Rigid disposable flow path

Abstract

The present invention provides a disposable rigid flow path which by itself or in conjunction with a clam shell or manifold system provides additional pressure resistance for the disposable device. In a first embodiment, the device is comprised of a first sheet of rigid plastic material and a second sheet of plastic material. Each sheet has a first major surface and a second major surface and a thickness between the first and second major surfaces. At least one and preferably both have flow channels formed in them. The flow channels are formed in the sheet(s) in manner such that the area of the sheet where the flow channels are formed extend away from the first major surface of the sheet and beyond the normal plane of the second major surface of the sheet. The first and second sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other at their adjoining first major surfaces. In the embodiment where each sheet contains a flow channel, the flow channels of the two sheets are aligned and in register with each other. One or more fittings are secured in the flow channel(s) at an edge of the two liquid tightly sealed sheets so as to function as an inlet, outlet or other port for the system. In another embodiment tubing is placed in the channels before the sheets are secured to one another.

1 ) A device comprising a first sheet of rigid plastic material and a second sheet of plastic material, each sheet has a first major surface and a second major surface and a thickness between the first and second major surfaces, at least one of the first and second sheets has one or more flow channels formed therein, the one or more flow channels are formed in the at least one sheet in manner such that the area of the sheet where the flow channels are formed extend away from the first major surface of the sheet and beyond the normal plane of the second major surface of the sheet, and the first and second sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other at their adjoining first major surfaces. 
     
     
         2 ) The device of  claim 1  wherein the first and second sheets have one or more flow channels in them. 
     
     
         3 ) The device of  claim 1  wherein the first and second sheets have one or more flow channels in them and the flow channels of the two sheets are aligned and in register with each other. 
     
     
         4 ) The device of  claim 1  further comprising one or more fittings are secured in the flow channel at an edge of the two liquid tightly sealed sheets. 
     
     
         5 ) The device of  claim 1  wherein the first sheet has one more flow channels and the one or more flow channels have a cross-sectional profile selected from the group consisting of semi-circles, semi-ovals, squares, triangles, rectangangles and semi-polygonals where p equals the number of sides of the polygon and p>4. 
     
     
         6 ) The device of  claim 1  wherein the first and second sheets have one or more flow channels in them and the one or more flow channels have a cross-sectional profile selected from the group consisting of semi-circles, semi-ovals, squares, triangles, rectangangles, semi-hexagonals and semi-polygonals where p equals the number of sides of the polygon and p>4. 
     
     
         7 ) The device of  claim 1  wherein the sheets are made from a plastic selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polycarbonates, epoxies, fiberglass reinforced thermosets, carbon reinforced thermosets, carbon composites, polysulphones and polyetherimides. 
     
     
         8 ) The device of claim wherein the sheets are liquid tightly sealed together by a means selected from the group consisting of heat bonds, ultra-sonic welding, vibration welding, heat-staking, solvent welding, adhesives, clamps and nuts and bolts. 
     
     
         9 ) The device of  claim 1  further comprising one or more pieces of tubing are contained in the one or more flow channels between the two sheets and one or more fittings are secured to the one or more pieces of tubing in the one or more flow channels at an edge of the two liquid tightly sealed sheets. 
     
     
         10 ) The device of  claim 1  further comprising one or more holes through one of the first or second sheets at a location over the one or more flow channels and a sensor being liquid tightly attached to the opening. 
     
     
         11 ) The device of  claim 1  further comprising one or more holes through one of the first or second sheets at a location over the one or more flow channels, each opening having a elastomeric seal formed therein and a sensor being liquid tightly attached to the opening. 
     
     
         12 ) The device of  claim 1  further comprising one or more holes through one of the first or second sheets at a location over the one or more flow channels, a sensor being liquid tightly attached to the opening and the sensor being selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, conductivity, flow and pH sensors. 
     
     
         13 ) A device comprising a first sheet of rigid plastic material and a second sheet of plastic material, each sheet has a first major surface and a second major surface and a thickness between the first and second major surfaces, at least one of the first and second sheets has one or more flow channels formed in it, the one or more flow channels are formed in at least one of the sheets in a manner such that the area of the sheet where the flow channels are formed extends away from the first major surface of the sheet and beyond the normal plane of the second major surface of the sheet, the first and second sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other at their adjoining first major surfaces, one or more pieces of tubing contained within the one or more flow channels and one or more fittings are secured to the one or more pieces of tubing at an edge of the two liquid tightly sealed sheets so as to function as a port for the system.