Microfluidic device and method for focusing, segmenting, and dispensing of a fluid stream
US7422669B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L2400/0487
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A microfluidic device and method for forming and dispensing minute volume segments of a material are described. In accordance with the present invention, a microfluidic device and method are provided for spatially confining the material in a focusing element. The device is also adapted for segmenting the confined material into minute volume segments, and dispensing a volume segment to a waste or collection channel. The device further includes means for driving the respective streams of sample and focusing fluids through respective channels into a chamber, such that the focusing fluid streams spatially confine the sample material. The device may also include additional means for driving a minute volume segment of the spatially confined sample material into a collection channel in fluid communication with the waste reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.