Flow cell for synthesis of arrays of DNA probes and the like
First Claim
1. A flow cell of the type that may be used in the synthesis of arrays of DNA probes and the like, comprising:
- (a) a transparent substrate with two parallel flat surfaces, one of the surfaces forming an active surface of the substrate;
(b) a base having a central window opening and a registration surface against which the substrate is mounted;
(c) a gasket mounted on the active surface of the substrate and having a central opening defining an active area surrounded by material of the gasket, an inlet extension opening extending from the central opening of the gasket, and an outlet extension opening extending from the central opening of the gasket; and
(d) a press block having an engagement surface which is engaged against the gasket to press the gasket against the substrate mounted on the base to form a sealed volume defined by the periphery of the openings in the gasket and the active surface of the substrate and the engagement surface of the press block.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A flow cell which can be used in the synthesis of DNA probes on an active surface of the substrate includes a base having a central window opening and a registration surface against which the substrate may be mounted. A gasket having a central opening defining an active area is mounted on the active surface of the substrate and has inlet and output extension openings which extend away from the central opening. A press block is engaged against the gasket to fully enclose an active volume between the press block, the peripheral walls of the central opening in the gasket, and the active surface of the substrate. A press is mounted to the base to selectively press the press block against the gasket and hold it in position. Channels in the press block extend to the extension openings in the gasket to allow flow of reagent into and out of the active volume, which is confined to the thickness of the gasket and can thus be minimized. The press may include a press screw which can be turned to engage against the press block to hold it into position, and which can be turned to release the press block from the gasket, allowing rapid and easy replacement of substrates.
46 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A flow cell of the type that may be used in the synthesis of arrays of DNA probes and the like, comprising:
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(a) a transparent substrate with two parallel flat surfaces, one of the surfaces forming an active surface of the substrate;
(b) a base having a central window opening and a registration surface against which the substrate is mounted;
(c) a gasket mounted on the active surface of the substrate and having a central opening defining an active area surrounded by material of the gasket, an inlet extension opening extending from the central opening of the gasket, and an outlet extension opening extending from the central opening of the gasket; and
(d) a press block having an engagement surface which is engaged against the gasket to press the gasket against the substrate mounted on the base to form a sealed volume defined by the periphery of the openings in the gasket and the active surface of the substrate and the engagement surface of the press block. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A flow cell of the type that may be used in the synthesis of arrays of DNA probes and the like, comprising:
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(a) a transparent substrate with two parallel flat surfaces, one of the surfaces forming an active surface of the substrate;
(b) a base having a central window opening and a registration surface against which the substrate is mounted;
(c) a press block having an engagement surface such that the substrate is engaged between the press block and the registration surface of the base, the press block having an external surface opposite to the engagement surface with a concave depression formed therein; and
(d) a press comprising a standing frame secured to the base and having an upright section extending from the base and an arm section extending from the upright section over the central window opening in the base, and a press screw threadingly engaged with the arm section and positioned to engage the concave depression in the external surface of the press block with a rounded drive end thereof as the press screw is turned to thread it toward the press block. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification