Fluid despensing methods, systems and devices

Abstract

Dispensing fluids using a surface having a narrow channel connected to a recessed reservoir and separated from a recessed collection point by a dam. The surface is overlaid with a flexible lamina when pressure is applied to the lamina, the dam ruptures and fluid glows from the reservoir through the narrow channel to the dam.

1 . A fluid dispensing device comprising a surface, the surface comprising: 
 a recessed collection point;    a first recessed reservoir, including a first narrow outlet, for holding a fluid;    a first dam positioned between the narrow outlet and the collection point; and,    a flexible lamina adhered to the surface forming a seal over the reservoir.    
   
   
       2 . A method of dispensing fluid using the dispensing device of  claim 1 , whereby pressure is exerted on the flexible lamina causing a fluid in the first reservoir to flow through the narrow outlet toward the first dam, and whereby continuing buildup pressure at the first dam causes the flexible lamina adhered to the first dam to dislodge allowing the fluid to flow over the first dam into the collection point.  
   
   
       3 . The fluid dispensing device of  claim 2  further comprising: 
 a second recessed reservoir, including a second narrow outlet, for holding a second fluid;    a second dam positioned between the second narrow outlet and the collection point; and,    a flexible lamina adhered to the surface forming a seal over the second reservoir.    
   
   
       4 . A method of dispensing fluid using the dispensing device of  claim 3 , whereby pressure is exerted on the flexible lamina causing a fluid in the first reservoir to flow through the first narrow outlet toward the first dam, and whereby pressure is exerted on the flexible lamina causing a fluid in the second reservoir to flow through the second narrow outlet toward the second dam and whereby continuing buildup pressure at the first and second dam causes the flexible lamina adhered to the first and second dam to dislodge allowing the fluid to flow over the first and second dam into the collection point.  
   
   
       5 . The fluid dispensing device of  claim 3 , wherein the collection point is a third recessed reservoir comprising: 
 a third narrow outlet;    a third dam positioned between the third narrow outlet and a second collection point,    wherein a flexible lamina adhered to the surface forms a seal over the third reservoir.    
   
   
       6 . The fluid dispensing device of  claim 1  wherein a portion of the flexible lamina covering the reservoir is transparent.  
   
   
       7 . The fluid dispensing device of  claim 1  wherein the flexible lamina is a plastic material.  
   
   
       8 . The fluid dispensing device of  claim 1  wherein the flexible lamina is a metallic foil.  
   
   
       9 . The fluid dispensing device of  claim 1  wherein the surface is planar.  
   
   
       10 . The fluid dispensing device of  claim 1  wherein the surface is curved.  
   
   
       11 . A method to provide an essentially planar component system comprising the steps of: 
 incorporating at least two component containing reservoirs on at least one support substrate;    incorporating at least one collection point on said at least one support substrate;    supplying each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point; and    coupling a capture enclosure over each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point.    
   
   
       12 . A method to provide an essentially planar component mixing and dispensing system comprising the steps of: 
 incorporating at least two component containing reservoirs on at least one support substrate;    incorporating at least one collection point on said at least one support substrate;    supplying each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point;    coupling a capture enclosure over each said at least two component reservoirs with at least one dammed transport channel to the at least one collection point;    supplying force to the capture enclosure juxtaposed above said at least two component containing reservoirs so that components migrate through the channel;    adjusting said supplied force so that said migrating components overcome said dammed channel allowing components to locate into said at least one collection point;    allowing components to mix at said at least one collection point; and    removing mixed components from said at least one collection point.