Apparatus for the operation of a microfluidic device

US7449096B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Manfred Berndt · Waldbronn, DE
• Patrick Kaltenbach · Bischweier, DE
• Colin B. Kennedy · Mill Valley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 11, 2004
• Grant date: Nov 11, 2008
• Expiry date: Jan 27, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01L2400/0421
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

In a system for operation or handling of a laboratory microchip (41) for chemical processing or analysis, the microchip (41) is mounted in a first physical unit (42). The microchip (41) is arranged on a mounting plate, such that it is readily accessible from the top and thus the fitting and removal of the microchip is considerably simplified. Furthermore, the first physical unit (42) comprises an optical device (43) for contactless detection of the results of the chemical processes conducted on the microchip. The supply systems necessary for the operation of the microchip are arranged in a module unit that has a separable connection with a second physical unit. The proposed modular layout enables ease of interchangeability of the required supply systems and thus, overall, ease of adaptability of the proposed system for various types of microchips.