Method and apparatus for mixing a thin film of fluid
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for mixing a film of fluid, comprising:
- a first substantially planar surface having an inner face;
a second substantially planar surface having an inner face, wherein the second surface is substantially parallel to and proximate to the first surface such that the inner face of the first surface is in opposing relationship to the inner face of the second surface and the two inner faces define a fluid chamber between the two surfaces;
optionally an opening in one of the surfaces for introducing fluid into the fluid chamber; and
means for rotating the first and second surfaces about an axis generally normal to the planes thereof at variable angular velocities in a range including higher velocities great enough to cause a fluid within the fluid chamber to move centrifugally away from the rotational axis, such that mixing of fluid is induced within the fluid chamber.
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Abstract
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for mixing thin films of fluid, particularly thin films of chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids undergoing reactions. The invention employs a mixing mechanism which induces mixing within the fluid chamber by moving the inner face of at least one surface of the fluid chamber relative to the inner face of another surface of the fluid chamber, thus enhancing the sensitivity or specificity of the reaction, rate of reaction, extent of reaction, homogeneity, or percentage yield. The invention is particularly useful in enhancing the results of chemical and biological assays.
74 Citations
32 Claims
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1. Apparatus for mixing a film of fluid, comprising:
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a first substantially planar surface having an inner face; a second substantially planar surface having an inner face, wherein the second surface is substantially parallel to and proximate to the first surface such that the inner face of the first surface is in opposing relationship to the inner face of the second surface and the two inner faces define a fluid chamber between the two surfaces; optionally an opening in one of the surfaces for introducing fluid into the fluid chamber; and means for rotating the first and second surfaces about an axis generally normal to the planes thereof at variable angular velocities in a range including higher velocities great enough to cause a fluid within the fluid chamber to move centrifugally away from the rotational axis, such that mixing of fluid is induced within the fluid chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification