Programmable tracking pressure regulator for control of higher pressures in microfluidic circuits
US6662818B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 16, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/8326
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Regulator for precision control of pressure based on a means of measuring pressure differentials. More specifically, the present invention provides a pressure control that tracks a relatively high background pressure, and applies a positive or negative offset to create the small pressure differentials that can be utilized to transport fluids within a capillary network. The present invention is also directed to a method of controlling microfluidic elements (such as donut cavities) with a high degree of precision. In high performance liquid chromatography applications, this is accomplished using tracking pressure regulators to measure and respond to the difference between the liquid pump pressure and the regulated pneumatic pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.