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  Fluid handling deviceUSPTO Application #: 20080089799Title: Fluid handling device Abstract: A device for handling a fluid to be introduced into a fluidic device is described. The fluid handling device is designed for alignment with a fluidic device, such as a microfluidic device, where an exit port on the device aligns with one or more apertures in the fluidic for exchange of fluids there between. The fluid handling device includes one or more channels, with at least two pistons spaced apart contained in one or more of the channels. The gap between neighboring pistons define a space between the pistons for containing a fluid. Movement of the pistons from a first position to a second position is effective to move fluid from the fluid handling device into the fluidic device. (end of abstract) Agent: Michael O'connell - San Jose, CA, US Inventor: Michael O'Connell USPTO Applicaton #: 20080089799 - Class: 417486 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080089799. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]The present utility application claims priority to O'Connell's U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/852,334, filed Oct. 16, 2006, and entitled FLUID HANDLING DEVICE, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002]The subject matter described herein relates to a fluid handling device that interfaces with a microfluidic device. The fluid handling device is capable of, for example, introducing a fluid to the microfluidic device, storing a fluid prior to or after introduction to a microfluidic device, and directing fluid movement into and from a microfluidic device. BACKGROUND [0003]Microfluidic devices and systems provide improved methods of performing chemical, biochemical and biological analysis and synthesis. Microfluidic devices and systems allow for the performance of multi-step, multi-species chemical operations in chip-based micro chemical analysis systems. Chip-based microfluidic systems generally comprise conventional `microfluidic` elements, and are capable of handling and analyzing chemical and biological specimens. [0004]Many methods have been described for interfacing fluids, e.g., samples, analytes, reagents, with microfluidic systems. In conventional microfluidic systems, the structures and methods used to introduce samples and other fluids into microfluidic substrates often limit the capabilities of the microfluidic systems. For example, conventional microfluidic systems may include a separate sample introduction channel for introducing a sample to a microchannel for processing. The sample is first introduced into the sample channel and transported through the sample channel to the microchannel. Another method for introducing a fluid involves the use of sample wells or reservoirs in communication with the microchannel for holding a relatively larger supply of the sample. Reservoirs are structures which accommodate a significantly greater volume of fluid than the microfluidic channel. A relatively small portion of the sample supply in the sample well or reservoir is introduced into the microchannel. [0005]When working with fluids in conventional macroscopic volumes, fluid metering is relatively straightforward. In microfluidic volumes, however, fluid metering is considerably more difficult. Most, if not all, microfluidic systems require some interface to the conventional macrofluidic world. Using conventional macrofluidic techniques, the smallest volume of liquid that can be generated is a droplet, typically ranging in volume between about 1-100 microliters. At the low end of this volumetric range it is difficult to consistently create droplets having a reasonably low volumetric standard deviation. For applications in which fluidic metering accuracy is desired, such as in chemical synthesis or quantitative analysis, there remains a need for introducing an accurate quantity of reagents or samples to a microfluidic device. [0006]Accordingly, there exists a need for devices and methods capable of interfacing with a microfluidic device for introduction of microfluidic volumes of fluid. [0007]The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. BRIEF SUMMARY [0008]The following aspects and embodiments thereof described and illustrated below are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. [0009]In one aspect, a device for introducing a fluid into a fluidic device is provided. The device comprises a substrate having a first inlet port, a first outlet port, a first channel extending between the first outlet port and the first inlet port, and a first exit port disposed along the channel between the first inlet port and the first outlet port. The first channel contains at least two pistons spaced apart from one another to define a space between the pistons for containing a fluid, wherein the substrate is adapted to mate with the fluidic device such that the first exit port is aligned with an aperture in the fluidic device. Movement of the pistons from a first position to a second position in the first channel is effective to introduce fluid in the first channel through the first exit port and into the fluidic device. [0010]In one embodiment, one of the at least two pistons is positioned over the first exit port when the pistons are in the first position. [0011]In another embodiment, one of the at least two pistons is positioned over the first exit port when the pistons are in a third position in the first channel. [0012]In yet another embodiment, the device further comprises an actuator adapted for connection with the first inlet port of the first channel, at least part of the actuator being dimensioned for insertion into the first-channel to effect movement of at least one of the at least two pistons in the first channel. [0013]An exemplary actuator, in one embodiment, is a plunger. In other embodiment, the actuator is a ratchet or an elongate bar with at least one opening through which the first channel extends. [0014]The device further includes, in another embodiment, a first waste channel in fluid communication with an aperture in the microfluidic device. [0015]In one embodiment, at least one piston is positioned in the waste channel. [0016]The device, in still another embodiment, further comprises a second channel extending between a second inlet port and a second outlet port, and a second exit port disposed along the second channel between the second inlet and second outlet ports. The second channel contains at least two pistons spaced apart from one another to define a space between the pistons for containing a fluid. [0017]In one embodiment, the second channel also contains an actuator adapted for connection with the second inlet port of the second channel, at least part of the actuator being dimensioned for insertion into the second channel to effect movement of at least one of the at least two pistons in the second channel. [0018]The device, in still another embodiment, further includes a second waste channel in fluid communication with a second aperture in the fluidic device. [0019]In yet another embodiment, the fluid handling device comprises three pistons defining a first space and a second space between adjacent pistons, wherein a first fluid is contained in the first space and a second fluid is contained in the second space. In one embodiment, the first fluid and the second fluid are different. [0020]In one embodiment, movement of the pistons between the inlet port and the outlet port provides sequential introduction of the first fluid and the second fluid into the fluidic device. Continue reading... Full patent description for Fluid handling device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Fluid handling device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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