Patent ID: 7223371

Claim:
A microfluidic device for joining fluids, comprising: a. microfluidic junction; b. an outlet channel capable of receiving fluid from the microfluidic junction, said outlet channel comprising a first end connected with the microfluidic junction, a second end connected with a waste reservoir, and an analysis region positioned between said first end and said second end of the outlet channel; and c. a plurality of circuit units, each circuit unit comprising: i. a source channel with a first end capable of receiving sample fluid and a second end connected with the microfluidic junction; ii. a branch channel connected with the source channel at an intersection; and iii. a flow diversion system capable of differentially directing fluid flowing through the source channel either into the microfluidic junction or into the branch channel , wherein said microfluidic junction comprises: a. a chamber connected with said outlet channel, and b. a plurality of inlets positioned along the chamber and capable of allowing fluid to enter the chamber without obstructing neighboring inlets, each of said inlets being separated from a neighboring inlet by an intermediary region, wherein the cross-sectional area of each inlet increases as progressing toward the center of said chamber.