U.S. patent application number 10/948792 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-05 for microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts of liquid and a process for removal of the liquid stored in this device.
Invention is credited to Blankenstein, Gert, Kadel, Klaus.
Application Number | 20050093087 10/948792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34177921 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050093087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kadel, Klaus ; et
al. |
May 5, 2005 |
Microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts of
liquid and a process for removal of the liquid stored in this
device
Abstract
Microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts of
liquid with the following features: the device has a carrier; the
device has a first cavity with at least one first section for
storage of a small amount of liquid; the first section of the first
cavity is molded into the carrier; the first section is closed with
a cover element and a blocking element; the device has a means for
transmission of a force from the cover element to the blocking
element which destroys the connection between the blocking element
and the carrier or destroys the blocking element itself so that the
amount of liquid can be removed from the first section of the
cavity.
Inventors: |
Kadel, Klaus; (Witten,
DE) ; Blankenstein, Gert; (Dortmund, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOFFMAN, WASSON & GITLER, P.C.
Crystal Center 2
Suite 522
2461 South Clark Street
Arlington
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
34177921 |
Appl. No.: |
10/948792 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
257/415 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01L 2400/065 20130101;
B01L 3/502738 20130101; B01L 3/5085 20130101; Y10T 436/2575
20150115; B01L 2200/16 20130101; F16K 99/0034 20130101; F16K 99/003
20130101; B01L 3/523 20130101; B01L 3/5025 20130101; B01L 2300/047
20130101; B01L 2300/0672 20130101; B01L 2300/044 20130101; F16K
99/0001 20130101; F16K 99/0017 20130101; B01L 2400/0638
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
257/415 |
International
Class: |
H01L 031/062 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 24, 2003 |
DE |
103 44 229.4-52 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts
of liquid comprising: a carrier; a first cavity with at least one
first section for storage of a small amount of liquid; the at least
one first section of the first cavity is molded into the carrier;
the at least one first section is closed with a cover element and a
blocking element; the device has a means for transmission of a
force from the cover element to the blocking element which destroys
the connection between the blocking element and the carrier or
destroys the blocking element itself so that the small amounts of
liquid can be removed from the first section of the cavity.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier is one
piece.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking element
and the carrier are connected in one piece to one another.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking element
and the carrier are cemented or braced to one another.
5. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein A connection between
the carrier and the blocking element has a scored site.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking element
and the carrier are positively connected to one another.
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the blocking element
is moved into a release position relative to the carrier by means
of a force.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blocking element
is a ball.
9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover element is a
membrane or film.
10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover element is
connected to the carrier by lamination, sealing or cementing.
11. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover element is
metal-coated.
12. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the force is
applied to destroy a connection between the blocking element and
the carrier or to destroy the blocking element the cover element,
cannot be destroyed.
13. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the device has an
element for securing the cover element, with which the cover
element can be kept in a deflected position when the force is
applied.
14. The device as claimed in one of claim 1, wherein when the
minimum force is applied to destroy the connection between the
blocking element and the carrier or to destroy the blocking
element, the cover element is destroyed at, at least one scored
site.
15. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one
scored site in the cover element borders an area of the cover
element which is smaller than an area bordered by the scored site
between the carrier and the blocking element.
16. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the device comprises
means for destroying the cover element with which the cover element
can be destroyed when a minimum force is applied.
17. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device has means
for destroying the cover element.
18. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover element is
a ball.
19. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device has
elements for securing the blocking element, with which the blocking
element can be kept in a deflected position when minimum force is
applied.
20. The device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the element for
securing the blocking element is a catch projection on the blocking
element which locks on a projection of the carrier in the deflected
position of the blocking element.
21. The device as claimed in claim 19, the element for securing the
blocking element is a conical recess on the device.
22. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for
transmission of the force comprises a liquid which is stored in the
first section of the cavity.
23. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for
transmission of the force comprises a plunger which is attached to
the cover element and/or the blocking element.
24. The device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the plunger is
mounted in the middle of the cavity on the blocking element.
25. The device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the plunger is
mounted outside the center of the cavity on the blocking
element.
26. The device as claimed in claim 25, wherein a scored site
between the blocking element and the carrier surrounds A mounting
area of the plunger on the blocking element with the exception of a
hinge area.
27. The device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the hinge area is an
area between the carrier and the blocking element which has a
greatest possible distance to the plunger.
28. The device as claimed in claim 27, wherein there is a catch
projection on the blocking element opposite the hinge area.
29. The device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the plunger is
mounted on the cover element and has a tip on the end which is
pointed at the cover element.
30. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device on the
side of the blocking element facing away from the first section of
the cavity comprises a spike which is pointed at the blocking
element.
31. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first section of
the cavity is made cylindrical.
32. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first section of
the cavity is made in the shape of a truncated cone.
33. The device as claimed in claim, wherein the first section of
the cavity is adjoined by a second section or a second cavity which
IS separated from the first section by the blocking element.
34. The device as claimed in claim 33, wherein the second section
of the cavity or the second cavity has a removal opening.
35. The device as claimed in claim 19, wherein there is a removal
opening in a wall of the second section of the cavity or a wall of
the second cavity which directly adjoins the scored site between
the carrier and blocking element.
36. The device as claimed in claim 34, wherein a channel is
connected downstream of the removal opening.
37. The device as claimed in claim 32, wherein in the second
section of the cavity or in the second cavity and/or in the channel
there are capillary force-enhancing means.
38. The device as claimed in claim 36, wherein the capillary
force-enhancing means is formed by microstructure elements such as
trenches, stelae, columns, or a nonwoven fabric insert.
39. The device as claimed in claim 33, wherein a feed channel
discharges into the second section of the cavity or into the second
cavity.
40. The device as claimed in claim 33, wherein at least one wall of
the second section is set back at least in sections relative to at
least one bordering wall of the first section.
41. A process for removing a liquid which is stored in a device as
claimed in claim 1, the process comprising the following steps: a
force is applied to the cover element; the means for transmitting
force transfers the force to the blocking element; as a result of
the action of a force on the blocking element a material connection
between the blocking element and the carrier is destroyed or the
blocking element is destroyed; after the action of the force in the
area of the blocking element a release opening is formed so that
the amount of liquid can be removed from the first section of the
cavity.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a microstructured device for
removable storage of small amounts of liquid and a process for
removal of the liquid, which is stored in this device.
[0002] The prior art discloses microstructured devices, which have
a plate-shaped carrier in which recesses on one side are formed.
These recesses are connected, via channels, to removal chambers,
via which a liquid can be removed from the device. The recess is
connected via a feed channel to an inlet chamber via which a sample
or a flushing liquid can be delivered to the device. The sample is
then transported as a result of transport forces, for example as a
result of capillary forces, or pressure forces, to the recess and
travels from there via the removal channel to the removal opening.
So-called containers are inserted into the initially open recess.
The containers are plastic vessels in which liquid reagents are
placed. By means of a pointed article, the container is opened such
that the liquid located in the vessel can emerge from the container
in order to mix with the liquid which has been supplied to the
recess, via the feed channel. The containers known from the art are
standardized and they can be inserted into various carriers of
microstructured devices. The carriers generally have several
recesses into which different containers with often different
liquid reagents can be inserted.
[0003] The disadvantage in the use of containers for
microstructured devices for removable storage of liquid is that the
shape of the container largely dictates the design of the device.
The containers make it necessary for there to be recesses, which
are matched to the container in the carrier. The recesses,
therefore, cannot be made individually for each carrier; this could
lead, for example, to higher packing density of the liquids which
are to be stored. Another disadvantage is that a relatively great
effort is expended to move the liquids into the containers in order
to then insert the containers as such into the carrier. This could
be simplified by storing the liquids directly in the carrier.
[0004] Therefore is an object of the invention to provide a
microstructured device for removable storage of small amounts of
liquids in which an arrangement and configuration of the recesses
as free as possible are possible and which enable direct storage of
amounts of liquid in the carrier or the device without the need to
use a special container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A microstructured device for removable storage of small
amounts of liquid includes a carrier. In the carrier there is a
cavity with at least one first section for storage of a small
amount of liquid. The first section of the cavity is molded into
the carrier as a recess. This first section is closed with a cover
element and a blocking element and is advantageously bordered by
side walls which are formed by the carrier. The device has a means
for transmission of force from the cover element to the blocking
element. By means of this force, a material connection between the
blocking element and the carrier can be destroyed, or the blocking
element itself can be destroyed, so that the amount of liquid can
be removed from the first section of the cavity.
[0006] The amount of liquid in a device is thus not stored in a
special container as in the existing art. Rather, the amount of
liquid is stored directly in the device, in a cavity which is
bordered on the one hand by the cover element and the blocking
element as well as side walls which are formed by the carrier. By
destroying the blocking element, or the connection between the
blocking element and the carrier, or the displacement of the
blocking element, an opening can be cleared via which the liquid
which is stored in the cavity can be removed from the cavity.
[0007] In one advantageously configured microstructured device, the
carrier is in one piece. The first cavity is molded in a carrier
which consists of one piece. In contrast to a carrier which is made
of several parts, or to a microstructured device, in which the
first cavity is not part of the carrier, or is not molded into the
carrier, because the carrier is made in one piece, a compact and
simple construction is achieved. This construction has advantages
especially in the production of the microstructured device.
[0008] The blocking element and the carrier are connected to one
another in one piece. It is possible for the blocking element and
the carrier to be cemented to one another, or for the blocking
element to be clamped in the carrier.
[0009] The connection between the carrier and the blocking element,
or the blocking element itself, can have a scored site at which
destruction of the blocking element, or of the bond between the
blocking element and carrier, is easily possible.
[0010] The blocking element and the carrier can be positively
connected to one another. In particular, it is possible, by means
of the force which is applied to the cover element, for the
blocking element to be able to move relative to the carrier into a
release position in which the liquid can be removed from the first
cavity.
[0011] The cover element can be a membrane, a film, or a
microstructured plate.
[0012] The cover element can be connected to the carrier by
lamination, sealing or cementing. It is possible for the cover
element to be metal-coated.
[0013] The cover element of a device can be made such that when a
minimum force is applied to destroy the connection between the
blocking element and the carrier, or to destroy the blocking
element, the cover element itself cannot be destroyed. To
facilitate the emergence of liquid from the first section of the
cavity, especially in cases in which the cover element cannot be
destroyed, the device can be arranged such that it has elements for
securing the cover element, with which the cover element can be
kept in a deflected position when minimum force is applied. In this
way it is possible, even after cessation of the minimum external
force, to keep the cover element in the deflected position and thus
also to maintain the pressure within the first section of the
cavity.
[0014] It is possible for the cover element of a device to be made
such that when a minimum force is applied to destroy the
connection, between the blocking element and the carrier, or to
destroy the blocking element, the cover element can be destroyed at
least at one scored site. The scored site in the cover element can
border in an area of the cover element which is smaller than the
area bordered by the scored site between the carrier and the
blocking element. In this way, it is possible for the cover
element, or the area of the cover element bordered by the scored
site from the cover element, to be pressed through the opening
which has been cleared by the blocking element.
[0015] The device can include a means for destroying the cover
element with which the cover element can be destroyed when a
minimum force is applied. When the cover element is destroyed, the
first section of the cavity can be ventilated, by which the
emergence of the liquid from the first section of the cavity is
facilitated.
[0016] A device can include elements for securing the blocking
element with which after application of a minimum force the
blocking element can be kept in a deflected position in order to
prevent the opening, which has been cleared by the blocking
element, from being closed again by the blocking element. If the
opening cleared by the blocking element is permanently opened, the
liquid, which has been stored in the first section of the cavity,
can emerge from the first section in a facilitated manner even
after cessation of the minimum force. As the element for securing
the blocking element, the blocking element can have a catch
projection which locks on a projection, or the like, of the carrier
in the deflected position of the blocking element. As the element
for securing the blocking element there could likewise be a conical
recess into which the blocking element is pressed and is kept
clamped when force is applied to the cover element.
[0017] The means for force transmission of the device can include
the liquid which has been stored in the first section of the
cavity. The means for force transmission can include a plunger
which is attached to the cover element or the blocking element.
Such a plunger can be mounted on the cover element.
[0018] The plunger which can be provided as a force transmission
means on a device can be mounted in the middle of the cavity
between the cover element and the blocking element. Alternatively,
it is possible for the plunger to be located, not in the middle of
the cavity between the cover element and the blocking element, but
nearer one of the walls of the first section of the cavity. The
force which is applied via the plunger thus does not act in the
center of the blocking element. This leads to the fact that the
blocking element is preferably destroyed in the area or the
connection between the blocking element and the carrier is
destroyed in the area in which the plunger is located.
[0019] The scored site between the blocking element and the carrier
can surround the mounting area of the plunger on the blocking
element with the exception of a so-called hinge area. In this way,
it is possible for the blocking element not to be completely
released from the connection to the carrier by the minimum force,
but to remain securely connected via the hinge area to the carrier.
The blocking element is thus, to a certain extent, hinged on the
carrier. In combination with an element for securing the blocking
element, the blocking element which is hinged on the carrier can be
fixed in the opened position to the carrier. The hinge area is
advantageously the area in which the plunger has the greatest
possible distance to one wall of the first section of the cavity of
the carrier. Opposite this hinge area then there can be the catch
projection on the blocking element as the element for securing the
blocking element.
[0020] The plunger of a device can have a spike on the end facing
the blocking element.
[0021] A device can have a spike which is pointed at the blocking
element on the side of the blocking element facing away from the
first section of the cavity.
[0022] By moving the blocking element, as a result of the action of
a force in the direction of the tip of this spike, the blocking
element can be destroyed so that the liquid can be removed from the
first cavity, or the first section of the cavity.
[0023] The first section of the cavity can be made cylindrical.
Likewise, it is possible for the first section to be made in the
shape of a truncated cone in order to facilitate removal from a
mold.
[0024] The first section of the cavity can be joined to a second
section, or a second cavity, which is separated from the first
section by the blocking element. At least the second section of the
cavity or the second cavity, but advantageously also the cavity,
and the first section of the cavity, have walls which can be wetted
by the liquid.
[0025] The second section of the cavity or the second cavity can
have a removal opening. The removal opening in the device can be
provided in one wall of the second section of the cavity or one
wall of the second cavity in the area which adjoins the scored site
between the carrier and the blocking element as directly as
possible. This should result in that the liquid, which is emerging
from the first section of the cavity, can travel in a manner as
simple as possible to the removal opening in the second section or
in the second cavity.
[0026] A channel can be connected downstream of the removal
opening.
[0027] In the second section of the cavity, or in the second
cavity, and/or in the channel, which is downstream of the removal
opening, there can be a means which enhances the capillary force.
This means which enhances the capillary force is used to accelerate
or enable the transport of liquid into the channel or through the
removal opening. The means which enhances the capillary force can
be microstructure elements, such as for example trenches, stelae,
columns or the like, or a nonwoven fabric insert. It is possible
for the microstructure elements combined with a nonwoven fabric
insert to form the means which enhances the capillary force.
[0028] Furthermore, a feed channel can discharge into the second
section of the cavity or into the second cavity.
[0029] In the device, at least one wall of the second section can
be set back at least in sections relative to at least one bordering
wall of the first section. This set-back section can be made in the
manner of an annular groove.
[0030] The device can have a means for destroying the cover
element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] Embodiments of microstructured devices for removable storage
of small amounts of liquid are detailed using the following
drawings:
[0032] FIGS. 1 to 12a each show one embodiment for a
microstructured device in a section;
[0033] FIG. 13 shows the device as shown in FIG. 1 after
actuation;
[0034] FIG. 14 shows a section through the device along line
XIV-XIV in FIG. 9;
[0035] FIG. 15 shows a corresponding section through the other
embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 16 shows an overhead view of a device with several
cavities for the accommodation of small amounts of liquid;
[0037] FIG. 17 shows one embodiment for a device before a minimum
force is applied;
[0038] FIG. 17a shows the embodiment as shown in FIG. 17 after
application of the minimum force; and
[0039] FIG. 17b shows the embodiment as shown in FIG. 17 and FIG.
17a in an overhead view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The embodiments shown in the FIGS. 1 to 16 for
microstructured devices have great similarities, therefore the
components which correspond to one another are provided with the
same reference numbers.
[0041] The embodiment shown in the FIG. 1, in a section, has an
advantageously plate-shaped carrier 1 into which recesses are made
which are opposite one another from two sides and which are
separated from one another by a blocking element 3. The opening of
a recess is closed by a cover element 2, by which a first cavity 4
is formed between the cover element 2, the blocking element 3 and
the side walls of the recess. This first cavity 4 is completely
filled with a small amount of liquid. Likewise it is possible for
the first cavity 4 to be filled only partially with the amount of
liquid and to contain a small gas bubble. The other recess is
closed with a film 6 which is applied to the surface of the carrier
1, in which surface there is a recess. In this way a second cavity
5 is formed which is bordered by the blocking element 3, of the
film 6, and by the side walls of the recesses.
[0042] The carrier 1 has a through hole 8 which is closed on one
side by the film 6. This through hole forms a removal chamber which
is connected via a removal channel 7 to the second cavity 5.
[0043] The blocking element 3 has a peripheral scored site 10 which
is formed by the thinning of the material on the side facing the
second cavity 5.
[0044] The small amount of liquid which is stored in the first
cavity 4 can be removed as follows from the first cavity 4. By the
action of a force on the cover element 2, the cover element is
pressed in the direction of the amount of liquid. Since the amount
of liquid is essentially incompressible, the force which is applied
to the cover element 2 is transferred to the blocking element 3.
This force results in that, as shown in FIG. 13, the middle part of
the blocking element is broken out of the remaining blocking
element 3 along the peripheral scored site 10 and thus a connection
is formed between the first cavity 4 and the second cavity 5. As a
result of the transport forces, here generally compressive forces,
the action of gravity or capillary forces, the liquid is then
transported out of the first cavity 4 into the second cavity 5,
then into the channel 7, and finally into the removal chamber 8.
Advantageously, a reagent in liquid or solid form or a sample with
which the amount of liquid stored originally in the first cavity is
reacted or mixed can be placed in the second cavity 5 or in the
removal chamber 8.
[0045] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 differs from the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1 in that the first cavity 4 is not completely filled
with the amount of liquid. Rather, between the liquid level and the
cover element 2 a gas-filled space is formed. So that the force
which acts on the cover element 2 for releasing the amount of
liquid can be transferred to the cover element 10, between the
cover element 2 and the blocking element 3 there is a plunger which
is connected in one piece to the middle part of the blocking
element.
[0046] In contrast to the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 1, the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3 has a blocking element which does not
have a scored site 10. Instead, to destroy the blocking element 3,
a spike 13 which is pointed with its tip at the blocking element 3
is attached to the bottom of the cover element. If at this point
the action of a force presses the cover element 2 in the direction
to the blocking element 3, the spike 13 with its tip pierces the
blocking element 3 to neutralize the blocking action of the
blocking element 3. The liquid which is stored in the first cavity
4 can then penetrate into the second cavity 5 through the opening
which has been produced by means of the spike 13 in the blocking
element.
[0047] In FIG. 4, an embodiment similar to FIG. 3 is described in
which the first cavity 4 is completely filled with an amount of
liquid, while a pin 14 which projects in the direction to the
blocking element 3, is attached to the film 6, and causes
destruction of the blocking element 3 to release the amount of
liquid. By the action of the force on the cover element 2, via the
amount of liquid in the first cavity 4, the blocking element 3 is
deflected in the direction to the spike 14 which with its tip
pierces the blocking element in order to destroy it. Thus the
amount of liquid can penetrate out of the first cavity 4 into the
second cavity 5.
[0048] The embodiment of a microstructured device which is shown in
FIG. 5 is made similarly to the device shown in FIG. 2. In contrast
to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the embodiment in FIG. 5 in the
cover element 2 has a peripheral scored site 11. As soon as the
action of the force presses the middle area of the cover element
down, the scored site 11 breaks and the plunger 12 presses on the
middle part of the blocking element 3 which finally also breaks
along the scored site 10. The liquid which is stored in the first
cavity 4, can enter the second cavity 5, at the same time the first
cavity 4 being vented via the opening in the cover element 2. The
air which flows afterward facilitates outflow of the amount of
liquid from the first cavity 4 into the second cavity 5.
[0049] FIG. 5a shows one version of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.
In this version the scored site in the blocking element 10 borders
a roughly circular area which completely surrounds the plunger 12.
The scored site 11 in the cover element 2 also borders a circular
area with a bottom which is adjoined by the plunger 12. The area
which has is bordered by the scored site 11 in the cover element 2
thus has a much smaller diameter than the area of the blocking
element bordered by the scored site 10. This results in that when a
minimum force is applied, which in this case is enough to destroy
the scored sites 10, 11, in the cover element 2 and in the blocking
element 3 so that the broken-out areas can be pressed down with the
plunger 12 into the second cavity 5. In this way, the opening which
has been cleared by the blocking element 3 is prevented from
closing again, so that the liquid from the cavity 4 can penetrate
into the second cavity 5. Ventilation of the cavity 4 is enabled
which enables facilitated penetration of liquid from the cavity 4
into the second cavity 5.
[0050] Furthermore, in the version of the device as shown in FIG.
5a, in the removal channel 7, and in the area of the second cavity
5 upstream of the removal channel, there is an insert 21 of
nonwoven fabric. This nonwoven insert causes increased capillary
force which enables accelerated transport of the liquid which has
entered the second cavity 5 through the removal channel 8.
[0051] The embodiment of a microstructured device which is shown in
FIG. 6 corresponds essentially to the one shown in FIG. 1, but
different than the device shown in FIG. 1, the device shown in FIG.
6 does not have a cylindrically formed first cavity. The first
cavity of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 runs conically in the
direction to the blocking element 3 and thus is made essentially in
the shape of a truncated cone.
[0052] The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 corresponds essentially to
the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, but in addition, it has a feed
channel 9 which discharges into the second cavity 5. Via this feed
channel 9, a second liquid can be routed into the second cavity 5,
which after destruction of the blocking element 3 is mixed with the
amount of liquid from the first cavity 4. The supplied liquid, like
the amount of liquid in the first cavity 4, can be a sample, a
liquid reagent or a flushing liquid.
[0053] The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 has a first cavity 4 and a
second cavity 5, the device which is shown in FIG. 8 is made
slightly different from the ones shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. The carrier
of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, has a blind hole-like recess
which is made on one side in the carrier and which is divided by a
blocking element 3 which has been cemented between the side walls
into a first cavity 4 and a second cavity 5. From the side of the
carrier opposite the recess, channels 9, 7 are routed from the
outside of the carrier as far as the second cavity 5 and discharge
into the second cavity 5. One channel forms a feed channel 9, while
the other channel forms a removal channel 7. The blocking element 3
which has been cemented, pressed or shrunk between the first cavity
4 and the second cavity 5 has a scored site 10 which is made in the
conventional manner and on which the blocking element 3 can be
destroyed. Otherwise the first cavity 4 is completely filled with
the amount of liquid so that action of a force on the cover element
2 causes destruction of the blocking element 3, by which the amount
of liquid in the first cavity 4 can enter the second cavity 5.
[0054] FIGS. 9 and 14 show one embodiment which is provided with
special means for destroying the cover element 2. The means for
destruction are formed by a projection 15 of the side wall of the
first cavity 4, which projection projects into the first cavity 4
in the shape of a wedge. This projection forms a tip which adjoins
the cover element 2. If at this point the cover element 2 is
pressed down by the action of a force, the tip of the projection 15
is pressed into the cover element 2 and destroys it. In this way,
it becomes possible to vent the first cavity 4 when the liquid
contained in the first cavity 4 is released by destroying the
blocking element 3; this facilitates the emergence of liquid from
the second cavity 5. As shown in FIG. 14, the first cavity has a
cross section which is circular in cross section.
[0055] FIG. 15 conversely shows a cross section of a similar device
which is sector-like. This has the advantage that in a device with
several such first cavities, as it is shown for example in FIG. 16,
there can be a plurality of first cavities arranged compactly
inside one another. FIG. 15 shows another alternative means for
destroying the cover element 2, which means is formed by a wedge 16
which is inserted in a recess of the side wall of the first chamber
4, but otherwise, similar to the projection 15 as shown in FIG. 14,
results in destruction of the cover element 2 when a force
acts.
[0056] The overhead view of the device which is shown in FIG. 16
shows that a device advantageously has several first cavities 4 and
the associated blocking element 3. The second cavity (not shown)
which is located under the first cavity 4 is connected via a feed
channel which is not shown to an inlet chamber 17 and via a removal
channel to a removal chamber 8. The inlet chambers 17 can also be
connected to one another.
[0057] FIG. 10 shows one embodiment for a microstructured device
which has a through hole with a shoulder in the carrier 1. In this
way, the through hole above the shoulder has a diameter which is
larger than underneath the shoulder. A membrane which forms the
blocking element 3 and which has an outside diameter which
corresponds to the inside diameter of the through hole is placed on
the shoulder. The blocking element 3 divides the through hole into
two parts which are separated from one another; specifically a
first cavity and a second cavity 5, the first cavity 4 being closed
with the cover element 2 and the second cavity 5 being closed with
the film 6. Otherwise the device has a channel 7 which is made in
the conventional manner and a removal chamber 8 which is made in
the conventional manner.
[0058] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 17b has a cavity 4 and a
second cavity 5 which are essentially oval in cross section.
Between the two cavities 4, 5 is the blocking element 3. This
blocking element 3 is connected in one piece to the carrier 1.
Furthermore, the blocking element 3 is connected in one piece to
the plunger 12 which in the first end area of the blocking element
3 is inserted between a cover element 2 with which the cavity 4 is
closed to the top, and the blocking element 3. In this first end
area of the blocking element, there is scored site 10 between the
blocking element 3 and the carrier 1 which extends proceeding from
this end area along the side wall of the cavities 4, 5 to the
opposite end area, the opposite second end area not being provided
with a scored site. If the minimum force necessary to destroy the
blocking element is applied to the cover element 2, the blocking
element tears away from the carrier 1 along the scored site. The
blocking element 3 then only continues to be connected to the
carrier 1 via the second end area. This second end area thus forms
a hinge area on which the blocking element is pivotally
supported.
[0059] A shoulder is molded into the second cavity 5 in the first
end area of the blocking element 3. This shoulder interacts with
the catch projection 20 on the first end area of the blocking
element 3 as an element for securing the blocking element in the
deflected position after the minimum force has acted on the cover
element 2. By breaking out and deflecting the blocking element 3
down, the catch projection 20 catches behind the shoulder in the
wall of the second cavity 5. In this deflected position then the
liquid can flow out of the cavity 4 into the second cavity 5, even
after the minimum force is no longer acting on the cover element
2.
[0060] On the bottom of the second cavity 5, in the middle area and
the end area there is a nonwoven fabric insert 21. This nonwoven
insert causes increased capillary force in order to transport the
liquid which has entered the second cavity 5 through the removal
channel 7 to the removal chamber 8.
[0061] The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 differs from the devices
described so far by a host of features, the same features being
provided with the same reference number. The carrier 1a, 1b of the
device, as shown in FIG. 11, is made in two parts and has a
plate-shaped top part 1a and a plate-shaped bottom part 1b. The top
part has a conical recess which is adjoined by a cylindrical hole.
A preferably slightly elastic ball is inserted to form a seal into
the cylindrical hole and forms the cover element 2 of the device.
The bottom part 1b of the carrier which is attached on the bottom
of the top part 1a, flush with the recesses of the top part 1a and
with the cover element 2, has a first cylindrical section, a
conical section and a second cylindrical section which is adjoined
by a cylindrical recess which is preferably made from the bottom.
In the second cylindrical section of the first recess, a ball is
inserted to form a seal as the blocking element 3 and separates the
first cylindrical section and the conical section from the recess
which has been made from the bottom of the bottom part 1b. The
first cylindrical section and the conical section thus form the
first cavity 4 which is almost completely filled with a liquid. A
film 6 is applied to the bottom of the bottom part 1b, by which the
second cavity is formed from the cylindrical recess which has been
made from the bottom. By the action of a force on the cover element
2, via the liquid in the first cavity 4 the blocking element 3 is
pressed into the second cavity 5, by which the liquid can flow into
the second cavity and can be removed from it via the channel 7.
[0062] The diameter of the first cavity can be, for example, 1 to 3
mm, preferably 1.5 mm. The same applies to the second cavity. The
blocking element 3 and the cover element 2 can have a diameter from
0.5 to 0.7 mm.
[0063] The diameter of the first cavity of one of the embodiments
as shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 can be 2 to 8 mm, but preferably 2 to 5
mm. The height can be 1 to 7 mm and the volume can be between 10 to
100 mm.sup.3. The carrier 1 and the blocking element 3 can be
produced from polystyrene or polycarbonate.
[0064] The embodiment shown in FIG. 12, in contrast to the other
embodiments, has only one cavity, which has a first section 4a, a
second section 5a. The cavity can be divided in a variable manner,
into a first section 4a and a second section 5a. Separation takes
place via a blocking element which is movably supported between the
side walls of the first section. This blocking element is
connected, via a plunger 12, to a cover element 2 which is likewise
movably supported in the first section 4a. In the upper area of the
second section 5a of the cavity, which area faces the first section
4a, the side wall of the cavity is set back in the manner of an
annular groove.
[0065] The device shown in FIG. 12 can be operated as follows.
First of all, the component which is formed from the blocking
element 3, the plunger 12 and the cover element 2 is pulled out of
the first section 4a to such an extent that the cover element 2
projects out of the first section 4a. The cavity 4a can then be
filled with liquid through a gap which forms between the cover
element 2 and the top end of the first section 4a of the cavity. In
order to store the liquid in the first section 4a of the cavity,
the component consisting of the blocking element 3, the plunger 12
and the cover element 2 is pushed down until the cover element 2
adjoins the side walls of the first section 4a of the cavity,
forming a seal. If at this point the amount of liquid stored in the
first section 4a of the cavity is to be released, the cover element
2 is moved down by the action of a force. Then the blocking element
3 projects into the annular groove-like section on the top end of
the second section 5a of the cavity. The annular groove then
produces a fluidic connection between the first section 4a and the
second section 5a of the cavity so that the liquid from the first
section 4a can enter the second section 5a.
[0066] FIG. 12a shows one version of the embodiment as shown in
FIG. 12. This version differs in that the second section 5a of the
cavity has a larger diameter than the first section 4a. This
shoulder makes it possible to move the cover element, the plunger
12 and the blocking element 11 completely down by application of an
external force so that the cover element 2, the blocking element 3
and the plunger 12 are pushed completely into the second section 5a
of the cavity and can drop into the latter. If the element
consisting of the cover element 2, the blocking element 3 and the
plunger 12 is in the second section 5a of the cavity, it is ensured
that the liquid has travelled into the second section 5a, or can
travel via the second section 5a of the cavity into the removal
channel 7.
[0067] A device enables amounts of liquid to be stored for a longer
time in a cavity before they are then released to carry out
reactions or other chemical processes. The conventionally small
vessels, or containers, which were inserted into the carrier in the
past and which are filled beforehand with liquid and then must be
pierced by means of tools are no longer necessary. The liquid is
rather stored directly in the carrier; this has the advantage that
a more compact arrangement of the amounts of liquid on a carrier is
possible and also the geometry of the cavities which store the
liquid can be freely chosen, as required by the dictates of
practice.
* * * * *