Patent · US Expired

Thermal microvalves in a fluid flow method

US6048734A · kind A · utility

212Cited by
27References
27Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 3, 1997
Grant dateApr 11, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 3, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T436/2575
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based microscale devices, including microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.