U.S. patent application number 16/769783 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-10 for fluid testing.
This patent application is currently assigned to HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.. Invention is credited to Chien-Hua CHEN, Michael W. CUMBIE, Hilary ELY.
Application Number | 20210170396 16/769783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005449129 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210170396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CUMBIE; Michael W. ; et
al. |
June 10, 2021 |
FLUID TESTING
Abstract
A fluid testing device may include a fluid interaction element
and a fluid chamber to contain a fluid to be sensed by the fluid
interaction element. The fluid chamber may form a first gap through
which fluid is to be wicked to a second gap that is opposite the
fluid interaction element and less than the first gap.
Inventors: |
CUMBIE; Michael W.;
(Corvallis, OR) ; ELY; Hilary; (Corvallis, OR)
; CHEN; Chien-Hua; (Corvallis, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P. |
Spring |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY, L.P.
Spring
TX
|
Family ID: |
1000005449129 |
Appl. No.: |
16/769783 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
January 16, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2018/013848 |
371 Date: |
June 4, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01L 3/50273 20130101;
B01L 2300/0809 20130101; B01L 2400/0406 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01L 3/00 20060101
B01L003/00 |
Claims
1. A fluid testing device comprising: a fluid interaction element;
and a fluid chamber to contain a fluid to be interacted upon by the
fluid interaction element, the fluid chamber forming a first gap
through which fluid is wicked to a second gap in the fluid chamber
that is opposite the fluid interaction element and less than the
first gap.
2. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the first gap
spaces a first interior surface of the chamber and a second
interior surface of the chamber and wherein the fluid interaction
element projects from the first surface towards the second surface
to form the second gap.
3. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the first gap
spaces a first interior surface of the chamber and a second
interior surface of the chamber and wherein the chamber further
includes a pedestal projecting from the first surface and
supporting the fluid interaction element opposite the second
gap.
4. The fluid testing device of claim 3, wherein the fluid
interaction element is at least partially received within the
pedestal.
5. The fluid testing device of claim 3, wherein the chamber further
includes a protuberance projecting from the second surface opposite
the fluid interaction element to form the second gap.
6. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the first gap
spaces a first interior surface of the chamber and a second
interior surface of the chamber and wherein the chamber further
includes a protuberance projecting from the second surface opposite
the fluid interaction element to form the second gap.
7. The fluid testing device of claim 6, wherein the fluid
interaction element projects from the first surface towards the
second surface opposite the protuberance.
8. The fluid testing device of claim 6, wherein the fluid
interaction element is at or below the first surface and opposite
the protuberance.
9. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the second gap is
no greater than 1 mm and wherein the first gap is at least 50%
larger than the second gap.
10. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the first gap is
at least 1.5 mm.
11. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the fluid
interaction element is on a first side of the second gap, the fluid
testing device further comprising a second fluid interaction
element opposite the second gap on a second side of the second gap
opposite the first side.
12. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the chamber
opposite the second gap is transparent.
13. The fluid testing device of claim 1, comprising an elongate
stick forming the chamber, the chamber having an inlet proximate an
end of the stick.
14. A fluid testing method comprising: wicking fluid into a first
gap in a chamber of a fluid testing device; and interacting with
the fluid with a fluid interaction element while the fluid is in a
second gap in the chamber that is adjacent the first gap in the
chamber and less than the first gap.
15. A fluid testing stick comprising: a first end supporting a
controller; and a second end forming a fluid interactor, the fluid
interactor comprising: a fluid interaction element under control of
the controller; and a fluid chamber to contain a fluid to be sensed
by the fluid interaction element, the fluid chamber forming a first
gap through which fluid is wicked to a second gap in the fluid
chamber that is opposite the fluid interaction element and is less
than the first gap.
16. The fluid testing device of claim 1, wherein the fluid
interaction element is to interact with the fluid while the fluid
is in the second gap of the fluid chamber.
17. The fluid testing method of claim 14, further including
positioning a volume of the fluid in the second gap and adjacent to
the fluid interaction element.
18. The fluid testing stick of claim 15, wherein the second gap is
to position a volume of the fluid adjacent to the fluid interaction
element and the fluid interaction element is to interact with the
volume of the fluid while the volume is in the second gap of the
fluid chamber.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Fluid testing is used in a variety of fields including
healthcare, life sciences, environmental sciences, chemistry, and
food safety, among others. Examples of fields where testing is
employed include biomedical testing, molecular testing, industrial
testing, food testing and lab testing. Such testing is often
performed by sensing the characteristics of small fluid samples
taken from or derived from the subject.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of portions of an example
fluid testing device in the form of a fluid testing tool.
[0003] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example fluid testing
method.
[0004] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0005] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the fluid testing stick of
FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4.
[0006] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0007] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0008] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0009] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0010] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0011] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0012] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0013] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0014] FIG. 13 is an end view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0015] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the fluid testing stick of
FIG. 13 taken along line 14-14.
[0016] FIG. 15 is an end view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0017] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the fluid testing stick of
FIG. 15 taken along line 16-16.
[0018] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0019] FIG. 18 is a top view of an example fluid testing stick.
[0020] FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the fluid testing stick of
FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19.
[0021] FIG. 20 is a front view of an example fluid testing
stick.
[0022] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an example lid of the fluid
testing stick of FIG. 20.
[0023] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the fluid testing stick of
FIG. 20 is inserted within an example receptacle.
[0024] FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the fluid testing stick
inserted within the example receptacle with the receptacle also
containing a sample fluid.
[0025] FIG. 24 is a front view illustrating an example electronic
device for communicating with the fluid testing stick of FIG.
20.
[0026] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The
figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts
may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown.
Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations
consistent with the description; however, the description is not
limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES
[0027] Disclosed herein are fluid testing devices in the form of
fluid testing tools, fluid testing methods and fluid testing
devices in the form of fluid testing sticks that facilitate testing
or diagnostics using small fluid samples. The disclosed fluid
testing tools, testing methods and testing fluid interaction sticks
facilitate precise fluid manipulation, interaction and/or property
sensing on a microfluidic strip or chip. Such testing tools
facilitate the preparation of a fluid sample and/or the sensing of
the fluid sample at a low cost and with a low degree of
complexity.
[0028] The disclosed fluid testing tools, testing methods and fluid
testing sticks utilize wicking or capillary forces to draw or pull
a sample fluid into a first gap of a fluid chamber and then draw
the sample fluid into a second smaller gap that extends adjacent a
fluid interaction element. The larger dimension of the first gap
facilitates faster wicking of the fluid into the fluid testing tool
or testing fluid interaction stick. The smaller dimension of the
second gap results in a smaller volume of the fluid sample being
positioned directly adjacent the fluid interaction element such
that the fluid sample may be more precisely manipulated and more
quickly interacted upon for enhanced diagnosis.
[0029] In some implementations, the smaller dimensions of the
second gap may provide enhanced thermal control of fluid in close
contact with the fluid interaction element or elements. The large
amount of surface area of the fluid interaction element relative to
the small fluid volume provides more direct fluid contact to
provide enhanced "zonal" control of fluid temperature, fluid
dynamics and/or property sensing. In some implementations, the
fluid testing tools, methods and fluid testing sticks facilitate
parallel or serial processing of fluids with a single microchip or
multiple microchips integrated into a single microfluidics
consumable.
[0030] Disclosed herein is an example fluid testing tool that
includes a fluid interaction element; and a fluid chamber to
contain a fluid to be sensed by the fluid interaction element. The
fluid chamber forms a first gap through which fluid is to be wicked
to a second gap that is opposite the fluid interaction element and
less than the first gap.
[0031] Disclosed herein is an example fluid testing method that
includes wicking fluid into a first gap in a chamber and
interacting with the fluid with a fluid interaction element while
the fluid is in a second gap that is adjacent the first gap in the
chamber and less than the first gap.
[0032] Disclosed herein is an example fluid testing stick
comprising a first end supporting a controller and a second end
forming a fluid interactor. The fluid interactor includes a fluid
interaction element under control of the controller and a fluid
chamber to contain a fluid to be sensed by the fluid interaction
element. The fluid chamber forms a first gap through which fluid is
to be wicked to a second gap that is opposite the fluid interaction
element and less than the first gap.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example fluid testing
tool 20. Testing tool 20 facilitates precise fluid manipulation,
interaction and/or property sensing on a microfluidic strip or
chip. Testing tool 20 facilitates the preparation of a fluid sample
and/or the sensing of the fluid sample at a low cost and with a low
degree of complexity. Testing tool 20 includes fluid interaction
element 24 and fluid chamber 28.
[0034] Fluid interaction element (FIE) 24 includes at least one
element that interacts with portions of a fluid sample introduced
into chamber 28. In one implementation, fluid interaction element
24 thermally interacts with adjacent portions of an introduced
fluid sample. For example, in one implementation, fluid interaction
element 24 may apply heat to the adjacent portions of the fluid
sample. In some implementations, fluid interaction element 24 may
thermally cycle the fluid sample, such as in nucleic acid testing
or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure. In such an
implementation, fluid interaction element 24 may comprise a thermal
resistor which outputs heat in response to the application of
electrical current.
[0035] In other implementations, fluid interaction element 24 may
interact with the adjacent portions of the fluid sample in other
fashions. For example, in other implementations, fluid action
element 24 may comprise at least one light emitter. In one
implementation, fluid interaction element 24 may comprise a surface
that interacts with the fluid sample to facilitate sensing of the
fluid sample. For example, in one implementation, fluid interaction
element 24 may comprise a plasmonic surface that facilitates
surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. In one implementation, fluid
interaction element 24 may comprise an array of flexible nano
pillars or nano fingers having plasmonic tips.
[0036] In another implementation, fluid interaction element 24 may
comprise an optical sensor, a sensor that senses light. For
example, in one implementation, fluid interaction element 24 may
comprise a photodiode or photodiode array. A fluid interaction
element 24 in the form of the fluid diode may be utilized to sense
or detect various light reflected, generated or otherwise emitted
from a sample. In yet other implementations, fluid interaction
element 24 may comprise a fluid presence sensor which may indicate
the presence or movement of fluid.
[0037] Fluid chamber 28 includes a body forming an internal volume
extending about and adjacent to fluid interaction element 24. Fluid
chamber 28 contains fluid to be interacted upon by fluid
interaction element 24. As shown by FIG. 1, fluid chamber 28 forms
a first gap 30 through which fluid is wicked to a second gap 32
that is opposite the fluid interaction element 24 and less than the
first gap 30. Although gap 32 is illustrated as having a uniform
size or dimension across fluid interaction element 24, in other
implementations, gap 32 may have a varying dimension, a dimension
that changes with respect to different portions of fluid
interaction element 24. Likewise, gap 30 may be non-uniform. As
will be described hereafter, such as with respect to FIGS. 4-12,
the gaps 30 and 32 may be formed by various structures or surfaces
that form or define the interior volume of chamber 28.
[0038] Testing tool 20 operates by pulling or drawing a sample
fluid into gap 30 of a fluid chamber 28 and then drawing the sample
fluid into the second smaller gap 32 that extends adjacent fluid
interaction element 24. In one implementation, gap 32 is no greater
than 1 mm while gap 30 is at least 50% larger than gap 32. In one
implementation, gap 30 is at least 1.5 mm. The larger dimension of
the gap 30 facilitates faster wicking of the fluid into chamber 28.
The smaller dimension of gap 32 results in a smaller volume of the
fluid sample being positioned directly adjacent the fluid
interaction element 28 such that the fluid sample may be more
precisely manipulated and more quickly interacted upon for enhanced
diagnosis.
[0039] In some implementations, the smaller dimensions of gap 32
may provide enhanced thermal control of fluid interactor close
contact with the fluid interaction 24. The high surface area of the
fluid interaction element 24 provides more direct fluid contact to
provide enhanced "zonal" control of fluid temperature, fluid
dynamics and/or property sensing. In some implementations, fluid
testing tool 20 facilitates parallel or serial processing of fluids
with a single microchip or multiple microchips integrated into a
single microfluidics consumable.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example fluid testing method
100. Method 100 facilitates the preparation of a fluid sample
and/or the sensing of the fluid sample at a low cost and with a low
degree of complexity. As indicated by block 104, fluid is wicked
into a first gap, such as gap 30 in a fluid chamber, such as fluid
chamber 28 described above. As indicated by block 108, the fluid is
interacted upon with a fluid interactor, such as fluid interaction
element 24, while the fluid is in a second gap, such as gap 32,
that is adjacent the first gap in the chamber and that is less than
the first gap. In one implementation, gap 32 is no greater than 1
mm while gap 30 is at least 50% larger than gap 32. In one
implementation, gap 30 is at least 1.5 mm.
[0041] The larger first gap facilitates faster wicking of the fluid
into the chamber. The smaller dimension of the second gap results
in a smaller volume of the fluid sample being positioned directly
adjacent the fluid interaction element 28 such that the ratio of
the surface area of fluid interaction element 24 to the volume
adjacent the fluid interaction element (the surface to volume
ratio) is larger such that the fluid sample may be more precisely
manipulated and more quickly interacted upon for enhanced
results.
[0042] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an example fluid testing tool in
the form of an example fluid testing stick 220. Fluid testing stick
220 facilitates the preparation of a fluid sample and/or the
sensing of the fluid sample at a low cost and with a low degree of
complexity. Fluid testing stick 220 includes upper body 224,
controller 228, communication interface 232, lower body 234,
partition 236, lid 238, fluid interactor substrate 240 and fluid
interaction elements 244.
[0043] Upper body 224 extends on one side of partition 236 and
supports controller 228 and communication interface 232. In one
implementation, upper body 224 serves as a handle for stick
220.
[0044] Controller 228 includes circuitry, such as an
application-specific integrated circuit, that controls fluid
interaction elements 244. In one implementation, controller 228 may
comprise hardware in the form of a processing unit that follows
instructions contained in software supported by upper body 224 or
communicated to controller 228 through communication interface 232.
In some implementations, controller 228 may be omitted, wherein
fluid interaction elements 244 are controlled by signals received
through communication interface 232 from a remote controller or
remote electronic device.
[0045] Communication interface 232 facilitates communication with
controller 228. In one implementation, communication interface 232
facilitates a wired connection. For example, in one implementation,
communication interface 232 may comprise an electrical interconnect
or contact pad or pads. In one implementation, communication
interface 232 may comprise a male or female port or plug for
connection to a separate device, directly or through at least one
cable or adapter.
[0046] In yet another implementation, communication interface 232
may facilitate wireless communication. For example, in one
implementation, communication interface 232 may comprise a
communication antenna serving as a one-way or two-way wireless
transponder. In one implementation, communication interface 232 may
comprise an active radio frequency tag. In yet another
implementation, communication interface 232 may comprise a passive
radio frequency tag. In still other implementations, communication
interface 232 may communicate via Bluetooth or in other wireless
communication manners.
[0047] In some implementations, communication interface 232 may be
omitted such as where controller 228 carries out analysis and
testing and directly indicates results on stick 220. For example,
in one implementation, stick 220 may additionally comprise an
indicator 245 (shown in broken lines) supported by upper body 224
and in communication with controller 228. In one implementation,
the indicator 245 may comprise at least one light emitting diode
which is illuminated by controller 228 based upon the testing
results. In such an implementation, indicator 245 may also indicate
a current status of the testing process or test being carried
out.
[0048] Lower body 234 extends on a second opposite side of
partition 236. Lower body 234 supports fluid interactor substrate
240 and fluid interaction elements 244. Lower body 234 further
cooperates with lid 238 to form a fluid chamber 250 extending
adjacent to fluid interaction elements 244. In the example
illustrated, lower body 234 is formed as a single integral unitary
body with upper body 224, wherein partition 236 wraps about a
junction of upper body 224 and lower body 234. In other
implementations, lower body 234 and upper body 224 may comprise
separate structures which are mounted, welded, fastened or
otherwise joined to one another.
[0049] In the example illustrated, lower body 234 includes an
elongate recess 252 in which fluid interactor substrate 240 is
located. As shown by FIG. 4, recess 252 includes a floor 254 and
sidewalls 256. Sidewalls 256 project from floor 254 and support lid
238. Sidewalls 256 space portions of lid 238 above floor 254 to
form fluid chamber 250.
[0050] Partition 236 extends between upper body 224 and lower body
234. Partition 236 separates controller 228 and communication
interface 232 from lower portions of stick 220 which may come into
contact with a fluid sample being diagnosed. In the example
illustrated, partition 236 includes a seal 260 in the form of a
rubber or elastomeric gasket which is sized and shaped to interact
with a surrounding adjacent structure. In some implementations, the
seal 260 is sized and shaped to abut and seal against the interior
surfaces of a test tube or other receptacle which may be used to
contain the fluid sample and/or which may form a sufficient seal
about chamber 250 and fluid interaction elements 244 to inhibit
contamination of such components prior to use of stick 220. In yet
other implementations, partition 236 may be omitted.
[0051] Lid 238 includes structure that cooperates with lower body
234 to form chamber 250. In the example illustrated, lid 250
includes a flat panel supported by sidewalls to 56 of lower body
234. In other implementations, lid 238 may itself comprise
downwardly projecting sidewalls that space a ceiling or roof 264 of
lid 238 further from floor 254. In one implementation, lid 238 may
be formed from a transparent material to form an at least partially
transparent chamber to facilitate viewing of the fluid sample
within an along a length of channel 250, to facilitate use with an
off-tool/off-chip optical sensor, or to serve as a light
transmitting light pipe. In one implementation, lid 238 may be
formed from a transparent material such as glass or a transparent
polymer. In other implementations, lid 238 may be formed from other
materials or may be opaque. For example, electrical detection may
benefit from an opaque lid or opaque chamber.
[0052] As shown by FIG. 3, lid 238 terminates prior to reaching end
wall 262 of recess 252, forming an opening or inlet 264 into the
space between lower body 234 and lid 238 that forms chamber 250.
The edge of inlet 264 may be angled or straight. As shown by FIG.
4, chamber 250 forms a first gap 270 extending from inlet 264 along
the length of substrate 240 and the series of interaction elements
244 and a second smaller gap 272 between an upper surface of
substrate 240 and interaction elements 244. In one implementation,
gap 272 is no greater than 1 mm while gap 270 is at least 50%
larger than gap 272. In one implementation, gap 270 is at least 1.5
mm.
[0053] In one implementation, the gap 270 is adjacent to interior
surfaces 271 formed from a material that is completely wetted with
the fluid being drawn up. In other words, the gap 270 has surfaces
formed from a material that is fluid philic with respect to the
fluid that is being drawn up. In one implementation, the surfaces
defining gap 270 comprise a material such as polyetherimide (PEI),
or liquid-crystal-polymer (LCP). In some implementations, the
surfaces 271 adjacent gap 270 may be formed by an over molded
material. For example, in some implementations, material forming
lower body 234 may be formed from a first material, wherein the
interior surfaces 271 adjacent gap 270 of chamber 250 may be formed
from a second different material, coated upon the first material.
In some implementations, the interior surfaces 271 may be coated
with a metal such as gold. In one implementation, the lower body
234 may be fabricated out of an injectable moldable plastic,
wherein a layer of metal (hydrophilic relative to plastic such as
polypropylene) is electrolitically plated over the plastic. In
another implementation the lower body 234 may be fabricated out of
an injectable moldable plastic, wherein a layer of metal
(hydrophilic relative to plastic such as polypropylene) is
electrolytically plated over the plastic. In some implementations,
the interior surface 271 of chamber 250 may be formed from other
less hydrophilic materials such as polypropylene.
[0054] The mouth or inlet 264 may have a diameter of less than or
equal to the capillary length of the fluid to be drawn up through
capillary action. In one implementation, inlet 264 may have an
opening dimension of less than or equal to 6 mm (based upon the
capillary length of water).
[0055] In other implementations, the size of inlet 264 is one that
provides for capillary rise (pursuant to Jurin's law) within and
along the chamber 250, from inlet 264 to all of the fluid
interaction elements 244 of lower body 234. In other
implementations, inlet 264 may be larger where pumps may be
utilized to draw fluid from to assist the flow of the fluid,
initially drawn up through capillary forces.
[0056] Fluid interactor substrate 240 includes at least one
structure upon which fluid interaction elements 244 are provided or
supported. In one implementation, fluid interactor substrate 240
includes a series of microchips upon which electrical wiring or
electrical traces are formed for connection of controller 228
and/or communication interface 232 to the individual interaction
elements 244. In one implementation, substrate 240 includes an
elongate bar, strip or sliver that supports the individual
interaction elements and which further supports or encloses
electrical wiring or electrical traces for connection of controller
228 and/or communication interface 232 to the individual
interaction elements 244.
[0057] In one implementation, each microchip or the elongate
microchip sliver is formed from silicon. In other implementations,
substrate 240 may be formed from other materials, such as glass,
ceramics or other dielectric or semi-conductive materials. In the
example illustrated, substrate 240 is welded, bonded or fastened to
floor 254 of lower body 234. In yet other implementations,
substrate 240 may be integrally formed as a single unitary body out
of the same material as lower body 234.
[0058] Fluid interaction elements 244 comprise elements similar to
fluid interaction elements 24 described above. Fluid interaction
elements 244 interact with fluid that extends within gap 272. Fluid
interaction elements 244 are supported by substrate 240 opposite to
gap 272. In one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244
extend along an exterior face of substrate 240. In other
implementations, fluid interaction elements 24 or may be recessed
or embedded within substrate 240, below a face of substrate 240
that faces lid 238. Each fluid interaction element 244 is
electrically connected to controller 228 and/or communication
interface 232 using wiring or traces extending on the surface or
embedded within substrate 240.
[0059] Although stick 220 is illustrated as comprising nine
equidistantly and serially spaced fluid interaction elements 244,
in other implementations, stick 220 may include a greater or fewer
of such fluid interaction elements 244. Fluid interaction elements
244 may have uniform or nonuniform spacings along the length of
lower body 234. In some implementations, fluid interaction elements
244 may be arranged in multiple parallel rows or columns of fluid
interaction elements that extend along the length of lower body
234.
[0060] In one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244
thermally interact with the fluid within gap 272 by altering a
temperature of the fluid within gap 272. In one implementation,
fluid interaction elements 244 comprise thermal resistors which
generate heat in response to an applied electrical current. In such
an implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may facilitate
thermal cycling, such as in a nucleic acid testing or PCR
process.
[0061] In one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may
interact with the adjacent portions of the fluid sample in other
fashions. For example, in other implementations, fluid interaction
element 244 may each comprise at least one light emitter. In one
implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may each comprise a
surface that interacts with the fluid sample to facilitate sensing
of the fluid sample. For example, in one implementation, fluid
interaction elements 244 may each comprise a plasmonic surface that
facilitates surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. In one
implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may each comprise an
array of flexible nano pillars or nano fingers having plasmonic
tips.
[0062] In one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may
comprise multiple types of fluid interaction elements. For example,
in one implementation, fluid interaction elements 244 may comprise
a first set of thermal fluid interaction elements that heat and/or
cool the adjacent fluid and a second set light emitters. In one
implementation, fluid interaction element 244 may comprise a first
set of such thermal fluid interaction elements and a second set of
temperature sensing fluid interaction elements, optical sensing
fluid interaction elements and/or fluid presence sensing fluid
interaction elements. In yet another implementation, fluid
interaction elements 244 may comprise a first set of thermal fluid
interaction elements, a set of temperature sensing fluid
interaction elements, optical sensing fluid interaction elements
and/or fluid presence sensing fluid interaction elements, and a
third set of light-emitting fluid interaction elements. The
different types of fluid interaction elements may be interspersed
with one another, the different types arranged in a side-by side
fashion or in an alternating serial fashion along a length of lower
body 234.
[0063] As shown by FIG. 3, in the example illustrated, fluid
interaction elements 244 are serially spaced along a length of a
single sliver substrate 240. The different fluid interaction
elements 244 may each form a different "zone" for control and/or
sensing. For example, the different fluid interaction elements 244
may form a column or row of zones extending parallel to the length
(major dimension) of lower body 234 and substrate 240.
[0064] In one implementation, controller 228 (or a remote
controller in communication with stick 220 via interface 232) may
utilize each of a combination of different fluid interaction
elements 244 to carry out a fluid interaction process. In one
implementation, inlet 264 may be submersed within or may otherwise
receive a fluid sample to be diagnosed such that fluid is wicked
through capillary action along chamber 250 towards upper body 224.
As the fluid progresses within chamber 250 towards upper body 224
along the length of lower body 234, the fluid may be brought into
contact with different fluid presence sensors spaced along the
length of lower body 234, wherein the fluid presence sensors (such
as spaced electrodes for which an electrical circuit is completed
by the presence of the intervening fluid) indicate to controller
228 (or a remote controller) the extent of fluid wicking and what
fluid interaction elements 244 are submersed within the sample
fluid.
[0065] In response to receiving signals from such fluid presence
sensors indicating that a particular fluid interaction element 244
is submersed in the fluid, the controller 228 (or remote
controller) may output control signals activating thermal fluid
interaction elements that are submersed. In one implementation, the
fluid interaction elements may also include temperature sensors,
wherein signals from the temperature sensors are communicated to
controller 228 (or the remote controller) and wherein the
controller 228 (or remote controller) adjusts and controls the
operation of the thermal fluid interaction elements based upon the
sensed temperatures received from the individual temperature
sensing fluid interaction elements. In one implementation,
controller 228 (or the remote controller) may utilize signals from
the temperature sensing fluid interaction elements to selectively
activate the thermal heater fluid interaction elements so as to
thermal cycle the sample fluid, such as for a PCR process. In one
implementation, controller 228 (or the remote controller) may
differently heat the fluid in the different zones provided by the
independently controllable and activatable thermal fluid
interaction elements.
[0066] FIGS. 5-12 are sectional views illustrating portions of
example testing sticks 320-1020. Each of the example testing sticks
320-1020 is similar to testing stick 220 except that testing sticks
320-1020 has a different elongate lower body and lid forming a
chamber. The illustrated lower bodies, lids and substrate 240 of
the various sticks uniformly extend along the length of their
respective lower bodies towards partition 236 and upper body 224
(shown in FIG. 3). Those portions of testing sticks 320-1020 which
are not shown in FIGS. 5-12, upper body 224, controller 228,
communication interface 232, indicator 245 and partition 236, are
shown in FIG. 3. Similar to testing stick 220, each of testing
sticks 320-1020 forms an elongate chamber that has an open lower
and with an inlet through which fluid may be wicked up and along
the length of the lower body of the testing stick towards upper
body 224. FIGS. 5-12 are sectional views with each view taken along
a line similar to line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0067] FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of an
example testing stick 320. Testing stick 320 is similar to testing
stick 220 except that testing stick 320 includes lower body 334 in
lieu of lower body 234. Lower body 334 is similar to lower body 234
except a lower body 234 additionally includes pedestal 374 which
projects from floor 254 to elevate substrate 240 and fluid
interaction elements 244 above floor 254. As a result, the chamber
350 formed by lower body 334 and lid 238 forms a first gap 370 and
a second gap 372. Gap 370 may be greater than the thickness of
substrate 240 for enhanced fluid wicking. At the same time,
pedestal 374 may reduce the size of gap 372 for a larger fluid
interaction element surface area to fluid volume ratio.
[0068] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of an
example testing stick 420. Testing stick 420 is similar to testing
stick 320 except that substrate 240 and it supported fluid
interaction elements 244 are supported by lid 238 opposite pedestal
374. In the example illustrated, substrate 240 and fluid
interaction elements 244 are embedded in the ceiling 264 of lid 238
such that fluid interaction elements 244 are flush with the ceiling
268. In other implementations, substrate 240 may project below
ceiling 268 or may be recessed within ceiling 268 such that fluid
interaction element 244 also project below ceiling 268 or are
recessed within ceiling 268. In one implementation, gap 372 is no
greater than 1 mm while gap 370 is at least 50% larger than this
gap 372. In one implementation, gap 370 is at least 1.5 mm.
[0069] FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of an
example testing stick 520. Testing stick 520 is similar to testing
stick 220 except that testing stick 520 includes lower body 534 and
ceiling 538. Lower body 534 includes a generally flat panel
supporting substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244. In the
example illustrated, substrate 240 is embedded within lower body
534 such that fluid interaction elements 244 are flush or level
floor 254. In other implementations, substrate 240 and fluid
interaction elements 244 may project above floor 254 or be recessed
below 254.
[0070] Lid 538 cooperates with lower body 534 to form cavity 550.
Lid 538 includes ceiling 564, sidewalls 566 and protuberance 568.
Ceiling 564 extends opposite to floor 254 forming gap 570 through
which fluid is with into and along channel 550. Ceiling 564
terminates at a lower end of lower body 234 forming an inlet 264
through which fluid may enter gap 570. Sidewalls 566 extend between
floor 254 of lower body 534 and ceiling 5642 support in space
ceiling 564 opposite to floor 254. Protuberance 568, structurally
similar to a stalagmite, projects from ceiling 564 towards floor
254 opposite to substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244.
The lower surface of protuberance 568 is spaced from fluid
interaction elements 244 so as to form the smaller gap 572 that
extends opposite to fluid interaction elements 244. In one
implementation, gap 572 is no greater than 1 mm while gap 570 is at
least 50% larger than this gap 572. In one implementation, gap 570
is at least 1.5 mm.
[0071] FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of an
example testing stick 620. Testing stick 620 is similar to testing
stick 520 except that substrate 240 and the supported fluid
interaction elements 244 are supported by protuberance 568 of lid
538 opposite fluid interaction elements 244. In the example
illustrated, substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244 are
embedded in the protuberance 568 of lid 238 such that fluid
interaction elements 244 are flush with the bottom of protuberance
568. In other implementations, substrate 240 may project below the
bottom protuberance 568 or may be recessed within protuberance 568
such that fluid interaction element 244 also project below
protuberance 568 or are recessed within protuberance 568.
[0072] FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of an
example testing stick 720. Testing stick 720 is similar to testing
stick 520 described above except that testing 720 includes lower
body portion 334. As described above, lower body portion 334
includes pedestal 374 which elevates and supports substrate 240 and
fluid interaction elements 244. As shown by FIG. 9, sidewalls 256
and 566, together, space ceiling 564 from floor 254 to form gap 770
through which fluid is whipped into and along chamber 750. Pedestal
374 supports fluid interaction elements 244 below and opposite to
the lower surface of protuberance 568 opposite to the formed gap
772 which is smaller than gap 770. In one implementation, gap 772
is no greater than 1 mm while gap 770 is at least 50% larger than
this gap 772. In one implementation, gap 770 is at least 1.5
mm.
[0073] FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating portions of an
example testing stick 820. Testing stick 820 is similar to testing
stick 720 except that substrate 240 and the supported fluid
interaction elements 244 are supported by protuberance 568 of lid
538 opposite fluid interaction elements 244. In the example
illustrated, substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244 are
embedded in the protuberance 568 of lid 238 such that fluid
interaction elements 244 are flush with the bottom of protuberance
568. In other implementations, substrate 240 may project below the
bottom protuberance 568 or may be recessed within protuberance 568
such that fluid interaction element 244 also project below
protuberance 568 or are recessed within protuberance 568.
[0074] FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating portions of an
example testing stick 920. Testing stick 920 is similar to is
similar to testing stick 720 described above except that testing
stick 9220 additionally includes a fluid interactor substrate 940
and fluid interaction elements 944. Those remaining components of
stick 920 which correspond to components of stick 720 are numbered
similarly.
[0075] Fluid interactor substrate 940 is similar to fluid
interactor substrate 240 described above. Likewise, fluid
interaction elements 944 are similar to fluid interaction elements
244 described above. Fluid interactor substrate 940 is similar to
fluid interactor substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244
of testing stick 820 in that substrate 944 and fluid interaction
elements 944 are supported by protuberance 568 opposite to pedestal
374. However, as shown by FIG. 11, pedestal 374 also supports fluid
interactor substrate 240 and fluid interaction elements 244
opposite to fluid interactor substrate 940 and fluid interaction
elements 944. As a result, fluid within gap 772 may be interacted
upon from both above and below gap 772.
[0076] In one implementation, the fluid interaction elements 244,
944 directly opposite to one another are of the same type of fluid
interaction elements. For example, one implementation, the fluid
interaction elements directly opposite to one another are both
thermal resistors such as the fluid within gap 772 may be heated
from both above and below gap 772. In other implementations, the
fluid interaction elements directly opposite to one another may be
of different types. For example, in one implementation, one of the
fluid interaction elements 244, 944 may comprise a heater or
thermal resistor whereas the other of the fluid interaction wants
244, 944 may comprise a sensor, such as a temperature sensor. The
close proximity of the temperature sensor to the thermal resistor
provides enhanced close loop feedback control over the heating of
the fluid within gap 772. In yet another implementation, one of the
fluid interaction elements 244, 944 may comprise a plasmonic
surface, such as SERS nano pillars having plasmonic tips while the
other of the directly opposite fluid interaction elements 244, 944
may comprise a light emitter and an optical sensor to sense
interactions of the emitted light with the analyte deposited upon
the plasmonic tips of the closed nano pillars.
[0077] FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating portions of an
example testing stick 1020. Testing stick 1020 is similar to
testing stick 920 except that rather than being embedded within
pedestal 374 and protuberance 568, substrates 240 and 940 are
mounted, bonded or otherwise secured to the exterior of pedestal
374 and protuberance 568, respectively, opposite to one another so
as to form gap 1072 which may be smaller than gap 772. For the
remaining elements of testing stick 1020 which correspond to
components of testing stick 920 are numbered similarly.
[0078] Although each of testing sticks 220-1020 are illustrated as
having chambers and gaps that have a uniform size axially along the
length of the lower body of each of the respective sticks, in other
implementations, each of testing sticks 220-1020 may have at least
one tapering dimension, a dimension that decreases in size as the
chamber extends away from inlet 264. In such implementations, the
tapering dimension or dimensions may further facilitate upward
wicking of any sample fluid so as to place a greater number of the
fluid interaction elements 244 in contact with the fluid being
diagnosed. Although each of the gaps opposite to the fluid
interaction element is illustrated as having a uniform size axially
along the length of the lower bodies of the various testing sticks,
in other implementations, different fluid interaction elements may
be located opposite to differently sized gaps to enhance the
performance of the particular fluid interaction elements.
[0079] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate portions of an example testing
stick 1120. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate those portions of testing
stick 1120 below partition 236. Upper body portion 224, controller
228, communication interface 232 and indicator 245, each of which
are part of testing stick 1120, are shown in FIG. 3. As shown by
FIGS. 13 and 14, the lower portion of testing stick 1120 is similar
to the lower portions of testing stick 220 except that testing
stick 1120 includes a lower body portion 1134 which has an upwardly
inclined floor 1154 on opposite sides of substrate 240. Those
remaining components of lower body portion 1134 which correspond to
components of lower body portion 234 are numbered similarly.
[0080] Floor 1154 inclines as it extends away from inlet 264
towards upper body portion 224 (shown in FIG. 3). As a result,
while gap 272 remains uniform in size, gap 270 gradually reduces in
size as it approaches upper body portion 224 (shown in FIG. 3). The
interior volume of chamber 250 decreases as it extends away from
inlet 264 to provide enhanced wicking or capillary movement of
fluid along chamber 1150.
[0081] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate portions of an example testing
stick 1220. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate those portions of testing
stick 1120 below partition 236. Upper body portion 224, controller
228, communication interface 232 and indicator 245, each of which
are part of testing stick 1220, are shown in FIG. 3. As shown by
FIGS. 15 and 16, the lower portion of testing stick 1220 is similar
to the lower portions of testing stick 220 except that testing
stick 1220 includes a lid 1238 which has a declining floor 1254 on
opposite sides of substrate 240. Those remaining components of lid
1238 which correspond to components of lid 238 are numbered
similarly.
[0082] Floor 1254 declines as it extends away from inlet 264
towards upper body portion 224 (shown in FIG. 3). As a result,
while gap 272 remains uniform in size, gap 274 gradually reduces in
size as it approaches upper body portion 224 (shown in FIG. 3). The
interior volume of chamber 250 decreases as it extends away from
inlet 264 to provide enhanced wicking or capillary movement of
fluid along chamber 1250.
[0083] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of portions of an example
testing stick 1320 take along a sectional line similar to the
sectional line 14-14 taken through testing stick 1120. FIG. 17
illustrates those portions of testing stick 1320 below partition
236. Upper body portion 224, controller 228, communication
interface 232 and indicator 245, each of which are part of testing
stick 1320, are shown in FIG. 3. Testing stick 1320 is similar to
testing stick 1120 except that testing 1320 includes fluid
interactor substrate 1340 in place of substrate 240.
[0084] Fluid interactor substrate 1340 is similar to fluid
interactor substrate 240 except that fluid interactor substrate
1340 ramped upward or is inclined as it approaches upper body
portion 224 (shown in FIG. 3). Fluid interactor substrate 1340
includes an upwardly inclined top surface 1354 that gradually
approaches and becomes closer to ceiling 264 of lid 238 as it
extends away from inlet 264 towards upper body portion 224. Top
surface 1354 supports fluid interaction elements 244 at different
spacings, opposite differently dimensioned gaps 272, with respect
to ceiling 238. In the example illustrated, substrate 1340 supports
fluid interaction element 244A opposite a gap 272A, supports fluid
interaction element 244B opposite a gap 272B smaller than gap 272A,
supports fluid interaction element 244C opposite a gap 272C smaller
than gap 272B, supports fluid interaction element 244D opposite a
gap 272D smaller than gap 272C, supports fluid interaction elements
244E opposite a gap 272E smaller than gap 272D and supports fluid
interaction element 244F opposite a gap 272F smaller than gap 272E.
In the example illustrated, fluid interaction elements 272A, 272B
and 272C are spaced from one another along substrate 1354 by a
first distance whereas fluid interaction element 272D, 272E and
272F are spaced from one another by different distances along
substrate 1354. In the example illustrated, the different
dimensions for the different gaps 272A-272F provide different fluid
interaction element surface area to volume ratios to enhance the
performance of the particular fluid interaction elements. Although
testing 1320 is illustrated as comprising six fluid interaction
elements 244, it should be appreciated that testing stick 1320 may
comprise a greater or fewer of such fluid interaction elements 244
at other relative serial spacings and/or in side-by-side
arrangements.
[0085] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate portions of an example testing
stick 1420. FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate those portions of testing
stick 1420 below partition 236. Upper body portion 224, controller
228, communication interface 232 and indicator 245, each of which
are part of testing stick 1420, are shown in FIG. 3. As shown by
FIGS. 18 and 19, the lower portion of testing stick 1420 is similar
to the lower portions of testing stick 1120 except that testing
stick 1420 includes lower body 1434 and fluid interactor substrate
1440 in place of lower body 1134 and fluid interactor substrate
240. Those remaining components of testing stick 1420 which
correspond to components of testing stick 1120 are numbered
similarly.
[0086] Lower body 1434 is similar to lower body 1134 described
above except that lower body 1434 includes converging sidewalls
1456 in place of sidewalls 256. Converging sidewalls 1456 converge
towards one another as they extend away from inlet 264, as they
extend towards upper body 224 (shown in FIG. 3). As a result, while
gap 272 remains uniform in size, the width of gap 274 gradually
reduces in size as it approaches upper body portion 224 (shown in
FIG. 3). The interior volume of chamber 1450 decreases as it
extends away from inlet 264 to provide enhanced wicking or
capillary movement of fluid along chamber 1450.
[0087] Fluid interactor substrate 1440 is similar to fluid
interactor substrate 240 except that fluid interactor substrate
1440 includes differently sized substrate risers 1480A, 1480B,
1480C, 1480D, 1480E and 1480F (collectively referred to as
substrate risers 1480). Risers 1480 have different heights,
supporting their respective fluid interaction elements 244 opposite
different gaps with respect to lid 238. In the example illustrated,
each of pedestals 1480 supports multiple fluid interaction elements
in a side-by-side layout or in a serial layout. As a result,
different types of fluid interaction elements may be supported
opposite to differently dimension gaps most suited for the
particular type of fluid interaction element. In the example
illustrated, risers 1480A, 1480B, 1480C, 1480D, 1480E and 1480F
support sets of fluid interaction elements 244A, 244B, 244C, 244D,
244E and 244F opposite to differently dimension gaps 272A, 272B,
272C, 272D, 272E and 272F, respectively. Although testing stick
1420 is illustrated as comprising six risers supporting six
different sets of fluid interaction elements 244, in other
implementations, testing stick 1420 may comprise different numbers
of risers 1480 at alternative spacings and different numbers of
sets of fluid interaction elements 244 having different
arrangements or different numbers.
[0088] FIGS. 13-19 illustrate various lower bodies, lids and
substrates that provide tapering volumes that facilitate wicking of
fluid away from inlet 264 and that provide differently dimension
gaps opposite to fluid interaction elements. Although each of such
features is illustrated as being applied to a lower body similar to
lower body 234 shown in FIG. 4, it should be appreciated that each
of the various features shown in FIGS. 13-19 may be applied
individually or in combination with other features to each of the
lower body shown in FIGS. 5-12. For example, each of the lower
bodies shown in FIGS. 5-12 may have incline floor 1154 in place of
floor 254. Each of the lids shown in FIGS. 5-12 may have a declined
ceiling 1254 on opposite sides of the gap that is itself opposite
to the fluid interaction elements. Each of the substrates and/or
each of the pedestals 374 supporting the substrates may be inclined
similar to substrate 1340. Each of the sidewalls of the lower
bodies and/or the lids shown in FIG. 5-12, where provided, may have
converge similar to sidewalls 1456. Each of the substrates shown in
FIGS. 5-12 may comprise substrate risers of the same or different
heights spaced along the axial length of the lower bodies to
provide differently sized gaps opposite to the fluid interaction
elements. Each of the pedestals 374 and each of the protuberances
568 shown in FIGS. 5-12 may have spaced risers, similar to the
risers of substrate 1440, that provide different dimensions for
different gaps opposite to different sets or individual fluid
interaction elements. In each of the testing stick shown in FIG.
13-19, additional fluid interaction elements may be provided and
supported on the opposite sides of the smaller gaps 272, opposite
to the illustrated fluid interaction elements 244. In each of the
illustrated fluid testing sticks, the interior surfaces of the
chambers, such as the floors and ceilings opposite the larger gaps
270 may be formed from or may be coated or laminated with different
fluid wetting materials that are fluid philic, such as the fluid
philic layer material 271 shown in FIG. 4 to further facilitate
wicking (capillary movement) of the fluid into and along the
respective chambers.
[0089] FIG. 20 illustrates an example testing stick 1520. Testing
stick 1520 is similar to testing stick 220 described above except
that testing stick 1520 includes lid 1538 and light emitter 1582.
Those remaining components of testing stick 1520 which correspond
to components of testing stick 220 are numbered similarly.
[0090] Lid 1538 is similar to lid 238 set that lid 1538 is not
supported by sidewalls to 56 of lower body 234, but rest within
recess 252 upon floor 254. As shown by FIG. 21, lid 1538 includes
an elongate channel 1584 forming ceiling 264 of lid 1538. Ceiling
264 spaced above floor 254 and above substrate 240 (and fluid
interaction elements 244) by sidewalls 1586 of lid 1538 which
extend an opposite side of channel 1584. Sidewalls 1586 and ceiling
264 increase in size as they extend away from inlet 264 towards
light emitter 1582. In the example illustrated, the size of channel
264 and the size of the gap opposite to fluid interaction elements
244 remains the same along the length of substrate 240. In other
implementations, as described above with respect to testing sticks
1320-1420, the gap opposite the different fluid interaction element
244 may vary from one fluid interaction element to another fluid
interaction element. For example, in other implementations, the
height of channel 264 may gradually ramp up or down to vary the gap
dimension along lid 1538. In another implementation, lid 1538 may
include differently dimensioned protuberances 568 (shown in FIG.
7), protuberances that have different heights so as to project into
different proximities to the upper surface of substrate 240 and
fluid interaction elements 244 along the length of channel 264 and
opposite to different fluid interaction elements, providing such
fluid interaction elements with differently sized opposing fluid
gaps along the length of channel 264.
[0091] Light emitter 1582 is supported by lower body 234 and is
located at the enlarged end of lid 1538. Light emitter 1582 serves
as a backlight, transmitting light through the transparent material
lid 1538, which serves as a light pipe, to each of the fluid
interaction elements 244 along the length of testing stick 1520.
The nonuniform thickness of lid 1538 with the increasing thickness
of ceiling 264 and sidewalls 156 towards light emitter 1582 (the
angling of lid 1538) enhances light transmission efficiency by lid
1538 along substrate 240. In one implementation, light emitter 1582
includes a light emitting diode that provides RGB (red green blue)
backlight controlled by controller 228.
[0092] FIGS. 22-24 illustrate one example use of testing stick
1520. As shown by FIG. 22, testing stick 1520 may be stored for use
with its lower end contained within a tubular receptacle 1600. Seal
260 contacts and seals against the interior side surfaces of
receptacle 1600, inhibiting contamination of the lower portions of
testing stick 1520.
[0093] As shown by FIG. 23, stick 1520 may be temporarily removed
from receptacle 1600 and a sample to be diagnosed may be placed
within receptacle 1600. In some implementations, other reagents
and/or markers (such as fluorescent markers or tags) may
additionally be deposited within receptacle 1600. Thereafter,
testing stick 1520 may be reinserted into receptacle 1600 such that
inlet 264 is at or below the top or level 1604 of the sample
mixture 1606 within receptacle 1600. Due to the dimensioning of
inlet 264 (as described above) as well as the dimensioning of gap
272 (shown in FIG. 4), the sample mixture or analyte is drawn or
whipped upward through the larger gap 270 through capillary forces
(no other pumps being utilized). As a sample mixture 1606 is drawn
up through gap 270, the sample mixture 1606 also flows into and
across the smaller gap(s) 272 that extend opposite to the fluid
interaction elements 244.
[0094] As described above, in some implementations, some of the
fluid interaction elements 244 may comprise fluid presence sensors,
such as electrode pairs for which an electrical circuit is
completed by the intervening fluid. Such fluid presents sensors may
output signals to controller 228 (or a remote controller)
indicating the extent of fluid wicking along substrate 240. Based
upon such signals, controller 228 (or a remote controller) may
output control signals activating different fluid interaction
element 244 as a fluid is with long substrate 240.
[0095] In some implementations, fluid interaction element 244 may
comprise different combinations of multiple different types of
fluid interaction elements. For example, in one implementation,
fluid interaction element 244 may comprise photo sensors, such as
photodiodes and thermal resistive heaters. In such an
implementation, controller 228 may output control signals causing
those fluid interaction elements 244 which are thermal resistive
heaters to thermal cycle the sample mixture 1606 such as according
to a nucleic acid sensing protocol or PCR protocol. Controller 228
may subsequently output control signals activating light emitter
1582 to illuminate the mixture 1606 which absorbs one wavelength of
light and emits light at another wavelength of light based upon a
signaling molecule in the mixture 1606, wherein the re-emitted
light is sensed by those fluid interaction elements 244 that are in
the form of optical sensors, such as photodiodes. In other
implementations, other color or light generating reactions (for
example, bioluminescence, particle movement (light/dark), ink
properties, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs)) may be
carried out using those fluid interaction element(s) 244 that
comprise optical sensors, such as photodiodes.
[0096] As shown by FIG. 24, testing stick 1520 may communicate with
a remote controller or a remote/separate electronic device 1700
using communication interface 232. In the example illustrated, the
electronic device 1700 includes a smart phone, wherein interface
232 includes an electrical interconnect that plugs into a port 1704
of the smart phone 1700. During such connection, control signals
may be transmitted from device 1700 to testing stick 1520. Sensed
data may be transmitted from testing stick 1520 to device 1700.
Device 1700 may display on-screen 1702 the results of the diagnosis
based upon sample 1606. Thereafter, testing stick 1520 may be
discarded or may be stored within receptacle 1600 and with the
original sample 1606.
[0097] In other implementations, testing stick 1520 may communicate
with a separate electronic device in other fashions. As described
above, in other implementations, testing stick 1520 may communicate
in a wireless fashion. Testing stick 1520 may communicate in a
wired fashion through other communication interfaces, either
directly or through an intermediate cable. In some implementations,
the interaction and sensing of the fluid by the fluid interaction
elements 244 may occur while sick 15/20 connected or in
communication with the electronic device 1700.
[0098] As should be appreciated, testing stick 1520 may have a
variety of different architectures. Testing stick 1520 may
alternatively comprise any of the architectures shown and described
above with respect to the lower portions of the other example
testing sticks shown in FIGS. 3-19. Although each of such testing
sticks is illustrated as wicking a sample fluid or analyte from the
lower end of lower body 234 through inlet 262, in other
implementations, each of such testing sticks may alternatively wick
fluid through capillary action through side ports extending through
side walls of the formed chambers or through top or bottom ports
extending through the lower bodies or the lids.
[0099] Although the present disclosure has been described with
reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art
will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. For
example, although different example implementations may have been
described as including features providing benefits, it is
contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with
one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the
described example implementations or in other alternative
implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure
is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are
foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the
example implementations and set forth in the following claims is
manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless
specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single
particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular
elements. The terms "first", "second", "third" and so on in the
claims merely distinguish different elements and, unless otherwise
stated, are not to be specifically associated with a particular
order or particular numbering of elements in the disclosure.
* * * * *