Abstract: A valve structure of a fluid delivery and analysis system having an upper substrate, a lower substrate and an intermediate layer with at least one opening and at least one open cavity having a first touch point between the upper substrate and the intermediate layer and a second touch point between the lower substrate and the intermediate layer where the first touch point and the second touch point are offset to create a torque so that when intermediate layer is compressed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate that the torque deforms the intermediate rubber layer in the direction of the opening for better sealing.

Abstract: A valve structure of a fluid delivery and analysis system having an upper substrate, a lower substrate and an intermediate layer with at least one opening and at least one open cavity having a first touch point between the upper substrate and the intermediate layer and a second touch point between the lower substrate and the intermediate layer where the first touch point and the second touch point are offset to create a torque so that when intermediate layer is compressed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate that the torque deforms the intermediate rubber layer in the direction of the opening for better sealing.

Abstract: A method for defining arrays of specific areas of porous nitrocellulose based pads on a substrate directly without the need for removal of nitrocellulose in unwanted regions; covering said substrate with a removable frame constructed out of 3-4 mm silicone rubber; using a dispensing station, consisting of a XYZ robot, multi-channel syringe pump, and dispensing head comprised of an array of flat hypodermic syringe needles, to spread the nitrocellulose-based solution in a programmed fashion onto said substrate covered by said removable frame.

Abstract: A method of forming a pattern on a nitrocellulose film on a substrate by providing a nitrocellulose based film of uniform porosity on a substrate; defining a desired pattern on said substrate wherein at least one region of lower porosity is defined and wherein at least one region of normal porosity is defined; exposing to a flow of a suitable solvent vapor over said region of lower porosity wherein said nitrocellulose based film of said region of lower porosity is dissolved by said suitable solvent vapor; removing said suitable solvent vapor and said nitrocellulose based film from said region of lower porosity wherein said lower porosity is capable of separating multiple experiments that are performed simultaneously over said region of normal porosity.

Abstract: A process of forming a nitrocellulose film on a carrier includes the steps of (i) atomizing a nitrocellulose solution to form a plurality of fine nitrocellulose particles and (ii) evenly spraying the nitrocellulose particles on the carrier to form the nitrocellulose film. The film has a predetermined thickness. The nitrocellulose solution is atomized by an ultrasonic spraying nozzle to control a size of each of the nitrocellulose particles to be sprayed on the carrier. The nebulizer can be air-assisted by inert air to control characteristics of the nitrocellulose spray pattern.

Abstract: A process of forming a nitrocellulose film on a carrier includes the steps of (i) atomizing a nitrocellulose solution to form a plurality of fine nitrocellulose particles and (ii) evenly spraying the nitrocellulose particles on the carrier to form the nitrocellulose film. The film has a predetermined thickness. The nitrocellulose solution is atomized by an ultrasonic spraying nozzle to control a size of each of the nitrocellulose particles to be sprayed on the carrier. The nebulizer can be air-assisted by inert air to control characteristics of the nitrocellulose spray pattern.