Patent ID: 7290668
Filing Date: 2007-11-06
Classification: B01D,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A bicomponent fiber wick for use in processing an analyte fluid, the bicomponent fiber wick comprising: a self-sustaining fluid transmissive body formed from a plurality of bicomponent fibers bonded to each other at spaced apart contact points, the bicomponent fibers collectively defining tortuous fluid flow paths through the fluid transmissive body, wherein each bicomponent fiber has a fiber structure comprising first and second fiber components, each having discrete cross-sectional areas extending continuously along the length of the bicomponent fiber, the first fiber component being formed from a polyamide material, the fiber structure being adapted to provide a predetermined polyamide component ratio, wherein the first fiber component forms a continuous bicomponent fiber sheath along the length of the bicomponent fiber and the second fiber component forms a continuous bicomponent fiber core surrounded by the sheath.