Partitioned microelectronic device array
First Claim
1. An apparatus for processing two or more samples or for synthesizing two or more compounds comprising:
- a microlaboratory array comprising (a) two or more modules, wherein the modules each comprise two or more first chambers connected together by one or more connector channels, (b) for each module at least one release container for sealably enclosing a liquid connected to a first chamber in the module by a reservoir channel,(c) a sample channel for each module connecting the module to a sample source, wherein one of said modules is connected to a sample source that is not connected to another module, (d) for each module at least one valve operable between two settings, wherein one of the settings allows flow in a connector channel of the module and the other prevents such flow, and (e) at least one waste collection chamber for collecting waste liquids from the modules wherein the first chambers release containers, waste collection chamber(s) and channels are forned on a substrate and the first chambers and channels are enclosed by covers that are affixed to both opposite sides of the substrate andfor each first chamber a pump to separately pump fluid in each module wherein the valves are operable so that a liquid in at least one of the first chambers of each of the modules can be heated without causing the heated liquid to flow from that first chamber.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for processing a plurality of tests or syntheses in parallel comprising a sample channel for moving samples into a microlaboratory array of a plurality of wells connected by one or more channels for the testing or synthesis of samples, a station for housing the array and an optical system comprising at least one light source and at least one light detector for measuring the samples in the array, and a means of electrically connecting said array to an apparatus capable of monitoring and controlling the flow of fluids into the array.
Samples are loaded from a common loading channel into the array, processed in the wells and measurements taken by the optical system. The array can process many samples, or synthesize many compounds in parallel, reducing the time required for such processes.
541 Citations
16 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for processing two or more samples or for synthesizing two or more compounds comprising:
-
a microlaboratory array comprising (a) two or more modules, wherein the modules each comprise two or more first chambers connected together by one or more connector channels, (b) for each module at least one release container for sealably enclosing a liquid connected to a first chamber in the module by a reservoir channel,(c) a sample channel for each module connecting the module to a sample source, wherein one of said modules is connected to a sample source that is not connected to another module, (d) for each module at least one valve operable between two settings, wherein one of the settings allows flow in a connector channel of the module and the other prevents such flow, and (e) at least one waste collection chamber for collecting waste liquids from the modules wherein the first chambers release containers, waste collection chamber(s) and channels are forned on a substrate and the first chambers and channels are enclosed by covers that are affixed to both opposite sides of the substrate and for each first chamber a pump to separately pump fluid in each module wherein the valves are operable so that a liquid in at least one of the first chambers of each of the modules can be heated without causing the heated liquid to flow from that first chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification