CA1188958A - Liquid transport device providing diversion of capillary flow into a non-vented second zone - Google Patents
Liquid transport device providing diversion of capillary flow into a non-vented second zoneInfo
- Publication number
- CA1188958A CA1188958A CA000409099A CA409099A CA1188958A CA 1188958 A CA1188958 A CA 1188958A CA 000409099 A CA000409099 A CA 000409099A CA 409099 A CA409099 A CA 409099A CA 1188958 A CA1188958 A CA 1188958A
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- Prior art keywords
- zone
- liquid
- flow
- aperture
- diverting
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
- G01N27/28—Electrolytic cell components
- G01N27/30—Electrodes, e.g. test electrodes; Half-cells
- G01N27/307—Disposable laminated or multilayered electrodes
Abstract
LIQUID TRANSPORT DEVICE PROVIDING DIVERSION OF
CAPILLARY FLOW INTO A NON-VENTED SECOND ZONE
Abstract Diverting apertures are operative to divert capillary transport of liquid from one transport zone into a second, unvented zone before the diverting aper-ture is surrounded by liquid flow in the first zone, by providing structure such that a) the height of the head of liquid that is above the aperture, is selected to be sufficiently large, compared to the distance that the diverted liquid must flow into the second zone, and b) the width of the first zone, and the dimension of the diverting aperture parallel thereto, have a predetermined relation.
CAPILLARY FLOW INTO A NON-VENTED SECOND ZONE
Abstract Diverting apertures are operative to divert capillary transport of liquid from one transport zone into a second, unvented zone before the diverting aper-ture is surrounded by liquid flow in the first zone, by providing structure such that a) the height of the head of liquid that is above the aperture, is selected to be sufficiently large, compared to the distance that the diverted liquid must flow into the second zone, and b) the width of the first zone, and the dimension of the diverting aperture parallel thereto, have a predetermined relation.
Description
~ '3~
LI~UID TR~NSPORT DEVICE PROVIDING DIVERSION OF
._ CAPILLARY FLOW INTO A NON-VENTED SECOND ZONE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device for trAns-porting liquid into different zones by capillary ~ttrac-tion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INYENTION
-My U.S. Patent No. 4,271,119, issued June 2, 1981, is directed to a liquid transport device which, by means of a diverting aper~ure in a wall member of a fir~t capillary zone, provides caplllary flow into a second capillary zone extending from that wall member.
Because of the shape of the diverting ~perture~ liquid ls diverted into ~he second zone from the fir6t æone before the liquid flow of the first zone complet~ly surrounds the diver~ing spertures. Failure to achieve flow into ~he ~econd zone before ~he aperture is sur-rounded produces air entrapment, so th~ subsequent flow into the second zone is prevented.
Such a device has provided very successful diversion of capillary flow of liquid into the noted second zone~ and has proved to be highly useful as an lon bridge for potentiometric test elements containing ISE's.
Notwithstanding ~he success of that deviceg there remained some a~pccts for improvement. For diverting aper~ures having a transverse flow-through area greater than about 0.2 mm2, the sh~pe of the diver~lng aperture was critlcal--the aperture had to be considerably lorlger than wide ~ ~ha~ is, w~ th a length to width ratio of preferably between about 2. 5 and abou~
10. O. In o~her words, the width dimerlsion was no grea~er than 0. 4 th~ of ~che length dimension. Such wldth-to-length relstionships excluded circul~rly shaped apertures .
It would be advan~ageous to provide 6uch a device where~n the diverting aper~ure i.8 both ci rcular ~&
in shape and has a flow through area greater than abou~
0.2 mm~. Such circ~lar apertures are th~ simplest to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
I have discovered that the sol-ght-for improve-ments are available in a device of the type described, wherein a second capillary zone extends from a flrst capillary zone, ~nd diver~ing aper~ure means are pro-vided to divert some of ~he liquid from the first zone to the second zone, if certain condition~ are met, vlz:
the heigh~ of the liquid at the diver~ing aperture is manipulated to be predeterminedly large compared to ~he distance the liquid must flow in ~he second zone, and the flow-through width of the first zone at the divert-ing aperture is constructed withln a predetermined slzerange with respect to the dimension of the diverting aperture that parallels the first zone flow-through width dimension.
More specifically, there is provided a liquid transport devlce comprising means providing fir~t and second capillary transport zones. The flrst zone is formed by a flrst set of opposed surfaces spaced to provide capillary flow9 and mesns defining a flow-through width of ~he flrst zone. The second zone means includes diverting aperture means in one of said opposing ~ur~aces orming the first zone to divert a port~on of the capillary flow into thP æecond zone and form a first end of the ~econd ~one. A ~erm inating surfaee is dispo~ed at the end of the ~econd zone opposite the diverting ap~rture. The diverting aperture means is construo~ed to provide the following flow-through characteristic6: a width dimension that is greater than 0.4 of lts length dimension, and a flow-through area greater than about O . 2 mm ~, Two 35 parameters of the device; viz~ (1) the ratio between flow-through width of the first zone and the aperture dimenslon tha~ extends parallel to the flow-through width, and (2) the spacing between the members of the ~irst zone at the diverting aperture means, compared to the distance of liquid travel in the second zone, ~re selected so tha~ the liquid flowing in the first zone enters ~he diverting ~perture and contacts the terminating surface, before the flow of the liquid in the first zone surrounds the diverting aperture means.
Thus, it is an advantage of the present inven-tion that c~pillary flow is successfully diverted from afirst æone so as to flow the length of a second zone, without the need for an air vent in the second zone.
It is a further advantage of the invention that such flow is achieved using ~pertures of many shapes, including circular ~pertures.
Other features and advant~ges will become apparen~ upon reference ~o th~ following Description of ~he Preferred Embodiments, when read in light oX the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a device cons~ruc~ed in aceordance with the invention;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary section view taken gen-er~lly along the llne II-II of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a section view taken generally along the line III-III of Flg. l;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section view similar to that of Fig. 2, except considerably enlarged; and Flg. 5 is a graph of liquid head h a~ the 3~ diverting aperture, plo~ted against second zone lengths to~ measured in microns) for ~ preerred embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The preferred embodimen~ hereinafter described refer particularly ~o ~he use of ~he invention ln an element for the potentiometric detectlon of ionic ~8~5~
analytes. In such an element, an ion-selective elec-trode is the terminating surface for the second zone.
In addltion, the invention is useful regardless of the end process that is applied to the liquid, wherein othc~r kinds of terminating surfaces clo~e off the second zone.
The ionic analytes, commonly called electro-lytes, detec~able in the preferred embodiment are ~hose present in any liquid, whether biological or lndus-trial. The device of the lnvention works particul~rly well for biological liquids such as ~erum, urlne and spinal fluid having surface tensions between ab~u~ 25 and about 75 dynes/cm.
The device 10 ~hown in Flg. 1 comprises an electrically insulative frame 12 which mounts a sp~ced-apar~ peir of pr~ferably planar, solid ion selectiveelectrodes 14, 14' thereinafter9 "ISE's"). The ISE's are preferably adhered to ex~erior surface 13 of device 10 by an adhesive, formed in a layer 15, Flgo 2. As described in U.S. Patent No. 49053,381, issued on October 11, 1977, the details of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference9 each ISE is a gen-erally flat multilayered element comprislng adjacent layer~ 16-20. (The layer thicknesses are exaggera~ed ~n Fig. 2 for clarity.) Each layer 16 ~s an ion-selective membrane containing an ionophore snd a solvent. When a drop of ~ample liquid or reference fluid makes contact, the ion of choice iB carried by or otherwisP effectively penetrate6 through layer 16 ~o ~he underlying layers 17-18. At these layers~ an electrical potenti~l i8 gen-erated proportional to the activity of that particularion. Layer 17, for example~ is a drled hydrophillc binder containing the s~l~ X~Z~3 where ~ is ~he analyte to be measured. Layer 18 in such instanees i6 the ~ salt of an electrically conductive metal ~9 and metal M forms layer 19. Layer ~0 is an insulative ~ 5 ~
support. 3ecause layers 18 and 19 are electrically conductive layers~ a potential can be detected by an electrometer, not shown, via probPs which penetrate through layer 18 into contact with layer 19 at windows 22 in frame 12, Fig. 1. Any difference in these potentials due to two different ionic activities of ~he ion of choice in ~he two liquids is regi~tered as a difference potential on the electrometer. Thi~ reading then is converted into a measure of concentration of the ionic analyte.
Vseful embodiments include those in whlch one or more o layers 16-19 are altered, omitted, or added to. For example~ if ISE 14 is constructed to te~t ior Cl~, the laminated layers are as follows: a poly-thylene terephthalate support, and a layer thereon ofAg over which a layer of silver chloride is formed. A
top layer of cellulose ~cetate, containing a surfac-tant and polyethylene glycol, is added as described in U.S. Paten~ No. 4,199,411, issued on April 27, 1980, for the purpose of removing bromide interfcrence.
Frame 12 is formed by a pair of member~ 30 ~nd 32, Fig. 2, having opposing internal surfaces 34 and 36 respec~ively, forming transport surfaces for the liquids. Member 30 has an exterior surface 46. Sur-aces 34 ~nd 36 are spaced apart a distance effect~ve toprovlde capillary flow of introduced liquid and to form a caplllary transport zone 40, ~n the manner described in U.S. Patent No. 4~302,313. The CQntents o that p~tent are expres61y incorpora~ed hereln by reference~
The capillary spacing provid~ng the capillary flow is preferably no greater than about 600 micronsv In addi~on to the opposlng surfAce6 34 and 36, zone 40 ls fur~her defined by flow-~erminating means 9 which mos~ preferably eomprise sidewalls 41 and 43, Fig.
1, past which the llquid flows. The flow~throu~h width of zone 40 is measured between these sidewall6. Alter-.natively, an exposed e~.lge will act as a flow-terminating means, as is described in my U.S. Patent No. 4,254,083, col. 3. Such an edge :Ls obtainable by vertically slicing the device 10, Fig. 1, along a pl~ne coinciding with ~he plane of outer walls 43, to provide a flow-terminating means that defines flow-~hrough width w.
To admit the two liquids into zone 40, access apertures 42 and 44, Fi~s. 1-3~ are formed in member 30. These apertures preferably have a shape ~hat includes at least one corner to insure that a drop of liquid deposited by ~ metering device, no~ shown, on exterior surface 46, Fig. 2, approximately ~t one of the apertures, will enter the ~perture and thus zone 40.
Most preferably, the apertures ~re shaped for this purpose in the manner described în U.S. Patent No.
4,254,083, issued March 3, 1981. The conten~s of the '083 patent are expressly incorporated herein by reference. As shown in Fig. 1, a hexagon is a particularly useful flow-through shape for aperture6 42 and 44.
To ven~ entrapped air from zone 40 as ~he two llquids move toward each other, one or more aper~ures 50, Figs. 1 and 3, are formed in member 30, approxi-m~tely centered between apertures 42 and 44. Aper~ures50 are much smallerp e.g., 1 mm or less, than apertures 42 and 44 because they do not need the volume capability of the la~ter.
Thus, zone 40 transpor~s the liquids towards each o~her in the portlon 52, Figs 1 and 3, extending between eper~ures 42 and 44. When the liquids contact each othQr in the vicinLty of apertures 50~ they form an ion bridge~ the flrst par~ o the ionic circuit needed for ion measurement by the electrometer~
Arm portlons 54 of zone 40 extend from bridge por~ion 52~ ~hus givin~ ~o zone 40 a horseshoe sh~pe.
The flow-through width of each arm portion 54 is desig-nated as having a value "w" 9 Fig. 1. The two liquids are carried towards ISE' B 14 and 14' by such arm por-tions. To allow ven~ing of air entrapped ahead of liquid advancing along arm portions 54~ an air vent 56, Fig. 2~ is provided, fluidly connect~ng each arm of zone 40 with a window 22. Vent 56 preferably has a greatly reduced flow-through diameter, for example, 75 microns or less, to minimize gas-liquid interchange ln ~he liquid under test. For example 9 if the ISE's 14 and 14' are chosen to test for C02 (or H~03~ , then it ls undesirable that a large surface area of the liquid 6hould be exposed ~o ~he air. To ~his end, zone 40 is sealed along the edges and is "vented" only at vents 50 and 56 and access apertures 42 and 44.
A second zone of capillary transport is pro-vlded commencing with a diverting aperture 60, F~g. 2, formed by sidewalls 61 that extend from surface 36 of member 32 to exterior surface 13 Sidewalls 61 generally provide a flow-through width dimension and a flow-through leng~h dimension. In the case of circular embodiments as shown, such dimen6ions are equal and comprise ~he diame~er. In addition, aperture 60 includes a dimension (diameter~ that extends in a direction that parallels width w of zone por~ion 54.
Aperture 60 is most preferably centered between sldewalls 41 and 43 and i6 fluidly connected to an aperture 62 formed in and surrounded by adhes~ve layer 15, and layer 16 provides the terminating ~urface of the second zone. '~hus, the second zone extends from a first end that is ~he intersection of sidewalls 61 with surfac2 36, to the surface of layer 16 expo~ed by aperture 62 in the adhesive layer. The length of 6uch zone iB the distance the liquid must flow ln the second zone for the intended USQ, and lt is the d~stance to equal ~o the sum of tl and t2. Th~cknes~ tl is 5~
the thickrless of member 32 at ~perture 60 and t2 is the thickness of adhesi.ve layer 15 at aperture 62 ~the distance between surf~ee 13 of member 32 and the surfac2 of layer 16). To insure adequate con~act with the ISE's at layer 16, the flow-through area of apertures 60 and 62 is gre~ter than about 0.2 mm~.
The second zone is sealed, with no air vent being presen~ in the second zone. Such second zone air vents are disadvantageous for several reasons. First, they tend to render non-constant the area of contact of liquid on the terminating surface of the ~econd zone.
If the terminating surace ls an ISE~ a non-con~tant area interferes with the m~intenance of a const~nt 6ig-nal. Second, the air vents tend to cause a change in concentration o~ certain ions, such as HC03~, and to cause leakage o the liquid, producing contamination.
Third, ~he air ventæ compllcate the design ~nd a~sembly unnecessar-Lly.
In accordance wlth one aspect of the invention, adequate flow of liquid to the terminal surface of layer 16 occurs lf the proper value of liquid head h i6 selec-ted for a given value of ~O, and ~he proper first zone width w is selected for the parallel dimenston of the aperture. That is, for a given ~et of conditions, the head h is an empirically determinable function of to.
This function appears to be dependent on the surface tension of ~he liquid flowing in the device 9 the contact angle that llquid forms with the materlals comprising the mem~ers of ~he first zone, and ~he rela~ive value of the 1Ow-through width of ~he diverting aperture, com-pared to the flow-~hrough width o~ the irs~ zone at thAt aperture. The exac~ expression of the function and the mechanlsm causlng lt are not completely unders~ood for all eonditions, although a speciflc embodimen~ Is hereinafter described. The mechanism appears to be that ~chematicslly illustrated in Fig. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, member 30 iæ selected with a surface 34 that is a readily wettable m~terial havin~ a contact angle for serum between about 60 and 80~, although materials having lower contact angles, even those approaching 0, are acceptable. Member 32, on the o~her hand, ha6 a surEace 36 that is a relatively non-wettable material, with a contact angle greater than or equal to B5~. In such ~ case, the meniscus M advances from it6 right-hand positlon, shown in zone 40 in dashed llnes, generally with the shape shown9 until it encounters aperture 60.
If h is sufficiently large for ~ g~ven to, and the flow-through widths are properly selected as descrlbed hereinaf~er, the meniscus continues to advance to the position M'g shown in solid lines. At this stage, the liquid contacts the surface of layer 16, e.g. 3 at point P, be$ore the liquid completely surrounds aperture 60 in its continued flow in zone 40. If all other factors are held constant, the greater the distance t , the greater the value h must be to provide the energy that insures this contact wlth layer 16 wlll occur before the liquid flow in zone 40 surrounds the aperture. (As noted in ~he 'IBackground~`, flow ln the flrst zone that surrounds the diverting aperture is to be avoided before liquid contact ls made wi~h the terminating surf~ce of layer 16. It has been found that it ~s dificult to fill ~he second zone once the diverting aperture ls so surrounded, because of air entrapment.) Once contact is achieved with the surface of layer 16, the meniscus moves on3 as shown by the dashed line M", to fill up second zone.
The same mechanism is effective, to produce substantially the same .results, if the contact angle6 for surfaces 34 and 36 ~re reversed. In such a case, meniscus M advances with the bottom edge leading the top (not shown), until aperture 60 is reached, Fig. 4. The energy barrier of the aperture acts ~o "pin" the bottom edge of the meniscus while the top edge moves forward until the meniscus is approximately in position M'.
Thereafter, filling of the second zone occurs as in ~he previously described embodiment. However, the ability of the liquid to wet a given material for members 30 ~nd 32 will tend to alter how much he~d h is needed for a given thickness to~ as will the surface tenslon of the liquidO For example, the greater the wettability of surface 34 compared to surface 36, the more the meniscus edge at surface 34 "leads" its edge at surface 36. The greater ~hls disparlty, the greater the pressure that the head h tends to apply, and the greater the distance ~hat is useful for to. ~ur~hermore, ~he value of h for a given thickness to also depends on the resist-ance to first zone flow provided by the diverting aperture. If ~he width w of zone portion 54, Fig. 1, is much greater than ~he flow-through dlmension (width or length) of aper~ure 60 that is parallel to w~ the liquid will act as though the aperture were not there, and surround aperture 60 before it contacts layer 16. On ~he other hand, if the flow-through width of the firs~
zone onl~ equals ~he parallel dimension of the divertlng aperture, ~he resistance to flow into the diverting aperture is increased ~o the point where the device is . lnoperat~ve. More specifically, if aperture 60 ls, for example, rectangular with a flow-through length extend-ing parallel to ~he wid~h w of the irst zone, and is dimenslon~d to equal that width w, liquid flow ~n zone 40 will not readily proceed into aperture 60.
Therefore~ the resista~ce to first zone flow created by the divertlng aperture 9 the advancing contact angles for ~he materials used, and the liquid surface tension must be considered in determining the value of h for a given to.
For one preferred embodiment of thls invention, the surface of member 30 is selected from materials th~t provîde a contact angle, for the liquld to be used, of between ~bout 60~ and about 80~, as described above in connection with Fig. 4. The ratio of width w of æone 40 to the parallel dimension of aperture 60 is between ~bout 1.1 to 1 and about 1.5 to 1. Stated rever~ely, the parallel dimension o the diver~ing aperture is between abou~ 0.65 and about 0.9 of the first ~one flow-through width. Care ls taken to center aperture 60 between sidewalls 41 and 43, as otherwise the range of ratios noted ~bo~e for the parallel dimension o the aperture and the first flow-through width will not accurately reflect the conditions n~eded for proper flow. More specific~lly3 insufficien~ clearance of ~he aperture along one wall ~nd a large clearance at the opposite sidewall permits llquid to 10w past the aperture through the large ~learance 9 and the aperture becomes surrounded by the liquid. Finally, the terminating surface o layer 16 is selected so as to have an advancing contact angle less than about ~5, and a receding contact angle no greater than abou~ 30 , to preven~ the l~quid from de-wetting a~ point P.
~e-wetting tends ~o lead to aperture 60 becoming surrounded and air being en~rapped in the secGnd zone.
Thu6, particularly preferred devi~eg include ~hose in which ~ least surface 34 o member 30 is triacetate, a~ least surface 36 of member 32 iæ
polystyrene, aperture 60 iB circular, the ra~o of width w to the dlameter of aperture 60 is about 1028 to l~Oy and layer 16 i6 a cellulo~e ace~ate overcoat of a ~hloride electrode as described in the aoresaid U.S.
Patent No. 4J1995411. Preferred diamet2rs o aper~ure 60, in such em~odiments, range between about 2.0 mm and 35~
about 5.0 mm, provided that ~he width w of zone 40 i8 modified to provide the 1.28 to l r~tio noted above.
For such an embodiment, as will be seen in the examples tha~ follow, the relationship between h and to such that s~tisf~ctory wetting of the ISE occur6, is h >
150 ~ 0.87 ~ , measured in microns. Since it ls desired that, for good caplllary flow, h should no~
exceed about 600 ~, then to in such an embodiment does not exceed about 515 ~.
Thus it will be apparent that the present device provides more reliable flow over a longer path length than was suggested for use in the device of my aforesaid U.S. Patent No. 4,271,119, absent an air ven~
in the second zone.
The second zone need not terminate with the surface of layer 16 adhered directly to member 32, in order that the diverting ~perture 60 should function as described. That is, useful embodiments include those in which the terminating surface of the second zone iB
spaced a short distance from the apertured member 32 by an intervening wall member, as shown for example ln Fi8.
LI~UID TR~NSPORT DEVICE PROVIDING DIVERSION OF
._ CAPILLARY FLOW INTO A NON-VENTED SECOND ZONE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device for trAns-porting liquid into different zones by capillary ~ttrac-tion.
BACKGROUND OF THE INYENTION
-My U.S. Patent No. 4,271,119, issued June 2, 1981, is directed to a liquid transport device which, by means of a diverting aper~ure in a wall member of a fir~t capillary zone, provides caplllary flow into a second capillary zone extending from that wall member.
Because of the shape of the diverting ~perture~ liquid ls diverted into ~he second zone from the fir6t æone before the liquid flow of the first zone complet~ly surrounds the diver~ing spertures. Failure to achieve flow into ~he ~econd zone before ~he aperture is sur-rounded produces air entrapment, so th~ subsequent flow into the second zone is prevented.
Such a device has provided very successful diversion of capillary flow of liquid into the noted second zone~ and has proved to be highly useful as an lon bridge for potentiometric test elements containing ISE's.
Notwithstanding ~he success of that deviceg there remained some a~pccts for improvement. For diverting aper~ures having a transverse flow-through area greater than about 0.2 mm2, the sh~pe of the diver~lng aperture was critlcal--the aperture had to be considerably lorlger than wide ~ ~ha~ is, w~ th a length to width ratio of preferably between about 2. 5 and abou~
10. O. In o~her words, the width dimerlsion was no grea~er than 0. 4 th~ of ~che length dimension. Such wldth-to-length relstionships excluded circul~rly shaped apertures .
It would be advan~ageous to provide 6uch a device where~n the diverting aper~ure i.8 both ci rcular ~&
in shape and has a flow through area greater than abou~
0.2 mm~. Such circ~lar apertures are th~ simplest to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
I have discovered that the sol-ght-for improve-ments are available in a device of the type described, wherein a second capillary zone extends from a flrst capillary zone, ~nd diver~ing aper~ure means are pro-vided to divert some of ~he liquid from the first zone to the second zone, if certain condition~ are met, vlz:
the heigh~ of the liquid at the diver~ing aperture is manipulated to be predeterminedly large compared to ~he distance the liquid must flow in ~he second zone, and the flow-through width of the first zone at the divert-ing aperture is constructed withln a predetermined slzerange with respect to the dimension of the diverting aperture that parallels the first zone flow-through width dimension.
More specifically, there is provided a liquid transport devlce comprising means providing fir~t and second capillary transport zones. The flrst zone is formed by a flrst set of opposed surfaces spaced to provide capillary flow9 and mesns defining a flow-through width of ~he flrst zone. The second zone means includes diverting aperture means in one of said opposing ~ur~aces orming the first zone to divert a port~on of the capillary flow into thP æecond zone and form a first end of the ~econd ~one. A ~erm inating surfaee is dispo~ed at the end of the ~econd zone opposite the diverting ap~rture. The diverting aperture means is construo~ed to provide the following flow-through characteristic6: a width dimension that is greater than 0.4 of lts length dimension, and a flow-through area greater than about O . 2 mm ~, Two 35 parameters of the device; viz~ (1) the ratio between flow-through width of the first zone and the aperture dimenslon tha~ extends parallel to the flow-through width, and (2) the spacing between the members of the ~irst zone at the diverting aperture means, compared to the distance of liquid travel in the second zone, ~re selected so tha~ the liquid flowing in the first zone enters ~he diverting ~perture and contacts the terminating surface, before the flow of the liquid in the first zone surrounds the diverting aperture means.
Thus, it is an advantage of the present inven-tion that c~pillary flow is successfully diverted from afirst æone so as to flow the length of a second zone, without the need for an air vent in the second zone.
It is a further advantage of the invention that such flow is achieved using ~pertures of many shapes, including circular ~pertures.
Other features and advant~ges will become apparen~ upon reference ~o th~ following Description of ~he Preferred Embodiments, when read in light oX the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a device cons~ruc~ed in aceordance with the invention;
Fig. 2 is a fragmentary section view taken gen-er~lly along the llne II-II of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is a section view taken generally along the line III-III of Flg. l;
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section view similar to that of Fig. 2, except considerably enlarged; and Flg. 5 is a graph of liquid head h a~ the 3~ diverting aperture, plo~ted against second zone lengths to~ measured in microns) for ~ preerred embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The preferred embodimen~ hereinafter described refer particularly ~o ~he use of ~he invention ln an element for the potentiometric detectlon of ionic ~8~5~
analytes. In such an element, an ion-selective elec-trode is the terminating surface for the second zone.
In addltion, the invention is useful regardless of the end process that is applied to the liquid, wherein othc~r kinds of terminating surfaces clo~e off the second zone.
The ionic analytes, commonly called electro-lytes, detec~able in the preferred embodiment are ~hose present in any liquid, whether biological or lndus-trial. The device of the lnvention works particul~rly well for biological liquids such as ~erum, urlne and spinal fluid having surface tensions between ab~u~ 25 and about 75 dynes/cm.
The device 10 ~hown in Flg. 1 comprises an electrically insulative frame 12 which mounts a sp~ced-apar~ peir of pr~ferably planar, solid ion selectiveelectrodes 14, 14' thereinafter9 "ISE's"). The ISE's are preferably adhered to ex~erior surface 13 of device 10 by an adhesive, formed in a layer 15, Flgo 2. As described in U.S. Patent No. 49053,381, issued on October 11, 1977, the details of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference9 each ISE is a gen-erally flat multilayered element comprislng adjacent layer~ 16-20. (The layer thicknesses are exaggera~ed ~n Fig. 2 for clarity.) Each layer 16 ~s an ion-selective membrane containing an ionophore snd a solvent. When a drop of ~ample liquid or reference fluid makes contact, the ion of choice iB carried by or otherwisP effectively penetrate6 through layer 16 ~o ~he underlying layers 17-18. At these layers~ an electrical potenti~l i8 gen-erated proportional to the activity of that particularion. Layer 17, for example~ is a drled hydrophillc binder containing the s~l~ X~Z~3 where ~ is ~he analyte to be measured. Layer 18 in such instanees i6 the ~ salt of an electrically conductive metal ~9 and metal M forms layer 19. Layer ~0 is an insulative ~ 5 ~
support. 3ecause layers 18 and 19 are electrically conductive layers~ a potential can be detected by an electrometer, not shown, via probPs which penetrate through layer 18 into contact with layer 19 at windows 22 in frame 12, Fig. 1. Any difference in these potentials due to two different ionic activities of ~he ion of choice in ~he two liquids is regi~tered as a difference potential on the electrometer. Thi~ reading then is converted into a measure of concentration of the ionic analyte.
Vseful embodiments include those in whlch one or more o layers 16-19 are altered, omitted, or added to. For example~ if ISE 14 is constructed to te~t ior Cl~, the laminated layers are as follows: a poly-thylene terephthalate support, and a layer thereon ofAg over which a layer of silver chloride is formed. A
top layer of cellulose ~cetate, containing a surfac-tant and polyethylene glycol, is added as described in U.S. Paten~ No. 4,199,411, issued on April 27, 1980, for the purpose of removing bromide interfcrence.
Frame 12 is formed by a pair of member~ 30 ~nd 32, Fig. 2, having opposing internal surfaces 34 and 36 respec~ively, forming transport surfaces for the liquids. Member 30 has an exterior surface 46. Sur-aces 34 ~nd 36 are spaced apart a distance effect~ve toprovlde capillary flow of introduced liquid and to form a caplllary transport zone 40, ~n the manner described in U.S. Patent No. 4~302,313. The CQntents o that p~tent are expres61y incorpora~ed hereln by reference~
The capillary spacing provid~ng the capillary flow is preferably no greater than about 600 micronsv In addi~on to the opposlng surfAce6 34 and 36, zone 40 ls fur~her defined by flow-~erminating means 9 which mos~ preferably eomprise sidewalls 41 and 43, Fig.
1, past which the llquid flows. The flow~throu~h width of zone 40 is measured between these sidewall6. Alter-.natively, an exposed e~.lge will act as a flow-terminating means, as is described in my U.S. Patent No. 4,254,083, col. 3. Such an edge :Ls obtainable by vertically slicing the device 10, Fig. 1, along a pl~ne coinciding with ~he plane of outer walls 43, to provide a flow-terminating means that defines flow-~hrough width w.
To admit the two liquids into zone 40, access apertures 42 and 44, Fi~s. 1-3~ are formed in member 30. These apertures preferably have a shape ~hat includes at least one corner to insure that a drop of liquid deposited by ~ metering device, no~ shown, on exterior surface 46, Fig. 2, approximately ~t one of the apertures, will enter the ~perture and thus zone 40.
Most preferably, the apertures ~re shaped for this purpose in the manner described în U.S. Patent No.
4,254,083, issued March 3, 1981. The conten~s of the '083 patent are expressly incorporated herein by reference. As shown in Fig. 1, a hexagon is a particularly useful flow-through shape for aperture6 42 and 44.
To ven~ entrapped air from zone 40 as ~he two llquids move toward each other, one or more aper~ures 50, Figs. 1 and 3, are formed in member 30, approxi-m~tely centered between apertures 42 and 44. Aper~ures50 are much smallerp e.g., 1 mm or less, than apertures 42 and 44 because they do not need the volume capability of the la~ter.
Thus, zone 40 transpor~s the liquids towards each o~her in the portlon 52, Figs 1 and 3, extending between eper~ures 42 and 44. When the liquids contact each othQr in the vicinLty of apertures 50~ they form an ion bridge~ the flrst par~ o the ionic circuit needed for ion measurement by the electrometer~
Arm portlons 54 of zone 40 extend from bridge por~ion 52~ ~hus givin~ ~o zone 40 a horseshoe sh~pe.
The flow-through width of each arm portion 54 is desig-nated as having a value "w" 9 Fig. 1. The two liquids are carried towards ISE' B 14 and 14' by such arm por-tions. To allow ven~ing of air entrapped ahead of liquid advancing along arm portions 54~ an air vent 56, Fig. 2~ is provided, fluidly connect~ng each arm of zone 40 with a window 22. Vent 56 preferably has a greatly reduced flow-through diameter, for example, 75 microns or less, to minimize gas-liquid interchange ln ~he liquid under test. For example 9 if the ISE's 14 and 14' are chosen to test for C02 (or H~03~ , then it ls undesirable that a large surface area of the liquid 6hould be exposed ~o ~he air. To ~his end, zone 40 is sealed along the edges and is "vented" only at vents 50 and 56 and access apertures 42 and 44.
A second zone of capillary transport is pro-vlded commencing with a diverting aperture 60, F~g. 2, formed by sidewalls 61 that extend from surface 36 of member 32 to exterior surface 13 Sidewalls 61 generally provide a flow-through width dimension and a flow-through leng~h dimension. In the case of circular embodiments as shown, such dimen6ions are equal and comprise ~he diame~er. In addition, aperture 60 includes a dimension (diameter~ that extends in a direction that parallels width w of zone por~ion 54.
Aperture 60 is most preferably centered between sldewalls 41 and 43 and i6 fluidly connected to an aperture 62 formed in and surrounded by adhes~ve layer 15, and layer 16 provides the terminating ~urface of the second zone. '~hus, the second zone extends from a first end that is ~he intersection of sidewalls 61 with surfac2 36, to the surface of layer 16 expo~ed by aperture 62 in the adhesive layer. The length of 6uch zone iB the distance the liquid must flow ln the second zone for the intended USQ, and lt is the d~stance to equal ~o the sum of tl and t2. Th~cknes~ tl is 5~
the thickrless of member 32 at ~perture 60 and t2 is the thickness of adhesi.ve layer 15 at aperture 62 ~the distance between surf~ee 13 of member 32 and the surfac2 of layer 16). To insure adequate con~act with the ISE's at layer 16, the flow-through area of apertures 60 and 62 is gre~ter than about 0.2 mm~.
The second zone is sealed, with no air vent being presen~ in the second zone. Such second zone air vents are disadvantageous for several reasons. First, they tend to render non-constant the area of contact of liquid on the terminating surface of the ~econd zone.
If the terminating surace ls an ISE~ a non-con~tant area interferes with the m~intenance of a const~nt 6ig-nal. Second, the air vents tend to cause a change in concentration o~ certain ions, such as HC03~, and to cause leakage o the liquid, producing contamination.
Third, ~he air ventæ compllcate the design ~nd a~sembly unnecessar-Lly.
In accordance wlth one aspect of the invention, adequate flow of liquid to the terminal surface of layer 16 occurs lf the proper value of liquid head h i6 selec-ted for a given value of ~O, and ~he proper first zone width w is selected for the parallel dimenston of the aperture. That is, for a given ~et of conditions, the head h is an empirically determinable function of to.
This function appears to be dependent on the surface tension of ~he liquid flowing in the device 9 the contact angle that llquid forms with the materlals comprising the mem~ers of ~he first zone, and ~he rela~ive value of the 1Ow-through width of ~he diverting aperture, com-pared to the flow-~hrough width o~ the irs~ zone at thAt aperture. The exac~ expression of the function and the mechanlsm causlng lt are not completely unders~ood for all eonditions, although a speciflc embodimen~ Is hereinafter described. The mechanism appears to be that ~chematicslly illustrated in Fig. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, member 30 iæ selected with a surface 34 that is a readily wettable m~terial havin~ a contact angle for serum between about 60 and 80~, although materials having lower contact angles, even those approaching 0, are acceptable. Member 32, on the o~her hand, ha6 a surEace 36 that is a relatively non-wettable material, with a contact angle greater than or equal to B5~. In such ~ case, the meniscus M advances from it6 right-hand positlon, shown in zone 40 in dashed llnes, generally with the shape shown9 until it encounters aperture 60.
If h is sufficiently large for ~ g~ven to, and the flow-through widths are properly selected as descrlbed hereinaf~er, the meniscus continues to advance to the position M'g shown in solid lines. At this stage, the liquid contacts the surface of layer 16, e.g. 3 at point P, be$ore the liquid completely surrounds aperture 60 in its continued flow in zone 40. If all other factors are held constant, the greater the distance t , the greater the value h must be to provide the energy that insures this contact wlth layer 16 wlll occur before the liquid flow in zone 40 surrounds the aperture. (As noted in ~he 'IBackground~`, flow ln the flrst zone that surrounds the diverting aperture is to be avoided before liquid contact ls made wi~h the terminating surf~ce of layer 16. It has been found that it ~s dificult to fill ~he second zone once the diverting aperture ls so surrounded, because of air entrapment.) Once contact is achieved with the surface of layer 16, the meniscus moves on3 as shown by the dashed line M", to fill up second zone.
The same mechanism is effective, to produce substantially the same .results, if the contact angle6 for surfaces 34 and 36 ~re reversed. In such a case, meniscus M advances with the bottom edge leading the top (not shown), until aperture 60 is reached, Fig. 4. The energy barrier of the aperture acts ~o "pin" the bottom edge of the meniscus while the top edge moves forward until the meniscus is approximately in position M'.
Thereafter, filling of the second zone occurs as in ~he previously described embodiment. However, the ability of the liquid to wet a given material for members 30 ~nd 32 will tend to alter how much he~d h is needed for a given thickness to~ as will the surface tenslon of the liquidO For example, the greater the wettability of surface 34 compared to surface 36, the more the meniscus edge at surface 34 "leads" its edge at surface 36. The greater ~hls disparlty, the greater the pressure that the head h tends to apply, and the greater the distance ~hat is useful for to. ~ur~hermore, ~he value of h for a given thickness to also depends on the resist-ance to first zone flow provided by the diverting aperture. If ~he width w of zone portion 54, Fig. 1, is much greater than ~he flow-through dlmension (width or length) of aper~ure 60 that is parallel to w~ the liquid will act as though the aperture were not there, and surround aperture 60 before it contacts layer 16. On ~he other hand, if the flow-through width of the firs~
zone onl~ equals ~he parallel dimension of the divertlng aperture, ~he resistance to flow into the diverting aperture is increased ~o the point where the device is . lnoperat~ve. More specifically, if aperture 60 ls, for example, rectangular with a flow-through length extend-ing parallel to ~he wid~h w of the irst zone, and is dimenslon~d to equal that width w, liquid flow ~n zone 40 will not readily proceed into aperture 60.
Therefore~ the resista~ce to first zone flow created by the divertlng aperture 9 the advancing contact angles for ~he materials used, and the liquid surface tension must be considered in determining the value of h for a given to.
For one preferred embodiment of thls invention, the surface of member 30 is selected from materials th~t provîde a contact angle, for the liquld to be used, of between ~bout 60~ and about 80~, as described above in connection with Fig. 4. The ratio of width w of æone 40 to the parallel dimension of aperture 60 is between ~bout 1.1 to 1 and about 1.5 to 1. Stated rever~ely, the parallel dimension o the diver~ing aperture is between abou~ 0.65 and about 0.9 of the first ~one flow-through width. Care ls taken to center aperture 60 between sidewalls 41 and 43, as otherwise the range of ratios noted ~bo~e for the parallel dimension o the aperture and the first flow-through width will not accurately reflect the conditions n~eded for proper flow. More specific~lly3 insufficien~ clearance of ~he aperture along one wall ~nd a large clearance at the opposite sidewall permits llquid to 10w past the aperture through the large ~learance 9 and the aperture becomes surrounded by the liquid. Finally, the terminating surface o layer 16 is selected so as to have an advancing contact angle less than about ~5, and a receding contact angle no greater than abou~ 30 , to preven~ the l~quid from de-wetting a~ point P.
~e-wetting tends ~o lead to aperture 60 becoming surrounded and air being en~rapped in the secGnd zone.
Thu6, particularly preferred devi~eg include ~hose in which ~ least surface 34 o member 30 is triacetate, a~ least surface 36 of member 32 iæ
polystyrene, aperture 60 iB circular, the ra~o of width w to the dlameter of aperture 60 is about 1028 to l~Oy and layer 16 i6 a cellulo~e ace~ate overcoat of a ~hloride electrode as described in the aoresaid U.S.
Patent No. 4J1995411. Preferred diamet2rs o aper~ure 60, in such em~odiments, range between about 2.0 mm and 35~
about 5.0 mm, provided that ~he width w of zone 40 i8 modified to provide the 1.28 to l r~tio noted above.
For such an embodiment, as will be seen in the examples tha~ follow, the relationship between h and to such that s~tisf~ctory wetting of the ISE occur6, is h >
150 ~ 0.87 ~ , measured in microns. Since it ls desired that, for good caplllary flow, h should no~
exceed about 600 ~, then to in such an embodiment does not exceed about 515 ~.
Thus it will be apparent that the present device provides more reliable flow over a longer path length than was suggested for use in the device of my aforesaid U.S. Patent No. 4,271,119, absent an air ven~
in the second zone.
The second zone need not terminate with the surface of layer 16 adhered directly to member 32, in order that the diverting ~perture 60 should function as described. That is, useful embodiments include those in which the terminating surface of the second zone iB
spaced a short distance from the apertured member 32 by an intervening wall member, as shown for example ln Fi8.
2 of my Aforesaid pAtent.
The fluid height h of zone 40 at aperture ~0 is a useful capillary spaclng throughout zone 40. However 9 to conserve the volume of llquid required to fill zon~
40, those portions of æone 40 removed from the location of aperture 60 are preferably decreased in thelr capil lary spacingO An additional adYantage of such a con-struc~ion is that i~ permi~s member 32 to ~e thicker a~
portions removed from aperture 60, for ease in m~nu-factuEing.
Thus 9 bridge portion S2 has a sp~cing between surfaces 34 and 36 that is less than dist~nce or heigh~
h. However, that distance is Increased by reason of ramp 70, r~mp 70 being preferably lnclined a~ an angle ~ of lese th~n 30~, Fig~ 2, until the value of h ls reached as advanclng liquid appro&ches aperture 60~
Angle ~ is selected to be small to avold creating an ~nergy barrier at 100 to the flow of liquid, The inven~ion has been described in connection with diverting apertures 60 ~hat are circular. It will be readily apparent that non-circul~rly shaped aperturee ere also useful wi~h the invention. Thus, a Bquare flow-through æhape is also useful, as are ~he shape6 described in my aforesaid U.S. P~tent No. 49271,119.
Examples 1 3 A first cap~llary transport zone was provided by ~wo spaced-apart members wherein the bottom member was a sheet of polys~yrene apertured with ~ clrcular punch that was abou~ 2.5 mm in dlameter. The top member was triacetate and the width w of the fir~t zone at the diverting aper~ure was about 3.2 mm. To create ~he second zone~ the apertured member was adhered, at the aperture~ ~o a C1~3 ISE as described above, using a layer of GELVA adheslve that wa~ about 25.4 miCronB
thick. To vary the fluid height above ~he aperture and the thickness of the second zone9 the thicknesses of a) the spacer separating the opposed surfaces of the first zone and of b) the bo~tom member9 were var~ed as set forth in the following Table I:
Table I
Total Thickne6s of Thickness Spacer BottomSecond Example Thickness (h)* Member* Zone(tO)*
- _ _ 1 229 ~ 25.~ ~51 2 254 ~ 76 ~ 102
The fluid height h of zone 40 at aperture ~0 is a useful capillary spaclng throughout zone 40. However 9 to conserve the volume of llquid required to fill zon~
40, those portions of æone 40 removed from the location of aperture 60 are preferably decreased in thelr capil lary spacingO An additional adYantage of such a con-struc~ion is that i~ permi~s member 32 to ~e thicker a~
portions removed from aperture 60, for ease in m~nu-factuEing.
Thus 9 bridge portion S2 has a sp~cing between surfaces 34 and 36 that is less than dist~nce or heigh~
h. However, that distance is Increased by reason of ramp 70, r~mp 70 being preferably lnclined a~ an angle ~ of lese th~n 30~, Fig~ 2, until the value of h ls reached as advanclng liquid appro&ches aperture 60~
Angle ~ is selected to be small to avold creating an ~nergy barrier at 100 to the flow of liquid, The inven~ion has been described in connection with diverting apertures 60 ~hat are circular. It will be readily apparent that non-circul~rly shaped aperturee ere also useful wi~h the invention. Thus, a Bquare flow-through æhape is also useful, as are ~he shape6 described in my aforesaid U.S. P~tent No. 49271,119.
Examples 1 3 A first cap~llary transport zone was provided by ~wo spaced-apart members wherein the bottom member was a sheet of polys~yrene apertured with ~ clrcular punch that was abou~ 2.5 mm in dlameter. The top member was triacetate and the width w of the fir~t zone at the diverting aper~ure was about 3.2 mm. To create ~he second zone~ the apertured member was adhered, at the aperture~ ~o a C1~3 ISE as described above, using a layer of GELVA adheslve that wa~ about 25.4 miCronB
thick. To vary the fluid height above ~he aperture and the thickness of the second zone9 the thicknesses of a) the spacer separating the opposed surfaces of the first zone and of b) the bo~tom member9 were var~ed as set forth in the following Table I:
Table I
Total Thickne6s of Thickness Spacer BottomSecond Example Thickness (h)* Member* Zone(tO)*
- _ _ 1 229 ~ 25.~ ~51 2 254 ~ 76 ~ 102
3 203 ~ 25~4 ~51 Comp.
Ex. 1 229 ~ 102 ~ 127 Comp.
Ex. 2 178 ~ 2504 ~51 ~
* These ~hicknesses were determined by selecting thick-nesses measured as mils of an inch, and by converting to rounded off ~etrlc unitsO
To determine whether liquid would 10~ into the punched aperture, 5 ml o~ human serum or water was used as the liqui~, each being splked with 100 ~l o~ a fluor~scent composi~ion comprising europium imbibed in a styrene-acrylamide me~hacrylic acid l~tex, for enhanced visual observationO (Other fluorescen~ ma~erials sl~o are useful.~ In addition~ ~he ISE wa~ connected/ at the portion corresponding to the exposed surface at w~ndow 22 of F~g. 2, to a ~oltmeter ~et at the lOK ohm ~et-ting. The other probe of the vol~me~er was immersed in the li~uid that was supplied to the firs~ capillary zoneL When and only when l~quid filled the ~econd zone . compris~ng the circular apertllre, the voltmeter went off scale.
The results appear in Table II.
Table II
Example Liquid Tested Flow Succes6fully Diverted?
1 ~erum Yes 5 2 serum Yes 3 serum Yes Comp.
Ex. 1 serum No Comp.
10 Ex. 2 water No Examples 4 ~nd 5 The procedure of Example 1 was repeated except h was selected to equal about 305 ~ and about 330 ~, respectively. Total thickness to w~s equal to 178 ~
in both cases, by using a bottom member having a thick-ness of about 102 ~ and a 25.4 ~ thick tape having adhesive on both sides. The thickne~s of the adhesive on each ~ide was about 25.4 ~O In both Ex~mples 4 and 5, satisfa~tory flow of serum into the second zone and we~ting of the elec~rode were observed.
Exam~
The procedure of Examples 1-3 was repeated, u~ing spiked ~erum, and ~he ~erminatlng surf~ce for the second zone (under the circular aperture) was glass instead of the clQ ISE. No voltm~ter was use~ to determine diversion of flow. As a con~rol, the ~hick-nesses were selected to give h ~ 229 ~ and t a 127 ~. Dlversion of flow did no~ occur, as de~ermined visu~lly, Howevera when th~ experiment W~6 repeated (Example 6~ with a thickness to equal to only 76 ~, diversion of capillary ~low did oecur.
~ he values for h ~nd to used in Examples 1-6 were plotted in the gr~ph of Fig. 5. Tho5e va~ue6 that provided 6uc~essful flow to the term~natlng ~urf~ce of s~
the second zone are marked with circles, and those comparative examples that: failed with "x'sO" As is apparent, the data indicates a linear division between successful flow and unsuccessful fl~w, which division approximately follows the equation l) h = 150 ~ 0.87 to, measured in microns.
Thus, i for the device described in Example 1, h equals or exceeds the value predicted by equation l), the liquid introduced into the first zone also flows into the second zone and wets the ISE~ without the need for an air vent in the second zone.
The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifica-tions can be effected within the spirit and scope of theinvention.
Ex. 1 229 ~ 102 ~ 127 Comp.
Ex. 2 178 ~ 2504 ~51 ~
* These ~hicknesses were determined by selecting thick-nesses measured as mils of an inch, and by converting to rounded off ~etrlc unitsO
To determine whether liquid would 10~ into the punched aperture, 5 ml o~ human serum or water was used as the liqui~, each being splked with 100 ~l o~ a fluor~scent composi~ion comprising europium imbibed in a styrene-acrylamide me~hacrylic acid l~tex, for enhanced visual observationO (Other fluorescen~ ma~erials sl~o are useful.~ In addition~ ~he ISE wa~ connected/ at the portion corresponding to the exposed surface at w~ndow 22 of F~g. 2, to a ~oltmeter ~et at the lOK ohm ~et-ting. The other probe of the vol~me~er was immersed in the li~uid that was supplied to the firs~ capillary zoneL When and only when l~quid filled the ~econd zone . compris~ng the circular apertllre, the voltmeter went off scale.
The results appear in Table II.
Table II
Example Liquid Tested Flow Succes6fully Diverted?
1 ~erum Yes 5 2 serum Yes 3 serum Yes Comp.
Ex. 1 serum No Comp.
10 Ex. 2 water No Examples 4 ~nd 5 The procedure of Example 1 was repeated except h was selected to equal about 305 ~ and about 330 ~, respectively. Total thickness to w~s equal to 178 ~
in both cases, by using a bottom member having a thick-ness of about 102 ~ and a 25.4 ~ thick tape having adhesive on both sides. The thickne~s of the adhesive on each ~ide was about 25.4 ~O In both Ex~mples 4 and 5, satisfa~tory flow of serum into the second zone and we~ting of the elec~rode were observed.
Exam~
The procedure of Examples 1-3 was repeated, u~ing spiked ~erum, and ~he ~erminatlng surf~ce for the second zone (under the circular aperture) was glass instead of the clQ ISE. No voltm~ter was use~ to determine diversion of flow. As a con~rol, the ~hick-nesses were selected to give h ~ 229 ~ and t a 127 ~. Dlversion of flow did no~ occur, as de~ermined visu~lly, Howevera when th~ experiment W~6 repeated (Example 6~ with a thickness to equal to only 76 ~, diversion of capillary ~low did oecur.
~ he values for h ~nd to used in Examples 1-6 were plotted in the gr~ph of Fig. 5. Tho5e va~ue6 that provided 6uc~essful flow to the term~natlng ~urf~ce of s~
the second zone are marked with circles, and those comparative examples that: failed with "x'sO" As is apparent, the data indicates a linear division between successful flow and unsuccessful fl~w, which division approximately follows the equation l) h = 150 ~ 0.87 to, measured in microns.
Thus, i for the device described in Example 1, h equals or exceeds the value predicted by equation l), the liquid introduced into the first zone also flows into the second zone and wets the ISE~ without the need for an air vent in the second zone.
The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifica-tions can be effected within the spirit and scope of theinvention.
Claims (13)
1. A liquid transport device comprising means defining a first capillary transport zone, said means including i) a first set of opposing surfaces spaced apart a distance effective to provide capillary flow of introduced liquid, and ii) flow-terminating means defining a flow-through width of said first zone;
liquid access means for admitting liquid into said first zone;
means for venting air entrapped in said first zone; and means defining a second, non-vented capillary transport zone, including:
a) means defining, in one of said opposing surfaces, a diverting aperture having 1) a width dimension which is greater than 0.4 of its length dimension, 2) a dimension extending parallel to said first zone flow-through width that is between about 0.65 and about 0.9 of the said flow-through width, and 3) a flow-through area greater than about 0.2 mm2; and b) a terminating surface disposed at the end of said second zone opposite said diverting aperture;
the relationship of (i) the spaced-apart distance between said opposing first zone surfaces at said diverting aperture, to (ii) the distance between said opposing surface containing said diverting aperture and said terminating surface, being effective to insure that the liquid of said first zone enters said diverting aperture and contacts said terminating surface, before the flow of the liquid in said first zone surrounds said diverting aperture, whereby liquid flows to said terminating sur-face in response to capillary force even in the absence of venting means in said second zone.
liquid access means for admitting liquid into said first zone;
means for venting air entrapped in said first zone; and means defining a second, non-vented capillary transport zone, including:
a) means defining, in one of said opposing surfaces, a diverting aperture having 1) a width dimension which is greater than 0.4 of its length dimension, 2) a dimension extending parallel to said first zone flow-through width that is between about 0.65 and about 0.9 of the said flow-through width, and 3) a flow-through area greater than about 0.2 mm2; and b) a terminating surface disposed at the end of said second zone opposite said diverting aperture;
the relationship of (i) the spaced-apart distance between said opposing first zone surfaces at said diverting aperture, to (ii) the distance between said opposing surface containing said diverting aperture and said terminating surface, being effective to insure that the liquid of said first zone enters said diverting aperture and contacts said terminating surface, before the flow of the liquid in said first zone surrounds said diverting aperture, whereby liquid flows to said terminating sur-face in response to capillary force even in the absence of venting means in said second zone.
2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of said members is readily wetted by a liquid having a surface tension between about 25 and about 75 dynes/cm.
3. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the surface of said first zone opposite to said diverting aperture is made of a material which forms a contact angle with said liquid of between about 60° and about 80°.
4. A device as defined in claim 2 or 3, where-in said spaced apart distance is at least that defined by the equation h = 150 + 0.87 to wherein h is said spaced-apart distance and to is said distance of said second zone between said opposing surface and said terminating surface, in microns.
5. A device as defined in claim 1 or 2, where-in said diverting aperture is circular in shape.
6. A device as defined in claim 1, where-in a portion of said terminating surface is adhered to said one member of said first zone at said diverting aperture.
7. A device as defined in claim 6, wherein said terminating surface is an exterior surface of an ion-selective electrode.
8. A device as defined in claim 7, wherein said ion-selective electrode comprises layers of mate-rials adapted to assay for C1?.
9. A device as defined in claim 1 or 2, where-in said spaced-apart distance of said first zone is less, at locations distal to said diverting aperture, than said spaced-apart distance at said diveting aper-ture, whereby the total amount of liquid required to fill said first zone is reduced.
10. A liquid transport device comprising means defining a first capillary transport zone, said means including i) a pair of members having a first set of opposing surfaces spaced apart a distance effective to provide capillary flow of introduced liquid, and ii) flow-terminating means defining a flow-through width of said first zone;
liquid access means for admitting liquid into said first zone;
means for venting entrapped air in said first zone; and means defining a second, non-vented capillary transport zone, including:
a) means defining in the opposing surface of one of said members, a diverting aperture having 1) a width dimension which is greater than 0,4 of its length dimension, and 2) a transverse cross-sectional flow-through area greater than about 0.2 mm ; and b) a terminating surface disposed at the end of said second zone opposite said diverting aperture;
the relationship of the spaced-apart distance between said opposing first zone surfaces at said diverting aperture, to the distance between said opposing surface containing said diverting aperture, and said terminating surface, and the relationship of said width of said first zone at said diverting aperture, to the dimension of said diverting aperture that extends parallel to said first zone flow-through width, being effective to insure that the liquid of said first zone enters said diverting aperture and second zone and contacts said terminating surface, before the flow of the liquid in said first zone surrounds said diverting aperture, whereby liquid flows under capillary forces to said terminating surface even in the absence of venting means in said second zone.
liquid access means for admitting liquid into said first zone;
means for venting entrapped air in said first zone; and means defining a second, non-vented capillary transport zone, including:
a) means defining in the opposing surface of one of said members, a diverting aperture having 1) a width dimension which is greater than 0,4 of its length dimension, and 2) a transverse cross-sectional flow-through area greater than about 0.2 mm ; and b) a terminating surface disposed at the end of said second zone opposite said diverting aperture;
the relationship of the spaced-apart distance between said opposing first zone surfaces at said diverting aperture, to the distance between said opposing surface containing said diverting aperture, and said terminating surface, and the relationship of said width of said first zone at said diverting aperture, to the dimension of said diverting aperture that extends parallel to said first zone flow-through width, being effective to insure that the liquid of said first zone enters said diverting aperture and second zone and contacts said terminating surface, before the flow of the liquid in said first zone surrounds said diverting aperture, whereby liquid flows under capillary forces to said terminating surface even in the absence of venting means in said second zone.
11. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein at least one of said members is readily wetted by a liquid having a surface tension between about 25 and about 75 dynes/cm.
12. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein the ratio of said flow-through width of said first zone at said diverting aperture, to said parallel dimension of said diverting aperture is between about 1.1 to 1 and about 1.5 to 1.
13. A device as defined in claim 11 or 12, wherein said diverting aperture is circular in shape.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US362,930 | 1982-03-29 | ||
| US06/362,930 US4473457A (en) | 1982-03-29 | 1982-03-29 | Liquid transport device providing diversion of capillary flow into a non-vented second zone |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1188958A true CA1188958A (en) | 1985-06-18 |
Family
ID=23428102
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000409099A Expired CA1188958A (en) | 1982-03-29 | 1982-08-10 | Liquid transport device providing diversion of capillary flow into a non-vented second zone |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4473457A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0090636B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS58180942A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1188958A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3373147D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (39)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA1231136A (en) * | 1984-06-13 | 1988-01-05 | Ian A. Shanks | Capillary action chemical test device |
| JPS622150A (en) * | 1985-06-28 | 1987-01-08 | Nok Corp | Continuous measurement of concentration of substrate in fluid |
| JPS629264A (en) * | 1985-07-05 | 1987-01-17 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Method and instrument for measuring ion activity |
| CA1292176C (en) * | 1985-09-18 | 1991-11-19 | Joel M. Blatt | Volume metering capillary gap device for applying a liquid sample onto a reactive surface |
| US4849340A (en) * | 1987-04-03 | 1989-07-18 | Cardiovascular Diagnostics, Inc. | Reaction system element and method for performing prothrombin time assay |
| US4868129A (en) * | 1987-08-27 | 1989-09-19 | Biotrack Inc. | Apparatus and method for dilution and mixing of liquid samples |
| US4946795A (en) * | 1987-08-27 | 1990-08-07 | Biotrack, Inc. | Apparatus and method for dilution and mixing of liquid samples |
| US4929426A (en) * | 1987-11-02 | 1990-05-29 | Biologix, Inc. | Portable blood chemistry measuring apparatus |
| ATE125359T1 (en) * | 1987-11-02 | 1995-08-15 | Biolog Inc | PORTABLE BLOOD CHEMISTRY MEASUREMENT ARRANGEMENT. |
| US4957582A (en) * | 1989-03-16 | 1990-09-18 | Eastman Kodak Company | Capillary transport zone coated with adhesive |
| JP4027420B2 (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 2007-12-26 | コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ | Sample holder for samples undergoing radiation analysis |
| US6071391A (en) * | 1997-09-12 | 2000-06-06 | Nok Corporation | Enzyme electrode structure |
| US5997817A (en) | 1997-12-05 | 1999-12-07 | Roche Diagnostics Corporation | Electrochemical biosensor test strip |
| US6287451B1 (en) | 1999-06-02 | 2001-09-11 | Handani Winarta | Disposable sensor and method of making |
| US6319719B1 (en) | 1999-10-28 | 2001-11-20 | Roche Diagnostics Corporation | Capillary hematocrit separation structure and method |
| US6406672B1 (en) | 2000-01-28 | 2002-06-18 | Roche Diagnostics | Plasma retention structure providing internal flow |
| US6451264B1 (en) | 2000-01-28 | 2002-09-17 | Roche Diagnostics Corporation | Fluid flow control in curved capillary channels |
| US6572745B2 (en) | 2001-03-23 | 2003-06-03 | Virotek, L.L.C. | Electrochemical sensor and method thereof |
| US20030055360A1 (en) * | 2001-09-05 | 2003-03-20 | Zeleznik Matthew A. | Minimally invasive sensing system for measuring rigidity of anatomical matter |
| US6884592B2 (en) * | 2001-09-05 | 2005-04-26 | Lifescan, Inc. | Devices for analyte concentration determination and methods of manufacturing and using the same |
| US6997343B2 (en) | 2001-11-14 | 2006-02-14 | Hypoguard Limited | Sensor dispensing device |
| US20030111357A1 (en) * | 2001-12-13 | 2003-06-19 | Black Murdo M. | Test meter calibration |
| US20030169426A1 (en) * | 2002-03-08 | 2003-09-11 | Peterson Timothy A. | Test member orientation |
| US6837976B2 (en) * | 2002-04-19 | 2005-01-04 | Nova Biomedical Corporation | Disposable sensor with enhanced sample port inlet |
| US7250095B2 (en) * | 2002-07-11 | 2007-07-31 | Hypoguard Limited | Enzyme electrodes and method of manufacture |
| US7264139B2 (en) * | 2003-01-14 | 2007-09-04 | Hypoguard Limited | Sensor dispensing device |
| US20040265171A1 (en) * | 2003-06-27 | 2004-12-30 | Pugia Michael J. | Method for uniform application of fluid into a reactive reagent area |
| DE10354806A1 (en) * | 2003-11-21 | 2005-06-02 | Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts Gmbh | sample carrier |
| US20050121826A1 (en) * | 2003-12-03 | 2005-06-09 | Kiamars Hajizadeh | Multi-sensor device for motorized meter and methods thereof |
| DE10360220A1 (en) * | 2003-12-20 | 2005-07-21 | Steag Microparts Gmbh | Fine structure arrangement in fluid ejection system, has predetermined region in transitional zone between inlet and discharge ports, at which capillary force is maximum |
| US20050150763A1 (en) * | 2004-01-09 | 2005-07-14 | Butters Colin W. | Biosensor and method of manufacture |
| WO2005078118A1 (en) | 2004-02-06 | 2005-08-25 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Oxidizable species as an internal reference for biosensors and method of use |
| DE102004033317A1 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2006-02-09 | Roche Diagnostics Gmbh | Analytical test element |
| AU2006272909B2 (en) | 2005-07-20 | 2013-02-07 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Gated amperometry |
| AU2006297572B2 (en) | 2005-09-30 | 2012-11-15 | Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings Ag | Gated Voltammetry |
| EP2679150B1 (en) | 2006-10-24 | 2020-07-22 | Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG | Transient decay amperometry |
| WO2009076302A1 (en) | 2007-12-10 | 2009-06-18 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Control markers for auto-detection of control solution and methods of use |
| US20090321255A1 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2009-12-31 | Nikolai Kocherginsky | Drug-meter: Multiwell membrane-based potentiometric sensor for high throughput tests of drugs |
| US9724689B2 (en) * | 2012-11-20 | 2017-08-08 | Detectachem Llc | Colorimetric test system designed to control flow of simultaneously released chemicals to a target area |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR1444146A (en) * | 1965-05-14 | 1966-07-01 | Promoveo | Improvements to devices for studying chemical or biological reactions |
| CH564770A5 (en) * | 1974-03-15 | 1975-07-31 | Avl Verbrennungskraft Messtech | |
| FR2394801A1 (en) * | 1977-06-14 | 1979-01-12 | Fresenius Chem Pharm Ind | MULTIPLE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF FLOWING LIQUIDS AND GASES |
| DE2854444C3 (en) * | 1978-01-03 | 1995-10-26 | Avl Medical Instr Ag | Process for the production of an ion sensitive capillary electrode |
| US4254083A (en) * | 1979-07-23 | 1981-03-03 | Eastman Kodak Company | Structural configuration for transport of a liquid drop through an ingress aperture |
| US4233029A (en) * | 1978-10-25 | 1980-11-11 | Eastman Kodak Company | Liquid transport device and method |
| US4273639A (en) * | 1979-06-20 | 1981-06-16 | Eastman Kodak Company | Capillary bridge in apparatus for determining ionic activity |
| DE3067436D1 (en) * | 1979-07-23 | 1984-05-17 | Eastman Kodak Co | Liquid transport device for controlled liquid flow, and liquid testing device and device for determining activity of an ionic analyte including a liquid transport device |
| US4271119A (en) * | 1979-07-23 | 1981-06-02 | Eastman Kodak Company | Capillary transport device having connected transport zones |
| WO1981000302A1 (en) * | 1979-07-23 | 1981-02-05 | Eastman Kodak Co | Liquid transport device |
-
1982
- 1982-03-29 US US06/362,930 patent/US4473457A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1982-08-10 CA CA000409099A patent/CA1188958A/en not_active Expired
-
1983
- 1983-03-29 EP EP83301743A patent/EP0090636B1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-03-29 DE DE8383301743T patent/DE3373147D1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-03-29 JP JP58053451A patent/JPS58180942A/en active Granted
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPS58180942A (en) | 1983-10-22 |
| JPH046905B2 (en) | 1992-02-07 |
| EP0090636A2 (en) | 1983-10-05 |
| EP0090636B1 (en) | 1987-08-19 |
| DE3373147D1 (en) | 1987-09-24 |
| EP0090636A3 (en) | 1984-08-01 |
| US4473457A (en) | 1984-09-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |