Valves and reservoirs for microfluidic systems
US8985547B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 25, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/6161
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A microfluidic valve assembly includes a structure defining a microfluidic fluid path and an actuator that can be moved between different positions controlling flow through the channel. In one embodiment, the actuator can be threaded into at least a portion of the structure, and can be moved rotationally between a first position, causing relatively greater constriction of a microfluidic fluid path, and a second position causing relatively lesser constriction of the fluid path. Actuating the actuator, e.g., by rotation, can deform material between the valve and the fluid path, thereby constricting at least a portion of the underlying fluid path and regulating the flow of a fluid in the fluid path. In another aspect, the invention provides a reservoir into which fluid can be placed and from which fluid can be introduced into a microfluidic system. In one embodiment, the reservoir is expandable and thereby able to store fluid under pressure for delivery to a microfluidic system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.