Passive pumps for microfluidic devices
US10946378B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 2016 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05B2280/50
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Provided herein are passive microfluidic pumps. The pumps can comprise a fluid inlet, an absorbent region, a resistive region fluidly connecting the fluid inlet and the absorbent region, and an evaporation barrier enclosing the resistive region, the absorbent region, or a combination thereof. The resistive region can comprise a first porous medium, and a fluidly non-conducting boundary defining a path for fluid flow through the first porous medium from the fluid inlet to the absorbent region. The absorbent region can comprise a fluidly non-conducting boundary defining a volume of a second porous medium sized to absorb a predetermined volume of fluid imbibed from the resistive region. The resistive region and the absorbent region can be configured to establish a capillary-driven fluid front advancing from the fluid inlet through the resistive region to the absorbent region when the fluid inlet is contacted with fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.