US 12,092,650 B2
Liquid evaluation device
Matthew Hurlburt, Clark Mills, NY (US); Eric LaPier, Nassau, NY (US); Dan Carlo, Johnsonville, NY (US); David Lala, Clifton Park, NY (US); and Ian K. Glasgow, Averill Park, NY (US)
Assigned to Forward Biotech, Inc., Troy, NY (US)
Filed by Forward Biotech, Inc., Troy, NY (US)
Filed on Sep. 18, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/369,535.
Application 18/369,535 is a continuation of application No. PCT/US2022/052338, filed on Dec. 9, 2022.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/287,668, filed on Dec. 9, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2024/0003930 A1, Jan. 4, 2024
Int. Cl. G01N 35/10 (2006.01)
CPC G01N 35/1016 (2013.01) 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A cartridge for evaluating liquid, the cartridge comprising:
a first substrate having a first internal facing side;
a second substrate coupled to the first substrate, the second substrate having a second internal facing side facing the first internal facing side, wherein the first and second internal facing sides form opposing surfaces of each of a set of channels located between the first internal facing side and the second internal facing side, wherein the set of channels includes a channel configured to contain a liquid column by capillary action;
at least one coating located on at least one of the first internal facing side or the second internal facing side, wherein the at least one coating defines a set of barrier regions located between the first internal facing side and the second internal facing side, wherein the set of barrier regions includes a barrier region adjoining the channel, and wherein an edge of the at least one coating defines a border between the channel and the barrier region adjoining the channel;
an air gap located between each of the at least one coating and the other of the first internal facing side or the second internal facing side, wherein the barrier region adjoining the channel has a size and a surface configured to cause a liquid column located in the channel to follow the channel due to the capillary action, without flowing into the barrier region adjoining the channel; and
at least one liquid flow structure located in the channel, wherein the at least one liquid flow structure is configured to facilitate liquid flow through the at least one liquid flow structure to control a shape and a location of a leading edge and/or a trailing edge of a liquid column located in the channel, and wherein each of the at least one liquid flow structure includes:
a plurality of barriers extending across a lateral width of the channel; and
at least one opening located between the plurality of barriers, wherein the at least one opening provides a path for the liquid column to flow through the each of the at least one liquid flow structure.