Ruggedized high-volume enviromentally-friendly electrophoretic cell

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention, as claimed, is intended to provide a remedy.
It solves the problem of how to manufacture an electrophoretic cell which is of relatively great structural integrity and which achieves that structural integrity at a lower cost per unit as compared to conventional cells.
At the same time the invention contemplates a novel cell structure which simplifies handling and greatly reduces the incidence of discarded cells.
In accordance with the preferred embodiments, the inventive electrophoretic cell comprises a base member defining a planar support surface.
A layer of electrophoretic gel medium is disposed on the planar support surface.
A top face is disposed over the layer of gel.
The gel lies between the top face and the base member.
Either the top face or the base member is made of transparent material.
A plurality of reservoirs is defined between the top face and the base member by the top face and base member.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the reservoirs are defined by a plurality of walls disposed between the top face and the base member.
The walls may be integral with the base member and both made of plastic.
It is contemplated that the base member be an injection molded plastic element.
The reservoirs are tapered in cross-section, having a smaller size adjacent an edge of the gel layer and becoming larger to form a tapered or funnel shaped reservoir at points removed from the interface of the reservoir and the gel layer.
A pair of ledges is provided at opposite ends of the base member to define a space to house the gel layer.
The edges of the cell have tapered facets which facilitate the application of a sealant by providing a large space to receive the same and this large space communicates with a substantially flush interface between the top face and base member.
Finally, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the edge of the electrophoretic cell adjacent the space receiving sealant is provided with a band of material which is adhered thereto, whereby additional strength is provided for the electrophoretic cell