Patent ID: 7553455

Claim:
A fluid connector assembly coupling at least one fluid source to at least one port of a microfluidic device comprising: a manifold comprising one or more channels extending therethrough, and a bottom surface that defines one or more channel outlets, wherein the one or more channels each comprise an inner surface configuration having a threaded upper portion and a tapered lower portion, and wherein the bottom surface further comprises an annular groove surrounding each of the one or more channel outlets, wherein each of the annular grooves includes an o-ring seal; a microfluidic device having one or more ports on a top surface, the top surface positioned against the bottom surface of the manifold, wherein each of the one or more ports is aligned with a corresponding one of the one or more channel outlets and wherein the so aligned port(s) and channel(s) are in fluid communication; one or more elongated fluid conduits; a fluid source; means for securing a proximal end of each of the one or more elongated fluid conduits to each of the one or more channels, wherein a distal end of at least one of the one or more elongated fluid conduits is connected to the fluid source, the securing means comprising a ferrule, comprising a threaded middle portion, a tapered lower end, and an axial bore extending therethrough into which one of the one or more elongated fluid conduits is disposed, wherein the axial bore adjacent to the tapered lower end of the ferrule is compressed against the elongated fluid conduit disposed therein as the ferrule is inserted and screwed into the threaded upper portion of one of the one or more channels and is tightened thereby securing the proximal end of the elongated fluid conduit; and a compression plate disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of the microfluidic device, and a plurality of fasteners securing the microfluidic device between compression plate and the manifold with sufficient force that the o-ring seals form a fluid tight seal between the bottom surface of the manifold and the top surface of the microfluidic device.