TW201903410A - Flow measurement and related methods using at least one electrofluidic flow control valve - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to flow assays including at least one electrically-actuated valve configured to control fluid flow. Methods of operating such flow assays are also disclosed.

Description

Flow measurement and related method using at least one electric fluid flow control valve

The present invention relates generally to the field of detection, and more particularly to a flow measurement and related method having at least one electric fluid flow control valve.

A cross-flow detection device ("LFA") can be a paper-based device that detects the presence of an analyte in a sample without the need for expensive equipment. LFA is a common nursing diagnostic tool.

LFA works by wicking (eg, capillary action) through a porous membrane (eg, paper), where chemical reactions can occur within and on the surface of the porous membrane. The LFA may contain a conjugate material therein. Conjugate materials are usually formulated to provide the solvents and reactants necessary for dissolution, reaction, coloring, labeling, or suspected analytes incorporated into a sample. Therefore, if an analyte is present, the conjugate or its components will react with the analyte in the sample. The conjugate may include a marker or other material configured to provide a visual indication of the presence of an analyte, a reaction analyte, or an analyte-conjugate complex. Generally, the readout of LFA is a visual change at some point along the length of the LFA. Many LFAs include an analyte collection material near the distal end of the LFA, whereby the analyte and any markers bound to it are bound at large concentrations to provide a visual indication of a positive or negative result.

The LFA may have limited flow control such that once the liquid enters the LFA, the liquid continues to flow through capillary action at a predetermined rate controlled at least in part by the Lucas-Washburn equation. Without flow control, the complexity of the chemical reactions that can be performed in the LFA is limited.

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fluid detection device (eg, LFA) including an electrically actuated valve configured to control a fluid flow. A method of operating such a fluid detection device is also disclosed.

In an embodiment, a flow detection device for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample is disclosed. The flow detection device includes at least one hydrophilic porous layer having a proximal end through which the sample can be introduced, a distal end spaced from the proximal end, and a first side spaced from a second side. And a gap between the proximal end and the distal end and between the first side and the second side. The flow detection device includes at least one first hydrophobic layer provided near the first side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially define the gap; and at least one second hydrophobic layer, which It is provided near the second side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially define the gap. The flow detection device further includes a first electrode electrically coupled to the at least one first hydrophobic layer and separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one first hydrophobic layer; and a second An electrode electrically coupled to the at least one second hydrophobic layer and separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one second hydrophobic layer. The flow detection device further includes a power source electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, the power source being configured to apply a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

In an embodiment, a method for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample is disclosed. The method includes providing a flow detection device including: at least one hydrophilic porous layer having a proximal end through which the sample can be introduced, a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end, and a first A first side that is spaced apart on both sides, and a gap between the proximal end and the distal end and between the first side and the second side. The provided flow detection device includes at least one first hydrophobic layer disposed near the first side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially define the gap; and at least one second hydrophobic layer, It is disposed near the second side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially define the gap. The provided flow detection device further includes a first electrode electrically coupled to the at least one first hydrophobic layer and separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one first hydrophobic layer; a second electrode , Which is electrically coupled to the at least one second hydrophobic layer and separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one second hydrophobic layer; and a power source which is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the Mentioned second electrode. The method includes introducing the sample at the proximal end of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the flow detection device. The method further includes applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode to effectively change at least one of the at least one first hydrophobic layer or the at least one second hydrophobic layer. Hydrophobic.

In one embodiment, a flow detection device is disclosed. The flow detection device includes at least one common area. The flow detection device further includes at least one first branch and at least one second branch, the at least one first branch and the at least one second branch extending longitudinally from the at least one common area and being fluidly coupled to the at least one A public area. Each of the at least one first branch and the at least one second branch includes: at least one hydrophilic porous layer including a proximal branch end adjacent to the at least one common area, and a proximal branch end The spaced-apart distal branch ends, the first branch side spaced from the second branch ends, and at least one gap between the proximal branch ends and the distal branch ends. Each of the at least one first branch and the at least one second branch may further include: at least one first hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to the first branch side to partially define the at least one gap; At least one second hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to the second branch side to partially define the at least one gap; a first electrode passing through the at least one first hydrophobic layer and the at least one hydrophilic porous Layer separation; and a second electrode separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one second hydrophobic layer. In addition, the flow detection device includes a power source electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The power supply is configured to generate a first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode of the at least one first branch so that at least a portion of the sample can flow through the at least one first electrode. The at least one gap of a branch. The power supply is further configured to generate a second voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode of the at least one second branch to enable at least a portion of the sample to flow through the at least one The at least one gap of the second branch, wherein the second voltage is different from the first voltage.

In one embodiment, a method for detecting the presence of at least one analyte in a sample is disclosed. The method includes flowing the sample through at least one first branch. Flowing the sample through at least one first branch includes flowing the sample from a first proximal branch end of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one first branch to at least one first gap. The at least one first gap is located between the first proximal branch end and a first distal branch end spaced from the first proximal branch end. The at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one first branch includes a first branch side spaced apart from a second branch side. Flowing the sample through the at least one first branch further includes preventing the sample from flowing through the at least one first gap for at least the following reasons: disposed adjacent to the first branch side and partially defining the at least one first gap At least one first hydrophobic layer; and at least one second hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to the second branch side and partially defining the at least one first gap. Flowing the sample through the at least one first branch further includes, after preventing the sample from flowing through the at least one first gap, applying a first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode to effectively change the at least The hydrophobicity of one first hydrophobic layer or the at least one second hydrophobic layer. The first electrode is separated from the at least one first hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one first branch by the at least one first hydrophobic layer, and the second electrode is separated by the at least one second The hydrophobic layer is separated from the at least one first hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one first branch. Further, flowing the sample through the at least one first branch includes, in response to applying a first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, enabling at least a portion of the sample to flow through the at least one first gap. The method also includes flowing the sample at least partially through at least one second branch. Flowing the sample at least partially through at least one second branch includes flowing the sample from a second proximal branch end of at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one second branch to at least one second gap. The at least one second gap is located between the second proximal branch end and a second distal branch end spaced from the second proximal branch end. The at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one second branch includes a third branch side spaced from the fourth branch side. Causing the sample to flow at least partially through the at least one second branch includes preventing the sample from flowing through the at least one second gap at least for the following reasons: disposed adjacent to the third branch side to partially define at least one second At least one first hydrophobic layer of the gap; and at least one second hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to the fourth branch side to partially define the at least one second gap.

In one embodiment, a flow detection device for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample is disclosed. The flow detection device includes at least one common area. The flow detection device further includes at least one first branch and at least one second branch, the at least one first branch and the at least one second branch extending longitudinally from the at least one common area. Each of the at least one first branch and the at least one second branch includes at least one hydrophilic porous layer including a proximal branch end adjacent to the at least one common area, and A distal branch end spaced apart from the proximal branch end, a first branch side spaced apart from a second branch side, and at least one gap between the proximal branch end and the distal branch end. Each of the at least one first branch and the at least one second branch further includes: at least one first hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to the first side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially Defining the at least one gap; at least one second hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to the second side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially define the at least one gap; a first electrode that is in contact with the At least one first hydrophobic layer is electrically coupled and separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one first hydrophobic layer; and a second electrode is electrically coupled with the at least one second hydrophobic layer and Separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one second hydrophobic layer. The flow detection device further includes a power source electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, and the power source is configured to connect the first electrode and the second electrode at the at least one first branch. A first voltage is generated therebetween, and a second voltage is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode of the at least one second branch, wherein the second voltage is different from the first voltage. The flow detection device further includes a control system of a control circuit communicably coupled to the power source. The control circuit is configured to: send a first startup signal to the power source, the first startup signal is configured to cause the power source to generate the first voltage; and send a second startup signal to the power source, so The second start signal is configured to cause the power source to generate the second voltage. The flow detection device is further configured to have at least one of the following: the at least one gap of the at least one first branch presents a phase of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one first branch The distance between adjacent sections or sections, and at least one gap of the at least one second branch is at least partially formed by adjacent sections or sections of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one second branch A second distance between the two is defined, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; the at least one first hydrophobic layer and the at least one second hydrophobic layer of the at least one first branch jointly present a first Three hydrophobic, and the at least one first hydrophobic layer and the at least one second hydrophobic layer of the at least one second branch collectively exhibit a fourth hydrophobicity different from the third hydrophobicity; the The at least one gap of at least one first branch is at least partially occupied by at least one first hydrophobic porous material, the first hydrophobic porous material exhibiting first hydrophobicity, and The at least one gap of at least one second branch is at least partially occupied by at least one second hydrophobic porous material, the second hydrophobic porous material exhibiting a second hydrophobicity different from the first hydrophobicity; or the at least one The at least one gap of a first branch is at least partially occupied by at least one hydrophobic porous material, and the at least one gap of the at least one second branch is at least partially occupied by air.

Features from any of the disclosed embodiments can be used in combination with each other without limitation. In addition, other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the following detailed description and drawings.

The foregoing summary is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, other aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

All the subject matter of the priority application (including any priority claims) is incorporated herein by reference as long as the subject matter is consistent with the present document.

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a flow detection device (eg, LFA) that includes an electrically actuated valve configured to control a fluid flow. A method of operating such a microfluidic detection device is also disclosed.

LFA can be used to provide, by way of non-limiting examples, point-of-care tests for a variety of purposes, such as drug tests, pregnancy tests, flu tests, fertility tests, human immunodeficiency virus ("HIV") tests, hepatitis tests. LFA works by moving the sample containing the analytes through the length of the capillary bed via capillary action. During capillary transport, the analyte in the sample is exposed to a conjugate material configured to react with the analyte to assist its detection. The conjugate contains a label or a colored molecule. The marker or colored molecule is configured to react with the analyte, the reacted analyte molecule or the analyte-conjugate complex, and provide its visual indication when concentrated in large quantities (eg, bound to an indicator strip).

The disclosed embodiments include a hydrophilic porous layer that functions as a capillary bed and has a gap defined therein by a hydrophobic material electrically coupled to an electrode, thereby collectively forming an electrically operated valve. The interstitial and hydrophobic layers are configured to stop the capillary flow of the sample long enough to allow the desired reaction between the analyte and the conjugate in the sample to occur. In response to applying a voltage to the hydrophobic layer, the sample can be allowed to flow through the gap. The application of the voltage may be controlled via a control system according to a desired command argument or other criteria.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.

1A and 1B are diagrams of a flow detection device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 1A is an isometric cross-sectional view of a flow detection device 100. FIG. 1B is a front cross-sectional view of the flow detection device 100 of FIG. 1A, taken along line 1B-1B. The flow detection device 100 may be used to determine the presence of one or more specific analytes in a sample. The flow detection device 100 may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110. The at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 may include a proximal end 101 spaced apart from the distal end 102, a first side 103 spaced apart from the second side 104, and a gap 115 located between the proximal end 101 and the distal end 102 and Between the first side 103 and the second side 104. The gap 115 is defined at least in part by a distance “D” between adjacent portions or sections of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110.

The flow detection device 100 further includes at least one first hydrophobic layer 120 disposed near the first side 103 of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110. The at least one first hydrophobic layer 120 at least partially defines a gap 115. The flow detection device 100 further includes at least one second hydrophobic layer 122 disposed near the second side 104 of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 to at least partially define the gap 115.

The flow detection device 100 further includes a first electrode 130 electrically coupled to the at least one first hydrophobic layer 120. The first electrode 130 may be separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 by at least one first hydrophobic layer 120. The flow detection device 100 includes a second electrode 132 electrically coupled to at least one second hydrophobic layer 122. The second electrode 132 may be separated (eg, spaced apart) from the hydrophilic porous layer 110 by at least one second hydrophobic layer 122. The flow detection device 100 may include a power source 140 electrically coupled to the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132 via an electrical connection 142 (eg, a wiring). The power source 140 may be configured to generate a voltage between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132, provide a voltage, or apply a voltage to effectively enable at least an analyte to flow through the gap 115 of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110. An actuator 144 electrically coupled to the power source 140 may be configured to start and stop the application of a voltage. Optionally, the flow detection device 100 may include a housing 150 that surrounds the hydrophilic porous layer 110, the first hydrophobic layer 120 and the second hydrophobic layer 122, the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132, the power source 140, or the power supply. At least a part of the connecting member 142.

During use, the flow detection device 100 may be used to determine or detect the presence of a particular one or more analytes in a sample. Typical samples may include liquids containing analytes (eg, dispersions, emulsions, etc.), such as diluted or undiluted blood, serum, urine, saliva, mucus, or other samples from a test subject. When exposed to the sample, the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 can move the sample through the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 via capillary action. The sample may pass through at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 until it reaches the gap 115. In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 may further include a conjugate material (eg, embedded or otherwise dispersed therein) in at least a portion thereof. Conjugate materials can be formulated to react with specific analytes (eg, antigens, molecules, etc.) to produce specific analyte-conjugate complexes or molecules. Typical conjugate materials may include chemical reactants, antibodies, bioactive agents, sugars, salts, formulated to ensure a satisfactory reaction or binding between the analyte and one or more conjugate components or indicator components , Markers and other substances. For example, the analyte may be a virus or an antigen, and the conjugate may comprise an antibody against the virus or antigen.

It may be desirable to force the sample and the conjugate material to react together for a longer time than the capillary action of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110. For example, a given reaction between a conjugate and an analyte in a sample may take 20 minutes to fully develop, while capillary action can carry the analyte through an observation area designed to give a visual indication of the reaction product in less than 15 minutes Or indicator strips, leading to false negative test results.

In the flow detection device 100, the sample cannot proceed further toward the distal end 102 due to the distance "D" between the portions of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 at the gap 115 and the hydrophobic first layer 120 and the second This is caused by the hydrophobic effect of the layer 122. The voltage may be supplied from the power source 140 to at least one of the first electrode 130 or the second electrode 132 through the electrical connection member 142. An actuator 144 electrically coupled to the power source 140 may control the application of the voltage of the first electrode 130 or the second electrode 132. The applied voltage may be applied to allow the sample to advance through the gap 115 toward the distal end 102. The voltage may be selectively applied only after a time sufficient to achieve a satisfactory degree of the conjugate material and the analyte in the sample or to allow an effective reaction between the conjugate material and the analyte in the sample. When the conjugate reacts with the sample, new molecules or complexes can be formed. When a voltage is applied, the complex or new molecule may pass through reduced hydrophobicity, induced hydrophilicity or electrowetting at one or more of the first hydrophobic layer 120 or the second hydrophobic layer 122, and near and far away. Capillary action in at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 of the end 102 moves toward the distal end 102. The applied voltage may have an electrowetting effect on the sample (eg, reduce the contact angle of the liquid), thereby allowing the sample to pass through the gap 115.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, suppose that applying a voltage to some hydrophobic material or electrode that is in contact with the sample material or conjugate material can result in the formation of a less hydrophobic material layer or at least partially hydrophilicity on the surface of the hydrophobic material A layer of material, thereby allowing the sample material to move toward the distal end 102. A layer of lower hydrophobic material or at least part of a layer of hydrophilic material may reduce the contact angle of a liquid (eg, a sample) enough to allow the liquid to pass through the gap 115. Accordingly, the electrically actuated fluid valve described herein may pass, at least in part, through the formation / coating or electrical charging of at least a lower hydrophobic material on the surface of the hydrophobic material (or electrode) in contact with the sample at the gap 115. One or more of the wetting effects.

In an embodiment, one or more markers may be provided in the conjugate in or on at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110, or near the distal end 102. One or more markers may be arranged along one or more lines (eg, stripes or bands), one or more points, one or more blocks, one or more shapes, other designs, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing A width of at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 is spanned. One or more markers can be formulated to react with the conjugate / analyte complex, conjugate-modified analyte or analyte molecule to produce a conjugate / analyte complex, conjugate in the sample A visual indicator of the presence of an altered analyte or analyte molecule. The marker may include latex, gold (eg, colloidal gold), or other suitable molecules that are configured to provide a color change or visual indication of the reaction with the analyte when, for example, a large amount of enrichment is on the indicator portion.

In an embodiment, the flow detection device 100 may include an indicator portion or a test line. The indicator portion may be a separate portion of at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 that may be near the distal end 102. The indicator portion may include a high concentration configured to bind to a conjugate / analyte complex, an conjugate-altered analyte, or an analyte molecule, including any bound markers located thereon in the sample. Molecules or particles. The indicator portion may include a binding molecule, an antibody, or other particle configured to bind a conjugate / analyte complex, a conjugate altered analyte, or an analyte molecule. As more conjugates / analyte complexes, conjugate-changed analytes or analyte molecules are incorporated in the indicator section, including the bound marker, visual indicators (such as a color appearing or changing) ) Begin to appear / show in it. The indicator portion can be configured as a bar, strip, dot, or other shape as needed.

In an embodiment, the flow detection device 100 may include a control portion or line, which is configured to provide a visual indication that the flow detection device is operating normally. The control portion may be disposed on a discrete portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 at or near the distal end 102 (eg, closer to the distal end than the indicator portion). The control portion may include molecules or molecular groups located in discrete portions of the hydrophilic porous layer 110. The molecules in the control section can be configured to react with a sample (eg, any substance in the sample fluid or any substance carried by it) to prove that the flow detection device 100 is functioning or completed normally. The control portion may include a control marker therein. The control marker may include latex, gold, or any other particle configured to give a visual indication of its presence upon substantial enrichment.

In an embodiment, the hydrophilic porous layer 110 may include one or more storage portions. One or more storage portions may be configured as a pad, reservoir, or portion of the hydrophilic porous layer 110 that stores a large volume of sample compared to other portions of the hydrophilic porous layer. For example, the flow detection device 100 may include a storage portion near the proximal end 101 configured to receive a large volume of sample fluid applied to the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110. Then, at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 may extract a sample therefrom (eg, the sample travels through the hydrophilic porous layer by capillary action). A similar storage portion may be located near the distal end 102 and may be configured to wick the sample therein to attract or allow a sufficient amount of sample to travel to the distal end 102 to ensure that the test provides accurate results.

Any of the flow detection devices described herein may include one or more labeling agents, one or more storage portions, an indicator portion, or a control portion.

In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 may include a porous material (eg, a matrix) having a certain thickness. As a non-limiting example, the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 may include porous paper, glass fibers (such as glass fiber mats or pads), polymers (such as carbonized polymers), or capable of effectively performing capillary action to cause lateral flow to pass through Any other material. For example, the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 may include nitrocellulose (such as nitrocellulose or cellulose acetate paper or a liner).

The at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 may have a length and a width. The length measured from proximal 101 to distal 102 may be at least about 0.25 inches, such as about 0.5 inches to about 5 inches, about 1 inch to about 4 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 3 inches, and about 0.5 inches to about 2 Inches, about 0.5 inches, about 1 inch, about 1.5 inches, about 2 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 3 inches, or about 4 inches. The width measured from the first side 103 to the second side 104 may be at least about 0.125 inches, such as about 0.25 inches to about 1 inch, about 0.375 inches to about 0.75 inches, about 0.5 inches to about 0.625 inches, and about 0.25 inches to About 0.75 inches, about 0.25 inches, about 0.5 inches, about 0.625 inches, about 0.75 inches, or about 1 inch. In an embodiment, the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 may exhibit about 1: 1 or more, such as about 1: 1 to about 20: 1, about 2: 1 to about 10: 1, about 3: 1 to about Aspect ratios of 8: 1, about 4: 1 to about 6: 1, about 2: 1, about 3: 1, about 4: 1, or about 5: 1.

In an embodiment, the gap 115 may be defined by a distance D between adjacent portions of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110. In an embodiment, the gap 115 may be empty, such as being substantially occupied only by air or another gas. Adjacent portions of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 may include a proximal portion at the proximal end 101 and a distal portion at the distal end 102 with a gap 115 therebetween. In an embodiment, the gap 115 may extend the entire width of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110. In other words, the gap 115 may extend from the first side 103 to the second side 104. The distance D may be selected based on one or more of the desired contact angle of the sample, the voltage necessary for the sample to pass through the gap 115, or regarding how the minimum size of the gap 115 may be limited. The gap 115 may exhibit a length D between the proximal and distal portions along the length of the flow detection device 100, about 0.001 inches or more, such as about 0.001 inches to about 1 inch, about 0.005 inches to about 0.5 inches, About 0.01 inches to about 0.05 inches, about 0.02 inches to about 0.04 inches, about 0.02 inches to about 0.3 inches, about 0.05 inches to about 0.5 inches, about 0.025 inches, about 0.05 inches, about 0.1 inches, about 0.25 inches, or about 0.5 inches inch.

The first and second hydrophobic layers 120 and 122 may include a material configured to reduce hydrophobicity, plate with a more hydrophilic material, or corrode to expose a more hydrophilic material when a voltage is applied. For example, as a non-limiting example, the first hydrophobic layer 120 and the second hydrophobic layer 122 may include a polymer, a siloxane, a silane (for example, trichloro (perfluorooctyl) silane), and heptafluorodecyltrimethyl Oxysilane, octadecyldimethylchlorosilane, dimethyldichlorosilane, Teflon or Teflon AF. The first hydrophobic layer 120 and the second hydrophobic layer 122 may each be made of the same material or each may be made of a different material.

Each of the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132 may include any material suitable for use as an anode or a cathode. For example, the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132 may include a metal, a metal alloy, or other suitable conductive compounds in the form of a thin film, a plate, a wire, or any other suitable conductive structure. As a non-limiting example, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode may include an alkali metal, and an alkaline earth metal, a transition metal, a metalloid, one or more of the foregoing alloys, a carbonaceous material such as graphite or a sintered polymer ) Or one or more of the foregoing oxides (for example, nickel, iron, copper, silver, gold, platinum, palladium, zinc, tin, aluminum, indium, lithium, titanium, germanium, or indium tin oxide). In an embodiment, the first electrode 130 may be configured as an anode, and the second electrode 132 may be configured as a cathode. In an embodiment, the first electrode 130 may be configured as a cathode, and the second electrode 132 may be configured as an anode. In an embodiment, each of the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132 may include the same material or different materials. In an embodiment, one or more of the second electrode 132 and the first electrode 130 may include a conductive layer through which at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 (eg, indium tin oxide) can be seen.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first electrode 130 or the second electrode 132 may be configured to chemically react with a sample or a conjugate component during the application of a voltage. In an embodiment, at least one of the first electrode 130 or the second electrode 132 configured to chemically react with a sample during the application of a voltage is configured to be coated with a product of a chemical reaction, the product of the chemical reaction being at least partially The ground is hydrophilic or less hydrophobic than the original electrode material. In an embodiment, at least one of the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132 may be configured to undergo a redox reaction with the sample or a component thereof during a voltage application between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first hydrophobic layer 120 or the second hydrophobic layer 122 may be configured to chemically react with a sample during the application of a voltage. In an embodiment, at least one of the first hydrophobic layer 120 or the second hydrophobic layer 122 configured to chemically react with a sample during the application of a voltage is configured to be coated with a product of a chemical reaction, the chemical reaction The product is at least partially hydrophilic or less hydrophobic than at least one of the first hydrophobic layer 120 or the second hydrophobic layer 122. In an embodiment, at least one of the first or second hydrophobic layers 120, 122 may be configured to perform a redox reaction with a sample or a component thereof during the application of a voltage between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132.

Although depicted as extending the entire length of at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110, one or more of the first hydrophobic layer 120, the second hydrophobic layer 122, the first electrode 130, or the second electrode 132 may extend less than at least The length of one hydrophilic porous layer 110. One or more of the first hydrophobic layer 120, the second hydrophobic layer 122, the first electrode 130, or the second electrode 132 may effectively extend the minimum distance D at the gap 115 to allow the sample to pass through the gap when a voltage is applied 115. For example, the first hydrophobic layer 120, the second hydrophobic layer 122, the first electrode 130, and the second electrode 132 may extend beyond a nominal distance on each side of the gap 115 (eg, overlap with at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110) ) So that the applied voltage effectively induces the sample through the gap 115.

The first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132 may be electrically coupled to the power source 140 via an electrical connection 142 (eg, a wiring). The power source 140 may include a battery or a fixed power source (eg, hard-wired, plug-in adapter, etc.) configured to selectively provide a specific voltage (eg, 9 volts) to at least one of the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132. one or more. For example, the power source 140 may provide at least about 1 volt, such as about 1 volt to about 75 volts, about 3 volts to about 30 volts, about 6 volts to about 12 volts, about 1 volt to about 9 volts, about 3 volts, about 6 volts. Volts or about 9 volts. The actuator 144 may be electrically coupled to a battery to control the application of a voltage between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132. The actuator 144 may be operated by manual control (for example, a button, a switch, a dial, a lever, etc.) or automatic control (for example, a sensor control, a timer control, a control circuit control, etc.). The power source 140 may supply power to all or some of the flow detection device 100 including any of the components.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the housing 150 may substantially surround at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110, a first hydrophobic layer 120 and a second hydrophobic layer 122, a first electrode 130 and a second electrode 132, a power source 140, and an electrical connector. 142. The actuator 144 (shown in FIG. 1B) may be at least partially enclosed within a housing. The housing 150 may include one or more openings 155 (such as cutouts, viewing holes, or windows) through which the flow detection device may be viewed. The one or more openings 155 may be covered with a transparent material (eg, glass, plastic, etc.) so that the user can visually inspect the flow detection device 100. The housing 150 may include a sample opening 157 near or near the proximal end 101 through which a sample may be introduced into at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110. In an embodiment, at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 may protrude from the sample opening 157 to or beyond the outer periphery of the housing 150.

The housing 150 may have a thickness of at least one of the hydrophilic porous layer 110, the first hydrophobic layer 120 and the second hydrophobic layer 122, the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132, the power source 140, the electrical connection member 142, and the actuator 144. The thickness "T" is thicker enough to surround them. In an embodiment, the outer shell 150 may be bisected at a point in the thickness T along its length and width sufficient to form two halves of the outer shell 150 that can be opened in a clamshell style (not shown). Such a configuration may allow different flow detection devices (eg, flow detection devices configured to detect different analytes) to be replaced or selected and used within the same housing 150. In an embodiment, the housing 150 may be configured to at least partially surround additional features disclosed below. For example, the housing 150 may be larger at the distal end 102 to accommodate a control circuit.

2A-2D are front cross-sectional views of the flow detection device 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B at different points in time during use. At the time point shown in FIG. 2A, the sample 107 may be introduced into the proximal end 101 of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110. The sample 107 may be introduced into the proximal end 101 of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 by one or more of dipping, blotting, spotting, or any other suitable sampling technique. The porous material of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 can pull or advance the sample from the proximal end 101 toward the distal end 102 through the length of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by capillary action (eg, wicking). At the point in time shown in FIG. 2B, the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 may pull or advance the sample 107 toward the distal end 102 until the sample 107 reaches the gap 115. In an embodiment, the conjugate may be disposed in at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 near the proximal end 101. The conjugate can be formulated to react with, bind to, or change the analyte in the sample 107. It may be necessary to allow the reaction of the analyte and the conjugate to proceed for a longer time than the capillary action of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 may allow. At the time point shown in FIG. 2B, the sample can stay in the gap 115 without external force or stimulus (eg, without advancing past) a sufficient amount of time to allow a reaction to occur. As shown in FIG. 2C, a sufficient voltage may be applied between the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132 to allow a sample 107 containing any reactive analyte or analyte conjugate complex to pass through the gap 115 toward the distal end 102 go ahead. Therefore, the gap 115, the first and second hydrophobic layers 120 and 122, the first and second electrodes 130 and 132, and the power source 140 may be used as a valve mechanism to selectively prevent or allow the sample 107 to pass through the gap 115. The distal end 102 moves.

At the time point shown in FIG. 2D, the sample can be advanced to the distal end 102 of the distal portion by capillary action within the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110, thereby being located at the distal end 102 within the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110. Or the indicator portion 117 near the distal end 102 contacts or passes through the indicator portion 117. The indicator portion 117 may include a plurality of molecules configured to react with the product of the reaction between the analyte in the sample and the conjugate (including any label therein) or the analyte to give the sample 107 Visual indication of the presence of the analyte. In an embodiment, the marker can be configured to change the color of the sample liquid when enriched on the binding molecules therein or to create a special visual contour (eg, stripes, dots, Styling, etc.). The binding molecule may be an antibody or molecule similar or identical to the conjugate such that the analyte binds the binding molecule in the indicator portion similarly to the binding conjugate, thereby enriching the analyte thereon in the indicator portion 117 and Any conjugate (including label).

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a flow detection device according to an embodiment. The flow detection device 300 may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 310 having a proximal end 101, a distal end 102, a first side 103, a second side 104, and a gap 115 therebetween that are substantially similar to or at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110. The at least one hydrophilic porous layer 310 has a proximal end 301, a distal end 302, a first side 303 and a second side 304, and a gap 315 therebetween. The flow detection device 300 may further include a first hydrophobic layer 320 and a second hydrophobic layer 322 that are substantially similar to or the same as the first hydrophobic layer 120 and the second hydrophobic layer 122. The flow detection device 300 may include a first electrode 330 and a second electrode 332 that are substantially similar or identical to the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132, respectively. The flow detection device 300 may include a power source 340 electrically coupled to the first electrode 330 and the second electrode 332 via the electrical connection 342, which may be substantially similar or the same as the power source 140 and the electrical connection 142. The power source 340 may be controlled by an actuator 344 that is substantially similar or identical to the actuator 144.

In the embodiment shown, the flow detection device 300 may include an insulating layer 360 that is disposed between at least one second hydrophobic layer 322 and a second electrode 332 (as shown in FIG. 3) or at least one first Between the hydrophobic layer 320 and the first electrode 330 (not shown). In such an embodiment, the insulating layer 360 may be used to limit the amount of voltage applied to the sample in the flow detection device, thereby controlling the temperature of the sample during use. The insulating layer 360 may include rubber, a polymer such as, for example, polyethylene terephthalate or (eg, a plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate, or (eg, biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate) Alcohol ester or Mylar, Teflon or Teflon®), acetate, acrylic, etc.), ceramic material, glass, or other electrically insulating material. At least one insulating layer 360 may have sufficient voltage to prevent voltage from the second hydrophobic layer 322 and the first The width passed between the two electrodes 332. For example, the at least one insulating layer 360 may have a thickness of about 0.005 inches or more, such as about 0.005 inches to about 0.125 inches, about 0.01 inches to about 0.0625 inches, about 0.025 inches to about 0.05 Inches, about 0.01 inches, about 0.025 inches, or about 0.05 inches. Although the insulation layer 360 is shown as extending the entire length of the flow detection device 300, the insulation layer 360 may extend less than the entire distance of the flow detection device 300. For example, the insulation layer 360 may Extending only as far as at least one second hydrophobic layer 322 or second electrode 332. In an embodiment, the insulating layer 360 may be disposed substantially on the at least one first Between the hydrophobic layer 320 and the first electrode 330.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a flow detection device according to an embodiment. The flow detection device 400 may be substantially similar to the flow detection device 100 described herein. The flow detection device 400 may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 410 having a proximal end 101, a distal end 102, a first side 103, a second side 104, and a gap 115 therebetween that are substantially similar to or at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110. The hydrophilic porous layer 410 has a proximal end 401, a distal end 402, a first side 403 and a second side 404, and a gap 415 therebetween. The flow detection device 400 may include a first hydrophobic layer 420 and a second hydrophobic layer 422 that are substantially similar to or the same as the first hydrophobic layer 120 and the second hydrophobic layer 122. The flow detection device 400 may include a first electrode 430 and a second electrode 432 that are substantially similar or identical to the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132, respectively. The flow detection device 400 may include a power source 440 electrically connected to the first electrode 430 and the second electrode 432 via the electrical connection member 442, which is substantially similar to or the same as the power source 140 and the electrical connection member 142. The power supply may be controlled by an actuator 444 that is substantially similar or identical to the actuator 144.

In the illustrated embodiment, a hydrophobic porous material 418 is disposed within the gap 415. The hydrophobic porous material 418 may include any of the materials described above for at least one of the first and second hydrophobic layers 120 and 122. In an embodiment, the hydrophobic porous material 418 may include a plurality of fibrous pieces (such as a matrix, paper, or pad) made of any hydrophobic material (eg, materials used in a hydrophobic layer) described herein. In an embodiment, the hydrophobic porous material 418 may be different from a material used in at least one of the first and second hydrophobic layers 420 and 422. In an embodiment, the hydrophobic porous material 418 may be the same as the material used in at least one of the first and second hydrophobic layers 420 and 422. The hydrophobic porous material 418 may be used to prevent the sample from advancing through the proximal portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 410 until a voltage is applied to one or more of the first electrode 430 and the second electrode 432. The hydrophobic porous material 418 within the gap 415 may be configured to reduce hydrophobicity, become at least partially hydrophilic when a voltage is applied from the power source 440, or otherwise assist or allow the sample to advance to the distal end of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 410 402.

The hydrophobic porous material 418 may extend the entire length of the gap 415 from a proximal portion to a distal portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 410. In an embodiment, the hydrophobic porous material 418 may extend less than the entire length of the gap 415, such as about 1/2 the length of the gap 415, about a quarter of the length of the gap 415, or about 1 / the length of the gap 415. 8. In such an embodiment, the hydrophobic porous material 418 may be disposed near a proximal portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 410, centered therebetween, or in a vicinity of a distal portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 410. A point closer to one of the proximal portion or the distal portion.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a flow detection device according to an embodiment. The flow detection device 500 may be substantially similar to the flow detection device 100 described herein. The flow detection device 500 may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 510 and a gap 115 having a proximal end 101, a distal end 102, a first side 103, a second side 104, and a first side 103 and a second side 104 The at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 is substantially similar or the same. The hydrophilic porous layer 510 has a proximal end 501, a distal end 502, a first side 503 and a second side 504, and a portion between the first side 503 and the second side 504. Gap 515. The flow detection device 500 may include a first hydrophobic layer 520 and a second hydrophobic layer 522 that are substantially similar to or the same as the first hydrophobic layer 120 and the second hydrophobic layer 122. The flow detection device 500 may include a first electrode 530 and a second electrode 532 that are the same as or similar to the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132, respectively. The flow detection device 500 may include a power source 540 electrically connected to the first electrode 530 and the second electrode 532 through the electrical connection member 542, which may be substantially similar to or the same as the power source 140 and the electrical connection member 142. The power source may be controlled by an actuator 544 that is substantially similar or identical to the actuator 144.

The flow detection device 500 may include an insulating layer 560 and a hydrophobic porous material 518 disposed in the gap 515. The insulating layer 560 may be substantially similar or the same as the aforementioned insulating layer 360, including but not limited to any material, size, location, or characteristic thereof. The hydrophobic porous material 518 may be substantially similar or the same as the hydrophobic porous material described above with respect to the flow detection device 400 in FIG. 4, including but not limited to any of its materials, sizes, locations, or characteristics.

FIG. 6A is a diagram of a flow detection device according to an embodiment. The flow detection device 600 may be substantially similar to the flow detection device 100 described herein. The flow detection device 600 may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 610 and a gap 115 having a proximal end 101, a distal end 102, a first side 103, a second side 104, and a gap 115 between the first side 103 and the second side 104. At least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 is substantially similar or the same. At least one hydrophilic porous layer 610 has a proximal end 601, a distal end 602, a first side 603 and a second side 604, and a first side 603 and a second side 604. The gap between 615. The flow detection device 600 may include a first hydrophobic layer 620 and a second hydrophobic layer 622 that are substantially similar to or the same as the first hydrophobic layer 120 and the second hydrophobic layer 122. The flow detection device 600 may include a first electrode 630 and a second electrode 632 similar to or the same as the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132, respectively. The flow detection device 600 may include a power source 640 electrically coupled to the first electrode 630 and the second electrode 632 via an electrical connection 642, which may be substantially similar or the same as the power source 140 and the electrical connection 142. The power supply 640 may be controlled by an actuator 644 that is substantially similar or identical to the actuator 144.

The flow detection device 600 may include a control system 670 including a control circuit 674 (eg, one or more logic circuits). The control circuit 674 may be operatively coupled to and configured to selectively guide the one or more actuators 644 via one or more start or actuation signals 681 to supply or terminate the power source 640 to the first electrode 630 or the first Voltage of the two electrodes 632. The control circuit 674 may selectively control the amount of applied voltage or the duration of the applied voltage based on or in response to the selected instruction argument. The control circuit 674 may be operatively connected to the power source 640 (eg, via an actuator or directly).

The control system 670 may include a timer 676 operatively coupled to and controlled by the control circuit 674. The timer 676 may be configured to start timing in response to the start signal 683 and provide a timer signal 684 to the control circuit 674 after a certain duration elapses after the start signal 683. The timer signal 684 may trigger the control circuit 674 to provide (eg, relay) the start signal 681 to the actuator 644, thereby directing the power source 640 to provide a voltage to one or more of the first electrode 630 or the second electrode 632. The required duration of the timer signal 684 may be based at least in part on one or more of the following: the expected reaction time of the suspect analyte in the sample and the conjugate used in at least one hydrophilic porous layer 610, at least One or more dimensions of the hydrophilic porous layer 610, a material composition or a sample type of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 610. In an embodiment, the activation signal 683 may be triggered by a user input at the user interface 677, a button, a switch, a computer command, or a control circuit in response to a detection or feedback signal from a sensor. As a non-limiting example, the user interface 677 may include a keyboard, monitor, touch screen, voice command recognition, or a combination thereof, which is operatively coupled to the control circuit and may generate a user input signal 687 transmitted to the control circuit .

As discussed in more detail below, the instructions used by the control circuit 674 of the control system 670 to instruct and control the operation of the flow detection device 600 may be pre-programmed in the control circuit 674, or by a user or other person (e.g., like Medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, etc.) are programmed at the user interface 677. The flow detection device 600 includes a timer 676, one or more actuators 644, a power source 640, or one or more sensors. One or more of the devices. For example, the programming of the control circuit 674 may be implemented by at least one of software, hardware, firmware, a programmable logic device, or other techniques for controlling the operation of the flow detection device 600. The instructions may be stored on a memory 678 operatively coupled to and accessible by the control circuit 674. The user interface 677 can be used to register data to or access the memory 678. The power source 640 may supply power to all or some of the flow detection device 600a including any components therein.

The flow detection device 600 shown in FIG. 6B may be substantially similar or the same as the flow detection device shown in FIG. 6A, and may further include one operatively connected (eg, by wiring or by wireless connection) to the control circuit 674. Or multiple sensors 672a and 672b. One or more sensors 672a and 672b may be configured to provide a detection or feedback signal 686 to the control circuit 674. By way of non-limiting example, one or more sensors 672a and 672b may be configured to detect the presence of a sample (such as the presence of a sample at or near a gap), pH in a sample, resistance in a sample, or Any other suitable standard. For example, one or more of the sensors 672a or 672b may include one of a pH meter, a resistance meter, or any other suitable sensor. In another example, the one or more sensors 672a or 672b may include a fluid sensor, such as a capacitive sensor. The fluid sensor may be disposed in or near the gap. A control system 670 including a control circuit 674 may be configured to selectively guide one or more actuators 644 via one or more activation or actuation signals 681 in response to feedback from one or more sensors 672a or 672b. , So that the power source 640 supplies a voltage to the first electrode 630 or the second electrode 632. The timer signal 684, the user input signal 687 (eg, a user indication to which a voltage is immediately applied), or the sensor feedback signal 686 may be collectively or individually referred to as an enable signal 681. One or more activation signals 681 may be passed to the control circuit 674, which may relay the activation signals 681 to the actuator 644. The feedback signal 686 from the sensors 672a and 672b may include detection of the presence of the sample, detection of a specific pH, detection of the specific resistance in the sample, the absence of any selected marker, or any other suitable standard or A variety of information. In an embodiment, a housing (not shown) similar to or the same as the housing 150 may at least partially surround one or more portions of the control system 670.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the sensor 672 a may be positioned at or near the proximal end 601 of the flow detection device 600. The sensor 672a may be a resistance sensor, whereby the sensor 672a may detect a change in resistance due to the presence of a sample when directly or passed through at least one hydrophilic porous layer to be exposed to a liquid in a sample. And send the feedback to the control circuit 674. In an embodiment, upon receiving feedback from the sensor 672a, the control circuit 674 can selectively generate a start signal 683 to the timer 676, and can further generate a signal to the control circuit 674 when the selected time period expires. Timer signal 684. The control circuit 674 may then send a start signal 681 to the actuator 644 to apply the selected voltage, thereby allowing a sample including any analyte or any analyte-conjugate complex inside to pass through the gap 615. In an embodiment, the amount or duration of the voltage may be adjusted by the control circuit in response to feedback from one or more sensors 672a or 672b. For example, if a pH meter is used for the sensor 672a or 672b, the control circuit may send an activation signal 681 to the actuator based on the level of the detected pH transmitted in the feedback signal 686 to apply a higher or lower voltage Or for a shorter or longer duration.

In an embodiment, the sensor 672b may be positioned at or near the gap 615. The sensor 672b may be a pH sensor configured to sense the pH of a sample, or a resistance sensor configured to determine a change in resistance when contacting the sample. A sensor 672b positioned at, within, or adjacent to the gap 615 may send a feedback to the control circuit 674 indicating that the sample has reached the gap 615 or is at a specific pH, and may then trigger a start signal 683 to the timer 676 . The timer 676 may send a timer signal 684 to the control circuit 674, which may send a start signal 681 to the actuator 644 to apply a voltage to the first electrode 630 and the second electrode 632, thereby allowing the sample to pass through the gap 615.

In an embodiment, the sensors 672a and 672b may be configured as different sensor types or the same sensor type. For example, the sensor 672a may be positioned near the proximal end 601, and the sensor 672b may be positioned near the gap 615, both sensors contacting at least one hydrophilic porous layer 610. Both the sensors 672a and 672b may be pH sensors, and when the sample moves through the at least one hydrophilic layer 610 toward the gap 615, the sensor 672a may detect a first pH and the sensor 672b may detect a second pH . The detected pH may be sent to the control circuit 674 as a feedback, and the degree of reaction between the sample and the conjugate material within the at least one hydrophilic layer 610 may be determined in response to the feedback. In an embodiment, two or more sensors may be used in the flow detection device. In an embodiment, one or more of the sensors 672a and 672b may be positioned anywhere along the length of the flow detection device 600. In an embodiment, the sensors 672a and 672b can be modular or can be replaced with the same sensor or with another type of sensor. In an embodiment, the sensor 672a may be a resistance sensor configured to send a feedback to start a timer when a sample is detected, and the sensor 672b may be configured to detect a selected pH of the sample A pH sensor, any of which can provide feedback to trigger the application of a voltage.

The control system 670 may also include a memory 678 operatively coupled with the control circuit 674. The memory 678 may be programmed with an instruction for controlling the operation of the flow detection device 600 and store the instruction.

The memory 678 can be programmed with instruction arguments and store instruction arguments, such as but not limited to timer duration, voltage application, voltage termination, voltage amount, and voltage duration. The command argument may be selected based at least in part on one or more other command arguments or other criteria, such as, but not limited to, sample type, hydrophilic porous layer material, conjugate type, suspicious analyte type, electrode material, The size of the hydrophobic layer material, one or more of a hydrophilic porous layer, an electrode, and a hydrophobic layer.

The above criteria for determining instruction arguments may be stored in the memory 678. The control circuit 674 or the memory 678 can be programmed via the user interface 677. The memory 678 may be programmed with instructions for operation, instruction arguments, or instructions for determining the instruction arguments through the user interface 677 based on any of the criteria listed above. Memory 678 may access 688 (eg, access, enter, store, or retrieve information in or from it) through control circuit 674 to compare, determine, or otherwise use instructions for operation, instruction arguments, Used to determine the instruction arguments stored in it or instructions entered by the user. Using the information stored in the memory 678, the control circuit 674 can determine and control the timer 676 or send / relay the start signal 681 to the actuator 644. Such determinations, controls, and / or signals may be based on and responsive to one or more of instructions for operation, instruction arguments, instructions for determining instruction arguments, receiving a timer signal or feedback from a sensor.

For example, the user may input one or more of the size and material of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 610, the gap distance D, the material in the gap 615, the conjugate material, or the suspected analyte into the memory 678. The control circuit 674 may select, adjust, or determine a timer duration, a voltage amount, or a voltage duration based on information in the memory 678 or information input by the user at the user interface 677. In an embodiment, the control circuit may access 688 (for example, access, input, store or retrieve information in or from) memory 678 to determine or adjust instructions for operation, instructions for determining instruction arguments, timing One or more of the duration, the amount of voltage, or the duration of the voltage. This determination and adjustment may be in response to one or more of a sensor feedback signal 686, a timer signal 684 or a start signal 681, a standard or user input signal 687 in the memory 678.

In an embodiment, a housing (not shown) similar to or the same as the housing 150 may at least partially surround one or more parts of the control system 670 and one or more of the first sensor 672a and the second sensor 672b or Multiple. Any of the embodiments disclosed herein may include one or more of the control system 670, at least one sensor 672a and 672b, control circuit 674, timer 676, user interface 677, or memory 678 as described above .

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a flow detection device according to an embodiment. The flow detection device 700 may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 710 that is substantially similar or the same as at least one hydrophilic porous layer 110 having a proximal end 101, a distal end 102, a first side 103, and a second side 104, the at least one One hydrophilic porous layer 710 has a proximal end 701, a distal end 702, a first side 703, and a second side 704. The flow detection device 700 may include a first hydrophobic layer 720 and a second hydrophobic layer 722 that are substantially similar or identical to the first hydrophobic layer 120 and the second hydrophobic layer 122. The flow detection device 700 may include a first electrode 730 and a second electrode 732 that are substantially similar or identical to the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 132, respectively. The flow detection device 700 may include a power source 740 electrically coupled to the first electrode 730 and the second electrode 732 via the electrical connection 742, which may be substantially similar or the same as the power source 140 and the electrical connection 142. The power source may be controlled by an actuator 744 that is substantially similar or identical to the actuator 144. The flow detection device may include a control system (not shown) or one or more sensors (not shown) as described herein.

The hydrophilic porous layer 710 may include one or more gaps therein, such as a first gap 715a and a second gap 715b spaced therefrom. The first gap 715a may be located near the proximal end 701, and the second gap 715b may be located near the proximal end 702. Accordingly, the hydrophilic porous layer 710 may include a proximal portion at the proximal end 701, a distal portion near the distal end 702, and an intermediate portion therebetween, wherein the intermediate portion is in close proximity with the first gap 715a and the second gap 715b. The end and distal sections are isolated. The first electrode 730 and the second electrode 732 may function and serve to allow the sample and any material therein to advance through separate first and second gaps 715a and 715b in a similar or identical manner to any of the electrodes and gaps described herein.

In an embodiment, the first conjugate may be located in a proximal portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 710 and the second conjugate may be located in a middle portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 710. Before a voltage is applied to the first electrode 730 and the second electrode 732 sufficient to allow the sample, the reacted analyte, and / or the analyte-first conjugate complex to enter the middle portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 710, It is desirable for the sample (including any analyte therein) to react with the first conjugate for a selected time to allow it to fully or completely react. In the middle portion, the sample, the reacted analyte and or the analyte-first conjugate complex can be contacted and reacted with the second conjugate for a time sufficient to allow a satisfactory or complete reaction therebetween. After such time, a voltage may be applied to the first electrode 730 and the second electrode 732 to be sufficient to allow a sample including any analyte, a reacted analyte, or an analyte-first and second conjugate complex stream Pass the gap 715b to the distal end portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 710. An indicator portion (not shown) may be provided in a distal portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 710 at or near the distal end 702. The indicator portion may include a molecule configured to bind to the analyte, including any conjugates and labels attached thereto. The conjugate may comprise a label configured to provide an analyte, a reacted analyte, an analyte-first and second conjugate complex, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing in a large amount in the indicator portion or band. Visual indication of set time.

In an embodiment, at least one first hydrophobic layer 720, at least one second hydrophobic layer 722, or one or more of the first electrode 730 and the second electrode 732 may be in a middle portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 710 Break between the proximal and distal ends (for example, with a gap in it). The first electrode 730 and the second electrode 732 may be electrically coupled to the power source 740 on both sides of the gap therein. In operation, a voltage may be selectively applied to at least one of the first and second hydrophobic layers 720 and 722 and the first and second electrodes 730 and 732 only near the gap 715a or only near the gap 715b.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a flow detection device 800 according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the flow detection device 800 may be split into two or more branches, each branch being configured to test the analyte individually, substantially as described herein. The parts or components of the flow detection device 800 may be substantially similar to the parts or components of any flow detection device described herein.

The flow detection device 800 may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 810 having a proximal end 801, a plurality of distal ends 802, at least one common area 812, and a distal end 802 side of the auxiliary line S. At least one first branch 811a and at least one second branch 811b. The first branch 811a and the second branch 811b of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 810 are separated by extending from a point (marked by an auxiliary line S) between the proximal end 801 and the distal end 802 to a space between the distal ends 802. The separation or separation between the branches 811a and 811b may allow the same sample material to flow into the two branches 811a and 811b in a capillary manner substantially simultaneously. In an embodiment, each branch 811a and 811b may be configured to detect the presence of the same analyte or different analytes. In an embodiment, each branch 811a or 811b may have the same or a different conjugate material therein. In an embodiment, each branch 811a or 811b may have the same conjugate therein, which is present at different concentrations in the branch. In an embodiment, each conjugate in the branch 811a or 811b may have the same or a different label therein. In an embodiment, each conjugate in the branch 811a or 811b may have the same label, which is present at different concentrations in the branch. In an embodiment, each branch 811a or 811b may have the same or different indicator portions therein. In an embodiment, each branch 811a or 811b may have a different indicator portion therein, where the difference lies in the positioning pattern of the indicator, such as smaller or larger dots, lines, dashes, or other patterns. The flow detection device 800 may include any of the conjugates or labels described herein.

The common area 812 is configured to receive or otherwise place a sample therein. For example, the common area 812 may be arranged in a sample opening (eg, the sample opening 157 of FIG. 1A) of the flow detection device 800. The common area 812 may be fluidly coupled to the sample opening, the first branch 811a, and the second branch 811b. In this way, the common area 812 may form a fluid path that enables a sample introduced at the sample opening to flow through the common area 812 and into at least one of the first or second branches 811a or 811b.

The first branch 811a and the second branch 811b include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 810. The common area 812 may further include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 810. In an embodiment, as shown, at least a portion of the first branch 811a, at least a portion of the second branch 811b, and the hydrophilic porous layer 810 of the common region 812 are formed of the same material and collectively form a single hydrophilic porous layer. In another embodiment, the hydrophilic porous layer 810 of at least a portion of the first branch 811a, at least a portion of the second branch 811b, or at least two of the common areas 812 is formed of or is discontinuous.

At least one hydrophilic porous layer 810 of the first branch 811a may extend from the first proximal branch end 880a to the first distal branch end 880b. The hydrophilic porous layer 810 of the first branch 811a further includes a first side 803a, a second side 803b, and at least one first gap 815a between the first proximal branch end 880a and the first distal branch end 880b. The first gap 815a may be configured to be substantially similar or identical to any gap described herein. For example, the first gap 815a may have any gap distance D, with any material or any other property described for the gaps herein. The first branch 811a may further include at least one first hydrophobic layer 820a combined with the at least one hydrophilic porous layer along the first side 803a, and at least one second A hydrophobic layer 820b, a first electrode 830a connected to the first hydrophobic layer 820a and extending along its length, and a second electrode 830b connected to the second hydrophobic layer 820b and extending along the length of the second hydrophobic layer 820b. It is noted that the first and second hydrophobic layers 820a and 820b may be the same or similar to any hydrophobic layer disclosed herein. Similarly, the first and second electrodes 830a and 830b may be the same or similar to any electrode disclosed herein.

Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the second branch 811b may be the same as or substantially similar to the first branch 811a. For example, the at least one hydrophilic porous layer 810 of the second branch 811b may extend from the second proximal branch end 882a to the second distal branch end 882b, the third side 804a spaced from the fourth side 804b, and the second side 804b. At least one second gap 815b between the end branch end 882a and the second distal branch end 882b. The second branch 811b may further include at least one third hydrophobic layer 820a, at least one fourth hydrophobic layer 822b, a third electrode 832a, and a fourth electrode 832b. The third and fourth hydrophobic layers 822a and 822b may be the same as or different from the first or second hydrophobic layers 820a and 822b. The third and fourth electrodes 832a and 832b may be the same as or different from the first and second electrodes 830a and 830b.

In an embodiment, the second gap 815b may be the same as the first gap 815a. In an embodiment, the second gap 815b may be different from the first gap 815a, such as but not limited to a size or material therein.

In one embodiment, as shown, the second and third hydrophobic layers 820b and 822a may be integrally formed such that the second and third hydrophobic layers 820b and 810b form a continuous hydrophobic layer, such as a continuous U-shape Hydrophobic layer. In an embodiment, the second hydrophobic layer 820b and the third hydrophobic layer 822a are not integrally formed together. In contrast, the second hydrophobic layer 820b and the third hydrophobic layer 822a form two different hydrophobic layers that can contact each other or be spaced apart from each other.

During use, the first electrode 830a and the second electrode 830b of the first branch 811a may be used at the same time as the third electrode 832a (usually opposite the first electrode 830) and the fourth electrode 832b of the second branch 811b or Voltage is applied from the power source 840 through the electrode connection 842 at different times. For example, two different conjugates may be used in the flow detection device 800, a first conjugate is used in the first branch 811a, and a second conjugate is used in the second branch 811b. The first conjugate and the second conjugate can be configured to react with the same analyte in the sample or react with different analytes in the same sample in different ways. The samples may need to be held at gaps 815a and 815b for different times. Therefore, the voltage can be applied to the first electrode 830a and the first internal electrode 830b of the first branch 811a at a different time from the time when the voltage is applied to the third electrode 832a and the fourth electrode 832b of the second branch 811b.

Although the branches 811a and 811b are shown to be substantially the same, they may have different sizes (e.g., length, width, or thickness), different materials therein, different conjugates, different markers, different amounts of voltage, or duration of application One or more of time, or gaps of different sizes.

In an embodiment, the flow detection device 800 may include a housing that is substantially similar to any of the housings described herein. In an embodiment, the flow detection device 800 may include a control system including a control circuit, a timer, one or more sensors, one or more of a user interface or a memory, each of which is the same as that described herein. Any components described are substantially similar or identical. For example, the flow detection device 800 may include at least one sensor within each of the branches 811a and 811b, which is operatively coupled with the control circuit in response to the sensor controlling each of the branches 811a and 811b The voltage is applied. In an embodiment, the flow detection device 800 may include one or more timers configured to time each branch 811a and 816b, respectively, and provide a timer signal to the control circuit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 900 for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. The method may include operation 910 of providing a flow detection device. The flow detection device may be substantially similar to any flow detection device described herein. For example, the flow detection device may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer having a proximal end through which a sample can be introduced, a distal end spaced from the proximal end, and a second spaced apart from the second side. The first side, and the gap between the proximal and distal ends and between the first and second sides. The flow detection device may include at least one first hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to a first side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially define a gap; and at least one second hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to at least one The second side of the hydrophilic porous layer is adjacent to partially define a gap. The flow detection device may further include a first electrode electrically coupled to the at least one first hydrophobic layer and separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one first hydrophobic layer, and electrically coupled to the at least one second hydrophobic layer And a second electrode separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one second hydrophobic layer.

The method 900 may include an operation 920 of introducing a sample at a distal end of at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the flow detection device. Operation 920 may include dipping, spotting, dripping, blotting, dripping, pipetting, or any other means of applying a liquid sample to a porous substance.

The method 900 may further include an operation 930 of applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode to effectively change the hydrophobicity of at least one of the at least one first hydrophobic layer or the at least one second hydrophobic layer. Operation 930 may include applying or using a voltage to effectively allow one or more of the analyte, analyte-conjugate complex, reacted analyte, or sample in the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to advance through the gap therethrough, This allows determination of the presence of the analyte in the sample. In an embodiment, operation 930 may include applying or using a chemical reaction that effectively causes the sample to react with at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the first hydrophobic layer, or the second hydrophobic layer to sufficiently A voltage at which the reaction product is formed on the surface of the electrode, the second electrode, the first hydrophobic layer, or the second hydrophobic layer.

In an embodiment, operation 930 may include based at least in part on the type of suspected analyte, the type of sample, the type of hydrophilic porous material used in the at least one hydrophilic porous layer, and one or more of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer. The size, the type of conjugate used in the hydrophilic porous layer, or any other suitable criteria disclosed herein, is selectively applied (eg, initiated, terminated, totaled, sustained) after a predetermined period of time. In an embodiment, the duration of the applied voltage may be used to at least partially determine the amount of voltage used.

In an embodiment, the method 900 may include an operation of allowing a sample to flow to the gap for a predetermined amount of time before applying a voltage. In an embodiment, the method 900 may include an operation of allowing a sample to flow through the gap (while providing a voltage) for a predetermined amount of time before terminating the application of the voltage. In embodiments, based on the time required for the suspected analyte to react with the conjugate to a satisfactory degree, the size of at least one hydrophilic porous layer, the material type of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer, the analyte, the sample, The conjugate, or one or more of any other suitable criteria described herein, is selected for a predetermined amount of time. In an embodiment, the predetermined amount of time may be 5 seconds or more, such as about 5 seconds to about 1 hour, about 30 seconds to about 45 minutes, about 1 minute to about 30 minutes, about 5 minutes to about 20 minutes, About 10 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 5 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 15 minutes, about 20 minutes, about 30 minutes, or about 1 hour.

In embodiments, the material used to form the at least one hydrophilic porous layer may be based at least in part on the suspected analyte or analyte type, sample type, one or more dimensions of the gap, the presence and type of material in the gap, One or more of the required conjugate, the amount of voltage required for the sample to pass through the gap, or the size (eg, length, thickness, or width) of at least one hydrophilic porous layer is selected.

In an embodiment, the user interface may be used to instruct a control circuit of the control system to provide or relay an excitation signal to an actuator or directly to a power source for a selected period of time after a user instruction is input into the user interface. In an embodiment, the user may enter a selected time period (eg, a selected delay time), such as any time period described herein. In an embodiment, a user may enter a selected amount of voltage, such as any amount of voltage described herein.

In an embodiment, the method 900 may include programming operation instructions, programming instruction arguments, input criteria or programming instructions for determining the instruction arguments into the memory 678 through the user interface 677. Therefore, in an embodiment, a voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes based at least in part on a pre-programmed operating instruction, parameter, or standard. In an embodiment, the user interface may be used to input sample types, suspect analytes to be detected, one or more dimensions of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer, one or more dimensions of the gap, The presence and type of material in the gap, the type of hydrophobic material used in at least one of the first and second hydrophobic layers, or any other criteria. In an embodiment, the instruction argument may be entered or selected based on one or more of the following: the time required for the suspected analyte to react with the conjugate to a satisfactory degree, in the size of at least one hydrophilic porous layer One or more, one or more of the dimensions of the gap, the material type of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer, the analyte or its type, the sample or its type, the conjugate or its type, the presence of the material in the gap or Type, the type of hydrophobic material used in the layer of hydrophobic material, or any other suitable criteria described herein. In an embodiment, the control circuit may determine the instruction argument based at least in part on one or more of the other instruction arguments or one or more of the criteria listed above. In an embodiment, the control circuit may direct a signal to one or more of a timer, an actuator, or a power source to execute the one of the instruction arguments in response to a user input of the instruction argument or the determined instruction argument. One.

In an embodiment, the method 900 may further include selecting a sample type via a user interface, and wherein applying the voltage includes applying a voltage after a selected or predetermined time based at least in part on the sample or its type. In an embodiment, the method 900 may further include visually detecting the presence or absence of the analyte. Visual detection of the presence or absence of the analyte can be achieved through a window in the housing of the flow detection device or through one or more transparent electrodes or conductive layers thereon, at least one hydrophilic porous layer being visible or visible through the window. In an embodiment, the user can periodically track the time the sample stays at the gap before directing the application of voltage.

10 to 13 illustrate flow detection devices according to various embodiments. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the flow detection device of FIGS. 10-13 may be substantially the same as or similar to any flow detection device disclosed herein (eg, the flow detection device 800 of FIG. 8). The flow detection device shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 includes at least one first branch configured to detect a first characteristic of a sample (for example, providing an indication such as a visual indication), and is configured to detect a second characteristic of the sample. The second branch, the second characteristic may be different from the first characteristic. For example, the first branch may be configured to detect that at least one analyte of a first concentration may be present in a sample, and the second branch may be configured to detect at least one analyte of a second concentration that is different from the first analysis The first concentration of the substance. In such examples, the flow detection device may provide at least a semi-quantitative output. In another example, the first branch may be configured to detect at least one first analyte that may be present in the sample, and the second branch may be configured to detect at least one second analyte that may be present in the sample. The second analyte is different from the first analyte.

In either example, the time period during which the sample needs to react with at least one conjugate or label placed in the flow detection device may vary based on the characteristics sensed by the first and second branches. In particular, the properties sensed by the first branch will require the sample to react with the conjugate or label within the first time period, while the second branch will require the sample and the conjugate or label to react within the second time period The second time period is different from the first time period.

The flow detection device shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 may be configured so that a portion of the sample can flow through the gap of the first branch only when the first voltage is applied to the electrode of the first branch. The power source may be configured to apply the first voltage only after the first selected period of time. Similarly, the flow detection device may be configured such that a portion of the sample can flow through the gap of the second branch only when a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the electrode of the second branch. The power source may be configured to apply the second voltage only after a second selected time period different from the first selected time period. As such, the flow detection device may be configured to selectively and controllably flow a sample through the first branch by selectively and controllably applying a first voltage or a second voltage to an electrode of the first branch or the second branch. And the second branch. In an embodiment, the power source may be configured to apply the same voltage to all electrodes of the flow detection device simultaneously. For example, the power source may be configured to apply a first voltage to the electrodes of the first branch and the second branch after the first selected period of time, and apply a second voltage to the first branch and the second branch after the second selected period of time. Branched electrodes. In an embodiment, the power source may be configured to selectively apply different voltages to electrodes of different branches. For example, the power source may be configured to selectively apply a first voltage to the electrodes of the first branch after a first selected period of time, and to apply a different voltage (eg, no voltage or a second voltage) to the electrodes of the second branch. Similarly, the power source may be configured to selectively apply a second voltage to the electrodes of the second branch after a second selected period of time, and to apply a different voltage (eg, no voltage or first voltage) to the electrodes of the first branch .

For example, the flow detection device of FIGS. 10 to 13 may be configured such that one of the first or second voltage is at least about 5%, at least about 10%, or at least about 15% greater than the other of the first or second voltage. At least about 25%, at least about 50%, at least about 75%, at least about 100%, at least about 150%, at least about 200%, at least about 300%, at least about 500%, about 5% to about 50%, about 25% to about 75%, about 50% to about 100%, about 75% to about 150%, about 100% to about 200%, about 150% to about 300% or about 250% to about 500%. In another example, one of the first or second voltages is about 0.1 volts to about 75 volts, about 1 volt to about 50 volts, and about 3 volts to about 30 volts than the other of the first or second voltages, About 6 volts to about 12 volts, about 0.1 volts to about 1 volt, about 0.5 volts to about 2 volts, about 1 volt to about 9 volts, about 1 volt, about 3 volts, about 6 volts or about 9 volts. In another example, the first voltage exhibits any of the voltages disclosed herein, and the second voltage is greater. In another example, the first voltage exhibits any of the voltages disclosed herein, and the second voltage At least about 5% (including any percentage disclosed herein) or about 0.1 volts to about 75 volts (including any voltages disclosed herein) greater than the first voltage. In another example, the second voltage exhibits any voltage disclosed herein, and the first voltage is at least about 5% (including any percentage disclosed herein) or about 0.1 volts to about 75 volts (including the disclosure) Any voltage).

It should be noted that the mechanism shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 may be used in any of the flow detection devices shown in FIGS. 1A to 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow detection device 1000 according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the flow detection device 1000 may be substantially the same or similar to any flow detection device disclosed herein. For example, the flow detection device includes a near end 1001 and a plurality of far ends 1002 opposite the near end 1001. The flow detection device 1000 includes at least one common area 1012 that is located at, or is fluidly coupled to, the proximal end 1001. The flow detection device 1000 further includes at least one first branch 1011a and at least one second branch 1011b that are parallel to each other and located on the distal end 1002 side of the auxiliary line S. The first and second branches 1011a and 1011b extend longitudinally from the common area 1012, for example, from the auxiliary line S toward (eg, toward) the distal end 1002. The first and second branches 1011a and 1011b may be separated by a space therebetween, which extends from the intermediate point to the proximal end 1001 and the distal end 1002 (marked by the auxiliary line S) toward the distal end 1002. The first branch 1011a and the second branch 1011b are also fluidly coupled to the common area 1012. In this way, any fluid introduced into the public area 1012, flowing into the public area 1012, or otherwise existing in the public area 1012 may flow into at least a portion of the first branch 1011a and the second branch 1011b.

The hydrophilic porous layer 1010 of the first branch 1011a extends from the first proximal branch end 1080a adjacent to the common region to the first distal branch end 1080b spaced from the first proximal branch end 1080a. The first remote branch end 1080b may be located at or near the remote end 1002. The hydrophilic porous layer 1010 of the first branch 1011a further includes a first side 1003a spaced from the second side 1003b. The first branch 1011a further includes at least one first hydrophobic layer 1020a disposed adjacent to the first side 1003a, and at least one second hydrophobic layer 1020b disposed adjacent to the second side 1003b, and the first branch 1011a passes through the first hydrophobic layer 1020a The first electrode 1030a separated from the hydrophilic porous layer 1010 and the second electrode 1030b separated from the hydrophilic porous layer 1010 of the first branch 1011a through the second hydrophobic layer 1020b. Moreover, the first branch 1011a includes at least one first gap 1015a between the first proximal branch end 1080a and the first distal branch end 1080b. The first gap 1015a is composed of a first hydrophobic layer 1020a and a second hydrophobic layer. 1020b is partially defined.

Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the second branch 1011b may be the same as or substantially similar to the first branch 1011a. For example, the hydrophilic porous layer 1010 of the second branch 1011b extends from the second proximal branch end 1082a to the second distal branch end 1082b spaced from the second proximal branch end 1082a. The hydrophilic porous layer 1010 of the second branch 1011b may further include a third side 1004a spaced from the fourth side 1004b. The second branch 1011b further includes at least one third hydrophobic layer 1022a disposed adjacent to the third side 1004a, and at least one fourth hydrophobic layer 1022b disposed adjacent to the fourth side 1004b. The third hydrophobic layer 1022a and A third electrode 1032a separated from the hydrophilic porous layer 1010 of the second branch 1011b, and a four electrode 1032b separated from the hydrophilic porous layer 1010 of the second branch 1011b through the fourth hydrophobic layer 1022b. Moreover, the second branch 1011b includes at least one second gap 1015b located between the second proximal branch end 1082a and the second distal branch end 1082b. The second gap 1015b includes a third hydrophobic layer 1022a and a fourth hydrophobic layer. 1022b is partially defined.

The voltage required to enable the sample to flow through one of the first or second gaps 1015a or 1015b depends at least in part on the distance between adjacent portions or sections of the hydrophilic porous layer 1010, which adjacent sections or sections, respectively First and second gaps 1015a and 1015b are defined at least partially. In an embodiment, the first gap 1015a is at least partially defined by a first distance D1 between adjacent portions or sections of the hydrophilic porous layer 1010 of the first branch 1011a. The first distance D1 is selected to require the application of a first voltage from the power source 1040 to enable the sample to flow through the first gap 1015a. Similarly, the second gap 1015b is at least partially defined by a second distance D2 between adjacent portions or sections of the hydrophilic porous layer 1010 of the second branch 1011a. The second distance D2 is selected to require the application of a second voltage different from the first voltage from the power source 1140 to enable the sample to flow through the second gap 1015b. The first distance D1 is different from the second distance D2.

For example, one of the first or second distances D1 or D2 is at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 25%, at least about 15% larger than the other of the first or second distances D1 or D2. About 50%, at least about 75%, at least about 100%, at least about 150%, at least about 200%, at least about 300%, about 5% to about 50%, about 25% to about 75%, about 50% to about 100%, about 75% to about 150%, about 100% to about 200%, or about 150% to about 300%. In another example, one of the first or second distances D1 or D2 is about 0.001 inches or more than the other of the first or second distances D1 or D2, such as about 0.001 inches to about 1 inch, about 0.005 Inches to about 0.5 inches, about 0.01 inches to about 0.05 inches, about 0.02 inches to about 0.04 inches, about 0.02 inches to about 0.3 inches, about 0.05 inches to about 0.5 inches, about 0.01 inches or more, about 0.025 inches or more More, about 0.05 inches or more, about 0.1 inches or more, about 0.25 inches or more, or about 0.5 inches or more. In another example, the first distance D1 appears to be any distance disclosed herein, and the second distance D2 is at least about 5% (including any percentage disclosed herein) or at least about 0.001 inches (including herein) greater than the first distance D1. Open distance). In another example, the second distance D2 appears to be any distance disclosed herein, and the first distance D1 is at least about 5% greater than the second distance D2 (including any percentage disclosed herein) or at least about 0.001 inches (including as Any distance disclosed herein).

As previously described, the flow detection device 1000 includes at least one conjugate or label. In an embodiment, the conjugate or marker may be disposed in or on the common area 1012. In this way, the portion of the sample entering the first branch 1011a and the second branch 1011b has a chance to react with the conjugate or label. In one embodiment, at least one conjugate or marker may be disposed in or on the first branch 1011a or the second branch 1011a. For example, the at least one conjugate or marker may include at least one first conjugate or marker disposed in or on at least the first branch 1011a (eg, at the first proximal branch end 1080a and the first Between the gaps 1015a) and at least one second conjugate or marker disposed in or on at least the second branch 1011b (eg, between the second proximal branch end 1082a and the second gap 1015b). The first conjugate or label is different from the second conjugate or label. For example, a first conjugate or label and a second conjugate or label can be selected to react with different analytes in the same sample.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow detection device 1100 according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the flow detection device 1100 may be substantially the same or similar to any flow detection device disclosed herein. For example, the flow detection device 1100 includes a near end 1101 and a plurality of far ends 1102. The flow detection device 1100 includes at least one common area 1112, at least one first branch 1111a, and at least one second branch 1111b.

The first branch 1111a includes at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1110 extending from the first proximal branch end 1180a to the first distal branch end 1180b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1110 of the first branch 1111a further includes a first side 1103a, a second side 1103b, and at least one first gap 1115a located between the first proximal branch end 1180a and the first distal branch end 1180b. The first branch 1111a further includes at least one first hydrophobic layer 1120a disposed adjacent to the first side 1103a, the first hydrophobic layer 1120a partially defining the first gap 1115a, and at least one disposed adjacent to the second side 1103b. The second hydrophobic layer 1120b, the second hydrophobic layer 1120b partially defines the first gap 1115a, the first electrode 1130a separated from the hydrophilic porous layer 1110 through the first hydrophobic layer 1120a, and the second electrode 1130b and the hydrophilic through the second hydrophobic layer 1120b The porous electrode 1110 is separated from the second electrode 1130b.

Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the second branch 1111b may be the same as or substantially similar to the first branch 1111a. For example, the hydrophilic porous layer 1110 of the second branch 1111b extends from the second proximal branch end 1182a to the second distal branch end 1182b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1110 of the second branch 1111b further includes a third side 1104a, a fourth side 1104b, and at least one second gap 1115b located between the second proximal branch end 1182a and the second distal branch end 1182b. The second branch 1111b further includes at least one third hydrophobic layer 1122a, at least one fourth hydrophobic layer 1122b, a third electrode 1132a, and a fourth electrode 1132b.

The first and second hydrophobic layers 1120a and 1120b collectively exhibit a first hydrophobicity. The third and fourth hydrophobic layers 1122a and 1122b collectively exhibit a second hydrophobicity different from the first hydrophobicity. When at least one voltage (eg, no voltage, first voltage, or second voltage) is applied to the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes 1130a, 1130b, 1132a, and 1132b, when the first or second hydrophobic layer 1120a Or when at least one of the contact angle between at least one of 1120b and the third or fourth hydrophobic porous material 1122a or 1122b is different, the first hydrophobicity is different from the second hydrophobicity . The voltage required to flow the sample through one of the gaps 1115a or 1115b of the current detection device 1100 depends at least in part on the first hydrophobicity and 1120b and the second hydrophobicity. For example, the first hydrophobic layer 1120a and the second hydrophobic layer 1120b are selected to collectively exhibit the first hydrophobicity that requires the application of a first voltage from the power source 1140 to enable the sample to flow through the first gap 1115a. The third and fourth hydrophobic materials 1122a and 1122b are selected to collectively exhibit a second hydrophobicity that requires the application of a second voltage from the power source 1140 to enable the sample to flow through the second gap 1115b. The first voltage is different from the second voltage.

In one embodiment, the first hydrophobicity is different from the second hydrophobicity because at least one (eg, both) of the first and second hydrophobic layers 1120a and 1120b and the third and fourth hydrophobic porous materials At least one (eg, both) of 1122a and 1122b includes different materials. In an embodiment, the first hydrophobicity is different from the second hydrophobicity because at least one (eg, both) of the first and second hydrophobic layers 1120a and 1120b and the third and fourth hydrophobic porous materials 1122a At least one of (eg, both) and 1122b includes different microstructures or nanostructures.

The first and second gaps 1115a and 1115b are defined at least in part by substantially the same or different distances between adjacent portions or sections of the hydrophilic porous layer 1110 of the first and second branches 1111a and 1111b, respectively.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow detection device 1200 according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the flow detection device 1200 may be substantially the same as or similar to any flow detection device disclosed herein. For example, the flow detection device 1200 includes a near end 1201, at least one far end 1202, at least one common area 1212, at least one first branch 1211a, and at least one second branch 1211b.

The first branch 1211a includes at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1210 extending from the first proximal branch end 1280a to the first distal branch end 1280b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1210 of the first branch 1211a includes a first side 1203a, a second side 1203b, and at least one first gap 1215a between the first proximal branch end 1280a and the first distal branch end 1280b. The first branch 1211a further includes at least one first hydrophobic layer 1220a disposed adjacent to the first side 1203a, the first hydrophobic layer 1220a partially defining the first gap 1215a, and at least one adjacent to the second side 1203b. A second hydrophobic layer 1220b, the second hydrophobic layer 1220b partially defines the first gap 1215a, the first electrode 1230a separated from the hydrophilic porous layer 1210 by the first hydrophobic layer 1220a, and the second hydrophobic layer 1220b and The second electrode 1230b separated from the hydrophilic porous layer 1210.

Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the second branch 1211b may be the same as or substantially similar to the first branch 1211a. For example, the second branch 1211b includes at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1210 that extends from the second proximal branch end 1282a to the second distal branch end 1282b of the common region 1212. The hydrophilic porous layer 1210 of the second branch 1211b includes a third side 1204a, a fourth side 1204b, and at least one second gap 1215b. The second branch 1211b further includes at least one third hydrophobic layer 1222a, at least one fourth hydrophobic layer 1222b, a third electrode 1232a, and a fourth electrode 1232b.

The first gap 1215a is at least partially filled with at least one first hydrophobic porous material 1218a, and the second gap 1215b is at least partially filled with at least one second hydrophobic porous material 1218b. The first hydrophobic porous material 1218a and the second hydrophobic porous material 1218b may be substantially the same as or similar to the hydrophobic porous material 418 of FIG. 4. For example, the first and second hydrophobic porous materials 1218a and 1218b may function to prevent the sample from passing through the first and second gaps 1215a and 1215b, respectively. The first hydrophobic porous material 1218a and the second hydrophobic porous material 1218b may be configured to reduce hydrophobicity, become at least partially hydrophilic when a voltage is applied from the power source 1240, or assist or allow the sample to advance across the first gap 1215a And second gap 1215b.

In one embodiment, the first hydrophobic porous material 1218a exhibits a first hydrophobicity, and the second hydrophobic porous material 1218b exhibits a second hydrophobicity different from the first hydrophobicity. The voltage required to enable the sample to flow through one of the first or second gaps 1215a or 1215b depends at least in part on the first and second hydrophobicity of the first and second hydrophobic porous materials 1218a and 1218b. For example, at least one of the first or second hydrophobic porous materials 1218a or 1218b may be configured to reduce the hydrophobicity, become at least partially hydrophilic when a voltage from the power source 1240 is applied, or otherwise state or allow the sample to advance separately Cross the first or second gap 1215a or 1215b. Therefore, the first hydrophobic porous material 1218a may be selected to exhibit the first hydrophobicity, and the first hydrophobicity requires the application of a first voltage from the power source 1240 to enable the sample to flow through the first gap 1215a. Similarly, the second hydrophobic porous material 1218b may be selected to exhibit a first hydrophobicity that requires the application of a second voltage from the power source 1240 to enable the sample to flow through the second gap 1215b.

In an embodiment, the first hydrophobicity is different from the second hydrophobicity because the first hydrophobic porous material 1218a and the second hydrophobic porous material 1218b include different materials. In an embodiment, the first hydrophobicity is different from the second hydrophobicity because the first hydrophobic porous material 1218a and the second hydrophobic porous material 1218b include different microstructures or nanostructures.

In an embodiment, the first and second gaps 1215a and 1215b are at least partially defined by the same or different distances between adjacent portions of the hydrophilic porous layer of the first and second branches 1211a and 1211b, respectively. In an embodiment, the first and second hydrophobic layers 1220a and 1220b collectively exhibit a first hydrophobicity, and the third and fourth hydrophobic layers 1222a and 1222b collectively exhibit a second hydrophobicity. In such embodiments, the first and second hydrophobicities are the same or different.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow detection device 1300 according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the flow detection device 1300 may be substantially the same or similar to any flow detection device disclosed herein. For example, the flow detection device 1300 includes a near end 1301, at least one far end 1302, at least one common area 1312, at least one first branch 1311a, and at least one second branch 1311b.

The first branch 1311a includes at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1310 extending from the first proximal branch end 1380a to the first distal branch end 1380b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1310 of the first branch 1311a includes a first side 1303a, a second side 1303b, and at least one first gap 1315a. The first branch 1311a further includes at least one first hydrophobic layer 1320a, at least one second hydrophobic layer 1320b, a first electrode 1330a, and a second electrode 1330b.

Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the second branch 1311b may be the same as or substantially similar to the first branch 1311a. For example, the second branch 1311b includes at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1310 extending from the third proximal branch end 1382a to the fourth distal branch end 1382b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1310 of the second branch 1311b includes a third side 1304a, a fourth side 1304b, and at least one second gap 1315b. The second branch 1311b further includes at least one third hydrophobic layer 1322a, at least one fourth hydrophobic layer 1322b, a third electrode 1332a, and a fourth electrode 1332b.

The first gap 1315a is at least partially filled with at least one hydrophobic porous material 1318. The hydrophobic porous material 1318 may be the same as or similar to the hydrophobic porous material 418 of FIG. 4. The second gap 1315a is at least occupied by air (eg, is substantially free of porous materials or layers). The voltage required to enable the sample to flow through one of the first or second gaps 1315a or 1315b depends at least in part on whether the first or second gap 1315a or 1315b is at least partially occupied by the hydrophobic porous material 1318 or air. For example, the hydrophobic porous material 1318 may be selected to require the application of a first voltage from a power source 1340 to enable the sample to flow through the first gap 1315a. Similarly, the second gap 1315a may be configured to require the application of a second voltage different from the first voltage from the power source 1340 to enable the sample to flow through the second gap 1315b.

In one embodiment, the first and second gaps 1315a and 1315b are defined at least in part by the same or different distances between adjacent portions of the hydrophilic porous layer of the first and second branches 1311a and 1311b, respectively. In an embodiment, the first and second hydrophobic layers 1320a and 1320b collectively exhibit a first hydrophobicity, and the third and fourth hydrophobic layers 1322a and 1322b collectively exhibit a second hydrophobicity. In such an embodiment, the first hydrophobicity and the second hydrophobicity are the same or different.

In Figures 1-8 and 10-13, the flow detection device is shown as including one or two branches. However, any flow detection device disclosed herein may include three or more branches. FIG. 14 illustrates a flow detection device 1400 including three or more branches according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the flow detection device 1400 may be substantially the same or similar to any flow detection device disclosed herein. For example, the flow detection device 1400 includes a proximal end 1401, at least one distal end 1402, at least one common area 1412, at least one first branch 1411a, and at least one second branch 1411b positioned parallel to the first branch 1411a. The flow detection device 1400 further includes one or more additional branches, such as at least one third branch 1411c, and the third branch 1411c is positioned parallel to the first branch 1411a and the second branch 1411b.

The first, second, and third branches 1411a, 1411b, and 1411c include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1410. The common region 1412 may further include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1410. In the embodiment, as shown, at least a part of the first branch 1411a, at least a part of the second branch 1411b, at least a part of the third branch 1411c, and the hydrophilic porous layer 1410 of the common area 1412 are formed from the same material and are common A continuous hydrophilic porous layer is formed. In another embodiment, the hydrophilic porous layer 1410 of at least a portion of the first branch 1411a, at least a portion of the second branch 1411b, at least a portion of the third branch 1411c, or at least two of the common area 1412 is formed of different materials Or discontinuous.

The hydrophilic porous layer 1410 of the first branch 1411a extends from the first proximal branch end 1480a to the first distal branch end 1480b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1410 of the first branch 1411a includes a first side 1403a, a second side 1403b, and at least one first gap 1415a. The first branch 1411a further includes at least one first hydrophobic layer 1420a, at least one second hydrophobic layer 1420b, a first electrode 1430a, and a second electrode 1430b.

Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the second branch 1411b may be the same as or substantially similar to the first branch 1411a. For example, the hydrophilic porous layer 1410 of the second branch 1411b extends from the second proximal branch end 1482a to the second distal branch end 1482b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1410 of the second branch 1411b includes a third side 1404a, a fourth side 1404b, and at least one second gap 1415b. The second branch 1411b further includes at least one third hydrophobic layer 1422a, at least one fourth hydrophobic layer 1422b, a third electrode 1432a, and a fourth electrode 1432b.

Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the third branch 1411c may be the same or substantially similar to the first and second branches 1411a and 1411b. For example, the hydrophilic porous layer 1410 of the third branch 1411c extends from the third proximal branch end 1484a to the third distal branch end 1484b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1410 of the third branch 1411c includes a fifth side 1405a, a sixth side 1405b, and at least one third gap 1415c. The third branch 1411c further includes at least one fifth hydrophobic layer 1424a, at least one sixth hydrophobic layer 1424b, a fifth electrode 1434a, and a sixth electrode 1434b.

In an embodiment, a first voltage from the power source 1440 needs to be applied to enable the sample to flow through the first gap 1415a, a second voltage from the power source 1440 needs to be applied to enable the sample to flow through the second gap 1415c, and a power from the power source needs to be applied A third voltage of 1440 to enable the sample to flow through the third gap 1415c. At least two of the first, second, or third voltages are different. The third voltage may include any of the voltages described above. In an embodiment, the power source 1440 may be configured to apply the same voltage to the first and second electrodes 1430a and 1430b, the third and fourth electrodes 1432a and 1432b, and the fifth and sixth electrodes 1434a and 1434b. In another embodiment, the power source 1440 may selectively apply a difference to at least two of the first and second electrodes 1430a and 1430b, the third and fourth electrodes 1432a and 1432b, or the fifth and sixth electrodes 1434a and 1434b. The voltage. For example, the power source 1440 may apply a first voltage to the first and second electrodes 1430b and 1430a, and a different voltage (eg, no voltage, second voltage, or third voltage) to the third and fourth electrodes 1432a and 1432b. Or the fifth and sixth electrodes 1434a and 1434b.

The first, second, and third branches 1411a, 1411b, and 1411c can be configured to controllably and selectively enable a sample to flow through its gap using any of the mechanisms disclosed in FIGS. 10-13. For example, as shown, the first, second, and third gaps 1415a, 1415b, and 1415c are at least partially composed of a first distance D1, a second distance D2, and an adjacent portion or section of the hydrophilic porous layer 1410 and The third distance D3 is defined. In such an example, at least two of the first distance D1, the second distance D2, or the third distance D3 are different. In another example, the first and second hydrophobic layers 1420a and 1420b collectively exhibit first hydrophobicity, the third and fourth hydrophobic layers 1422a and 1422b collectively exhibit second hydrophobicity, and fifth and sixth hydrophobicities Layers 1424a and 1424b together exhibit a third hydrophobicity. In such examples, the first, second, or third hydrophobicity is different. In another example, the first gap 1415a is at least partially occupied by a first hydrophobic porous material that exhibits first hydrophobicity, and the second gap 1415b is at least partially occupied by a second hydrophobic porous material that exhibits second hydrophobicity And the third gap 1415c is at least partially occupied by a third hydrophobic porous material exhibiting a third hydrophobicity. In such examples, at least two of the first, second, or third hydrophobicities are different. In another example, at least one of the first gap 1415a, the second gap 1415b, or the third gap 1415c is at least partially occupied by at least one hydrophobic porous material, and the first gap 1415a, the second gap 1415b, or the third gap The remainder of 1415c is at least partially occupied by air.

It should be understood that the flow detection device 1400 may include three or more branches, such as 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more than 10 branches, each The branches are arranged parallel to each other. Each of the three or more branches may be configured to be the same or similar to any of the branches disclosed herein.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 to 14, the flow detection device shows a plurality of branches positioned in parallel with each other. However, any flow detection device disclosed herein may include branches in series with each other. FIG. 15 illustrates a flow detection device 1500 including a plurality of branches according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the flow detection device 1500 may be substantially the same or similar to any flow detection device disclosed herein. For example, the flow detection device 1500 includes a proximal end 1501, at least one distal end 1502, at least one common area 1512, at least one first branch 1511a, and at least one second branch 1511b positioned parallel to the first branch 1511a. The flow detection device 1500 may further include at least one third branch 1511c connected in series with the first branch 1511a and at least one fourth branch 1511d connected in series with the first branch 1511a and parallel to the third branch 1511c.

The first and second branches 1511a and 1511b may be the same or substantially similar to any of the branches disclosed herein. For example, the first branch 1511a may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1510 extending from the first proximal branch end 1580a to the first distal branch end 1580b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1510 of the first branch 1511a includes a first side 1503a, a second side 1503b, and at least one first gap 1515a. The first branch 1511a further includes at least one first hydrophobic layer 1520a, at least one second hydrophobic layer 1520b, a first electrode 1530a, and a second electrode 1530b. Similarly, the second branch 1511b may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1510 that extends from the second proximal branch end 1582a adjacent to the common region 1512 to the second distal branch end 1582b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1510 of the second branch 1511b includes a third side 1504a, a fourth side 1504b, and at least one second gap 1515b. The second branch 1511b further includes at least one third hydrophobic layer 1522a, at least one fourth hydrophobic layer 1522b, a third electrode 1532a, and a fourth electrode 1532b.

A portion of the first branch 1511a at or near the first remote branch end 1580b of the first branch 1511a may serve as a common area of the third branch 1511c and the fourth branch 1511d. For example, the third branch 1511c and the fourth branch 1511d are fluidly coupled to the first distal branch end 1580b and extend longitudinally from the first distal branch end 1580b.

The third branch 1511c and the fourth branch 1511d include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1510. In the embodiment, as shown in the figure, the hydrophilic porous layer 1510 of at least a portion of the first branch 1511a, at least a portion of the third branch 1511c, and at least a portion of the fourth branch 1511d is formed of the same material and collectively forms a continuous hydrophilicity. Sexually porous layer. In another embodiment, the hydrophilic porous layer 1510 of at least a part of at least a part of the first branch 1511a, at least a part of the third branch 1511c, and at least a part of the fourth branch 1511d is formed of different materials, or is Discontinuous.

Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the third branch 1511c may be substantially the same as or similar to the first branch 1511a or the second branch 1511b. For example, the hydrophilic porous layer 1510 of the third branch 1511c extends from the third proximal branch end 1584a adjacent to the first distal branch end 1580b to the third distal branch end 1584b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1510 of the third branch 1511c includes a fifth side 1505a, a sixth side 1505b, and at least one third gap 1515c. The third branch 1511c further includes at least one fifth hydrophobic layer 1524a, at least one sixth hydrophobic layer 1524b, a fifth electrode 1534a, and a sixth electrode 1534b.

Similarly, the fourth branch 1511d may be substantially the same as or similar to the first, second or third branch 1511a, 1511a or 1511c, except as otherwise disclosed herein. For example, the hydrophilic porous layer 1510 of the fourth branch 1511d extends from the fourth proximal branch end 1586a adjacent to the first distal branch end 1586b to the fourth distal branch end 1586b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1510 of the fourth branch 1511d includes a seventh side 1506a, an eighth side 1506b, and at least one fourth gap 1515d. The fourth branch 1511d further includes at least one seventh hydrophobic layer 1526a, at least one eighth hydrophobic layer 1526b, a seventh electrode 1536a, and an eighth electrode 1536b.

The flow detection device 1500 may be configured to use any of the mechanisms disclosed in FIGS. 10 to 13 to enable samples to flow through the first, second, third, and fourth voltages from a power source (not shown), respectively. First, second, third, and fourth gaps 1515a, 1515b, 1515c, and 1515d, wherein at least two of the first, second, third, or fourth voltages are different. For example, as shown, the first, second, third, and fourth gaps 1515a, 1515b, 1515c, and 1515d are each at least partially composed of first, The second, third and fourth distances D1, D2, D3 and D4 are defined. In such an example, at least two of the first distance D1, the second distance D2, the third distance D3, or the fourth distance D4 are different. In another example, the first and second hydrophobic layers 1520a and 1520b collectively exhibit a first hydrophobicity, the third and fourth hydrophobic layers 1522a and 1522b collectively exhibit a second hydrophobicity, and the fifth and sixth hydrophobic layers 1524a and 1524b collectively exhibit a third hydrophobicity, and the seventh and eighth hydrophobic layers 1526a and 1526b collectively exhibit a fourth hydrophobicity. In such examples, at least two of the first, second, third, or fourth hydrophobicities are different. In another example, the first gap 1515a is at least partially occupied by a first hydrophobic porous material exhibiting a first hydrophobicity, and the second gap 1515b is at least partially occupied by a second hydrophobic porous material exhibiting a second hydrophobicity The third gap 1515c is at least partially occupied by a third hydrophobic porous material exhibiting a third hydrophobicity, and the fourth gap 1515d is at least partially occupied by a fourth hydrophobic porous material exhibiting a fourth hydrophobicity. In such examples, at least two of the first, second, third, or fourth hydrophobicities are different. In another example, at least one of the first, second, third or fourth gaps 1515a, 1515b, 1515c, 1515d is at least partially occupied by at least one hydrophobic porous material, and the first, second, third The remaining of the three or fourth gaps 1515a, 1515b, 1515c, 1515d is at least partially occupied by air.

In one embodiment, the power source simultaneously applies the same voltage to the electrodes of the first branch 1511a, the second branch 1511b, the third branch 1511c, and the fourth branch 1511d. In an embodiment, the power source selectively applies different voltages to electrodes of at least two of the first, second, third, or fourth branches 1511a, 1511b, 1511c, or 1511d. For example, the power source may selectively apply a first voltage to the first and second electrodes 1530a and 1530b, and apply a different voltage to at least one of the fifth and sixth electrodes 1534a and 1534b or the seventh or eighth electrodes 1536a and 1636b. Voltage. Different voltages applied to the fifth and sixth electrodes 1534a and 1534b or the seventh or eighth electrodes 1536a and 1636b may not be sufficient to allow the portion of the sample flowing through the first gap 1515a to also flow through the third or fourth gap 1515c or 1515d At least one of.

In an embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth branches 1511a, 1511b, 1511c, and 1511d are configured to detect different characteristics of a sample. For example, the first, second, third, and fourth branches 1511a, 1511b, 1511c, and 1511d are configured to detect different analytes that may be present in a sample or the same analyte at different concentrations. In an embodiment, only the second, third, and fourth branches 1511b, 1511c, and 1511d are configured to detect different characteristics of the sample. In such an embodiment, the first branch 1511a may controllably and selectively restrict access to the third and fourth branches 1511c and 1511d.

In an embodiment, the flow detection device 1500 may include one or more additional branches (not shown) positioned in series with the second branch 1511b and extending longitudinally from the second branch 1511b. In an embodiment, at least one of the third or fourth branch 1511c or 1511d d includes one or more additional branches (not shown) positioned in series therefrom and extending longitudinally therefrom.

8 and 10 to 15 show a flow detection device including a plurality of branches, with a space between the plurality of branches. FIG. 16 illustrates a flow detection device 1600 including a plurality of branches having no space between adjacent branches according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the flow detection device 1600 may be substantially the same as or similar to any flow detection device disclosed herein. For example, the flow detection device 1600 includes a near end 1601, at least one far end 1602, a common area 1612, at least one first branch 1611a, and at least one second branch 1611b. The first branch 1611a and the second branch 1611b are not spaced apart, but are in direct physical contact with each other.

The first branch 1611a may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1610 that extends from the first proximal branch end 1680a to the first distal branch end 1680b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1610 of the first branch 1611a includes a first side 1603a, a second side 1603b, and at least one first gap 1615a. The first branch 1611a further includes at least one first hydrophobic layer 1620a, at least one second hydrophobic layer 1620b, a first electrode 1630a, and a second electrode 1630b. Similarly, the second branch 1611b includes at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1610 extending from the second proximal branch end 1682a to the second distal branch end 1682b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1610 of the second branch 1611b includes a third side 1604a, a fourth side 1604b, and at least one second gap 1615b. The second branch 1611b further includes at least one third hydrophobic layer 1622a, at least one fourth hydrophobic layer 1622b, a third electrode 1632a, and a fourth electrode 1632b. The first, second, third, and fourth electrodes 1630a, 1630b, 1632a, and 1632b are electrically coupled to a power source 1640.

In one embodiment, the first and second branches 1611a and 1611b share one or more components between them. For example, as shown, the second and third electrodes 1630b and 1632a may be integrally formed to form a common electrode. In another example, as previously described, the second and third hydrophobic layers 1620b and 1622a may be integrally formed to form a continuous substantially U-shaped hydrophobic layer extending at least partially around the second and third electrodes 1630b and 1632a. Sex layer. In an embodiment, the first branch 1611a and the second branch 1611b do not share one or more components between them. For example, the second and third electrodes 1630b and 1632a may be different electrodes. In another example, the second and third hydrophobic layers 1620b and 1622a may be different hydrophobic layers.

The branches shown in Figures 8 and 10-16 have been disclosed as being configured to detect one or more characteristics of a sample. However, any branch shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 8 and FIGS. 10-16 can be configured to affect the flow of the sample to at least one other branch, instead of detecting one or more characteristics of the sample, or detecting one or more Multiple features combined. FIG. 17 illustrates a flow detection device 1700 including a plurality of branches according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the flow detection device 1700 may be substantially the same as or similar to any flow detection device disclosed herein. For example, the flow detection device 1700 may include a near end 1701, at least one far end 1702, a common area 1712, at least one first branch 1711a, and at least one second branch 1711a.

The first branch 1711a may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1710 that extends from the first proximal branch end 1780a to the first distal branch end 1780b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1710 of the first branch 1711a includes a first side 1703a, a second side 1703b, and at least one first gap 1715a. The first branch 1711a further includes at least one first hydrophobic layer 1720a, at least one second hydrophobic layer 1720b, a first electrode 1730a, and a second electrode 1730b. Similarly, the second branch 1711b may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1710 extending from the second proximal branch end 1782a to the second distal branch end 1782b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1710 of the second branch 1711b includes a third side 1704a, a fourth side 1704b, and at least one second gap 1715b. The second branch 1711b further includes at least one third hydrophobic layer 1722a, at least one fourth hydrophobic layer 1722b, a third electrode 1732a, and a fourth electrode 1732b.

The first branch 1711a includes at least one dry waste area 1790 between the first gap 1715a and the first distal branch end 1780b. The dry waste area 1790 includes a reservoir configured to receive and store a portion of the sample therein. For example, the dry waste area 1790 may include a porous structure configured to receive and store a sample by wicking the sample. In one such example, the dry waste area 1790 may form a portion of a hydrophilic porous material, such as a portion of a hydrophilic porous material exhibiting a thickness greater than the average thickness of the hydrophilic porous material. In another example, the dry waste area 1790 may include a hollow structure defining a chamber (eg, a container) and an inlet. The inlet may be configured to allow a portion of the sample to flow into the chamber.

The second branch 1711b may include at least one indicator portion 1717 between the second distal branch end 1782b and the second gap 1715b. The indicator portion 1717 may be the same as or substantially similar to the indicator portion 117 shown in FIG. 2D. For example, the indicator portion 1717 may be configured to detect one or more characteristics of a sample and include at least one observation area or indicator bar. It should be noted that the first branch 1711a may or may not include at least one indicator portion.

In operation, the dry waste area 1790 may be configured to control the volume and flow rate of the sample reaching at least the second branch 1711b. For example, the flow detection device 1700 can detect that the volume or flow rate of a sample exceeds an operable value. The flow detection device 1700 may use a sensor such as the sensor 672a or 672b of FIG. 6B to detect the volume or flow rate of the sample. In response to detecting the volume or flow rate of the sample, a control circuit (such as control circuit 674 of FIGS. 6A-6B) can direct the power source 1740 to provide the first voltage to the first and second electrodes 1730a and 1730b, thereby enabling a portion of the sample (such as (Steering) flows through the first gap 1715a and into the dry waste area 1790. Passing a portion of the sample through the first gap 1715a reduces the volume or flow rate of the sample reaching the second branch 1711b.

FIG. 18 illustrates a flow detection device 1800 according to an embodiment. Except as otherwise disclosed herein, the flow detection device 1800 is substantially the same as or similar to any flow detection device disclosed herein. For example, the flow detection device 1800 includes a near end 1801, at least one far end 1802, a common area 1812, at least one first branch 1811a, and at least one second branch 1811b. The first branch 1811a may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1810 extending from the first proximal branch end 1880a to the first distal branch end 1880b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1810 of the first branch 1811a includes a first side 1803a, a second side 1803b, and at least one first gap 1815a. The first branch 1811a further includes at least one first hydrophobic layer 1820a, at least one second hydrophobic layer 1820b, a first electrode 1830a, and a second electrode 1830b. Similarly, the second branch 1811b may include at least one hydrophilic porous layer 1810 extending from the second proximal branch end 1882a to the second distal branch end 1882b. The hydrophilic porous layer 1810 of the second branch 1811b includes a third side 1804a, a fourth side 1804b, and at least one second gap 1815b. The second branch 1811b further includes at least one third hydrophobic layer 1822a, at least one fourth hydrophobic layer 1822b, a third electrode 1832a, and a fourth electrode 1832b.

In an embodiment, the power supply 1840 may provide a first voltage to the first electrode 1830a and the second electrode 1830b, and a second voltage to the third electrode 1832a and the fourth electrode 1832b, so that the sample can flow through the first gap 1815a and The second gap 1815b. After a period of time, the power supply 1840 may stop supplying the first and second voltages to the first, second, third, and fourth electrodes 1830a, 1830b, 1832a, and 1832b. However, in some embodiments, the sample may continue to flow through the first or second gap 1815a or 1815b due to the surface tension or adhesion of the sample. Continued flow of the sample through the first or second gap 1815a or 1815b will produce a false positive.

The flow detection device 1800 may be configured to prevent a sample (eg, a specific sample) from flowing through the first or second gap 1815a or 1815b. For example, the first and second gaps 1815a and 1815b may exhibit a first distance (not shown) and a second distance (not shown) between adjacent portions or sections of the hydrophilic porous layer 1810, respectively. At least one of the first or second distances is large enough to prevent the sample from flowing through the corresponding gap after the power supply 1840 stops providing the first and second voltages. In another example, the first hydrophobic layer 1820a and the second hydrophobic layer 1820b collectively exhibit a first hydrophobicity, and the third hydrophobic layer 1822a and the fourth hydrophobic layer 1822b collectively exhibit a second hydrophobicity. In such an example, after the power supply 1840 stops providing the first and second voltages, at least one of the first or second hydrophobicity is sufficient to prevent the sample from flowing through the corresponding gap. In another example, the first gap 1815a is at least partially occupied by a first hydrophobic material exhibiting a first hydrophobicity, and the second gap 1815b is at least partially occupied by a second hydrophobic material exhibiting a second hydrophobicity. In such an example, after the power supply 1840 stops providing the first and second voltages, at least one of the first or second hydrophobicity is sufficient to prevent the sample from flowing through the corresponding gap.

In one embodiment, the flow detection device 1800 may include at least one vent 1892. The at least one vent 1892 may be configured to allow air to flow into the first or second gap 1815a or 1815b. After the power supply 1840 stops supplying the first and second voltages, the airflow flowing into the first or second gap 1815a or 1815b may reduce the likelihood that the sample will flow through the first or second gap 1815a or 1815b. In this way, the air flow into the first or second gap 1815a or 1815b can reduce the overall hydrophobicity of the first distance, the second distance, the first and second hydrophobic layers 1820a and 1820b, and the third and fourth hydrophobic layers The overall hydrophobicity of 1822a and 1822b, at least part of the hydrophobicity of the first hydrophobic material of the first gap 1815a, or at least part of the hydrophobicity of the second hydrophobic material of the second gap 1815b, this It is required to prevent the sample from flowing through the first or second gap 1815a or 1815b when the power supply 1840 stops supplying the first voltage and the second voltage.

The vent 1892 may be formed in a housing (eg, the housing 150 of FIG. 1A) and allow air to flow from the outside of the flow detection device 1800 to the inside of the flow detection device 1800. In an embodiment, the vent 1892 may include a plurality of fins 1894 that direct airflow toward the first or second gap 1815a or 1815b. In an embodiment, the vent 1892 may be selectively opened and closed (eg, the flap 1894 may be selectively opened or closed). When the power supply 1840 provides the first and second voltages, selectively opening or closing the vent 1892 can substantially prevent the vent 1892 from affecting the flow of the sample through the first or second gap 1815a or 1815b. In an embodiment, the vent 1892 may include an actuator (such as a blower not shown) configured to force air from the outside of the flow detection device 1800 to the inside of the flow detection device 1800.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1900 for detecting the presence of at least one analyte in a sample using any of the flow detection devices disclosed herein, the flow detection device method including a plurality of branches (such as the flow of FIGS. 8 and 10-18). Detection device 800, flow detection device 1000, flow detection device 1100, flow detection device 1200, flow detection device 1300, flow detection device 1400, flow detection device 1500, flow detection device 1600, flow detection device 1700, and flow detection device 1800). Method 1900 may include flowing a sample through at least one first branch and flowing a sample at least partially through at least one second branch.

Method 1900 may include an act 1905 of flowing a sample from a first proximal branch end of at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one first branch to at least one first gap of the at least one first branch. For example, the hydrophilic porous layer of the first branch includes a first proximal branch end, a first distal branch end spaced from the first proximal branch end, a first side spaced from the second side, and a first side A first gap between the proximal branch end and the first distal branch end. The first gap is defined at least in part by a first distance between adjacent portions or sections of the first branched hydrophilic porous layer.

In an embodiment, the first branch includes at least one first conjugate or label placed therein or thereon. In particular, the first branch may include a first conjugate or marker disposed in or on the position of the hydrophilic porous layer of the first branch between the first proximal branch end and the first gap. In such embodiments, act 1905 may include reacting an analyte with a first conjugate or label. For example, reacting an analyte with a first conjugate or label can include at least one of the following: providing a visual indication of the presence of the analyte, causing at least one between the analyte and the first conjugate or label Chemical reaction, or forming at least one analyte-conjugate complex from the analyte and the first conjugate.

Method 1900 may include an act 1910 of preventing a sample from flowing through at least one first gap. For example, the first branch may include at least one first hydrophobic layer, the at least one first hydrophobic layer being disposed adjacent to a first side portion that partially defines the first gap, and at least one second hydrophobic layer, the at least one second The hydrophobic layer is arranged adjacent to the second side that defines the first gap. The presence of the first gap and the overall hydrophobicity of the first and second hydrophobic layers may form a first barrier that the sample cannot pass until at least 1915. The first gap may further include at least one first hydrophobic porous material disposed therein. The hydrophobicity of the first hydrophobic porous material may also form part of the first barrier.

In an embodiment, act 1910 may be performed for at least a first time period. The first time period is selected to be sufficient to allow the analyte present in the sample to react with at least one conjugate or label present in the flow detection device (e.g., a first conjugate disposed in or on the first branch) Thing).

Method 1900 may include act 1915, that is, after preventing a sample from flowing through at least one first gap, applying a first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode to effectively change at least one first hydrophobic layer or at least one second The hydrophobicity of the hydrophobic layer. For example, act 1915 includes generating an electric field between the first and second electrodes when a first voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes. The electric field can effectively change the hydrophobicity of the first hydrophobic layer or the second hydrophobic layer. The electric field can also effectively change the hydrophobicity of the first hydrophobic porous material. The power source may be configured to selectively apply the first voltage.

In one embodiment, act 1915 is performed in a first selected time period after act 1910 begins. The first selected period of time is equal to or greater than the first period of time required to react the analyte with at least one conjugate or label present in the flow detection device.

In an embodiment, act 1915 includes sending a first startup signal from a control circuit of the control system and receiving the first startup signal at a power source. For example, the control circuit may send a first enable signal at a first selected time period. In response to receiving the first start signal, the power source may apply a first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

In an embodiment, the power source applies the same voltage to the first and second electrodes and the third and fourth electrodes simultaneously. In such an embodiment, act 1915 includes applying a first voltage to the first and second electrodes and the third and fourth electrodes simultaneously. Applying the first voltage to the third and fourth electrodes may be sufficient to change at least a portion of the second barrier of the second branch (eg, at least one third hydrophobic layer, at least one fourth hydrophobic layer, or at least one second hydrophobic property Porous layer material). However, changing the hydrophobicity of at least a portion of the second barrier of the second branch may be sufficient or may not be sufficient for the sample to flow through the second gap. In an embodiment, the power source selectively applies different voltages between the first and second electrodes and the third and fourth electrodes. In such an embodiment, act 1915 may include applying a first voltage between the first and second electrodes and simultaneously applying a different voltage between the third and fourth electrodes.

Method 1900 may include act 1920, that is, in response to applying a first voltage between a first electrode and a second electrode such that at least a portion of a sample can flow through at least one first gap. Passing at least a portion of the sample through the first gap enables the sample to reach the indicator portion or at least one dry waste area.

In an embodiment, the first branch includes at least one first observation area or indicator portion configured to detect a first concentration of an analyte. In such embodiments, the method 1900 may include, after flowing at least a portion of the sample through the at least one first gap, providing an indication that at least one analyte of the first concentration is present or absent in the at least one first observation area or indication Article. In an embodiment, the first branch includes at least one observation area or indicator portion configured to detect at least one first analyte. The sample may also include at least one second analyte that is different from the first analyte. In such embodiments, act 1095 may include providing an indication of the presence or absence of at least one first analyte in the sample after enabling at least a portion of the sample to flow through the at least one first gap.

Method 1900 may include an act 1925 of flowing a sample from a second proximal branch end of at least one hydrophilic porous material of at least one second branch to at least one second gap. For example, the second porous hydrophilic layer includes a second proximal branch end, a second distal branch end spaced from the second proximal branch end, a third side spaced from the fourth side, and a second side A second gap between the proximal branch end and the second distal branch end. The second gap is defined at least in part by a second distance between adjacent portions or sections of the first branched hydrophilic porous layer. The second distance may be the same as, similar to, or different from the first distance.

In one embodiment, the second branch includes at least one second conjugate or label disposed therein or thereon. In particular, the second branch may include a second conjugate or marker in or on the position of the hydrophilic porous layer of the second first branch disposed between the second proximal branch end and the second gap. In such embodiments, act 1925 may include reacting the analyte with a second conjugate or label. For example, reacting an analyte with a second conjugate may include at least one of the following: providing a visual indication of the presence of the analyte, causing at least one chemical reaction between the analyte and the second conjugate or label, Alternatively, at least one analyte-conjugate complex is formed from the analyte and the second conjugate. In an embodiment, the second conjugate or label is the same as the first conjugate or label. In such an embodiment, act 1925 may include reacting a second conjugate or label with the same analyte and reacting in the same manner as in act 1905. In an embodiment, the second conjugate or label is different from the first conjugate or label. In such an embodiment, act 1925 may include reacting the second conjugate with a different analyte in a manner different from that in act 1905.

Method 1900 may include an act 1930 of preventing a sample from flowing through at least one second gap. For example, the second branch may include at least one third hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to a third side partially defining a second gap and at least one fourth hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to a fourth side partially defining a second gap . The presence of the second gap and the overall hydrophobicity of the third and fourth hydrophobic layers may provide a second barrier that allows the sample to pass at least until the second voltage is provided to the electrodes of the second branch. The second gap may further include at least one second hydrophobic porous material disposed therein. The hydrophobicity of the second hydrophobic porous material may also form part of the second barrier.

In one embodiment, act 1930 may be performed for at least a second time period. The second period of time is selected to be sufficient to allow analytes that may be present in the sample with at least one conjugate or label present in the flow detection device (e.g., a second conjugate disposed in or on the second branch) Compounds or markers).

Method 1900 may include, after preventing the sample from flowing through the at least one second gap, applying a second voltage between the third electrode and the fourth electrode to effectively change at least one third hydrophobic layer or the at least one fourth hydrophobic layer Hydrophobic. For example, method 1900 includes generating an electric field between the third and fourth electrodes when a second voltage is applied to the third and fourth electrodes. The electric field can effectively change the hydrophobicity of the third hydrophobic layer or the fourth hydrophobic layer. The electric field can also effectively change the hydrophobicity of the second hydrophobic porous material.

In one embodiment, the method 1900 includes performing an act of applying a second voltage between the third electrode and the fourth electrode in a second selected period of time after the act 1930 begins. The second selected period of time is equal to or greater than the second period of time required to react the analyte with at least one conjugate or label present in the flow detection device.

In one embodiment, the method 1900 includes transmitting a second activation signal from a control circuit of a control system and receiving a second activation signal at a power source. For example, the control circuit may send a second start signal at a second selected time period after the start of action 1930. In response to receiving the second start signal, the power source applies a second voltage between the first and second electrodes.

In one embodiment, as described above, the power source applies the same voltage to the first and second electrodes and the third and fourth electrodes simultaneously. In such an embodiment, the method 1900 further includes applying a second voltage to the first and second electrodes, which may be sufficient to change the hydrophobicity of at least a portion of the first barrier of the first branch. However, changing the hydrophobicity of at least a portion of the first barrier of the first branch may be sufficient or may not be sufficient for the sample to flow through the first gap. In one embodiment, the power source applies different voltages between the first and second electrodes and the third and fourth electrodes simultaneously or separately in time.

Note that in some embodiments, the method 1900 does not include applying a second voltage to the third and fourth electrodes. For example, the first branch is configured to detect a first characteristic of the sample, and the second branch is configured to detect a second characteristic of the sample. In such an example, the user of the flow detection device may determine that only the first characteristic needs to be determined, and thus the method 1900 does not include applying a second voltage to the third and fourth electrodes.

The method 1900 may include, in response to applying a second voltage between the third electrode and the fourth electrode, causing at least a portion of the sample to flow through the at least one second gap. Passing at least a portion of the sample through allows the sample to reach at least one viewing area or indicator bar or at least one dry waste area disposed on or in the second branch.

In one embodiment, the second branch includes at least one second viewing area or indicator portion at or near the end of the second distal branch configured to detect a second concentration of the analyte. The second concentration is different from the first concentration previously discussed. In such embodiments, the method 1900 may include providing an indication of the presence or absence of a second concentration of at least one analyte in the sample after flowing at least a portion of the sample through the at least one second gap. In one embodiment, the second observation area or indicator portion is configured to detect at least one second analyte that may be present in the sample. The second analyte may be different from the first analyte previously discussed. In such an embodiment, the method 1900 may include providing an indication that at least one second analyte is present or absent in the sample after flowing at least a portion of the sample through the at least one second gap.

In one embodiment, the second branch may include at least one dry waste area at or near the end of the second distal branch. In such embodiments, the method 1900 may include storing at least a portion of the sample flowing through the at least one second gap in a dry waste area after flowing at least a portion of the sample through the at least one second gap. In one embodiment, flowing at least a portion of the sample through the at least one second gap (eg, storing at least a portion of the sample flowing through the at least one second gap in a dry waste area) includes reducing Sample volume or flow rate.

Method 1900 may include introducing a sample in at least one common area, the common area being fluidly coupled to a first proximal branch end of at least one first branch and a second proximal branch end of at least one second branch. Introducing the sample into the common area may cause actions 1905 and 1925 to occur.

In one embodiment, the common area may include at least one third conjugate or label placed therein or thereon. The third conjugate or label can react with at least one analyte present in the sample by at least one of the following operations: providing an indication of the presence or absence of the analyte in the sample, causing the analyte to react with the third conjugate or A chemical reaction between the markers or the use of an analyte and a third conjugate to form at least one analyte-conjugate complex. For example, the third conjugate or label may be the same or similar to the first or second conjugate or label present in the first or second branch, respectively. In such examples, the third conjugate or label can react with and react in the same manner as the analyte that reacted with the first or second conjugate or label. In another example, the third conjugate or label may be different from the first or second conjugate or label present in the first or second branch. In such examples, the third conjugate or label may react with and react in a different manner than the analyte that reacts with the first or second conjugate or label. In another example, the first or second branch does not include the first or second conjugate or label. In such examples, the third conjugate or label reacts with the analyte, rather than the first or second conjugate or label.

In one embodiment, the method 1900 may include, after applying the first voltage between the first and second electrodes, stopping applying the first voltage between the first and second electrodes. In one embodiment, the method 1900 may include stopping applying the second voltage between the third and fourth electrodes after applying the second voltage between the third and fourth electrodes. In any embodiment, stopping the application of the first or second voltage to the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, or the fourth electrode may cause the sample to stop flowing through the first or second gap. In one embodiment, air may flow into the first or second gap (eg, using an exhaust port) to stop the sample from flowing through the first or second gap.

In one embodiment, the flow detection device may include three or more branches, such as a first branch, a second branch, and one or more additional branches. One or more additional branches may be parallel to the first and second branches (eg, the third branch 1511c of FIG. 15) or at least one of the first and second branches (eg, the third branch 1611c and The fourth branch 1611d) is connected in series. In such embodiments, method 1900 may include operating in substantially the same manner as at least one of action 1905, action 1910, action 1915, action 1920, action 1925, or action 1930 or with another of the other actions disclosed herein. One or more additional branches. For example, the method 1900 may include at least one of the following operations: flowing a sample into one or more additional branches, preventing the sample from flowing through at least one gap of the one or more additional branches, to one of the one or more additional branches The voltage is applied by one or more additional electrodes or enables at least a portion of the sample to flow through the gap of the one or more additional branches.

Operation Example

Working example of a flow detection device using a nitrocellulose paper as a hydrophilic porous layer, wherein the nitrocellulose paper has a gap in which air is filled. The nitrocellulose paper is delimited (eg sandwiched) by a hydrophobic trichloro (perfluorooctyl) silane layer extending through each side of the gap. Each layer of trichloro (perfluorooctyl) silane is electrically connected to a transparent indium tin oxide layer provided thereon. Connect transparent indium tin oxide to a 9 volt power source.

A potassium chloride salt solution was applied to the nitrocellulose paper. The solution passed through the gap into which the nitrocellulose paper entered. The solution did not advance through the gap. The solution remained in the gap without advancing for more than 10 minutes. A voltage of about 9V (DC) is applied across the electrodes. When a voltage is applied, the solution advances through the gap and towards the proximal end of the flow detection device. Once the solution crosses the gap, the application of voltage is stopped and the solution continues to advance.

Readers will recognize that the prior art has advanced to a stage where there are minimal differences between hardware and software implementations of various aspects of the system; the use of hardware or software is usually (but not always, because in some contexts hardware The choice between software and software may become important) a design choice that represents a cost versus efficiency trade-off. The reader should understand that there are a variety of vectors by which the processes and / or systems and / or other technologies (e.g., hardware, software, and / or firmware) described herein can be implemented, and the preferred vectors can be deployed with the processes and / Or the background of the system and / or other technologies. For example, if the implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may select the main hardware and / or firmware carrier; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the implementer may select the main software implementation; or again instead , Implementers can choose some combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. Therefore, there are several possible vectors through which the processes and / or equipment and / or other technologies described herein can be implemented, none of which is inherently superior to the other, as any vector to be utilized is dependent on the vector being used to be The context of the deployment and the choices of the implementer's particular considerations (such as speed, flexibility, or predictability) are variable. Readers should be aware that the optical aspects of implementation will generally use optical-oriented hardware, software, and firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and / or processes by using block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or embodiments. To the extent that these block diagrams, flowcharts, and / or embodiments include one or more functions and / or operations, those skilled in the art will understand that they can be implemented by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or actually their Each combination individually and / or collectively implements each function and / or operation in these block diagrams, flowcharts, or embodiments. In embodiments, portions of the subject matter described herein may be implemented via application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (eg, as one running on one or more computer systems). Or programs) as one or more programs running on one or more processors (for example, as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware or in fact Any combination, fully or partially equivalently implemented in an integrated circuit, and designing circuits and / or writing code for software and / or firmware according to the present disclosure will be within the skill of those skilled in the art. In addition, the reader should understand that the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein can be distributed as various forms of program products and that the illustrative embodiments of the subject matter described herein apply regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium used to actually perform the allocation. Examples of signal bearing media include but are not limited to the following: recordable media such as floppy disks, hard drives, compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs), digital tapes, computer memory, etc .; and transmission media , Such as digital and / or analog communication media (such as fiber optic cables, waveguides, wired communication links, wireless communication links, etc.).

In a general sense, the various embodiments described herein can be implemented individually and / or collectively through various types of electro-mechanical systems that have a wide range of electrical components, such as hardware, software, firmware And / or virtually any combination thereof; and a wide range of components that can impart mechanical force or motion to, for example, rigid bodies, spring or torsion bodies, hydraulic, electromagnetically actuated devices, and / or virtually any combination thereof. As a result, an "electro-mechanical system" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, a circuit operatively coupled with a transducer (eg, an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, etc.), a circuit having at least one discrete circuit, A circuit having at least one integrated circuit, a circuit having at least one dedicated integrated circuit, and a circuit forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (for example, a general-purpose computer configured by a computer program, the computer program being at least partially Execute the processes and / or devices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially performs the processes and / or devices described herein, forming a storage device (eg, forming a random access memory) Circuits, circuits that form communications equipment (eg modems, communications switches, optical-electrical facilities, etc.) and / or any non-electrical analogues thereof, such as light or other analogues. Those skilled in the art should also understand that examples of electro-mechanical systems include, but are not limited to, numerous consumer electronic systems and other systems such as motorized transmission systems, factory automation systems, security systems, and communication / computing systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that electro-mechanics as described herein are not necessarily limited to systems that are both electrically and mechanically actuated, unless the context indicates the contrary.

In a general sense, the various aspects described herein, which may be implemented individually and / or collectively through a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, and / or any combination thereof, may be considered to consist of multiple types of "circuitry." Accordingly, "circuitry" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, a circuit having at least one discrete circuit, a circuit having at least one integrated circuit, a circuit having at least one dedicated integrated circuit, a circuit forming a general purpose computing device, the general purpose The computing device is configured by a computer program (for example, a general-purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially executes the processes and / or devices described herein, or a microprocessor that is configured by a computer program, and the computer program executes at least partially Described processes and / or equipment), circuits that form storage devices (such as forming random access memory), and / or circuits that form communication equipment (such as modems, communication switches, or optical-electrical facilities, etc.). The subject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital form or some combination thereof.

For conceptual clarity, the components (eg, steps), equipment, and items described herein, as well as the discussion accompanying them, are used as examples. Thus, as used herein, the specific examples set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to represent its more general category. In general, the use of any specific examples herein is also intended to indicate its category, and the exclusion of such specific components (such as steps), equipment, and items from this article should not be taken as an indication that restrictions are needed.

For use of substantially any plural and / or singular terminology herein, the reader may be able to convert from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural when the context and / or application is appropriate. For the sake of clarity, various singular / plural permutations are not explicitly stated in this article.

The subject matter described herein sometimes illustrates different components that are contained within or connected to different other components. It is to be understood that these described architectures are merely exemplary and in fact many other structures may be employed that implement the same functions. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components that achieve the same function is effectively "associated" in order to achieve the desired function. Therefore, any two components combined in this article to achieve a particular function may be considered to be "associated" with each other in order to achieve the desired function, regardless of architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components so related can also be considered to be "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to each other to achieve the desired function, and any two components that can be so related can also be viewed To be "operably coupled" to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operatively coupled include, but are not limited to, physically matching and / or physically interacting components, and / or wirelessly interacting, and / or wirelessly interacting components, and / or logical interactions, and / or Logically interacting components.

In some cases, one or more components may be referred to herein as "configured to." Unless the context requires otherwise, the reader should recognize that "configured to" may generally include active and / or inactive components and / or standby components.

Although specific aspects of the current subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects, based on the teachings herein, And, therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications fall within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. It is understood, therefore, that this is defined by the following claims. Generally, terms used herein (especially in the appended claims (eg, in the body of the appended claims)) are generally intended to be interpreted as "open" terms (eg, the term "including" should be construed as "including But not limited to, the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least ...", the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to" and the like). Those skilled in the art should further understand that if a specific number of claims are intended to be introduced, such intent will be explicitly stated in the claims, and in the absence of such a statement, there is no such intent. For example, to assist understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the leading phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as implying that a claim statement is limited by the indefinite article "a" or "an" to any particular claim containing such guided claim statements to include only one such Claims stated, even when the same claims include the leading words "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (eg, "a" and / or "a "Should be interpreted to mean" at least one "or" one or more "); the same applies to the use of the definite article used to guide a claim statement. In addition, even if a specific number of a guided claim statement is explicitly quoted, such a quote should generally be interpreted to mean at least the number of quotes (eg, simply quoting "two quotes" without other modifiers, usually Means at least two quotes, or two or more quotes). In addition, in those cases where an idiomatic phrase similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, this structure generally refers to the meaning in terms of idiomatic phrases (such as "having "At least one system" will include, but is not limited to, systems that have A alone, B alone, C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together and / or A, B, C together, etc.) . In those cases where an idiomatic phrase similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, this structure generally refers to the meaning in terms of idiomatic phrases (such as "having at least one of A, B, or C "Systems" will include, but are not limited to, systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together and / or A, B, C together, etc.). Virtually any alternative word and / or word (whether in the description, the claims, or the drawings) that indicates two or more alternatives should be understood as considering including one of the items, including any one of the items, or The possibility of including two items. For example, the word "A or B" will be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

With regard to the appended claims, the operations recited therein may generally be performed in any order. Examples of these alternative orders may include overlapping, interlaced, interrupted, reordered, incremental, prepared, supplemental, simultaneous, reversed, or other variant order, unless the context indicates otherwise. Regarding context, even terms like "respond to", "associated with" or other past tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude these variations unless the context indicates otherwise.

Although various aspects and embodiments are disclosed herein, the various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting, the true scope and spirit being indicated by the appended claims.

Figure 1A:

101‧‧‧proximal;

102‧‧‧ far-end;

103‧‧‧ first side;

104‧‧‧ second side;

110‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

115‧‧‧ gap;

120‧‧‧ the first hydrophobic layer;

122‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

130‧‧‧first electrode;

132‧‧‧second electrode;

140‧‧‧power supply;

142‧‧‧electrical connections;

150‧‧‧ shell;

155‧‧‧ opening;

157‧‧‧ sample opening.

Figure 1B:

100‧‧‧ flow detection device;

101‧‧‧proximal;

102‧‧‧ far-end;

103‧‧‧ first side;

104‧‧‧ second side;

110‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

115‧‧‧ gap;

120‧‧‧ the first hydrophobic layer;

122‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

130‧‧‧first electrode;

132‧‧‧second electrode;

140‧‧‧power supply;

142‧‧‧electrical connections;

144‧‧‧actuators;

150‧‧‧ shell.

Figure 2A:

100‧‧‧ flow detection device;

101‧‧‧proximal;

102‧‧‧ far-end;

103‧‧‧ first side;

104‧‧‧ second side;

107‧‧‧sample;

110‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

115‧‧‧ gap;

120‧‧‧ the first hydrophobic layer;

122‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

130‧‧‧first electrode;

132‧‧‧second electrode;

140‧‧‧power supply;

142‧‧‧electrical connections;

144‧‧‧actuator.

Figure 2B:

100‧‧‧ flow detection device;

101‧‧‧proximal;

102‧‧‧ far-end;

103‧‧‧ first side;

104‧‧‧ second side;

107‧‧‧sample;

110‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

115‧‧‧ gap;

120‧‧‧ the first hydrophobic layer;

122‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

130‧‧‧first electrode;

132‧‧‧second electrode;

140‧‧‧power supply;

142‧‧‧electrical connections;

144‧‧‧actuator.

Figure 2C:

100‧‧‧ flow detection device;

101‧‧‧proximal;

102‧‧‧ far-end;

103‧‧‧ first side;

104‧‧‧ second side;

107‧‧‧sample;

110‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

115‧‧‧ gap;

120‧‧‧ the first hydrophobic layer;

122‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

130‧‧‧first electrode;

132‧‧‧second electrode;

140‧‧‧power supply;

142‧‧‧electrical connections;

144‧‧‧actuator.

Figure 2D:

100‧‧‧ flow detection device;

101‧‧‧proximal;

102‧‧‧ far-end;

103‧‧‧ first side;

104‧‧‧ second side;

107‧‧‧sample;

110‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

115‧‧‧ gap;

117‧‧‧ indicator part;

120‧‧‧ the first hydrophobic layer;

122‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

130‧‧‧first electrode;

132‧‧‧second electrode;

140‧‧‧power supply;

142‧‧‧electrical connections;

144‧‧‧actuator.

image 3:

300‧‧‧flow detection device;

301‧‧‧proximal;

302‧‧‧ far-end;

303‧‧‧first side;

304‧‧‧ second side;

310‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

315‧‧‧ gap;

320‧‧‧ first hydrophobic layer;

322‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

330‧‧‧first electrode;

332‧‧‧second electrode;

340‧‧‧power supply;

342‧‧‧electrical connections;

344‧‧‧actuator;

360‧‧‧ Insulation.

Figure 4:

400‧‧‧flow detection device;

401‧‧‧proximal;

402‧‧‧ far-end;

403‧‧‧first side;

404‧‧‧second side;

410‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

415‧‧‧ gap;

418‧‧‧ hydrophobic porous material;

420‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

422‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

430‧‧‧first electrode;

432‧‧‧second electrode;

440‧‧‧power supply;

442‧‧‧electrical connections;

444‧‧‧actuator.

Figure 5:

500‧‧‧flow detection device;

501‧‧‧proximal;

502‧‧‧ far-end;

503‧‧‧ first side;

504‧‧‧ second side;

510‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

515‧‧‧ gap;

518‧‧‧ hydrophobic porous material;

520‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

522‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

530‧‧‧first electrode;

532‧‧‧second electrode;

540‧‧‧ power supply;

542‧‧‧electrical connections;

544‧‧‧actuators;

560‧‧‧ insulation.

Figure 6A:

600a‧‧‧flow detection device;

601‧‧‧proximal;

603‧‧‧ first side;

604‧‧‧ second side;

610‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

620‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

622‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

630‧‧‧first electrode;

632‧‧‧second electrode;

640‧‧‧power supply;

642‧‧‧electrical connections;

644‧‧‧actuator;

670‧‧‧control system;

674‧‧‧control circuit;

676‧‧‧timer;

677‧‧‧user interface;

678‧‧‧memory;

681‧‧‧ start signal;

683‧‧‧ start signal;

684‧‧‧timer signal;

687‧‧‧ input signal;

688 ‧ ‧ ‧ interview.

Figure 6B:

600a‧‧‧flow detection device;

601‧‧‧proximal;

603‧‧‧ first side;

604‧‧‧ second side;

610‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

620‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

622‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

630‧‧‧first electrode;

632‧‧‧second electrode;

640‧‧‧power supply;

642‧‧‧electrical connections;

644‧‧‧actuator;

670‧‧‧control system;

672a‧‧‧ sensor;

672b‧‧‧ sensor;

674‧‧‧control circuit;

676‧‧‧timer;

677‧‧‧user interface;

678‧‧‧memory;

681‧‧‧ start signal;

683‧‧‧ start signal;

684‧‧‧timer signal;

686‧‧‧ feedback signal;

687‧‧‧ input signal;

688 ‧ ‧ ‧ interview.

Figure 7:

701‧‧‧proximal;

702‧‧‧ far-end;

703‧‧‧first side;

704‧‧‧ second side;

710‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

715a‧‧‧first gap;

715b ‧ ‧ second gap;

720‧‧‧ first hydrophobic layer;

722‧‧‧second hydrophobic layer;

730‧‧‧first electrode;

732‧‧‧second electrode;

740‧‧‧ power supply;

742‧‧‧Electrical connection.

Figure 8:

801‧‧‧proximal;

802‧‧‧ far-end;

803a ‧ ‧ first side;

803b ‧ ‧ second side;

804a ‧ ‧ third side;

810‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

811a‧‧‧ first branch;

811b‧‧‧ second branch;

812‧‧‧public areas;

815a‧‧‧first gap;

815b ‧‧‧ second gap;

820a‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

820b‧‧‧second hydrophobic layer;

822a‧‧‧ third hydrophobic layer;

822b‧‧‧ fourth hydrophobic layer;

830a‧‧‧first electrode;

830b‧‧‧second electrode;

832a‧‧‧third electrode;

832b‧‧‧ fourth electrode;

840‧‧‧ power supply;

842‧‧‧electrical connector;

880a‧‧‧first proximal branch end;

880b‧‧‧ the first remote branch end;

882a‧‧‧ second proximal branch end;

882b ‧‧‧ second distal branch end.

Figure 9:

900‧‧‧ Method

910, 920, 930‧‧‧ operation

Figure 10:

1000‧‧‧ flow detection device;

1001‧‧‧proximal;

1002‧‧‧ far-end;

1003a ‧ ‧ first side;

1003b ‧ ‧ second side;

1004a ‧ ‧ third side;

1004b ‧‧‧ fourth side;

1010‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

1011a‧‧‧ first branch;

1011b‧‧‧ second branch;

1012 ‧ ‧ public areas;

1015a‧‧‧first gap;

1015b ‧ ‧ second gap;

1020a‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

1020b‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

1022a‧‧‧ third hydrophobic layer;

1022b‧‧‧ fourth hydrophobic layer;

1030a‧‧‧first electrode;

1030b‧‧‧ second electrode;

1032a‧‧‧ third electrode;

1032b‧‧‧ fourth electrode;

1040‧‧‧ power supply;

1080a‧‧‧ the first proximal branch end;

1080b‧‧‧ the first remote branch end;

1082a‧‧‧ second proximal branch end;

1082b‧‧‧ second remote branch end;

D1‧‧‧ the first distance;

D2‧‧‧ second distance.

Figure 11:

1100‧‧‧flow detection device;

1101‧‧‧proximal;

1102‧‧‧ far-end;

1103a‧‧‧ first side;

1103b ‧ ‧ second side;

1104a ‧ ‧ third side;

1104b ‧‧‧ fourth side;

1110‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

1111a‧‧‧ first branch;

1111b‧‧‧ second branch;

1112 ‧ ‧ public areas;

1115a‧‧‧first gap;

1115b ‧ ‧ second gap;

1120a‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

1120b‧‧‧second hydrophobic layer;

1122a‧‧‧third hydrophobic layer;

1122b‧‧‧ fourth hydrophobic layer;

1130a‧‧‧first electrode;

1130b‧‧‧ second electrode;

1132a‧‧‧ third electrode;

1132b‧‧‧ fourth electrode;

1140‧‧‧power supply;

1180a‧‧‧first proximal branch end;

1180b‧‧‧ the first remote branch end;

1182a‧‧‧ second proximal branch end;

1182b ‧‧‧ second distal branch end.

Figure 12:

1200‧‧‧flow detection device;

1201‧‧‧proximal;

1202‧‧‧ far-end;

1203a ‧ ‧ first side;

1203b ‧ ‧ second side;

1204a ‧ ‧ third side;

1204b ‧‧‧ fourth side;

1210‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

1211a‧‧‧ first branch;

1211b‧‧‧ second branch;

1212 ‧ ‧ public areas;

1215a‧‧‧first gap;

1215b ‧ ‧ second gap;

1218a‧‧‧first hydrophobic porous material;

1218b‧‧‧Second hydrophobic porous material;

1220a‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

1220b‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

1222a‧‧‧ third hydrophobic layer;

1222b‧‧‧ fourth hydrophobic layer;

1230a‧‧‧first electrode;

1230b‧‧‧ second electrode;

1232a‧‧‧third electrode;

1232b‧‧‧ fourth electrode;

1240‧‧‧power supply;

1280a‧‧‧ the first proximal branch end;

1280b ‧‧‧ the first remote branch end;

1282a‧‧‧ second proximal branch end;

1282b ‧‧‧ the second remote branch end.

Figure 13:

1300‧‧‧flow detection device;

1301‧‧‧proximal;

1302‧‧‧ far-end;

1303a ‧ ‧ first side;

1303b ‧ ‧ second side;

1304a ‧ ‧ third side;

1304b ‧‧‧ fourth side;

1310‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

1311a‧‧‧ first branch;

1311b‧‧‧ second branch;

1312 ‧ ‧ public areas;

1315a ‧ ‧ first clearance;

1315b ‧‧‧ second gap;

1318‧‧‧ hydrophobic porous material;

1320a‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

1320b‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

1322a‧‧‧ third hydrophobic layer;

1322b‧‧‧ fourth hydrophobic layer;

1330a‧‧‧first electrode;

1330b‧‧‧ second electrode;

1332a‧‧‧third electrode;

1332b‧‧‧ fourth electrode;

1340‧‧‧power supply;

1380a‧‧‧first proximal branch end;

1380b ‧‧‧ the first remote branch end;

1382a‧‧‧ second proximal branch end;

1382b ‧‧‧ second distal branch end.

Figure 14:

1400‧‧‧flow detection device;

1401‧‧‧proximal;

1402‧‧‧ far-end;

1403a ‧ ‧ first side;

1403b ‧ ‧ second side;

1404a ‧ ‧ third side;

1404b ‧‧‧ fourth side;

1405a ‧ ‧ fifth side;

1405b ‧‧‧ sixth side;

1410‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

1411a‧‧‧ first branch;

1411b‧‧‧ second branch;

1411c ‧‧‧ third branch;

1412 ‧ ‧ public areas;

1415a ‧‧‧ first gap;

1415b ‧ ‧ second gap;

1415c ‧ ‧ third gap;

1420a‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

1420b‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

1422a‧‧‧ third hydrophobic layer;

1422b‧‧‧ fourth hydrophobic layer;

1424a‧‧‧ fifth hydrophobic layer;

1424b ‧‧‧ sixth hydrophobic layer;

1430a‧‧‧first electrode;

1430b‧‧‧ second electrode;

1432a‧‧‧ third electrode;

1432b‧‧‧ fourth electrode;

1434a‧‧‧ fifth electrode;

1434b‧sixth electrode

1440‧‧‧ power supply;

1480a‧‧‧first proximal branch end;

1480b ‧‧‧ the first remote branch end;

1482a‧‧‧ second proximal branch end;

1482b‧‧‧ second remote branch end;

1484a‧th third proximal branch end;

1484b ‧‧‧ third remote branch end;

D1‧‧‧ the first distance;

D2‧‧‧ second distance.

Figure 15:

1500‧‧‧flow detection device;

1501‧‧‧proximal;

1502‧‧‧ far-end;

1503a‧‧‧ first side;

1503b ‧‧‧ second side;

1504a ‧ ‧ third side;

1504b ‧‧‧ fourth side;

1505a‧‧‧ fifth side;

1505b ‧‧‧ sixth side;

1506a ‧ ‧ seventh side;

1506b‧eighth side

1510‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

1511a‧‧‧ first branch;

1511b‧‧‧ second branch;

1511c ‧‧‧ third branch;

1511d‧‧‧ fourth branch;

1512 ‧ ‧ public areas;

1515a‧‧‧first gap;

1515b ‧ ‧ second clearance;

1515c ‧ ‧ third gap;

1515d‧‧‧ fourth gap;

1520a‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

1520b‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

1522a‧‧‧ third hydrophobic layer;

1522b‧‧‧ fourth hydrophobic layer;

1524a‧‧‧ fifth hydrophobic layer;

1524b ‧‧‧ sixth hydrophobic layer;

1526a‧‧‧seventh hydrophobic layer;

1526b‧eighth hydrophobic layer;

1530a‧‧‧first electrode;

1530b‧‧‧ second electrode;

1532a ‧‧‧ third electrode;

1532b ‧‧‧ fourth electrode;

1534a‧‧‧ fifth electrode;

1534b ‧‧‧ sixth electrode;

1536a‧‧‧ seventh electrode;

1536b‧eighth electrode;

1580a‧‧‧first proximal branch end;

1580b ‧‧‧ the first remote branch end;

1582a‧‧‧ second proximal branch end;

1582b‧‧‧ second remote branch end;

1584a‧th third proximal branch end;

1584b ‧‧‧ third remote branch end;

1586a‧‧‧ fourth proximal branch end;

D1‧‧‧ the first distance;

D2‧‧‧ second distance;

D3‧‧‧ third distance;

D4‧‧‧ Fourth distance.

Figure 16:

1600‧‧‧flow detection device;

1601‧‧‧proximal;

1602‧‧‧ far-end;

1603a ‧ ‧ first side;

1603b ‧ ‧ second side;

1604a ‧ ‧ third side;

1604b ‧‧‧ fourth side;

1610‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

1611a‧‧‧ first branch;

1611b‧‧‧ second branch;

1612 ‧ ‧ public areas;

1615a ‧‧‧ first gap;

1615b ‧ ‧ second gap;

1620a‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

1620b‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

1622a‧‧‧ third hydrophobic layer;

1622b‧‧‧ fourth hydrophobic layer;

1630a‧‧‧first electrode;

1630b‧‧‧ second electrode;

1632a‧‧‧ third electrode;

1632b‧‧‧ fourth electrode;

1640‧‧‧power supply;

1680a‧‧‧first proximal branch end;

1680b ‧‧‧ the first remote branch end;

1682a‧‧‧ second proximal branch end;

1682b ‧‧‧ Second distal branch end.

Figure 17:

1700‧‧‧flow detection device;

1701‧‧‧proximal;

1702‧‧‧ far-end;

1703a ‧ ‧ first side;

1703b ‧ ‧ second side;

1704a ‧ ‧ third side;

1704b ‧‧‧ fourth side;

1710‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

1711a‧‧‧ first branch;

1711b ‧‧‧ second branch;

1712 ‧ ‧ public areas;

1715a ‧ ‧ first clearance;

1715b ‧‧‧ second gap;

1717‧‧‧ indicator section;

1720a‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

1720b‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

1722a‧‧‧ third hydrophobic layer;

1722b‧‧‧ fourth hydrophobic layer;

1730a‧‧‧first electrode;

1730b‧‧‧ second electrode;

1732a‧‧‧ third electrode;

1732b‧‧‧ fourth electrode;

1740‧‧‧power supply;

1780a‧‧‧first proximal branch end;

1780b ‧‧‧ the first remote branch end;

1782a‧‧‧ second proximal branch end;

1782b‧‧‧ second remote branch end;

1790 ‧ ‧ dry waste area.

Figure 18:

1800‧‧‧flow detection device;

1801‧‧‧proximal;

1802‧‧‧ far-end;

1803a ‧ ‧ first side;

1803b ‧ ‧ second side;

1804a ‧ ‧ third side;

1804b ‧‧‧ fourth side;

1810‧‧‧ hydrophilic porous layer;

1811a‧‧‧ first branch;

1811b‧‧‧ second branch;

1812 ‧ ‧ public areas;

1815a ‧ ‧ first clearance;

1815b ‧ ‧ second gap;

1820a‧‧‧first hydrophobic layer;

1820b‧‧‧ second hydrophobic layer;

1822a‧‧‧ third hydrophobic layer;

1822b‧‧‧ fourth hydrophobic layer;

1830a‧‧‧first electrode;

1830b‧‧‧ second electrode;

1832a‧‧‧ third electrode;

1832b‧‧‧ fourth electrode;

1840‧‧‧ power supply;

1880a‧‧‧first proximal branch end;

1880b ‧‧‧ the first remote branch end;

1882a‧‧‧ second proximal branch end;

1882b‧‧‧ second remote branch end;

1892 ‧ ‧ vent

1894 ‧ ‧ wing.

Figure 19:

1900‧‧‧Method

1905, 1910, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1930

FIG. 1A is an isometric partial cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a front cross-sectional view of the flow detection device of FIG. 1A taken along the line 1B-1B of FIG.

2A-2D are front cross-sectional views of the flow detection device of FIG. 1A at different points during use.

3 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

5 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

6A is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

6B is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a method using the flow detection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

11 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

14 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

15 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a front cross-sectional view of a flow detection device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a method using the flow detection device according to an embodiment.

Claims (39)

A flow detection device includes: at least one common area; at least one first branch and at least one second branch, the at least one first branch and the at least one second branch extending longitudinally from the at least one common area and Fluidly coupled to the at least one common area, each of the at least one first branch and the at least one second branch comprising: at least one hydrophilic porous layer comprising: An end branch end, a distal branch end spaced apart from the proximal branch end, a first branch side spaced apart from a second branch side, and a position between the proximal branch end and the distal branch end At least one gap; at least one first hydrophobic layer provided adjacent to the first branch side to partially define the at least one gap; at least one second hydrophobic layer provided adjacent to the second branch side to partially Ground defining the at least one gap; a first electrode separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one first hydrophobic layer; A second electrode separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer by the at least one second hydrophobic layer; and a power source electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, the power source being configured Is: generating a first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode of the at least one first branch, so that at least a portion of the sample can flow through the at least one first branch At least one gap; and generating a second voltage between the first and second electrodes of the at least one second branch to enable at least a portion of the sample to flow through the at least one second branch The at least one gap, wherein the second voltage is different from the first voltage. The flow detection device according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one gap of the at least one first branch is at least partially formed by an adjacent portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one first branch Or a first distance between sections; and the at least one gap of the at least one second branch is at least partially defined by an adjacent portion of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one second branch or A second distance between the segments is defined, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance. The flow detection device of claim 2, wherein one of the first distance or the second distance is at least 0.1 inches larger than the other of the first distance or the second distance. The flow detection device according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one gap of the at least one first branch is at least partially filled with at least one first hydrophobic porous material, the at least one first hydrophobic porous material Exhibiting a first hydrophobicity; and the at least one gap of the at least one second branch is at least partially filled with at least one second hydrophobic porous material, the at least one second hydrophobic porous material exhibiting a difference from the first One hydrophobic second hydrophobic. The flow detection device according to claim 4, wherein there is at least one of the following: the at least one first hydrophobic porous material is different from the at least one first hydrophobic layer of the at least one first branch Or the at least one second hydrophobic layer different from the at least one first branch; or the at least one second hydrophobic porous material different from the at least one first hydrophobicity of the at least one second branch Layer or the at least one second hydrophobic layer different from the at least one second branch. The flow detection device of claim 1, wherein the at least one gap of the at least one first branch is at least partially filled with at least one hydrophobic porous material, and the at least one of the at least one second branch The gap is at least partially occupied by air. The flow detection device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first branch or the at least one second branch includes an air vent configured to allow air to flow into each of the at least one first branch. The at least one gap or the at least one gap of the at least one second branch. The flow detection device according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one first hydrophobic layer and the at least one second hydrophobic layer of the at least one first branch exhibit a first hydrophobicity; and the at least one The at least one first hydrophobic layer and the at least one second hydrophobic layer of a second branch exhibit a second hydrophobicity different from the first hydrophobicity. The flow detection device according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one first hydrophobic layer and the at least one second hydrophobic layer of the at least one first branch include at least one first material; and the The at least one first hydrophobic layer and the at least one second hydrophobic layer of at least one second branch include at least one second material different from the at least one first material. The flow detection device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first branch or the at least one second branch includes at least one insulating layer disposed between the first electrode or the second electrode, and A corresponding one of the at least one first hydrophobic layer or the at least one second hydrophobic layer. The flow detection device of claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode of the at least one first branch are electrically coupled to the at least one first hydrophobic layer or the at least one second Hydrophobic layer. The flow detection device according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one first branch is included between the at least one gap of the at least one first branch and a distal branch end of the at least one first branch At least one observation area or indicator strip; and the at least one second branch includes a distance between the at least one gap of the at least one second branch and the distal branch end of the at least one second branch At least one viewing area or indicator. The flow detection device according to claim 12, wherein: at least one observation area of the indicator bar of the at least one first branch is configured to detect whether there is at least one analyte of a first concentration in the sample; and At least one observation area of the indicator strip of the at least one second branch is configured to detect whether a second concentration of the at least one analyte is present in the sample, wherein the second concentration is different from the first concentration concentration. The flow detection device according to claim 12, wherein: at least one observation area of the indicator bar of the at least one first branch is configured to detect whether at least one first analyte is present in the sample; and the At least one observation area of the indicator strip of at least one second branch is configured to detect whether at least one second analyte is present in the sample, wherein the at least one second analyte is different from the at least one first analysis Thing. The flow detection device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second branch includes at least one dry waste between the at least one gap and the distal branch end of the at least one second branch Area, the at least one dry waste area is configured to receive at least one fluid and store the at least one fluid therein. The flow detection device according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one first branch includes the proximal branch end located at the at least one first branch and the at least one gap of the at least one first branch At least one first conjugate or marker between; and the at least one second branch includes the proximal branch end of the at least one second branch and the at least one second branch of the at least one second branch At least one second conjugate or label between a gap. The flow detection device according to claim 16, wherein the at least one first conjugate or label is different from the at least one second conjugate or label. The flow detection device according to claim 17, wherein: the at least one first conjugate or label is configured for at least one of: when at least one first analyte is present in the sample Providing an indication of the at least one first analyte at an intermediate time, causing a chemical reaction with the at least one first analyte, or forming at least one analyte-conjugate complex with the at least one first analyte; And the at least one second conjugate or label is configured for at least one of the following: providing at least one second analyte when the at least one second analyte is present in the sample; An indication to cause a chemical reaction with the at least one second analyte or to form at least one analyte-conjugate complex with the at least one second analyte, wherein the at least one second analyte is different from the Said at least one first analyte. The flow detection device of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional branches positioned parallel to the at least one first branch and the at least one second branch. The flow detection device of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional branches positioned in series with the at least one first branch or the at least one second branch. The flow detection device of claim 20, wherein the one or more additional branches include at least one third branch and at least one fourth branch fluidly coupled to the at least one first branch, the at least one first branch Three branches and the at least one fourth branch extend longitudinally from positions at or near the distal branch end of the at least one first branch, and the at least one third branch and the at least one fourth branch Each includes: at least one hydrophilic porous layer, the at least one hydrophilic porous layer including a proximal branch end adjacent to the distal branch end of the at least one first branch, and a proximal branch end Spaced distal branch ends, a first branch side spaced from the second branch side, and at least one gap between the proximal branch end and the distal branch end; at least one first hydrophobic layer The at least one first hydrophobic layer is disposed adjacent to the first side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially define the at least one gap; at least one second hydrophobic Layer, the at least one second hydrophobic layer is disposed adjacent to the second side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially define the at least one gap; and through the at least one first hydrophobic layer and the The first electrode separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer; and the second electrode separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer through the at least one second hydrophobic layer. The flow detection device of claim 21, wherein the power source is electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes of the at least one third and fourth branches, and the power source is configured to: at the at least one first Generating a third voltage between the three electrodes of the first electrode and the second electrode so that at least a portion of the sample can flow through the at least one gap of the at least one third branch; and A fourth voltage is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode of at least one fourth branch to enable at least a portion of the sample to flow through the at least one gap of the at least one fourth branch, wherein The fourth voltage is different from the third voltage. The flow detection device of claim 1, further comprising a control system including a control circuit configured to activate the power source after one or more selected time periods, wherein the power source is activated when the power source is activated The first voltage and the second voltage are generated. The flow detection device of claim 23, further comprising one or more sensors, the one or more sensors being at least adjacent to at least one of the at least one first branch or the at least one second branch. Said at least one gap positioning, said one or more sensors are configured to sense the presence of said sample at or near said at least one gap of said at least one first branch or said at least one second branch There is, the one or more sensors are operatively coupled to the control system and are configured to output one or more sensing signals to the control circuit in response to detecting the presence of the sample. The flow detection device of claim 24, wherein the one or more sensors include one or more capacitive sensors. The flow detection device according to claim 23, wherein the control circuit is configured to send a first start signal to the power supply after a first selected time period, and at a first time period different from the first selected time period Sending a second start signal to the power source after two selected time periods, wherein the first start signal causes the power source to generate the first voltage, and the second start signal causes the power source to generate the second voltage . The flow detection device of claim 1, further comprising a housing that at least partially surrounds the at least one common area, the at least one first branch, the at least one second branch, or the power source. At least part of one or more. A method of detecting the presence of at least one analyte in a sample, the method comprising: flowing the sample through at least one first branch, comprising: passing the sample from the at least one of the at least one first branch The first proximal branch end of the hydrophilic porous layer flows to at least one first gap, the at least one first gap is located at the first proximal branch end and at a first spaced apart from the first proximal branch end. Between the distal branch ends, the at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one first branch includes a first branch side spaced from a second branch side; preventing the sample from flowing through the at least one of the following reasons: A first gap: at least one first hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to the first branch side and partially defining the at least one first gap; and a first gap disposed adjacent to the second branch side and partially defining the at least one At least one second hydrophobic layer of the first gap; and after preventing the sample from flowing through the at least one first gap, applying a first electric current between the first electrode and the second electrode In order to effectively change the hydrophobicity of the at least one first hydrophobic layer or the at least one second hydrophobic layer, the first electrode passes through the at least one first hydrophobic layer and the at least one first branched layer. The at least one first hydrophilic porous layer is separated, and the second electrode is separated from the at least one first hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one first branch through the at least one second hydrophobic layer; And in response to applying a first voltage between a first electrode and a second electrode, enabling at least a portion of the sample to flow through the at least one first gap; and causing the sample to flow at least partially through at least one second A branch comprising flowing the sample from a second proximal branch end of at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one second branch to at least one second gap, the at least one second gap being located in the first Between the two proximal branch ends and a second distal branch end spaced from the second proximal branch end, the at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one second branch includes A fourth branch side spaced third branch side; and preventing the sample from flowing through the at least one second gap for at least the following reasons: disposed adjacent to the third branch side to partially define the at least one second At least one first hydrophobic layer of the gap; and at least one second hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to the fourth branch side to partially define the at least one second gap. The method of claim 28, wherein flowing the sample at least partially through the at least one second branch, the method comprising: after preventing the sample from flowing through the at least one second gap, Applying a second voltage different from the first voltage between the three electrodes and the fourth electrode to effectively change the hydrophobicity of one or more of the at least one third hydrophobic layer or the at least one fourth hydrophobic layer, The third electrode is separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one second branch by the at least one third hydrophobic layer, and the fourth electrode is through the at least one fourth hydrophobic layer Separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one second branch; and in response to applying a second voltage between a third electrode and a fourth electrode, enabling at least a portion of the sample to flow through the At least one second gap. The method of claim 29, further comprising: after enabling at least a portion of the sample to flow through the at least one first gap, providing whether the at least one analyte of a first concentration is present in the first An indication at an observation area or indication bar, said first observation area or indication bar being located at or near said first distal branch end; and in enabling at least a portion of said sample to flow through said at least one second After the gap, an indication is provided as to whether the at least one analyte of a second concentration is present at a second observation area or indicator strip, the second observation area or indicator strip being located at or near the second distal branch end, Wherein the second concentration of the at least one analyte is different from the first concentration of the at least one analyte. The method of claim 29, further comprising: after enabling at least a portion of the sample to flow through the at least one first gap, providing whether at least one first analyte is present in the first observation area or An indication at an indication strip, the first observation area or indication strip being located at or near a first distal branch end; and after enabling at least a portion of the sample to flow through the at least one second gap, providing at least one An indication of whether a second analyte is present at a second observation area or indicator strip, said second observation area or indicator strip being located at or near the second distal branch end, wherein the at least one second analyte is different To the at least one first analyte. The method according to claim 29, wherein: applying a first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode is performed for a first selected period of time after the action of preventing the sample from flowing through the at least one first gap is started And the action of applying a second voltage between the third electrode and the fourth electrode is performed in a second selected time period after the action of preventing the sample from flowing through the at least one second gap is started, wherein the first The two selected time periods are different from the first selected time period. The method according to claim 29, further comprising: sending a first start signal from a control circuit of a control system and receiving the first start signal by a power source; in response to receiving the first start, the power source is at Applying the first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode; sending a second start signal from the control circuit of the control system and receiving the second start signal by the power source; and responding Upon receiving the second start, the power source applies the second voltage between the third electrode and the fourth electrode. The method of claim 28, wherein: flowing the sample through the at least one first branch comprises at least one of: providing the at least one analyte and at least one first conjugate or label An indication of the presence of an analyte, causing a chemical reaction between the at least one analyte and the at least one first conjugate or label, or by the at least one analyte and the at least one first conjugate or The label forms at least one first analyte-conjugate complex, wherein the at least one first conjugate or label is located within the at least one first branch and at the first proximal branch end and the Between at least one first gap; and flowing the sample at least partially through the at least one second branch includes at least one of the following: providing the at least one analyte and at least one second conjugate Or the presence of a marker, causing a chemical reaction between the at least one analyte and the at least one second conjugate or marker, or by the at least one analyte and the at least one A second conjugate or label forms at least one second analyte-conjugate complex, wherein the at least one second conjugate or label is located within the at least one second branch and within the second Between a proximal branch end and the at least one second gap; wherein the at least one first conjugate or marker is different from the at least one second conjugate or marker. The method of claim 28, further comprising storing at least a portion of the sample flowing through the at least one first gap or the at least one second gap in at least one dry waste area. The method of claim 35, wherein storing at least a portion of the sample flowing through the at least one first gap or the at least one second gap comprises reducing a flow rate of the sample. The method of claim 28, further comprising: after applying the first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, stopping applying the first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode . The method of claim 37, further comprising preventing the sample from flowing through the at least one first gap after stopping applying the first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. A flow detection device for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample, the flow detection device includes: at least one common area; at least one first branch and at least one second branch, the at least one first branch and the at least one A second branch extends longitudinally from the at least one common area, and each of the at least one first branch and the at least one second branch includes: at least one hydrophilic porous layer including: adjacent to the at least one The proximal branch end of the common area, the distal branch end spaced from the proximal branch end, the first branch side spaced from the second branch side, and the proximal branch end and the distal branch end At least one gap between; at least one first hydrophobic layer disposed adjacent to the first side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially define the at least one gap; at least one second hydrophobic layer , Which is disposed adjacent to the second side of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer to partially define the at least one gap; a first electrode, which is in contact with the at least one First hydrophobic layers are electrically coupled and separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer through the at least one first hydrophobic layer; and a second electrode is electrically coupled to and through the at least one second hydrophobic layer The at least one second hydrophobic layer is separated from the at least one hydrophilic porous layer; a power source, which is electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode, the power source is configured to: at the at least one Generating a first voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode of a first branch; and generating a second voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode of the at least one second branch, Wherein the second voltage is different from the first voltage; and a control system including a control circuit communicably coupled to the power source, the control circuit is configured to: send a first start signal to all Said power source, said first start signal is configured to cause said power source to generate said first voltage; and sending a second start signal to said power source, said second start signal is configured to cause all The power source generates the second voltage; wherein at least one of the following is present: the at least one gap of the at least one first branch presents a phase of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one first branch The distance between adjacent sections or sections, and at least one gap of the at least one second branch is at least partially formed by adjacent sections or sections of the at least one hydrophilic porous layer of the at least one second branch The second distance is defined, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance; the at least one first hydrophobic layer and the at least one second hydrophobic layer of the at least one first branch jointly present a first Three hydrophobic, and the at least one first hydrophobic layer and the at least one second hydrophobic layer of the at least one second branch collectively exhibit a fourth hydrophobicity different from the third hydrophobicity; the The at least one gap of at least one first branch is at least partially occupied by at least one first hydrophobic porous material, the first hydrophobic porous material exhibiting a first hydrophobicity, and The at least one gap of the at least one second branch is at least partially occupied by at least one second hydrophobic porous material, the second hydrophobic porous material exhibiting a second hydrophobicity different from the first hydrophobicity; or The at least one gap of the at least one first branch is at least partially occupied by at least one hydrophobic porous material, and the at least one gap of the at least one second branch is at least partially occupied by air.