Systems and methods for valving on a sample processing device

A method of valving on a sample processing device, the method comprising:

• providing a sample processing device configured to be rotated about an axis of rotation and comprising
• a valve chamber,
• a process chamber positioned to be in fluid communication with an outlet of the valve chamber,
• a valve septum located between the valve chamber and the process chamber and vertically above at least a portion of the valve chamber, with respect to a vertical thickness of the sample processing device, the valve septum having
• a first side oriented substantially horizontally with respect to the vertical thickness of the sample processing device, and
• a second side, opposite the first side, oriented substantially horizontally with respect to the vertical thickness of the sample processing device,
• a fluid pathway in fluid communication with an inlet of the valve chamber, the fluid pathway being configured to inhibit a liquid from entering the valve chamber and collecting adjacent the second side of the valve septum, and
• an input chamber in fluid communication with an inlet of the fluid pathway;
• positioning a liquid in the input chamber of the sample processing device;
• rotating the sample processing device about the axis of rotation to exert a first force on the liquid, such that the liquid is inhibited from entering the valve chamber and collecting adjacent the valve septum;
• forming an opening in the valve septum by directing electromagnetic energy at the first side of the valve septum;
• and
• rotating the sample processing device about the axis of rotation, after forming an opening in the valve septum, to exert a second force on the liquid that is greater than the first force, such that the liquid moves through the fluid pathway, into the valve chamber, and through the opening in the valve septum toward the process chamber.

A valving structure on a sample processing device, the valving structure comprising:

• a valve chamber;
• a process chamber positioned to be in fluid communication with an outlet of the valve chamber;
• a valve septum located between the valve chamber and the process chamber, the valve septum having:
• a closed configuration wherein the valve chamber and the process chamber are not in fluid communication, and
• an open configuration wherein the valve septum wherein the valve chamber and the process chamber are in fluid communication;
• and
• a fluid pathway in fluid communication with an inlet of the valve chamber, wherein the fluid pathway is configured to inhibit a liquid from entering the valve chamber and collecting adjacent the valve septum when the valve septum is in the closed configuration,
• wherein the valve chamber, the fluid pathway, and the valve septum are configured such that the valve chamber provides a vapor lock when the valve septum is in the closed configuration.