Microfluidic flow rate sensor
US9714853B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F1/7088
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A microfluidic flow rate sensor includes a droplet within a channel and a droplet movement detector that generates a signal based on the position and/or movement of the droplet within the channel. A processor determines the flow rate of a fluid through the channel based on the signal received from the droplet movement detector. In one example, the droplet movement detector is an optical detector, such as a combination of a lens and an image capturing device. In other examples, the droplet is electrically conductive, and at least a portion of the channel is conductive or includes electrical contacts. The position of the droplet within the channel is determined by observing the electrical characteristics of the channel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.