Microfluidic flow control device with floating element
US6739576B2 · kind B2 · utility
30Cited by
30References
19Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 25, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/2191
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A microfluidic flow control device includes a fluidic chamber, a first and a second microfluidic channel, at least one sealing surface between the first and the second channels, and a floating element disposed within the chamber. The floating element is capable of intermittently engaging the sealing surface, and movement of the floating element affects fluid flow between the first channel and the second channel. The floating element may be moved by fluid pressure, gravity, or an applied force such as a magnetic field. Multiple flow control regions may be integrated into a flow control system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.