Actuated valve or pump for microfluidic devices

US10376884B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Mark J. Mescher · Newton, US
• Jonathan R. Coppeta · Windham, US
• Abigail June Spencer · Boston, US
• Brett Isenberg · Newton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 4, 2016
• Grant date: Aug 13, 2019
• Expiry date: May 30, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16K2099/008
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Systems and methods disclosed herein related to an apparatus including a fluid flow plate and a microfluidic valve assembly. The fluid flow plate includes a plurality of polymer layers that define a fluid flow passage through the microfluidic valve assembly. The microfluidic valve assembly includes a valve seat, a flexible membrane, a valve cavity, a valve head, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to selectively control pressure applied by the valve head to the flexible membrane, such that in a first actuator state the valve head depresses the flexible membrane into the valve cavity and into contact with the valve seat, thereby preventing fluid flow through the valve assembly, and in a second state, the valve head and the flexible membrane are retracted substantially out of the valve cavity allowing fluid to flow through the valve assembly. In various implementations, the valve seat and/or the flexible membrane include an elastomer layer.