Fluid despensing methods, systems and devices

Abstract

Dispensing fluids using a surface having a narrow channel connected to a recessed reservoir and separated from a recessed collection point by a dam. The surface is overlaid with a flexible lamina when pressure is applied to the lamina, the dam ruptures and fluid glows from the reservoir through the narrow channel to the dam.

Description

This application derives from and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/551,984, filed Mar. 10, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to product packaging. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relates to methods, systems and devices for packaging, mixing and or dispensing components such as: aqueous solutions; dry or semi-dry reagents; medical products; drugs; cosmetics; nutrients; biological and chemical agents; and combinations or derivatives thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Manufacturers of aqueous based products commonly promote their products by providing samples to consumers. One common method for distributing samples is to hand them directly to consumers in a store or other public place. Often, these samples are packaged in smaller versions of the same packaging used for the actual product. Such packaging can be flexible, rigid or semi-rigid. Some notable means for packaging and dispensing liquid solutions in small volumes include: small capped tubes made of metal, plastics and other polymeric materials; jars and small vials; flexible bags. While suitable for hand delivery of samples, the packages are relatively expensive and often require a detachable cap as a second part which further increases the cost and complexity of manufacture. In addition, the aqueous contents of such packaging require excess content due to inefficiencies in dispensing. Further, dispensing liquid solutions from such packaging can be imprecise, resulting in unintended dispensing of the aqueous contents.

Blister packs are another type of packaging often used to distribute aqueous samples. Blister packs are essentially pouches made of metal foil or plastic that can be torn at the edge to dispense the aqueous contents. In addition to being delivered by hand to consumers, blister packs are often used in direct mail and media inserts that are delivered to consumers via the United States Postal Service (USPS). However, blister packs are susceptible to incidental bursting when substantial pressure is applied to the blister pack. For example, if a number of magazines are stacked together that include blister packs, the blister packs in some of the magazines may burst due to the external pressure applied by the stack of magazines.

Further, in chemical, medical and scientific arenas, there exists an ongoing need for innovative packaging for delivery or mixing systems for reagent compositions and aqueous solutions. In particular, the administration of IV liquids in chemical or drug therapies, nutritional supplements and blood transfusions are in need of reliable and simple packaging and containers.

In the field of chemical and drug therapies, the solutions delivered to the patient often comprises a mixed combination of at least one diluent and at least one medicament. In many cases, the medicaments must be maintained separately from the diluent until immediately before use to prevent degradation. Common packaging of the diluent and medicaments is often further complicated by the character of the medicament which may be a powder sensitive to moisture contamination, or a powder or liquid sensitive to degradation under light or oxygen exposure.

Numerous recent improvements in the technology of IV containers have been made providing flexible containers which are less easily damaged and more easily stored and handled. Containers such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,811 to Wilkinson and U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,043 to Larkin are representative of prior art multiple compartment flexible containers allowing separate storage of medicaments and diluents which may be mixed immediately prior to use. A second type of prior art devices provide a flexible diluent container with an attachment means for a second container containing a medicament and integral systems for engagement of the containers to maintain sterility while mixing the components.

Alternate systems in the prior art include combined containers wherein an inner container is physically manipulated from the exterior of a flexible covering container to release a medicament for mixing with a diluent in the flexible container. A vial contained within the flexible container having a plug or lid which may be extracted from the vial by manipulating the vial through the flexible walls of the container is exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,684 to Knox et al. An additional alternative is provided in the prior art by pre-mixing the medicament and diluent and freezing the container until ready for use to extend shelf life by preventing degradation of the pre-mixed solution. The complexities and disadvantages are self evident of numerous and complicated parts for the containers or the added requirement for refrigeration support devices of these prior art approaches.

Further improvement over the prior art packaging and containers is desirable in that sealing mechanisms between compartmented containers such as that disclosed in Wilkinson have been complex and costly. Similarly, interconnecting devices for combination of two containers or for mechanical puncturing and interconnection of joined containers require numerous components which are expensive to fabricate and increase the possibility of failure. In addition, the dispensing configuration of prior art containers may preclude complete emptying of the container or require the presence of significant quantities of air in the container to allow complete delivery of the fluid contents of the container. Presence of significant quantities of air in the sealed container may produce difficulties during sterilization of the containers since air expansion at the sterilization temperatures may damage the flexible material of the container. Finally, configuration of multi-compartmented prior art containers has, in many cases, precluded assurance of complete mixing of medicaments with diluents prior to delivery to the patient.

In various embodiments related to in vitro solutions, it is therefore desirable to provide an in vitro container having multiple compartments for storage of diluent and medicaments in a single package having simple operative valves, frangible seals or controlled pathways dividing the compartments which may be opened for the combination and mixing of the contents. It is further desirable that the container arrangement precludes the inadvertent delivery of any of the components prior to mixing and allows visual verification of condition of the components prior to mixing and after mixing is complete, before dispensing. It is also desirable that the contents of the container be completely deliverable to the patient without the requirement for the presence of a significant quantity of air in the container. The capability for enhanced protection of the contents in one or more of the compartments of the container against moisture or oxygen permeation or light degradation is also desirable.

Still a further need for innovative packaging and containers relates to the shelf life of reagent components. For example, in the medical arena, there are a number of medical fluids that are made by combining ingredients which, over the passage of time, react or are otherwise incompatible, resulting in unacceptable product degradation, or reduced efficacy. With such fluids, it is desirable to delay final preparation, such as mixing of the ingredients or components, until shortly prior to administration to the patient.

One example is a nutritional perinatal solution made by combining amino acid and dextrose. If there is a delay of many weeks or months between mixture of the ingredients and administration to the patient, a reaction between the ingredients results in unacceptable discoloration of fluid. Another example is the combination of heparin and dextrose. Dextrose has a relatively low pH compared to heparin. With the passage of time after mixing, the more acidic dextrose reduces the effectiveness of the heparin.

The reduced shelf life of these types of medical fluids, due to the reaction or incompatibility, has made large scale production impractical, and it has been the practice for hospital or clinical pharmacies to purchase separate containers of the particular components or ingredients and prepare the finished solution as required. This, of course, requires a relatively time consuming and inefficient transfer of fluid between the containers or into a third container. More importantly, however, the removal of one of the components from its original container carries with it the risk of impairing the sterility of the product.

Drawbacks of the prior art are addressed by the embodiments of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses methods, systems and devices for mixing or dispensing dry, semi-dry or aqueous components using rigid, semi-rigid or flexible containers, bags, or compartmental apparatus.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a planar surface also includes a narrow channel connected to the reservoir and separated from a second recessed area, or collection point, by a dam. The planar surface is overlaid with a flexible lamina, adhered to the planar surface, forming a sealed reservoir between the recessed area of the planar surface and flexible lamina.

When directed pressure or force is applied to the flexible lamina, the fluid in the reservoir glows through the narrow channel to the dam. The pressure buildup at the dam causes the flexible lamina to pull away from the dam, causing the fluid in the reservoir to flow over the dam into the collection point.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an essentially planar surface includes at least two reservoirs, each with a corresponding narrow channel. In this embodiment, each channel leads to a common collection point in the planar surface. The common collection point is separated from each narrow channel by a dam. This embodiment allows a user to combine the dry, semi-dry, or aqueous materials from each of the at least two reservoirs in the common collection point.

Further, another embodiment of the present invention disclose that the common collection point is covered by a flexible lamina upon which a user may direct or apply a force or action in order to mix the two fluid materials without allowing the fluids to leak or otherwise escape from the common collection point. In yet another embodiment, the common collection point is a successive reservoir that dispenses the mixed fluid to yet another common collection point when pressure is applied to the flexible lamina covering the successive reservoir.

Various embodiments of the present invention disclose that contemplated rigid, semi-rigid or flexible containers, bags, or compartmental apparatus are constructed with and or coated with materials selected from the group consisting of but not limited to: silicone; silicone derivatives; rubber; rubber derivatives; neoprene; neoprene derivatives; elastomers; elastomer derivatives; urethane; urethane derivatives; shape memory materials; condutive films, PET film, conductive inks, conductive polymers, conductive coatings; polymer coatings; doped conductive coatings, doped conductive polymer coatings and combinations or derivatives thereof.

Still further, the present invention discloses that dry, semi-dry, aqueous or semi-aqueous components or solutions to be mixed or dispensed contemplated by various embodiments are selected from the group consisting of but not limited to: medicaments; medical drugs; vaccines; biochemical agents; gases and gaseous agents; in vitro solutions, cosmetics; nutraceuticals; chemiluminescent reagents; detergents; solvents; aqueous foods; inks; dyes; photographic reagents; bioreactive polymers; gels; liposomes; microspheres; microbeads; reactive chemicals; hemostatic agents; antibiotics; and combinations or derivatives thereof.

Another embodiment of the present invention discloses that contemplated flexible lamina is constructed with and or coated with materials selected from the group consisting of but not limited to: silicone; silicone derivatives; rubber; rubber derivatives; neoprene; neoprene derivatives; elastomers; elastomer derivatives; urethane; urethane derivatives; shape memory materials; condutive films, PET film, conductive inks, conductive polymers, conductive coatings; polymer coatings; doped conductive coatings, doped conductive polymer coatings and combinations or derivatives thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a fluid dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a cross sectional view of a fluid dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a cross sectional view of a fluid dispenser illustrating how fluid is dispensed when pressure is applied to a flexible lamina according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a top view of a multiple reservoir fluid dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3AA is a sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 3A taken along line A-A;

FIG. 3B is a top view of a multiple reservoir fluid mixer according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3BB is a sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 3B taken along line B-B;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a multiple reservoir fluid dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention; and,

FIG. 4A is a sectional view of the dispenser of FIG. 4 taken along line A-A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B are a top view and a cross-sectional views, respectively, of a fluid dispensing device or dispenser 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, a planar surface 22 includes a recessed area 21 outlined by dashed lines. In this embodiment, planar surface 22 is overlaid with a flexible lamina 23 that is adhered to planar surface 22 using a glue substance thus forming a sealed reservoir 24 (best seen in FIG. 2B) between the recessed area 21 of planar surface 22 and flexible lamina 23. FIGS. 1 and 2A also illustrate a recessed collection point 26 which is formed by a second depression in planar surface 22. An un-recessed dam 28 separates collection point 26 from a narrow outlet 29 formed in as a narrow channel in planar surface 22. Narrow outlet 29 may be part of reservoir 24.

In one embodiment, a fluid is sealed in reservoir 24 between the recessed portion of planar surface 22 and flexible lamina 23. When pressure is applied to flexible lamina 23, for example by pressure from an individual's finger, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the fluid in reservoir 24 flows through narrow outlet 29 towards dam 28. Dam 28 is a thin portion of planar surface 22 which separates narrow outlet 29 from collection point 26. Due to the thin nature of dam 28, the seal between flexible lamina 23 and dam 28 is not strong at this location, thus creating a point of least resistance at dam 28. A pressure buildup at the point of least resistance by continued finger pressure causes lamina 23 to pull away from dam 28, thus allowing fluid in the reservoir 24 to flow over dam 28 into collection point 26.

Planar surface 22 may be made from plastic, molded or otherwise formed to include reservoir 24, narrow outlet 29 and collection point 26. One skilled in the art will recognize that planar surface 22 is not limited to plastic nor is surface 22 limited to being planar as it may be curved. Planar surface 22 can be formed from any material, including flexible materials such as rubber that may be formed or molded to include collection point 26, narrow outlet 29 and reservoir 24.

Flexible lamina 23 is typically constructed using a material that prevents moisture and vapor transmission, while providing a flexible barrier. In one embodiment, flexible lamina is metal foil. In another embodiment, a transparent laminate, such as clear plastic, may be used as flexible lamina 23. Further, one skilled in the art will recognize that there are a number of ways to adhere flexible lamina 23 to planar surface 22, including, for example glues, resins, epoxies and/or mechanical fasteners.

The dimensions of planar surface 22 may vary depending on the intended use and the amount of fluid that is to be held in reservoir 24. In one embodiment, the thickness of planar surface 22 may be kept small so that the invention may be placed un-obtrusively between pages in a magazine or other carrier media without substantially altering the look or thickness of the media. For example, limiting the thickness of the planar surface to a range of approximately 15-35 mm may provide a sufficiently thin package to place within a magazine or other carrier media. The length and width of planar surface dimensions may be adjusted accordingly to ensure that reservoir 24 holds sufficient volume to provide a user with an acceptable sample of the fluid product.

Substantial uniform pressure may be applied to the top surface of planar surface 22 without causing unwanted release of the fluid stored in reservoir 24. As a result heavy loads, such as a stack of magazines or other heavy flat objects can be placed on top of planar surface 22 without resulting in unwanted fluid release. The pressure of these objects rests on the face of planar surface 22. Since the pressure in not directed on flexible lamina 23 covering reservoir 24, unwanted release of the fluid would not occur. By contrast, when using blister packs or other prior art sampling products, the pressure of a large number of magazines or other heavy objects may cause these devices to burst resulting in unwanted release of the fluid inside them.

One exemplary use of the present invention is as a marketing tool. Flexible lamina 23 may be imprinted with marketing information, including product advertisements and/or product information about the sampled fluid. In one embodiment, the portion of flexible lamina 23 covering reservoir 24 is transparent, allowing the fluid material held in reservoir 24 to be viewed prior to dispensing. In addition, although illustrated as a rectangular shape in the figures, planar surface 22 could be shaped in the form of a star, a triangle, or any other simple or complex shape desired for a particular marketing idea or plan.

FIG. 3A illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, planar surface 32 includes two reservoirs 24A and 24B. As illustrated, narrow outlets 29A and 29B of reservoirs 24A and 24B lead to a common collection point 30, which is separated from narrow outlets 29A and 29B by dams 28A and 28B. In this embodiment, common collection point 30 is not covered by flexile lamina 23. FIG. 3AA shows a sectional view of planar surface 32 along line AA-AA of FIG. 3A and having flexible lamina 23 attached thereto.

As described above with respect to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, when sufficient pressure is exerted on the flexible lamina 23 covering reservoirs 24A and 24B, respectively, the fluids in reservoirs 24A and 24B release into common collection point 30. This dual reservoir embodiment has advantages in that it allows the user to combine two separate fluid substances in common collection point 30. The two fluids can then be mixed together using an individual's finger or some type of mixing tool.

This alternate embodiment of the invention has a number of applications and provides a platform for quickly mixing two fluid materials. For example, in one embodiment, reservoirs 24A and 24B may contain two fluids that can be mixed in common collection point 30 to create a liquid bandage that may be applied to a cut or other wound using an applicator.

In another alternative embodiment like illustrated in FIG. 3B, planar surface 32B includes common collection point 33 covered by flexible lamina 23. As described above, fluid from reservoirs 24A and 24B may be released into common collection point 33 when pressure is applied to the flexible lamina 23 covering the respective reservoirs 24A and 24B. Pressure may be applied to the flexible lamina covering common collection point 33 to mix the two fluids located in common collection point 33. There is no release mechanism to allow the mixed fluid material to escape from collection point 33. FIG. 3BB shows a sectional view of planar surface 32B along line BB-BB of FIG. 3B and having flexible lamina 23 attached thereto.

This alternate embodiment is advantageous because it allows two fluid materials to be mixed in common collection point 33 without dispensing or otherwise allowing the fluid to escape from the packaging. In one embodiment, reservoirs 24A and 24B may contain fluids that when mixed create a chemical reaction that releases heat. As a result, the packaging may be stored for longer periods of time with the two fluid materials separated from one another and may be mixed when the desired reaction of the two fluids is desirable.

In another alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4, planar surface 40 includes a third reservoir 24C and the common collection point is third reservoir 24C. In this embodiment, the fluid from reservoirs 24A and 24B flows into reservoir 24C when pressure is applied to the flexible 23, by for example an individual's finger, to mix the fluids from reservoirs 24A and 24B. When mixed, additional pressure may be applied to flexible lamina 23 causing the fluid in reservoir 24C to flow through narrow outlet 29C. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the buildup of pressure at dam 28C results in the separation of flexible lamina 23 from dam 28C. The combined fluid in reservoir 24C then flows into collection point 44. In this embodiment, collection point 44 may or may not be covered by flexible lamina 23 depending upon the intended application. FIG. 4A shows a sectional view of planar surface 40 along line A-A of FIG. 4 and having flexible lamina 23 attached thereto.

A further embodiment of the present invention discloses a method to provide an essentially planar component dispensing system comprising the steps of: incorporating at least two component containing reservoirs on at least one support substrate;

• • incorporating at least one collection point on said at least one support substrate;
  • supplying each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point; and
  • coupling a capture enclosure over each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point.

It is contemplated that component dispensing systems of the present invention used in medical arenas are sterilized before, during and or after manufacture.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an essentially planar component dispensing system method comprising the steps of:

• • incorporating at least two component containing reservoirs on at least one support substrate;
  • incorporating at least one collection point on said at least one support substrate;
  • supplying each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point;
  • coupling a capture enclosure over each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point;
  • supplying force to the capture enclosure juxtaposed above said at least two component containing reservoirs so that components migrate through the channel;
  • adjusting said supplied force so that said migrating components overcome said dammed channel allowing components to locate into said at least one collection point;
  • allowing components to mix at said at least one collection point; and
  • removing mixed components from said at least one collection point.

It is contemplated at an embodiment of the present invention has the method of the removal of mixed components from said at least one collection point selected from the group consisting of: scooping; adhering; pressure release; suction; injection; spatial displacement; pouring; dropping; and combinations or derivatives thereof.

Some chemical use arenas do not require a removal of mixed components. A chemiluminescent example of an embodiment of the present invention has one non-light radiating solution housed in one reservoir (Component A). Another non-light radiating chemical solution is housed in the second reservoir of the at least two reservoir system (Component B). When Component A and Component B are mixed together in the at least one collection point, the mixture radiates visible light. In this embodiment, the supplied system remains sealed.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an essentially planar and sealed component mixing system comprising the steps of:

• • incorporating at least two component containing reservoirs on at least one support substrate;
  • incorporating at least one collection point on said at least one support substrate;
  • supplying each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point;
  • coupling a capture enclosure over each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point;
  • supplying force to the capture enclosure juxtaposed above said at least two component containing reservoirs so that components migrate through the channel;
  • adjusting said supplied force so that said migrating components overcome said dammed channel allowing components to locate into said at least one collection point; and
  • allowing components to mix at said at least one collection point for a specific reaction.

Various mixed component reactions contemplated by an embodiment of the present invention include but are not limited to: temperature change reactions; pressure change reactions; explosions (such as a bomb); binding or fusing reactions; splitting reactions; light generation reactions; odor reactions; timing reactions; chemical reactions; biological reactions; gas producing reactions; and combinations or derivatives thereof.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as data, database parameters, reaction conditions, and so forth in the specification and embodiments are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the embodiments, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding, numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth are reported as precisely as possible. Numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents are used in the context of describing the invention and are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitations of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all definitions, examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended embodiments.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on those preferred embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. For example, the number of reservoirs that may be placed on a single planar surface and the interconnections between the various reservoirs may vary depending on the desired result. In addition, although the palate has been described as a flat surface, the invention is not limited to planar surfaces. For example, the invention may also be used on curved surfaces. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the embodiments appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

In addition, the embodiments of the present invention, without limitation, can be used in research, product manufacturing, and data access systems or used in calibration systems as in accordance with the appropriate research, clinical trial, manufacturing or treatment protocols or procedures approved by the appropriate governing institutions having authority to recommend, approve, evaluate or regulate such protocols or procedures.

Claims

1. A fluid dispensing device comprising a surface, the surface comprising:

a recessed collection point;

a first recessed reservoir, including a first narrow outlet, for holding a fluid;

a first dam positioned between the narrow outlet and the collection point; and,

a flexible lamina adhered to the surface forming a seal over the reservoir.

2. A method of dispensing fluid using the dispensing device of claim 1, whereby pressure is exerted on the flexible lamina causing a fluid in the first reservoir to flow through the narrow outlet toward the first dam, and whereby continuing buildup pressure at the first dam causes the flexible lamina adhered to the first dam to dislodge allowing the fluid to flow over the first dam into the collection point.

3. The fluid dispensing device of claim 2 further comprising:

a second recessed reservoir, including a second narrow outlet, for holding a second fluid;

a second dam positioned between the second narrow outlet and the collection point; and,

a flexible lamina adhered to the surface forming a seal over the second reservoir.

4. A method of dispensing fluid using the dispensing device of claim 3, whereby pressure is exerted on the flexible lamina causing a fluid in the first reservoir to flow through the first narrow outlet toward the first dam, and whereby pressure is exerted on the flexible lamina causing a fluid in the second reservoir to flow through the second narrow outlet toward the second dam and whereby continuing buildup pressure at the first and second dam causes the flexible lamina adhered to the first and second dam to dislodge allowing the fluid to flow over the first and second dam into the collection point.

5. The fluid dispensing device of claim 3, wherein the collection point is a third recessed reservoir comprising:

a third narrow outlet;

a third dam positioned between the third narrow outlet and a second collection point,

wherein a flexible lamina adhered to the surface forms a seal over the third reservoir.

6. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 wherein a portion of the flexible lamina covering the reservoir is transparent.

7. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 wherein the flexible lamina is a plastic material.

8. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 wherein the flexible lamina is a metallic foil.

9. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 wherein the surface is planar.

10. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1 wherein the surface is curved.

11. A method to provide an essentially planar component system comprising the steps of:

incorporating at least two component containing reservoirs on at least one support substrate;

incorporating at least one collection point on said at least one support substrate;

supplying each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point; and

coupling a capture enclosure over each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point.

12. A method to provide an essentially planar component mixing and dispensing system comprising the steps of:

incorporating at least two component containing reservoirs on at least one support substrate;

incorporating at least one collection point on said at least one support substrate;

supplying each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point;

coupling a capture enclosure over each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point;

supplying force to the capture enclosure juxtaposed above said at least two component containing reservoirs so that components migrate through the channel;

adjusting said supplied force so that said migrating components overcome said dammed channel allowing components to locate into said at least one collection point;

allowing components to mix at said at least one collection point; and

removing mixed components from said at least one collection point.