Devices and methods for using centripetal acceleration to drive fluid movement on a microfluidics system
US6063589A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/4643
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the invention is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.