Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20020061260?dq=inventor:%22Arthur+R.+Hair%22
Timestamp: 2017-05-23 22:15:18
Document Index: 393460651

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 2', 'arts 2', 'art 2', 'arts 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'arts 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'arts 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 38']

Patent US20020061260 - Device for handling liquid samples and a process for the manufacture of the ... - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA system for handling liquid samples, comprising at least two superposed and interconnected planar elements between which a well for a liquid sample is formed which extends between an outwardly leading mouth to receive and/or deliver a liquid sample and an outwardly leading passage to connect the well...http://www.google.com/patents/US20020061260?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20020061260 - Device for handling liquid samples and a process for the manufacture of the device, and a system for handling liquid samplesAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS20020061260 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 10/046,522Publication dateMay 23, 2002Filing dateJan 14, 2002Priority dateJul 15, 1999Also published asDE19933458A1, DE19933458B4, DE50015274D1, EP1194240A1, EP1194240B1, US7005109, WO2001005505A1Publication number046522, 10046522, US 2002/0061260 A1, US 2002/061260 A1, US 20020061260 A1, US 20020061260A1, US 2002061260 A1, US 2002061260A1, US-A1-20020061260, US-A1-2002061260, US2002/0061260A1, US2002/061260A1, US20020061260 A1, US20020061260A1, US2002061260 A1, US2002061260A1InventorsDieter HusarOriginal AssigneeDieter HusarExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (15), Referenced by (32), Classifications (10), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetDevice for handling liquid samples and a process for the manufacture of the device, and a system for handling liquid samples
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0051] More details and advantages of the invention ensue from the following (non-conclusive) description of possible embodiments which, in part, refer to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: [0052] [0052]FIG. 1FIG. 1 shows a proportioning disposable in an exploded perspective view; [0053] [0053]FIG. 2FIG. 2 shows the connection and fixation areas of a proportioning disposable with a membrane filter in an exploded perspective view; [0054] [0054]FIG. 3FIGS. 3a and b show a mouth portion of volume-receiving parts of the proportioning disposable of FIG. 1 (FIG. 3a) and a proportioning disposable having a nozzle-like taper (FIG. 3b) in a perspective side view; [0055] [0055]FIG. 4FIG. 4 shows a proportioning disposable with a plurality of parallel juxtaposed proportioning disposables of FIG. 1 in an exploded perspective view; [0056] [0056]FIG. 5FIG. 5 shows a planar element of another proportioning disposable in a perspective side view; [0057] [0057]FIG. 6FIG. 6 shows a volume-receiving part of a proportioning disposable with a plurality of parallel juxtaposed volume-receiving parts of FIG. 5 in a perspective side view; [0058] [0058]FIG. 7FIG. 7 shows a plurality of superposed proportioning disposables of FIG. 5 in a perspective side view; [0059] [0059]FIG. 8FIG. 8 shows a plurality of superposed proportioning disposables of FIG. 6 in a roughly schematic perspective side view; [0060] [0060]FIG. 9FIG. 9 shows a proportioning disposable connected to a line leading to a displacement device; [0061] [0061]FIG. 10FIG. 10 shows a centrifuging disposable in a roughly schematic longitudinal view; [0062] [0062]FIG. 11FIG. 11 shows several centrifuging disposables according to FIG. 9 in a centrifuge rotor; [0063] [0063]FIG. 12FIG. 12 shows a centrifuge rotor having a well for a centrifuging disposable in a perspective side view; [0064] [0064]FIG. 13FIG. 13 shows structural elements for a disposable in a perspective side view; [0065] [0065]FIG. 14FIG. 14 shows the volume-receiving part of a reaction disposable in a perspective side view; [0066] [0066]FIG. 15FIG. 15 shows the volume-receiving part of a gel disposable in a perspective plan view; [0067] [0067]FIG. 16FIG. 16 shows a dialytical disposable in an exploded perspective view; [0068] [0068]FIG. 17FIG. 17 shows the volume-receiving part of a centrifuging/filtration disposable in a perspective plan view. [0069] [0069]FIG. 18FIG. 18 shows a cuvette disposable in a perspective longitudinal section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0070] In the explanations of possible embodiments, the devices for handling liquid samples are referred to as “disposables” because these can be advantageously designed as expendable articles. Regardless of this, it is possible to design re-usable articles which are given the same features so that the explanations which follow apply to them as well. [0071] 1. Possible Fundamental Embodiments of the Invention [0072] These may be disposables for receiving and/or delivering (particularly for proportioning) liquids. They may further comprise handling apparatuses for disposables, particularly for receiving and delivering (particularly for proportioning) liquid volumes. [0073] The disposables concerned may further be disposables for other types of sample handling. Sample handling may include transportation, centrifuging, tempering, and mixing. [0074] Moreover, the disposable may serve as a reaction vessel for liquid samples and/or reagents. All handlings can be performed in a single disposable. This may include manual or automated handling apparatuses, particularly for centrifuging, tempering (specifically for the PCR) or mixing. [0075] In addition, disposables are possible for measuring liquid samples and/or reagents, and handling apparatuses belonging thereto for optical measurement. [0076] In addition, disposables are possible which have integrated filtration elements of any type, e.g. hydrophobic aerosol barriers (similar to the currently used filters made of sintered PE or PP), hydrophobic filters for aeration and deaeration (for vessels to breed bacteria in) or membranes for microdialysis. [0077] Further, disposables are possible which have integrated structures to geometrically enlarge reactive surfaces. [0078] All of the disposables comprise two or more planar elements. These may include, in particular, lamina of plastic, glass or silicon, sheetings or membranes. [0079] The function of these planar elements corresponds to the aim set for the disposable concerned, e.g. by the inner structure given to the individual planar elements (e.g. having fluid channels, mixer structures, surface enlargements). [0080] Surface modification is further considered in defined functional fields (e.g. to functionalize surfaces in an active/reactive or passive way; amino groups, carboxyl groups, streptavidin, immobilized enzymes, oligos, hydrophilizing, hydrophobizing, electroplating). [0081] In addition, connection to additional functional elements is possible. For instance, these may include membranes, nonwoven fabrics, optical windows, aeration filter, and electrodes. [0082] The external geometry may be chosen so as to consider the application concerned (e.g. a small, flat tip for gel loaders). [0083] 2. Manufacturing Process [0084] The fact that the structures are realized on planar elements makes it possible (similarly to the manufacture of components in the semiconductor industry and micro-system technology) to simultaneously process a large number of disposables on a plate (similarly to the wafers in the semiconductor industry or micro-system technology) or another planar element. [0085] The manufacture of the disposables may be performed in several steps: [0086] Initially, the surfaces of the planar elements may be structured. [0087] Afterwards, one or more surface treatment steps may be and are taken, if required, with a view to functionally modifying the surfaces of the planar elements in defined areas. [0088] Subsequently, two or more planar elements may be connected to each other (e.g. by laminating or bonding them). [0089] Finally, the disposable may be separated from each other, if desired. [0090] 3. Technologies of Manufacture [0091] Manufacture can be effected on the basis of known technologies. Many methods are suited for structuring the surfaces, e.g. [0092] (Hot) embossing or injection moulding for planar plastic material (e.g. laminas or sheetings) [0093] Laser-beam or water-jet cutting in sheetings made of plastic (particularly for small series) [0094] Micromechanical machining (particularly for small series) [0095] Etching techniques (wet or dry) for glass and silicon. [0096] For instance, the modification of surfaces may be carried out by means of chemical surface treatments (e.g. polymer grafting, etching techniques, electroplating processes), by means of plasma processes (e.g. corona treatment) or plasma coating processes or by means of CVD (chemical vapour deposition) or PVD (physical vapour deposition). [0097] The joining technologies to be employed depends on the combination of materials and may include, for instance, glueing (e.g. lamination using sheetings), ultrasound welding, friction welding, and joining by means of thermal processes (e.g. bonding processes). [0098] For instance, the separation and/or shaping of the outer contour of disposables may be accomplished by cutting (e.g. diamond sawing as is known in the silicon technology, laser beam or water jet cutting processes) or by stamping processes. [0099] 4. Interface Between Disposable and Handling Apparatus [0100] It is possible to perform two or more steps of sample handling by using one and the same disposable. This specifically includes proportioning, centrifuging, filtering, tempering, mixing, reacting, measuring, analyzing, cell manipulation (e.g. cell poration, cell fusion, cell positioning), etc. [0101] Some details of disposables and handling apparatuses for carrying out various handling steps are explained below. These details may occur in a more or less cumulated way on one and the same disposable or handling apparatus. [0102] a) Proportioning Disposables [0103] The planar disposable may be adapted to be inserted into a handling apparatus. Here, the passage of the disposable may be brought into a sealing contact with the apparatus. A slidable sealing surface and/or an O-ring may exert its effect at this point. The contacting action may further be supported by a contact element which can be a spring, an insertion slope or the like. [0104] After the sealed contact is made proportioning may be controlled by displacing an air column by means of a displacement device similar to the pipetting process of an air cushion pipette. The march of pressure desired may be produced via a piston-and-cylinder system (similar to that of a piston pipette) or by means of miniaturized pumps (which have been developed already now in the silicon and/or plastics technologies). [0105] The options possible in microstructuring allow to keep very low the dead space in the disposable and the handling apparatus, i.e. the volume of the air column, in the interest of keeping the volume error as small as possible and achieving high precision in proportioning. This permits to effect pipetting and dispensing with one type of a disposable. [0106] If disposables are used which have a displaceable limitation wall the contact with the handling apparatus has to ensure that the actuation device be connected to the limitation wall in order to displace it. This makes possible a direct effect of an actuation mechanism on the limitation wall. However, a hydraulic actuation, a magnetic actuation or the like are possible as well. [0107] The surface of all disposables may be made hydrophilic or hydrophobic with a view to compensating annoying capillary forces. [0108] b) Centrifuging and Filtration Disposables [0109] Planar disposables for centrifuging may be arranged in a centrifuge in a way similar to that of small sample tubes in a hematocrit centrifuge. Sealing the vessel is possible, in particular, by means of a cover (e.g. a plate or sheeting) on the disposable or in the centrifuge itself It is also imaginable to equip the centrifuging disposables as proportioning and/or filtration disposables. Also, the location where to position pellets in such a disposable may be defined better than in a conventional reaction vessel. [0110] c) Tempering/PC Disposables [0111] The proportioning and tempering functions can be advantageously realized by a type of disposable, particularly with regard to the implementation of the PCR process and the concurrent cyclic temperature changes. [0112] Contacting a heat-conducting surface (which preferably has a higher thermal capacity), which may assume various adjustable temperatures (even in a cyclic change) in the planar disposables, can favourably be effected via a cover sheet of a small thickness. This one is ideally suited for optimum heat transition if it has a thickness of from a few μm to some 100 μm. Moreover, a particularly heat-conductive material may be selected for the cover sheet whatever the material of the planar element is. [0113] Besides, planar disposables make it possible to nearly randomly reduce the sample volume and reaction volume by reducing the depth of the well. This gives the sample volume a very low thermal capacity, which permits to achieve short heating and cooling times, which is very advantageous for the PCR in reducing the cycle time. [0114] The volume of the well may be adjusted specifically by forming its depth in a planar element. This is particularly advantageous because the depth can be reduced to virtually any extent. [0115] The integration of the sample well, the provision of the reagents (enzymes and primers), and the PCR process proper can be achieved in a single planar disposable. At the same time, this provides the possibility of integrating the reaction chemistry and to provide for a thin-walled reaction space (on either side, if needed) in an extent exceeding that for deep-drawn sheetings) in order to achieve more rapid temperature cycles. [0116] d) Analytical Disposables [0117] A planar disposable makes it feasible to integrate the sample well and the reaction and analysis (measurement and evaluation). Also, the multi-channel structure which is required nowadays can be realized in a simple manner. [0118] The planar arrangement favours its use in the ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection) photometry and infrared spectroscopy. Also for ultraviolet spectroscopy, suitable cuvettes permeable to ultaviolet radiation may be created by means of the planar set-up and the known PFA sheetings having a thickness of less than 100 μm. [0119] The thin-walled structure of a planar disposable is also advantageous for the detection of fluorescence and luminiscence signals. Plastics are known that have a low inherent fluorescence. [0120] e) Disposables for Bacteria Cultures/Microdialvsis [0121] The planar disposables allow to integrate the sample well and to carry out a bacteria culture or microdialysis. The high surface/volume ratio makes possible a very efficient gas exchange for aeration and a very efficient dialysis. [0122] For instance, planar disposables laminated by sterile membranes (those having a pore size of 0.25 m and 0.45 μm being commercial) or hydrophobic aeration membranes, for instance, may be used as vessels for bacteria cultures. [0123] f) Cell Manipulation Disposables [0124] The planar disposable allows to integrate the sample well and cell manipulation (e.g. cell poration, electric poration), cell fusion or cell positioning). More process steps can be integrated. The arrangement is such as to permit to easily integrate moving and poration electrodes in order to separate cells and cell porations from each other. [0125] Electroplating methods or vapour deposition processes make it possible to provide the disposable (similarly to the way for an electric poration cuvette) with electrodes (e.g. in aluminum, gold). The distance between electrodes may be largely chosen at will here. The cells treated by electric poration can be dispensed again after the operation along with the disposable which can also be a proportioning disposable. There is no need for refilling them into the electric poration cuvette and filling them back via pipette tips. [0126] Spiral-shaped electrode structures which are employed for cell fusion may be substituted for by planar meander-shaped or comb-shaped electrode structures on the planar disposable. [0127] 5. Description of the Figures [0128] Details of the aforementioned and further embodiments which are possible will now be explained with reference to the drawings. The appertaining description is valid for all embodiments concerned to the extent to which identical reference numbers have been used for features of different embodiments. This also applies to identical reference numbers which are provided with one index or more indices with the different numbers of indices marking differences which are explained in greater detail in the description of the figures. [0129] [0129]FIG. 1 shows a version of an embodiment of a single proportioning disposable 1 which consists of two superposed planar elements 2, 3 having an elongate shape or tongue-like shape. [0130] The planar element 2 can also be referred to as a “volume-receiving part” because it has formed therein the well 4 for a liquid sample, which has the shape of a wide channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the planar element 2. The well 4 has a mouth 5 at a narrow end side of the planar element 2. The depth of the channel-shaped well 4 gradually decreases in a nozzle portion 6 towards the mouth 5. The nozzle portion 6 extends over approximately one quarter of the overall length of the wide portion of the well 4. [0131] At the other end, the well 4 is connected to a small cup-shaped secondary well 8 via a channel 7 of a significantly smaller cross-section. This one is disposed in the vicinity of the end side 9 which is located opposite the end side where the mouth 5 is. [0132] The well 4, via a tapering and rising transition area 10, passes over into the channel 7 which is narrower and is of a depth which is noticeably smaller. The secondary well 8 is of the same reduced depth as is the channel 7. [0133] All edges of the sample well 4 and those of the channel 7 and the secondary well 8 are rounded to minimize the adherence of liquid (“residual moisture”). Hydrophilic plastics or materials of the planar elements can be made hydrophobic to reduce such adherence or, vice versa, hydrophobic plastics can be made hydrophilic. [0134] In the narrow longitudinal sides, in the vicinity of the end side 9, the planar element has two semi-cylindrical recesses 12 each that serve as positioning elements, i.e. aids for precisely aligning the planar element 2 in a handling apparatus. [0135] In the lower, wide longitudinal side, the planar element 2 has another semi-cylindrical recess 13 which serves for being locked with a handling apparatus. [0136] Directly adjacent to the end side 9, on its upper, wide longitudinal side, the planar element 2 has a code 14 in the form of a certain array of indentations, elevations, holes, magnetized points, electrically conducting areas or the like which can be sensed by the sensing device of a handling apparatus to determine the type of the disposable. [0137] The volume-receiving part 2 can preferably be manufactured as an embossed or injection moulded component, particularly from a transparent plastic. Its thickness typically is from 0.2 to 1.0 mm. Because of its planar structure, this component also is excellently usable for being coated (e.g. with reactive groups—COOH, —N4, for hydrophobizing or hydrophilizing). The depth of the channels typically is less than 0.1 mm. [0138] The planar element 3 is a thin covering sheeting which can also be transparent. The thickness of the sheeting can typically be from 50 to 200 μm. [0139] The cover sheeting 3 can be connected to the planar element 2 by means of the aforementioned joining technologies. It will then close the well 4 and the channel 7. In the peripheral area, the cover sheet 3 has semicircular recesses 15 which come to coincide with two recesses 12 of the planar element 2. [0140] The code 14 is not covered by the cover sheeting 3 in order to allow the interrogation contact with a sensing device. The cover sheeting 3 further has a passage 16 which is disposed exactly above the secondary well 8. [0141] Thus, a displacement device of a handling apparatus can be connected to the proportioning disposable 1 through the passage 16. A negative pressure or positive pressure applied to the passage 16 serves for drawing a sample liquid into the well 4 and for expelling it therefrom. [0142] The planar elements 2, 3, particularly the cover sheeting 3, are preferably chosen to be of a very rigid material in order to prevent undesirable effects in proportioning. [0143] In conjunction with dispensing disposables, however, it is also possible to use a very elastic sheeting (with no passage 16) in which proportioning is effected by simply compressing the enclosed volume, e.g. by means of an appropriately shaped ram, i.e. via a direct displacement (“positive displacement”) (not shown in FIG. 1). [0144] The approximate dimensions of the disposable which is shown are: 2.25 mm in width, 0.5 mm in height, 15 mm in length. The volume of the well 4 is about 5 microliters. [0145] [0145]FIG. 2 shows a region of another proportioning disposable 1′ the single difference of which from the proportioning disposable 1 of FIG. 1 is that it has an additional planar element 17 in the form of a membrane sheeting which is disposed between the passage 16 and the secondary well 8. The membrane sheeting 17 can be a membrane as is used for sterile filtration where the pore sizes are 0.2 μm or 0.45 μm, for instance. The membrane sheeting 17 serves for filtering the suction air to avoid the contamination of the handling apparatus to be joined to the passage 16. The membrane sheeting 17 is intended to cover the passage area of the suction air so that it is sufficient for it to slightly project beyond the edge of the passage 16 or that of the secondary well 8. In the example, it is approximately of a square shape with its width corresponding to the width of the covering sheeting 3. [0146] The thickness of the membrane sheetings 17 can typically be from 0.01 to 0.1 mm. The planar element 2 may have an indentation (not shown in FIG. 2) for membrane sheetings of larger thickness or non-woven filtration fabric. [0147] [0147]FIGS. 3a and b show versions of the mouth area of proportioning disposables. Only the volume-receiving parts 2, 2′ are shown with no cover sheetings. [0148] According to FIG. 3a, the planar element 2 has a well 4 the depth of which decreases to 0.1 mm at the mouth in the nozzle region 6. In this aspect of the mouth 5, it is possible to deliver a jet which is relatively wide. [0149] According to FIG. 3a, however, it is not only the depth which decreases, but also the width of the well 4′ towards the mouth 5′ in the nozzle region 6, namely at an angle of 7 to 8°, as a maximum (see the diffusor theory). As a result, a heavily accelerated jet is reached which is of a small width. In addition, the planar element 2′ has a chamfer 11 not only at the lower, wide longitudinal side, but has further chamfers 11′ at the narrow longitudinal sides so that it is pointed altogether towards the mouth 5′. This can be useful, e.g. for gel loaders or the reception in or delivery from microtitration plates (primarily those in a parallel arrangement). [0150] The pointed shape of the proportioning disposable may be obtained by means of known manufacturing technologies such as cutting or punching. [0151] [0151]FIG. 4 shows a proportioning disposable 1″ which is formed from a multiplicity of juxtaposed proportioning disposables 1′ as are shown in FIG. 2. Here, the proportioning disposables 1′ are integrally interconnected to form the proportioning disposable 1″. [0152] For this purpose, the proportioning disposable 1″ has a single volume-receiving part 2″ which is composed of a plurality of parallel juxtaposed volume-receiving parts 2. [0153] The proportioning disposable 1″ further has a single strip-shaped membrane sheeting 3′ which extends across all of the secondary wells 8 of the volume-receiving part 2″. [0154] The proportioning disposable 1″ further has a single covering sheeting 17′ which is composed of a plurality of parallel juxtaposed covering sheetings 3 and has all of the passages 16 which are associated with the secondary wells 8 in the volume-receiving part 2″. [0155] The elements 2″, 17′, and 3′ are superposed and connected to each other in such a way that this results in a proportioning disposable 1″ which has a multiplicity of parallel juxtaposed proportioning disposables 1′ which are integrally connected to each other. [0156] A parallel arrangement of eight proportioning disposables 1′ is shown. It is adapted to process usual 96-well microtitration plates, for instance. However, if the set-up is appropriate densities may be achieved which are even higher in order to process 384-well or 1536-well microtitration plates or others having any grid dimensions. To this end, advantageously pointed shapes may be introduced reference to which will be made below by means of another drawing. [0157] The proportioning disposable 1″ interacts with a handling apparatus the one or more displacement units are sealingly connected to all of the passages 16. [0158] Generally, the grid dimension of the mouth 5 can be adapted to any grid measure for proportioning (e.g. to receive microtitration plates) on a portion of the proportioning disposable 1″ irrespective of an adaptation to a reception measure of a handling apparatus for the passages 16. This permits working on different microtitration plate grid measures by means of a handling apparatus and appropriately modified disposables 1″. [0159] The particular features of the volume-receiving part 2′″ shown in FIG. 5 for a proportioning disposable, on one hand, are that it has an indentation in the form of a shoulder 18 which serves for depositing a thicker membrane sheeting 17. Such an indentation was referred to already when FIG. 2 was described. [0160] Another particular feature of this volume-receiving part 2′″ is that it has a well 4″ with a nozzle portion 6″ which tapers towards the mouth 5″ more than it does in the embodiment of FIG. 3b. [0161] Finally, the volume-receiving part 2′″ has its narrow longitudinal sides provided with steps 19 which face the end side having the mouth 5″. The narrow longitudinal sides 11″ extending from the steps 19 to the end side having the mouth 5″ enclose an angle which is more acute than that of the embodiment of FIG. 3b. [0162] This volume-receiving part 2′″ is fitted with a membrane sheeting which exactly fits onto the shoulder 18 without covering the code 14 and the recesses 12. The upper surface of the membrane sheeting and that of the adjacent portion of the volume-receiving part 2′″ are at the same level. Then, the membrane sheeting and the portion of the volume-receiving part 2′″ which is adjacent at the same level are covered with a covering sheeting the outer contour of which exactly corresponds to that of the regions to be covered. [0163] Because of the heavily pointed areas near the mouth 5″, the completed proportioning disposable is particularly suited for insertion into narrow vessel apertures. It may then be supported at the vessel edge by means of the steps 19. [0164] The example of FIG. 5 corresponds to that of FIG. 1 in its width, length, and height. The volume of the well 4″ is about 4.6 microliters, which corresponds to a depth of the well 4″ of 0.5 mm and a maximum width of 1.3 mm. [0165] [0165]FIG. 6 shows a volume-receiving part 2 IV which is composed of parallel juxtaposed volume-receiving parts 2′″ which are integrally connected to each other. In accordance with the width of each volume-receiving part 2′″ which is 2.25 mm the distance between adjoining mouths 5″ or channels is 2.25 mm. This adjusts the volume-receiving part to the grid distance of the marketable microtitration plates having 1,536 wells (32×48 wells). However, the number and distance of the individual channels can be generally chosen at will. [0166] A proportioning disposable is manufactured by means of the volume-receiving part 2 IV by placing thereon a membrane sheeting strip which covers all of the shoulders 18, but leaves open the codes 14 and the recesses 12. The upper surface of the membrane sheeting strip and the portion of the volume-receiving part 2 IV which joins at the same level will be coated by a cover sheeting the outer contour of which corresponds to the outer contours of the aforementioned regions. [0167] [0167]FIG. 7 shows a parallelization by arranging several disposables 1′″ on top of each other (by a pile-up). [0168] What is shown are the volume members 2′″. It is understood, however, that all of the volume members 2′″ will be completed by membrane sheetings and cover sheetings in the above-described way. [0169] The proportioning disposables are of different lengths in order to connect all of the secondary wells 8 (or passages of the cover sheetings placed on top) to a displacement device. [0170] The different length of the proportioning disposables is possible without any problem because the “dead space” is minimized in the area of the channels 7. It is understood here that the wells 4″ for liquid are of the same size in all volume-receiving parts 2′″, but the channels 7 are of different lengths to connect the secondary wells 8 arranged at different positions to the wells 4″. [0171] The minimization of the dead space by the channels 7 of the various proportioning disposables 1′″ should coincide with a minimization of the dead space, if possible, also in the hand-held apparatus for the proportioning of liquids. Details on the dead space problems and the volume errors related thereto can be deduced, for instance, from EP 0 562 358 B1 “Method for correcting the volume error in designing a pipetting system”. [0172] If the height of the proportioning disposable is 0.5 mm as is indicated in an exemplary way for FIG. 5 the distance between the mouths 5″ of adjacent proportioning disposables, accordingly, also is only 0.5 mm in the arrangement of FIG. 7. [0173] [0173]FIG. 8 shows how to superpose proportioning disposables 1 IV on the basis of the volume-receiving part 2 IV, which is shown in FIG. 6, in a roughly schematic way. Again, the proportioning disposables 1 IV are of different lengths in order to allow an access to the secondary wells 8. However, they are disposed in a common plane at the mouths 5″. [0174] [0174]FIG. 9 illustrates how to connect a proportioning disposable 1 having a line 20 to a displacement device 21 which is drawn at a reduced scale. The line 20 sealingly rests on the upper surface of the of the covering sheeting 3 via an O-ring 22 with the O-ring 22 surrounding the passage 16. This connects the line 20 to the well 4 of the disposable 1 via the secondary well 8 and the channel 7. [0175] The sealing contact of the disposable 1 bearing on the O-ring 22 is intensified by a spring mechanism 23 which acts in the direction of the arrow F. Next to the end side 9 at bottom, the proportioning disposable 1 may have a chamfer which supports the bear-on operation. [0176] The displacement device 21 is formed by a cylinder 24 with a piston 25 which is slidable therein and is adapted to be actuated by means of an actuation button 26. Thus, displacing the piston 25 in the cylinder 24 can draw liquid into the disposable 1 through the mouth 5 or can expel it from the mouth 5. [0177] The other disposables mentioned as examples may also be filled and emptied in this manner. [0178] Referring to FIG. 10, a centrifuging disposable 1 V has a volume-receiving part 2 V with a well 4′″ in the form of an elongate channel. On the side in which the well 4′″ is inserted, the volume-receiving part 2 V is covered by a cover plate or cover sheeting 3″ which has a first aperture or mouth 5′″ for being filled and emptied and a second aperture or passage 16′ for being connected to a displacement device (with the apertures also being usable in the opposite way). [0179] The apertures 5′″ and 16′ are sealed during the centrifuging operation, e.g. by closing lids (not shown) which can be hinged to a cover plate 3″ via film hinges. Also, separate cover elements may be provided, reference to which will be made below. [0180] Referring to FIG. 11, a plurality of centrifuging disposables 1 V according to FIG. 10 are arranged on a centrifuge rotor 27 in a radial alignment. The centrifuge rotor 27 may have wells in which the centrifuging disposables 1 V are held in order to take account of a uniform mass distribution by an appropriate arrangement of the centrifuging disposables 1 V or balancing weights. The mass balance problem is diminished by the small mass of the centrifuging disposables 1 V. [0181] Referring to FIG. 12, a centrifuge rotor 27 has wells 28 which essentially are complementarily formed into centrifuging disposables 1 VI. A disposable 1 VI, to be centrifuged may be formed in its longitudinal section in the way shown in FIG. 10. It can be a disposable which has one or more parallel juxtaposed wells 4′″ (e.g. a disposable having 8, 16, 32 well lines). [0182] At two opposed edges, the wells 28 have recessed grips 29 which make it easier to remove the proportioning disposables 1 IV from the well 28. [0183] Further, the wells 28 have arranged therein centering elements 30 in the form of projections at the insides of the edges, which provide for a tight-fitting seating of the planar disposable 1 VI in the well 28. [0184] A cover 31 is intended to sealingly close the apertures (not shown) at the upper surface of the disposable 1 VI. The part concerned may be a plastic part which (with respect to the apertures of the disposable 1 VI) is fully or partially provided with an elastic layer which ensures a liquid-tight closure. [0185] The cover 31 is also held by the centering elements 30 in the well 28 in a tight-fitting relationship. The centering elements 30 may have a certain elasticity to clamp the disposable 1 VI and the cover 31 in place. [0186] The cover 31 provides that no liquid exits from the disposable 1 VI under the action of centrifugal forces. [0187] [0187]FIG. 13 shows various structural elements which can be formed in order to increase the surface and/or stimulate turbulence and/or produce a shear force on a wall of a well of a disposable. Preferably, several elements of one of the types shown or several types are produced at the bottom of the well of one of the previously explained volume-receiving parts. [0188] In FIG. 13, the structural elements 32′ to 32 VI may have the shape of a box (32′), a truncated pyramid (32″), a pyramid (32′″), a cylinder (32 IV), a truncated cone (32 V) or a cone (32 VI). The advantage of the elements 32″, 32′″, 32 V, 32 VI is that they have slopes for release from a mould. [0189] A disposable the well of which is provided with such structural elements 32′ to 32 VI may be used to thoroughly mix a sample liquid by introducing one or more pressure surges into the sample liquid by means of a displacement device (or an actuation device). [0190] Such structural elements are also advantageous with regard to the performance of reactions in the disposable. As a principle, the function of liquid reception in planar disposables may be ideally combined with various requirements of a reaction vessel. Other structural measures can be considered with regard to specific reactions. [0191] Thus, in a volume-receiving part 2 VI of FIG. 14 (as opposed to the volume-receiving part 2′″), the wells may be distributed to various well portions 4 IV which are connected to each other via connection channels 33 the cross-section of which clearly falls below the one of the well portions VIV. [0192] The first well 4 IV also has the nozzle portion 6″ and the mouth 5″. [0193] The last well 4 IV is connected to the channel 7 and the secondary well 8 via the transition portion 10. [0194] The middle well portion 4 IV is connected to the first and second well portions 4 IV via the connection channels 33. [0195] It is specifically for this disposable, which is also completed by a membrane sheeting and a cover sheeting, that the connection channels 33 can be made hydophilic. [0196] All of the disposables provide the possibility to coat the well. It is also possible here to realize (complex) different functions (e.g. functional groups, enzymes, hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties) in one disposable by partially covering it while the well is being coated or one or more well portions are being coated. Reagents or co-reactants (particularly enzymes) for complex reactions may also be made available in an immobilized, wall-linked shape. [0197] The volume-receiving part 2 VII for a proportioning disposable of FIG. 15 is distinguished from the volume-receiving part 2′″ of FIG. 5 by the fact that it has a threading aid 34 on one side or two sides to facilitate the supply of electrophoretic gel plates. In addition, a step 35 exists to act as a support in supplying electrophoretical gels. [0198] A membrane sheeting which is fixed by lamination or is otherwise mounted makes it easy to carry out different functions of a disposable. According to FIG. 16, arranging a dialytical membrane 36 between a lower volume-receiving part 2 VIII and an upper volume-receiving part 2 IX allows to create a dialytical disposable 1 VI. The lower volume-receiving part 2 VIII has a well 4 V, which runs in a meander shape from a mouth 5 IV to the channel 7 leading to the secondary reception 8. The dialytical sheeting 36 has a passage 16 which is associated with the secondary well 8. [0199] The second volume-receiving part 2 IX has a chamber 36 which faces the chamber 4 V and runs in the same meander shape. The two ends of the chamber 36 are connected to apertures 37, 38 in the outer surface of the volume-receiving part 2 IX. [0200] The volume-receiving part 2 IX is shorter than the volume-receiving part 2 VIII and the dialytical membrane 36 so that it does not cover the passage 16. The three elements 2 VIII, 36, and 2 IX are superposed and connected to each other in the arrangement shown. [0201] Sample liquid may be drawn into the well 4 V if a displacement device is connected to the passage 16. Then, a dialytical liquid may be flushed through the chamber 36 through the apertures 37 and 38. Thus, it is feasible to desalt a sample liquid by using a low-salt dialytical solution. [0202] The scope of the invention makes it possible to design disposables of any type with two planar parts or volume-receiving parts which are interconnected via a joint (e.g. a film hinge) so that they can be processed together and can be superposed merely by folding them together. [0203] [0203]FIG. 17 shows a volume-receiving part 2 X of a centrifuging/filtration disposable. It is composed of two halves which are arranged in a specular symmetry with respect to a transverse middle plane and one of which is tinted dark and the other of which is tinted bright in the drawing for reasons of clarity. The two halves correspond to the half which is the left-hand one of the volume-receiving part 2 of FIG. 1 in the drawing. [0204] Thus, the well 4 VI is connected to secondary wells 8 via channels 7 at the two ends. [0205] The shoulder 18 of the half which is on the right in the drawing has mounted thereon a membrane 17 (e.g. an ultra-filtration membrane) which has a separating function. [0206] The whole is additionally covered by a cover sheeting which has passages in the area of the secondary wells 8. [0207] The sample is received through the secondary well 8 which is on the left in the drawing and the filtrate is withdrawn through the secondary well 8 which is on the right in the drawing. The retained substance is left behind in front of the membrane 17. [0208] The reception of the sample liquid and its separation into a filtrate and a retained substance are effected by applying a negative pressure and/or by using the centrifugal force. [0209] Finally, FIG. 18 shows a cuvette disposable 1 VII in a roughly schematic way. It has a planar framework part 38 which, on either side, is coated with PFA sheetings 39, 40 a property of which is permeability to ultraviolet radiation. The sheeting 14 has apertures 41 and 42 to pass through a sample liquid or displacement air. The insides of the sheetings have seated thereon frame-shaped elements 43, 44 which serve for supporting the sheeting 39, 40 and for flow guidance. 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