Micromachined electrowetting microfluidic valve
US8037903B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/2224
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to a systems and methods of controlling the flow of a fluid in a capillary or microfluidic channel. A first pair of electrodes can influence the wetting of a fluid front at a relatively hydrophobic surface in the channel. A second pair of electrodes can electrolytically generate a bubble that can stop fluid flow when it contacts the hydrophobic surface. Flow of a fluid in a channel can be stopped on contact with the hydrophobic surface and restarted when an electrostatic field reduces the contact angle of the fluid at the hydrophobic surface. The electrostatic field can be removed and the fluid stopped again when an electrolytically generated bubble contacts the hydrophobic surface to reestablish the blocking contact angle of the fluid, gas and surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.