Patent ID: 7431884

Claim:
An assay device for use in carrying out a fluid-phase chemical assay, the device comprising: a sample chamber in which a sample may be retained; a valve comprising a control fluid inlet for controlling a flow of control fluid, a reagent fluid inlet, a reagent fluid outlet proximate to said reagent fluid inlet for permitting said reagent fluid to enter said sample chamber from said reagent fluid inlet, and a displaceable diaphragm for controlling the flow of reagent fluid from said reagent fluid inlet to said fluid outlet; said control fluid inlet is placed on one side of said displaceable diaphragm; said reagent fluid inlet and said fluid outlet are placed on a side of said displaceable diaphragm opposite said control fluid inlet; wherein said displaceable diaphragm, in a first position, is in contact with both said reagent fluid inlet and said fluid outlet; wherein said displaceable diaphragm, in a second position, is moved away from both said reagent fluid inlet and said fluid outlet; wherein said displaceable diaphragm is moved from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, depending upon the flow of control fluid from said control fluid inlet; two agitation devices, each having a flexible diaphragm placed between an upper plate and a lower plate; said upper plate includes a fluid inlet and said lower plate includes a fluid outlet that is in communication with said sample chamber; and wherein pressure at either said fluid inlet or said fluid outlet causes said flexible diaphragm to fluctuate and fluid to move into and out of said sample chamber; a storage chamber for holding reagent fluid; said reagent fluid outlet is connected to said storage chamber; said displaceable diaphragm extends from said reagent fluid inlet to between said storage chamber and said reagent fluid outlet for permitting reagent fluid to enter and exit said storage chamber; wherein said displaceable diaphragm moves away from said reagent fluid outlet to allow reagent fluid to enter said storage chamber and said displaceable diaphragm moves toward said reagent fluid outlet to cause reagent fluid to exit said storage chamber; and said two fluid agitation devices are located at opposite ends of said sample chamber for moving fluid back and forth through said sample chamber.