Method and system for pre-programmed self-power microfluidic circuits
US10690255B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7837
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A major challenge for the general use of “lab-on-a-chip” (LOAC) systems and point-of-care (POC) devices has been the generally complex and need for sophisticated peripheral equipment, such that it is more difficult than anticipated to implement low cost, robust and portable LOAC/POC solutions. It would be beneficial for chemical, medical, healthcare, and environmental applications to provide designs for inexpensive LOAC/POC solutions compatible with miniaturization and mass production, and are potentially portable, using compact possibly hand-held instruments, using reusable or disposable detectors. Embodiments of the invention address improved circuit elements for self-powered self-regulating microfluidic circuits including programmable retention valves, programmable trigger valves, enhanced capillary pumps, and flow resonators. Additionally embodiments of the invention allow for the flow direction within a microfluidic circuit to be reversed as well as for retention of reagents prior to sale or deployment of the microfluidic circuit for eased user use.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.