Patent ID: 8906669

Claim:
A multi-sequential flow sedimentary sample apparatus comprising a microfluidic device, the device comprising: a fluid path defined within a substrate between an input and an output, the device including a capture chamber provided within and extending transverse to and fully across the fluid path, the capture chamber configured within the device to selectively capture particles travelling within a fluid in the fluid path such that these particles must traverse the capture chamber and will be displaced into the capture chamber from the fluid in the fluid path and remain in the capture chamber as the fluid flows over the capture chamber, the capture chamber being dimensioned and extending into the substrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fluid path such that operably particles of a predefined dimension provided within a fluid flowing within the fluid path will preferentially collect within the capture chamber due to action of a gravitational force on the particles, the gravitational force acting in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the capture chamber into the substrate such that the particles will operably sediment in the capture chamber, and wherein the apparatus is configured for sequential fluid engagement with a plurality of fluid supply lines, an engagement of the apparatus with a fluid supply line and receipt of fluid from that supply line operably effecting a discharge from the capture chamber of a previously provided fluid.