Fluid management system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to fluid management systems and methods. A fluid detection system includes a wicking material to absorb fluid away from a first location having a spatial confinement proximate a fluid device or a fluid interface. The wicking material absorbs fluid to the remote fluid indicator at the second location. Contact between the fluid and the remote fluid indicator produces a detectable change in the remote fluid indicator, and the non-contact optical sensor detects the change.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of January 6, 2020, application number 202010011403.1, and invention name “Fluid Management System and Method”. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 789,283, filed on January 7, 2019, and entitled “FLUID MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. background

[0003] Poor instrument reliability caused by fluid leakage can result in reduced efficiency and increased costs, such as increased costs to repair instruments and replace damaged parts. However, conventional fluid sensor systems cannot be used in close proximity to leak sources with spatial constraints, and positioning fluid sensors away from such leak sources can result in slower detection speeds, larger volumes of leaked fluid before detection, and, thus, greater damage to fluid-sensitive components. In addition, spatial constraints make it difficult to reset or replace sensor systems, especially those that rely on physical contact with the fluid.

[0004] For example, float sensors may use a large volume of fluid to activate buoyancy. Electrical impedance sensors and optical meniscus sensors may be positioned so that there is contact between the sensor and the fluid and therefore require reset for cleaning, especially for saline fluids that may leave residue after evaporation. Capacitive sensors may use complex drive circuits and be positioned in close proximity to the fluid. In addition, space limitations may prevent the use of sensors in small spaces (such as tape indicators) that utilize visual inspection of the sensor.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a fluid detection system and method that can effectively detect small amounts of fluid leaking near fluid sensitive components in a small space, and for such a system to be contained in a consumable component. There is also a need for such a system and method that will also mitigate damage to fluid sensitive components. Overview

[0006] A simplified overview is given below to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. This overview is not an extensive review of the claimed subject matter. It is neither intended to identify the key or important elements of the claimed subject matter nor to describe its scope. The sole purpose of the overview is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description given later.

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure include a system for detecting fluids. The system includes a wicking material to absorb fluid from a first position to a second position away from the first position, wherein the wicking material extends from the first position to the second position, and wherein the first position is arranged near a fluid retention boundary so as to be exposed to fluids that overflow the fluid retention boundary. For example, the first position can be arranged near a fluid device that may fail or a fluid interface that connects two or more fluid flow devices or between two fluid devices. The system also includes a remote fluid indicator located at the second position, wherein the remote fluid indicator contacts a portion of the wicking material at the second position, wherein when the fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator, a detectable change of the remote fluid indicator is generated. The system also includes an optical sensor that detects the detectable change, wherein the optical sensor is not in physical contact with the remote fluid indicator.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure include a method for detecting fluid. The method includes contacting the fluid with a wicking material at a first position where the fluid has overflowed a fluid retention boundary, wherein the wicking material extends from the first position to a second position away from the first position. For example, the first position can be arranged to be close to a fluid device that may fail or to connect two or more fluid flow devices or a fluid interface between two fluid devices. The method also includes absorbing the fluid from the first position to the second position by the wicking material. The method also includes contacting the fluid with a remote fluid indicator that contacts the wicking material at the second position, wherein the contact between the fluid and the remote fluid indicator produces a detectable change in the remote fluid indicator. The method also includes detecting detectable changes by an optical sensor, which is operably associated with the remote fluid indicator, wherein the optical sensor is not in physical contact with the remote fluid indicator.

[0009] In some examples, the remote fluid indicator includes a tape indicator, the detectable change includes a color change, and / or the optical sensor includes a colorimetric reflective optical sensor. In some examples, the wicking material includes a woven material or a nylon mesh fiber material. In some examples, the wicking material is attached to the surface at the first position by a hydrophilic adhesive, and the wicking material and the hydrophilic adhesive may have a maximum combined thickness of about 120µm at the first position. In some examples, the wicking material at the first position is close to a fluid sensitive element, for example, an imaging or viewing surface about 100µm to about 1000µm from the optical objective. The system may also include a communication component coupled to the optical sensor to generate a signal when the optical sensor detects a detectable change. In some examples, the fluid contacting the wicking material has a volume of about 1µL to about 500µL.

[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure include a fluid analysis system. The system includes a fluidic device, wherein a portion of the fluidic device is disposed at a first location. The system also includes a wicking material extending from the first location to a second location away from the first location. The system also includes a remote fluid indicator at the second location, wherein the remote fluid indicator contacts a portion of the wicking material at the second location, wherein when the fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator, a detectable change in the remote fluid indicator is produced. The system also includes an optical sensor that detects the detectable change, wherein the optical sensor is not in physical contact with the remote fluid indicator.

[0011] In some examples, the system also includes a fluid box having a fluid channel, wherein the jet device is disposed in the fluid box and connected to the fluid channel at a first position, and wherein the wicking material and the second position are disposed in the fluid box. In some examples, the system also includes an optical objective lens for optically analyzing the fluid in the jet device, wherein the optical objective lens is positioned about 100µm to about 1000µm from the imaging or viewing surface of the jet device. The system may also include a second wicking material surrounding the jet device, wherein the remote fluid indicator contacts a portion of the second wicking material at the second position. In some examples, a portion of the fluid channel adjacent to the first position is tilted toward the first position.

[0012] Other features and characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure, as well as the method of operation, the function of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts, and the economy of manufacture will become more apparent when the following description and appended claims are considered with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate various examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge for use in a fluid analysis apparatus.

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cartridge having a fluid detection system for use with a fluid analysis apparatus.

[0016] Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2 A fluid detection system for a system of fluid analysis equipment along the Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a fluid detection system for a fluid analysis device.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Fluid detection system for fluid analysis equipment Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG.

[0019] Figure 6 Is in Figure 4 A perspective view of a box for a fluid detection system of a fluid analysis device. Detailed Description

[0020] Although various aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure can be embodied in various forms, the following description and drawings are intended to disclose only some of these forms as specific examples of the subject matter. Therefore, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the forms or examples described and shown in this manner.

[0021] Unless otherwise limited, all technical terms, symbols and other technical terms or expressions used in this article have the same meaning as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the field to which this disclosure belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If the definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with the definition set forth in the patents, applications, published applications and other publications incorporated by reference herein, then compared to the definition incorporated by reference herein, the definition set forth in this section shall prevail.

[0022] As used herein, "a" or "an" means "at least one" or "one or more" unless indicated otherwise or the context implies otherwise.

[0023] The description may use relative spatial and / or directional terms when describing the positioning and / or orientation of a component, device, position, feature, or portion thereof. Unless otherwise specified or indicated by the context of the description, such terms (including without limitation top, bottom, above, below, under, on top of, upper, lower, to the left, to the right, in front of, behind, beside, adjacent, between, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, longitudinal, transverse, radial, axial, and the like) are used for convenience when referring to such components, devices, positions, features, or portions thereof in the accompanying drawings and are not intended to be limiting.

[0024] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, any specific dimensions mentioned in this specification merely represent example implementations of devices embodying aspects of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting.

[0025] The use of the term "about" applies to all numerical values ​​specified herein, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term generally refers to a numerical range that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider in the context of the present disclosure to have a reasonable amount of deviation from the recited numerical value (i.e., to have equivalent functionality or results). For example, and not intended to be limiting, the term may be interpreted to include a deviation of ±10% from a given numerical value, provided that such deviation does not change the ultimate functionality or results of the value. Thus, in some cases, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, a value of about 1% may be interpreted as ranging from 0.9% to 1.1%.

[0026] As used herein, the term "adjacent" refers to being close to or adjacent to each other. Adjacent objects may be spaced apart from each other, or may be in actual or direct contact with each other. In some examples, adjacent objects may be coupled to each other, or may be integrally formed with each other.

[0027] As used herein, the term "proximate" refers to being close to, adjacent to, or separated by a relatively small or functionally small distance or space. For example, according to the present disclosure, a first object that is close to a second object may be in contact with the second object, or may be within a certain distance of the second object such that the distance or space from the first object to the second object allows the two objects to perform their respective functions or exhibit their respective characteristics.

[0028] As used herein, the terms "substantially" and "substantial" refer to a considerable degree or extent. When used in connection with, for example, an event, circumstance, characteristic, or attribute, these terms may refer to instances in which the event, circumstance, characteristic, or attribute occurs exactly as well as instances in which the event, circumstance, characteristic, or attribute occurs very approximately, for example taking into account typical tolerance levels or variability of the examples described herein.

[0029] As used herein, the terms "optional" and "optionally" mean that the subsequently described components, structures, elements, events, situations, characteristics, attributes, etc. may or may not be included or occur, and that the description includes instances where components, structures, elements, events, situations, characteristics, attributes, etc. are included or occur and instances where they are not included or occur.

[0030] According to various examples, assemblies and devices as described herein can be used in conjunction with a fluid cartridge that can include one or more fluid processing pathways, the fluid processing pathways including one or more elements, such as one or more of channels, branch channels, valves, flow dividers, vents, ports, access areas, through-holes, beads, beaded reagents, covers, reaction components, any combination thereof, etc. Any element can be in fluid communication with another element.

[0031] All possible combinations of elements and components described in the specification or recited in the claims are contemplated and considered to be part of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in more detail below (assuming the concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[0032] In the appended claims, the term "including" is used as the plain-English equivalent of the respective term "comprising." The terms "comprising" and "including" are intended to be open-ended herein and include not only the listed elements but also any additional elements. Furthermore, in the appended claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0033] The term "fluid communication" means direct fluid communication, for example, two regions may be in fluid communication with each other via an unobstructed fluid processing passage connecting the two regions, or may be capable of being in fluid communication, for example, when two regions are connected via a fluid processing passage, the two regions may be capable of being in fluid communication with each other, and the fluid processing passage may include a valve arranged therein, wherein fluid communication between the two regions can be established when the valve is activated, for example by dissolving a soluble valve, bursting a burstable valve, or otherwise opening a valve disposed in the fluid processing passage.

[0034] An improved fluid management system is needed that can detect the presence of fluid (e.g., leaking fluid that has overflowed a fluid retention boundary) in a small space, particularly in a space with sensitive components or near sensitive components. The fluid retention boundary may include a channel, container, chamber, compartment, or receptacle, or some combination thereof, or an interface between any two or more fluid channels, containers, chambers, compartments, or receptacles, and may be part of a fluidic device (e.g., a device in which a fluid is contained and / or in which a fluid flows or flows). Aspects of the present disclosure include systems, methods, and devices for detecting such fluids and protecting such components by absorbing the fluid from a first location to a second location via at least one wicking material, wherein a remote fluid indicator is positioned at or near the second location.

[0035] In some examples, the first position is at or near the parts related to the fluid. In some examples, the first position is near one or more fluid flows or fluid retaining devices, such as fluid channels, fluid ports, fluid containers or other jet devices. In some examples, the first position is near the fluid interface between two or more fluid flows or fluid retaining devices. The parts related to these fluids (such as fluid devices and fluid interfaces) include fluid retention boundaries, and the fluid overflowing from the fluid retention boundary constitutes the fluid of leakage. Therefore, this fluid device and fluid interface may be the source of potential fluid leakage, such as, due to leakage, blockage, corrosion, deterioration, pressure, temperature, component failure, mechanical stress or other fluid leakage caused by the conditions that may cause fluid leakage. For example, fluid leakage may be caused by the damage, failure or other changing conditions of the parts related to the fluid (such as the seal or connection between the fluid port and / or the channel).

[0036] In some examples, the first position is at or near one or more sensitive components. In some examples, the sensitive component is a fluid sensitive component, such as a component that experiences reduced performance, failure, damage, or damage to other components when exposed to a fluid. In some examples, the sensitive component is a sediment sensitive component, such as a component that experiences reduced performance, failure, damage, or damage to other components due to sediments remaining on the component due to exposure to a fluid. In some examples, the first position is at or near an imaging or observation system component (e.g., an objective or lens, an illuminator or light-emitting element (e.g., a laser diode light source for optical measurement in a fluid system), an aperture, a condenser, an imaging or observation surface, a thermal element (e.g., a thermal cycler), a filter, a reflector, a camera, a linear positioning stage, an actuator, or other optical elements). In some examples, the first position is close to a power supply unit, a computer / circuit board / chip, a motor, a gear, a bearing, or other power transmission elements. In some examples, the sensitive component is an electrical component.

[0037] In some examples, the first position exhibits a spatial restriction. For example, the first position may include a small gap, depression, or hole between adjacent parts of adjacent components or a single component. The spatial restriction may be close to one or more of the fluid device, fluid interface, and / or sensitive components. The spatial restriction may involve the space between one or more of the fluid device, fluid interface, and / or sensitive components. For example, the spatial restriction may involve the space between the imaging or observation surface and the optical objective. In some examples, the spatial restriction may involve a small gap, such as a gap less than 2500µm or a gap between about 50µm and about 2500µm. In some examples, the spatial restriction may involve a gap exceeding 2500µm. In some examples, the spatial limitations include a width of about 100µm to about 2500µm, about 100µm to about 2000µm, about 100µm to about 1500µm, about 100µm to about 1000µm, about 100µm to about 700µm, about 100µm to about 350µm, about 100µm to about 240µm, about 100µm to about 180µm, or about 50µm to about 100µm. In some examples, the spatial limitations include a maximum width of about 2500µm, about 2000µm, about 1500µm, about 1000µm, about 700µm, about 500µm, about 350µm, about 300µm, about 250µm, about 200µm, about 150µm, about 100µm, or about 50µm.

[0038] In some examples, the wicking material includes a woven material and / or a non-woven material. In some examples, the wicking material includes a hydro-entangled material. In some examples, the wicking material includes a hydrophobic material and / or a hydrophilic material. In some examples, the wicking material includes a nylon mesh fiber material. In some examples, the wicking material may include pores, such as pores whose size is designed to increase or optimize the wicking performance of the wicking material, and such pores may be sized in pm, nm, μm, or mm. For example, the wicking material can include pores of about 0.01µm, about 0.1µm, about 0.25µm, about 0.5µm, about 0.75µm, about 1µm, about 5µm, about 10µm, about 20µm, about 40µm, about 60µm, about 80µm, about 100µm, about 125µm, about 150µm, about 175µm, about 200µm, about 225µm, about 250µm, about 300µm, about 400µm, about 500µm, about 600µm, about 700µm, about 800µm, about 1000µm. For example, a nylon mesh fiber wicking material can include pores of about 80 µm. In some examples, the wicking material includes one material or a combination of two or more materials. For example, the wicking material may include one or more of the following materials: polyester, cellulose, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethersulfone (PES), and / or nylon. In some examples, the wicking material includes a first material and a second material, and the amounts are about 90% and about 10%, about 80% and about 20%, about 70% and about 30%, about 60% and about 40%, about 50% and about 50%, about 40% and about 60%, about 30% and about 70%, about 20% and about 80%, or about 10% and about 90%. For example, the wicking material may include polyester and / or cellulose, such as about 50% polyester and about 50% cellulose. For example, the wicking material may include TechniCloth® TX604 cleanroom wipes manufactured by Texwipe®. In some examples, the wicking material may include liquid chromatography paper. The wicking material can be designed to shed very small amounts of particles, including during application of the wicking material to an adhesive or surface or during wetting of the wicking material. In some examples, the wicking material is not damaged by exposure to fluids, high or low temperatures, humidity, or corrosive chemicals. In some examples, the wicking material includes more than one wicking material, and the more than one wicking material can be adjacent or layered.

[0039] In some examples, the second location can be remote from the first location. For example, the second location can be spaced apart from the first location by a distance of at least about 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 25 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, 300 mm, 350 mm, 400 mm, 450 mm, or 500 mm. In some examples, the second location can be not close to one or more sensitive components and / or fluid components at or near the first location. For example, a position or component that is not near a second position or component can be separated from the second position or component by the following distances: about 0.01 mm, about 0.05 mm, about 0.1 mm, about 0.25 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.75 mm, about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 10 mm, about 25 mm, about 50 mm, about 75 mm, about 100 mm, about 150 mm, about 200 mm, about 250 mm, about 300 mm, about 350 mm, about 400 mm, about 450 mm, about 500 mm, or more than 500 mm.

[0040] In some examples, the second position may not exhibit the spatial constraints exhibited by the first position, or the second position may exhibit fewer spatial constraints than the first position. For example, the second position may exhibit one or more widths that are greater than one or more widths exhibited by the first position. In some examples, the second position may be sized to accommodate components that do not fit in the first position due to spatial constraints, such as components such as liquid indicators and / or sensor components.

[0041] In some examples, the remote fluid indicator can be at or near the second position. For example, the remote fluid indicator can be attached to the surface at the second position. In some examples, the contact between the remote fluid indicator and the fluid can produce or cause one or more detectable changes of the remote fluid indicator. For example, detectable changes can be changes in a certain quality or characteristic of the remote fluid indicator. For example, detectable changes can be changes in color, size, conductivity, resistivity, or other optical, electrical, mechanical, electromagnetic, magnetic, static, inductance, capacitance, or thermal characteristics. In some examples, after the fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator, detectable changes occur or are basically completed in less than about 120 seconds, about 100 seconds, about 80 seconds, about 60 seconds, about 40 seconds, about 20 seconds, about 10 seconds, about 5 seconds, about 1 second, about 0.5 seconds, about 0.25 seconds, about 0.1 seconds, about 0.05 seconds, or about 0.01 seconds. In some examples, detectable changes may be irreversible. Band indicator is an example of remote fluid indicator. In some examples, the remote fluid indicator may not be sensitive to high or low temperatures and / or humidity.

[0042] One or more wicking materials can extend from a first location to a second location. The wicking material can extend directly between the two locations, or can extend indirectly between the two locations, for example, such that at least a portion of the wicking material initially extends away from the first location and not in the direction of the second location. In some examples, the one or more wicking materials extend from the first location to a location other than the second location. In some examples, the first wicking material extends from the first location to the second wicking material, and the second wicking material can extend to the second location.

[0043] A portion of the wicking material may be disposed at a first position adjacent to or near one or more fluid devices or fluid interfaces. A portion of the wicking material may be disposed at a first position adjacent to or near one or more sensitive components. In some examples, a portion of the wicking material may be disposed at a first position in a space between, adjacent to, or near one or more of the fluid devices, fluid interfaces, and / or sensitive components, and the space may exhibit spatial limitations as described above, such as the width as described above. In some examples, a portion of the wicking material may be located at a first position so that fluid from the fluid device or fluid interface (e.g., fluid leaking from the fluid device or fluid interface) contacts the wicking material.

[0044] The part of wicking material can be arranged at the second position adjacent to or near one or more remote fluid indicators.For example, the part of wicking material at the second position can extend below or above the remote fluid indicator, and / or can abut the side of the remote fluid indicator.In some examples, the part of wicking material can be positioned at the second position so that the fluid in or on the wicking material contacts the remote fluid indicator.

[0045] In some examples, the wicking material can be attached to the surface by one or more adhesives. For example, one or more adhesives can attach the wicking material to the surface at the first position, to the surface at the second position, and / or to the surface extending from the first position to the second position. In some examples, other components described herein (such as fluid devices or remote fluid indicators) are attached to one or more surfaces by one or more adhesives. In some examples, the adhesive can be hydrophilic. In some examples, the adhesive will not be damaged by exposure to fluid, high or low temperatures, humidity, or corrosive chemicals. In some examples, the adhesive can be a double-sided tape or a single-layer conveyor belt. For example, a suitable adhesive can include the ARflow® 93049 hydrophilic pressure-sensitive adhesive manufactured by Adhesives Research®. In some examples, a single-layer conveyor belt adhesive attaches a portion of the wicking material to the surface at the first position, and the surface can show spatial limitations as described above, such as width as described above.

[0046] In some examples, the wicking material exhibits a thickness of less than about 1000 μm, such as about 500 μm, about 450 μm, about 400 μm, about 350 μm, about 300 μm, about 250 μm, about 200 μm, about 150 μm, about 120 μm, about 100 μm, about 80 μm, about 50 μm, about 25 μm, or about 10 μm. In some examples, the adhesive exhibits a thickness of less than about 1000 μm, about 500 μm, about 450 μm, about 400 μm, about 350 μm, about 300 μm, about 250 μm, about 200 μm, about 150 μm, about 120 μm, about 100 μm, about 80 μm, about 50 μm, about 25 μm, or about 10 μm. In some examples, the combined thickness of the wicking material and the adhesive exhibits a thickness of less than about 1000µm, such as about 750µm, about 600µm, about 500µm, about 450µm, about 400µm, about 350µm, about 300µm, about 250µm, about 200µm, about 150µm, about 120µm, about 100µm, about 80µm, or about 50µm.

[0047] In some examples, a minimum amount of fluid at a first location can be sufficient to be absorbed by the wicking material to a second location to contact the remote fluid indicator, thereby producing a detectable change. In some examples, the minimum amount of fluid can be about 500µL, about 450µL, about 400µL, about 350µL, about 300µL, about 250µL, about 200µL, about 150µL, about 100µL, about 80µL, about 60µL, about 40µL, about 20µL, about 10µL, or about 1µL. In some examples, the amount of fluid contacting the wicking material has a volume of about 1µL, about 50µL, about 100µL, about 250µL, about 500µL, about 1000µL, about 1500µL, about 2000µL, about 3000µL, about 4000µL, about 5000µL, or greater than about 5000µL. In some examples, the amount of fluid contacting the wicking material (e.g., contacting the wicking material at the first location) has a volume of about 1µL to about 1000µL, about 1µL to about 500µL, about 1µL to about 450µL, about 1µL to about 400µL, about 1µL to about 350µL, about 1µL to about 300µL, about 1µL to about 250µL, about 1µL to about 200µL, about 1µL to about 150µL, or about 1µL to about 100µL.

[0048] In some examples, the sensor can be operably associated with the remote fluid indicator. For example, the sensor can detect detectable changes in the remote fluid indicator. In some examples, the sensor is not in physical contact with the remote fluid indicator. In some examples, the sensor can be an optical sensor, a photoelectric sensor, or an electrical sensor. In some examples, a sensor such as an optical sensor can be operably associated with the remote fluid indicator through an optical fiber. In some examples, the sensor can be a water vapor or humidity sensor, a capacitive sensor, or an inductive sensor. In some examples, the sensor can be a colorimetric reflective optical sensor. The colorimetric reflective optical sensor can include a light source and an optical color detector mounted on a circuit board.

[0049] In some examples, the communication component can be coupled to the sensor. For example, the communication component can be operably associated with the sensor through a wired connection or a wireless connection. When the optical sensor detects a detectable change, the communication component can generate a signal. In some examples, the signal can be an electronic signal, and the electronic signal can be sent to a system component that can trigger a functional response to the detection of the fluid, such as activating an alarm, stopping the fluid from flowing to the fluid device at the first position, and / or removing the fluid from the fluid device at the first position. In some examples, the communication component can include or be connected to a computer or a processing system, such as a computer or a processing system in a fluid analysis device. The communication component can be implemented by one or more logic elements (such as a computer, an embedded controller, an application-specific integrated circuit, etc.), and can include or access a data storage memory, which can include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, and other types of memories known now or developed later.

[0050] Aspects of the present disclosure also include a consumable box or carrier plate, which can be installed in a fluid analysis device and includes one or more components of the above-mentioned system. In some examples, the fluid analysis device can be a device for optical analysis (e.g., imaging) or chemical analysis. In some examples, one or more of the following items can be set in the box or carrier plate: a fluid device or a part of a fluid device; an interface between two or more fluid devices; a first position; a second position and a remote fluid indicator; a wicking material or a part of a wicking material; and / or a sensor. In some examples, the box includes a fluid device, at least one fluid channel or fluid port connected to the fluid device at a fluid interface, a first position near the fluid interface between the fluid device and the fluid channel, a remote fluid indicator at a second position in the box away from the first position, and a wicking material extending from the first position to the second position. In some examples, the fluid analysis device includes a sensor operably associated with a remote fluid indicator, the remote fluid indicator is located in a box that can be installed in the device, and the sensor can be installed in a device outside the box and / or positioned so that the sensor does not contact the remote fluid indicator. In some examples, after a leak occurs or is detected in a cartridge installed in a device (e.g., fluid contacts a wicking material and / or a remote fluid indicator disposed in the cartridge), the cartridge can be removed from the device and replaced with a similar cartridge in which the leak did not occur or is detected, and the sensor can remain in place for reuse, e.g., without the need to clean the sensor.

[0051] Aspects of the present disclosure also include methods associated with the above-mentioned systems. In some examples, after the fluid overflows from the fluid retention boundary at the first position (for example, the fluid leaks from the fluid flow or fluid retention device or leaks at the interface between two or more fluid devices), the fluid can contact a portion of the wicking material at or near the first position. The wicking material can extend from the first position to the second position, and the fluid can be absorbed from the first position to the second position by the wicking material. In some examples, the fluid then contacts a remote fluid indicator, which contacts the wicking material at the second position. Then, since the fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator, a detectable change of the remote fluid indicator can be generated. In some examples, the detectable change can then be detected by an optical sensor operably associated with the remote fluid indicator.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, an example cartridge 200 for a fluid analysis apparatus includes fluidic components, such as a first fluid channel 204 connected to a fluidic device 210 via a first fluid port 206 and a second fluid channel 207 connected to the fluidic device 210 via a second fluid port 209. For example, a fluid may flow through the first fluid channel 204, flow into the fluidic device 210 through the first fluid port 206, flow into and flow through the second fluid channel 207 through the second fluid port 209. The first fluid channel 204 and the second fluid channel 207 are formed in a channel laminate 216 surrounding the fluid channels. The cartridge 200 also includes a carrier plate 202, and the fluidic device 210 may be positioned on the carrier plate 202. The connection between the first fluid channel 204 and the second fluid channel 207 and the jet device 210 includes a portion 218 of the channel stack 216 extending across the jet device 210 and forming a fluid interface (including, for example, the first fluid port 206 and the second fluid port 209) between the fluid channels within the jet device 210 and the first fluid channel 204 and the second fluid channel 207.

[0053] In one example, the cartridge 200 can be placed in a processing instrument, such as a cartridge interface module (e.g., an assembly having an automated motor, gears, and an interface to a cartridge fluidics system). The motors and bearings within such a module can include power transmission elements for driving functions within the cartridge or manipulating the cartridge.

[0054] Although not intended to be limiting, in connection with the present disclosure, a "first location" includes a location that may be (1) proximate to a portion of the wicking material, (2) proximate to one or more of a fluidic device, a fluidic interface, and / or a sensitive component, and (3) remote from a remote fluid indicator. Figure 2-Figure 6As shown, the "first position" can be (1) a position near a portion of the wicking material (e.g., wicking material 220, 220', and / or 226); (2) a position near portion 218 of channel stack 216, channel stack 216 including a portion of first fluid channel 204 connected to fluidic device 210, first fluid port 206, a portion of second fluid channel 207 connected to fluidic device 210, second fluid port 209, and / or a portion of fluidic device 210 connected to first fluid channel 204 or to second fluid channel 207; and (3) a position away from remote fluid indicator 228. In general, the terms "first position" and "second position" are intended to convey two different positions that are physically away from each other (e.g., not in direct physical contact with each other).

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the box 200 includes a first wicking material 220. The first wicking material 220 extends from a first position near the fluid interface (including the first fluid port 206 and the second fluid port 209) between the fluid channels 204, 207 and the jet device 210 to a second position away from the first position. The remote fluid indicator 228 can be positioned at the second position and contact a portion of the first wicking material 220 at the second position. Fluid leaking from, for example, the first fluid channel 204, the second fluid channel 207, the jet device 210, or the interface (including the first fluid port 206 and the second fluid port 209) between these fluid components near the first position contacts the first wicking material 220 at the first position, and the first wicking material absorbs the fluid from the first position to the second position, where the fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator 228. In the illustrated implementation, the remote fluid indicator 228 can be a color-changing tape indicator that irreversibly changes color when in contact with the fluid, but other remote fluid indicators 228 that can be reversibly or irreversibly changed can also be used.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the box 200 also includes a second wicking material 226. The second wicking material 226 can be disposed on the carrier plate 202 around the jet device 210, including a portion near the jet device 210 connected to the first fluid channel 204 and the second fluid channel 207. The second wicking material 226 can also be disposed at the second location and contact the remote fluid indicator 228. Fluid leaking near the first location or fluid leaking from the jet device 210 contacts the second wicking material 226 anywhere on the carrier plate 202, and the second wicking material absorbs the fluid to the remote fluid indicator 228.

[0057] like Figure 2As shown, in one example, the wicking material 220 is in a "T" configuration having a transverse segment 221 and a longitudinal segment 222. One end of the transverse segment 221 extends from the portion 218 of the channel stack 216 to the side of the fluidic device 210, reaching the remote fluid indicator 228, so as to facilitate the detection of fluid leakage at the first location. The opposite end of the transverse segment 221 extends from the portion 218 of the channel stack 216 to the opposite side of the fluidic device 210 opposite the remote fluid indicator 228 at the second location, and contacts a portion of the second wicking material 226 to help absorb fluid away from the leakage source at the first location, and thereby protect the fluid sensitive components.

[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one example, the channel stack 216 includes a first channel stack inclined portion 205 and a second channel stack inclined portion 208 that are inclined downward away from the fluidic device 210, a portion 218 of the channel stack 216, and the carrier plate 202. Fluid leaking from the first location can flow downward along the first channel stack inclined portion 205 and the second channel stack inclined portion 208 away from the first location, the fluidic device 210, and the carrier plate 202, and flow downward into the lower portion of the box 200, where the fluid can be absorbed by an optional absorbent pad 214, which can include a material designed to absorb and retain fluid.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the first wicking material 220 may include a longitudinal segment 222. The longitudinal segment 222 extends downward and away from the carrier plate 202 and the connection between the first fluid channel 204 and the second fluid channel 207 and the jet device 210. The longitudinal segment 222 extends downward away from the carrier plate 202 to the lower portion of the box 200 and may contact the absorbent pad 214. The longitudinal segment 222 covers the first channel stack inclined portion 205 and the second channel stack inclined portion 208. The longitudinal segment 222 wicks fluid leaking from the first position, the jet device 210 and / or the carrier plate 202 downward to the lower portion of the box 200, where the leaked fluid can be absorbed by the absorbent pad 214 and / or otherwise away from the first position and corresponding components.

[0060] like Figure 2As shown, in addition to or in place of the absorbent pad 214, the box 200 may include at least one drain hole 212. Excess fluid in the box 200 (e.g., fluid not absorbed by the first wicking material 220, the second wicking material 226, and / or the absorbent pad 214) can be discharged from the box 200 through the drain hole 212. In some examples, a drain pan (not shown) can be positioned (e.g., positioned below the box 200) to receive fluid discharged from the box 200 through the drain hole 212 or fluid leaking from other components of the box interface module. Such a drain pan may include wicking material, a remote fluid indicator, a sensor, and / or an absorbent pad. The box 200 may also include at least one pin hole 213, which is aligned with a pin (not shown) (e.g., a loading pin or a reference pin in the box interface module), and in some examples, the pin may be a sensitive component.

[0061] Figure 3 Shows something like Figure 2 The leak detection system in the system is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the first location can be proximate to a portion of the fluidic device 210, portions of the first fluid channel 204 and the second fluid channel 207 connected to the fluidic device 210, a portion 218 of the channel stack 216, and / or the objective lens 240, and the first location can exhibit a spatial restriction between a bottom of the objective lens 240 and a top of the portion 218 of the channel stack 216. The first wicking material 220' extends from the first location to a remote fluid indicator 228 at a second location away from the first location, the first location including the portion of the first location exhibiting the spatial restriction. Figure 3 The first wicking material 220' does not include a lateral section 221 or a longitudinal section 222 extending beyond the opposite side of the fluidic device 210 relative to the remote fluid indicator 228. The second position does not exhibit the spatial restriction exhibited between the objective lens 240 and the portion 218 of the channel stack 216. Fluid leaking near the first position, including fluid leaking in the portion exhibiting spatial restriction at the first position, is absorbed by the first wicking material 220' to the second position, where the fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator 228, and then the remote fluid indicator undergoes a detectable change in its characteristics. The second wicking material 226 can be disposed on the carrier plate 202 around the fluidic device 210 and extends to the remote fluid indicator 228 at the second position. Fluid leaking near the first location, fluid leaking around the jet device 210, and / or fluid in the first wicking material 220' contacts the second wicking material 226, which absorbs the fluid to the second location, where the fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator 228, which then experiences a detectable change in its characteristics.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the optical sensor 250 includes a light source 254 (e.g., an LED) and a color sensor 252 (e.g., a photodiode) connected to a printed circuit board 255. When the color of the remote fluid indicator 228 changes, the incident light from the light source 254 is absorbed or reflected differently, and the difference in reflected light is detected by the color sensor 252. The optical sensor 250 does not contact the remote fluid indicator 228.

[0063] Figure 4-Figure 6 Shows something like Figure 2 Leak detection system in the system. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the first fluid channel 204 and the second fluid channel 207 are connected to the jet device 210, and the jet device 210 is positioned on the carrier plate 202. For clarity, Figure 4 and Figure 5 Only a portion of the box 200 is depicted, and other portions are removed. Under the carrier plate 202 and outside the box 200 is a thermal element 244, such as a Peltier thermoelectric cooler, which can be a part of a fluid analysis device. In other implementations, the thermal element 244 can be contained in the box 200 and is controlled by the fluid analysis device in response to the box 200 being installed or inserted into the fluid analysis device. The example fluid analysis device includes an optical objective lens 240, which can be installed on the outside of the box 200 and can be positioned above the imaging or observation surface portion of the top of the jet device 210. In addition, although only the objective lens 240 and the thermal element 244 are shown, the fluid analysis device can include several other components for analyzing the material in the jet device 210. The first wicking material 220′ is drawn from a first location (e.g., a portion of the fluidic device 210 near the first fluid channel 204 and the second fluid channel 207 connected to the fluidic device 210, a fluid interface between the fluidic device 210 and the first fluid channel 204 and the second fluid channel 207 (including Figure 4 or Figure 6 The remote fluid indicator 228 extends from the first position to the second position away from the first position (not labeled in the figure), and / or one or more of the first and second fluid ports 206 and 209), and / or the objective lens 240. Figure 4-Figure 6 In the example of the present invention, the first wicking material 220' does not include a transverse segment 221 extending beyond the opposite side of the fluidic device 210 opposite the remote fluid indicator 228, and the first wicking material 220' does not include a longitudinal segment disposed above the first channel stack inclined portion 205 and the second channel stack inclined portion 208, for example Figure 222. A second wicking material 226 may be disposed on the carrier plate 202 around the fluidic device 210 and extending to a remote fluid indicator 228 at a second location. The first wicking material 220' and the second wicking material 226 absorb fluid from the first location and from around the fluidic device 210 to the remote fluid indicator 228, so that a leak can be detected before the leaking fluid contacts or damages sensitive components (e.g., the objective lens 240, the imaging or viewing surface portion of the top of the fluidic device 210, or the thermal element 244). In addition, by absorbing the leaking fluid away from the sensitive components (e.g., the objective lens 240 and the imaging or viewing surface portion of the top of the fluidic device 210), the wicking material (e.g., the first wicking material 220') passively protects the sensitive components from the leaking fluid. In some examples, leakage fluid that is not absorbed by or supersaturates the wicking material may flow downward along first channel stack inclined portion 205 and second channel stack inclined portion 208 of channel stack 216 and away from the first location and carrier plate 202 .

[0064] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the optical sensor 250 may be proximate to the remote fluid indicator 228, but not in contact with the remote fluid indicator 228. The optical sensor 250 may be mounted in a fluid analysis device external to the cartridge 200.

[0065] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 Leak detection system along Figure 4 Partial cross-sectional view taken along the center line CC. Figure 5As shown, the first position can be close to a portion of the jet device 210, a portion of the second fluid channel 207, a fluid interface (including the second fluid port 209) between the jet device 210 and the second fluid channel 207, and / or the objective lens 240, and the first position exhibits a spatial restriction between the bottom of the objective lens 240 and the top of the second fluid channel 207. The first wicking material 220' extends from the first position to the remote fluid indicator 228 at the second position away from the first position, and the first position includes the portion of the first position that exhibits the spatial restriction. The second position does not exhibit the spatial restriction between the objective lens 240 and the second fluid channel 207. Fluid leaking near the first position, including fluid leaking in the portion of the first position that exhibits the spatial restriction, is absorbed by the first wicking material 220' to the second position, where the fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator 228, and then the characteristics of the remote fluid indicator are detectably changed. The second wicking material 226 can be disposed on the carrier plate 202 around the jet device 210 and extends to the remote fluid indicator 228 at the second position. Fluid leaking near the first location, fluid leaking around the fluidic device 210, and / or fluid in the first wicking material 220' contacts the second wicking material 226, which absorbs the fluid to the second location, where the fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator 228, and then a detectable change occurs in the property of the remote fluid indicator 228. The optical sensor 250 can be operably associated with the remote fluid indicator 228 and detect when the color of the remote fluid indicator 228 changes.

[0066] The first wicking material 220' can be a nylon mesh material and can be attached to the top surface of the second fluid channel 207 and to the second wicking material 226 by an adhesive (e.g., a hydrophilic single layer conveyor tape). The second wicking material 226 can be a 50% / 50% blend of polyester and cellulose and can be attached to the top surface of the carrier plate 202 by an adhesive. The fluidic device 210 can be attached to the top surface of the carrier plate 202 by an adhesive.

[0067] The thickness [D] of the first wicking material 220' and its associated adhesive may be less than about 200µm, such as about 100µm. The thickness [C] of the second wicking material 226 and its associated adhesive may be less than about 500µm, such as about 350µm. In some implementations, the combined thickness [B] of the first wicking material 220' and the second wicking material 226 and the two associated adhesives may be less than about 500µm, such as about 450µm. The width [A] of the space from the bottom of the objective lens 240 to the top surface of the carrier plate 202 may be less than about 2500µm. The width [G] of the space from the bottom of the objective lens 240 to the imaging or viewing surface 242 (i.e., the top surface of the jet device 210) may be less than about 1000µm. The thickness [H] of the second fluid channel 207 (enclosed in the stack) may be less than about 500 μm, such as about 400 μm, and the width of the spatial restriction between the bottom of the objective lens 240 and the top surface of the second fluid channel 207 may be less than about 500 μm, such as about 340 μm. Thus, when the first wicking material 220' and its associated adhesive extend to the portion of the first position that exhibits the spatial restriction between the objective lens 240 and the second fluid channel 207, the gap [F] between the bottom of the objective lens 240 and the top of the first wicking material 220' may be less than about 250 μm, such as about 240 μm.

[0068] It should be appreciated that all of the foregoing dimensions are examples and illustrative, and not limiting.

[0069] It should be recognized that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in more detail below (assuming these concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be recognized that terms explicitly used herein that may also appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be given the meaning most consistent with the specific concepts disclosed herein.

[0070] Although the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described and illustrated in considerable detail with reference to certain illustrative examples (including various combinations and subcombinations of features), those skilled in the art will readily recognize other examples and variations and modifications thereof that are included within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the description of such examples, combinations, and subcombinations is not intended to convey that the claimed subject matter requires features or combinations of features other than those expressly recited in the claims. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to include all modifications and variations that are included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0071] Aspects of the present application may be implemented in one or more of the following embodiments.

[0072] 1) A system for detecting a fluid, the system comprising: a wicking material for absorbing fluid from a first location to a second location remote from the first location, wherein the wicking material extends from the first location to the second location, and wherein the first location is disposed proximate a fluid retaining boundary so as to be exposed to fluid overflowing the fluid retaining boundary; a remote fluid indicator located at the second location, wherein the remote fluid indicator contacts a portion of the wicking material at the second location, wherein a detectable change in the remote fluid indicator occurs when a fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator; and An optical sensor is provided for detecting the detectable change, wherein the optical sensor is not in physical contact with the remote fluid indicator.

[0073] 2) The system of 1) wherein the detectable change comprises a color change.

[0074] 3) The system of 1) or 2), wherein the remote fluid indicator comprises a tape indicator.

[0075] 4) The system according to any one of 1) to 3), wherein the optical sensor comprises a colorimetric reflectance optical sensor.

[0076] 5) The system of any one of 1)-4), wherein the wicking material comprises a woven material.

[0077] 6) The system of any one of 1) to 5), wherein the wicking material comprises a nylon mesh fiber material.

[0078] 7) The system of any one of 1) to 6), wherein the wicking material is attached to the surface at the first location by a hydrophilic adhesive.

[0079] 8) The system of 7) wherein the wicking material and the hydrophilic adhesive have a maximum combined thickness of about 120 µm at the first location.

[0080] 9) The system according to any one of 1) to 8), wherein the wicking material at the first position is close to a fluid sensitive element.

[0081] 10) The system according to any one of 1) to 9), further comprising a communication component coupled to the optical sensor to generate a signal when the optical sensor detects the detectable change.

[0082] 11) A method for detecting a fluid, comprising: contacting the fluid with a wicking material at a first location where the fluid has overflowed a fluid retention boundary, wherein the wicking material extends from the first location to a second location distal from the first location; absorbing the fluid from the first location to the second location via the wicking material; contacting the fluid with a remote fluid indicator that contacts the wicking material at the second location, wherein contact between the fluid and the remote fluid indicator produces a detectable change in the remote fluid indicator; and The detectable change is detected by an optical sensor operatively associated with the remote fluid indicator, wherein the optical sensor is not in physical contact with the remote fluid indicator.

[0083] 12) The method according to 11), wherein the fluid contacting the wicking material has a volume of about 1 µL to about 500 µL.

[0084] 13) The method according to 11) or 12), wherein the remote fluid indicator comprises a tape indicator.

[0085] 14) The method according to any one of 11) to 13), wherein the detectable change comprises a color change and the optical sensor comprises a colorimetric reflective optical sensor.

[0086] 15) The method according to any one of 11) to 14), wherein the wicking material comprises a woven material.

[0087] 16) A method according to any one of 11)-15), wherein the wicking material is attached to the surface at the first location via a hydrophilic adhesive, wherein the wicking material and the hydrophilic adhesive have a maximum combined thickness of approximately 120 µm at the first location.

[0088] 17) A fluid analysis system comprising: a fluidic device, wherein a portion of the fluidic device is disposed at a first position; a wicking material extending from the first location to a second location distal from the first location; a remote fluid indicator at the second location, wherein the remote fluid indicator contacts a portion of the wicking material at the second location, wherein a detectable change in the remote fluid indicator occurs when a fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator; and An optical sensor is provided for detecting the detectable change, wherein the optical sensor is not in physical contact with the remote fluid indicator.

[0089] 18) The system of 17) further comprising a fluid box having a fluid channel, wherein the jet device is disposed within the fluid box and connected to the fluid channel at the first position, and wherein the wicking material and the second position are disposed within the fluid box.

[0090] 19) The system according to 17) or 18) further includes an optical objective lens for optically analyzing the fluid within the jet device, wherein the optical objective lens is positioned at a distance of about 100µm to about 1000µm from an observation surface of the jet device.

[0091] 20) The system of any one of 17) to 19), wherein the remote fluid indicator comprises a tape indicator.

[0092] 21) A system according to any one of 17) to 20), wherein the detectable change comprises a color change and the optical sensor comprises a colorimetric reflectance optical sensor.

[0093] 22) The system of any one of 17)-21), wherein the wicking material comprises a woven material.

[0094] 23) The system of any one of 17)-22), further comprising a second wicking material surrounding the fluidic device, wherein the remote fluid indicator contacts a portion of the second wicking material at the second location.

Claims

1. A device comprising: box, The box includes: a channel stack surrounding the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel; a fluidic device comprising a first port and a second port, wherein the first fluid channel is connected to the first port at a fluid interface, and the second fluid channel is connected to the second port at the fluid interface; a wicking material carried by the cartridge and extending between a first position proximate the fluid interface and a second position distal to the first position; a remote fluid indicator located at the second location and contacting the wicking material, wherein the wicking material absorbs fluid leaking from the first location to the second location where the fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The wicking material is configured to absorb leaked fluid that escapes from the fluid retaining boundary; The first location is disposed proximate to the fluid retaining boundary so as to expose the wicking material to the leaked fluid that overflows from the fluid retaining boundary; The wicking material has one of: (1) a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments including transverse segments and longitudinal segments; or (2) a single segment; and When fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator, a detectable change to the remote fluid indicator is produced.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The detectable change comprises a color change.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The remote fluid indicator includes a tape indicator.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an optical sensor for detecting the detectable change, wherein the optical sensor is not in physical contact with the remote fluid indicator.

6. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The wicking material includes one of a woven material or a nylon mesh fiber material.

7. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The wicking material is attached to the surface at the first location by a hydrophilic adhesive.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The wicking material and the hydrophilic adhesive have a maximum combined thickness of about 120 μm at the first location.

9. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The wicking material at the first location is proximate to a fluid sensitive element.

10. The device of claim 2, further comprising an optical sensor and a communication component coupled to the optical sensor, the communication component generating a signal when the optical sensor detects the detectable change.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a carrier plate, the fluidic device being located on the carrier plate.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a second wicking material disposed on the carrier sheet, the second wicking material surrounding the fluidic device and contacting the remote fluid indicator.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the wicking material includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the wicking material extending from the channel stack on a first side of the jet device to the remote fluid indicator, and the second end of the wicking material extending from the channel stack on a second side of the jet device and contacting the second wicking material.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second wicking material comprises a blend of polyester and cellulose and is attached to the carrier sheet.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the channel stack comprises a first channel stack inclined portion and a second channel stack inclined portion extending from the fluid interface, wherein fluid leaking from the first location can flow downward along the first channel stack inclined portion and the second channel stack inclined portion.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising an absorbent pad carried by the cartridge, the absorbent pad positioned to absorb the leaked fluid flowing down the first channel stack sloped portion and the second channel stack sloped portion.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the wicking material comprises a transverse segment extending across a portion of the channel stack proximate the fluid interface and a longitudinal segment covering the first channel stack inclined portion and the second channel stack inclined portion.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cartridge defines a drain hole.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wicking material comprises a first end and a second end, the first end of the wicking material extending from the channel stack to the remote fluid indicator on a first side of the fluidic device.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the second end of the wicking material does not extend beyond the second side of the fluidic device.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an optical sensor for detecting a detectable change when fluid contacts the remote fluid indicator, wherein the optical sensor is not in physical contact with the remote fluid indicator.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the optical sensor comprises a light source, a color sensor, and a printed circuit board, the light source and the color sensor being connected to the printed circuit board.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first location is vertically spaced apart from the second location.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the wicking material comprises an inclined portion between the first position and the second position.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first wicking material comprises a nylon mesh material attached to the channel stack.

26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the remote fluid indicator comprises a color changing tape indicator.

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