the outer surface of fluid handling component or in the inside of fluid treating device.
According to an embodiment, activation zone or its part can be movable parts, and its (for example) changes shape under the applied pressure effect.Removable material can be elastomer or any removable material that under the applied pressure effect, changes shape that other is fit to.
In another embodiment; Activation zone comprises bistable state or monostable material; For example polymer or composite materials; It can change shape to the predetermined geometry of another kind from predetermined geometry, and in a single day excitation (for example actuation force) is removed or cancels, and still can change back or impelled to return to original state and position.The instance of this layout comprises the button-type actuator, its can be for example manually, heating power ground, electrically or mechanically operation, and formed to allow under the actuation force effect mobile suitably.
Movable part can be out of shape direct entering fluid handling structure, or acts on the part of fluid handling component indirectly, to cause or to prevent pressure or the change in shape in the fluid handling component.
Activation zone can be greater than actuated components.
Actuated components operation including, but not limited to FLOW CONTROL, pumping, valve control, diffusion, droplet transmission, mixing, separation, switching, dosage, injection, sensing, catalysis, absorb water, anhydrate and under the actuation force effect, be triggered or stop other fluid treatment operation of triggering.For illustrative purposes, Fig. 2 shows the indicative icon of some these parts.Fig. 2 (a) representes injection pump (04), and Fig. 2 (b) is pump (05), and Fig. 2 (c) is switch valve or vario valve, and Fig. 2 (d) is a check valve.
Same actuator can be operated more than an actuated components.In Fig. 3-7, instance has been shown.This layout has been simplified the device operation, and has therefore simplified the instrument demand that is used for fluid handling component through reducing actuation control and space requirement.Through a plurality of actuated components of combination by the operation of same mechanism, operating efficiency also can strengthen to be used for difference in functionality, for example pumping, valve control, mixing, injection, controlled dosage, switching and the operation of other fluid treatment.
The indicative icon more than an actuated components by the same type of an activation zone operation has been shown among Fig. 3.Fig. 3 (a) shows three pumps in upright arrangement (09), and it is connected to three separate channels (10) that activated by same mechanism (08).Fig. 3 (b) shows three injection pumps (11) that are connected to by three separate channels (10) of same activation zone (08) operation.Fig. 3 (c) shows three switch valves or the vario valve (12) that is connected to by three separate channels (10) of same activation zone (08) operation.Through by these actuated components of each autonomous channel combination by same activation zone; Output, size, cost and simplicity can be owing to only requiring single actuating mechanism to be improved by same all parts of activation zone operation; And the application regularly of strict actuated components can be by simple and accurately completion.Fig. 3 (d) shows the instance that passage (10) intersects, and wherein four passages have switch or vario valve (12) by same activation zone (08) operation, make controlled dosage can be got into or flow out all valve passages by single operation.Fig. 3 (e) shows two pumps (09 in upright arrangement; 13) instance; It goes up operation by same activation zone (08) at the relative stroke (applied pressure) of same actuating mechanism; Thus when the parallel connection of the passage of drawing (10), improve pumping efficiency through on the forward of actuating mechanism and recycled back, all carrying out pump action from each pump.
In Fig. 4, illustrated at the indicative icon of an activation zone operation more than the more than one actuated components of a type.Fig. 4 (a) shows by the pump in upright arrangement (17) on autonomous channel (15) of same activation zone (14) operation and two switch valves or vario valve (16).Fig. 4 (b) shows switch valve on autonomous channel (15) or the vario valve (16) by same activation zone (14) operation.If setting vario valve is different flow rates, then the fluid of pumping can repeatedly be assigned to arbitrary valve outlet port.Fig. 4 (c) shows and is connected to the injection pump (18) that has by four passages (15) of the switch valve of same activation zone (14) operation or vario valve (16), and the fluid that allows to inject is assigned to each passage.Fig. 4 (d) shows the indicative icon of the pump in upright arrangement (17) in four crossing passages (15), and passage (15) comprises switch valve or vario valve (16), and it is all operated by same activation zone (14).This configuration provides the FLOW CONTROL for pumping fluid entering or elution band valve passage.
Pumping sketch map shown in Fig. 5 has illustrated three types pump, and it is assigned with the fluid from common-use tunnel or container.Fig. 5 (a) shows pump in upright arrangement (21), and it connects by two switch valves on the split tunnel (20) of same activation zone (19) operation or vario valve (22), and according to the valve configuration and the medium branch of institute's pumping is gone into two passages.Fig. 5 (b) shows injection pump (23), and it connects by two switch valves on the split tunnel (20) of same activation zone (19) operation or vario valve (22), and according to the valve configuration and the medium branch that is injected is gone into two passages.Fig. 5 (c) shows two groups of three switches or the vario valve (22) by same activation zone (19) operation on separate channels (20).Through disposing each valve, can realize the crawling type action through the single actuating in arbitrary passage with sequential activation.
According to the present invention, even activated by same actuator, actuated components also can be operated with geometry according to their composition differently.Such instance comprises: the pump of operating with different flow rates owing to their geometry; And valve, some of them are transferred to closed condition in actuation process, and other forwards open mode to; Or vario valve, it is configured to restricting flow is different horizontal; Or parts, it is triggered in different time by same actuator.Be provided for controlled dosage layout instance as shown in Figure 5.This valve can be provided with so that controlled dosage to be provided in many ways.For example, they can be set to close at difference activating cycle period, or are set to limit flow rate, allow to produce controlled volume dosage process effectively.
According to another aspect of the present invention, actuated components can be operated according to the same actuator of their configuration using differently.Fig. 3 e shows the instance of this configuration, and wherein two parallel connections of pump are by same actuator operated.Actuated components can as one man or activate the different piece operation of circulation, and for example, a pump is at the downward stroke propulsive fluid that activates circulation, and another pump is at the up stroke propulsive fluid.
In another embodiment, can flow to cause fluid thereby produce peristaltic action by a plurality of valves of same actuator operated through the on off state that replaces a plurality of valves.Be illustrated among Fig. 5 c by three peristaltic-type pump that constitute by the valve that triggers of same actuator operated differently.
Can make up a plurality of activation zone to carry out the fluid treatment operation.The instance of this layout is illustrated among Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, and one of them a fluid stream intersects another, shifts to allow two predetermined volumes between a fluid stream.In the instance of Fig. 6, a fluid stream (23,24) is alternately triggered by pump and valve activation zone (26,27), make that injecting a fluid stream flows, but not the pumping a fluid stream is controlled by valve owing to the actuating of pumping a fluid stream.This prevents that the fluid backflow from getting into the passage of one other fluid, except that the some place that intersects at their, controlled dosage and controlled plug effect for fluid is provided thus, makes fluid can be injected into other fluid stream therein.In the indicative icon of Fig. 7, a fluid stream (30) is by (28) pumping, and if the back pressure in the passage (32) higher, then fluid locates to pass passage (32) and the valve flow through (29) goes out in (31).Therefore,, be pumped along the fluid of passage (32) when (29) when being triggered, and because the triggering of the valve of (29) and the entering (30) that can not reflux.Therefore, if before trigger (29), introduce fluid from (28), the fluid that then stops up at two a fluid streams (31) infall is injected into and is transferred together in company with the fluid from (29) pumping.
Fig. 8 (a) shows the embodiment of this activation zone (33); Wherein two central passages are linked together by two circular check valves (34); Carry out pumping when allowing to activate; Shown in Fig. 8 (b), wherein the fluid flow direction of arrow indication actuating circulation time alternately (34a) upwards circulates with activating downwards with (34b) representing respectively.And the rectangle actuated components (35) of Fig. 8 (a) is a switch valve, and it allows film (36) thereby distortion stops flowing between period of energization with blocking channel, and shown in Fig. 8 (c), wherein the valve cross section is depicted as out (35a) and (35b) pattern of closing.Another embodiment shown in Fig. 8 (d) shows the operation as two types pump operated valve.Fill action (37) and cause upwards distortion of film (36); Allow fluid to get into the pumping chamber; And in emptying circulation (38), film (36) is pressed in the substrate in chamber of sealing ingate and makes the film distortion get into lower passage, allows to pass through under the effect of the restriction of fluid before exit passageway.The instance of another triple valve is provided among Fig. 8 (e), and wherein deformable layer (40) is used for when from relative port (39) applying pressure, closing particular port, and applied pressure makes the film distortion to cover the not port of applying pressure.Film can navigate to a side of chamber or passage and close particular port with acquiescence, and only when from the port applying pressure of initially closing, opens.
Another aspect of the present invention can comprise one or more pellicles, and it can for example air be mobile through prevent fluid under low pressure effect, to allow as exhaust outlet or check-valves.Instance is including, but not limited to microporous barrier or tunica fibrosa, and it has the bubble point pressure greater than>0psi.Preferred embodiment is used the hydrophobic membrane of aperture size less than 0.9 μ m, preferably less than 0.5 μ m, and the most preferably less than 0.2 μ m.Wherein work as aperture size less than 0.2 μ m, then film is preferably used for organism and obtains (biologicalorganism trapping).Pellicle can be for example as resulting from the exhaust outlet of fluid treating device de-bubble of the such operation of filling, dead volume and for example pumping, in Fig. 9 (a), this instance has been shown, pump in upright arrangement therein (43) has combined bubble trap (41) in downstream.Pellicle also can be configured to check-valves, in Fig. 9 (b), this instance has been shown, and injection pump (44) has the downstream exhaust outlet (42) that is used for as the check-valves operation therein.This configuration allows the fluid in the structure to obtain reliable memory and processing, and fluid is injected system when activateding only.Figure 10 shows the cross section of the passage that has bubble trap.The fluid (47) that has bubble (45) passes pellicle (46), and wherein bubble (45) preferably passes through film and removes owing to the pressure differential (48) of film both sides, and wherein pressure differential is lower than bubble along the passage needed pressure differential that continues to advance.
In another embodiment, exhaust outlet (50) is arranged as structure (49) degasification, to guarantee the filling fully in passage or chamber (52,53).Filling material can be any suitable type, and for example they can be fluids or solid.Case description among Figure 11 be arranged in the exhaust outlet that is used for degasification of test chamber (53) downstream, when inlet (51) is introduced, initially be present in the air in the structure to remove at fluid.
Guiding liquids was across exhaust outlet when in another embodiment, the use of surface tension and geometry can be used to aid in removal gas.Figure 12 (a) and 12 (b) have described the plane and the cross sectional view of example device (55) respectively, and device (55) has the exhaust outlet (56) of big relatively surface area on microchannel (54), so that carry out gas exhaust.The microchannel extends through the bottom surface of discharge chamber (57), and the surface tension in the passage and in the discharge chamber helps along passage guiding fluid, and gas discharges into the chamber simultaneously, discharges across exhaust outlet (56) then.In another embodiment, Figure 13 shows the instance of exhaust structure, and it uses control valve (60) feature structure to pass through exhaust outlet to prevent air.Liquid only passes through control valve (60) when reaching certain pressure in the discharge chamber (61).Because this adjusting pressure is higher than the bubbling point of permeable membrane, gas (59) will preferably pass through permeable membrane (58) and discharge (Figure 13 (a)).When discharge chamber (61) is full of liquid and applying pressure, deformable film (62) will be out of shape to allow liquid to flow to outlet (Figure 13 (b)).
In another embodiment, exhaust outlet can be combined in the restriction of deformable structure and check valve or loading liquid or pumping.Figure 14 (a) and (b) described the top view and the side view of de-bubble type exhaust outlet (63) respectively for example, as shown in Figure 13, exhaust outlet (63) is combined in check valve (67) under deformable structure (66) effect.Here check valve (67) be configured to through allow air deformable structure (66) when being compressed through (65) and release pressure, and when deformable material returns to its original state, seal.Therefore, in device, produce negative pressure, it sucks fluid to fill chamber (64) with known volume from passage.The fluid that other pumping mechanism can be used to push this known volume then is through the bubble trap in the device, shown in the recirculation network among Figure 22.
In another embodiment, exhaust outlet can dispose in order to sample introduction and filter and fluid control.Figure 15 (a) has described the pellicle (68a) on inlet slot.Under the action of pressure of the bubbling point that is higher than film that applies, enough little in the sample passed film (68a) and access to plant with the composition that passes film.Filtered sample and postpone sample and get into effectively is up to exerting pressure.Figure 15 (b) provides two pellicles on the inlet that is arranged in flow control apparatus.First semi-permeable layer (68b) configuration that contacts with sample initially in the position that limits, to absorb and to hold sample, allows the sample access to plant of controlled dosage volume as absorbing medium thus when pressure puts on filtration semi-permeable layer (68a) both sides.In this example, absorbent material was passed through in wicking (wick) before sample was admitted to device exerting pressure.Under enough barometric gradient effects, have only the sample in the exposure plot directly over the film to move into device.
In another embodiment, pellicle (72) can controlled volume be distributed and storage in order to accomplish.Figure 16 shows instance, and wherein reagent or sample can inject described big chamber (70) through film, and it will fill known volume.Little leaving area (73) provides in order to during filling, to remove air and release pressure, makes outlet valve not be released.When the needs injection device, apply pressure to pellicle (72) (sealing of exhaust oral region or pressure equate), to the flow cavity supercharging, force liquid to pass through pressure-reducing valve (69) and flow out admission passage (71).Similarly method is to come load sample, the exhaust area (73) that need not separate because the pellicle (72) of any exposure can carry out degassing function thus through for example injecting storage chamber (70) through elastic layer.
In another embodiment, fluid can be introduced through pellicle and carry out valve control or pump function.Figure 17 (a) and (b) show the exhaust outlet (72) that is arranged in two passage infalls and channel end respectively.Fluid in device can be controlled through applying one other fluid (73) (for example, liquids and gases), and this another kind liquid can preferably pass pellicle (72) and flow.In this example, the gas of application (73) can pass channel network or mobile in order to stop fluid in order to drive liquid (74).Bubble point pressure (surface tension) stops liquid to pass through film.Geometry also can be in order to flow with limit fluid with the pellicle combination.
In another embodiment, exhaust outlet (78) can make up to form pumping system with check valve (75).The instance of this system is illustrated among Figure 18.Figure 18 (a) described through the negative pressure across exhaust outlet (78) (76a) gradient of removing air and sucking fluid in pumping chamber (77) fill fluid.Figure 18 (b) has described the fluid that penetrates from the pumping chamber through positive pressure (76b) gradient that applies across exhaust outlet.Air moves can be provided by external pneumatic interface or integrated actuator, and button-type pump for example is described in Figure 20.
In another embodiment, use pellicle to be used for the fluid control in the structured network more than one.Figure 19 shows instance, wherein used two pellicles with different bubbling points (81a, 81b).The negative pressure that is applied (79a) can be in order to suck fluid through pellicle (81b) from passage (80a), reduces second pellicle (81a) that pressure or use have the bubbling point that is higher than institute's applied pressure gradient (79a) then and make and stop liquid to pass layer (81a).Malleation (79b) can be applied in (Figure 19 (b)) then and pass outlet (80b) to force fluid, and it can comprise limited part, valve control or other Flow Control characteristic.
In another embodiment, comprised that in activation zone electrode is to be provided for the electric switching that sensor operated, circuit operation or actuation events detect.Instance has been shown in Figure 20, and it has described button-type activation zone (84), and it has combined activating the electronic pads (82) that operating period is triggered.In this example, the hole in substrate (83) is provided for release pressure between the period of energization of structure (84), can be used in then in the device in substrate implementation actuating down by activating caused pressure.
In another embodiment, button-type or other deformable structure and pellicle combination.This is that chemical storage, injection, pumping, valve control and other fluid-operated operation provide advantage through the controlled actuation volume is provided.Figure 21 (a) and (b) described two-stage pumping scheme, wherein fluid pumping chamber (91) keep separating with big actuating volume (90) in the deformable actuating structure (87).These two kinds of geometries can be configured to the pumping of the optimization condition that provides then; Volume in deformable structure (90) is in order to the control pump pressurization pressure, and the fluid pumping volume (91) on the other side of pellicle (86) is in order to limit the pumping volume.In addition, pellicle (86) can for example stop the electrode sensor on the liquid corrosion deformable structure in order to stop corrosive or other fluid harmful to deformable actuating structure (87).In the instance shown in Figure 21, downward actuation force (89) distortion deformable structure (87) reduces to activate volume (90), to the pressurization of pumping chamber, forces fluid to pass through check valve (88) thus and passes through passage (85b) and flow out.Through removing actuation force (89) and making deformable actuating structure (87) return to its original shape, the negative pressure draw fluid gets into fluid pumping chamber (91) through check valve (88).
In alternative situations; Deformable actuating structure (87) can be used as injection pump through in activating volume (90), holding fluid; Said fluid is maintained at outside the passage of device, causes internal pressure to raise above film maintenance point (retention point) up to the actuating that acts on the deformable structure.
In another embodiment, the recirculation flow system is provided.Through using the degasification parts, the air that outlet can be connected to inlet and drawing-in system was removed before fluid flows to functional areas.By this way, fluid can more effectively mix combination and repeatedly pass through functional areas.This has advantage in many application, comprise the detection in sample preparation, the filtration of for example cross flow one, solid chemistry, the micro-fluidic system.Figure 22 shows the indicative icon of the recirculation Flow Control network that has inlet (92), pump (93), bubble trap (94) and test chamber (95).Fluid flow direction during arrow (96) expression pumping.
In other embodiment, inner pressure relief structure (97) is in order to prevent in undesirable zone, forming bubble.For example, Figure 23 has described two such structures, and it can use in passage (98), near the outlet of recirculation network, separates the fluid chain with the suction force of avoiding pump at place, next minimal pressure force.In some instance, this is to be in or near detection zone, and it can receive negative effect owing to the formation of bubble.Through introducing these extra wide zones (97), fluid preferably separates at this some place, rather than is separating near the surveyed area place.
Figure 24 shows the top view of multilayer recirculation Flow Control network.The order of connection of recirculation network is: from comprising inlet (108) beginning that is used to filter the pellicle that loads with sample; Be directly connected to the pump in upright arrangement (99) in the activation zone (102); Then be check valve (100); The sample introduction port has the check valve (101) that is used for anti-backflow; Comprise pressure-reducing valve and the deformable activation zone (102) that is used for removing the exhaust outlet (103) of bubble and has the check valve (104) of air return system (109), this has guaranteed that the positive pressure in the activation zone discharges through air return system (109) and negative pressure loads from the sample that sample inlet (101) inlet flow body is used for controlled volume; Cut apart, transform and and then the combination flow to be used for the improved shunting blender (105) of mixing based on diffusion; Test chamber (106); Pressure reduction structure (107); And connection is fed back into level (108) then, is used for the fluid re-circulation of flow control system.
In another embodiment, Figure 25 has described the top view combination picture of the multi-layered devices (110) that comprises two controlled dosage Flow Control networks, and the Flow Control network has pump, valve, bubble trap, detection groove and pressure reduction structure.The conveying of the output of each network in the input of another network, and if do not have pressure reduction structure, empty the groove of coming in and going out and will in the outlet of relative Flow Control network, produce suction force, therefore possibly cause in detection zone, producing bubble.Two buttons at top allow the fluid of pumpings from their inlet slots separately, and provide check valve to produce when preventing at a time only to have a pump to activated to reflux.Two pumps of bottom are configured to provide the injection fluid from the controlled volume of interior groove to get into through the fluid of network from other groove pumping, and mode is similar to stream and injects analytical technology.Detailed says, when activating, pump in upright arrangement (111) and (112) pumping fluid pass the check valve (113a or 113b) that anti-backflow gets into arbitrary pump.The actuation control of pump (111,112) has been confirmed from the ratio of two kinds of fluids of they input slot (114,115) pumpings separately.Gas is removed from the fluid of the pumping of passing bubble trap (116a).Through the fluid of de-bubble then pumping pass pressure-reducing valve (118b), and arrive the inlet slot (119) of pump in upright arrangement (120) then through test chamber (117a).Pump in upright arrangement (120) then in order to move through check valve (125b) pumping, through shared injection chamber (121), pass the delivery fluid that activates stop valve (122b), passes through bubble trap (116b), pressure-reducing valve (118a) and drain tank (114).Check valve (125a) prevents to deliver fluid and flows into pump in upright arrangement (123), and actuating stop valve (122b) is activated to prevent that fluid flow to groove (124) during flow circuit by pump in upright arrangement (120).When pump in upright arrangement (123) was operated, the fluid in groove (124) was through check valve (125a), injection chamber (121), the actuating stop valve of opening (122b) and get back to groove (124) recirculation.In activating circulation, check valve (125b) prevents to flow into pump (120), and actuating stop valve (122b) is triggered in case fluid flow to bubble trap (116b).
In one embodiment, pumping and valve control are activated by the external pneumatic instrument on the plate of device, and Pneumatic instrument has by blocking configurable pneumatic interconnected that (126) provide.Said configuration provides strong and platform very flexibly, and it can be configured to adopt the card that is used for multiple different application, since not only inner valve and the pump setting of configuration of card, the valve connection (131) of going back configuring external.Figure 26 shows the plan view of example device, and (Figure 26 a) and side view (Figure 26 b); Wherein through hole (130) from external pressure source to shared chamber (127) supercharging (malleation and negative pressure) on pumping district (128), to provide shared pump action down in shared pressure chamber (127) effect to all pumps (can use more than one also the pressure chamber of independent operation).Allow or do not allow the fluid in card to move based on the configuration of the valve control in the card, card is pneumatically controlled by external instrument valve (129).The pressure that is applied to the inner valve structure is by external valve (129) control and because they can be forward, negative sense or atmospheric pressure with supercharging pumping chamber (127) with being connected of atmosphere, and this can be disposed by card.Instrument valve (129) passes seal washer (133) via port (132) and is connected to card.
The present invention also comprises the multiple fluid Processing Structure, and it comprises deformable component, and deformable component can be used as pump or valve.Deformable component can be out of shape the entering fluid handling structure, or acts on the part of fluid handling structure, increases to produce for restriction of flowing or pressure.
Part or all of fluid handling structure can be out of shape.This restriction can be seen Figure 27 (a), Figure 27 (b) and Figure 27 (c) respectively in order to the control fluid stable state single valve, many valves or moving in mobile valve operation.In Figure 27, passage is limited substrate (203) and deformable material (202).In Figure 27 (a), single bearing (201) moves perpendicular to the length of passage (204), the distortion elastomeric material (202) and the therefore part of seal channel (204).In Figure 27 (b), three bearings (201) distortion deformable material (202) admission passage structures (204) are to form crawling type pumping action through the actuating that replaces them to advance/to go out passage.In Figure 27 (c), bearing (201) moves along the length direction of passage (204), and distortion deformable material admission passage (204) is with along the fluid in the bearing moving direction squeezing passage.
According to an embodiment, external component comprises actuation part, and it contact with fluid handling component, makes passage that the part distortion take place, and produces passage and clamps, and therefore permission is through making passage and open (Figure 28) or closing (Figure 29) and carry out valve and operate.
Figure 28 shows the different embodiment before activating of the present invention, and its combination of using deformable material (205) and indeformable material (206) is to produce fluid handling structure (208).Deformable material can be elastomer (205), like Figure 28 (a) to shown in 28 (h), or other material (207), like Figure 28 (m) to 28p) shown in, it is in the change shape down of institute's applied pressure equal excitation effect for example.Figure 28 (i) shows to 28 (l) and how to make up deformable material (205,207) and make it be used to form fluid handling structure (208).
Figure 29 shows deformable material (210) and is activating skew entering different fluid Processing Structure under (209) effect.The different external actuator can use or make up use separately.They should be preferably by design size suitably under brake function, to produce the most effectively distortion.An instance is that round bearing skew deformable material gets into semi-circular channel.Be moulding and or limit deformable material in the alternative method shown in Figure 29 (c) to29 (f) to guarantee material (210) skew entering fluid handling structure under actuating (209) effect.
Deformable material according to aspect of the present invention can have any suitable type.A preferred embodiment comprises it being elastomeric deformable material.Preferably, deformable material is resilient, in case so that remove the excitation of distortion then return to its predeformation shape and position.Therefore, for example, after removing actuator, utilize actuator to be compressed the deformable elastomeric material that gets into passage and will most preferably automatically return to the outer position of passage.
In another embodiment; Deformable material is bistable state or monostable material; For example polymer or composition metal; In a single day it can change shape to another predetermined geometry from predetermined geometry, and removes or cancel excitation then, can recover or impel to return to initial state and position.Such instance can comprise manually, calorifics ground, the button-type actuator of operation electrically or mechanically, and it has formed convexity or recessed structure suitably.
The liquid handling parts can be processed by substrate or a plurality of substrate of single moulding.Fluid handling structure can be formed into the substrate of monoblock or limited and formed the several layers of substrate.
Fluid handling structure (211) can partly or be integrally formed in the deformable material (212), as shown in Figure 30.Figure 30 (a) and 30 (b) show deformable material (212), and it comprises the fluid handling structure (211) that is partly limited substrate (213).In Figure 30 (a), deformable material (212) is on the surface of substrate (213), and in Figure 30 (b), deformable material (212) joins with substrate (213) and gets in the substrate (213).Figure 30 (c) and 30 (d) show and are formed in the deformable material (212) and by another deformable layer (212) sealed fluid flow Processing Structure (211), and in Figure 30 (d), fluid handling structure (211) is integrally formed in the deformable material (212).
Deformable material can be the thin film of ratio deviation distance, or the deformable material of monoblock, and wherein the degree of depth of deformable material is greater than needed skew.Bigger deformable material provides through allowing the bigger district that exerts pressure to simplify the advantage of actuating mechanism, and this can cause that distortion gets into littler structure.
Deformable material can be on the outer surface of fluid handling component or in fluid treating device.
Deformable material can cover whole surface or part surface.For example, it can comprise packing ring or O type circle geometry.
Deformable material can be concordant with the surface or be extended in the surface of passage.
Deformable material can be out of shape the one or more fluid handling structures of entering.
In another embodiment, a plurality of stable state valves of processing by deformable material can in order to through their open/close state alternately to produce crawling type action causing fluid flow (Figure 27 (b)).
Deformable or micro-fluidic structure can be combined in other fluid restricted element, and for example divergent nozzle or valve are to form the part of pump or pumping mechanism.These valve control structures can be adjacent to the pumping chamber and arrange, shown in arrow among Figure 28 (o) and Figure 28 (p), or along the length layout of pumping chamber or passage.The valve of arranging along the length of passage can comprise that directed flow suppresses structure, for example aisle limit or check valve step by step.Figure 31 shows the passage (217) that is formed in the substrate (215), and it has profiled surface, and check valve control effect is provided when deformable material (214) squints.In this example, the rolling bearing (218) that moves along the direction of arrow is squeezed in the fluid (216) before the bearing along profiled surface (217).The fluid pressure of before bearing, setting up makes film (214) skew, pushes fluid (216) along profile.
According to another embodiment, cause that in fluid handling structure the moving of actuator of distortion can produce pump action through causing wavy action, wavy action forces fluid along channel flow.Figure 32 (a) and 32 (b) provide the indicative icon in pumping district, and it is by the linearity (220) that causes fluid mobile (219) or radially (221) actuation motion generation on longshore current body treating apparatus surface.Figure 33 has described the top view of multi-layered devices, and its use is connected to radial pump (224) configuration of microfluidic channel (225), and microfluidic channel (225) leads to three valve positions (222) and goes into/export (223).Because elastomeric distortion is carried out along the length of passage, therefore in many cases,, do not need valve to stop backflow because kept the distortion admission passage.
These specific embodiments use mechanical brakes applying pressure on the deformable channel design perpendicular to channel direction, and make that to be parallel to the power of be out of shape basalis be zero or make its reduction to reduce friction.Deformable substrate can be the integration section of micro flow chip, and rotating part or actuator can be the parts of attached or subsidiary instrument or such controlled device.The instance of mechanical actuator is illustrated among Figure 34, and can for example comprise round (227) and bearing assembly (228), pin and piston (226), oscillating deck (229), cam (230) and scraper plate (231).Other alternate preferred embodiment can comprise manual activation; For example use operating personnel's finger; Or through using the energy that is applied by instrument or device, these instruments or device comprise static, electric, resistive, light, piezoelectricity, electromagnetism, pneumatic, hydraulic pressure, linearity and magnetive attraction actuator.Case description shown in Figure 35 the decomposition view of journal bearing pump, it has two actuation head that are used for the device that Figure 32 describes in order to the distortion elastomer layer.A bearing head assembly is used to carry out pump action, and another is operated near valve.Bearing assembly comprises the round (234) that is contained in the housing (232), and housing (232) is installed on the gear assembly (235,236) that is connected to drive rod (238).Whole assembly driven in translation half-twist with the swivel bearing assembly, and is maintained at together through the steady pin (233) that housing (237) is connected instrument.
Optical measuring device and method
Below about the description of some preferred embodiment with light as the electromagnetic wave that uses in the device.But, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that some embodiment can be applicable to other electromagnetic wave comparably.
The purpose of optical fluid detecting unit is a guiding light ray access way, with analysing fluid, by flow through or enhancing detection sensitivity when being contained in the handled material of fluid in the unit, thereby and improve detector response.The vertical and horizontal that structure disclosed herein, apparatus and method can be applicable in the fluid detection unit are measured.
In order to analyze the incident light that crosses after the fluid that holds in the detecting unit, analytical method is colorimetric method, luminous (phosphorescence and fluorescence), absorption process and transmission beam method in the passage.
Fluid in the detecting unit can be static or move.
By the molecule analyzed can be in passage the optional position, for example, they can be bonded to the detecting unit wall in fluid, or are attached to the another kind of material in the detecting unit.
The outer optical element (for example lens and filter) of sheet also can be in order to assemble and device is incided in adjustment and from the ray of the light of device transmission.
Can combine any known electromagnetic radiation transmission, reflection, refraction, correction or partition member according to device of the present invention.The instance of these parts is including, but not limited to absorption, reflection, refraction or the diffractive part of following part as single-piece (singlet) or a plurality of optical elements; Diffuser is (by discontinuity of material; The fine structure on surface produces), lens (concave surface, convex surface, sphere, aspheric surface, Fresnel lens), prism (being used for guiding and separated light, spectroscope, collimator), refractive surface (material with different refractivity, formation moth eye fine structure is with the reflection of minimizing surface), be used to change face coat (the for example optical coating of thin metal layer), diffraction grating, speculum (plane, sphere, aspheric surface, Fresnel, corner cube speculum) and the optical filter (absorption, dichroism, binary optical filter) of refractive index.
According to an embodiment, this device is a multi-layered devices, and the monoblock device is a polymer partly or entirely.Flow Control or optics can be through removing in the monoblock device or alternate material or pass layer and excise fully and process.According to device of the present invention can by in batches, production technology sequence or continuous and making.Such technology including, but not limited to impression, injection moulding, punching press, roller cut, ion or chemical etching, laser treatment and hot forming.
In one embodiment, any or the both of light source S and detector D can deliver channel location perpendicular to fluid.Figure 36 (a) shows the top view of microfluidic channel (401 and 402) to 36 (d), microfluidic channel (401 and 402) on top surface, have transmissive window (301) be used for illumination with or detect.In these embodiment, detection zone is along longitudinally locating through the microfluidic channel (402) between the transmissive window (301).
The cross section that has a device of vertical detection zone be illustrated in Figure 37 (a) and (b) with (c) in, wherein photon is redirected element and passes through device in order to direct electromagnetic radiation.S and D refer to light source and photodetector respectively.Figure 37 (a) shows the angled reflector (412) at the place, arbitrary end of passage (403), and it is being redirected the light path (302) through the waveguide (301) in the device (303) between the vertical and horizontal direction substantially.Figure 37 (b) shows instance, and wherein angled reflecting surface (412) is in order to guiding light path in device (303).Light path (302) can through redirecting light pass between transmissive window or the layer port (405) and transversal Flow Control or non-Flow Control waveguide (404,406) and in device layer between pass.Device can also combine rib body shape (prismatic) structure with the light in the guiding device.In conjunction with the exemplary means (303) of rib body shape or refraction structure be illustrated among Figure 37 (c).In this example, the sense channel (304) of having filled fluid has angled end wall with the top layer of guiding light path (302) through device, along sense channel (304), and through the bottom ejaculation.
In one embodiment, reflection part (minute surface or more the material of high index of refraction) add microfluidic channel to wall to avoid loss through conduit wall.Figure 38 and 39 provides the instance that is used for depositing through reflectance coating the manufacturing step of the reflection part of making microfluidic channel.Figure 38 shows through excising whole layer and makes four steps of 3 bed devices to produce space or Flow Control passage (307).Coating (306) is added before layer is being bonded together or intermediate steps after, at the microfluidic channel (408) of final sealing applying coating some layer that bond before.And Figure 39 shows the manufacturing step of 2 bed devices, and 2 bed devices pass through for example impression (embossing) or injection moulding, follow the technology shaping of reflecting layer deposition and assembling then.In this example, going up execution at basalis (305) in assembling before with the microfluidic channel (407) that produces coating makes up and applies.Reflectance coating (306) can adopt sputter or chemical vapour deposition technique after making up, or deposits through for example drop stamping (like what in printing industry, often use, being used for ornamental coating) method.Drop stamping provides in simple punching course sedimentary facies to thick metal film; And deposit complex multilayered structures in some cases, simple punching course is easy to be integrated in the continuous production decision (web-based) for example Network Based or that reel-to-reel (reel to reel) is produced.Drop stamping can be carried out the film with further structure or coating deposition before or after impression or lamination process.
In a further embodiment, in device, set up photoconductive tube (or waveguide) to be used for guiding light ray, and be length direction guiding light in some situation along detecting unit to detecting unit.Figure 40 (a) and (b) shown in cross section show the instance of the detecting unit that has the coating passage that is used to strengthen internal reflection.Figure 40 (a) shows the instance of three basalises (309), and basalis (309) has formed the micro-fluidic waveguide (409) that has reflecting surface (308).Longitudinally guided along channel-length direction perpendicular to the top in the microfluidic channel or lower surface and near the light of angled surface texture approx, and in place, the other end reflection of passage with through penetrating with the inlet surface facing surfaces.Figure 40 (b) shows the instance of 4 basalises (310), and basalis (310) combination is passed a plurality of layers waveguide to provide.In this example, waveguide structure (410) has reflecting surface (311) and can be formed by the space in the layer.These spaces can be empty, also can fill up transmission material.Shown in Figure 40 (c); On the laminar surface that coating also can be applied to not with waveguide or Flow Control structure (313) contact; Wherein, Cremasteric reflex on the bottom substrate surface (312) layer in order to allow incident radiation passing microfluidic channel or space (314) afterwards, is reflected perpendicular to end face approx.
Dichromatic, absorb and other wave filters also can combine one or more layers surface through coating unit for example.
In a further embodiment, in conjunction with different refractive component, it is including, but not limited to prism and the material with different refractivity.Figure 41 (a) shows prism (411) and lens (319) structure, and it was stamped in the layer before forming three layers of (315) micro fluidic device in bonding.In the present embodiment, incident light (317) is conducted through the rib structure and gets into two relative microfluidic channels (316), is reflected at arbitrary end place of passage then, externally focuses on this device through concave mirror structure (319).Reflecting layer or coating (318) are used to improve photon output (photon yield).Among Figure 41 (b) similar structure has been shown, wherein three layers of (324) micro fluidic device combine concavees lens (320) and convex lens (325) in order to optically focused (322), and have combined reflecting surface (321) to pass through space or Flow Control passage (323) in order to guiding light.Figure 41 (a) and (b) on the top surface of device, combined lens in order to help optically focused.And Figure 41 (c) has combined lenticular unit, in order to the light in the focusing arrangement, for example gets into waveguide in its alignment (in-line) detecting unit, perhaps arrives external component or next from external component.In the present embodiment, shown 3 layers of substrate (326) device, it has concavees lens (331) with the focusing incident radiation, and has convex lens (327) in order to focused radiation when detecting unit is crossed in radiation.The light (329) that reflecting surface (328) is used to minimize along passage (330) wall decreases.
According to another aspect of the present invention, integrated lenticular unit can be made in the single or multiple lift system.These lens combinations can with microfluidic channel coplane or coplane not.In a lot of instances, this allows to adopt and simply produces lenticular unit in order to the identical method of method that forms passage.
Additional embodiments can be held fluid and carry passage or the outer light shift component of detecting unit.For example: Figure 41 (a), 41 (b) and 41 (c) have shown the lens of in the part identical with the fluid detection unit, making, but are not integrally formed with detecting unit.Other lenses, for example Fresnel or aspherical mirror can likewise fine uses.
The poly-lens system also can make in device, to improve the guiding function to light, sees Figure 42.This instance shows the poly-lens element, and it is used for collimated telescope (335), comprises the convex lens (333) and concavees lens (334) parts of alignment channel or space (332).
Some embodiment has used optical fiber, and it can adopt or not adopt other lenticular unit to be used for the enhancing signal coupling.Figure 43 (a) and (b) show the flow control apparatus (336) that has the independent optical fiber of longitudinally arranging with respect to microfluidic channel (337) (338).Fibre bundle also can be used, and in certain preferred embodiment, externally extends to the Flow Control part.In such instance, Figure 43 (c) shows conic optic fiber beam (340,341), and it is adjacent to micro fluidic device (339) location and is used for signal and obtains and/or throw light on.
Other rib and catoptric arrangement can be used for focusing on or guiding light is used to improve signal response.For example corner cube reflector as shown in Figure 44, provides directional light to return, and can be used in and strengthen exposure and signal obtains.Figure 44 (a) provides single corner cube unit (342), and it is parallel to incident path reflected radiation (343).Similarly, Figure 44 (b) shows the cross section of the corner cube cell array (344) of reflection incident radiation (343).Reflector can laterally or longitudinally be positioned in the micro fluidic device; Perhaps in the fluid passage or approach the Flow Control passage; For example, Figure 45 (a) shows the longitudinally reflector of location, and it is formed on the end of the micro-fluidic detection flow unit that has reflecting wall.(347) indication of passing through the fluid flow direction of detecting unit is provided.The radiation (346) that is incident to the surface has in entering before the Flow Control passage of reflecting wall and corner cube end (345), by surface texture (349) collimation.Radiation (346) is reflected along detecting unit then, and ejecting device (348).Shown in the method such as Figure 45 (b) that substitutes, wherein flow control apparatus (350) has combined the reflector array (354) of laterally locating with respect to detecting unit (352).Radiation (351) at first by parallel surfaces structure (353) collimation, is crossed flow channel then, and is reflected in approaching returning on the light path then.Reflector (358) also can be positioned at the micro fluidic device outside, shown in Figure 45 (c), to simplify the manufacturing of this device.In this example, 3 layers of micro fluidic device (355) have combined detecting unit (356), and this unit approaches the reflective array location, allow radiation (359) before reflection, can pass through device (355) fully.
Use collimator (349,353,357) to help guide radiation, make light approximate parallel and perpendicular to the surface.
Similarly, other reflector and edge surface combination can improve photon density through the guiding radiation.Figure 46 has described the ray trace instance of rib and collimation surface texture respectively.These two kinds of technology can both be in order to providing the more light beam of collimation, and when with other textural association, can cause improved signal response.Figure 46 (a) has described the prism array on the substrate surface, and it is according to incident angle refraction or reflected radiation (360), so that control gives off firing angle.Figure 46 (b) shows surface texture (362), and the wall of this structure is perpendicular to substrate surface (361), with collimation incident radiation (364).Refraction on the structural walls (362) or internal reflection provide the radiation output (363) of collimation.
Some instances that rib and collimation surface texture can be used in the flow control apparatus are illustrated in Figure 47 (a) in (j).These structural diagrams are 2 layers of foundation arrangement, but are equally applicable to other multi-layered devices.These structures also can be used in the instance of single layer device, microslide for example, and wherein the surface of slide or cover glass is formed pattern.The instance of this structure is to adopt corner cube reflector in the microslide bottom surface, only through reflection in a large number perpendicular to the light beam of slide surface to strengthen microarray (microarray) and other fluorescence imaging on the slide apparent surface.Detecting unit or space (371) can be the parts of Flow Control network, and described here be cross section or vertical section.Body structure surface (365) and or reflecting surface (366) configuration be used to guide photon transversely, vertically or not only laterally but also longitudinally through the Flow Control passage.
Figure 47 (a) shows the use near the collimating structure (365) of Flow Control passage (371) location.This structure has reduced because of scattering through the photon of calibrating these surface textures of process and has launched the light loss that produces at random.
Figure 47 (b) shows the use near the collimating structure (365) of Flow Control passage (371) location that has reflecting wall (366).In this example, in the wall reflection admission passage (371) that the photon of the terminal admission passage of collimating structure (365) is tilted.The photon that reflecting wall (366) has improved in the passage (371) keeps (containment).Photon penetrates passage (371) at the channel end place near the reflection inclined wall, is calibrated once more and separating device by (365) at this photon.This method also is not suitable for the imaging session of passage (371), but from whole passage (371) image data the time, has improved photon output.
Figure 47 (c) shows the use of the fusiform structure (367) in the passage (371).These structures (367) also can be used for helping calibrate the photon of the structure of passing them through reflection with respect to the photon that their normal direction on surface has big incidence angle.Therefore the angle of rib shape surface texture has determined the angle of accepting of photon.This signal to noise ratio response in improve using is particularly useful, for example excites through separation and launches the luminous of photon.The excitation photon through collimation perpendicular to patterned surface incident is reflected, and part emission photon at random passes through fusiform structure.
In Figure 47 (d), can add reflecting surface (366), to make it cross passage (371) retroeflection to improve photon output through the reflection photon, the form of structure reflector (368) also can be adopted in these surfaces, for example corner cube, sphere, or aspheric surface reflector.Through making reflector become the part of channel surface, shown in Figure 47 0, the light loss at material boundary place reduces, and in some applications, can be in structure attach material to improve point-sourcre imaging, like microarray or microballoon surface imaging.But placement surface structure and be not suitable for some and use in passage because its hinders the interaction of fluid, and also can need farther photocentre.
Figure 47 (g) and (h) comprise respectively and approach passage (371) surface and at passage (371) lip-deep rib shape layer (367).In Figure 47 (g),, reflecting layer (366) provide the photon that has passed through fusiform structure (367) through reflection to improve the collimater of photon output for adding fusiform structures (367).
Lens also can be combined in the structure, advance/go out the light of flow control apparatus with focusing.Instance among Figure 47 (i) and 47 (j) illustrates the device that combines aspheric surface type lens (369) and Fresnel type lens (370) respectively.
Instance among Figure 48 is used for the light path of longitudinal illumination and point-sourcre imaging (377) and follows the tracks of (372).Incident light from the source is focused on the reflecting wall (375) by non-spherical lens (376), and this makes light path turn 90 degrees partially with the point of irradiation light source along passage length.The excitation photon of passing passage (373) is reflected at the wall place on the end relatively of passage then, and scioptics (376) externally focus on.The emission of point source in passage can be calibrated to improve signal response by (375) reflection and (374).Combination is used vertically has many advantages with horizontal photon induction element, and some instances have been shown in Figure 47 and Figure 48.
This structure can provide the single detector unit, and it is applicable to the photon detection method of most of types.For example a lot of Technology Needs increase optical path length and are used for the analysis of high-resolution scheme for the basis, or need be along the imaging of passage length.
The different detection methodology can make up and be used for measuring multiple parameters.For example be used for the analysis of fluorescence microarray, vertically absorptiometry can be concluded the introducing of a certain reagent or the appearance of detection bubble, and the luminous point light source in analyzing is by laterally imaging.
The signal to noise ratio that can be improved under a lot of situation, this is to particularly important based on luminous measurement, and wherein excitation wavelength and emission wavelength are very approaching.Interference from excitation wavelength can be minimized through vertically exciting with laterally detecting.
Be arranged in the instance of the same side of device in some detector and source, encapsulate minimized instrument and be simplified.
In one embodiment, detector and source region are positioned on the device contiguously.Figure 49 (a) shows the such instance in the device (378), and wherein photon (383) gets into clear area (379), and photon longitudinally can be conditioned before the reflection here, and penetrates through another transparent (380) district.Such adjusting can comprise grating, prism, fluorescer, illuminator or change the spectral content of wave beam or the wave filter of shape.Vertically reflection can be carried out through external waveguide pipe (381), shown in 49 (b), or in device, carries out through internal wave conduit (382), shown in Figure 49 (c).The advantage that makes light path (383) pass the light regulating element on the device by this way is that card can be designed for the demand of proprietary application.This realizes multiple insert of instrumentation or device, and needn't change the instrumental optics structure.
Figure 50 (a) and 50 (b) show the other instance that is used to make waveguide.Waveguide is operated incident light through reflection or transmission on material boundary.In the manufacturing approach in the typical in the past micro fluidic device, related to and used whole planar materials, directly optical fiber has been inserted sensing system, or should the surface with the mode photoetching composition that is similar to the semiconductor device manufacturing.In the instance of Figure 50 (a), adopt proper implements (386) to use refractive material (387) and arrive the preparatory formation passage (384) in the flow control apparatus (385).This refractive material is cured to form activity (reactive) waveguide (388) of the solidified forming in the flow control apparatus.Preformed waveguide (389) is inserted into flow control apparatus (390) among Figure 50 (b).Included waveguide (393) is then by waveguide and the flow control apparatus (392) of sealant (391) sealing with the generation combination.
A kind of method that is used to improve the guide properties of transparent material is the refractive index difference that is increased in the material boundary place.Change of refractive in that the variation of the surface characteristic of these boundaries can cause is used for improving reflection or transmission.In specific thin film deposition, can provide improved surface to be used for waveguide and reflecting surface, for example, deposition (tens or hundreds of nanometer) silver coating is to provide negative refractive index.
For in complex geometric shapes, guiding electromagnetic energy, the layer that can enoughly make up in advance forms passage.If desired, formed passage can be filled then.These structures can be passed through to inject and curing transparent material filling then, or arrange that established waveguide gets into the vacuum structure filling, as shown in Figure 50.
The instrument configuration method
The present invention also provides method; Whereby; Whole or some upgrade information, operating data or software architecture that is used for instrument can be included in the insert or be included in insert; Instrument can comprise some or all the software module that is used for template or base program operation thus, but does not comprise the needed total data of complete operation instrument, and some this type data are provided by removable insert.Insert can be identified when being connected to instrument, and according to the data reprogramming operation that is encoded in one or more inserts.
Insert can or can mainly not be used for needed other purpose of standard of instruments operation, for example is used for the SIM of mobile phone or is used for the micro flow chip of analytical equipment.Insert is identified when inserting the coupling instrument, and carries out the function program of instrument according to the functional of instrument and the cooperation of the data of coding entering insert.
In one embodiment, insert comprises visit and authorization message, allows the certain function or the characteristic of user's service access instrument, for example new application and protocol data, user's setting, equipment energy characteristic or functional.
In another embodiment; The invention provides by providing data to improved user-operable property and the operation automation that the insert of instrument with automatic part or whole application operatings brings; And user-defined setting is provided; Therefore simplified user interactions, this has strengthened system reliability and has simplified instrumentation.
In another embodiment, insert comprises visit or authorization message, and it allows user's service access remote nature.These remote nature can comprise and be used to upgrade, the internet site of tentative or application message, or are used for the LAN of instrument and computer system accesses.
Embodiments of the invention can comprise the data that are included in the insert, and it relates to the use of insert or instrument.Data can be stored on the insert at production period also can comprise user, tentative and application message.The instance of this categorical data comprises that data, sensing data, setting, sampling or operating position information (for example, the GPS of sample follows the tracks of), time and date postmark, creation data and quality control that factory set, calibration information, user profile, device use, collect, tracking and other can be by the information of instrument, user or instrument/device/insert manufacturer use
In another embodiment, data can by user or instrument before use, use in or use the scene, back to write or upgrade.The information that the scene writes also can comprise user data, pass through sample or operating position information, result, instrument setting, experimental condition, application message and other user or the instrument data of global positioning system input by the user or by instrument.
In another embodiment, insert comprises User Profile information.Allow the user based on the automatic configure instrument of user's personal settings, or teach the operation that instrument is carried out or required usually about the user.This can directly be carried out by the instruction on insert, or learns the algorithm of the software on the instrument usually, analyzes active user or user's former operation in addition.
One embodiment of the present of invention have been described instrument and insert framework, and one or more therein inserts become the part of the software upgrading approach that is used for instrument, and more particularly, insert comprises upgrade information.The instance of framework has been shown among Figure 53.The method that new software information is integrated on the insert allows instrument to accept new insert application, demarcation or routine data at once, and does not need the user via other media upgrade software, has therefore simplified user's operation and has reduced manufacturer's expense.The additional advantage of utilizing the consumer insert to carry upgrade data is that requiring to mate instrument has correct interface to be connected to the inserted device of coupling, has increased safety features.
An alternative embodiment of the invention provides operating system software, its be built with core engine management function and in build the proprietary application module, and as desired or when requiring to some extent, satisfy market or client's needs by insert control with configure instrument,
In one embodiment, adopted object-oriented method, wherein instrument comprises program subprogram and function to carry out whole general and bottom operations, for example image data, selection data channel, pumping, switch valve, design temperature, template GUI etc.In one embodiment, the generalized subroutine in the instrument can be operated to carry out the actions below one or more: image data, select acquisition channel, control pumping, control valve switching, design temperature, graphic user interface configuration, and realize that the instrument operation is used for the one or more of the program code of the insert of application-specific, data or instruction
One or more inserts comprise application for instrument subprogram and function calls and variable.This method is illustrated by the instance shown in Figure 54.This method allows the operation of insert control instrument and is used for the GUI of the special application of insert.The instance of program circuit can see in Figure 55 and Figure 56, and wherein insert starts application program and transmits, or is implemented in and transmits between program, service data or the variable to accomplish function by instrument.
In another embodiment, can adopt non-OO method, wherein instrument comprises in order to carry out program code all shared and bottom operation, for example image data, selection acquisition channel, pumping, transfer valve, design temperature, template GUIs etc.One or more inserts comprise code with or variable be used for the insert application-specific to realize instrumentation.This method allows the operation of insert control instrument and is used for the GUI of insert application-specific.
This distributed structure/architecture (for example, Figure 54) has minimized the software development that is associated with the new application and development of the insert that is used for instrument and is associated.The instrument of programming then can be accepted new application generally, and does not need customer upgrade software.
In addition, the invention provides extra software security, because executable program instructions is not present in the instrument.Insert only carries the instruction that is used for the specialized application of specific insert in order to configure instrument.This method provides more difficult reverse engineering path, because need the execution of complete prehension program.If instrument and insert be reversed engineering alternately, then result's executable program only discloses the data of the proprietary application of the insert that is used for manufacturing.
Other purpose of the present invention is that the information and the data that are included in the insert can write or read, and perhaps not only write but also read.
According to another embodiment; The volatile memory of whole operation codes that insert can transmit it to the instrument; The sign and storage and the data read functions that only keep it; Therefore make it become " disposable " in case device and insert remove from instrument, then destroy whole operation codes.This has prevented for the unauthorized access that is included in the command code in the insert; Because it can only be read by the coupling instrument; And because when insert is inserted into, command code only is present in the volatile memory of mating instrument, and in case close instrument or remove insert or the complete operation program; No matter which takes place at first, and command code is forever wiped automatically.
Insert described herein can be single or a plurality of.Insert can be a mobile storage means, for example flash disk, sensor or micro-fluidic box.Data on insert can store with multiple different form, carry memory, microprocessor or other integrated circuit, electrical interconnection or resistance, radio frequency, optics, machinery or electromagnetic form including, but not limited to bar code, plate.
Aforementioned is specific embodiment of the present invention, particularly micro-fluidic embodiment.Should understand the embodiments described herein only for purposes of illustration, those skilled in the art can carry out a large amount of replacements and modification under prerequisite without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Because they are included in the scope of claim of the present invention or its equivalent text, intention comprises whole this type modifications and the replacement in the scope here.
In the full text of this specification, (comprise appended any claim); Only if requirement in addition in the context; Then speech " comprises " and variation " comprises " like " having comprised " and illustrative and will be interpreted as to mean and comprise definite integral body or step or integral body in groups or step, does not comprise any other integral body or step or integral body in groups or step but do not get rid of.
The referenced drawings mark
01 Actuation component actuated components
02 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passage
03 Actuation Area activation zone
04 Injection Pump injection pump Symbol injection pump symbol
05 In-Line Pump Symbol pump symbol in upright arrangement
06 On/Off Valve Or Variable Flow Valve Symbol switch valve or variable flow rate valve symbol
07 One Way Valve Symbol check valve symbol
08 Actuation Area activation zone
09 Inline Pump pump in upright arrangement
10 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passages
11 Injection Pump injection pumps
12 On/Off Valve Or Variable Flow Valve switch valve or variable flow rate valves
13 In-line?pump?actuated?on?opposite?actuation?cycle?to?other?Inline?Pump
The pump in upright arrangement that in the actuating circulation relative, activates with other pump in upright arrangement
14 Actuation Area activation zone
15 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passages
16 On/Off Valve Or Variable Flow Valve switch valve or variable flow rate valves
17 In-Line Pump pump in upright arrangement
18 Injection Pump injection pumps
19 Actuation Area activation zone
20 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passages
21 In-Line Pump pump in upright arrangement
22 On/Off Valve Or Variable Flow Valve switch valve or variable flow rate valves
23 Stream of fluid a fluid streams
24 Stream of fluid a fluid streams
25 Stream crossover/intersection point a fluid stream exchange/crosspoints
Injection pump and two valves in the same activation zone of 26 Injector pump and two valves in same Actuation Area
Injection pump and two valves in the same activation zone of 27 Injector pump and two valves in same Actuation Area
28 Inline Pump pump in upright arrangement
Injection pump and two valves in the same activation zone of 29 Inline Pump and two valves in same Actuation Area
30 Stream of fluid a fluid streams
31 Stream crossover/intersection point a fluid stream exchange/crosspoints
32 Stream of fluid a fluid streams
33 Actuation Area activation zone
34 One Way Valves check valves
35 Membrane stop valve film stop valves
36 Deformable Membrane deformable films
37 Inlet Fluid flow inlet fluids flow
38 Outlet Fluid flow outlet fluid flows
39 Inlet port with Applied force apply the inlet of power
40 Deformable Layer deformable layer
41 Debubbler bubble traps
The exhaust outlet of 42 Vent With Check valve band check-valves
43 In-Line Pump pump in upright arrangement
44 Iniection Pump injection pumps
45 Gas gases
46 Semi-permeable Membrane Or Vent pellicle or exhaust outlets
47 Fluid flow fluids flow
The gas flow that 48 Gas flow from pressure gradient are caused by barometric gradient
49 Substrate substrates
50 Vent exhaust outlets
51 Inlet Port inlet
52 Fluidic Channel Flow Control passages
53 Chamber chambeies
54 Fluidic Channel Flow Control passages
55 Layered Device deckers
56 Vent exhaust outlets
57 Vent Chamber discharge chambers
58 Semi-permeable Membrane Or Vent pellicle or exhaust outlets
59 Gas Bubble bubbles
60 Regulating valve control valves
61 Venting chamber discharge chambers
62 Deformable Membrane deformable films
63 Semi-permeable Membrane Or Vent pellicle or exhaust outlets
64 Fluid chamber flow cavities
65 Air passage air flues
66 Deformable structure deformable structures
67 One-way Valve check valves
68 Semi-permeable Membranes pellicles
69 Pressure Relief Valve pressure-reducing valves
70 Fluid Reservoir fluid slots
71 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passages
72 Semi-permeable membrane pellicles
73 Gas Flow Path gas flow paths
74 Fluid Flow Path fluid flowing paths
75 One Way Valves check valves
76 Applied pressure gradient applied pressure gradients
Fluid in the 77 Fluid Flow in pump chamber pump chambers flows
78 Semi-permeable Membrane pellicles
79 Applied pressure gradient applied pressure gradients
80 Fluid Flow fluids flow
81 Semi-permeable membrane pellicles
82 Conductive Material conductive materials
Hole in the 83 Hole in substrate layer basalises
84 Deformable Actuation Structure deformable actuating structures
85 Fluid flow direction fluid flow directions
86 Semi-permeable membrane pellicles
87 Deformable Actuation Structure deformable actuating structures
88 Pressure Relief Valve pressure-reducing valves
89 Actuation direction of deformable structure deformable structure direction of actuation
90 Actuation volume activate volume
91 Fluid Pumping Chamber fluid pumping chambeies
92 Inlet port inlet
93 Inline Pump pump in upright arrangement
94 Debubbler bubble traps
95 Detection chamber test chamber
96 Direction Of Fluid Flow fluid flow directions
97 Pressure relief structures pressure reduction structures
98 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passages
99 In-line Pump pump in upright arrangement
100 One Way Valve check valves
101 Sample introduction with one way valve utilize the check valve sample introduction
102 Actuation Area activation zone
103 Debubbler bubble traps
104 One way valve pressure relief valve check valve pressure-reducing valves
105 Split flow Mixer shunt blender
106 Detection Chambers test chamber
107 Pressure relief structure pressure reduction structures
108 Sample introduction Port with semi-permeable membrane have the injection port of pellicle
109 Air return return-airs
110 Multi-layer fluidic device multilayer flow control apparatus
111 Inline Pump pump in upright arrangement
112 Inline Pump pump in upright arrangement
113 One-way valves check valves
114 Fluid storage well fluid storage grooves
115 Fluid storage well fluid storage grooves
116 Debubbler bubble traps
117 Detection chambers test chamber
118 Fluid pressure relief structures fluid pressure structures
119 Fluid storage well fluid storage grooves
120 Inline Pump pump in upright arrangement
121 Injection Chamber inject the chamber
122 Actuation stop valve activate stop valve
123 Inline Pump pump in upright arrangement
124 Fluid storage well fluid storage grooves
125 One-way valves check valves
126 Fluidic Card Flow Control cards
127 Pressure chamber pressure chambers
Pump on the 128 On-card Pumps cards
129 Instrument Valves gauge valves
130 Pressurization port boost port
131 External valve interface external valve interfaces
132 Valve interface port valve interface ports
133 Gasket packing rings
201 Ball Or Roller Bearing ball bearing or roller bearings
202 Flexible Wall flexible walls
203 Rigid Substrate rigid basement
204 Fluidic Channel Flow Control passages
205 Elastomer material elastomeric materials
The indeformable substrate of 206 Non-deformable substrate
207 Deformable material deformable materials
208 Fluidic Channel Or Chamber Flow Control passage or chambeies
209 Direction Of Applied Force apply the direction of power
210 Deformable Material deformable materials
211 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passages
212 Deformable Material deformable materials
213 Substrate substrates
214 Deformable Material deformable materials
215 Substrate With Suitable Restrictions Or contoured surface have the suitable restriction or the substrate of profiled surface
216 Flowing Fluid flowing fluids
217 Fluidic Channel Flow Control passages
218 Bearing bearings
219 Direction Of Movement And Flow move and flow direction
220 Linear pumping zone linear pump districts
221 Radial pumping zone radial pump districts
222 Valve Locations valves location
223 Inlet/Outlet Ports inlet/outlet ports
224 Radial Pumps radial pumps
225 Fluidic Channel Flow Control passages
The shaft-like driving mechanism of 226 Rod Like Driving Mechanism
227 Spherical Objects rounds
228 Rotating Housing rotary shells
229 Rotating Platform (Wobble Board) rotation platforms (oscillating deck)
Rotating cam on the 230 Rotating Cams On Rod Structure bar structures
231 Rotating Wiper rotary scrapings
232 Rotating Housings rotary shells
233 Fixing Pins steady pins
234 Spherical Objects rounds
235 Drive Gears driven wheels
236 Drive GearsIMotor driven wheel/motors
The solid anchoring base of 237 Solid Fixing Base
238 Drive Rods/Bearings drive rod/bearings
301 Transmissive Windows transmissive window
302 Photon Pathways light paths
303 Fluidic Device flow control apparatus
304 Detection Channel sense channels
305 each basalises of Individual Substrate Layers
306 Reflective Layer or Coating reflecting layer or coatings
Excision or space in the 307 Cut-Out or Void In Layer layers
308 Reflective Layers or Coatings reflecting layer or coatings
309 each basalises of Individual Substrate Layers
310 each basalises of Individual Substrate Layers
311 Reflective Layers or Coatings reflecting layer or coatings
312 Reflective Layer or Coating reflecting layer or coatings
313 each basalises of Individual Substrate Layers
314 Void or Fluidic Channel space or Flow Control passages
315 each basalises of Individual Substrate Layers
316 Void or Fluidic Channel space or Flow Control passages
317 Photon Pathways light paths
318 Reflective Layers or Coatings reflecting layer or coatings
The recessed structure of 319 Concave Structure
The recessed structure of 320 Concave Structure
321 Reflective Layers or Coatings reflecting layer or coatings
322 Photon Pathways light paths
323 Void or Fluidic Channel space or Flow Control passages
324 each basalises of Individual Substrate Layers
325 Convex Structure male structure
326 each basalises of Individual Substrate Layers
The recessed flat structure of 327 Concave-Planar Structure
328 Reflective Layers or Coatings reflecting layer or coatings
329 Photon Pathways light paths
330 Void or Fluidic Channel space or Flow Control passages
331 Plano-Convex Structure plano-convex structures
332 Void, Refractive Inclusion or Fluidic Channel space, refraction are mingled with or the Flow Control passage
333 Convex Structures male structure
The recessed structure of 334 Concave Structures
335 Photon Pathways light paths
336 Fluidic Device flow control apparatus
337 Void or Fluidic Channel space or Flow Control passages
338 Light Fiber or Wave Guide optical fiber or waveguides
339 Fluidic Device flow control apparatus
340 End Of Fiber Optic Bundle fibre bundles are terminal
341 Fiber Optic Bundle Drawn Into Smaller Diameter are condensed to the more fibre bundle of minor diameter
342 Prismatic Structure-Reflective or Refractive prism structure-reflections or refraction
343 Photon Pathways light paths
344 Reflective Surface reflecting surfaces
345 Reflective Surfaces reflecting surfaces
346 Photon Pathways light paths
347 Direction Of Fluidic Flow fluid flow directions
348 Fluidic Device flow control apparatus
349 Collimating Surface Structures collimation surface textures
350 Fluidic Device flow control apparatus
351 Photon Pathways light paths
352 Fluidic Channel Flow Control passages
353 Collimating Surface Structures collimation surface textures
354 Reflective Surfaces reflecting surfaces
355 Fluidic Device flow control apparatus
356 Fluidic Channel Flow Control passages
357 Collimating Surface Structures collimation surface textures
358 Reflective Surfaces reflecting surfaces
359 Photon Pathway light paths
360 Photon Pathways light paths
361 Device Layer device layers
362 Collimating Surface Structures collimation surface textures
363 Collimated Transmitted Radiation collimation transmitted radiation
364 Random Incident Radiation incident radiations at random
365 Collimating Surface Structures collimation surface textures
366 Reflective Surfaces reflecting surfaces
367 Refractive/Reflective Prismatics refraction/reflection prisms
368 Reflective Surface structures reflecting surface structures
369 Surface Lens Structures surface lens arrangement
370 Fresnel Lens Structures fresnel lens structures
371 Fluidic Channel Flow Control passages
372 Photon Pathways light paths
373 Fluidic Channel Flow Control passages
374 Surface Collimating Structures surface collimating structure
375 Reflective Layer or Coating reflecting layer or coatings
376 Surface Lens Structures lens arrangements surface
Relevant particle in the 377 Particles Of Interest In Fluidic Channel Flow Control passages
The signal of 378 Representation Of A Fluidic Device flow control apparatus
379 Photon Transparent Region optical transparency districts
380 Photon Transparent Region With Photon Conditioning Element have the optical transparency district of light regulating element
381 External Wave Guide external waveguides
382 Internal Wave Guide inner waveguide
383 Photon Pathways light paths
384 Preformed Channel preform passages
385 Fluidic Device flow control apparatus
386 Suitable Tool suitable tools
387 Refractive Material refractive materials
The refraction waveguide that 388 Cured And Formed Refractive Wave Guide solidify and are shaped
389 Preformed Wave Guides form waveguide in advance
390 Partially Complete Fluidic Substrate partly accomplish the Flow Control substrate
391 Containment Layer accommodating layers
The flow control apparatus that 392 Completed Fluidic Device accomplish
393 Wave Guides In Situ original position waveguides
401 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passages
402 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passages
403 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passages
404 Waveguide waveguides
405 Transmission Port transmission mouths
406 Waveguide waveguides
407 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passages
408 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passages
409 Fluidic Channels Flow Control passages
410 Waveguide waveguides
411 Prismatic Structure fusiform structures
The angled reflecting surface of 412 Angular reflective surfaces