Planar separation column for use in sample analysis system
First Claim
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1. A multilayer integrated assembly for effecting fluid handling functions for use in a sample analysis system, comprising:
- a planar foldable substrate having n component sections and (n-1) linear fold means defining a plurality of (n-1) fold axes, wherein n equals three or more, wherein the component sections are closed upon one another in a Z-fold configuration upon performing a folding action along the (n-1) fold axes of said (n-1) linear fold means, thereby having a first linear fold means, the first linear fold means defining a linear fold axis and first and second component sections, wherein said first and second component sections include respective first and second channels on respective first and second mating surfaces wherein the first and second channels are aligned and superimposed by folding the substrate at the linear fold axis to form a separation column in a unitary planar assembly;
inlet and outlet apertures respectively communicating with inlet and outlet ends of the separation column for effecting sample fluid flow in the separation column; and
a surface treatment in at least one of the first and second channels;
whereby the multilayer integrated assembly is useable for effecting separation of the sample fluid into its constituent components during said sample fluid flow.
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Abstract
A planar separation column device for use in gas or liquid phase sample analysis. The planar separation column device includes complementary microstructures formed in a planar foldable substrate. The complementary microstructures may be superimposed in a controlled manner by folding the foldable substrate. The resulting integrated assembly may be bonded and subsequently operated in an associated sample analysis system. The planar separation column device includes etched features useful for integrated sample analysis, such as for integration of analyte inlet, detection, and fluid communication devices.
139 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A multilayer integrated assembly for effecting fluid handling functions for use in a sample analysis system, comprising:
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a planar foldable substrate having n component sections and (n-1) linear fold means defining a plurality of (n-1) fold axes, wherein n equals three or more, wherein the component sections are closed upon one another in a Z-fold configuration upon performing a folding action along the (n-1) fold axes of said (n-1) linear fold means, thereby having a first linear fold means, the first linear fold means defining a linear fold axis and first and second component sections, wherein said first and second component sections include respective first and second channels on respective first and second mating surfaces wherein the first and second channels are aligned and superimposed by folding the substrate at the linear fold axis to form a separation column in a unitary planar assembly; inlet and outlet apertures respectively communicating with inlet and outlet ends of the separation column for effecting sample fluid flow in the separation column; and a surface treatment in at least one of the first and second channels; whereby the multilayer integrated assembly is useable for effecting separation of the sample fluid into its constituent components during said sample fluid flow. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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9. A sample analysis system, comprising:
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an integrated assembly in the form of a planar separation column device for use in separation of a sample present in a sample fluid, having a planar foldable substrate that includes n component sections and (n-1) linear fold means defining a plurality of (n-1) fold axes, wherein n equals three or more, and wherein the component sections are closed upon one another in a Z-fold configuration upon performing a folding action along the (n-1) fold axes of said (n-1) linear fold means, thereby including a first linear fold means defining a linear fold axis and first and second component sections, wherein said first and second component sections include respective first and second channels on respective first and second mating surfaces and wherein the first and second channels are aligned and superimposed by folding the substrate at the linear fold axis to form a separation column in a unitary planar assembly, and inlet and outlet apertures respectively communicating with the separation column for providing sample fluid flow in the separation column; and
a surface treatment in at least one of the first and second channels, whereby the integrated assembly is useable for effecting separation of the sample fluid into its constituent components during said sample fluid flow;an inlet mounted to the integrated assembly and communicating with the inlet aperture;
a detector mounted to the integrated assembly and communicating with the outlet aperture; andmotive means for effecting sample fluid flow from the inlet through the separation column to the detector.
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19. A multilayer integrated assembly for effecting fluid handling functions for use in a sample analysis system, comprising:
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a planar foldable substrate having a linear fold means, the linear fold means defining a linear fold axis and first and second component sections, wherein said first and second component sections include respective first and second channels on respective first and second mating surfaces, wherein the first and second channels are aligned and superimposed by folding the substrate at the linear fold axis and said first and second mating surfaces are subject to diffusion bonding at a desired diffusion bonding temperature to form a separation column in a unitary planar assembly; and inlet and outlet apertures respectively communicating with inlet and outlet ends of the separation column for effecting sample fluid flow in the separation column; whereby the integrated assembly is useable for effecting separation of the sample fluid into its constituent components during said sample fluid flow. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification