Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
A device for conducting biological analyses comprising: a tray with a bottom surface and contiguous side surfaces defining at least one reservoir for holding a liquid solution; a ledge extending around the periphery of said reservoir; means defining a ridge on said ledge between the interior of said reservoir and the exterior of said tray; sample receptacle support means adapted to cover the opening of said reservoir at least in the vicinity of said ridge and said ledge; means for spacing said support means from said ridge to create a first capillary space therebetween extending about the periphery of said reservoir to permit the exchange of gas from the exterior of said device to the interior of said reservoir and vice-versa; said ledge and said support means creating a second space adjacent to said first capillary space, the height of said first capillary space being less than that of said second space, whereby said liquid solution in said reservoir will preferentially remain in said first capillary space in the event said liquid solution spills out of said reservoir.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
178 words
A device for conducting biological analyses comprising: a tray with a bottom surface and contiguous side surfaces defining at least one reservoir for holding a liquid solution; a ledge extending around the periphery of said reservoir; means defining a ridge on said ledge between the interior of said reservoir and the exterior of said tray; sample receptacle support means adapted to cover the opening of said reservoir at least in the vicinity of said ridge and said ledge; means for spacing said support means from said ridge to create a first capillary space therebetween extending about the periphery of said reservoir to permit the exchange of gas from the exterior of said device to the interior of said reservoir and vice-versa; said ledge and said support means creating a second space adjacent to said first capillary space, the height of said first capillary space being less than that of said second space, whereby said liquid solution in said reservoir will preferentially remain in said first capillary space in the event said liquid solution spills out of said reservoir.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said support means includes at least one containment means having a permeable membrane sealingly attached thereto such that said membrane is positioned to contact said liquid solution in said reservoir.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said containment means includes living cells for cell culture.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein at least one of the surfaces which define said first capillary space and said second space has surface properties such that said liquid solution will have a contact angle of less than 90° but greater than 0° with said at least one surface.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the height of said first capillary space is between 0.01 mm and 1 mm.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the height of said second space is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the transition from said first capillary space to said second space is a sharp edge.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the height of said second space increases with distance from said first capillary space.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the height of said second space decreases with distance from said first capillary space.