Multi-reservoir pressure control system
US6915679B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86131
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Improved microfluidic devices, systems, and methods allow selective transportation of fluids within microfluidic channels of a microfluidic network by applying, controlling, and varying pressures at a plurality of reservoirs. Modeling the microfluidic network as a series of nodes connected together by channel segments and determining the flow resistance characteristics of the channel segments may allow calculation of fluid flows through the channel segments resulting from a given pressure configuration at the reservoirs. To effect a desired flow within a particular channel or series of channels, reservoir pressures may be identified using the network model. Viscometers or other flow sensors may measure flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to calculate pressures to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems can optionally be used in conjunction with electrokinetic or other fluid transport mechanisms.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.