Covered microchamber structures

1. A microchamber structure comprising a base layer, a lid layer, and at least one microchamber having a cross-sectional shape with a depth of less than 1000 microns and a width of less than 1000 microns; wherein:

the base layer and the lid layer are superimposed, whereby one surface of the base layer is positioned adjacent to one surface of the lid layer;

the base layer includes a depression extending inwardly from its lid-adjacent surface;

the lid layer includes a projection protruding outwardly from its base-adjacent surface and positioned within the depression in the base layer; and

the depression of the base layer and the projection of the lid layer define the cross-sectional shape of the microchamber;

wherein the structure has lateral edges and the microchamber extends to the lateral edges.

2. A stack of a plurality of the microchamber structures as set forth in claim 1 .

3. A stack of the microchamber structures as set forth in claim 2 , wherein the structures have a similar construction.

4. A stack of the microchamber structures as set forth in claim 2 , wherein the base layer of one level is positioned on top of the lid layer of the next level.

5. A stack of the microchamber structures as set forth in claim 2 , wherein at least some of the adjacent structures are separated by spacers.

6. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 1 , comprising a plurality of said microchambers.

7. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 6 , wherein the plurality of microchambers are arranged in substantially parallel longitudinal rows.

8. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 6 , wherein the plurality of microchambers are arranged in substantially parallel transverse columns.

9. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 6 , wherein the plurality of microchambers are arranged in a grid of rows and columns.

10. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 6 , wherein the plurality of microchambers are arranged in a map-like arrangement of straight roads.

11. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 6 , wherein the plurality of microchambers are arranged in a combination circular/straight pattern.

12. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 6 , wherein the plurality of microchambers are arranged in irregular river-like shapes.

13. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 6 , wherein at least some of the plurality of microchambers travel in paths independently of each other.

14. A microchamber structure ( 800 ) as set forth in claim 6 , wherein at least some of the plurality of microchambers ( 840 ) intersect one or more times with each other.

15. A microchamber structure as set forth claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the microchamber(s) contains a coating, particles and/or strands.

16. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the coating, the particles, and/or the strand have filtering properties.

17. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the coating, the particles, and/or the strand have electrically conductive properties.

18. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 15 , wherein the coating, the particles, and/or the strand have thermally conductive properties.

19. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 1 , in which the depth of the cross-sectional shape of the microchamber is less than 750 microns.

20. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 1 , in which the width of the cross-sectional shape of the microchamber is less than 750 microns.

21. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 1 , in which the depth of the cross-sectional shape of the microchamber is less than 500 microns.

22. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 1 , in which the width of the cross-sectional shape of the microchamber is less than 500 microns.

23. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 1 , in which the depth of the cross-sectional shape of the microchamber is less than 250 microns.

24. A microchamber structure as set forth in claim 1 , in which the width of the cross-sectional shape of the microchamber is less than 250 microns.

25. A microchamber structure comprising a base layer, a lid layer, and at least one microchamber having a cross-sectional shape with a depth of less than 1000 microns and a width of less than 1000 microns; wherein:

the base layer and the lid layer are superimposed, whereby one surface of the base layer is positioned adjacent to one surface of the lid layer;

the base layer includes a depression extending inwardly from its lid-adjacent surface;

the lid layer includes a depression extending inwardly from its base-adjacent surface and aligned with the depression in the base layer; and

the shape and size of the aligned depressions define the cross-sectional shape of the microchamber;

wherein the structure has lateral edges and the microchamber extends to the lateral edges.

26. A microchamber structure comprising a sheet and at least one microchamber having a cross-sectional shape with a depth of less than 1000 microns and a width of less than 1000 microns; wherein:

the sheet has a coextensive surface and a foldline which separates the sheet into a base layer and a lid layer and which separates the coextensive surface into a surface on the base layer and a surface on the lid layer;

the base layer and the lid layer are superimposed and the surface of the base layer is positioned adjacent to the surface of the lid layer;

the base layer includes a depression extending inwardly from its lid-adjacent surface and the lid layer includes a lid portion aligned with the depression; and

the depression of the base layer and the lid portion of the lid layer define the cross-sectional shape of the microchamber;

wherein the structure has lateral edges and the microchambers extends to the lateral edges.

27. A microchamber structure comprising a base layer, a lid layer, at least one microchamber having a cross-sectional shape with a depth of less than 1000 microns and a width of less than 1000 microns, and an adhesive attaching the base layer and the lid layer together;

the base layer and the lid layer are superimposed, whereby one surface of the base layer is positioned adjacent to one surface of the lid layer;

the base layer includes a depression extending inwardly from its lid-adjacent surface, and the lid layer includes a lid portion aligned with the depression;

the depression of the base layer and the lid portion of the lid layer define the cross-sectional shape of the microchamber;

the base layer and/or the lid layer include walls forming a recess between their respective surfaces; and

the adhesive is contained within the recess;

wherein the structure has lateral edges and the microchamber extends to the lateral edges.