Microfluidic device
US11154865B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2300/0645
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In the invention described here, the conventional need for feedback control is eliminated by a passive, open-loop approach using a novel microfluidic droplet generator with a step enhancement. The invented droplet generator yields uniform droplet volumes over a wide range of operating pressures, delivering robust performance at a very low cost. The invention also describes a method of droplet generation whereby the step enhancement improves the performance of any squeeze-mode or dripping-mode droplet generator, including but not limited to bridge-mode and flow-focusing configurations. The performance of the invention is sufficiently stable that it can be operated manually yet still deliver best-in-class microfluidic performance. Thus, not only does the invention greatly simplify and reduce the cost of operation in the laboratory, it opens the possibility of performing precision biology out in the field and off of the electrical grid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.