Patent ID: 6221226
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: B01L,G01N

Abstract:
A device or system for monitoring flow of a fluid in at least two channels, the device or system comprising:a body structure having at least first and second intersecting microscale channels disposed therein, wherein the first channel is fluidly coupled to a source of at least a first signaling composition and the second channel is fluidly coupled to the source of the at least first signaling composition or to a source of at least a second signaling composition;a flow controller for applying a pressure or voltage gradient in the first and second channels;one or more computers or processors operably coupled to the controller, the one or more computers or processors comprising an instruction set which directs the controller to flow a detectable amount of the at least first signaling composition from the source of the at least first signaling composition into the first channel during operation of the device, and for flowing the at least first signaling composition or the second signaling composition into the second channel; andone or more detectors proximal to the first or second channel, which one or more detectors are configured to detect the at least first or second signaling composition in the first or second channels, the detectors operably coupled to the one or more computers or processors, which computers or processors comprise an instruction set for determining the flow rate of the at least first signaling composition in the first channel and for determining the flow rate of the at least second signaling composition in the first channel.