Patent ID: 6319476
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: B01L,F15C,Y10T

Abstract:
A fluid connector for coupling a fluid conduit to a port of a microfluidic device comprising:a housing having a bore extending therethrough for receiving the fluid conduit and positioning a first end of the fluid conduit to permit fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the microfluidic device;a clamping member remote from the first end of the fluid conduit for applying an axial force to the fluid conduit;a first load support surface operatively coupled to the fluid conduit between the clamping member and the first end of the fluid conduit for receiving the axial force from the clamping member and translating the axial force towards the first end of the fluid conduit; anda sealing member interposed between the first end of the fluid conduit and the surface area surrounding the port of the microfluidic device, the sealing member having a first bore therethrough and comprising a pliant portion,wherein the axial force urges the first end of the fluid conduit into contact with the pliant portion of the sealing member which urges the pliant portion of the sealing member into contact with the surface area surrounding the port of the microfluidic device to effect a fluid-tight seal having minimal fluid dead volume between the first end of the fluid conduit and the port of the microfluidic device.