Abstract:
A device comprised of one or more micro- or nano-reservoirs is described. Each reservoir is accessible via a nanoscale aperture, or nanopore. The reservoirs may be loaded with one or more reactants or agents, for release in response to a stimulus or used in other microfluidic applications.
Abstract:
A microvalve device includes a microvalve pilot valve and a pilot operated valve. The microvalve pilot valve includes a first layer, a third layer having a plurality of openings formed therethrough, and a second layer positioned between the first and third layer. The second layer includes a chamber in fluid communication with the openings, and includes a movable member for selectively controlling fluid flow though the chamber and between the openings. The pilot operated valve includes a first plate, a third plate, and a second plate positioned between the first plate and the third plate. The first plate includes a plurality of ports in fluid communication with the openings of the microvalve, a pressure apply channel, and a pressure release channel. The second plate includes the pressure apply channel and the pressure release channel, both of the channels being in fluid communication with a spool portion of the pilot operated valve. The spool portion is selectively movable to allow flow from a second source of fluid to a load. The third plate includes a first source port in fluid communication with a first fluid source, the pressure apply channel, one of the first plate ports, and one of the microvalve openings. A first reservoir port of the third plate ports, and one of the microvalve openings. A first reservoir port of the third plate is in fluid communication with a first reservoir, the pressure release channel, one of the first plate ports, and one of the microvalve openings. A second source port of the third plate is in fluid communication with the second source of fluid. A load port of the third plate is in fluid communication with the load.
Abstract:
A fluid valve device formed of MEMS devices includes a generally-planar semiconductor substrate (102) having one or more apertures (100/210) to provide passages for fluids, gases, or the like. Movable gate elements (104/214) alternately cover or expose such apertures to either block or open such passages. Actuators (110) in the form of miniature electromagnets (112/114) repel or attract the gate elements to open or close the passages. The fluid valve device may be used to control fluid (216), or in aspiration systems used to suction fluids.
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 microvalve device (825) for controlling fluid flow in a fluid circuit. The microvalve device comprises a body (842) having a cavity (844, 846) formed therein. An electronically controlled automatic transmission, comprising a microvalve device selectively operable to control passage of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the source to the one of a hydraulically operated brake band and a hydraulically operated clutch to operate the one of a hydraulically operated brake band and a hydraulically operated clutch.
Abstract:
A device for sensing fluid movement within a microfluidic channel which uses feedback to control its operation. The device measures electric parameters to interpret fluidic parameters such as flow speed, and the presence or absence of fluid within the channel.
Abstract:
A connector for being inserted into a first channel of a microfluidic device. The connector includes a first end and a second end, when seen in the direction of a longitudinal central axis of said connector, wherein the second end is arranged in a second end portion of the connector; an inner hollow space; a outer circumferential wall extending around said longitudinal central axis, such that said outer circumferential wall extends around said inner hollow space. The outer circumferential wall has at least two different outer diameters along said longitudinal central axis, which outer diameters differ in their value; and the outer surface of said circumferential wall is rotationally symmetrical with regard to said longitudinal central axis; an opening provided in said first end for receiving an insert and, being in fluid connection with said inner hollow space; and a membrane sealingly covering said inner hollow space towards said second end of the connector, wherein the insert is configured to provide pressure on said membrane.