Miniaturized fluid flow switch

US6497252B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• CLONDIAG CHIP TECHNOLOGIES GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Johann Michael Köhler · Golmsdorf, DE
• Torsten Schulz · Pinneberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 1, 2001
• Grant date: Dec 24, 2002
• Expiry date: Mar 1, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/2251
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention relates to a miniaturized fluid flow switch which enables a directed deflection or deviation of a fluidic test current injected into a fluidic carrier current. The aim of the invention it to provide a fluid flow switch which does not require any moveable parts and with which no restricting preconditions exist with regard to the fluid media to be used. To this end, the inventive switch is comprised of at least two carrier current channels (11, 12) and of a test current channel (2) which, together, open into a distribution chamber (3) to which at least two discharge channels (41, 42) connect. The carrier current channels (11, 12) are connected to a common inlet (10), and at least the carrier current channels (11, 12) are respectively placed, in particle sections, in close thermal contact with controllable heating devices (5). Said heating devices are attached such that they are thermally insulated from the remaining components, and in the area of the heating devices (5), the carrier current channels (11, 12) comprise a channel cross section (111, 121) which is narrower than the other carrier current channel cross section.