Sample evaporative control

US6627406B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Aclara Biosciences, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Sharat Singh · San Jose, US
• Vivian Xiao · San Jose, US
• Ian Gibbons
• Travis Boone · San Mateo, US
• Torleif Ove Bjornson · Gilroy, US
• Herbert H. Hooper · Belmont, US
• Edwin F. Ullman · Atherton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 10, 2000
• Grant date: Sep 30, 2003
• Expiry date: May 10, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2035/00287
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Devices and methods are provided using microfluidic devices for manipulating small volumes and determining a variety of chemical and physical events. The devices rely upon an opening to the atmosphere of a small volume in a zone, where a sample is placed in the zone where evaporation can occur. The zone is maintained in contact with a liquid medium that serves to replenish the liquid in the zone and maintain the composition of the mixture in the zone substantially constant. The diffusion of components in the zone is restricted during the course of the determination by the liquid flux into the zone.