Patent ID: 6264892
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: B01L,B29C,B29L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A miniaturized column device comprising:(a) substrate having a first substantially planar surface, molded from a mold insert formed using a technique selected from the group consisting of laser-ablation and LIGA techniques and having a negative structure of the first substantially planar surface comprising:(i) a negative structure of a separation channel comprising a microchannel;(ii) a negative structure of a reservoir means comprising a cavity;(iii) a negative structure of a fluid conducting means comprising a duct enabling fluid communication between the separation channel and the reservoir means; and(iv) a negative structure of a bypass microchannel that is distinct from and unconnected to the separation channel and the reservoir means;(b) a first cover plate arranged over the first planar surface of the substrate that respectively defines a separation compartment in combination with the separation channel in the substrate, a reservoir compartment in combination with the reservoir means in the substrate, a fluid conducting compartment in combination with the fluid conducting means in the substrate, and a volumetric sample compartment in combination with the bypass microchannel in the substrate; and(c) an inlet port and an outlet port communicating with the separation compartment, said ports enabling passage of fluid from an external source through the separation compartment.