Sealed microfluidic devices
US6450203B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 7, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 7, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/4643
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of controlling flow of a driven fluid in a channel, the channel being defined by an encircling wall, the method comprising the steps of sealing the channel with a sealing fluid immiscible in the driven fluid blocking the channel at an initial position, in which the sealing fluid has a first contact angle with the encircling wall and the driven fluid has a second contact angle with the encircling wall and the first contact angle is less than the second contact angle; and moving the sealing fluid in the channel by a force generated outside of the channel. Apparatus for controlling flow of a driven fluid in a channel, the apparatus comprising, an encircling wall defining a channel, a sealing fluid in the channel, the sealing fluid having a first contact angle with the encircling wall, a driven fluid in the channel having an interface with the sealing fluid, the driven fluid having a second contact angle with the encircling wall, the first contact angle being less than the second contact angle; and a force generator exterior to the channel, the force generator being operable to move the sealing fluid within the channel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.