US 6,627,406 B1Granted

Sample evaporative control

AssigneeAclara Biosciences, Inc.

InventorsSharat Singh, Vivian Xiao, Ian Gibbons, Travis Boone, Torleif Ove Bjornson, Herbert H. Hooper, Edwin F. Ullman

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Abstract

Devices and methods are provided using microfluidic devices for manipulating small volumes and determining a variety of chemical and physical events. The devices rely upon an opening to the atmosphere of a small volume in a zone, where a sample is placed in the zone where evaporation can occur. The zone is maintained in contact with a liquid medium that serves to replenish the liquid in the zone and maintain the composition of the mixture in the zone substantially constant. The diffusion of components in the zone is restricted during the course of the determination by the liquid flux into the zone.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A method for performing operations in small volumes with a volatile solvent, said method comprising:

adding a component for said operation to a liquid zone having (i) an exposed opening to the atmosphere, (ii) an interior border whereby a meniscus is created at said border which is disposed within the zone that is spaced from the exposed opening, and (iii) containing said volatile solvent subject to evaporation;
wherein said liquid zone is in contact with a replenishing medium inma capillary channel;
and
maintaining a sample volume in said zone during said operation as said solvent undergoes evaporation by replenishing said sample volume with said replenishing medium from said capillary channel.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/568,786Filed 10 May 2000 · continuation in part
Priority: 11 May 1999
Granted: 30 Sep 2003
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification21 codes

B01L 3/5027
With fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures: by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are…
B01J 19/16
Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus: preventing evaporation or oxidation of non-metallic liquids…
B01L 3/5025
With fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures: for parallel transport of multiple samples
B01L 3/502723
By integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g.…

Family

Application60/133,448Us provisional application · filed 11 May 1999
Application60/140,180Us provisional application · filed 18 Jun 1999
Application09/470,677Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 23 Dec 1999
US 6,555,389 B1Parent of this continuation-in-part
US 6,627,406 B1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.