Fluid circuit components based upon passive fluid dynamics
US6591852B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/2267
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for controlling fluid flow through microchannels by use of passive valves or stopping means comprised of abrupt microchannel widenings in the microchannels are presented. Such passive fluid flow barriers create pressure barriers impeding flow of solution past the passive fluid flow barriers until enough force is built up to overcome the force of the pressure barrier. Use of such stopping means acting as passive barriers or valves allows the flow of fluids through microchannels to be regulated so as to allow fluids to be mixed or diluted after being introduced via a single channel, or to be split into multiple channels without the need for individual pipetting. Flow through the multiple channels can be regulated to allow a series of sister wells or chambers to all fill prior to the fluid flowing beyond any one of the sister wells or chambers. The filling of sister wells or chambers in this manner allows all wells or chambers to undergo reactions in unison. The use of air ducts in microchannels to prevent trapping of air in the microchannels is also presented.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.