Microfluidic device, system and method
US10145842B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2013 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2400/0688
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A combination of capillary forces and gas pressure is used to control the movement of liquid samples within a microfluidic device. A liquid sample introduced to a proximal portion of a capillary channel of a microfluidic device moves by capillary action partway along the capillary channel. As the liquid sample moves, a pressure of a gas acting upon a distal gas-liquid interface of the liquid sample increases by an amount sufficient to stop further movement of the liquid sample. To initiate further movement of the liquid sample, a pump connected to a distal portion of the capillary channel decreases the pressure of the gas acting upon the distal gas-liquid interface of the liquid sample by an amount sufficient to permit the liquid sample to move by capillary action further along the capillary channel of the microfluidic device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.