Central Research Laboratories Limited

British Nuclear Fuels Plc

John Edward Andrew Shaw

Anthony Robert Corless

John Robert Dodgson

Monica Backes

Chris Turner

Alastair Sibbald

Malcolm Trayton Austen

Michael Jonathan Harper

A method of forming interconnections between channels and/or chambers for use in a micro-fluidic device. Two planer substrates (usually glass and silicon respectively) having etched channels are bonded together to form volmes where the channels overlap. A manifolding cut is then made through the glass, intersecting glass channels only. An organic solution is passed into cut, and flows through silicon channels. An aqueous solution is passed into cut, and flows through glass channels. The solutions meet in the region, where matter is transferred from one solution to another.

Method for forming interconnections between channels and chambers

A gas sensor is described which is particularly well suited as a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor in a self test gas sensor. The sensor includes a number of aspects which may or may not be used in conjunction with one another. A first aspect is an embodiment which reduces electrical interference (or cross-talk) between a test or gas generating cell and a sensing cell. In one embodiment, baffles are provided to prevent cross-talk. In another embodiment a switching circuit ensures that a test gas generator is operational only when the gas sensor is disconnected from a current source. A second aspect is an embodiment which includes an improved wick which is in close proximity with an electrode and ensures electrolyte is always in contact with the electrode. In an alternate embodiment a solid polymer electrolyte is used between the electrodes. A third aspect is an improved catalyst which reduces the reaction energy and thereby renders the sensor more sensitive. The catalyst is also cheaper than platinum. Overall the gas sensor uses less components than existing gas sensors and is therefore cheaper and easier to assemble and more reliable.

Gas sensor

Apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of a liquid ( ) comprises a reservoir ( ) for the liquid, a channel ( ) provided with an outlet ( ) for conveying the liquid ( ) from the reservoir to the outlet, and means for generating a pulse of gas. The apparatus is arranged such that the flow of gas causes a predetermined volume of liquid to be ejected from the outlet. The outlet comprises a pair of openings in the channel which face one another, the liquid being retained between the openings by surface tension in the absence of a flow of gas. The gas flow is directed towards one of said openings in use. The apparatus may be used to dispense volumes of a liquid reagent in the range 1 nl to 2 &mgr;l. The apparatus avoids contamination of the liquid, and dispensing head construction allows devices to be low cost disposable units. The apparatus is less sensitive to liquid viscosity than existing devices.

Apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of a liquid

Apparatus for carrying out a process between first and second immiscible fluids, comprises first and second channels defining flow paths, for permitting fluid flow of respective first and second immiscible fluids therethrough. Portions of the flow paths are disposed close to, or adjacent to, one another and communicate with one another to define a region in which, in use, a stable interface between the fluids is formed. One, or more, dimensions of the region are varied along the length of the interface in a direction of fluid flow to compensate for variation in the properties of the fluids during the carrying out of the process and thereby maintain stability of the interface.

Method and apparatus for diffusive transfer between immiscible fluids

Apparatus comprising a micro engineered structure and a capillary or other tube and a method for connecting the tube to the structure. The micro engineered structure is composed of at least one substrate,in which fluid flow channels,are formed, connecting to an aperture,into which the tube,is inserted. A sealant material is flowed into the aperture around the tube and then hardened in order to seal the tube within the aperture.

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West Drayton, United Kingdom

John Edward Andrew Shaw