US20040133084A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Layered spectroscopic sample element with microporous membrane
Assignee: Hercules Capital Inc
•
Filing: 2003-01-06
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2023-01-06
Abstract
Abstract A spectroscopic sample holder comprises a microporous sheet. The microporous sheet has a top surface, a bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface, and at least one side surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces. The side surface forms an exposed transit opening configured to contact a material sample and distribute the contacted material sample into the microporous sheet. The spectroscopic sample holder further comprises a first planar support member positioned on, and substantially parallel to, the top surface of the microporous sheet. The spectroscopic sample holder further comprises a second planar support member positioned on the bottom surface of the microporous sheet, and oriented substantially parallel to the first planar support member.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Rule
- 👤 James Braig
- 👤 Philip Hartstein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 00:27
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01L; B01L3/00; B01L3/50; B01L3/502; B01L3/5023; A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/145; A61B5/14532; A61B5/14546; A61B5/1455; A61B5/1491; B01L3/508; G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/01; G01N21/03; G01N21/84; G01N21/8483; B01L2200/00; B01L2200/02; B01L2200/026; B01L2200/027; B01L2300/00; B01L2300/06; B01L2300/0627; B01L2300/0654; B01L2300/069; B01L2300/08; B01L2300/0809; B01L2300/0825; B01L2300/0887; B01L2400/00; B01L2400/04; B01L2400/0403; B01L2400/0406; B01L3/5027; G01N2021/0346
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 142
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
1 . A spectroscopic sample holder comprising: a microporous sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface, and at least one side surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces, the side surface forming an exposed transit opening configured to contact a material sample and distribute the contacted material sample into the microporous sheet, a first planar support member positioned on, and substantially parallel to, the top surface of the microporous sheet; and a second planar support member positioned on the bottom surface of the microporous sheet, and oriented substantially parallel to the first planar support member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
1 . A spectroscopic sample holder comprising: a microporous sheet having a top surface, a bottom surface substantially parallel to the top surface, and at least one side surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces, the side surface forming an exposed transit opening configured to contact a material sample and distribute the contacted material sample into the microporous sheet, a first planar support member positioned on, and substantially parallel to, the top surface of the microporous sheet; and a second planar support member positioned on the bottom surface of the microporous sheet, and oriented substantially parallel to the first planar support member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
2 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the exposed transit opening comprises an entry region through which the material sample can enter the microporous sheet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
3 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the first and second planar support members comprise members having a structural rigidity greater than or equal to a structural rigidity of the microporous sheet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
4 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet further comprises a non-solid material having a network of voids through which the material sample can propagate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
5 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , further comprising a skin-piercing structure having a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the exposed transit opening.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
6 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein information bearing media is disposed on at least one of the planar support members.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
7 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , further comprising a shield forming an aperture.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
8 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 7 , wherein the shield is substantially opaque to electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
9 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has four side surfaces, and the first and second planar support members are substantially coextensive with at least two of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
10 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 9 , wherein the first and second planar support members are substantially coextensive with all four of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
11 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , further comprising an open mesh at least partially covering the exposed transit opening.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
12 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the spectroscopic sample holder has an average baseline transmittance of at least 1 percent.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
13 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the spectroscopic sample holder has an average baseline transmittance of at least 10 percent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
14 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the spectroscopic sample holder has an average baseline transmittance of at least 50 percent.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
15 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of a polyolefin film.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
16 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of one or more of the following: polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers and copolymers, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyester, or nylon.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
17 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophilic.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
18 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophobic.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
19 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has an electrostatic charge on opposing sides.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
20 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet further comprises azlactone material.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
21 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 20 , wherein a polymer material is grafted to the azlactone material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
22 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a polymeric, non-woven material.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
23 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume greater than about 20 percent.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
24 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume of between about 50 percent and about 98 percent.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
27 words
25 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume of between about 70 percent and about 85 percent.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
30 words
26 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has pores ranging from about 0.1 μm to about 50 μm in their average characteristic width.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
27 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the exposed transit opening has a structured surface.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
28 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has a thickness between about 2.5 μm and about 25 μm.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
29 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 25 percent.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
30 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 10 percent.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
31 . The spectroscopic sample holder of claim 1 , wherein the microporous sheet has an area between about 1 cm 2 and about 6 cm 2 .
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
41 words
32 . An apparatus comprising a microporous sheet positioned between first and second support members, wherein at least a portion of the microporous sheet is an exposed transit opening configured to receive and distribute a material sample into the microporous sheet.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
41 words
32 . An apparatus comprising a microporous sheet positioned between first and second support members, wherein at least a portion of the microporous sheet is an exposed transit opening configured to receive and distribute a material sample into the microporous sheet.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
27 words
33 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the exposed transit opening comprises an entry region through which the material sample can enter the microporous sheet.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
34 words
34 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the first and second planar support members comprise members having a structural rigidity greater than or equal to a structural rigidity of the microporous sheet.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
28 words
35 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a non-solid material having a network of voids through which the material sample can propagate.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
30 words
36 . The apparatus of claim 32 , further comprising a skin-piercing structure having a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the exposed transit opening.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
37 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein information bearing media is disposed on at least one of the support members.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
38 . The apparatus of claim 32 , further comprising a shield forming an aperture.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
39 . The apparatus of claim 38 , wherein the shield is substantially opaque to electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
38 words
40 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet has four side surfaces, and the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with at least two of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
29 words
41 . The apparatus of claim 40 , wherein the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with all four of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
42 . The apparatus of claim 32 , further comprising an open mesh at least partially covering the exposed transit opening.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
43 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the exposed transit opening has a structured surface.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
44 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the apparatus has an average baseline transmittance of at least 1 percent.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
45 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the apparatus has an average baseline transmittance of at least 10 percent.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
21 words
46 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the apparatus has an average baseline transmittance of at least 50 percent.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
47 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of a polyolefin film.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
35 words
48 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of one or more of the following: polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers and copolymers, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyester, or nylon.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
14 words
49 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophilic.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
50 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophobic.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
51 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet has an electrostatic charge on opposing sides.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
52 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet further comprises azlactone material.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
18 words
53 . The apparatus of claim 52 , wherein a polymer material is grafted to the azlactone material.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
54 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a polymeric, non-woven material.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
55 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume greater than about 20 percent.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
24 words
56 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume between about 50 percent and about 98 percent.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
24 words
57 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume between about 70 percent and about 85 percent.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
28 words
58 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet has pores ranging from about 0.1 μm to about 50 μm in their average characteristic width.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
23 words
59 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet has a thickness between about 2.5 μm and about 25 μm.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
19 words
60 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 25 percent.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
19 words
61 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 10 percent.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
26 words
62 . The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein the microporous sheet has an area between about 1 cm 2 and about 6 cm 2 .
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
84 words
63 . A method comprising: providing a microporous sheet disposed between first and second support members, such that at least a portion of the microporous sheet is left exposed; contacting the exposed portion of the microporous sheet with a material sample such that at least a portion of the material sample is drawn into the microporous sheet; transmitting electromagnetic radiation through the material sample in the microporous sheet; and analyzing the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the material sample in a spectral region of interest.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
84 words
63 . A method comprising: providing a microporous sheet disposed between first and second support members, such that at least a portion of the microporous sheet is left exposed; contacting the exposed portion of the microporous sheet with a material sample such that at least a portion of the material sample is drawn into the microporous sheet; transmitting electromagnetic radiation through the material sample in the microporous sheet; and analyzing the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the material sample in a spectral region of interest.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
30 words
64 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the exposed portion of the microporous sheet comprises an entry region through which the material sample can enter the microporous sheet.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
34 words
65 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the first and second planar support members comprise members having a structural rigidity greater than or equal to a structural rigidity of the microporous sheet.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
28 words
66 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a non-solid material having a network of voids through which the material sample can propagate.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
41 words
67 . The method of claim 63 , further comprising piercing a patient's skin with a skin-piercing structure, the skin-piercing structure having a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the exposed portion of the microporous sheet.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
25 words
68 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the material sample is allowed to dry before electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the microporous sheet.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
27 words
69 . The method of claim 63 , further comprising determining the baseline transmittance of the microporous sheet before contacting the material sample to the microporous sheet.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
34 words
70 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the material sample is a solvent soluble material, and further comprising dissolving the sample in solvent before contacting the material sample to the microporous sheet.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
16 words
71 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the material sample is a biological fluid.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
22 words
72 . The method of claim 63 , wherein information bearing media is disposed on at least one of the support members.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
19 words
73 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet further comprises a shield forming an aperture.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
17 words
74 . The method of claim 73 , wherein the shield is substantially opaque to electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
38 words
75 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet has four side surfaces, and the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with at least two of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
29 words
76 . The method of claim 75 , wherein the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with all four of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
24 words
77 . The method of claim 63 , further comprising an open mesh at least partially covering the exposed portion of the microporous sheet.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
20 words
78 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the exposed portion of the microporous sheet has a structured surface.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
22 words
79 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet has an average baseline transmittance of at least 1 percent.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
22 words
80 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet has an average baseline transmittance of at least 10 percent.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
22 words
81 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet has an average baseline transmittance of at least 50 percent.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
18 words
82 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of a polyolefin film.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
35 words
83 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of one or more of the following: polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers and copolymers, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyester, or nylon.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
14 words
84 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophilic.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
14 words
85 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophobic.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
19 words
86 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet has an electrostatic charge on opposing sides.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
16 words
87 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet further comprises azlactone material.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
18 words
88 . The method of claim 87 , wherein a polymer material is grafted to the azlactone material.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
17 words
89 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a polymeric, non-woven material.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
21 words
90 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume greater than about 20 percent.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
24 words
91 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume between about 50 percent and about 98 percent.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
24 words
92 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume between about 70 percent and about 85 percent.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
28 words
93 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet has pores ranging from about 0.1 μm to about 50 μm in their average characteristic width.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
23 words
94 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet has a thickness between about 2.5 μm and about 25 μm.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
19 words
95 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 25 percent.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
19 words
96 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 10 percent.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
26 words
97 . The method of claim 63 , wherein the microporous sheet has an area between about 1 cm 2 and about 6 cm 2 .
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
94 words
98 . An analyte detection system comprising: a source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation; a detector positioned in an optical path of the radiation; and a microporous sheet situated in the optical path of the radiation and positioned between first and second support members, wherein at least a portion of the microporous sheet is an exposed transit opening configured to receive and distribute a material sample into the microporous sheet; whereby the detection system performs optical analysis on the material sample to assess the concentration of at least one constituent of the material sample.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
94 words
98 . An analyte detection system comprising: a source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation; a detector positioned in an optical path of the radiation; and a microporous sheet situated in the optical path of the radiation and positioned between first and second support members, wherein at least a portion of the microporous sheet is an exposed transit opening configured to receive and distribute a material sample into the microporous sheet; whereby the detection system performs optical analysis on the material sample to assess the concentration of at least one constituent of the material sample.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
34 words
99 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the first and second planar support members comprise members having a structural rigidity greater than or equal to a structural rigidity of the microporous sheet.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
28 words
100 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a non-solid material having a network of voids through which the material sample can propagate.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
22 words
101 . The system of claim 98 , wherein information bearing media is disposed on at least one of the support members.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
19 words
102 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet further comprises a shield forming an aperture.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
17 words
103 . The system of claim 102 , wherein the shield is substantially opaque to electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
38 words
104 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet has four side surfaces, and the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with at least two of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
29 words
105 . The system of claim 104 , wherein the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with all four of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
21 words
106 . The system of claim 98 , further comprising an open mesh at least partially covering the exposed transit opening.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
17 words
107 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the exposed transit opening has a structured surface.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
22 words
108 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet has an average baseline transmittance of at least 1 percent.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
22 words
109 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet has an average baseline transmittance of at least 10 percent.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
22 words
110 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet has an average baseline transmittance of at least 50 percent.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
18 words
111 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of a polyolefin film.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
35 words
112 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet consists essentially of one or more of the following: polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene polymers and copolymers, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyester, or nylon.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
14 words
113 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophilic.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
14 words
114 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet is hydrophobic.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
19 words
115 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet has an electrostatic charge on opposing sides.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
16 words
116 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet further comprises azlactone material.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
18 words
117 . The system of claim 116 , wherein a polymer material is grafted to the azlactone material.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
17 words
118 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a polymeric, non-woven material.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
21 words
119 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume greater than about 20 percent.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
24 words
120 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume between about 50 percent and about 98 percent.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
24 words
121 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet has a void volume between about 70 percent and about 85 percent.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
28 words
122 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet has pores ranging from about 0.1 μm to about 50 μm in their average characteristic width.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
23 words
123 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet has a thickness between about 2.5 μm and about 25 μm.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
19 words
124 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 25 percent.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
19 words
125 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet transmittance variability is less than 10 percent.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
26 words
126 . The system of claim 98 , wherein the microporous sheet has an area between about 1 cm 2 and about 6 cm 2 .
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
88 words
127 . A method comprising: providing a microporous sheet disposed between first and second support members, such that at least a portion of the microporous sheet is left exposed; contacting the exposed portion of the microporous sheet with a material sample such that at least a portion of the material sample is drawn into the microporous sheet; transmitting electromagnetic radiation emitted from the material sample in the microporous sheet to a detector; and analyzing the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the material sample in a spectral region of interest.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
88 words
127 . A method comprising: providing a microporous sheet disposed between first and second support members, such that at least a portion of the microporous sheet is left exposed; contacting the exposed portion of the microporous sheet with a material sample such that at least a portion of the material sample is drawn into the microporous sheet; transmitting electromagnetic radiation emitted from the material sample in the microporous sheet to a detector; and analyzing the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the material sample in a spectral region of interest.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
30 words
128 . The method of claim 127 , wherein the exposed portion of the microporous sheet comprises an entry region through which the material sample can enter the microporous sheet.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
34 words
129 . The method of claim 127 , wherein the first and second planar support members comprise members having a structural rigidity greater than or equal to a structural rigidity of the microporous sheet.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
28 words
130 . The method of claim 127 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a non-solid material having a network of voids through which the material sample can propagate.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
41 words
131 . The method of claim 127 , further comprising piercing a patient's skin with a skin-piercing structure, the skin-piercing structure having a passageway that connects a distal portion of the skin-piercing structure with the exposed portion of the microporous sheet.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
27 words
132 . The method of claim 127 , further comprising determining the baseline transmittance of the microporous sheet before contacting the material sample to the microporous sheet.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
16 words
133 . The method of claim 127 , wherein the material sample is a biological fluid.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
38 words
134 . The method of claim 127 , wherein the microporous sheet has four side surfaces, and the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with at least two of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
29 words
135 . The method of claim 134 , wherein the first and second support members are substantially coextensive with all four of the side surfaces of the microporous sheet.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
20 words
136 . The method of claim 127 , wherein the exposed portion of the microporous sheet has a structured surface.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
17 words
137 . The method of claim 127 , wherein the microporous sheet comprises a polymeric, non-woven material.
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