Patent ID: 6475361
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:a first buffer chamber comprising a solid portion, a plurality of inlet channels in said solid portion, and a plurality of outlet channels in said solid portion, wherein said plurality of inlet channels are in fluid communication with at least one inlet port, said plurality of outlet channels are in fluid communication with at least one outlet port, and each of said plurality of inlet channels is in fluid communication with at least one outlet channel; and a plurality of capillaries arranged in a plurality of capillary bundles, each of said plurality of capillaries having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between said first end and said second end, wherein said first end of each of the capillaries in each of said capillary bundles extends into fluid communication with said first buffer chamber and is in fluid communication with at least one of said plurality of inlet channels such that fluid can enter said first end of each of said capillaries through said at least one of said plurality of inlet channels and wherein said first end of each of said capillaries is also in fluid communication with at least one of said plurality of outlet channels such that fluid can exit from said first buffer chamber via at least one of said plurality of outlet channels.