Multilayer integrated assembly for effecting fluid handling functions
First Claim
1. A multilayer integrated assembly for effecting fluid handling functions, comprising:
- a planar foldable substrate having a linear fold means, the linear fold means defining a linear fold axis and at least first and second component sections, wherein said substrate is comprised of a material that is ductile in the region of the linear fold means and substantially inextensible in the regions defined by the component sections, wherein said first and second component sections include respective first and second surface features on respective first and second mating surfaces, wherein the surface features are aligned and superimposed upon folded closure of the planar foldable substrate at the linear fold axis to form a fluid handling functional device in a unitary planar assembly.
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Abstract
A multilayer integrated assembly for effecting fluid handling functions includes complementary microstructures formed by an etching or similar process in a planar foldable substrate. The complementary microstructures may be superimposed in a controlled manner by operation of micro-alignment means also formed in the foldable substrate by an etching or similar process. Microstructures are contemplated as including channels (that may be superimposed to form fluid conduits), apertures, conduit apertures, sample processing compartments, and the like. The resulting integrated assembly may be bonded and subsequently operated to implement one or more fluid-handling functions.
81 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A multilayer integrated assembly for effecting fluid handling functions, comprising:
a planar foldable substrate having a linear fold means, the linear fold means defining a linear fold axis and at least first and second component sections, wherein said substrate is comprised of a material that is ductile in the region of the linear fold means and substantially inextensible in the regions defined by the component sections, wherein said first and second component sections include respective first and second surface features on respective first and second mating surfaces, wherein the surface features are aligned and superimposed upon folded closure of the planar foldable substrate at the linear fold axis to form a fluid handling functional device in a unitary planar assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A multilayer integrated assembly for effecting fluid handling functions for use in a sample analysis system, comprising:
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 substrate is comprised of a material that is ductile in the region of the linear fold means and substantially inextensible in the regions defined by the 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, whereby said aligned and superimposed first and second channels form a conduit having inlet and outlet ends, and wherein said planar foldable substrate in folded form provides a unitary planar assembly, and inlet and outlet apertures respectively communicating with the inlet and outlet ends of the conduit for effecting fluid flow of a sample therein, whereby the integrated assembly is useable for effecting fluid flow in the conduit. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
Specification