Abstract:
A fluidic valve (90) for a sample separation apparatus (10) for separating a fluid, wherein the fluidic valve (90) comprises a stack of connected layer structures (200), a first conduit (202) within the stack, a second conduit (204) within the stack, a movable body (206) within the stack, and an actuator (208) configured for actuating the movable body (206) to selectively bring the movable body (206) into a flow enabling configuration in which flow of fluid between the first conduit (202) and the second conduit (204) is enabled, or into a flow disabling configuration in which flow of fluid between the first conduit (202) and the second conduit (204) is disabled.
Abstract:
A non-Newtonian fluid (140) is used in an electrokinetic device to produce electroosmotic flow therethrough. The nonlinear viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid (140) allows the electrokinetic device to behave differently under different operating conditions, such as externally applied pressures and electric potentials. Electrokinetic devices can be used with non-Newtonian fluid (140) in a number of applications, including but not limited to electrokinetic pumps, flow controllers, diaphragm valves, and displacement systems.
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 non-Newtonian fluid is used in an electrokinetic device to produce electroosmotic flow therethrough. The nonlinear viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid allows the electrokinetic device to behave differently under different operating conditions, such as externally applied pressures and electric potentials. Electrokinetic devices can be used with a non-Newtonian fluid in a number of applications, including but not limited to electrokinetic pumps, flow controllers, diaphragm valves, and displacement systems.
Abstract:
A substrate having a surface with reversibly switchable properties. The surface comprises a nanolayer of a material that switches from a first conformation stateto a second conformation state when an external stimulus is applied. When the nanolayer is in the first conformation state, the surface is characterized by a first property, and when the nanolayer is in the second conformation state, the surface is characterized by a second property.
Abstract:
A microfluidic system and method, suitable for "lab-on-a-chip" applications, by which a bubble is inflated in fluid flowing through a microfluidic channel at a predetermined location along the channel and the bubble is maintained at that location to stop flow through the channel in the manner of a valve. The microfluidic channel is formed on a semiconductor chip and a pair of electrodes is formed one on each side of the channel, whereby a bubble is electrochemically inflated between the electrodes and held in fixed position by the channel wall when a voltage is applied across the fluid incident to connecting the electrodes to a voltage source. When the voltage is removed, deflation of the bubble valve rapidly occurs to restore flow. The present invention provides flow control in a microfluidic system regardless of channel cross-sectional geometry and with no moving parts and low power consumption. Moreover, the present invention may be practiced using existing fabrication techniques.
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:
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:
The invention relates to an electro-mechanical component (10), consisting of a polymer body (12) which has a mechanically active part containing a spring (14a, 14b) and a frame (18) and of a metallic layer (30) which encompasses the springs in a substantially complete manner, in order to mechanically stabilise the latter. The electro-mechanical component can be an acceleration sensor, a rotational speed sensor, a microvalve, a micropump, a pressure sensor or a force sensor. In comparison to electro-mechanical components which are produced by silicon technology, the electro-mechanical component allows a drastic reduction in the cost of its production, as simple injection moulding and/or stamping technology can be used in place of the expensive silicon technology.