Automated system for handling microfluidic devices
First Claim
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1. An automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus, comprising:
- a deck for holding a microfluidic chip;
a fluid control system;
a detection system; and
a chip handling system for transporting said chip from said deck to access at least one of said fluid control system and said detection system.
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Abstract
The present invention is an automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus that includes a deck for holding at least one microfluidic chip and capable of being accessed by a liquid handling system, a fluid control system, and a detection system, wherein a chip handling device transports the chip from the deck to the fluid control system and the detection system. The present invention also includes a chip for use with an automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus, and a method for processing a microfluidic chip using such an apparatus.
137 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An automated microfluidic chip processing apparatus, comprising:
- a deck for holding a microfluidic chip;
a fluid control system;
a detection system; and
a chip handling system for transporting said chip from said deck to access at least one of said fluid control system and said detection system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16)
- a deck for holding a microfluidic chip;
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15. A microfluidic chip for use in a microfluidic chip processing apparatus, wherein said chip has a first plate with microchannels formed therein, a second plate for covering said microchannels and including reservoirs in communication with said microchannels, and wherein said microfluidic chip does not include a mount.
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17. A method of processing a microfluidic chip, comprising:
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providing a microfluidic chip apparatus, including a chip handling system, a fluid control system, and a detection system;
providing at least one microfluidic chip including a sample material;
positioning the microfluidic chip with respect to a fluid control system and a detection system via a chip handling device;
controlling the flow of a material through said chip via the fluid control system; and
detecting results of an assay conducted on the chip via the detection system.
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18. A cartridge for housing a plurality of microfluidic chips, comprising:
- a container;
a plurality of microfluidic chips stacked in said container; and
means for accessing said microfluidic chips.
- a container;
Specification