Abstract: An apparatus for performing temperature cycling, comprising a micro channel reactor structure (46, 48, 50), and having a heating structure (b1, b2, B1, B2) defining a desired temperature profile. A preferred embodiment of a heating element structure comprises a pattern of areas of a material capable of providing heat when energized, disposed over said micro channel reactor structure.

Abstract: A method of controlled heating of a micro channel reactor structure (46, 48, 50) comprises providing a structure (b1, b2, B1, B2) defining a desired temperature profile. A preferred embodiment of a heating element structure comprises a pattern of areas of a material capable of providing heat when energized, disposed over said micro channel reactor structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to valves with small dead volumes. A valve in accordance with the present invention has a ferrule (7) which receives a plurality of fluid lines (33) which lead to outlets on an end surface (25) of said ferrule (7) and a movable selector body (15) which has a fluid groove (37, 37A) on a surface (23) which is in contact with the end surface (25) of said ferrule (7). Means are provided for exerting a clamping force on said ferrule (7) in order to simultaneously clamp all the fluid lines (33).

Abstract: A liquid transfer system (100) comprising a net (170) and a net support (160), wherein, the net (170) is integrally joined with the net support (160). The net (170) and the net support (160) are preferably joined by welding, such as contact welding or by welding at a lower edge (400) of a number of welding-holes (350) that extends through the net support (160).

Abstract: A liquid transfer system (100) comprising a net (170) and a net support (160), wherein, the net (170) is integrally joined with the net support (160). The net (170) and the net support (160) are preferably joined by welding, such as contact welding or by welding at a lower edge (400) of a number of welding-holes (350) that extends through the net support (160).

Abstract: Structures and methods that facilitate integration and/or isolation of various functions in a microchip system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the integration of the functions is by a multi-chip, sliding linear valve approach. The chips are in continued physical contact. In a second embodiment, the chips are separated and rejoined when they are moved to the preferred position. Surface coating of the joining edges helps prevent leakage and keeps liquid in the capillary channels for both embodiments. Another embodiment relates to miniature valves. Several designs were disclosed, including the linear, edge-contact sliding valve approach. Method to fabricate very small, high aspect ratio holes in glass was also disclosed, which facilitates the above embodiments.

Abstract: Structures and methods that facilitate integration and/or isolation of various functions in a microchip system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the integration of the functions is by a multi-chip, sliding linear valve approach. The chips are in continued physical contact. In a second embodiment, the chips are separated and rejoined when they are moved to the preferred position. Surface coating of the joining edges helps prevent leakage and keeps liquid in the capillary channels for both embodiments. Another embodiment relates to miniature valves. Several designs were disclosed, including the linear, edge-contact sliding valve approach. Method to fabricate very small, high aspect ratio holes in glass was also disclosed, which facilitates the above embodiments.

Abstract: A connector is provided for selectively coupling one or more lines or wires (19?, 19?) to a receiving and/or transporting device (27). The connector comprises at least one line or wire receiving ferrule (7) having a plurality of line and/or wire receiving holes (17?-17?) each capable of receiving one of said one or more lines or wires (19?, 19?), wherein said connector further comprises a body (3) for receiving said ferrule (7) and clamping means (9, 11) for exerting a force on said ferrule (7) in order to simultaneously exert a line or wire clamping force on all said line and/or wire receiving holes (17?-17?). In this way all the fluid lines or wires can be clamped at the same time.

Abstract: A carrier module for holding a gel-strip in heat transferring contact with the surface of a cooling plate or a Peltier plate in an electrophoretic separation process, comprising a carrier member (1,10) formed in a plastic material for disposable use; the carrier member having a top plane formed with at least one elongate channel (2) for receiving the gel-strip in longitudinal contact with a bottom portion (5) of the channel, the carrier member being molded to have a shell-formed structure wherein said channel is depressed from the top plane of the shell structure so as to be able to rest with its bottom in contact with the cooling plate surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing temperature cycling, 48 comprising a micro channel reactor structure (46, 48, 50), and having a heating structure (b1, b2, B1, B2) defining a desired temperature profile. A preferred embodiment of a heating element structure comprises a pattern of areas of a material capable of providing heat when energized, disposed over said micro channel reactor structure.

Abstract: Structures and methods that facilitate integration and/or isolation of various functions in a microchip system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the integration of the functions is by a multi-chip, sliding linear valve approach. The chips are in continued physical contact. In a second embodiment, the chips are separated and rejoined when they are moved to the preferred position. Surface coating of the joining edges helps prevent leakage and keeps liquid in the capillary channels for both embodiments. Another embodiment relates to miniature valves. Several designs were disclosed, including the linear, edge-contact sliding valve approach. Method to fabricate very small, high aspect ratio holes in glass was also disclosed, which facilitates the above embodiments.

Abstract: A method of controlled heating of a micro channel reactor structure (46, 48, 50) comprises providing a structure (b1, b2, B1, B2) defining a desired temperature profile. A preferred embodiment of a heating element structure comprises a pattern of areas of a material capable of providing heat when energized, disposed over said micro channel reactor structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to valves with small dead volumes. A valve in accordance with the present invention has a ferrule (7) which receives a plurality of fluid lines (33) which lead to outlets on an end surface (25) of said ferrule (7) and a movable selector body (15) which has a fluid groove (37, 37A) on a surface (23) which is in contact with the end surface (25) of said ferrule (7). Means are providing for exerting a clamping force on said ferrule (7) in order to simultaneously clamp all the fluid lines (33).