Integrated sample processing devices

Abstract

Sample processing devices may include compression structures that provide for the transfer of force from a platen to a platform such as a thermal block on which the sample processing device is located during processing. The sample processing devices may include a fill reservoir structure with various features such as arcuate edges, radially aligned exit channels, support structures, and selectively variable heights with a corresponding variable volume distribution.

1 . A sample processing device comprising:
 a body that comprises a first major side and a second major side;   one or more fill reservoir structures located between the first major side of the body and the second major side of the body;   a plurality of process chamber structures formed into the first major side of the body;   a plurality of channel structures formed into the first major side of the body;   a plurality of compression structures protruding from the second major side of the body, wherein the plurality of compression structures comprise frangible indicator elements proximate the second major side of the body; and   a base sheet attached to the first major side of the body, wherein the base sheet and the one or more fill reservoir structures define one or more fill reservoirs in the device, wherein the base sheet and the plurality of process chamber structures define a plurality of process chambers in the device, and wherein the base sheet and the plurality of channel structures define a plurality of channels in the device, wherein each channel of the plurality of channels is in fluid communication with at least one fill reservoir of the one or more fill reservoirs, and wherein each process chamber of the plurality of process chambers is in fluid communication with at least one channel of the plurality of channels.   
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein each compression structure of the plurality of compression structures comprises a post extending from the first major surface to the second major surface of the body, wherein contacting the second major side of the body with a platen to urge the base sheet of the sample processing device into intimate contact with the thermal block transfers force from the platen to the thermal block. 
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the frangible indicator element comprises a chromic indicator that changes color when permanently deformed. 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a frame proximate a perimeter of the body, the frame defining a frame plane proximate the second major surface of the body, wherein the plurality of compression structures protrude from the frame plane proximate the second major surface of the body. 
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a frame proximate a perimeter of the body, the frame defining a frame volume, and wherein the one or more fill reservoirs are located within the frame volume. 
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more fill reservoirs comprises two or more fill reservoirs in fluid communication with each other, wherein at least two of the fill reservoirs have a different volume. 
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a plurality of fill reservoirs, and wherein at least one pair of adjacent fill reservoirs is in fluid communication with each other through a fluid path proximate the first major side of the body. 
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein each process chamber of the plurality of process chambers comprises a lens formed in the body. 
     
     
         9 . A sample processing device comprising:
 a fill reservoir;   a plurality of process chambers; and   a plurality of channels, wherein each channel of the plurality of channels is in fluid communication with the fill reservoir and wherein each process chamber of the plurality of process chambers is in fluid communication with at least one channel of the plurality of channels;   wherein the fill reservoir comprises an axis of symmetry, and wherein the fill reservoir comprises a fill port proximate the axis of symmetry; and two or more vent ports arranged symmetrically about the axis of symmetry.   
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 9 , wherein the vent ports are in fluid communication with the fill reservoir through vent channels, with the vent channels connected to the fill reservoir at points symmetrical with the axis of symmetry. 
     
     
         11 . A device according to  claim 9 , wherein the fill reservoir comprises a fill port and one or more vent ports, and further wherein the one or more vent ports are located on a side of the vent port that is opposite from the side on which the channels are located. 
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 9 , further comprising one or more support structures located within the fill reservoir, wherein the support structures maintain spacing between two opposing sides of the fill reservoir. 
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 9 , wherein the fill reservoir comprises a selectively varied height between two sides of the fill reservoir such that a desired distribution of the volume of the fill reservoir is provided. 
     
     
         14 . A device according to  claim 9 , wherein the fill reservoir comprises outer edges distal from the axis of symmetry, and wherein the height of the fill reservoir proximate the outer edges is greater than the height of the fill reservoir proximate the axis of symmetry. 
     
     
         15 . A sample processing device comprising:
 a fill reservoir;   a plurality of process chambers; and   a plurality of channels, wherein each channel of the plurality of channels is in fluid communication with the fill reservoir and wherein each process chamber of the plurality of process chambers is in fluid communication with at least one channel of the plurality of channels;   wherein the fill reservoir comprises a selectively varied height between two sides of the fill reservoir such that a desired distribution of the volume of the fill reservoir is provided.   
     
     
         16 . A device according to  claim 15 , wherein the fill reservoir comprises a center and outer edges distal from the center, and wherein the height of the fill reservoir proximate the outer edges is greater than the height of the fill reservoir proximate the center. 
     
     
         17 . A device according to  claim 15 , wherein the fill reservoir comprises a fill port and one or more vent ports, and further wherein the one or more vent ports are located on a side of the vent port that is opposite from the side on which the channels are located. 
     
     
         18 . A device according to  claim 15 , further comprising one or more support structures located within the fill reservoir, wherein the support structures maintain spacing between two opposing sides of the fill reservoir.