Abstract:
A micro (thin film type) valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow and its rate using a microbead and a method for controlling the apparatus are provided. The microbead is moved by the magnetic forge generated by upper and lower electromagnets disposed on the top and bottom surface of the body or by the electric field generated by upper and lower electrode plates disposed on the top and bottom surface of the body, thereby interconnecting or blocking flow channels in the body. The micro valve apparatus and the method for controlling the same are suitable for thin film type diagnostic assay devices, such as lab-on-chips, protein chips, or DNA chips, for detecting small quantities of analytes in fluids, and more suitable for interconnecting or blocking channels formed in thin disk type apparatus including general CD-ROMs,DVDs, bioCDs, and bio DVDs.
Abstract:
A pneumatic valve for use in laminated plastic microfluidic structures. This zero or low dead volume valve allows flow through microfluidic channels for use in mixing, dilution, particulate suspension and other techniques necessary for flow control in analytical devices.
Abstract:
A microfluidic flow control device (32) includes a moveable flap (30) capable of intermittently engaging a sealing surface(21A). One-way or check valve utility may be provided. Multiple valves may be coupled to various fluid displacement means to provide pumping utility. Devices may be constructed with stencil layers from various materials, including polymeric materials, adhesive tapes, and/or filter materials. Flow control devices may be passively activated by fluidic contents or by external actuation means.
Abstract:
A microelectromechanical device with integrated control of a flow of a fluid has a first sheet (1) and a second sheet (2) which are arranged on each other and interconnected. The first sheet (1) has, in its surface engaging the second sheet (2), a flow duct system (9) for the fluid. Further the device has an inlet (10) to the flow duct system, an outlet (11) from the flow duct system and at least one microsensor (17a), which is mounted in the flow duct system (9) and arranged to react to the fluid. The first sheet (1) has a first layer (3) of polymer material which engages the second sheet (2) and in which the flow duct system (9) is formed, and an electrically conductive layer (5) on which the layer of polymer material is formed and which is quickly heatable so as to quickly heat the fluid in the flow duct system (9) by heat conduction.
Abstract:
The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. Microdroplets are metered into defined volumes and are subsequently incorporated into a variety of biological assays. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising : forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
Abstract:
A device for generating a stable concentration gradient in a microfluidic channel. A solution of a given concentration of a soluble compound and a diluting solution are co-delivered into a microfluidic channel. By varying the flow rates of the two solutions, the concentration of the soluble compound can be varied as a function of the length of the channel.
Abstract:
A valve for use in microfluidic structures. The valve uses a spherical member, such as a ball bearing, to depress an elastomeric member to selectively open and close a microfluidic channel. The valve may be operated manually or by use of an internal force generated to shift the spherical member to its activated position.
Abstract:
An improved microvalve device (300) is configured to provide a more robust and durable operation to withstand the demands of various operating environments. The microvalve may comprise a valve seat (302) and a diaphragm (304), with the diaphragm operated by an external actuator device (308), such as a bladder, through various mechanisms of actuation, such as direct and indirect mechanisms, that are separate from the microvalve. Through use of the various mechanisms of actuation, the actuator device is configured to apply forces on the diaphragm to suitably move the diaphragm to open and close the microvalve. The valve seat and diaphragm can be configured to provide the microvalve with a plurality of openings configured to permit flow thereinbetween. In addition, the microvalve may be configured to facilitate uni-directional or bi-directional flow. Further, a plurality of microvalves can be cascaded together in a parallel and/or series configuration, with each valve having similar or different flow characteristics, and being selectively operated. The microvalve can also include a combination gate valve configuration and a bladder configuration to provide high frequency response characteristics in addition to stability and reduction in leak flow.
Abstract:
A capillary for introduction of whole blood into an analysis. The capillary has a variable volume along its length, which allows the liquid sample to be drawn into the interior of the cartridge, away from the inlet, reducing the risk of contamination of the sample from the outside.