Device, system and method for processing a sample
Inventors
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-10661271-B2
Publication Date
2020-05-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device for processing a sample comprises a blister defined by first and second walls. The first wall is flexible allowing the blister to be divided into one or more sealed regions by an external pressure applied to a portion of the first wall. The external pressure is applied in the form of a 2-dimensional shape to form a sealed region having that shape.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a device having a single blister only, defined between a first wall and a second wall, in which at least the first wall is flexible. The blister is divided into one or more sealed chambers by applying an external localized pressure to a portion of the first wall in the form of a two dimensional shape, and then the localized external pressure is removed so the blister becomes undivided and the seal between chambers is opened.
The blister is preloaded with spatially fixed dried reagents and/or liquid buffer, with reagent locations arranged so that, after the pressure-formed sealed regions are created, a first reagent and a second reagent are positioned in respective sealed chambers. Sample introduction is performed to a first sealed chamber, and the pressure-formed chamber arrangement enables subsequent mixing and heating using inserted platens and/or oscillation.
The device further supports downstream optical/visual readout using an internal assay strip within an analysis chamber. Automation is described via a computer-controlled machine using interactable platens, including shaped tools to create two-dimensional pressure seals and tubular platens for two-dimensional seals, with embodiments including vacuum port operation, object retention at predetermined locations using gasket/dimples, sample introduction via septum, and controlled sequencing of pressure application and sealed-region opening.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers processing a sample in a single-blister device by forming two or more sealed chambers using localized external pressure shaped as a two-dimensional shape, then removing the pressure to return the blister to an undivided state and open the seal between chambers. The inventive features are primarily directed to the pressure-formed chamber division and subsequent pressure removal to open the inter-chamber seal.
Single blister chamber division by localized two-dimensional pressure
A device having a single blister only, with at least the first wall flexible, wherein localized external pressure applied in the form of a two dimensional shape urges the first wall towards the second wall to form first and second sealed chambers within the blister.
Pressure removal to open inter-chamber sealing
Removing the localised external pressure so that the blister becomes undivided and to open the seal between the first and second sealed chambers.
Liquid sample introduction into a sealed chamber
Introducing a liquid sample to the first sealed chamber.
Across the independent claim, the main inventive coverage is the reversible formation of sealed chambers within a single blister using localized external pressure defined by a two-dimensional shape, followed by removing that pressure to undivide the blister and open the seal between the chambers.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
Interested in licensing this patent?